My Luna Has Returned

Touching the back of my head, which throbs with pain, confirms that I hit it on something, but I can't comprehend how I could have fallen off a cliff. I'm not reckless enough to approach the edge when it could give way easily. Could someone have pushed me?

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts and ease the ringing in my ears, I decide to follow the river upstream in an attempt to understand how I ended up here. After nearly an hour of walking in the pouring rain, I reach a section where the river rages, tossing from side to side with increased speed. Apparently, I woke up in the calm part of the river.

Panic surges again. What should I do now? Does my family even know I'm missing? Do I even have a family? The thought tightens my chest, and tears start to well up in my eyes. Cold, tired, confused, and scared, I move towards the tree line, the only way I can think of going since the other direction leads to the river and the cliff.

With no sense of direction, I keep walking until I hear the sound of cars ahead. I start running towards them, surprised at my speed. Maybe I'm good at sports. Without considering the risks, I jump onto the dark and wet street, waving my arms to catch someone's attention. Luckily, a car coming my way manages to avoid hitting me.

Shocked by what just happened, my mind remains clouded and confused. An elderly couple gets out of the car with umbrellas, and I try to hold back tears as I apologize for nearly causing an accident and plead for help.

The old woman offers me something to cover myself, and they invite me into their car. Trembling, I get inside, grateful to escape the heavy rain. Fearful but desperate for help, I push aside the thought that they might be dangerous and simply appreciate the warmth from the increased car heater.

As the old man drives, we move through a narrow street in what seems to be a remote area, with few street lights visible.

"Dear, what's your name?" the lady in the car asked.

"Riley," I responded quietly, my nerves getting the best of me. It felt like I had been reprogrammed and placed in an unfamiliar setting, completely out of my element, which was quite unsettling.

"Okay, Riley. Can you tell me what you were doing on the road this late in the night with this weather?" she inquired, trying to restrain her anger towards whoever had misplaced me.

"II don't know," I murmured, feeling a bit scared of their reaction. What if they thought I was lying and asked me to get out of the car? The thought made me breathe heavily, and I longed for my mom. But who was my mom? Did I even have a mom?

"Oh, darling, no. Calm down, we will help you, but you must be patient. The nearest hospital is two hours away, okay?" she reassured me.

I nodded silently, unable to say anything. Closing my eyes, I tried to think of my mom, wherever she might be. Not being able to remember anything was making it difficult to stay calm, but I did my best. I thought the best way to make the time pass was to sleep, luckily, I had no thoughts to disturb me.

The doctor conducted numerous tests to understand what had happened to me. At twelve years old, they concluded that my amnesia was caused by trauma, likely a blow to the head. The doctor couldn't predict when or if my memories would return, and that scared me more than anything. Forgetting who I was before the accident was an unimaginable fear.

He suggested that I was probably running from a wild animal and had a fall, stating that I was lucky to be alive. He initially planned to take me to a foster home, but Mrs. Dynson insisted that they take care of me until further notice.

As Mr. and Mrs. Dynson took me back to their car, I couldn't help but think that despite having no memory of my life, I was fortunate to have encountered this kindhearted elderly couple.

Four years later, as I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I was left stunned and bewildered. It was unbelievable, but I had become a werewolf! How was this even possible? Trying not to panic, I had to keep myself composed, as I couldn't risk my parents finding out about my transformation, especially after Shawn had jokingly suggested the idea not too long ago.

I had considered joining the school sports team, but the attention it would bring deterred me from doing so. Shawn, one of my friends, had even teased me, suggesting I might be a werewolf or vampire. His words stuck with me, prompting me to secretly research the topic. While some descriptions didn't align with my experiences, many mentioned superstrength, superspeed, and heightened senses – traits that aligned with my own abilities.

Despite my reservations about delving into the realm of mythological creatures, I couldn't ignore the anomalies in my life any longer. Thus, without my parents' knowledge, I would take their car and drive to the forest where everything began – the place where I had fallen over the cliff four years ago. Running through that forest made me feel connected to something familiar, a feeling I had been missing for ages. I longed to discover the truth behind these strange occurrences.

