-Athena-

Thirty minutes later we were airborne. Yes, thirty minutes. We were late of course, courtesy of me and to some extent Theo, who decided to take a longer route to the airport rather than the usual one. The reason being, man-bun would have reported to Amunet by now and her vampires will be all over the city on the lookout for us.

Thank the moon goddess we did not encounter any of them on our way and managed to board the jet with no trouble.

I lean my head against the seat and look out of the window, watching the city lights get dimmer as we begin to gain altitude. Now that we're out of reach of the vampires, my mind is starting to flood with thoughts about going back.

What happens when we get there?

Why is this Selene so important?

What is she doing in pack lands?

Is she a friend or a foe?

Are they going to question her, torture her, kill her?

A loud clink of glasses breaks me from my stupor. I adjust myself on the seat and take the glass of champagne offered by one of the crew members.

''Thank you.'' I whisper to him politely. ''Umm, where is Theo?''

''In the back room ma'am.'' He replies and walks away.

''They're discussing strategy back there.'' Mila, who I had not noticed until now, replies from behind me.

I turn to face her on my seat. ''How long have you been there and more importantly, why are we not in there with them?''

''I for one thought you were asleep. But we can go check,'' Mila suggests.

''Yeah, we should. Come on, let's go.'' I put down my glass and am about to get up when the door flings open and Theo walks out, followed by Charles, then Hudson, Sharon, Eleanor and lastly Cameron.

My gaze meets Theo's, who holds it for a few seconds before dropping it. He sits down on one of the long couch like seats and sighs heavily.

''Why didn't you tell me you were discussing something important in there?'' I ask him.

The four warriors excuse themselves and move to the furthest corner of jet and take their seats, away from us.

Theo pats the spot next to him and even though I was pretty miffed at him, I could not ignore the look he gave me when he called me to him. As soon as I sit down, he puts his arm around me and pulls me closer, closing whatever little space there was between us.

''You look exhausted love. I thought you slept as soon as we got in.''

''I was not sleeping you guys. I might have closed my eyes for a few minutes but that was it. I was awake. Just that, I was, uh- I was consumed by my thoughts.''

''Oh classic Athena, zoning out,'' Charles calls out.

''Excuse me?'' I quirk an eyebrow at him. Mila, who has her head on his chest, slaps it.

''Come on Athena, we all know when you get consumed by your thoughts, you leave this dimension.''

''Ahhh, I do not,'' I scoff.

''Actually you do love. Someone has to call you at least three times for you to snap out of it.''

''Oh I, umm, well whatever,'' I shrug.

''You were thinking about Selene, weren't you?'' My mate asks.

''H-how, how did you know?''

He chuckles and brushes my cheek with his finger. ''It's 'cause I know you.''

A small smile makes its way onto my face. When I look up, Theo is already staring at me, his eyes filled with so much love. I could feel his love for me through the mate bond and I just hoped that he could feel mine too.

''Oh just kiss already!!'' Charles sharp voice breaks the staring contest between Theo and I.

''Way to ruin a moment honey,'' Mila shakes her head and moves to sit in one of the empty seats upfront. After a while Charles joins her on the seat I had occupied before.

''I'm so sleepy,'' I stretch my hands a little as a yawn escapes me. I place on head on Theo's chest and he places a soft kiss on it.

''Come on, let's go to the bedroom,'' He slowly lifts my head and stands up. Before I could get up, he puts one arm around my shoulders, another behind my legs and scoops me up, bridal style.

''I could have walked you know?'' I say sleepy and yawn again.

He doesn't reply but just chuckles. I felt his chest vibrate when he laughed, making me cling to him as tight as I could. His deep laugh sent my brain into an overdrive as untoward thoughts started filtering in.

When we get to the bed he lightly puts me on it and tries to move away, but I grip the collar of his black shirt and pull him close. ''Stay.''

''As you wish love.''

He walks around the bed and gets in from the other side, puts his arm around me and pulls me flush to him. My back against his hard, muscled chest.

''Theo, about Selene, I-''

''Ssshhhh, just sleep, love. You need to be at your full strength when we get home.''

''Hmm,'' I heard myself murmur before I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Two hours later I woke up to an empty bed. I look around the unfamiliar room. Where the heck am I? Did someone kidnap me? Was it the vampires? No it can't be. And what is this whirring noise? Where is Theo? Wait, was he with me when I got kidnapped?

