A young blonde woman stepped up beside Tavi. "I'm Jenna. I work at the grocery store in town. You should come by and see me."
"I will, thanks." I smiled. Two other women, Carly and Mia, introduced themselves before drifting off.
Krystal pointed to a beautiful girl with chestnut hair. "And that's Elle, Nathan's daughter."
Nathan’s daughter. So he was mated? No, that wasn’t right. Nathan had openly pursued me during the run. That was before he knew who I was. His best friend’s little sister. Since Gavin made the introductions, Nathan had avoided me.
Elle glanced over, meeting my stare. Her expression darkened. She gave me a curt nod before turning away. I frowned. What was that about?
Krystal rolled her eyes. "Don't mind her. Teenagers.” She laughed before continuing. “So tell me, how's it feel being back in Stock Creek?"
I took a deep breath, glancing around at the familiar woods and pack house. Being here stirred up so many memories and emotions. It felt right...but also uncertain somehow. My eyes landed on Nathan again, and my heart skipped. I quickly looked back at Krystal.
“It feels good to be close to Gavin and Dad.” I took a sip of my drink, gathering my thoughts. "When I was three, my parents separated. They aren’t fated mates, but they were in love at one point. Anyway, Mom took me to live in Knoxville. We didn't see the pack much. Gavin stayed with Dad."
Krystal nodded sympathetically. "That must have been tough, being away from your brother and the pack."
"I was three at the time," I admitted. "But Mom needed a fresh start. And now she's moved to Florida, so it felt like the right time for me to come back. Be with Dad and Gavin again; rejoin the pack."
Tavi grinned. "We're just excited to have you back. Gavin's been bragging about his baby sister forever."
I rolled my eyes, laughing. "He'll see me as a baby until I'm 90, I swear."
The others chuckled, nodding in agreement. Jenna leaned in, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "So, tell us everything. What was life like away from Stock Creek? I've never even left."
I paused, choosing my words carefully. "Busy, mostly. College, then work. But I always missed home, missed the mountains and the pack." I didn't mention the heartbreak, the loss, and the betrayal that had also marked me. Some things were better left unsaid.
Krystal raised an eyebrow. "Any serious relationships?"
My stomach clenched at the question, but I forced a smile. "Nah, nothing worth mentioning. Just focused on my career, you know?"
It wasn't the whole truth, but it was all I could manage. The wounds were still too fresh, the memories too painful. I took another sip of my drink, hoping to wash away the bitter taste of the past.
“What do you do for work?” Krystal asked.
Glad for the change of subject, I said, "I'm actually starting a job at the elementary school here. Teaching pre-k."
Tavi's eyes widened. "No way! That's awesome. Those kids are lucky to have you."
I smiled, warmth blooming in my chest at the thought of meeting my new students. "I'm excited. It feels good to be doing something meaningful, you know?"
Krystal clinked her glass against mine. "To new beginnings," she said with a wink.
"To new beginnings," I echoed, taking a long sip. But even as the words left my mouth, I couldn't shake the feeling that my past wasn't quite done with me yet. And as I caught Nathan's eye across the yard once more, a shiver ran down my spine.
Laughter erupted nearby as children chased each other, their tiny feet kicking up dust. I watched them, a dull ache settling in my chest.Don't think about it. Don't go there.
My gaze strayed—again—toward Nathan. He stood by the firepit, talking with a few pack members, his stance authoritative but relaxed. The way his fingersbrushed through his salt-and-pepper hair made something tighten in my stomach. I forced myself to look away, refocusing on the conversation.
"Stock Creek's changed very little," Krystal said. "But some things never do. Like our favorite grumpy alpha."
Tavi smirked knowingly. "You keep looking over at him."
I stiffened. "I do not."
Krystal exchanged a look with Tavi. "Right. And I don't enjoy spending my weekends binge-watching reality TV."
I crossed my arms, defensive. "I haven't seen him in years. I barely, and I mean barely, remember him, though Gavin has always talked about him. He's just not what I expected somehow."
