AUTHOR'S NOTE: NOT EDITED! 

---

“I completely forgot to ask and I feel like such a bad friend,” I spoke with sympathy on the phone. “I can’t believe I forgot that Darren told me you were in critical condition. I guess I got distracted when he told me my mom was dead.”

“No biggie. I’m fine. Just a few scratches and bruises here and there,” Jarred said. “When I was on the phone with you, I was much better. My wolf is such a bad ass that it’s helping me heal a lot faster. Where are you at now?”

I grinned and felt the nervousness bubble in my stomach as I passed the old worn out sign that read “Welcome to Huntstown! Home of the mythical forests!” in faded yellow lettering. The wood was damp, green algae covering the legs.

“I just crossed the border,” I said happily.

“Just hurry up and get your fine butt over here,” Jarred whined. I heard a loud thump and Jarred’s grunt. I laughed, assuming it was Jade. “Okay, okay, babe, stop it. You know you’re my one and only.”

“Oh, Jarred, still the same as ever,” I said through the phone. “I’ll see you in twenty minutes. Bye.”

I finally made it back home and all the emotions were bubbling to the surface. Beau laughed as he rolled down the windows, letting the cool air blow through our hair. I sniffed the familiar green leaves and the scent of both the Crescent and Stone pack mingled in the air.

“I love the wind blowing through my hair!” Beau screamed, catching the attention of a few people as we drove by local restaurants and small stores.

“You’re a true dog,” I joked. “Maybe that’s why Cheryl dumped you for the human.”

“And you’re a true bitch,” Beau grinned. “Plus, that was her mate. Get over that.”

“You cried like a baby,” I laughed. “I remember how badly hurt your ego was that you went through the whole popular phase. That was funny. Remember how you went up to that one girl and she called you cute for sharing that one pick up line?”

“No,” Beau snapped, turning red. He took off his sunglasses, seeing as how it wasn’t really sunny this time of year. I could see the memory bouncing in his hazel eyes.

“Is your dad a baker? Because you’re a cutie pie,” I snorted after I recited the words.

“Oh, shut up,” He laughed, ruffling my hair.

“Please slow down with my car, Beau. You know how much I love my Land Rover,” I scolded as he turned sharply. I gripped onto the black leather clad seats as he sharply turned another turn.

“Land Rovers aren’t all that!” Beau shrugged.

“Just slow down, okay? We don’t have to rush to get there. I don’t want us to get into an accident,” I lied.

Don’t get me wrong, I was overly excited to see my friends and family. I wanted to squeeze the living daylights out of them. I also wanted to hug my mom – to feel the comfort of her slender fingers playing with my long brown hair. I wanted to see for myself that my mother and my best friend were all right.

Then there was the other thing that made me want to stall this trip back home. Weston Marshall. How would he react with my return? Did he even know I was coming back? What if he didn’t love me anymore or he wholly dismisses the fact that we’re even mates? What if he married somebody else and had his babies with her?

The thought clenched my heart. “No,” my wolf said. “Don’t think that way. He’d never go that far.”

Beau sensed the worry in my voice and he looked at me. I’m pretty sure that he could see the conflict swimming in my green eyes. He sighed, slowing down until we were just cruising.

“Danny, you have to face him eventually,” Beau said as he clenched the steering wheel so his knuckles were white. I’m surprised the wheel didn’t crush under the pressure being applied to it. “I personally can’t wait to see his face with bruises on it.”

“Beau, I really appreciate that you’re looking over me like a normal cousin would do, but please don’t cause any trouble with him,” I fiddled with the loose thread on my white sweater. “This trip isn’t about him. It’s about my mom and Jarred.”

“I can’t stand that he did that to you. A mate is a precious gift and he’s lucky he even found his own,” Beau said, envy dripping from his voice.

“Promise me you won’t?” I pleaded.

“Okay, fine,” he huffed.

“You’ll find your mate soon,” I smiled. “She’d be lucky to have you.”

Beau didn’t seem so sure of my reassurance, so he simply nodded and shifted in his seat. We didn’t say much and the car was silent. It was a comforting silence though as we were too absorbed in our own thoughts to say anything.

I felt the nervousness deep in my belly as we turned into the street with the humongous pack house at the end of the street. It’s huge structure could be seen from here with the smoke coming out of the chimney in gray swirls. It was a deep brown color with large windows and balconies.