I blink multiple times, trying to get my bearings right when the door to the room slides open and I'm met with a pair of brown eyes looking at me worriedly.

''Love are you alright? I could sense your anxiety through the bond.''

I study him for a few seconds. He looks okay, no wounds, his hands are definitely not tied and from the chatter outside, he seems to be in good company.

''Athena. Hey, come on. They will be serving dinner in a while. Let's go love. We will be landing in Vancouver soon.''

Wait, Vancouver?

That's when it call came rushing back to me. Of course, that's why we're going back. The vampires attack, the witch showing up at pack borders. Why the hell did I think I was kidnapped?

''Goddess, what is wrong with me?'' I ask myself as soon as I walk out of the room. Only it was quiet loud and everyone heard me.

''Oh Athena, cookie. Are you sure you want go down that road?''

''Charles!!'' Mila shrieks and glares daggers at him.

''What? She asked, didn't she?''

''You slept well, love?'' Theo asks, his hand finding mine as soon as I sit.

''Mmhmm. When did you leave?''

''Shortly after you dozed off. I had to make arrangements for our arrival.'' He replies.

It was quite late in the night when we landed at Vancouver Airport. There was a cold wind blowing which would make any normal person shiver to their core but not us, one of our abilities was that we can withstand the cold. I look around the group and could sense the excitement roll off everyone, especially Charles. I couldn't help myself but smile as I watched him grin from ear to ear.

''Ahhh, we're home,'' he stretches his arms out and drapes one around Mila.

''I've missed the pack,'' she confesses. ''So glad we're back.''

A sense of guilt flooded in me when she said that. All this happened because of me. I'm the reason Charles had to come to Toronto, leaving his mate behind. Then I gave Theo the idea of calling Mila and she had to leave the pack and stay with us for over a month.

''Hey, you guys?'' I call out as soon as we got off the plane. The pair turned to look at me, their faces glowing with happiness.

''I'm sorry you had to leave the pack and come all the way to Toronto for me. I can see from your faces how much you love it here and, umm, and because of me, you had to leave it behind.''

''No, No Athena, don't apologize.'' Mila drops Charles' hand from her shoulder and takes my hand in hers. ''You're our alpha and as beta male and female, it is our duty to serve you and protect you. Furthermore, you're our friend. So what if we had to spend a few months away from here, at least we were together.''

''To think I was mean to you when you tried to stop me from leaving Crescent pack.''

''All that's water under the bridge Athena,'' she waves her hand casually. ''We've made new memories now, right? Who cares about the old ones?''

''Me.'' I whisper so low; I doubt anyone heard me. Anyone, except of course Mila who was standing the closest to me.

''What?'' she gasps. ''Athena, I- I didn't know. I thought that you were okay with the current -umm-uhhh- predicament.'' She says it in such a way that I have look away from her in embarrassment.

''Does Theo know?''

''Does Theo know what?'' his deep voice rings from behind us.

Mila was about to reply but one glare from me and she shut her mouth instantly. I drop my hand from hers and walk up to my mate.

''What is this that I don't know?'' he tilts his head and quirks an eyebrow at me. Mila takes this as her opportunity and slips away towards Charles who is almost at the arrivals gate.

''So, what is it?''

''It's nothing serious. Just that, umm, how glad I am to be back here. I didn't get to stay here for long when I came last time, you know. So, yeah.'' I mentally congratulate myself for how easily I managed to roll the lie off my tongue.

Theo regards me with his eyes for a moment then, kisses my hair. ''I'm so glad you feel that way. I was expecting you to-'' he stops midway when he notices me glaring at him.

''Don't even think of completing that sentence, Theo Argent.''

''You know being an alpha, I'm not used being ordered around,'' he says.

''Well, you better get used to it, since you're not the only alpha,'' I nudge him playfully in the ribs.

''For you, I'd do anything love.'' He grabs my hand and kisses it softly. ''I can't wait for us to sleep in our room tonight. I'm sure the pack members would have cleaned it by now.''

''Wait, umm, I'm staying at Crescent?'' I look at him bewildered. '''Why?''

''What do you mean why Athena? It's our pack, mine and yours. We have a house there and a room with a bed which I fully intend to use tonight.''

''No. I thought I was staying at Crimson with my mom and Ethan.'' I reply.

''So you don't want to stay with me tonight?'' he asks.

