Homecoming

“This place is a freaking time capsule," Elena muttered, stepping out of the car and inhaling deeply. The scent of pine and earth hit her like a punch to the gut, bringing back a flood of memories.

Leo stretched beside her, shutting the car door with a bang, his muscles rippling under his shirt. "Yeah, let's see if the people have gotten any less dramatic.Which I doubt,by the way! ”

Elena shot him a sideways glance,a hint of scoff forming on her face. The towering trees and rustic buildings of the pack's territory looked the same, just like Elena had left them, years ago. It seemed like voices whispered through the woods, dragging her back to the past.

"Elena? That you?"

She turned to see an older woman approaching, her face lighting up. "Mara," Elena said, forcing a smile.Mara pulled her into a tight hug. "You've been gone too long, girl. Nobody ever helped comb my hair like you did. No one perfumed my dress. Good to see you back."

Elena hugged back, guilt gnawing at her. "Good to be back," she lied, her eyes drifting to the other figure walking towards her with open arms.

It was Lila, Elena's childhood friend.

“I’ve missed you,How have you been, Lila?" Elena asked, genuinely curious.

"Busy as always, but better now that you’re here," Lila replied, her eyes sparkling. "I heard you did great at university. The pack’s excited to have you back."

Before Elena could respond, a hushed silence fell over the gathered pack members. She turned to see the alpha, approaching. His presence commanded attention, and Elena felt a familiar chill run down her spine.

Kael Blackwood. Alpha of the Blood Crescent Pack. The one whom she had loved ever since she knew what love was. The jerk who had mercilessly shattered her heart.

Kael's dark blue eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the years fell away, and she was that heartbroken girl again. But then, something unexpected happened. Instead of the cold, dismissive look she expected, Kael's eyes softened.

“Elena," he said, his voice low, “Welcome back! ”

He leaned forward , "I’ve missed you," Kael whispered, his words for her ears only.

Elena's breath hitched. She managed a nod, unsure how to respond.

Elena met his gaze, forcing herself to stay calm. "Thanks, Alpha."

Kael stepped closer, and the air between them crackled with unresolved tension.

Her mind raced. What was he playing at? Why was he being so... affectionate? Before she could form a coherent thought, he gently took her arm and led her away from the prying eyes of the pack.

After taking a turn, Kael grabbed her hand and dragged her into a private room in the main house. The door clicked shut behind them, shutting out the world.Elena almost stopped breathing unsure how to handle the sudden surge in her adrenaline production.

Kael closed the gap and pulled Elena into a passionate embrace.

He said nothing yet Elena’s heart raced, confusion and anger bubbling up. She pushed against his chest. "What the hell, Kael?"

His eyes locked onto hers, intense and full of something she couldn’t read. "There's something I need to tell you. Now."

She crossed her arms, defensive. "What could you possibly have to say to me, Kael?"

Kael took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know I hurt you years ago. But things have changed. I've changed.”

Elena scoffed, her skepticism evident. “ Is that all? You pulled me here to tell me how you have become a saint? I am no longer the naive Elena you used to know, Kael! I know enough of the world to know that people don't change overnight! ”

"No, they don’t," he admitted, stepping closer. "But I have my reasons. Reasons I want you to understand.”

Her heart raced, torn between the urge to run and the need to hear him out. "And what reasons would those be?"

Kael reached out, his fingers gently brushing her arm, sending a jolt of electricity through her. "Let me explain," he pleaded, his voice raw with emotion.

Elena took a step back, shaking her head. "Not now. I can't deal with this right now.”

But it seemed like he wasn't listening to what she said.

Kael paced, clearly agitated. "When you left, I thought it was for the best. To protect you. I was wrong."

Elena crossed her arms, defenses rising. "Protecting me from what? Your own bullshit?”

Kael flinched but didn't back down. "From the dangers that come with being near me. But pushing you away only made things worse."

Elena's head spun. "What are you talking about?You rejected me, Kael. Made it clear I wasn’t welcome."

"I was an idiot!" Kael's voice was almost a roar. "I was trying to keep you safe and I failed. I need you to forgive me and help protect our pack.”

Elena took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside. "Why should I trust you now?"

Kael stepped closer, eyes softening. "Because I can’t do this without you. And I can’t bear to lose you again."

The sincerity in his voice gave her pause. She had loved Kael once,more than her own life. But the pain of his rejection had left scars, and trusting him again seemed impossible.

Before she could respond, a knock on the door interrupted them.

Leo's voice came through, urgent.

"Everything okay in here?"

His eyes narrowed in on Kael as he unlocked the door, “ We have a problem, Alpha! ”

Elena nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Yeah, we were just finishing up.What’s this about?" Elena demanded, trying to steady her racing heart.

Leo glanced at Kael before focusing on Elena. "Rogues at the border. They want the alpha."

Kael's jaw tightened, eyes flashing with anger. "Damn it. Worse than I thought.”

Elena turned to Kael, dread creeping in. "What do they want?”

Kael headed out without uttering a single word, his fists clenched, jaws tightening as they walked towards the border.

The rogues stood just beyond, their expressions hostile as they jeered.

A tall, scarred man stepped forward. "We're here to settle a score," he growled as soon as he spotted Kael in the distance.

Kael stepped up, his presence radiating authority. "This is our territory. State your business and leave.”

The rogue sneered. "Our business is with you, Blackwood. You took something that belongs to us, and we're here to take it back.”

Kael's eyes narrowed. "I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The rogue grinned his eyes cold and predatory. "Oh, I think you do. And if you don’t hand it over, we’ll tear this place apart to find it."

A shiver ran down Elena's spine. The threat seemed strangely directed at her as the rogue's gaze stopped on her.

Kael stepped in front of her, blocking her from the rogue's view.