Time and again, I would call out to "my wolf" while running through the forest, hoping for some sign or connection, but nothing happened. Frustrated, I eventually gave up. However, today, while contemplating my lost family, my past, I felt an unusual connection. My bones cracked, my body trembled, and before I knew it, I was on all fours – a wolf.

Now, stranded in my wolf form, I tried desperately to shift back to my human self. The experience was unsettling, and I was unsure if my wolf could communicate with me. Chanting "shift, shift, shift" in my head, I remained trapped in this unfamiliar body. However, when I imagined myself in human form, a tremor ran through me, and I found myself back on my knees, naked, breathing heavily on the floor of my room.

Recalling the night four years ago, when I awoke naked, the mystery began to unravel. Perhaps I had been in my wolf form when the accident occurred, explaining the peculiar circumstances surrounding my transformation.

Despite the exhaustion, something felt different now. It was as if my brain had finally acknowledged a part of me that had been there all along – my wolf. How had I never felt it before? Why did it surface now? Perhaps my acceptance of being a supernatural being that shouldn't exist had triggered this awakening.

Curiosity turned towards my biological parents, wondering if they, too, were werewolves. As I pondered the unknown, a new chapter of my life had begun, full of questions and revelations about my true nature and the world I now found myself a part of.

Lost in thought, I gaze out the window, observing the car parked outside the house as darkness descends. The encroaching night doesn't bother me; after all, my supernatural eyes can easily navigate the darkness. As I come to accept my true identity as a supernatural creature, I feel a surge of empowerment and invincibility. The urge to run overtakes me, and I quickly change into a dress that will be easy to take off, slip on some sandals, and grab my purse.

"I'm going to Anna's!" I call out, reaching for the car keys. But before I can open the front door, my mom emerges from the kitchen.

Part of me wants to be selfish and demand that she undergo treatment to have more time together, but I keep my thoughts to myself, cherishing every moment I spend with her.

"I know, but her dog destroyed part of the project, and she needs help," I fib, feeling the pang of guilt tugging at my heart. I don't like lying to my parents, but I fear their rejection once they discover my true identity as a supposed "freak" or an existence that shouldn't be.

With a sigh, my mom reluctantly gives in, as she always does when it comes to my independence. She doesn't want to hold me back, recognizing that I can take care of myself.

"Just don't stay out too long, okay, dear?" she cautions.

"Yes, Mom. I love you," I reply, giving her a kiss and a hug. It has become a ritual for me to do so every time I leave the house, uncertain if she'll still be there, okay, and alive when I return.

...

I drive quickly, eager to return home before it gets too late. Parking in a secluded area, I ensure no one is around before stripping off my clothes and focusing on embracing my wolf form. I call for her, visualizing the image I saw in the mirror. My heart races as my bones crack and my body trembles, once again standing on all fours as my wolf.

A surge of adrenaline and excitement courses through me, and I happily bark and leap around, in tune with my wolf's emotions. I feel guilty for ignoring her existence for four long years. She was hidden from me, and now I finally embrace her.

Bursting with joy, I let out a loud howl without expecting a response. To my surprise, I hear another howl in return. My heart pounds erratically, and instinctively, I run towards the source of the sound. I howl again, receiving another howl in response. This exchange continues until I spot another figure in the darkness.

Uncertain of what to do, my ears lower, tail tense as I cautiously approach the unknown wolf, who is smaller than me. When we get close enough, the wolf playfully barks at me, and I respond in kind. We begin chasing each other, playfully teasing, barking, and howling. It's the most fun I've ever had, feeling like a pup all over again.

Time slips away as we continue this game, but suddenly, another wolf howls, and the one with me howls back, indicating it's time for her to return home. I take this cue to head back to my car, which takes longer than expected, making me nervous as I promised my mom I wouldn't be too late.

Although my parents have offered to fund the trip, the thought of leaving them behind unsettles me. Having already lost one family, I'm determined not to lose another. Besides, they wouldn't be able to keep up with my pace in the wild, so I've been saving money for the day I muster the courage to go. After all, I'm only sixteen, and I want to be done with school before embarking on any big adventures.