''I- uhh- Theo I thought that umm, I'd stay with my mom tonight. I mean, it's late already and we're probably going to interrogate Selene tomorrow. I just-'' I had to stop since we had arrived at the security gates.

After the whole procedure, I collected my bags and made my way to where Mila and Charles were. ''Everything okay?'' Charles asks as he eyes me carefully.

''Yes. I'm just tired. Nothing a good nights' sleep can't cure.''

''Well then, you'll be happy to know that our houses are already cleaned, be rest assured you will have a great sleep tonight. And since its late already, we will be doing that other thing tomorrow,'' Mila presses on the word 'other' to mean interrogating Selene. I look around and realize that the airport is quite busy, and we are surrounded by a lot of humans.

''Mhmmm,'' I nod my head and force a smile.

We're soon joined by the four warriors and Theo, who takes my hand in his and rubs it softly but refuses to look at me. 

''Come on, the cars are outside.'' Is all he says and drags me with him. Not that he needed to, I would gone with him either way.

''Theo, I-''

''It's okay Athena. You can spend the night at Crimson. I don't mind.'' He says, still avoiding eye contact with me.

''Theo, look at me please.''

But it seems like he either didn't hear me or he chose not to. I'm going for the latter. ''Theo.'' I try to get him to look at me but he is adamant. We reach the cars that were waiting for us outside the airport and that's when he dropped my hand.

I honestly thought that he would turn to look at me and talk but instead, he opens the door to the passenger seat and slides in without even sparing me a glance.

''Okay then,'' I take in a deep breath and get in the back seat. He makes small talk with the driver, who looked vaguely familiar, but I chose not to dwell too much on that thought lest I trigger a headache.

A few seconds later Mila and Charles get into the car followed by our luggage which either Cameron or Hudson piled into the back.  i hadn't even realized we had started moving,since I was busy trying to catch Theo's gaze through the rear view mirror, but he was trying his best and succeeding too by not looking at it and instead decided to focus on looking outside his window.

''Well this is a comfortable silence,'' who else but Charles had to speak up after a few minutes. When no one replied, not even Mila, shockingly. Charles decided to pester David, the driver.

''Tell me David, how many kids do you have?'' he leans forward questions the driver.

''Oh umm, beta Charles,'' David chuckles nervously. ''I- ahem- I haven't found my mate yet.''

''Ohh I see,'' Charles nod his head slowly. ''So have you chosen one?''

''Charles!!'' Theo's warns him from the front seat.

''Hey sorry man, I am just trying to make some conversation here. We've been driving for ten minutes and it's going to take another thirty more before we reach pack lands. And the three of you are no good company right now. I'm starting to think, I should have gone with the pack warriors in the other car.''

''Feel free to jump right out,'' I find myself grumbling a little to louder than I had imagined.

''Okay, what's got your knickers into a twist?'' he turns his attention to me.

''Nothing I'm just-''

'''Tired. I know. Really Athena, you've got no other excuse?''

''Charles, not now. Seriously.'' I focus my gaze on the mirror once again, but no, Theo is still looking away. I lean backwards on my seat and close my eyes to rest for a while, but not even a minute later, literally not even a minute and someone pokes their finger on my thigh. That someone being, Charles.

''Athena, Athena, Athena,'' he continues poking every time he mentions my name.

''Cut it out, its annoying,'' Mila says groggily from the other end. Glad someone is getting some rest.

''Go away Charles, go disturb your mate!'' I swat his hand away.

''I don't understand why you guys are sleeping!'' he said it so loudly, Mila jerked up from her sleep and banged her head against the car window.

''Would you cut it out?'' I prop myself up on my seat and slap his back.

''Why are you sleeping. We're going home aren't we? You can sleep as soon as we get there. Unless-'' his gaze flutters from me to Theo and back to me. ''Ohh I see, you two don't plan on sleeping to do you?'' he winks suggestively.

''Okay that's it!'' I cover my ears and look away from him. ''I'm not listening to your crap anymore.''

''How much sleep does she need anyway? She slept on the plane didn't she? Stocking up on energy aren't you?'' he pokes me in the ribs.

''Charles, stop it!'' Theo suddenly speaks up. His voice was low and steady, but no one could miss the command in it. The driver, David froze for like five seconds before regaining composure and hitting the gas pedal. Even Charles stopped his winking and his face turned serious.

