At the beginning

Chapter 1

Ivy

The blank countryside just blurred past the bus window for what seemed like hours. If I didn’t know any better I would have sworn I had seen the same tree at least a hundred times. The land looked dry. It had been a while since we had had a good rain. Farmers near my hometown had been struggling to maintain their crops with little to no water and searing sun. My own grandparents were hit particularly hard.

I watched the white lines pass mindlessly, wondering if I had made the right decision. There was really no point in pondering it, it had been done. I was being brought home. I was lucky to have been able to study in another pack territory in the first place. Usually requests like that get denied instantly. My connections were definitely helpful. The fact that I would eventually return as a qualified nurse was irrelevant to the Fire Moon Pack leadership.

*ding* “Next stop, Driftwood.” *ding*

The bus driver announced over the speakers throughout the bus. I felt my body shiver. Coming back here was not what I had envisioned for myself.

Without taking any more time to talk myself out of it, I reached for my backpack by my feet and stuffed my drink bottle, half-eaten bag of lollies and book in.

I could see the town ahead. If you could even call it a town, it was really only an area school, post office, IGA supermarket and a small hairdresser/café/pizza placeetail shop. There were hardly any locals who lived in town. Most had farms close by. Like my grandparents.

The bus started to slow as it approached the stop. Sliding my backpack onto my back and yanking my duffle bag out from the self above the seats, I made my way to the front door of the bus.

The doors squeaked open and instantly a wall of hot air hit me. I grimaced before turning back to the bus driver.

“Thank you.” I nodded politely.

“Welcome home.” he said blankly.

That is where I am at. Even the bus driver pities me.

I stepped off of the bus and instantly heard my name.

“Ivy!!! Ivy!” I turned to see where it was coming from but was hit by a wall of man before my eyes recognized who the person was. This particular wall of man was a lot larger and harder than I remembered. Once I had finally regained my breath, I stepped back.

“Liam! What have they been feeding you?!?” I chuckled, looking him up and down. Liam has been my best friend since forever. Our Mum's met in their mum classes while pregnant with us. Ever since then, we had been glued at the hip. Obviously, apart from when I moved to the City Fury pack in Sydney. I took in Liam’s appearance more.

He was at least a head taller than me, and you could see his toned body underneath his clothes. His face was still the same, and his blonde hair was still messy.

“Will has been really pushing the training recently…” Liam shrugged. “What about you?!” He raised his eyebrows, “Little Ivy no more!” He elbowed me teasingly. I shrugged.

“Was it just you?” I asked, looking around to see if anyone else had come to pick me up.

“Yea, everyone else was pretty busy.” Liam nodded. I could see the pity on his face. Ever since my Mum died, my Dad and I had more of a strained relationship.

“Shall we get going then? I desperately need a shower - I smell like mothballs and bus.” I made a disgusted face.

Liam laughed.

“My car is back here.” he said as he picked up my duffle bag and led me to the car park behind the post office.

Liam chatted most of the drive to the Fire Moon Pack. He must have known I was nervous because most of the time he didn’t wait for me to reply to him. I was grateful.

The familiar cliff face leading to the main entrance of the Fire Moon Pack lands sent a shiver down my spine. I didn’t necessarily have bad memories here, but they weren’t overly enjoyable.

As if noticing that I was holding my breath, Liam gently took hold of my hand and squeezed it.

“I’ll drop you straight home. You won’t have to see anyone yet.” he assured me with a kind smile. I nodded before turning my focus back on the water splashing up against the rocks of the cliff. It really was quite a breathtaking picture but still couldn’t calm my nerves.

We drove through the main street of the pack, where the Community Hall and training center were. Then we continued through the housing. It was pretty cookie cutter really. Most houses looked the same, just different colours or different plants in the front yard. The Alpha’s of that past were not exactly creative or had design vision.

The road curved as Liam drove around to some of the older, original houses. The one at the far end, with its wooden log structure, old brick chimney, and dead rose bushes out the front, that was my Dad's. My childhood home.

But when i was growing up, the rose bushes were beautiful and laden with roses of all different colours. They were Mum's pride and joy. Neither dad nor I could bring ourselves to maintain them once she got sick and passed away.

The sinking feeling settled in my stomach. I closed my eyes, giving myself a minute to keep my emotions in check.

“I’ll grab your bag.” Liam whispered, letting me go through the motions and emotions.

“Thanks.” I tried to smile.

Liam walked with me to the front door and stood beside me while I waited for dad to answer. I had a key, but it felt strange using it. I hadn’t been home in almost 2 years. Dad had visited me once, but I could never bring myself to come home.

The door creaked as it opened and dad stood in the doorway with a smile on his face.

“Welcome home kiddo!” He grinned, putting one arm around me awkwardly. I smiled back nervously.

“Hi Dad.” I shrugged, walking through the open door and into the main room of the house. It looked exactly how I remembered. Not a single thing is out of place.

“I made you some dinner, there is plenty if you want to stay too, Liam?” Dad asked, gesturing to a tray on the bench covered in aluminum foil. I already knew what it would be, barbecue.

“Oh, thanks Frank, but Will arrived back home today so we have a family dinner. I will definitely come one night this week!” Liam replied, patting my dad on the shoulder. Liam has always been like a son to my dad.

“No worries. I’m glad the Alpha is home safe.” Dad nodded before busying himself in the kitchen getting our plates ready.

“Thanks for picking me up today.” I said as I followed Liam back to the front door.

“You’re welcome. Our usual hangout tomorrow?” Liam asked, raising his eyebrows excitedly.

“Sure. Be there at ten.” I winked before Liam jogged down the path to his car. He waved before getting in and driving away. I turned and faced the house again.

“Welcome home.” I mumbled to myself as I closed the front door behind me.