As the night goes on, my eyes grow heavy, and I prepare for bed. Before drifting off to sleep, I express gratitude for my parents and my newfound discovery.

Seven years had passed, and I felt utterly numb. Tears had left my eyes irritated, and the weight on my chest felt like an elephant sitting on it. My wolf inside me howled in pain, reflecting the agony in my heart. I couldn't bear to leave the cemetery, where my deceased father lay at rest. The pain was overwhelming.

My mother had passed away three years earlier from cancer, but at least her passing had been painless. I was grateful she didn't have to suffer. With her gone, my father became my anchor, and together, we coped with the loss. Taking care of him and the house helped keep me occupied. I had been working since the age of fifteen to support the family who took me in when I had no one else. They didn't need the extra money, but I couldn't stand idly by, knowing the sacrifices they made for me.

My father had been my best friend. We shared a love for books, discussing them after I finished reading. But now, he was gone, and the pain of being alone was unbearable. With no children of their own, only a few friends attended his funeral, most of them no longer alive themselves.

I had deliberately avoided close friendships because I couldn't bear the pain of loss, especially after my mother's death. But now, with both my parents gone, I felt utterly lost.

Yesterday, the lawyer read my parents' will. They left everything to me— the house, their belongings, and a substantial amount of money they had carefully saved over sixty years. But despite this wealth, my mind was elsewhere, still longing for my father's presence.

Deciding to keep the house as a remnant of my parents, I chose to rent it to an organization dedicated to rescuing trafficked girls, providing them safety until they could find a secure home. The condition was that they kept the house intact, and I allowed them to keep most of the furniture except for the items with sentimental value, which I stored away.

Feeling suffocated, I knew I had to leave and breathe, allowing my wolf to run free. Once I settled the affairs related to the house and my parents' belongings, I planned to pursue my dream destination: Russia. As much as I disliked the idea of leaving my parents' graves alone, they had each other, and I believed they would understand.

Whispering "I love you, mom and dad" to their resting places side by side, I still couldn't grasp the reality that they were gone forever. We had shared just eleven precious years together, which had passed like a blur. Now, I longed to go back in time and savor those moments a little longer. Eleven years were too short when it came to the people you loved.

Although I yearned to find my biological parents, fear of a blood test revealing my nonhuman nature held me back. Still, I knew I would figure it out eventually. For now, it was time to focus on myself and discover who I truly was, now that I had no one else to lean on.

...

Moving on is an arduous process, regardless of the circumstances. My connection with my adoptive parents ran deep. They not only saved my life but also became the first people I formed memories with after the incident. Now that they were gone forever, it left me shattered.

Detaching myself from their memory took weeks. The thought of parting with their belongings, their essence, threatened to tear me apart. But I knew they would forever hold a place in my heart. My adoptive parents would never be forgotten.

Leaving for an uncertain period brought some comfort knowing they would be there when I returned. Just before boarding the plane, I gazed at the stars, feeling their presence watching over me. Somehow, I knew they were proud that I was embarking on my first independent journey.

As I handed my ticket to the woman at the gate, she directed me to my businessclass seat. I wanted to be comfortable during the long flight, fearing a panic attack in the cramped economy section. Strangers made me anxious, and the thought of sitting beside one for hours stressed me out. So, I indulged myself with this treat.

Stowing my bag under the seat, I settled by the window, still in disbelief that I was going to Russia. The idea seemed crazy, considering I was always the odd girl at school who stuck close to her parents, who others often mistook for grandparents. I had skipped camping trips, fearing something might happen to my mom while I was away, leaving me disconnected from my classmates.

While they laughed at me, I never bothered to explain the real reasons behind my behavior. Those classmates were just nameless faces, and their opinions meant nothing to me. However, I sometimes regretted not becoming more independent while my parents were still alive, unprepared for the life that awaited me once they were gone.

Thankfully, my parents had equipped me with essential skills like cooking, cleaning, and sewing. My dad even taught me car repair and wilderness survival. Although I could fend for myself, it didn't lessen the void they left behind.

With my eyes closed, the plane accelerated, and I thanked my parents silently for the life they provided and the woman I had become. Embarking on my own adventure filled me with both excitement and fear, wondering what experiences awaited me.