For a while no one said anything. The only sounds were from the wind blowing outside and Mila's soft breathing. Until Theo spoke again, But this time he didn't use his alpha voice and it wasn't directed to Charles either, but rather to me.

''Ethan and a few others will meet us at our borders, he will take you directly to Crimson pack.''

''Okay,'' I whisper softly.

Charles leans closer to me. I could see the curiosity burning in his eyes. ''You are not staying at Crescent? Why?''

''I just, I thought I'd stay with Ethan and my mom for a few days.''

I heard a disgruntled sound from the front seat, which I'm sure did not come from David.

''Is there a problem?'' I ask him, not bothering to hide the irritation from my voice.

''Not at all.'' He replies stoically.

''Fine.'' I grumble and cross my arms in annoyance.

''Athena, umm. Do you really think you should go to Crimson? I mean, Theo-'' Charles starts but his cut off.

''Don't bother man, Let it be.''

''But, Theo.''

''I said let it go, Charles.'' He seethes.

Charles of course know better than to continue, so he makes the wise choice of keeping his trap shut. But it could only last for so long.

''Seriously, could this trip get any longer? We've been on the road for over an hour!''

''Actually, beta Charles, it's only been thirty-five minutes, give or take,'' David replies meekly.

''Really? I could've sworn it's been more than an hour. Are you sure David?''

''Yes beta. In fact, we're approaching pack borders.''

That was the trigger for everyone in the car expect for Mila, whose breathing had now changed to soft snores. Theo, Charles and I all perked up.

My heart rate accelerated. Was I scared?  Yes, I was. I was scared of going to Crescent pack after I supposedly abandoned them. Those were my people, I was their alpha and I left them.

Will they accept me if I go back?

Or will they shun me out, like I did them?

Will they pelt me with stones and drive me out of the pack. Do people still do that?

Am I a coward for not facing the pack and going to 'hide' at my brothers' pack?

I start hyperventilating. Oh goddess, what if? What if? Oh no, no no. I slide the window down from my side and put my head outside allowing a wisp of cold fresh air to hit my face.

Ahh that's a bit better, but it doesn't take away the real problem.

''Are you freaking out of your mind Athena?'' Charles yells and pulls me inside the car then closes the window. ''Its bloody cold out there. Do you want us all to freeze to death?''

''Oh shut it Charles, you and I both know a cold breeze isn't going to kill you,'' I snap at him.

From the corner of my eye I catch Theo watching me from rear view mirror. However, the moment he realizes this, he averts his gaze and turns to look out of the window once again.

In that split second we made eye contact I saw the look of worry on his face. Damn it! He felt it, he felt my anxiety. But he didn't do anything about it. I expected him to mind link me and ask me what the problem was, but he did not.

'Theo Argent, who's asked me if I was okay every single time I tumbled or called out to him for the past few months has now suddenly decided that he doesn't care. Well fine, I don't care either. I am a strong independent woman who can handle her own emotions and struggles. I have been doing it since I was sixteen and I shall continue doing it. I don't need a man to constantly ask me if I am okay and cox me every time. I will handle this on my own, I don't need Theo or any other person for that matter.'

With me being occupied by my thoughts I hadn't realized that we'd come to a stop. I notice a group of people standing in the distance. Could be some of the pack members and Ethan too.

I stepped out of the car, as did the others and the first thing I did is take in the a deep breath. My senses tingle and I automatically smile. The smell of fresh grass and earth hits my nostrils followed by a musky scent which oddly reminds me of Theo. My eyes snap open and I now try to stop taking in the scents.

The second car with the four warriors pulls in behind us just as David begins removing our luggage from the back.

''I'll take that,'' I grab my first bag from him. ''And that,'' my second bag which had my shoes and bags. ''And that too,'' I take the last one which had my paints and easel among other things.

''Alpha Athena, you don't have to you know. I can take them,'' He says politely and extends his hand forward to take one of the bags.

''No, no. You don't have to, its my baggage, I'll deal with it,'' I tell him with determination in my voice and look at Theo who hasn't said a single word since we got here.

He doesn't even acknowledge me and is busy talking to Hudson about something. Although I'm sure he heard me very, very clearly. The fact that his body stiffened was proof of that.

So that's how it is huh? Very well then. I turn towards the group of people waiting and start marching forwards.

