Chapter 5

And there goes the bomb "I have come to take you home."

I saw red. What does he mean by ‘he has come to take me home?’ I don’t understand. Is this not my home, or have I spent the past 20+ years living elsewhere?

"Don't get me wrong mate, I can see the wheels turning in your beautiful head. I don’t mean to offend you or anything like that." He was quick to correct me. "As you know, I am the Alpha of my pack and I have been away for too long. I have a responsibility back there, and I would like you to lead alongside me as my Luna. You will grow to love it there and it will be your new home." With two strides, he was close to me, so close that I could feel his breath on me.

He held me close and continued, "I know that leaving behind everything and moving to a new place can be very difficult. But I promise to be with you at every step of the way. And, of course, you are always welcome to visit your family anytime."

I found myself melting at his soft words, unable to fight again. I was so ready to argue with him on this, especially if he had decided to use force. But when he took a different approach, I found myself completely at his mercies.

Besides, I could feel his warmth spreading from where our bodies were in contact; the bond was surging with such force that it made me move closer to him. And with a meek voice, I said yes.

I was semi-tranced when my dad's voice broke me out of it. "It is settled. You will be going with him." Applause filled the room. From the corner of my eyes, I saw my mom breathing a sigh of relief. She gave me a little smile and nodded in approval. She must be relieved that it didn’t lead to a serious fight.

"While I would love to wait and get to know you, mate." He started, softly stroking his jaw. "I have been away from the pack for too long and they have been getting angst. I have already booked a flight, so I will be leaving today, in an hour's time."

"But you will stay here for a week to say your final goodbyes and pack. I have already booked a flight down for you and I will be expecting you soon. Take care, my love." He planted a wet kiss on my forehead and moved around the room to shake hands with my dad and brother.

When he got to my mom, he stretched his hands for a handshake, but she evaded it, enveloping him in a big hug. "Please take care of my daughter when she gets there. It will be a strange land for her, so always be there to guide her and teach her your way. She is my only daughter and it isn’t easy to release her to someone we have barely known," she said with a tear-filled voice.

"Be her Alpha, her mate, and her friend. I know she may be difficult sometimes and curse like a sailor. But be her mother, her father, and her love there. Take good care of her. Do-don’t f-forget to tell h-her you l-l-love h-h-her." She could barely get all the words out before the dam broke and she burst into tears.

My dad quickly moves in to comfort his mate, rubbing her back and whispering words of comfort to her. "I have heard what you said, ma'am, and I will try my best to make sure she is always happy. You have my word."

"Thank you, that is all I want." My mom said, with a much clearer voice. She gently rubbed her eyes with a handkerchief that my dad had produced.

"Alright, brother-in-law," my brother said, patting his back. "My mom has pretty much said everything. But for emphasis, don’t you dare hurt my sister or else...” He let his voice trail, slowly backing away with an evil smile.

"Got it." He gave him a salute and then turned to my parents. "Thank you for this wonderful time, but I’ve got to go now."

He marched towards the door like a man on a mission. He opened the door and gave me one last look. "I can’t wait to see you."

A deafening silence followed his departure until, "What a man." My brother commented, as he wiped imaginary tears from his eyes. "Alright family, everything has been settled. It is time I went to see my mate. Seeing you all get mushy with your mate is making me crave her."

"Ewww, Caleb, way to ruin the mood." I turned to the sound of his voice, giving him a disgusted look. He ignored me and headed straight for the door.

I also followed after him, leaving my parents alone. Now that my mind is settled, I can eat well. I went downstairs to the kitchen and helped myself to a large serving of jollof rice, fried plantain and peppered chicken. It was one of the numerous delicacies in my country.

I took a bottle of water with me and proceeded to the dining room. I was all alone because it was already past eleven and everyone must have had their breakfast and were already going about their activities.

I sat down and started shoving a spoonful of the delicious cooked rice in my mouth while scrolling on the phone at the same time. All the buzz of the convention had died down, so everything was back to normal. Just some airport pictures of the departing Alphas. I replied to some unread messages and sent an email to my boss informing her that I wouldn’t be able to make it today.

As I was still in the business of replying to my messages, a mysterious text came in. I opened it with mixed feelings, wondering who sent it.

Hey, it is Richard. I got your number from your parents.

I just arrived at the airport, and we will soon be boarding the plane.

I can’t wait to hold you here. I miss you already.

Gahh, who gave him the right to be so sweet? I saved his number and immediately drafted out a short text and hit the send button. I stopped my chewing for a moment, waiting for his reply. Any moment from now, I mentally chant, nervously waiting for his reply.

One minute, two minutes, five minutes passed, and it became obvious that he wasn’t going to reply. Well. We are both adults and not some teenager that just had a first crush. I tried to downplay it as irrelevant, although deep down I was hurt. So much for missing me. I resumed my eating and tried to forget some brown-eyed Alpha.

I spent the rest of the day tying up loose ends and getting ready to travel. I have slowly resigned myself to fate.

I woke up the next day and prepared for work. I carried a basket with me containing some parting gifts I intended to give my colleagues.

"We are all going to miss you," Linda, one of the interns I work with, sorrowfully said. I gave each of them a warm hug and handed over the gifts. One down, several more to go. Thankfully, I didn’t cry. I was probably preparing myself for others.

The next day, I accompanied my mom for a little mother-daughter bonding. We went to the playground and talked for a while. We ended the day with shopping. I was going to a new place, so I had to level up. I wasn't going as a regular person, but as a Luna. I wouldn’t want to lose in the fashion department.

On Thursday, I was out with the girls. They threw me a send-forth party, and it was fun. I definitely cried. We played games, shared gifts, and ate. The food is one of the things I will miss here. I came back home so drunk and late that I got a scolding from my dad, which rarely happens.

On Friday, I went to the spa for some facial treatments, a pedicure, and a manicure. I also got my hair braided in the local saloon. I finished the last round of packing and closed my box. I would be leaving early on Sunday morning. Richard was still to contact me.

On Saturday, we had a family dinner at a famous Italian restaurant outside the pack. My dad wanted to make the day memorable, so he contacted the alpha involved for permission and he agreed.

The food was delicious. I ate until I could barely lift myself. Conversation flowed and laughter filled the air as we went down memory lane. I am definitely going to miss them. I refused to be overshadowed by sad thoughts because it was a happy moment and I didn’t want to ruin the mood.

Instead of taking the car we originally came with, my dad decided we would all run in our wolf form and hunt as a family for the last time. We all shifted into our wolves and started with a walk, and before long, we broke into a run. Occasionally, we would stop to hunt for rabbits and other animals we could find.

After eating to our satisfaction, we continued the journey home. We howled loudly to the moon and got some replies from the pack. Soon everyone was in their wolf form, howling to the moon.

It was the best day of my life, but all good things must come to an end. and before long, it was over and I was heading to the airport.