Amaris

I’ve been pacing back and forth for the past hour, waiting for the taxi to arrive. I can feel the anger surging and showing no signs of calming.

I wasn’t expecting this to happen. I mean, obviously, it was going to happen at some point in the distant future, but not like this.

Not now.

A small growl slipped out as I heaved in deep breaths attempting to calm myself.

′You need to calm down. We can’t travel like this... We can’t lose control.′ My wolf, Aurora, chastised.

′Ugh! I know, Rory. I’m trying.′ I groaned.

I leaned against my dressing table and took a deep breath, counting to ten. When that didn’t work, I made my way into my bathroom. Maybe cold water will shock the anger out of me.

I glanced in the mirror before turning the tap on and splashing water over my face. I closed my eyes and let the water drip down my face, imagining it was the anger slowly rolling off my body.

′Everything will be ok, Amaris.′ Aurora tried reassuring me the best she could.

But it wasn’t going to be ok. How could it be?

′I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I don’t need your optimism,′ I sighed, grabbing the towel hung beside my sink.

I dabbed my face dry before looking in the mirror. I hated looking at myself; I don’t even recognise the woman staring back at me anymore. My life hasn’t gone the way I thought it would or even the way I wanted.

I should be happily mated and alpha by now. At twenty-three, a she-wolf should have met her mate, but that isn’t always the case, at least not for me.

A beep sounded around my tiny little flat, letting me know the taxi had arrived. I headed back into the bedroom, grabbing my suitcase as I made my way outside.

Well, Amaris... It’s time to face the music. It’s time to go home.

I gazed out of the window as we passed through the streets of Vancouver. I’m going to miss this place while I’m away... It’s so beautiful. The only thing I am looking forward to being home is letting Aurora out for a decent run.

This has been my home for the last three years. I moved here just before I turned twenty. Well, I ran away from home because that’s what I do; I run.

I couldn’t be at home. There was too much hurt and betrayal; I couldn’t cope. So, I left, and I’ve never been back... That is until now.

“Are you travelling anywhere nice?” The taxi driver chatted.

“Going home,” I replied nonchalantly, staring out of the window.

He hummed in response as he played around with the radio in the car until soft music filled the car.

I’m from a small village called Clovelly in Devon. It’s a stunning place, full of open fields and forests. It’s definitely a wolf’s dream. There are four neighbouring packs in Devon: The Crimson Pack, The Luna Pack, The Moon Lake Pack and The Dark Wolf Pack.

I’m originally from The Dark Wolf Pack. Our pack is named after a Dark Wolf... It was only a legend, something you would read in a book, but that all changed years ago... There has been rumours of a Dark Wolf.

The Crimson Pack got their name from the Alpha’s family, having crimson coloured fur. The Moon Lake Pack have a lake that shines as the moon reflects on it. I haven’t seen it in person, but I’ve heard about it. I’m not sure why TheLuna Pack has the name it does; I don’t think anyone does apart from them.

“We’ve arrived... I’ll help you with your luggage.” The taxi driver announced, breaking me out of my trance. I leaned forward, handing him some cash with a quick, “thank you.”

I climbed out of the car and waited as the driver pulled my suitcase out. “Thank you,” I acknowledged with a smile as he handed me my suitcase.

I took a deep breath before going into the airport. I checked in and went through the security before heading to the bar. I couldn’t board for half an hour, so I had some time to kill.

I’m anxious about going home, not because of what has happened, but because of my friends. Most of my pack understood why I had to leave, but my friends didn’t, not really. I left with things unresolved.

I mean, I don’t blame them... I was leaving, and they didn’t know when they would see me again. I made up with Ria, one of my best friends, a few days after leaving. We both apologised for leaving things the way we did.

There is only one person that still avoids me. I tried for six months to get him to talk to me... for him to try and understand why I had to leave, but he didn’t respond, so I gave up. I check in with Ria about him; to make sure he’s ok, but it’s not the same.

I glanced around the bar; it was pretty full. I strolled through the crowds looking for an empty table or seat. I spotted a table at the far end of the bar. I made my way over and flopped down in the seat.

“Hi, what can I get you?” A waitress asked as I set my phone and plane ticket in front of me.

“Um, I’ll have a gin and tonic, please,” I answered, reading a menu. I was pleasantly surprised they had table service, especially with how busy they seem to be.

“Got it. I’ll be right back.” She answered.

I glanced around and sighed. Alcohol doesn’t necessarily work on werewolves, but I need a little liquid courage for this trip. A few minutes passed by, and my drink was placed down in front of me.

“Thank you,” I smiled, glancing at the waitress.

She nodded before walking off to another table. My phone lit up, indicating I had a text message. I took a sip of my drink before picking my phone up. I had a text from Ria and my uncle. I clicked on my uncles first, taking a deep breath.

Uncle Tristan - Hey, Kiddo! I’ll be at the airport when you land. I can’t wait to see you. X

I sent him a quick text back before opening Rias.

Ria - Ahhh! I can’t wait to see you!! Tristan has already set off... He’s a little eager! I’ll meet you at the packhouse <3

Me - I’m waiting to board now. I’ll see you soon. Will Lucas be waiting when I arrive?<3

It’s a long shot, but I’m hoping he will be. He’s not only one of my best friends, but he’s my cousin too. I grew up with him. I thought he’d be the one to understand and support me. He was there; he saw everything I went through. I did the one thing I never wanted to do...

I hurt him.

“Please, don’t go,” Lucas whined.

“Luc... I can’t stay; you know I can’t.” I whispered, staring at the ground.

Lucas began pacing the floor, mumbling to himself. I went over and stood in front of him, placing my hands on his shoulders.

“Lucas, look at me,” I grabbed his face. “After everything I’ve been through, I need to get away.” Tears started streaming down my face. Lucas quickly wiped them away and sighed.

“Amaris, we can keep you safe. You have your necklace. Please, stay.” He pleaded.

“I don’t want this anymore. I don’t want to live in the pack... I don’t want the alpha position, and I definitely don’t want another mate. I can’t deal with that again, Lucas.” By now, the tears were falling uncontrollably.

“If you go, that’s it. We’re done.” He deadpanned, glaring at me.

I gasped, shaking my head. ”Out of everyone, I thought you would be the one who would understand... I guess not.” I growled. “Fuck you,” I spat, then stormed out.

I gasped as someone touched my shoulder. I took a deep breath, holding my hand over my chest, trying to calm myself.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He said quickly. “I saw you crying and wanted to make sure you were ok.” He smiled brightly at me.

I wiped my face and smiled back at him. “Yeah, I’m good... Thank you, though.” I replied. He nodded, smiling before turning to the bar. I followed his eyes and realised he was looking for an empty seat.

“You can sit here if you want?” I offered, pushing the chair out with my foot.

“Are you sure? I won’t be disturbing you or anything?” He asked.

I shook my head and smiled. “Not at all. I’m going to answer a text first, but feel free to have a seat.”

He nodded as he pulled the chair further out and took a seat. I picked my phone up again and started reading my text.

Ria - No, he’s not :( He’s helping with the funeral, but he’s excited to see you. I am too. I’m sorry about the circumstances, though. See you soon, love ya <3

Me - Thanks, Ria, but we both know he’s not. See you soon, <3

I powered my phone off and sighed. I love that Ria tries to help. The only way Lucas and I will sort this out is if he understands why I had to leave.