Chapter 49: Chapter 21

NATALIE

My family all greet me as soon as we step out of Dec’s truck. My mom pulls me into the biggest hug and she kisses my cheeks. Dad gives me a tight hug. “I’ve missed you, Honeybee.”

“I’ve missed you too, Dad.” His smile lights his face and he wipes a tear away.

Chase and Alana give me hugs, then Uncle Mark and Aunt Kendra. I pick up Gretchen and she gets a tight grip on me. “Hi, my little cousin.” She giggles and I let her to her feet.

My dad gets everyone’s attention and he steps forward with a small gift for me. “We didn’t get to celebrate Solstice with you, but we still got you something.”

I open the small box to find a beautiful locket, inside are pictures of my mom and dad.

“In case you ever forget how loved you are.”

I smile and pull it out of the box. “I could never forget.” Kya takes it and clasps it around my neck.

~“They really do love you”~. My mother’s voice enters my mind.

~“Yes, they do.”~

~“I am happy for you.”~

Jason and Virgil show up after all of the gifts have been opened. Everyone wants to hear about my time away, Kya especially. I fill everyone in on all the guards that I’ve healed and that the strange power, that was actually my pissed off mother, is no longer present.

“So what was the power and why were you able to feel it so easily?”

~“Should I tell them?”~

~“Only if you trust them.”~

“The power belonged to a Starlight Sister. The previous alpha held her captive in the dungeon.” I look to Kya. “That same dungeon.”

Kya growls. “If we would’ve known we could’ve helped her. I’m glad she was released, I know how she must’ve felt.”

~“She does know. She is your mortal sister? A healer?”~

~“Yes, mother. That’s Kya, the pack luna.”~

“You never would have known if Damon hadn’t become the alpha. The spell was tied to the Roberts alphas, since they’re gone, the spell is broken.”

“I hope she doesn’t take her anger out on the pack. There are some good people over there,” my uncle Mark points out.

~“I would never”~.

I hold back a chuckle. “She is gracious and thanked Damon for freeing her. She only takes revenge out on those that wrong her.”

“That’s incredible, you met a Starlight Sister. That would be amazing. What was her name?” Alana comments and I bite my lip.

~“I like that one. Tell her my name.”~

~“Mother, you’re killing me. Shouldn’t you be sleeping; the sun is still up?”~

“She’s the Goddess Realta.”

~“You’re talking about me. I can’t help it.”~

~“Mother?”~

~“Fine, I’ll go back to sleep. I love you, my daughter.”~

~“I love you too, mother.”~

Everyone is in awe and we talk about what else went on at the Ramirez pack. I tell them about Kenna and how she and I became friends. Jason and Virgil are looking forward to hanging out with her at school. Chase is more excited about the fact that I participated in training. The day progresses and night falls. Mom and Dad have an awesome dinner prepared then we toast marshmallows for s’mores.

“Nat, do you want to go for a run?” Jason asks as Uncle Mark and Aunt Kendra say their goodbyes.

“Yeah. I was only in my wolf once while I was away.”

I give my family hugs then rush up to my room and shift. I slip out the back and meet my friends. We take off at a dead sprint through the trees toward the western border. Virgil is always in the back while Jason takes the front. Once we hit the river we turn to sprint north to the fallen tree bridge. We cross the frigid waters then head to the rope swing. This is our usual hang out and we slow to a stop to wrestle around.

~“Nat. Dec is back. He can induct you now at the pack house if you’re ready.”~ Kya links me and I stop in my tracks. I yip at the guys and they take the hint that it’s time to go. We race off to the pack house and slip through the back. I stop in the laundry room to shift and dress.

I’m apprehensive as I knock on Alpha Redd’s office door. “Hey, come in.” I take a deep breath then step inside and sit in the chair in front of his desk. I feel like I’ve been sent to the principal’s office as I duck my head with my fingers twiddling in my lap. Dec grabs a knife then steps around his desk. He touches the knife to his palm and I don’t know what comes over me.

“Stop!” Dec tilts his head as he looks at me in question.

“I’m sorry, Dec, I just…” I don’t know what, but this feels so wrong. “I, I…” I squeeze my hands into fists then shake them out.

Dec takes the chair beside me. “Damon?”

“Huh?” I ask as I look up to his face and move a stray hair over my ear.

“Your connection to Damon. If I do this, you won’t be part of his pack anymore. You won’t have that link. You’ll be linked to me and our pack, where your family, your friends, and the rest of the strays are. Where your home is.” I swallow then take a few breaths. Why can’t I do this?

“Natalie. It’s your choice, but think about it. Remember what it was like before you all had your links. You’ll be alone again.”

“Dec, it doesn’t feel right.” I finally express what’s wrong.

Dec holds my eyes for a moment then a sly smile crosses his lips. “Natalie. I’m the alpha in this pack, the link helps form a bond between me and my pack, your lives are all tied to me so I can help if you’re ever in trouble. The link is important, but I’m not going to force you unless there’s an emergency.”

I let out a shaky breath of relief, but I’m still apprehensive. “Can I have some time, please?”

He nods. “Of course. You let me know when and if you’re ready. You know how to find me. I have to go convince Bruno to stay.”

“Bruno?” I’m shocked to think of Bruno ever leaving.

“Since Freya is his only child, he’s likely to go with her to Damon’s pack.” My mouth drops open. “She found her mate. The guy that was with you and Damon. I forgot his name.” He shakes his head.

“Geoff? Freya is mated to Geoff?” Dec shrugs his shoulders in an I-don’t-know manner.

“You know, Nat. I like you calling me Dec. You’re like the little sister I never had.” He tilts his head toward the door. “Go on, get out of here, it’s pretty late.”

I get to my feet, but stop. “Technically, I am your little sister. Goodnight, Dec.” He gives me a sincere smile and I walk back home. I slip into my pajamas that still smell like Damon and drift off to sleep.