Chapter One
“Dad?” I questioned and hinted of concern in my voice.
“W-what? Youuu need?” He slurred and stuttered.
“Nothing dad, get some sleep.” I said irritated.
He's been on a binge drinking free for all for the last week. My mom is sick. Dad hasn't handled it well in the slightest. It's rare for those with a wolf side to get cancer.
I don't see the world in positivity anymore. I can't.
“Ava. Baby?” My mom called out from her room.
“Hey mom, do you need anything?” I smiled weakly at her.
“We will be moving soon. Are you excited?” She smiled. I loved her smile. Chemo hasn't been working out, so it was moms decision to move back to her hometown where her pack can help me when I come of age.
“As much as I can be, mom, you know dad still isn't happy about all of this."
"Honey, don't worry about your father so much." She responded.
I nodded and took my chance to go finish packing my things. Since Dad is drunk, I'll have to pack for everyone. Mom made the decision to live out the rest of her days where she was born, the pack has agreed to see to it she gets the best care and I get all of the education and training I could ever ask for.
'We will be okay, right?' I questioned my wolf half.
'Right as rain I just know it!' She spoke back in my head, always so damn chipper.
As I finished loading the car, my Dad stumbled out the door shock written all over my face. "E-e-everyt-thing is o-okay?" He questioned.
I was more concerned with the fact that he was almost butt naked.
"Dad, clothes." I covered my eyes and pointed.
"Oh." He said and went back inside.
I trailed behind at a distance. Mom was up and about doing something insane. Dumping all the booze. "Time to get sober, Mr." She stated. She looked so weak. The plan is to leave tomorrow, and dad has to drive, so it's a good idea he sobers up.
"Are we ready to go, Ava?" She looked to me, "Yes, mom. Everything we need can you tell me more about this pack? I want to be prepared."
"They're known for the best warriors. You shouldn't have much trouble, I was their best fighter before I met your father." She responded with so much pride in her voice.
"What rank were you?" Genuinely, I wanted to know.
"If me and your father didn't live and move here, your father would've taken the beta title since females can't hold that title to the Alpha." I nodded. "Honey, you should finish up what you need to do. We are leaving before sunrise."
I looked over to find dad completely passed out on the floor.
"What about dad?" I asked.
"Go on, Honey, I got him."
_______________
I'm in a bright green meadow. You can smell a storm on the breeze. It's calm, serene. I find my way to a path and follow it, a lake with crystal blue water. It's amazing.
A wolf is present in the distance howling, white fur. Beautiful.
Beep
Beep
Beep
I grumbled and hit the alarm clock. I went straight for the shower, the hot water washing away all my worries. I scrubbed my hair with coconut shampoo and body wash. I want to smell the best as I want to make a good first impression. I picked a t-shirt and leggings to wear for the day, brushed my teeth, and greeted my already awake parents downstairs.
"Good morning, my girl!" Dad was very chipper.
"Morning, dad." I smiled. It warmed my heart to see him sober.
"Are we all ready to go?" My mom asked.
"Yes, mom, I made sure. Let's just get this done, please." I responded.
"Alright, let's go!" Dad said. I braced myself as we all piled into the car. Mom with her oxygen tank, dad with a pile of munchies and me with my books. We are leaving all the big stuff behind mostly because mom said there will be the basics there for us within our rooms at the pack house.
The pack house is for crucial pack members to reside and guests. It's also a main gathering place for every member of the pack.
I look forward to seeing the beautiful sights my mom always tells me about and being able to cherish her memories even if she isn't around forever. I've come to realize I've never actually seen my mom's wolf or my dad's. I've only heard stories where we lived were not within a pack but outside of the pack, so shifting was not really permitted.
As we pulled up to the property, it was like a gated community. It looked absolutely massive! The front gate read 'Red Moon'. Dad pushed an intercom button, and within a few minutes, the gates opened.
I tried my best not to gawk as we drove through the pack lands. What looked like a mansion was where we stopped, "Holy shit Mom, how did you grow up here?" She smiled at my reaction. So much happiness was all over her face, I take a mental picture of this moment to hold for forever.
A group of people came out of the mansion (that is my word for it, but it's the pack house), as soon as I opened the car door I was greeted by a perky blonde, "FINALLY!" She almost shouted, "My name is Lori!" She reached out to shake my hand, "We have so much to do before your birthday party!" I looked at my mom confused.
"Lori is your cousin honey, you'll meet the rest of our family at some point, but Lori is only a year older than you she can show you the ropes." I groaned. This was going to be very overwhelming all at once.
As I finally stepped out of the car, "I'm Ava." I replied to Lori.