Who would've thought Russia could be so damn cold! I mean, I've seen snow before, but this is insane! Thankfully, as a werewolf, the cold doesn't bother me much, but I need to act like a regular human without any superpowers.

When the Uber stops, I thank the driver and try to contain my excitement. I walk briskly towards the forest, and once I'm in front of it, I'm in awe of the majestic trees. I can't believe I finally made it here after years of dreaming about this place.

Suppressing my yelp of excitement, I make sure no one is watching before I step into the forest, taking in the magical scenery blanketed in snow. The sounds of various animals inhabiting the forest make my heart flutter. There's something strangely familiar about this place. As I take a deep breath, something stirs inside me, and my wolf becomes restless. Perhaps it's because we're finally in the place we've always longed to visit, but there's an odd feeling I can't quite pinpoint.

I strip off my clothes and stash them in a bag hidden in a bush. Swiftly, I shift into my wolf form and can't contain myself any longer. I raise my head and howl to the sky, then start running through the forest with pure joy.

I bark and yelp in excitement, playfully bumping into trees and bushes, reveling in the freedom I feel. In a clearing, I fall onto my back, shaking and rolling from side to side, savoring the sensation of the snow against my fur. I howl, my initial joy turning into a bittersweet melody of longing and loneliness.

I'm all alone in this vast forest. Wolves thrive in packs, but I have no one else like me. The feeling of isolation weighs heavily on me, and I ache for my lost family and friends from the incident that robbed me of my memories. I yearn for warmth and familiarity, but I'm left alone in this world, and it cuts deep.

Suddenly, I hear howls – multiple howls joining my own. My heart races as I run towards the sound. Could they be like me? Other werewolves? Will they be friendly, or will they see me as a threat?

I howl desperately, seeking an answer, and I receive plenty in response. My mind is in a daze, excitement and fear battling within me. I've only encountered one other werewolf before, during my first transformative run. But now there are more, and I crave their acceptance and companionship, as I have no family left.

In my haze, I fail to notice a few feet away a bear feeding on a dead deer. My realization dawns only when I accidentally bump into it.

I back up immediately, trying to make myself look smaller as the bear turns and growls at me.

Oh, shit.

Was I about to become a bear's meal just before meeting others like me? The fear and desperation to cry overwhelmed me. I whimper and try to back away from the bear, but it stands on its hind legs, ready to attack. I close my eyes, unable to face it, when suddenly, I hear more growls and barks. Wolves, the sounds of wolves!

As I open my eyes, I see differentcolored, huge wolves standing in front of me, protecting me. Their barking and growling drive the bear away, and they turn to me with curiosity rather than hostility.

Approaching me, one of the wolves sniffs the air and then sniffs me, tilting his head curiously. I stand tall, barking at him to show I mean no harm. He barks back and motions for me to follow him. Feeling accepted, I walk behind him, and the other wolves surround me, forming a protective circle.

We walk for a while until the forest opens up into an unexpected town that wasn't on any map I'd seen before. My fascination with maps and my knowledge of Russia didn't account for this place. In front of us stands a large mansionlike house made of ancientlooking stones.

The wolves suddenly begin shifting into their human forms, leaving me feeling shy and embarrassed. A woman greets me kindly, covering me with a blanket, and urges me to shift so I can meet the alpha.

Once I'm covered, I shift back into my human form, and the men surrounding me are now clothed in jeans and simple shirts, studying me with curiosity. I realize that it's rare to find a lone wolf.

Just as I wonder what's happening, I meet the gaze of an old man whose eyes are locked onto mine. He seems shocked, and he sniffs the air as if trying to confirm something. Before I can react, he embraces me tightly, lifting me from the floor.

Confused and overwhelmed, I try to speak, but he pulls away slightly, and another woman comes running towards me, embracing me as well, calling me "baby" and "home."

Feeling breathless, I pull away from their embrace, not understanding why they are showing such affection. Besides my adoptive parents, no one has shown me empathy before. I ask who they are and how they know me, and their response leaves me stunned.

