Chapter 1 Chapter 0001

*Octavia* >>> My heart thumped as soon as I stepped off the plane. My palms are sweaty and my throat is dry as fuck. Five years. I haven’t been home. This is the first time that I am back home after running away five years ago without saying a word to anyone. But right now, I was summoned by my alpha. I would have disregarded the order, but I knew better than to disobey a command. “Excuse me,” a raspy voice brought me back to reality as I shook my head, realizing that I was blocking people. “Sorry,” I quickly apologized, lowering my head. As I started dragging my carry-on bag heading towards the customs desk. People rushed as if it was the end of the world yet. I wonder why people always rush to get to customs when they are probably going to spend the next two to three hours in a queue regards of whether they got there on time or not. I let out a heavy sigh as I looked at the crowd before me. This was going to be a long day. I could easily get myself cleared, but I didn’t want Dad or Mom to know that I am back home already. I wanted to spend at least a few days at the hotel before going to the compound. “Miss Cohen?” I heard someone call my name behind me before I could get to the queue. I slowly turned my head to the man, wondering how he knew my name. He's about six and a half feet Quiff haircut, broad shoulders with a baby face. “Yes?” I raised a brow, taking in the idiot’s outfit. Black jeans, a black T-shirt, and a leather blazer with combat boots. I inhale sharply, looking into his amber eyes. “Octavia Cohen?” I heard whispers and murmurs fill the hotel as soon as that fool uttered my name. “You are new,” I said with a hint of shock in my voice as he nodded his head. “Finn Adams. I was asked to pick you up,” He said to me as I nodded my head biting my head. “Oh! I see. Where are you parked?” I asked him, walking towards where he was standing. “B-24. Do you have any more luggage” he asked, looking over my shoulder as I shook my head. “I don’t plan on staying for long. Shall we?” I asked, getting uncomfortable with the stares that were coming in my direction. In this pack, I have many names: the Beta’s daughter, the lone wolf, and the girl whose sister married her boyfriend. It depends on what you prefer to call me. I He begins to walk away without saying anything as I follow him behind. The place still looks the same as I left it five years ago, but the security seems tight. Is it because of the Alpha ceremony? Or maybe they are on high alert because of the recent threats? We got to the black SUV he had come with and opened the door for me as I looked at him. “Are you always this polite?” I asked, getting in the front passage seat and leaving him while holding the door to the back passenger seat. “Couldn’t just say you prefer being in the front seat than trying to act like-“ “Like what?” I raised a brow, and he narrowed his eyes, looking straight at me. ‘Just fasten your seat belt” He ignored my question, starting the engine. “Seat belt?> Are you fucking kidding me? I am not six. Just drive,” I spat out, trying to recline my chair. “Then stop acting like one,” he muttered under his breath, making me frown... “What the fuck did you just say?” I snapped my head at him, and he leaned forward, grabbing the seat belt and fastening my seatbelt. “What the fuck? Do you know who the fuck I am?” I asked him, grabbing his hand as he looked into my eyes. “No. And I don’t care. My job is to get you back to the pack house safely. I don’t give a shit about who you are,” he growled, jerking his hand away from me as I opened my mouth to say something but stopped myself. My lips turned up in a smirk as I looked at him driving out of the parking lot. My eyes trail over his body. I bet his hot in bed. I smiled at myself. “What’s your rank, Finn?” I questioned sitting back, glancing out the window as the trees fade and he ignored me, focusing on the road. “Oh, you are upset?” I tilted my head forward to get a clear picture of him. He suddenly hit the brakes, and I moved forward, almost hitting my head on the dashboard. “What the fuck?” I snapped, my heart pacing fast as I looked at him. “There was an animal in front of me,” he replied casually, without sparing me a glance, as I scoffed. There was no fucking animal. He just did that to piss me off. I clenched my fist, trying to control myself as I looked out the window. I wasn’t going to respond to him. I was going to ignore him until we got to the compound. As soon as he got into the gated community, I could hear my heart racing so fast. The reason why I left five years ago is the reason I was back here. I inhaled sharply, clenching tight to my coat. “Can you stop the car?” I asked him. “I have instructions to “ “Please!” I pleaded, suddenly feeling unable to breathe. ‘No. I have-“ “Finn Please!” I snapped, and he turned his head in my direction as he suddenly pulled by the side of the road. I got out of the car breathing heavily as I held onto my chest. I thought I had moved on, but I was wrong. “What’s wrong?” He asked me as I stared into his eyes, trying to fight back the urge to cry. I was stronger than this. I was strong. “Nothing. Can you just fucking leave me alone?” I growled, trying to calm myself b down. I was back home. The one place I didn’t want to be at in the first place, but there was nothing I could do right now. I