Beyond Instinct.

~06. Home.

Hazel's POV.

The air outside was crisp and cool, with a slight breeze that gently tugged at my hair, sending it spiraling to my face as soon as I stepped out of the car. The chilly evening air made my hair sweep to my face and tickle my nose and cheeks as I pushed them away from my face. The sky was a deep shade of blue, with a few wispy clouds stretching across it like brushstrokes on a canvas. I pulled my jacket closer to myself, wrapping my arms around my body as I gazed around.



Despite the chilling evening, there was a sense of anticipation in the air, as travelers bustled around with suitcases and travel bags, eager to start their journeys. 



"C'mon, let's get in," Tyler said as he and his friend dragged my suitcases along with them. 



As we made our way towards the airport entrance, the chill of the evening air followed me, feeling me with a sense of anticipation.



The northern airport is a sprawling complex with multiple terminals, runaways, and hangars. As we made a turn towards an indoor left hallway that looked like it led to where private jets were kept, I noticed the landscape changing from bustling crowds and commercial airplanes to a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere.



The hallways led us to a huge hangar where private jets are kept. They're large and well-maintained, lined up in a row of sleek and shiny ways packed on the tarmac, each with its sophisticated color.



Tyler led us to a specific opulent white jet. The name Grandiose Apex was boldly written on it in cursive writing, bringing out its uniqueness.



"Grandiose Apex," I muttered under my breath, wondering where I heard it before remembering when my dad told me about it.



I wasn't quiet enough since Tyler heard me, so he turned to face me. "You've heard about it before?" He asked as curiosity filled his eyes.



"Yeah, my dad told me stories about the packs in the werewolf realm. I originated from the Whitmore region." 



"Oh, Mia is also from the Whitmore region, you will both get along quite well." Tyler's friend chipped in.



Mia? I guess the confusion showed on my face, and he decided to clear it up for me. "Right, Mia is my mate. I'm Trevor." He stretched out his hand for a handshake.



With my gaze connected to my mate's, I brought out my hand to shake Trevor's. "Hazel," I said, telling it to my mate rather than Trevor. Shifting my eyes back to him, I gave him a light smile before taking my hand away from his.



Shortly after, the door connected to the entrance of the jet opened, gently touching the ground, emitting a grand staircase that looked like it was made out of metal. With a nudge of the head from Tyler, I mounted the luxurious, sturdy staircase that felt like I was walking on a glamorous red carpet.



An inadvertent gasp left my lips on getting inside. The interior is a masterpiece of opulence and comfort. Plush leather seats invited me to sit. I trudged carefully to the cream-colored seat, still amazed by the beauty of the interior. As I sat on the plush leather chair, the softness of the seat lured me into relaxation. The spacious seat offered ample legroom. The cabin is adorned with elegant wood paneling, giving it a warm and sophisticated ambiance. Soft, ambient lighting sets the perfect mood for traveling, state-of-the-art technology is seamlessly integrated, with a touch screen at my fingertips. On the farther side of the jet, there are lavish amenities, like a fully stocked bar and gourmet catering, adding to the indulgence. Just beside the bar, three mahogany wooden doors are side-by-side, which I guess are rooms. The jet is a haven of luxury and convenience.



"First time traveling, eh?" Trevor asked as he collapsed on the cozy chair adjacent to me. 



Pink coated my cheeks as I blushed in embarrassment, with a single nod of my head, I answered him. My heart strung in a rhythmic symphony, as my nose was coaxed with an earthly scent of the forest floor. Involuntarily, I stiffened as my mate sat beside me. I could tell they both noticed with the glances thrown my way. For a while, we all sat in an awkward silence, up until Tyler spoke.



“Don't you have work to get back to, Trev?” He asked, glancing at him.



“Do I?” Trevor threw back with a confused face.



With a raise of Tyler's brow, it was like something clicked in Trevor's mind before he exclaimed. “Oh, yeah, I need to give Mia a call.” With that, he stood up from his chair and entered one of those doors.



My gaze traveled towards my mate just to see him already staring at me. The golden rings around his emerald orbs pulled me in, speaking to me. He longed for me, his mate. Not able to take it anymore, I turned my peepers away. 



Clearing my throat, I nervously drummed my fingers against the armrest as I thought of something to say. “So…urm, where exactly are we headed?”



He snapped out of his reverie, blinking once before he answered. “We are traveling to my region, the Grandiose Apex pack. That's where you'd stay with me, seeing as we are mates.”



He stared at me, hoping I'd admit the fact that we were mates to him, but the look in his eyes deflated with my response. “Oh, that's nice.” I shifted in my seat, uncomfortably. 



“Yeah,” he said, “you'd get to meet my family and pack members.” He smiled. “They would be so happy to finally get a Luna.” He chuckled.



My eyes widened. “Oh, uh, that's great. I guess. I've not met other werewolves aside from my parents.” I let out. Trying to wrap my head around what I was about to say next, secretly hoping he wouldn't find it offensive. “Can we put off meeting the pack members for now?” I quickly spoke before I chickened out. “I mean, I'm not ready to meet other werewolves, seeing as I'm new to all these.”



The smile on his face swept away as he gazed outside the window from over my head. “Oh, sure.” He shifted his eyes to me, giving me a tight smile, “whatever you want.”



Not liking the sad look on his face, I had the urge to comfort him, which I guess that the mate bond had a hand in. I raised my right hand from the armrest as his eyes followed me. Dropping it softly on his as wave after wave of electric bursts ran through me. I could not help the blissful sigh that came out of my lips. “We're mates, I'm not going to reject you, but I ask for some time to come to terms with all of this.” 



His eyes crinkled at the sides, his high cheekbones raised slightly as the two dents on each side of his cheeks showed. His lips paved the way for a smile. “You should rest, it'll take a while before we get home.” He said.



Home. I loved the sound of that.