The Crescent Pack had bought a new pack home, using the old yellow one as a meeting area between them and the Stone Pack.  They’ve decided to purchase a new one for – nothing in particular. They just wanted a new and bigger hang out spot.

Beau pulled into the driveway, parking in front of the huge double doors. I sniffed the air, noticing that the Stone Pack was here as well. The laughter and conversation coming from inside the house died down as the engine from our car cut off.

I wasn’t even half way out of the car when the double doors slammed open and familiar dark hair and rusted color hair came running my way. I shrieked when they almost tore off my baby’s door and practically squished me to death.

“Danny,” Elliot yelled in happiness. “Finally! You know how boring it’s been since you’ve left? I had to endure Abigail and Jade’s constant PMSing.”

“Yeah, you know how hard it was to be in the middle of Abs and Eli’s constant banter alone? I missed it when we used to make fun of them,” Jet cried in joy. “Now I’m not so alone anymore!”

The two boys let go of me and Eli smacked the back of Jet’s rusted hair covered head. I laughed at them and noticed Beau standing off to the side looking quite uncomfortable. It’s unfamiliar territory for him so I understood.

“Guys, this is my cousin, Beau,” I gestured towards the male standing next to me now. I pointed towards the two males in front of me. “Beau, this is Jet and Eli.”

They did a man handshake and started to haul the luggage into the house and up the stairs. I followed behind, hugging my arms to my chest. Sniffing the air, I only found the slight trace of the familiar manly smell that I missed in the time I was gone. My arms slumped in relief and disappointment.

While the boys traveled up the stairs, I stayed behind looking at the pictures of the Crescent Pack that hung on the cream-colored wall. My eyes found a picture of me, smiling as Weston held me tightly from behind as he kissed my cheek. It wasn’t on the wall, however. I found it faced down on top of the fireplace. My heart clenched again.

“Sorry about that,” I heard a familiar feminine voice say as she took the picture from my hands. She hung it back on its hook on the wall. Her crystal blue eyes showed concern. “I’m still putting pictures on the wall. We haven’t completely settled in yet,” Jade lied and gave me a comforting smile.

“You don’t have to lie to me, Jade,” I said. “But thanks for trying. Plus, you look like you’re a clown on crack when you lie.”

“When did you get so mean?” Jade laughed and hugged me. I returned the embrace and laughed with her.

“When did you get short hair?” I said, pulling back and playing with the black hair that framed her face in a bob cut.

“Since Eli thought it was funny to bleach half my hair in my sleep,” Jade pouted and crossed her arms over her chest.

I laughed at Eli’s idiocy and ruffled her hair. “It looks nice. I could never pull off short hair.”

Right when I was done saying that, I heard a warrior battle cry. I looked up at the second level, startled and saw Jarred climbing over the banister about to jump on top of me. Before he could crush me, I used my werewolf ability to move out of the way and watched as he landed on his face, groaning.

Jade rolled her eyes and helped him up, “How many times do I have to tell you to stop getting yourself hurt? You’re still recovering.”

“Gosh, she’s gotten super fast,” Jarred slowly got up, smoothing out his shirt. “I give you credit for that.

I couldn’t respond as I gasped in shock at the bruises on his face. His bare arm was covered in gauze, blood clearly visible. My hands trembled at the sight of Jarred. I’ve never seen him so wounded and injured. I’m sure my face paled as tears welled up in my eyes at my wounded best friend.

“Jar,” I whispered, coming closer and touching a bruise on his face lightly. “What happened?”

“I don’t want to kill the welcome home vibe, so you’ll just have to wait for the meeting tomorrow to find out what happened,” Jarred shrugged it off like it was nothing. He opened his arms and crushed me into his chest. I was momentarily out of breath when I hugged him back.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” I said, letting go of him and noticing the small smile on Jade’s lips. She was happy that her mate reunited with his best friend.

“Of course I’m okay! Nothing could take me down!” Jarred hollered. I rolled my eyes at his cockiness.

“Yeah right,” Jade snorted. “I’ve taken you down before.”

“That’s right, baby,” Jarred continued, putting his arm around her shoulders and nuzzling her neck. “You could take me down anytime.”

“Okay, ew. My eyes are burning,” I screamed, covering my eyes with my hands.

The couple laughed and settled for just holding hands. I looked down at their linked hands, feeling envious towards their perfect relationship. My wolf howled and I had to remind her it was my fault that we weren’t exactly happy right now.