brought my hand to my chest, clenching tonight to my shirt as I took deep breaths. After having what seemed like another panic attack, I got back in the car and thankfully Finn seems like someone patient enough. “We can go,” I stated, looking out the window without paying too much attention to the fact that he saw me having a panic attack right now. As soon as the car pulled over in front of the house, I sighed heavily, looking at Finn, then back at the house. I opened the door to the car, and I heard a loud squeal coming from the house. “Ollie!” Adele’s voice came from the house, sounding too excited, as I faked a smile. The wind blew her red hair all over her face as she ran towards me, just like she used to do five years ago whenever I come back from training. “Ade!” I said, beaming with a smile as I opened my arms and she fell right into them, hugging me tight. “Oh, my god! I can’t believe it,” she said, her voice breaking as I held on tight to her. “I missed you so much,” she whispered, burying her head in my neck as I chuckled softly while stroking her back “I missed you too, kiddo,” I said, pulling her away from me and holding her at arm’s length. “You have grown,” I smiled, looking over her shoulder as I saw Avery coming out of the house. Her lip turned up in a smile as she saw me, those beautiful blue eyes filled with tears, but I know inside was filled with relief as I approached where she was standing. “Luna” I bowed my head, standing a few meters away from her as she blinked back, trying to fight her tears. Luna? This should have been me. But here I was, calling my young sister Luna. “You are so cruel,” she whispered to me as I chuckled softly, approaching where she was standing. “You look like the perfect Luna,” I jeered, and she scoffed, rushing towards me, wrapping her arms around me as she whimpered. ‘I missed you too,” I whispered to her, making her hold me tighter. “Wait, I can’t breathe” I struggled to move away from her as she shook her head. “I am not letting you go,” she whispered. “Never again” I pulled her away as I cupped her face, and tears fell from those perfect blue eyes. “I didn’t say I was leaving. Did I?” I whispered to her, and she chuckled softly, nodding her head as she brought her hand to mine, holding on tight to her while I wiped her tears. “Do you still hate me?” She asked me as I looked into her eyes. What kind of sister asks that? Of course, I didn’t hate her, but she got married to the only man I had loved in my life. “Of course not! Why would I hate you?” I smiled, wiping her tears as I smiled softly, looking into her eyes. “Then why did you run away?” She asked me as I sighed heavily, looking into her eyes. Was she asking me this? Why did I run away?

Chapter 2 Chapter 0002

*Octavia* “Why did you run away?” She asked me as I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Can we talk about this later? I am here for my sister’s and the alpha ceremony. Let’s not ruin that,” I said, looking at her, then at Adele, who was smiling vividly at me. The last I saw Adele she was only ten when I ran away, but looking at her right now, she looks like a bloody teenager. “Is that all you came with?” Avery asked, looking at the luggage that Finn was holding in his hand. “Umm.” I stuttered as she snapped her head at me. “You are not planning on staying?” She asked me as I pursed my lips together, nodding my head. She scoffs, looking at me in disbelief. “Thanks, Finn” I grab the bag from him and he bows his head to Avery as I fake a smile making my way inside the house. “Where’s mum?” I asked, dragging my bag inside the house as I looked around the room. I was hoping maybe knowing she would be upstairs. “She’s at the pack house. Are you leaving?” Avery kept on asking if I was going back after the ceremony. “Yes. That’s the idea. What is she doing at the pack house?” I asked, stopping in my tracks as I looked around the room, wondering why the living room looked different. Mum has never had any busy in the pack business and now she was at the pack house? Did she finally change the painting and the setup? “Are you freaking serious right now? You have your positions in the pack and-“Avery went on talking. I briefly closed my eyes, trying to calm myself down. “Can we not talk about this right now? I will go and find Mum,” I said to her, leaving the bag in the room. “Ollie!” Avery shouted after me. I lifted my hand, waving at her without looking back, and making my way out of the house. I wanted to get to see Mum immediately after getting back into town. I knew she would be on my neck for getting into town a few days ago and only coming home today. On my way, I took time to look around the streets. It seemed everyone was busy preparing for the ceremony. We haven’t had one ever since I was born. I look ahead of me and there he stands. This would have been my ceremony today. My heart beats fast and I don’t think I can do it. I turn on my heel. I know I need to see Mum but decide against it. Need to find a place where I can drink from. I know a few clubs that I can go to; I make my way out of the pack and will meet Mum when I come back in the morning. After walking around, I finally find a place where I can get some alcohol. I look around the bar and I can see most of it is full of fae, where cats and wolves are. The only good part about our pack is that we don’t discriminate