Soleil

I watch her figure walk up towards the packhouse, it's golden gates locking her in. My heart twinged in pain as she didn't look back. "Are you okay?" Jasmine tenderly asks, her hand resting softly against my shoulder. Turning away from my mates disappearing figure I face Jasmine's downturned features. 

Smiling softly, I reply, "Of course. None of this is supposed to be easy. I know that. We will get there and only time will tell." 

"Alright. I trust you, Soleil. Your my friend and leader, so whatever you decide, I'll walk with you." 

"Thank you," I reply, sincerity lacing my tone. I side- hug the she-wolf before heading towards the temple. "Let's go, Pack!" I yell over my shoulder, the group following. Today's goal is to repair the temple, in thanks for her guidance and love. 

"What happens when the temple is done, Soul?" I hum at Jasmine's question. Honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing. I have no idea how to lead nor how to grab my mate's affection. It hurts enough that she rejects me yet her pack hasn't. The Moon Goddess hasn't. So I have some hope. I'll travel down my fate with the Moon Goddess' advice and guidance. Follow my instincts. Well, fingers crossed. 

The group and I face towards the large wooden gate locking us out from the temple. The mold and rotten down wood looked like it was ready to fall any second. Just beyond stood the tall winding temple. It isn't like those who temples in Japan or Europe. Small is what you can compare between them but it still looks mighty and beautiful. I look at the damage and nod to myself. 

"Alright," I turn to the pack and grin. "Let's get our hands dirty!" 

~ A Few hours later ~

"Phew!" I wipe my forehead, the sweat beaming with pride as it sticks to my skin. The temple was shining with its new fresh paint, clean wood and shinny plants. Everyone did a good job and I am so proud. Suddenly something cold is pressed against my neck, causing me to jolt away. Jasmine's amused laughter bounce around the area. "That's cold!"

She covers her mouth, hiding her laughter. "Your face!" I scowl playfully and grab the bottle from her hands before opening the lip. Before she could react I throw the water at her, splashing her with the cold substance. She squeals, her face dripping wet. I grin at her, watching her fuss.

"That's not fair!" I bark a laugh, the pack watching with amused expressions. 

As I go to comment, a cough interrupts us. The pack stills, their amused expressions becoming neutral. I face where they are bowing to and my eyes widen as I come across the one man I haven't seen for years. His beard even longer, grey lining his brown hair. Familiar kind eyes twinkling. 

"Gregory." My voice echoes throughout the area, all eyes now on me. Gregory, the man who was my mother's best friend. And he is supposedly a werewolf. 

"Little Wolf." His familiar nickname sends my heart in spirals. "Welcome home," 

"You..." I couldn't find the words. I was stuck and I didn't know what to say to him. For so long, I wondered where he had gone. Why didn't he show up at my parent's funeral? The time I watched empty caskets get buried into the ground. 

"I'm sorry, child." his eyes dim with sorrow, understanding my pain this very moment. Tears swim as I watch him come closer, his arms opened wide. I remember every time he would come over, he would show me how to catch bunnies. Or teach me how to defend myself. A second father. He wraps his arm around me, warmth comforting me. 

"Why now..." I murmur into his chest. Gregory pets my hair, leaning his chin upon my crown.

"Because the Moon Goddess chose it to be now." I nod slowly and back away, wiping my eyes. 

"Where were you, all these years? Did you... did you know they died?" the question seemed to quake a sadness in him. The small nod he gave me confirmed it. 

"You're here now, child. Your home and now it's time for you to really embrace your blood." 

"Embrace my blood?" Gregory nods, a grin forming on his face. The wrinkles around his eyes showing his age. 

"Of course! Your the daughter of an Alpha!" My heart freezes over and I stare at the man I've come to know as an uncle. A second father. 

"Wh-" before I could answer, the loud familiar sound of my mates voice calls from the entrance of the temple. Her eyes brimmed with anger as she bestows Gregory. 

"Father! How dare you visit and not tell me!" 

Wait... father?