I heard Jet, Beau, and Eli come down the stairs as they talked about the training Beau does on a daily basis. Jet whistled at the amount of work Healers put into their training. Eli looked intimidated, but still praised the hard work and dedication that Beau does.

“At least Abs is not around or else, you’d feel like you were watching porn,” Jarred groaned. “I swear, Eli and Abigail have the worst case of public display of affection in the whole nation.”

I poked my tongue out in disgust as Eli turned the color of a ripe tomato. “Where is Abs?”

“She went with Stacey to see Warren,” Jade said with no elaboration.

I quickly dismissed it with no questions asked. The tense silence that followed lasted a couple of seconds as they all looked at me. I cleared my throat and smiled.

“Guys, this is Beau,” I motioned towards my cousin. Jade and Jarred introduced themselves, welcoming him with bright smiles.

“Did you visit your mom and Darren yet,” Jarred asked, concerned.

“Not yet,” I sighed, scratching the back of my neck. It reminded me of Weston, so I quickly dropped my hand. “I’m going there when Darren calls. They went to the were doctor for a daily check up.”

“You’re staying here, right?” Jade asked with a warm smile and I nodded.

“My room is being used as an equipment sight for all my mom’s medical machines,” I said. “I hope its okay that I stayed.”

“You’re welcomed anytime,” Jade said. “In addition, Beta Eli gave you permission.”

I was about to say something when I heard the distant sound of car doors shutting. The familiar manly smell wafted up my nose, causing my wolf to jump in joy. I froze, feeling my heart drop into my belly. My heart beat faster with every step that grew louder as he approached the front of the house.

What confused me was the sweet, feminine smell that mixed with his and the heavier sound of footsteps that followed after him. I inhaled deeply, trying to recognize the smell. However, I couldn’t. I shrugged it off. It was probably a new werewolf.

Everyone around me watched me with wary eyes. Beau stood behind me as we all awaited the presence of my mate. I really didn’t want this moment to come so soon, but I quickly closed my eyes knowing I had to encounter him sometime.

When I opened my eyes, there he was staring back at me with his beautiful crystal blue eyes that darkened like a storm. I could see all the emotions that flickered in them. He opened his mouth to say something, but he was at a loss of words.

He was still as handsome as before with his black hair cut short, his prominent jaw line, his sculpted cheekbones, and his muscled arms I remembered myself being wrapped in. My wolf demanded that I embrace my mate now, but I followed the same muscled arms that used to hold me and saw that his hand was intertwined with a smaller hand.

My world came crashing down as I took in the woman next to Weston. She was around my age and she was extremely pretty. Her light brown hair was in a lose side braid, her shorter hair framing her heart shaped face. She looked happy to see me as her lips pulled into a big, welcoming smile. She was … average. She wasn’t a slut like I was expecting to see wrapped around Weston. She was normal and … human.

For a couple of seconds, it was quiet as I wallowed in on myself. I could literally feel my heart breaking in two. My vision started to blur, but I blinked back the tears and plastered on a fake smile. “Hello, Weston,” I addressed formally and his expression never changed. He still looked at me with all the emotions flickering on his face. “This is Beau Wrodes, my cousin.”

I looked up at Beau to see his lips set in a thin line. His light brown eyes had darkened in anger. “Calm down, Beau. You promised,” I spoke through the mind link. He didn’t listen, but stared at Weston as if he wanted to kill him right there.

“Baby, are you okay?” The female next to Weston put a hand on his shoulder in worry. I held in the growl that dared to escape my lips.

That seemed to snap Weston out of whatever he was thinking. He ran his hand in his hair before glancing at me again. He, too, plastered on a fake smile as he spoke. “Welcome back, Daniella,” I cringed when he said my whole name. His smooth and deep voice brought back memories of when he used to tease me, tell me a story, and whisper adoring words in my ear. I shook it off. “Beau, welcome to Huntstown.” Beau shifted his weight, but didn’t say anything.

“Uh,” Weston continued, still wearing that fake smile. “This is Hayley Price, my - um - my girl friend.”

“Nice to meet you,” I forced out. “I’ll see you guys at dinner. I’m going to go – um – unpack my stuff.”

“Do you need help?” Jade asked, her voice soothing. I didn’t dare look at anyone else in the room afraid that if I met their sympathetic eyes, I would burst.

“Um, no. Thank you.”

Walking past Weston and into the corridor where the stairs were located, I felt the tears roll down my face and heard the whimper of my wolf as she cried too.