Reunion
1241 Words
Savanah’s POV
My heart was pounding in my chest. Alpha Edward was furious—just as I expected. I could only hope he would cool down with time. But if he thought I’d sit quietly like I used to, he was in for a rude awakening.
The first thing I noticed after arriving was how grotesque the pack house looked. Once a warm, welcoming place, it had become... this. Had he really merged his personal house with the pack house?
Before, it looked like a cozy, two-story mountain lodge. The ground floor had a large kitchen, a spacious living room that served as a communal area for gatherings, and of course, the offices of the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Upstairs, there were guest rooms used for ceremonies—like pre-mating rituals.
In our society, once a wolf finds their mate, resisting the bond becomes nearly impossible. The mark on the neck symbolizes unity and spiritual connection. Still, we celebrated with weddings—or our version of them, rooted deeply in tradition.
The couple would spend the night before the ceremony apart, preparing in peace. Instead of priests, we had priestesses—servants of the Goddess. Our rituals were more pagan than modern, with fire dances and offerings under the moon to receive Her blessing. If the newly bonded didn’t have a home, they were allowed to stay in one of the upstairs rooms until the Alpha assigned them land or a home.
The inside of the pack house used to be warm—wood and stone interiors, open spaces, high ceilings, soft, airy curtains, bowls of fresh fruit on side tables. Everything carefully arranged by our Luna to feel like home.
Alpha Edward’s personal house, on the other hand, was cold and modern—gray, sterile, and whitewashed. It always gave me the impression that no one really lived there. Now, it looked like both houses had been forced into one unholy union, creating a distorted mess.
And Alpha Edward himself? He looked older, more ragged. I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of battles he’d faced over the years. And where was the Luna? She was supposed to keep his temper in check. That was part of her sacred role.
Luckily, before the tension could boil over, a familiar voice saved us.
“Savanah?”
When I heard the hope and joy in my father’s voice, I almost ran to him—just like I used to as a child when the kids at school bullied me. He was always the first one waiting at home to comfort me. I remembered one moment in particular: I walked into our house, and he was sitting in his armchair. The second he saw me, he opened his arms without a word. I’d run into them, never saying anything, letting him hold me. His hand would stroke my hair gently while he whispered:
“Even in the darkest hour, you are the light of my life. I’ll always be here for you.”
That was all I ever needed. The stares, the whispers, the bullying—it didn’t matter. Because I had them. My parents. Even if they weren’t my blood, they were mine in every way that counted.
But I wasn’t that little girl anymore. Not this time. I couldn’t be.
I smiled and waved at him instead, forcing myself not to run into his arms.
“Dad, the Academy sent me to assist with the attacks. It was a rushed decision, I didn’t have time to contact you—sorry.”
He pulled me into a crushing hug that made my ribs ache.
“As long as you’re here! Your mom’s going to lose her mind from joy. Why didn’t anyone tell us? If I knew you were coming, I’d have taken the day off—and so would she! We’d have waited at the gates, sweetheart.”
“I don’t think anyone expected them to send me,” I replied, my voice a little flat. But Dad didn’t seem to notice.
“I was stationed near the northern gate. When we heard someone from the Academy had arrived, I didn’t dare hope it was you. But then that i***t Derek started whining on the mind-link that you were here and that this time, he’d kick Dean’s ass if he got in your way. I almost blocked him right there. I swear, the moment he said Academy, my curiosity got the better of me.”
Dad made it sound like the most amusing thing in the world. I loved that about him—his light. I was glad that hadn’t changed.
“Wait—you were going to block him? Aren’t guards supposed to keep the mind-link open at all times in case of danger? Why would anyone break that protocol—especially someone as precise as you?”
“Oh, it’s Derek. Alpha sees something in him. No one knows what. All he ever does is complain. No one listens to him. We all block him—guards, too. But let’s not get into that; someone might overhear.” He glanced suspiciously toward the pack house like he expected spies behind every tree.
*“Come on, all of you. You’re welcome at our place. Savanah, your room is ready. Your friend can stay with you. And as for you two…” he turned to Eliah and Niran, eyes narrowing. “You’ll sleep on the ground floor. No mixed pairs.”
Mira burst out laughing.
“Couples? Us? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in weeks!”
She stepped forward, offering her hand.
“I’m Mira, this is Eliah and Niran. Nice to meet you.”
I just stood there staring between her and my dad. What just happened? I’ve been back for ten minutes and already managed to piss off the Alpha… and now my father’s embarrassing me like only dads can.
I needed a drink. Or three.
“Dad—Alpha already assigned us a house. I think I should stay with my classmates while we investigate. I don’t want you and Mom to feel... cramped.”
Dad’s face shifted from happy to crushed, like I’d punched him in the gut.
“But I’ll be at your place every day—breakfasts, I swear!” I added quickly.
He lit up again.
“Deal!” he grinned.
“Oh—I need to tell your mom! I ran here so fast I didn’t even think to call her. She’s going to kill me.”
He kissed the top of my head before rushing off.
“We’re officially a team now?” Eliah said from behind me.
“You wanted lead authority—you’ve got it. Mira and I won’t get in your way, but don’t expect us not to report things to the Council. It’s best if we work as a team, at least on the surface.”
“Makes sense,” Niran added.
“If they’re not with us, we’ll say they’re pursuing a different lead. That way we can keep an eye on them and prevent any... mistakes.”
“Fine. But don’t expect us to join your little family breakfasts or play nice with your friends,” Eliah muttered.
“Savanah?”
For Goddess’ sake. This day keeps testing me.
I knew I wouldn’t avoid this meeting forever. But I was hoping fate would give me a little more time.
Clearly, life had other plans.
- Writer