They claim to be my parents, but I can't comprehend it. Their faces are somewhat familiar, but I've never been to Russia before. My confusion and doubts irritate them, and I scream in pain as my brain throbs and memories start flooding in.

The realization hits me – they are indeed my parents, and I remember them now. Memories come back in a painful rush, putting names to the faces that were triggering my brain to remember.

Before succumbing to the darkness, I can hear their concerned voices, and I finally accept my true identity and the family I've found.

Reluctantly, my father agreed to let me go, but he insisted that I stay close to him or one of my older brothers throughout the trip. It frustrated me at times, making me feel like a little child instead of a twelveyearold who wanted to be treated more like an adult. My mother, on the other hand, would remind me that acting responsibly was the first step toward earning such treatment, urging me to focus more on my grades at school.

...

"Stay by my side at all times, and never go to the forest alone. There have been reports of rogue sightings, and they could attack at any moment. Do you understand?" My father repeats his warning, which frustrates me. How am I supposed to enjoy my freedom now? The adults here are so overprotective.

I respond with a growl, expressing my annoyance, as Mark, my dad's beta, parks the car outside the packhouse of the American pack we're visiting.

"Don't growl at me, young lady," my father warns before leaving the car to meet the pack's alpha. He's always on edge when we're outside our own pack's territory, knowing he can't keep an eye on me constantly.

Noah nudges me to get out of the car, and I comply, feeling irritated. One day, they'll regret treating me like this. I feel like a burden, like that bag of groceries no one wants to carry because it's too heavy or smells bad. All I want is to be appreciated. Is that too much to ask?

We're greeted by the alpha of the pack and a woman who appears to be a maid. She leads us to our guest rooms, and I'm grateful to have one all to myself. I need some time alone.

Once I've unpacked my belongings, I leave the room and close the door behind me. I start heading downstairs, following the path the maid took us through earlier.

As I walk around, I feel a bit shy and uncomfortable being in a place that doesn't belong to me, surrounded by people I don't know. I'm not even sure if I'm allowed to roam freely in the house.

"Can I help you?"

I jump in surprise at the unfamiliar voice coming from behind me. Turning around, I make myself smaller, feeling intimidated by the large man standing there.

"Uh, hi, yes," I mumble and then clear my throat to sound more confident. "I'm looking for my father, the alpha of the Silver Moon pack from Russia."

He nods, understanding what I said, and smiles, which looks odd on his rugged face.

"They're outside. Let me guide you," he says, placing a big hand on my shoulder, and we walk through the packhouse until we reach the gardens. There, my dad is sitting with the alpha of this pack, smoking a cigar. Noah and another guy around Noah's age are also present.

The conversation stops when they spot me, and suddenly, I feel nervous.

"Alpha," the big man says, bowing his head before leaving. I want to call him back, feeling like I need some backup. He exudes trust and warmth, despite his imposing appearance.

"I want to join," I say with as much confidence as I can muster, though my fingers betray my nerves as I fidget with them.

"Not now, Riley. We are discussing pack matters," my dad dismisses me.

My heart compresses and explodes at the same time, and my cheeks turn red from anger and disbelief.

"But you said I could come to get to know about pack business," I protest, my voice coming out a bit squeaky.

He sighs, clearly annoyed by my persistence.

"Riley, that may have been your excuse for coming, but let's be honest, you wanted to come to America with me. You don't really care about pack stuff," he says calmly.

He's not entirely wrong. While I don't have aspirations to lead a pack, I am curious about pack matters and believe that, as an alpha's daughter, I should have some basic knowledge about our community. Plus, I want to be taken seriously, and engaging in adult discussions seems like a good way to do that. It's frustrating that they assume I don't find pack business important.

"Fine. Whatever you say, father," I reply, emphasizing the word "father" to express my annoyance. For me, "dad" is a warmer and more personal term, so when I call him "father," he knows he's upset me.

I'm fuming, and my wolf feels restless. She's young and eager to run freely, just like me, and that's exactly what I intend to do.

Leaving the packhouse behind, I head towards the forest, its tree tops visible in the distance. I walk with determination, feeling like I'm in charge of my own destiny, even if I'm just a twelveyearold with limited control over my life.