against anyone. I push myself through the crowd and go straight to the counter. “What can I get you?” The bartender asks me as I purse my lips, thinking of what I can get. “Can I have a beer?” I said, pulling myself into a chair. I just want to drink and forget that I am here for only one thing. After having a few drinks, I can feel my head feeling a little dizzy. The alcohol feels like it’s taking over me for a while. I feel like dancing, which is something I always do when I am feeling down. I need to find someone to fuck my brains out tonight so that I can at least forget about the fact that I will be watching the man I love and my sister being initiated into the pack as Luna and my Alpha. I should have been the one to be married to him, but I will only be his Beta. A lot of things rush through my mind as I chuckle softly. I wanted to forget him and move on, but I failed. Five years and the feelings come flushing down on me like I never left. I need a man. I turn my head around in the club, looking for someone who might be my prey tonight. My eyes drift to the man sitting in the corner, dressed in all black. His long hair fell to his shoulders and he laid back, his face emotionless. A well chiseled face, his muscles almost rippling through his leather jacket. There’s a powerful aura surrounding him and I shouldn’t even be thinking of him, but at least he looks like my type. My heart paces fast when he suddenly turns in my direction, our eyes meeting across the room. I spin my head back to the bartender. I need to leave. There’s something about that man, and I know better than staying. “Think I have had enough tonight.” Can I have my bill? I say to the bartender, faking a smile as he nods his head. I quickly grab something from my back pocket and I think this will be enough for all the bottles I have had tonight. “Leaving already?” A deep voice whispered over the loud music from behind his lips, almost touching my earlobes. I feel a shiver down my spine and my heart is throbbing. My instincts tell me it’s that man from the corner. I swallow hard, turning my head and his standing so close to me. It’s the man from the corner. He is trolling over me right now. His about 6’4 feet and right now I look like a bloody child. He had the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. His cologne filled my nostrils. So seductive. “Yes. I have to rush back home,” I said to him, grabbing my phone. “I noticed you have been staring at me the entire night,” he said with a straight face as I let out a soft chuckle “Now that’s exaggerating, I just glanced at looked at you,” I smiled “So you admit you were staring” He raised his eyebrows with a smirk on his face I scoff, looking at him. “No. I didn’t stare”“I should get going,” I said to him, wanting to walk away, but he grabs me by my arm pulling me back. “Maybe I can give you what you want,” he whispered in my ears. I look up at him, and our eyes meet. Now, how would he know what I want? I thought. “Now what would that be??” I raised my eyebrows, and he smirked, letting go of me. “Well, from the moment that you walked in, I saw you were looking at which one to take with you. You tried to settle for the one in the blue jeans but decided against it. Then your eyes went to the guy over there in cargo pants ”. He explained as I raised my eyebrows. He was somehow right. “So, how about a drink? We can both get what we want?” He winks at me, putting on a straight face. I swallow, thinking about what to say. “And what is it that you want?” I ask him, my eyes locked with his. “Exactly what you want,” he smirked, letting go of me and walking back to his table I should walk away. I need to walk away but I decide against it, going to sit next to him. I plop down on the couch and I look at him as he raises his hand for the waitress to come to take our orders. “You’re new here,” he stated, pouring whiskey for me into a glass as I raised my eyebrows, looking at him. What would he know about me? “Just got in town tonight,” I replied, gulping the whiskey. This is such a bad idea. I don’t mix liquor no matter what, but here I was mixing two liquors. “For the ceremony?” He asked, leaning back and placing his leg over the other one, and fixing his jacket. “Yes. You don’t know me?” I asked him, and he raised his eyebrows. “Should I?” He asked me as I smiled, shaking my head and gulping down everything from my glass. He stares at me blankly, and I lower my head. “You know what? This is a bad idea. I need to go” I try to stand up and he grabs me by my arm, pulling me back to the couch. “Do I scare you?” He asked, his eyes trailing over my body as I swallowed hard. “No. I just… Umm…” I stuttered as he moved closer to me, his fingers tugging my hair. He leans in, bringing his lips to my ears as I gasped. “I thought you wanted me,” he whispered, his hand going between my thighs, stroking my jeans against my cunt. “Hmm…” I stuttered, feeling my arousal as he kisses my earlobe, moving down to my jawline as he brought his lips to mine gently brushing his lips against mine “I just... maybe…m,” I stuttered. “Why don’t we have a bit of fun first, then we can leave?” He suggested pulling away as he took the glass of whiskey winking at me. “I have a better suggestion instead. “I leaned in and he smiles at me. He glances at me before gesturing for me to do what I was proposing.

