My Second Chance

Starting to Plan

After breakfast, I went to the room my parents were staying in. I knocked, “come in!” I heard my mom holler out to me. I walked into the room, seeing them packing their things.

“Hi guys,” I said, smiling at them, “Are you guys heading out already?” I really did not want them to leave.

My dad came over and wrapped me in a big, tight hug. “Unfortunately, we must go sweetheart. They need us to get back there so we can get back to covering training tomorrow morning.”

“I know how important good training is to a pack, and you guys are the best there is in the Blue Moon Pack. I know they need you back. I just want to be selfish and keep my mom and dad to myself for a bit longer,” I said as I hugged dad tightly. Mom came over and joined in. The safest I have ever felt has been those times when they both hugged me at the same time. This almost made me forget about the fact that my “mate” is not my mate and is using magic to get to me. I still need to figure this all out. That starts with me getting some uninterrupted time with my parents.

“I know I am always welcome back home, but do you think in the next week or so I could come home for a day or two? There are some things I wanted to talk to you both about,” I said, looking up at them. I knew this would make them a little worried, but I had hoped they would not push it while they were here.

“That would be great, sweetheart. Is it anything time sensitive?” Dad asked me, curious.

I sighed, “I suppose it is to an extent, but we need uninterrupted time, and I worry we will not get that here.”

Mom and Dad both looked at me, then back at each other, then back at me with a questioning look on their faces. “What is this about, Brooke?” Mom asked.

“I cannot get into it here guys. I am not trying to be difficult, I promise. I just really need to guarantee no listening ears and I can't do that here,” I said to them. “How about I come to visit in a week? Would that be okay?”

Mom sighed deeply, clearly unsure of all of this. She did not falter though, and she did not push me any further. “That sounds good, sweetheart. How about next Friday afternoon you drive out and you can spend the night?” I smiled back at her, reaching in for another hug. I needed it badly.

“That sounds perfect momma. Thank you, both of you, for being here for me. I cannot begin to express to you how much it means.”

Our hug seemed to last forever. I just did not want that safe feeling to stop. I knew they had to leave though. They had many responsibilities within the pack. I finally got up the courage to step out of our hug. Mom and Dad grabbed their things, and I walked them down to their car. I did not want to say goodbye to them, but our plans made me feel better.

After loading the car, they both turned to me and pulled me into a hug once again. “I am going to miss you guys. I know we can talk anytime, but I miss getting these hugs whenever I want.” They chuckled lightly.

“We miss that too, sweetheart, but we will see you in a week. I also know we will speak before then.” I looked up at two of the most important people in my life, knowing I had to do whatever I could to prevent what happened in my past life. I nodded my head, smiling up at them.

“Yes we absolutely will. I love you guys. Drive safely and please at least text me when you get home!” They laughed at me but agreed mom would text me when they got back to my home pack. John, Trent and their mates came out behind our parents with mischievous looks on their faces. Well, we know what they were all up to this morning, Allie says, chuckling. I can't help but laugh to myself. I hugged them all, saying goodbye. I watched as they got into their cars, started the ignitions, and drove away, waving to me as they went.

Here we are, alone again.

We are never completely alone, girl. We will ALWAYS have each other.

I closed my eyes and smiled. That we do, Allie girl. That we do.

I was standing there, looking out over the pack that I had grown to love, both in my previous life and so far in this one, when I felt hands snake around my waist. The telltale sparks let me know it was Alexander. I took a deep breath, trying to keep myself calm. I could not give myself away. It was far too early in the game for that.

“What are you doing, my love?” he asked as he held me close to him, my back against his chest.

I sighed, trying to relax myself in his hold. “Not much. I just said goodbye to my parents. They left a few minutes ago.”

“You miss them, don’t you?” Alexander said in more of a statement than a question.

“I do. Every day. I know I have been here for a bit now, but I still miss them. It is hard leaving what has been your home for your entire life.”

Alexander turned me around, facing him. “I know it is difficult adjusting to a new home, beautiful, but I also know that it will always be the home you grew up in. I do not mind you going to spend time with your family. I hope you know that.”

Well, that segued nicely, I said to Allie.

Absolutely!

“Well, since you brought it up, I spoke with my parents before they left and talked to them about me going there next Friday afternoon. Given I am going later, I plan on spending at least that night there as it will be too late for me to drive back.”

I looked up at Alexander, half expecting a fight from him, but shockingly, he smiled. “That is totally fine, Hun. I will miss you, but I know you have been missing your family. Yes, you just saw your parents and your brothers, but you did not have much time to spend with them given the ceremony. You should have some time with them.”

Is he for real right now?

Allie’s jaw had dropped as well. Ummm… he seems to be. Take the win!!

“I have some calls I need to make in my office. I will be there for a bit. There seems to be a lot to catch up on after the last few days.” Alexander pulled me in for a gentle kiss. My hands gripping his shirt, I leaned into the kiss and returned it. He pulled away, looking down at me, smiling. “I will see you later, but do not forget I am here if you need me.”

I smiled back at him. “I will not forget, do not worry.” With that, he went to his office.

I took another deep breath I knew I had been holding since Alexander made his presence known.

I cannot go back to that house. I feel like I am going to suffocate. I need some air.

How about we go for a run??

I chuckled at Allie. She was running circles in my head like a little pup.

Absolutely, girl. Let us run.

I walked into the woods behind the pack house. I found the set of willow trees I generally shift by. I quickly stripped out of my clothes and folded them. I handed control over to Allie, who very quickly shifted into her light brown wolf with bright blue eyes. Though it still feels strange handing over control like this, it is quite freeing to allow Allie to be in charge. I know she will keep us safe, and I know she will give me back control if I need to have it. She quickly and gently grabbed onto my clothes with her teeth and lifted her nose up, smelling the air around us.

Oooooo.. I think I saw a rabbit! Allie said, taking off running, not even waiting for me to respond. I could not help but laugh at her. This girl loved her rabbits. The expert hunter, who was my wolf, carefully and quietly snuck up on Thumper. She quietly set down my clothes and expertly went in for the kill. Though she enjoys the taste of human food, Allie is a wolf who prefers the hunt.

After quenching her hunger, Allie picked up my clothes again and took us over to the small stream that runs through this area of the pack. After dropping my clothes on the ground, she leaned down and began to drink, washing down the bunny she had just eaten. She laid down in the grass under a massive weeping willow, enjoying the sounds of the forest. It was so peaceful here that when Allie laid her head on her paws, I started to drift off.

I was almost asleep when Allie’s head popped up.

Someone is close. I do not recognize the scent.

Allie stood us up, on alert, getting ready to defend us if necessary. Turning towards the direction of the noise, we watched until we saw Alpha Theodore step out from behind the trees. Allie stayed on alert. “Hello Luna Brooke.”

Allie looked at him, sat on her haunches, and tilted her head to the side as if to ask what he was doing here. Theodore chuckled, pulling out my clothes from behind his back. “You know, we could have a much better conversation if I could understand you too.” Allie hesitated.

I believe we can trust him, Allie. Even Selene said he was one of her favorites. I do not believe he means us harm.

Okay girl. I trust you and I trust Mother Moon.

Allie walked up to Theodore and took the clothes in her mouth. She walked over behind one of the bigger willows and handed control over to me, quickly shifting back into my human form. I got dressed, then stepped out from behind the tree. “What can I do for you, Alpha Theodore?”

“Hmm.. I believe the correct question is what can I do for you, Luna?”