Once in front of the forest, I make sure no one is watching before I go deeper into the woods, finding a safe spot to leave my clothes. I shift into my wolf form, embracing the freedom and sense of control it provides. Being an alpha's daughter comes with its own set of challenges, as my dad's protective instincts can sometimes be overbearing, especially towards me, the youngest of the family.

I growl as my thoughts race in my head. I feel trapped and suffocated, craving more freedom and to be taken seriously. I want to be treated like a capable individual, not a naive child.

But my growl is interrupted by another growl that is not my own.

My heart races as I turn around to face a silverhaired wolf with wild red eyes, growling menacingly, ready to attack me.

Oh no! The rogue wolves! I had completely forgotten about my dad's warning in my anger and frustration.

Without a second thought, I whimper and dash away from the rogue wolf, even though I know I can't outrun an adult wolf, especially one that seems rabid.

I keep running, howling loudly, desperately seeking help. I don't stop until I reach the edge of a cliff. I come to an abrupt halt, realizing that there's no ground left beneath my paws.

I turn around, refusing to expose my back to the enemy. The rogue wolf growls, baring its fangs, and fear courses through me. I hear another howl in response to my distress call, but I doubt they'll arrive in time.

Before I can react, the rogue wolf lunges at me.

Instinctively, I jump back, trying to avoid the attack and certain death, but there's no ground left, and I plummet down the cliff. Midair, I shift back to my human form to be able to swim and breathe, but as soon as I hit the raging river below, pain envelops my head, and darkness consumes me.

Alec's POV

I wipe the sweat from my forehead using the hem of my shirt. Training with the guys was challenging, but nothing I couldn't handle. Today was particularly amusing, watching Carter attempt to coax Carmen into exercising while she only wanted to relax and munch on some chocolate chip cookies. Rebecka made sure to capture it all on video, and I knew it would lead to some playful arguments later in the day. It was all in good fun, and I enjoyed witnessing their banter.

My attention is diverted when I see my mother rushing past me, visibly upset and murmuring to herself. I try to call out to her, but she's out of sight before I can intervene. Worried, I make my way towards my father's studio.

I enter without knocking, knowing it would slightly annoy him. "What's wrong with mother? She seemed as if someone died," I inquire with concern.

My father glances up with a lazy smile on his face, and my frown deepens. "Remember the young shewolf that went missing about a decade ago?" he asks.

Of course, I remember. The case was serious and remained unsolved for years, putting the entire kingdom on high alert. I recall my mother befriending the missing pup's mother during that time. It was difficult to witness her sorrow, and the thought of something happening to my younger sister, who was just thirteen at the time, made my wolf angry.

"Yes, I remember. What about it?" I reply, waiting for an explanation.

My father's smile grows wider. "Just this morning, the pack's patrol found her wandering alone in the big forest close to the pack. Isn't that amazing?"

I'm left speechless, trying to process the unexpected news. How is this possible? Why has she resurfaced now? Didn't she go missing in a state in the United States? My mind is full of questions, and it's hard to make sense of the situation.

"They didn't provide many details over the phone, too astounded themselves, I suppose," my father adds, still seemingly in disbelief. "I'm actually on my way there now. I need you to be on high alert in case anything requires my attention, okay?"

I nod in acknowledgment before heading to my room to take a shower. Once there, I quickly make my way to the bathroom. The hot water soothes my tense muscles, but as I near the end of my shower, I turn the water cold to distract myself from the swirling thoughts that threaten to overwhelm me.

My parents are growing impatient, pressuring me to mate with Elena, the daughter of the prime minister. However, I can't stand her spoiled and entitled attitude. I refuse to settle for anyone other than my true mate, but time is running out, and the pressure is mounting.

With my mood dampened, I put on some clothes and make my way to the living area where my friends are already gathered, looking refreshed. Ignoring their cheerful greetings, I head straight to the bar and pour myself a humble glass of whiskey, seeking a moment of solitude to reflect on my life and the uncertainties it holds.

"Hey, man, everything okay?" Carter's concerned voice reaches my ears, and I respond with a grunt. Slumping lazily onto a nearby couch, I spill a little of my drink on the carpet without much care.

