Chapter 3: Recognition

Amelia’s POV

The ride took over 6 hours, and with a few stops to stretch and to use the bathroom we were able to make it just before 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

Thank the Goddess! If I had to listen to Olivia’s playlist for one more minute I swear I would shift and jump out the window. I am pretty sure the driver was right there with me because one of the stops he came back with headphones of his own.

We pulled up to a huge log cabin about 50 yards from a lake and took in the gorgeous 2 story home that spread out. You can easily compare this to the Pack House that is at the center of the Pack Lands over 2 hours from here. Even being part of the Beta family, I have never been here before. This is easily the furthest West I have ever been and hopefully I can fix that in the next few weeks.

I just can’t help but admire the beauty of the lake. I could get used to this.

Maybe I can find a place like this to live at overtime. I can imagine reading Jane Eyre on the wrap around porch and sipping on lemonade after a long day at work.

I shift in my seat to see a fire going in the fire pit to the left of the house. Everyone has gathered around it. A few guys who I don’t quite remember and a couple who are lost in their own world with their hands all over each other.

I blush thinking they need to get a room, fast!

At the center of the group is the guy I remember from all those years ago but he is different. Just from his backside I can see that he has bulked up even more than he was at 19 and he has a tattoo sleeve now?!?!

‘Okay Amelia you can do this! It was just a crush when I was a kid.’ I give myself a mental pep talk.

His brown hair effortlessly perfect just like his sister, is cut shorter than the last time I saw him. He is drinking a beer with his friends when I see a brown headed blur attack him from behind.

Wait-when did Olivia leave the car?

I sit there awkwardly staring at the crowd from afar while the driver is staring at me in the rear view mirror waiting for me to exit.

I blush and mutter a thanks as I open the door.

I can hear the wood crackling as it burns and smell the smoke as the wind pushes it my way as I get our bags out of the trunk.

But that’s not it.

I get an unmistakable smell that makes my wolf stir inside.

The smell of a fresh rain in the forest mixed with eucalyptus. I close my eyes as I breathe it in but freak out before I can comprehend fully what’s happening. My eyes close in on its target.

Not here, not now. Why would The Goddess do this to me? Why him?

I can visibly see Noah stiffen as my scent reaches him before he relaxes and turns. His green eyes connect with mine and I feel the bond seal.

I can feel this invisible string pulling me to him.

I am frozen with fear. Why did it have to be Noah?

His eyes raking up and down my body as he walks to me.

Except my eyes are doing the same thing, taking in his trimmed beard that just adds to his drool worthy appearance.

In my head I hear his growl of approval not missing his wolf connect with mine uttering the one word I never wanted to hear ‘mate’. He growls in my head as he licks his lips. His eyes glowing green and I am sure my blue eyes are glowing as well as my wolf preens from being lusted after.

Why did I get put with such a whore of a wolf?!?!

‘Talk for yourself. That man is sex on legs.’

Why don’t you go ahead and spread your legs for him Willow?

‘Don’t mind if I do’ Willow drools in my head at the thought.

The group behind him is unaware of what is happening close by and they are all lost in reconnecting with Olivia after all this time away.

I, on the other hand, am in my own personal hell cursing myself for coming on this stupid trip.

Part of me is wanting to flag the driver who just drove off and the other part is wanting to run into his arms.

He pauses about 10 steps away from waiting.

He connects with me again ‘What are you waiting for little mate? Come claim what is yours.’ His wolf growls into my head.

Willow is no help panting over his deep voice.

Such a hussy.

Before I can respond I see a red head leap into his arms and connects her lips to his.

A pain erupts in my heart and I feel it wrap it’s self around Willow. I clutch my chest as I continue to watch it unfold in front of me.

Willow gets up from air humping the ground and whimpers in pain. I watch as he pushes her off of him and as he does, Willow growls at the female that is touching what’s ours.

I feel my claws lengthen and my teeth sharpen but I remain still.

“Baby! I missed you so much! Why didn’t you tell me we were going to the lake this week? I had to hear it from your mom instead!” The red head gabs on but missing the eye connection still there between Noah and myself.

Noah sees my reaction and opens his mouth to speak up before Olivia jumps into the conversation.

“Noah, you remember Amelia. She has been my best friend forever. We went away to boarding school together and well I decided it would be fun to bring her along.” Olivia says as if stating what the weather is like outside. “Anyways we should go put our stuff on the porch so we can join in on the festivities. C’mon Ames.” She pushes my shoulder and wakes me from his enchantment.

I break eye contact and follow her to figure out where I will be staying. Hopefully far away from Noah.