Even if I’ve had three years to prepare while I’ve been away. Being back in Nightmist is a breath of fresh air I'd like to bask in a little longer before I’m meant to man up and apologize to the people I’d wronged in the past.
If my time away in the black ops squad taught me anything, it’s that no honorable werewolf should leave any stone unturned, especially if he plans on becoming a leader.
Cecelia is one of those unturned stones, and her resentment toward me must have festered into unfiltered anger after all these years. What happened between us still haunts me to this day, and I need to clear my conscience about it.
But I need to do it with a clear head, when the time is right, when I’m better prepared.
I wasn’t prepared to see her the moment I arrived.
“How about we go home?” I suggest to my little sister. “I’d like to surprise Mama before she hears about our return.”
Donna beams brightly and nods, slipping her arm into mine and using her free hand to salute. “Yes, soldier!”
Chuckling, I lead her forward, only to excuse myself from the group. Apart from those who’d come rushing by to greet me upon my arrival, I was accompanied by two squad members who’d become close friends during our time in black ops. They wanted to see what the Lunaris Pack was all about and decided to come through Nightmist with me. I tap the dirty blonde’s shoulder, and he turns with a chuffed smile.
“Hey, Dom,” Tyler says with a grin, glancing at my sister. “Who’s this?”
“Tyler…I’d like you to meet my sister, Donna.”
Tyler’s lips curl into a knowing smirk. “Ah, I’ve heard a lot about you,” he says as he sticks out a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Donna. My name’s Tyler.”
As soon as my sister places her hand in his, he leans over with a short bow and greets her with a kiss on her knuckles. She frowns and appears uncomfortable, so I step in.
“Hey…don’t get any funny ideas, Ty,” I warn with only a hint of amusement in my voice.
Tyler instantly pulls back and raises his hands in surrender. “I’m not tryna step on any toes here, ‘kay, Dom? I was just greeting your sister,” he winks at her as he leans in and points a finger at me. “Ya know, this one couldn’t shut up about you.”
“Well, I hope it was all good things,” Donna giggles.
“Even if it wasn’t, I wouldn’t dare say a word.” Tyler shivers. “This guy is a beast out there. I wouldn’t wanna cross him. Right, Nick?”
The other squad member who’d accompanied me to Nightmist, Nicholas, turns with a crooked smile, his eyes landing on Donna.
“You must be the sister!” he cheers, shaking her hand in a friendlier gesture. “I’m Nicholas Bartalow of the Crescent Moon Pack.”
“Nice to meet you. You’re from the pack down in Wells, right?” Donna asks, to which Nicholas responds with a pleased nod.
“Yeah. We thought we’d visit, considering we might become allies if your brother wins his alpha trials.”
Donna smirks as she glances at me. “Hm. I think he stands a decent chance, if what Tyler said was true.”
My chest fills up with pride as I stand between the friends I made during the most extensive training I’ve ever gone through.
“Yeah, your brother is a skilled werewolf. It’s no wonder Tyler is afraid of him.”
“I’m not afraid!” Tyler protests, but our friend only chuckles.
“Do you guys wanna stay for lunch? You’re more than welcome to join the Lunaris Pack in the cafeteria,” I offer.
Nicholas shakes his head with a grateful smile. “Nah, but thanks for the offer, Dom. We both have a long way to go, and the pack’s waiting for me.”
“Yeah, Moonshine’s probably waiting for me, too,” Tyler adds, stepping forward to pat me on the shoulder. “It was nice visiting Nightmist. You should visit Portland sometime. Bring your family with you.”
“Keep in touch, guys,” I add as we say our final goodbyes, briefly reminiscing about our time in black ops and sharing our relief to be home. It’s a pity the other guys couldn't stop by Nightmist, but they all have families and packs to get to.”
The other members of Lunaris who came by to greet us and meet my new friends began asking questions, but I put them off, assuring them that I’ll see them tonight at the communal dinner in the pack center.
Though I’d grown close to the members of the squad from neighboring packs during our time at the black ops camp, it’s good to be reunited with the old friends I’d grown up with. It’s nice to see how warmly I’ve been welcomed back. It makes becoming the alpha of this pack seem promising.