Felix brings up a topic, and I furrow my brow, clueless about what he's talking about. "What are you talking about?" I ask, trying to catch up with the conversation.

"That shewolf who went missing eleven years ago was found this morning," Rebecka informs me. News and gossip spread like wildfire in the palace, and I find myself nodding in acknowledgment.

"Yeah, my father told me after training," I reply, feeling like I'm not fully engaged in the discussion, but my mind is preoccupied with other thoughts.

Carmen seems to have a lot of questions about the girl's return. "We'll probably find out more tonight," Rebecka says with a smile. Both Carmen and Rebecka are curious and love gossip, just like cats.

Confused, I inquire why the revelation will be made tonight. Carmen explains that Annie, our friend, had informed her that the queen is throwing a welcoming party for the shewolf. As my mother is still with her friend's daughter, the responsibility of event planning has fallen to my sister.

I let out a sigh. "My mother is acting like this strange girl is her own daughter, as if she's never seen her before," I mock, not understanding her behavior. Carmen scolds me with a wellplaced heel hit to the side of my head, to which I complain and retaliate by tossing the heel away. In return, she gives me a playful smack on the back of my head.

"Carter!" I protest, seeking support from my friend. He simply shrugs, saying, "What? You upset her in the first place."

"But she's your mate," I point out.

"Exactly, which is why I shouldn't upset her," he replies with a goofy grin, sending a kiss to his mate as the two girls leave the room.

As I lie back, thoughts swirling in my mind, I realize I might have to make an appearance at the party for my mother's sake. The return of the girl after eleven years is quite remarkable. I had assumed she was long gone, but fate seems to have favored her. I find myself with many questions about her return, but I'll have to wait until the party starts to find out more.

Riley's POV

I was jolted upright as vivid images flooded my mind, unlocking memories from eleven years ago. My hand instinctively reached for my forehead, feeling a slight throbbing sensation. As I glanced around, I realized I was in my old room, the sight of a twelveyearold girl's space making my heart ache. I wasn't that innocent little girl anymore, and the realization hit me hard.

Before me sat my entire family, with my dad and mom by the foot of the bed, and my three older brothers scattered around. Their eyes were filled with various emotions, and I could sense my wolf feeling overwhelmed with emotions as well. It was strange; with the memories rushing back, it felt like everything had happened just yesterday, but their appearances showed that years had indeed passed.

Gray hairs had appeared in my father's hair and beard, and wrinkles marked his face. Although he seemed softer, he appeared smaller in my eyes now that I had grown taller. My mother looked mostly the same, but the years had taken a toll, leaving her looking more tired with wrinkles around her eyes.

My brothers, on the other hand, had transformed into matured, muscular men. Their faces had sharpened, and I couldn't help but be surprised by the sight of them. Their eyes, once distant and indifferent towards me, now showed a longing to hug and hold me close. It was something I had always yearned for, to feel the love of my family once again.

"Mom," I whimpered, tears streaming down my face. My mother's response was immediate; she rushed to me, and we both embraced tightly, tears flowing freely. My dad soon joined, holding my face gently as he expressed his apologies for my disappearance, blaming himself for the incident.

Trying to ease his guilt, I reassured him that it wasn't his fault, and that I had wanted to go for a run that night anyway. My brothers followed, hugging me in turns, a sight I never thought I'd experience.

We spent a long time in each other's arms, basking in the joy of being reunited as a family. Later, the Queen, who had become my mother's close friend after the incident, entered the room. Surprisingly, she greeted me warmly, hugging me tightly, and I found comfort in her embrace.

Moving to the living room, I shared my experiences after waking up that night. My family was speechless and filled with remorse for not finding me sooner. However, I didn't want anyone to feel guilty, as I cherished the time I spent with my adoptive parents, Thomas and Meggan Dyson, who had taken care of me all those years.

Despite the mixed emotions, the Queen planned a celebration at the palace to mark my return. Grateful, I accepted, feeling somewhat uncomfortable about addressing her as Ellie, but I was determined not to offend the Queen.