Chapter 3 Chapter 0003

*Octavia I lead the way out of the club and look at him, “it’s been long since I have been here, but if I am correct, there should be—” I stopped as I looked at the back alley of the club. “We just have to get over that fence and we should be…” I trailed off “I have a better idea, “he said to me as I grinned at him. “My house is just around the corner,” he suggested. I took in a deep breath as I picked up the scent of wolves. I quickly glance at my watch and it’s past midnight Patrol. I shouldn’t even be here. “We should get going… Where’s your car?” I asked him, heading back to the front of the club. I can’t let anyone see me here with him. I mean, I just got back in town, and already I am here with a man. Had kept on checking around us hoping I don’t get recognized by anyone. I was about to turn to go into the club when he pulled me back, pinning me against the wall and crushing his lips on mine. Mint. The taste of alcohol lingering on his lips as he pulled me closer to him, my breasts crushed against his chest. My heart is beating fast, my head feels a bit light. Patrol… They are close. I thought they were behind. “Hey! Get a fucking room!” One of them shouted. He pulled away from me, looking into my eyes as I swallowed hard. “Sorry about that man… We will leave,” the handsome stranger replied, smirking at me as I lowered my head, almost burying my head in his chest. I was aroused and just wanted to be taken right now. “Just fuck off. You’re are way past curfew,” he replied as I frowned. Curfew? Since when did we start having curfews in our pack? I had the footsteps fade away as I pulled away from the stranger, glancing at him. “Well…” I raised an eyebrow, and he smiled at me, unlocking a car that was parked right across the street. “If you are still interested,” He said, turning on his heel making way for his car as I sighed heavily. I needed to get laid and probably y calm my fucking nerves down. I followed him behind and got in the passenger seat. He started the car, but not before grabbing a bottle of whiskey behind and giving it to me. ‘Here” “18 years whiskey” I said, nodding my head as I opened the bottle sipping from it as he started driving. My throat was burning from the whiskey but if I will be fucking a stranger tonight, I needed to make sure I was not in my right mind. * After a few minutes, he finally pulls over at a house and I purse my lips. My eyes feel heavy, and I struggle to keep them open. He gets out of the car, and I follow him behind. Is this where you live?” I ask, holding on tight to my phone, and he gives me an affirmative nod before opening the door. I strode in, and he stood by the door waiting for me to get inside as he closes the door behind me. I sighed heavily, running fingers through my hair when I felt his presence behind me. I purse my lips together before turning to look at him. He walks over closer to me, pulling me back. His hand around my waist brings it under my tank top and his other hand coming up to my neck. He tilts my head as he kisses my neck and I let out a soft moan while his hand moves up to my breasts, gently giving them a squeeze. “Fuck, you are so hot” His voice sounds so deep and different from the person I have been talking to earlier. I turn around so that I could look at the man I am meeting with tonight. I tilted my head up to him, looking into his perfect eyes, so I swallowed hard, feeling my heart race. Looking into each other’s eyes, I am so lost in his before I lean in for a kiss, our breath mingling. He heaves a sigh as I smile at him. For the first time in a long time, I desire to be kissed. I want to feel the lips of this man. He leans in as well, gently brushing his lips against mine as his hand went to my waist. I gasped when his hand squeezed my ass, pressing me hard against him as a low groan escaped from his lips. The taste of the whiskey and cigarette still lingering on his lips. He kissed me harder and rougher, his tongue slipping into my mouth, exploring my mouth and ravishing every