The crunch of gravel under the tires signaled our arrival at the estate. I glanced over at Ty, who offered me a reassuring smile as he parked the car. My heart raced in anticipation of seeing my family again, but there was also a nagging sense of apprehension. Everything had changed since we last met.
“Ready?” Ty asked, his hand resting on my knee.
I took a deep breath and nodded. “Let’s do it.”
We stepped out of the car, and the front door swung open, revealing a flurry of familiar faces. My parents rushed out to greet me with open arms, and I fell into their warm, lovingembrace. The scent of my mother’s lavender perfume calmed my nerves while my father’s strong grip grounded me.
“Sweetheart, we’re so glad you’re safe,” Mom whispered into my ear.
“Me, too,” I replied, holding back tears.
My brothers waited their turn before engulfing me in a bear hug. Their unique scents—two different colognes tinged with sweat—brought back memories of our childhood, when we’d bicker and tease each other mercilessly. Despite their differences, they’d always been fiercely protective of me.
“Little sis, you sure know how to give us a scare,” Mason teased, ruffling my hair.
“Like you’ve never done that to me before,” I retorted with a grin.
“All right, all right,” Michael intervened, chuckling. “Enough with the sibling rivalry for now.”
Ty’s parents approached me next, their expressions warm and welcoming. Persephone hugged me tightly, her long black hair brushing against my cheek. Her embrace felt like a protective shield. She genuinely cared for me.
“Welcome home,” she said softly, pulling away and studying my face. “You’ve been through so much.”
“Thank you,” I replied, touched by her concern.
Dominic stepped forward, his eyes filled with regret as he wrapped his arms around me. “Liza,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “I know I’ve apologized before, but I need you to understand how truly sorry I am for the pain my actions have caused you. It was never my intention to bring you harm.”
I looked into his eyes, seeing genuine remorse there. Though his past actions had set off a chain of events that had led us down this dark path, holding onto resentment wouldn’t help anyone.
“Thank you for saying that, Dominic,” I said quietly. “I appreciate your apology, and I’m ready to move forward.”
The remaining weight that had been bearing down on my shoulders lifted. We stood there for a moment, united by our love and determination to heal as a family, while the sun peeked through the clouds, casting warm rays upon our faces. Perhaps we’d finally found our way out of the darkness and into the light.
The sun was settingwhen Ty called the pack together in the clearing behind the estate. I stood beside him, the cool evening breeze sweeping across my skin. The rustling leaves above us whispered a promise of new beginnings.
“Keller pack,” Ty began, his voice strong and commanding. “Today, we celebrate our victory. Though we didn’t have to fight on our end, this ordeal has taught us that we cannot afford to grow complacent. We must continue to strengthen ourselves, and ensure that any enemy who dares threaten our pack will think twice.”
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, and I felt a surge of pride at the determination in his eyes. My mate, a true leader.
“Let it be known,” he continued, “that we are not weak. We are the Keller pack, and we will stand united against any challenges that come our way.”
A chorus of approving howls and barks erupted from the assembled wolves. I grinned, sharing in their enthusiasm, and glanced up at Ty. He caught my eye and winked, making my heart flutter despite the gravity of the situation.
“Tonight,” he announced, “we run as one!”
And with that, the transformation began. Clothes were shed as fur sprouted and bones shifted. The air was filled with the sound of snarls and growls as each member of the pack embraced their inner wolf.
I closed my eyes, welcoming the familiar sensation of my body morphing as the powerful muscles of my wolf form emerged. When the change was complete, I opened my eyes to find Ty’s wolf—a magnificent beast, with a coat as black as midnight—waiting for me. With a playful nudge, he urged me forward, and together we led the pack through the forest.
Our paws pounded the earth, sending up a spray of dirt and leaves as we sped through the densely wooded terrain. The world was a blur of green and brown, lit by the soft glow of twilight filtering through the canopy above. I relished the feeling of freedom, and of unity with my pack and my mate, as we raced side by side.
The damp moss, decaying leaves, and the musk of hidden creatures inundated my senses as we ran. My ears pricked at the distant hoot of an owl, and I let out a joyful howl in response. It was an affirmation of our victory. A declaration that we were finally free from the darkness that had plagued us.
We had survived, and together we would thrive. For we were the Keller pack, and nothing could stand in our way.
In the quiet hours before dawn, I found myself drawn to the edge of Heather Falls, my old home. A chill wind whispered through the trees, carrying memories of laughter and heartache, love, and loss. The full moon shone like a silver coin against the inky sky, shining like a beacon on the battered remains of what had once been my sanctuary.
I shifted and considered my old home. “Goodbye,” I whispered, the word catching in my throat as I touched the twisted gate that marked the entrance to the ruins. The metal was cold beneath my fingertips, clammy with the dew that clung to every surface. In the distance, I could hear the faint roar of the water as it cascaded down the falls as an eternal reminder of the passage of time.
