LOVE & MAGIC

Chapter Four: Time heals... Really?

** 2 Years Later **

On the airplane flying home for the first time since leaving, my anxiety starts running high. I wish I could have a drink but I'm still not 21. Eventhough it takes a ton of alcohol to actually get me buzzed because of the whole werewolf thing, I still could use a strong glass of something at least to get me on the right track to chilling out.

I have been so much better since leaving Oregon. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't think about 'him' as much as I could. There were a few times something exciting would happen and my first thought would be to tell River, but then I'd remember.

To my surprise though after a few months of keeping busy with classes and working, my thoughts of River completely vanished. As if none of it ever happened, like it was all a bad dream.

But now I'm being pulled back into that nightmare for Logans Alpha ceremony. My parents are so overjoyed and I wouldn't miss this moment in his life for anything. We've grown apart these past few years but thats part of growing up I suppose. Living our own lives, fulfilling our own destinies.

The flight was only a few hours and I silently scold myself on not choosing the long drive instead just to give more time to relax.

You would just be delaying the inevitable darling.

I shake my head in annoyance at Taren.

I make my way past the luggage pick up because I always only fly with a carry-on and see my parents excitedly waving their arms at me flagging me down.

Their scents instantly life my spirits and I can't help but smile a megawatt smile. Goddess how I've missed them.

"Soleen! Gosh hunny we have missed you so much! You look hungry, have you been eating?" My mother asks worriedly and spinning me around to take a good look at me.

"Mom. Mom! Please stop, I'm totally fine. " She brings me into a huge hug. "Dad, help." I feign injury to tease my mother.

"OK, ok, it's my turn." My father says and wraps us both up into his arms and squeezes tight.

We all giggle from happiness.

The drive only took a half hour back to the house, but watching out the car window opened the flood gates of bittersweet memories from not too long ago.

"It's really you!" Logan says excitedly as he jumps off the front porch into a jog, picking me up from the ground and spinning me around.

"Logan! My hair!" I cry as if I'm really upset.

"Since when do you care how your hair looks?" He puts me down and eyes me suspiciously with a sly smile on his face.

I punch him in the arm making him chuckle.

"Congratulations you dork." I say with a knowing smile that it feels like no time has passed between us at all.

Lots of preparations have gone into this Alpha ceremony. Not only is our entire pack invited but all the Alphas of surrounding allied packs are as well.

I get ready in my old room and I

it's making me miss Cara. She always had something disgusting to say that all always made me laugh and put me in a good mood. She couldn't make it tonight because she landed this killer traveling gig as a photographer and she is somewhere in Puerto Rico right now.

I was really hoping to see her on this trip especially since I don't know when will be the next time I come back. All the Facetiming just wasn't enough. To get the full effects of Cara you gotta be around her. Feel her energy, her joy, her fearlessness.

I put on a simple navy blue sleevless dress with black flats. Cara would lose her s**t if she saw what I picked out but I'm not here to impress anyone. One, I'm here because I love my brother and couldn't be prouder. Two, because it is my duty.

I sigh a heavy sigh, wanting to get this over with quickly so I can hop on the next plane and steer clear of River.

I take my place on stage beside my mother who is glowing with pride. I love her love for us.

My father begins, "Welcome everyone. I am so proud today to have you all here to bare witness as I relinquish my role as Alpha to my son, Logan Joseph Argyle. He has gone through rigorous training and he is far beyond his years. Do you Logan Joseph Argyle accept the role as Alpha of Light Moon Pack?"

"I do."

"Will you always lead with integrity and honesty? Being just and lawful? Will..." My father's voice begins to fade away as my mind becomes clouded.

The most intoxicating smell abruptly invades my senses and I frantically search the crowd for the origin of this heavenly smell.

It's like warm honey and cinnamon.

** Mason's P.O.V. **

Riding in the car up the road to Light Moon packs pack house I get a whiff of the most heavenly scent. I tell the driver to head east to follow the trail. We pull up to a small house and I see no one is home.

Getting out of the car I inspect my surroundings to see where this scent is coming from. The house has no lights on and I check the door, it's open.

"Alpha. We are already running late. We should head to the pack house. If we leave now we can atleast catch the end of the ceremony and wish the new Alpha well." My beta says from the front passenger seat.

I'm instantly annoyed but Damien always keeps me on track. I don't like to admit it but without him, most of what I do would crumble beneath me. My wingman.

I take a few last sniffs at the lingering scent before I head back.

It's like sweet roses.

"I think she's here Damien." I say in a monotone voice to try and hide my excitement. I'm an Alpha, I can't be seen falling weak at just the mear smell of my fated mate.

He looks at me confused but quickly realizing what I mean.

"Drive faster." I say to the driver, as he quickly picks up speed, so does my heart and I know Damien hears it; so much for playing it cool.

Damien chuckles.

I never thought I would actually meet my mate. Being 27 and unmated is sort of a long time for a wolf. I feel like my pack is suffering because of it. Not having a Luna, my second half. As much as I go on about it to others about not needing a Luna to be a great Alpha of a pack, it just isn't true. A Luna is what holds the pack together. She makes us stronger.

Her scent is intensifying as we close in on the pack house, it's a large building and I can see many people still filing in. I make my way through the crowd easily with them sensing my status from my scent.

That's when I see her, she on stage next to I'm presuming is her mother and she is scanning the room. Meaning she must be the new Alphas sister. She is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. Her thick long brown hair flows simply down over her shoulders. I'm not close enough to her to see her eyes so I push forward.

Everyone is clapping now and people are beginning to walk into the main dinning hall for dinner. I look around me taking my eyes off of my mate for one second and she's gone. I can't see her anymore.

I mind link Damien.

Get to the Alpha of Light Moon pack now and don't let him leave your sight.

Got it Alpha. What for?

My mate is his sister.