inch of it. I moaned as I felt my core clenching. I wanted him to take me. As if reading my thoughts, He grabbed my blazer, pulling it off me and throwing it away. He picked me up from the ground by my ass as I wrapped my legs around his waist and he walked up the stairs, leading the way to one of the bedrooms while our tongues explored each other’s mouth. We got to the bedroom, and he gently placed me down on the bed while we were all tangled up. He pulled away from the kiss, taking off his leather blazer and then pulling off his t-shirt and I pulled off mine as well, unbuckling my bra and throwing it away, leaving my breasts exposed. He leaned back in, getting on top of me as he started to kiss me, moving down to my breasts as I let out a soft moan. “Fuck you are so beautiful,” He muttered. I threw my head back as my eyes tugged in his hair and he unbuckled my jeans, taking them off and my thong as well.\ I felt his hand go down to my core, parting the lips of my pussy, one of his fingers sliding inside me as I moaned softly. “Oh, fuck!” I moaned as he pushed the finger inside me, roughing, fingering me as I cried out. He cut it short by crushing his lips against his and I moaned in his mouth. “Fuck me now,” I whispered in-between the kisses. Goddess, this pleasure… I moaned at the pain and pleasure that mixed so perfectly. I ran my hand over his hard shaft, my pussy clenching even more. ‘So wet… So perfect,” He muttered while fingering me as I threw my head back, feeling my pussy throbbing. “Fuck, I am cumming!” I moaned, and he pushed in another finger, fingering me roughly and hard. My pussy was begging to be fucked. “Oh, fuck me!” I moaned, the room filled full of our arousal. ‘Look at me!’  He commanded as I brought down my head looking deep in his eyes. He watched me as I moaned, not caring about who might hear us right now. My pussy was throbbing, my legs trembling as I felt pleasure erupting through me like bolts of lightning. A loud moan escaped my lips before I could catch my breath. He growled softly, parting my trembling legs, positioning himself at my entrance before he roughly thrust his cock into me. Bringing his hand to my throat as he squeezed my neck gently. Fuck… His so big. I couldn’t breathe.

Chapter 4 Chapter 0004

*Octavia* My eyes rolled at the pleasure I was experiencing right now. “Oh, fuck!” I gasped as he loosened his grip on my neck, every thrust hitting the right spot. “Oh, God! Oh fuck!’ I moaned, my vision darkening. I could feel my pussy throbbing and my legs trembling as I wrapped them around his waist and he thrust into me again. He let go of my neck, removing my legs from his waist as he spread my legs and pinning them down as he thrust into me. “Oh fuck! You are so tight!” He moaned, thrusting into me repeatedly. I grabbed the sheets, yanking them with all my strength as he thrust into me again. Only the sound of our moans filled the room and his breathless grunts. I knew if anyone was in this house right now, they probably heard me right now. But I don’t care. All I want right now was this moment of pleasure. He pounded me hard and faster throwing me over the edge and I knew he was close too. “Oh, baby!” He moaned, closing his eyes as I threw back my head once again, pleasure erupting through me and I felt him fill my insides. He let out a soft growl as a moan of satisfaction left my lips. He dropped by my side as I chuckled softly, closing my eyes, and feeling my legs trembling. “Oh, my god” I whimpered, feeling satisfied as I looked at him, breathing hard with an expressionless face, his eyes closed. He felt my eyes on him, and he turned his head to me as his lips turned up. He grabbed my arm, pulling me closer to him as I lay on his chest. I want to pull away from him because I don’t cuddle after my one-night stand, but with him, it feels like I can trust him. He kissed the top of my head as he held me closer. I didn’t want to let go of him, but I know that I should be going. I am sure Mom would be home right now waiting for me. I heaved a sigh, looking up at him and he had closed his eyes as I swallowed hard “I guess I should get going,” I whispered to him and he slowly opened his eyes He brought his hand under my chin, lifting and making me look at him. “Why?”