I stood before a tall mirror, completely mesmerized by my reflection. It may sound vain, but I had never felt so beautiful. I recalled the last time I wore a gown was for my graduation party, but it couldn't compare to the elegance of the one I had on now. I felt almost regal, fulfilling the childhood dream of being a princess, though the prince charming was absent.

The Queen had arranged for someone to bring a selection of gowns for me to choose from. After finally making my choice, two women arrived to style my hair and do my makeup. We spent a couple of hours deciding on the perfect look, and while it was a bit tiring, I refrained from complaining in front of the Queen, who had been so kind to me. She seemed like my fairy godmother, though one with expensive tastes.

Eventually, I was fully ready and set to be led to the palace. My blond hair was styled in a braided bun with shimmering decorations, while the rest cascaded down my back in soft waves. I opted for makeup that enhanced my natural features, and I couldn't help but admire how stunning I looked. The golden hues around my eyes, the nude lip color, and perfectly drawn eyeliner made me feel like a true goddess. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this glamorous and confident.

The gown I chose was a breathtaking green that complemented my hazel eyes. It featured a Vneck and an open back, with a flowing skirt that brushed the floor. The dress sparkled under the light, making me feel like I was stepping into a fairytale. I spun around, enjoying the sensation of the gown against my legs, and my golden heels completed the enchanting look.

Just as I reveled in my appearance, my brother Cole knocked on the door and entered. He seemed momentarily taken aback, a reminder that the last time he saw me, I was still a child. But I couldn't resist teasing him and thanked him for the compliment. As we made our way outside, we were greeted by a limousine, which was a first for me.

I asked about our parents, and Dylan explained they were at the palace assisting the Queen with some lastminute preparations. During the ride, my brothers chatted nonstop, keeping my nerves at bay, and I learned that they all had found their mates. I was touched that they wanted to spend this special day with me, but I insisted they invite their mates as well.

When we arrived at the palace, I was awestruck by its grandeur. It was massive, with towering height and intricate architecture, surpassing even the Beckenham palace in its dreamlike and regal appearance.

Apologies to the Beckenham palace, but this was something entirely otherworldly.

I walk through the main hall flanked by Noah and Dylan on either side, while Cole stayed behind, waiting for their mates. Mates... the idea made me wonder if I would ever find mine. Lost in thought, I barely have time to take in the surroundings as my brothers lead me down the stairs towards the open door.

Before I can fully take in the grand ballroom, my parents approach to greet me. The multitude of eyes on me makes me uneasy; this "small party" seems anything but small, and I feel out of place amidst so many strangers.

My mom embraces me, her affectionate hug feeling awkward under the scrutiny. My dad also expresses pride in me, but their attention only intensifies my unease. The Queen joins us, praising my appearance, and soon I find myself introduced to various curious strangers eager to know about my time in the human world.

After an hour of socializing, I excuse myself to rejoin my brothers, who are now with their beautiful shewolf mates. The conversation shifts to rumors about the prince and his potential mate, but I find myself disinterested, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd and longing for peace and quiet.

I step outside, sighing with relief as the cool breeze hits me. I walk deeper into the garden until I'm out of sight and strip out of my gown, shifting into my wolf form. I run aimlessly through the forest, seeking solace and distraction. My wolf is energized, and I let myself be consumed by the feeling of freedom and release.

Suddenly, I hear a different kind of howl, strong and powerful. My instincts are drawn to it, and I cautiously approach the source. As I do, I come face to face with a majestic lycan, captivating me with his green eyes.

The scent of earth, citrus, and freshness envelops me, and I'm enthralled. He comes towards me, and I can't help but be drawn to him. His touch, his presence, everything about him feels right.

He kneels before me, his hands holding my face, and I can't resist the pleasure of his touch. My wolf is purring, feeling an overwhelming connection with him. We nuzzle and sniff each other, reveling in the intoxicating scent of our bond.

He pulls back to meet my gaze and growls one word: "Mine."

The feeling of belonging floods me, and I know this is something extraordinary. I don't want it to end. This connection feels like destiny, like finding the missing piece of myself. He's the one I've been waiting for, and I can't deny it any longer.

As we stand there, a newfound understanding settles between us. We are mates, meant to be together, and nothing will ever be the same again.