'I'm not going to cry; I'm not going to cry. I'm strong and petty things like these should not bother me. Don't cry, don't cry.'

I keep on repeating these words in my head as soon as my eyes start welling up. 'Don't cry, don't cry, god damn it.'

I could hear the others walking behind me. Above all I could feel his presence behind me strongly. He was just a few steps behind. If I slow down now, he will catch up with me. 

But why should I?

And so I kept walking ahead, faster then before, not realizing that one of the handles from my bag came loose and got tangled with some of the longer grass blades.

''Athena, watch out!'' I hear someone shout from behind but it was too late and I tripped over the handle. My bigger bag slid across the ground and stopped a few metres away from where I landed, face first in the dirt.

''Ohh my moon goddess, Athena are you okay?'' Charles runs up to me and helps me up.

''Yeah, yeah I'm okay,'' I get up and dust myself off.

''You're hurt,'' Theo's husky voice says from my right. Hah! Very well noted. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

''I'm not. I'm fine,'' I bend down and untangle my bag then grab the other one.

''You're bleeding Athena,'' he follows me.

''I said I'm fine.''

''You're not, your chin is bleeding. Give me those bags.''

''No,'' I snap and start walking faster. He was right though; I had scratched my chin when I fell. I could feel my blood clotting around the wound.

''Athena, stop being stubborn. Just give me the bags.''

I ignore him and continue walking even faster. At this rate I could be running. Thankfully I reached the border and caught sight of my brother.

''Ethan!!!'' I squeal excitedly. I drop my bags and run towards him. He envelopes me into a hug and lifts me off the ground.

''Ena, heyyy. Wow, you've never been this excited to see me before.'' He says after putting me down.

''I just really missed you.'' And  I really did. I was not lying to get away from a certain someone, no. I really did miss my brother.

''Yes, but you couldn't be bothered to call or even text.''

Okay, maybe I lied, just a tiny little bit.

''Sorry?'' I give him the best puppy dog look I could conjure.

''Ahhh damn it! Now I see why dad would agree to everything you asked from him,'' he says and wraps his arm around me. ''You're forgiven.''

A cloud of sadness sets in when he mentions our father. ''How is mom, Ethan?''

''She's better. Not like before, but at least she's managed to not go rogue. She's stronger than we give her credit for.''

''That's nice to hear. Come on let's go home.'' I pat his back and push him forward before picking my bags up again.

Ethan gives me disapproving look. ''Is everything okay?'' he asks, then look between Theo and I.

''Yeah, everything is super duper great,'' I fake a laugh.

''You okay man?'' he extends his hand towards Theo who claps it back in response.

''All good man.''

Ethan acknowledges Charles, who is carrying a dozing Mila in his arms while Eleanor and Cameron juggle with their luggage behind him.

''Tomorrow, we all meet here at Crescent after breakfast.'' Ethan announces. ''Sean and Ashton will join us too.''

''Has she said anything about why she's here and what she wants?'' Theo asks my brother who shakes his head in response. ''Okay. Where is she?''

''In the cell you'd kept Sebastian in,'' Ethan replies. My head snaps in Theo's direction upon hearing that name. His does too but he quickly looks away, avoiding my gaze.

So, there was a Sebastian. And we all knew about him. Judging by the looks on the faces of everyone present here, this Sebastian guy must have done something terrible.

''Umm, I think it's best if we leave these talks for tomorrow,'' Charles breaks the uncomfortable silence. ''Mila is not exactly light and I'm starting to lose feeling in my hands.''

''You're right. Come on Ena, let's go. We'll see you guys tomorrow,'' Ethan says and leads me to where another car is parked, which will take us to Crimson using the route I found out about a month ago.

As we continue walking away from the others, I could feel a pair of eyes on me. His eyes. My heart starts beating faster as every nerve in my body is telling to turn and run back to him. My anxiety from before is thrown out of the window including all the other thoughts I'd had. I want to go him, I want to spend tonight and every other night with him.

'Say the word Theo, just say and I'll stay.' I think to myself and wait. Wait to hear him call out my name. But aside from the rustling of trees against the wind, the crunch of dried foliage under our feet and the sound of crickets chirping away in the night, I heard no other sound.

At least not the one I wanted to hear.

***

The gang's back in Vancouver!!!

What do you think will happen next? How will their 'meeting' with Selene go?

Let  me know you thoughts in the comments as usual.

-Jessica.S