“Lots of reasons… Sorry, I won’t be able to—”“Let’s meet again,” he suggested, cutting me off before I could finish my sentence. I swallowed hard, unwrapping myself from his arms and getting out of bed. “I would love to see you again,” He whispered to me “I am not sure if… Maybe we might” I smiled at him and he shook his head, pulling me closer to him. How on earth did he get out of bed so fast? “I need assurance,” he said as I smiled. “Well, there’s no assurance in my life. Just wait for me there tomorrow. Might come or not,” I pulled away from him as I looked back. I needed to find a way of getting out of there. “Why not…” He trailed waiting for my response. I think he wanted my name. “Octavia…. But most people call me Ollie,” I replied, and he nodded his head... “Octavia…” He said, repeating after me as I smiled, nodding my head, while grabbing my clothes and throwing them on. I knew I needed to take a shower as soon as I get back home. “And you are..?” I asked him and he smiled briefly, grabbing his clothes as well “Aymeric,” He said. “Ayme?” I teased, smiling at him. “Just Aymeric,” He added as I nod my head, putting on my sneakers. As I looked around for my phone. He picked it from the ground and glanced at the screen before giving it to me as I faked a smile. “Those are your parents?” He asked, referring to my wallpaper. “Yes. Now you know who I am” I grinned at him as I took my blazer. “Let me drive you back home. He offered as I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it. I will find my way back home,” I said to him as he sighed heavily, looking confused. “I think I have a bigger chance of not being caught during the patrols than with you. Don’t you think?” I suggested, and he nodded his head. “See you around stranger” I smiled at him as he gave me a head bow before I headed towards his door. I needed to make my way back home. I rushed through the streets using the shortcuts that I could recall and getting back to the house. As I get to the house, I can see Mum’s car parked in front of the house and the lights are off. I get to the front and open the door. I asked Adele to unlock it for me, as I got closer. I strode in and suddenly the lights came on as I struggled to keep my eyes open. “What the hell, Adele?” I said, trying to look up. My eyes widened when I realized it was Dad. “Dad” the words rolled off my lips as my heart beat fast. It’s been five years since I last spoke to him. He clenched his jaws, looking at me, holding himself back. “So the rumors are true?” He asked, sounding disappointed as I lowered my head. “For how long are you going to be a disgrace to this family?” He asked me as I lowered my head, clenching a fist. “You haven’t even been here for a day already whoring around?” He asked me, his voice full of venom ad. I lifted my head, looking into his eyes. “I wasn’t whoring around. If I am such a disgrace, then why recall me back?” I asked him, trying to fight back my tears. My father hated the fact that I didn’t have a wolf. “Andreas.” I heard Mum’s soft voice say as she came down the staircase. “She’s tired. Let her rest. Then we can talk to her tomorrow,” she suggested as he looked at me, then at her. Most people would calm down when they hear their mate’s voice, but not Dad. Mum was his second chance mate, but he treated her like nothing. “Go to bed,” she mouthed to me as I nodded my head, running to the staircase as I walked past her. Would have loved to talk to her, but we just had to meet at the most inconvenient time. “Hi Mum,” I whispered before I got to my room. I closed the door behind me as I leaned against the door, tears falling down my face, thinking about why I had left five years ago. Most people think I left because of a man, but I left because I am a failure. I have no wolf. I have no real identity.

