Chapter 6

I woke up as early as 4 am on Sunday morning to prepare for the long flight ahead. I have already packed everything I was going to need. I will be carrying only the essentials, and they fit into two boxes. I had a big suitcase with me and a small handbag. My mum even packed some spices and ingredients for me, in case I needed a taste of home.

It's strange how tomorrow I'll be a Luna of the Blue Crescents rather than a Ravenwood pack member. My family all accompanied me to the airport. My mum was quietly sniffing, trying without fail to hold back her tears in front of the car. We arrived at the airport, and I went to get checked in for my flight and my luggage. It will be a one-way flight and it will take me to Southampton International Airport, and lucky me, it will be first class.

We were all sitting in the waiting area when I heard a ping go off. It was from my phone. I opened it and quickly scanned the content and hissed. It read.

I am so sorry I haven’t been able to reach you.

I will make it up to you when you get here.

I will be there to pick you up when you land.

Have a safe flight. I miss you.

So, he has finally remembered that he has a mate. I wanted to ignore the message, but decided against it. There is no need to start things on a bad note. I sent a short reply and closed the phone. I angled myself towards my family and focused on them. They were all trying to engage in small talk to cheer me up. Not that I need it.

We were still talking when we heard the loud speaker go off.

"This is the final call for passengers boarding the air peace flight to Southampton. Please proceed to the boarding gate immediately." I have never seen my dad panic, but once that announcement was made, I felt a small shudder pass through him. It was finally time. I am leaving home, probably forever.

Immediately, my dad pulled me for a hug; his large body covered me and his scent enveloped me. "I will miss you so much, baby. Try to love and respect your mate. You are going to be a Luna, so I expect you to start behaving like one. Don’t ever settle for less. Show them what you are made of."

"Yes, dad. I promise."

After that, my dad released me and my brother grabbed me in a bear hug. "I will miss your troubles so much, kiddo. Don’t forget to call me. And if your mate is giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to tell me. I don’t mind flying over there to rough him up a little."

"Well noted, bro. I will miss you too."

I looked over to my mum and she was still sniffing. She definitely felt the impact more because we have always been so close since I was little, and I was her only female. I went over to her side and pulled her in for a hug. "Mum, stop crying. I am not dying okay. I will always call you and even come to visit once in a while."

"I know, baby, I know. It is just hard to part with you. I will miss you so much. I don’t have much to say again because I have said enough these past few days. Besides, your father and brother have said it all." She gave me a kiss on my forehead and released me. 

We all said our final goodbyes, and I headed over to the boarding gate. I gave one last look at them and waved furiously. "I will call you when I land."

I saw that they were both holding my mom, probably for emotional support. It is time to start a new chapter in my life. I slung the handbag higher on my arm, took a deep breath, and started marching to the gate.

After some minutes, I was ushered onto the plane in the first-class seat. At least my mate got great taste. It was going to be a long flight, so I decided to get some rest. I put the chair in a sleeping position, and soon, I was fast asleep, dreaming about a certain brown-eyed Alpha.

I woke up with a start, looking around, somewhat confused about the environment. I looked around, about to call my mother, when my gaze was drawn to the window and I realized I was in the air. A little wave of disappointment washed over me. My only consolation was that I was going to meet my mate. The fact that I would get to see and physically touch him was my only comfort.

I looked at the screen in front of me and noticed that we were flying over Algeria. Just then, a hostess came over with a tray filled with food and drinks and placed them in front of me. "This is for you, Luna." To say I was shocked was an understatement. I kept searching my mind to try to remember if I had told anyone about me, but I couldn’t recall such a time.

"Don’t be afraid, Luna. My name is Naomi. Your mate is my Alpha. He put you on this flight so that I could watch over you. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if you need anything and I will provide it for you." She responded with much enthusiasm, a complete difference from my mood.

"Meanwhile, enjoy this dish of smoked salmon with cream cheese and caviar, salami with olives, and sun-dried tomatoes." She said, pointing to the individual dish as she listed their names.

I replied with thanks and watched her leave to attend to other passengers. I shifted my seat to a comfortable position and soon dug into it. The food was amazing, though it doesn’t exactly taste like home, but it was able to keep the worms at bay.

I spent the next three hours catching up on some of my novels. I was soon lost in the world of mystical adventures, fighting demons and other unworldly creatures.

I got tired of the novel, so I turned on the screen in front of me and a movie was playing on one of the channels. I watched the movie for a while before I drifted to Lalaland. I was woken up again by the kind lady. I believe her name was Naomi. I was treated to a light snack, and my wine glass was refilled.

"Ladies and gentlemen." A loud voice from the speakers interrupted my thoughts. "We have begun our descent into Hampshire. Please turn off all portable electronic devices and stow them until we have arrived at the gate. In preparation for landing, be certain your seat back is straight and your seat belt is fastened. Thank you."

After hearing the announcement, I straightened my seat and stowed my tray table and soon, we began to descend to the airport. I felt a wave of nervousness hit me as the plane began to slowly come to a stop. I fingered the wristwatch my brother had gifted me on my last birthday; the time read 18 minutes past 6. I had yet to receive another text from Richard, and it was slowly getting on my nerves. I hope he doesn’t plan to leave me stranded in this strange land.

I rested my head on the chair while others were standing up to go, contemplating various ways I would castrate that mate of mine if he left me here. "Welcome to Hampshire, Luna," Naomi greeted me cheerfully, quite the opposite of my mood. I flashed a smile at her and nodded my thanks.

"How was the flight? I hope everything is to your liking."

"Yes, it was. Thank you for the warm reception."

"Please just sit back and relax. When the crowd has reduced, I will lead you to the waiting area where a pack member will be here to lead you home. Thank you for your patience." She gave a deep bow and left.

I heaved a deep sigh. Could my day get any worse? I was thinking he would be the one to pick me up, but he sent a pack member and he couldn’t even tell me. Just wait till I get my hands on him. He will soon learn how to treat a mate.

Already in a grumpy mood, I dragged my feet towards the toilet to refresh myself. As I looked around, I was in awe. Even first-class toilets are different. It was spacious compared to the economy and obviously well maintained. I quickly did my business and freshened up. I adjusted my clothes, reapplied my lip gloss and brushed my hair.

After the rigorous clearing exercise, I got my bag and sat in the waiting area. Naomi had said that someone would be here to pick me up. Dan was his name. I glanced at the wristwatch. He should be here any moment now. I stuffed my ears with the air pods and got lost in some soul music.

I felt a light tap on my back. I quickly scanned the intruder, ready to jump into action if need be. I tried to recall the description Jessi had given me.  Tall, ginger-haired, has a scanty beard and an eyebrow piercing. Yep, it is definitely Dan.

"My apologies, Luna. The delay was caused by the traffic." He bowed deeply in apology.

It still seems surreal that I was the Luna to a freaking pack, so I find it weird when I see people obviously older than me bowing to me. I did that weird awkward pat on the back. "Yea, no problem."

"Welcome to Blue Crescent Pack Luna. I hope the flight was peaceful."

"Yes, it was."

"This way please." He gestured toward the gates. I followed him to a Black SUV and got inside. I quickly sent a text to the family group chat to inform them of my arrival. I moved closer to the window to get a good view of the city. But the jetlag was hitting me, and before long, I was dozing.