Chapter 5 Chapter 0005

*Octavia* The next morning when I woke up, my head was pounding and I could hear the chattering from downstairs I knew that everyone was probably awake by now. I groaned softly, trying to cover my ears when someone cleared their throats. Blue eyes, long blonde hair… “Mum?” I whispered, opening my heavy eyes as I sat up to look at her. She grinned as she looked at me, her eyes teary. “Breakfast is ready downstairs,” she said, turning on her heel before I peeled off my sheets. I was in my T-shirt. Did I change into these last night? I inwardly asked myself as I looked at myself. ‘I am sorry:” I said to her before she could leave. She stopped in her tracks, turning to me and glancing at me. “Your omelet will get cold,” she responded without actually saying anything. Did she make omelets? “Why don’t you freshen up and I will reheat it for you?” She suggested and walked out of my room as I sighed heavily, nodding my head. I sighed heavily, looking at my bed. She probably came to help out in the night and made sure I was okay. I quickly made my bed and I went to take a shower. Memories of my handsome stranger filled my mind as I run fingers over my hand, recalling how his touch felt. His skin against mine. I can’t believe I am thinking about a man I am meant to be having a one-night stand with. I quickly freshen up and got into a pair of black joggers and loose white tees and sneakers before rushing downstairs. “Good morning Kiddo,” I said, fist-bumping with Adele and settling down. “Is Dad still in?” I asked no one in particular as I looked around. “No. He had to leave early.” She responded as I faked a smile. She placed my omelet down and a glass of coffee. She brought some pills into a small cup and went to get her things. “Did you come with any formal dresses?” She asked me as I looked at Adele, then back at her, wondering why she was asking. “Um... Not really, I just came with...”“I will send someone to bring over some dresses.” She finished packing up her things as I sighed heavily. ‘Wait, I have to—“ “Can I drive you to work?>” I offered, as she scoffed, shaking her head. I knew she was upset and probably not showing it right now, but I needed to make up for not going to see her first. “Mum, please,” I pleaded, clasping my hands together. “Fine. Finish up your food. We can look at dresses while you do that,” she said to me as I grinned at her and she took out her tablet. ‘But why do I need dresses?” I asked, digging into my omelet. I didn’t understand why I would suddenly need dresses to wear. After all, I was probably called to be part of Avery’s security, which I am sure of. ‘Because you are one of the few women who will be welcoming the Alpha King’s people,” She said “The what?’ I choked on my coffee as she looked at me with her eyebrows raised. “Mum, you are joking, right? I can’t be part of... I mean, I definitely can’t…” I stuttered as she tilted her head. “I have been away for five years. You surely can’t expect me to—”“Yes. You have been away for five years, Octavia Cohen. And what’s the first thing you do when you come back to town?” She paused as she fought back the tears that filled her eyes. “Mum, I am sorry,” I apologized, dropping everything and standing up to approach where she was standing. I know it hurt her feelings. I should have gone in to see her, but I was at the pack house. All the memories of that night finding out that my boyfriend was not my mate came back in an instant. “I am sorry, Mum. I wanted to see you, but...” I paused as she sniffled, looking away from me. “I should get going. I will be late” She grabbed her bags as I rushed to her. “I am a terrible daughter. I have failed you all this time, but I wanted to see you when I came back,” I said... “Mum, she came to the pack house,” Adele added as I turned to look at her ‘Adele,” I said, almost in a whisper, and she lowered her head. Wait... How did she know I got to the pack house? “You should have called me. You should have called your mother. Do you know how many nights I am worried about you? The questions I asked myself?” She asked me, her tears finally falling from her blue eyes. “Mum” I whispered. I hated myself for making her cry. She deserved better. She deserved better from me. “I wonder if you had a roof over your head. Did she eat? Who called for her? But what do you do when you get back in town?” She asked me as I went closer to her, holding her hands. ‘I am sorry, Mum. I have failed. But I knew your prayers to the goddess kept me safe,” I assured her as she chuckled, looking away. “I am sorry I worried you” I held on tight to her hands and she nodded her head. “I promise to make up for everything while I am here, okay?” I tilted my head, trying to look at her face, and she smiled. “Do you want me to cook later?” I offered, and she scoffed. “No. thank you. I don’t want to die of food poisoning,” she added as I chuckled, pulling her into a tight hug using my height as an advantage over her. “Let’s go. I am sure Arwen might be panicking.” She said to me as I quickly grabbed her bags and gestured for her to walk out fast and she rolled her eyes. I grabbed my phone from the table and winked at Adel, who waved at me as I walked out. “So why is the King suddenly coming down from his kingdom for the ceremony? Is that why security is tight?” I asked her, opening the door for her as she got in. “Well, a lot of things have happened in the last five years and the King is coming for the ceremony. You do realize he rules us so he will probably want to see if our new alpha is worthy and he might also be looking for his mate,” she added as I drove away thinking about everything. “Wyatt is worthy. Why bother about that? He surely has other plans,” I stated as I finally pulled over at the pack house and she looked at me. “It’s not Wyatt they are worried about.” She said, coming out of the car I frowned, wondering what she was talking about. “Who are they worried about?” I asked her as we walked inside the pack house. “Your sister,” she said to me as I frowned. I took in a heavy sigh as a familiar scent hit my nostrils. I would recognize that scent from anywhere. I was obsessed with it and still am. I lifted my head, looking at the staircase as my eyes met the eyes of the person I didn’t expect to find here this morning. “Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.