The air hung heavy with the damp chill of a gloomy Friday.
Stella, surrounded by half-packed belongings, paused in her preparations. Her son, Bryce, slept soundly, his small chest rising and falling rhythmically. She finished her bath, the steam clinging to her skin as she dried her hair by the window, the grey light outside mirroring her mood.
A sharp rap on the door startled her.
Opening it, she found her sister, Daisha, standing on the porch.
“Why?” Stella asked, her voice barely a whisper, as she continued to comb her damp hair.
“Are you going home?” Daisha’s question hung in the air, a mixture of concern and curiosity.
Stella nodded, a sigh escaping her lips. “It’s been a week, Daisha,” she murmured, ushering her sister inside their small room.
Bryce remained asleep, his small form nestled under the covers.
“Oh! He’s still sleeping,” Daisha whispered, her voice hushed in reverence for the sleeping child.
“Yeah, he keeps calling for Brandon, even in his sleep,” Stella explained, shaking her head wearily.
“Are you alright, seeing him like this?” Daisha asked gently, her eyes searching Stella’s face.
“I don’t have a choice,” Stella admitted, her voice laced with a hint of resignation. “Bryce adores him.” She sat heavily on the edge of the bed, the worn fabric offering little comfort.
Daisha started to speak, her words hesitant, but Stella cut her off. “I’m not thinking about that right now. I need to focus on myself and Bryce.”
“You’re right,” Daisha conceded softly, “but don’t forget that Brandon was instrumental in helping you uncover Theo’s true intentions.”
Stella nodded, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. “I’ll never forget that,” she said firmly. Her gaze drifted to Bryce, who stirred in his sleep.
His eyes fluttered open, and a small, sleepy voice called out, “Mommy!”
“Good morning, honey!” Stella’s voice was warm and bright as she greeted her son, Bryce.
Daisha chimed in with a playful, “Good morning, pretty boy!”
Bryce, a whirlwind of morning energy, scrambled out of bed, his small arms reaching for his mother. “Good morning, Mommy and Aunt Daisha!” he chirped, his voice full of the innocent joy of a new day.
“Do you want some milk?” Stella asked, her eyes softening as she watched him.
Bryce nodded eagerly.
“Go wash your face first,” Stella instructed gently, guiding him towards the bathroom. She then headed to the kitchen, the rhythmic clinking of mugs and spoons a familiar soundtrack to their mornings.
Daisha, leaving the bedroom, settled into the living room, the morning sun illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air.
A sharp knock at the door interrupted the quiet.
Opening it, she found Flora, a familiar figure radiating warmth and energy. “Stella’s here, right?” she asked, her voice brimming with excitement.
“Yeah, she’s in the kitchen,” Daisha replied, stepping aside to allow Flora to enter.
In the kitchen, Stella was humming softly as she prepared Bryce’s milk. Suddenly, strong arms encircled her eyes, and a familiar scent a mix of vanilla and sunshine filled her senses. “Flora!” she exclaimed, laughing as she brushed the hands away from her eyes.
“You know my scent, huh?” Flora teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Stella rolled her eyes playfully. “Of course! I’m not as oblivious as you are!” she retorted, finishing her task with a practiced ease.
Just then, Bryce bounded into the kitchen, his face still damp from washing.
Flora’s face lit up, and she scooped him into a warm embrace. “Hi, young boy!” she exclaimed, showering him with kisses on his cheeks.
“Hi, Aunt Flora!” Bryce greeted her, his small arms wrapping around her neck.
Stella smiled, watching the two of them. “She’s here to visit you, honey,” she told her son, her voice full of affection.
Bryce nodded, his eyes bright with anticipation as Stella handed him the warm milk.
Daisha entered the kitchen, her gaze immediately drawn to Flora. “Are you alone, or is Tyros with you?” she asked, her tone a mixture of curiosity and concern.
“Nah! I’m alone!” Flora replied with a cheerful laugh, settling into the chair opposite Bryce.
“Did you drive?” Stella asked her best friend, her brow furrowing slightly.
Flora shook her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “No, I ran!” she announced, the unexpected confession hanging in the air.
“For real?” Stella’s voice was laced with disbelief.
Flora nodded emphatically, a wide grin spreading across her face.
“Wow, you’ve got guts to run all the way here!” Daisha exclaimed, impressed despite herself.
Flora smirked, her confidence unwavering. “Of course, I have the guts!” she declared, winking playfully at Bryce.
“Are you done, my love?” Stella asked her son, her voice soft and tender.
Bryce nodded, holding up his empty cup as proof.
“Okay, time for a bath!” Stella said, and Bryce, ever obedient, rose from his chair. She returned to their bedroom, resuming her packing.
Flora followed, her presence a comforting weight in the small space. “He’s still not there!” She exclaimed, her voice laced with a hint of frustration.
“Why is he taking so long?” Stella asked, her impatience growing.
Flora shrugged, unable to offer an explanation.
“You don’t know?” Stella pressed, her tone sharper now.
“I told you to ask him directly,” Flora retorted, her voice defensive.
Stella rolled her eyes, a familiar exasperation coloring her features. “I’m not like you!” She said, a smirk playing on her lips.
“Like me?” Flora echoed, momentarily confused.
“You have the guts, right?” Stella teased, her playful tone softening the underlying tension.
“Stop!” Flora playfully protested, just as Bryce emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp.
Stella immediately hushed Flora. “Don’t curse here!” she warned, her voice firm but gentle.
“I wasn’t going to curse!” Flora said, her smile directed at Bryce, the playful banter forgotten in the presence of the child.
With their departure imminent, Stella headed to the garage, the weight of their belongings settling heavily in her arms as she loaded the bags into the car.
“I’ll take the shotgun seat!” Flora announced, her voice brimming with her usual cheerful energy.
But Stella stopped her, her hand raised in a gesture that silenced Flora’s playful banter. A serious expression settled on Stella’s face, replacing the usual warmth.
“What now?” Flora asked, her tone laced with a hint of apprehension.
“You have the guts, right?” Stella said, her voice low and firm. “Shift into your wolf form and run back to our land.”
Flora stared at Stella, her eyes wide with disbelief. The suggestion was audacious, bordering on reckless. She shook her head, her initial enthusiasm replaced by a dawning realization of the task’s magnitude. The playful glint in her eyes was gone, replaced by a thoughtful contemplation of the impossible request.
“Stop, please!” Flora pleaded, her voice laced with mock exasperation.
Stella erupted into laughter, the sound echoing in the quiet garage. “Fine!” she conceded, a smile still playing on her lips as she opened the car door for Flora.
Just then, Bryce appeared, his small form nestled safely in Daisha’s arms. “Mommy!” he cried out, his voice a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
“Let’s go, honey,” Stella said softly, her voice full of affection as Daisha gently placed Bryce on the ground.
“We’ll visit tomorrow,” Daisha told her sister, her voice tinged with a hint of playful teasing.
“Bring some food when you visit!” Stella retorted, her playful challenge eliciting a smirk from Daisha.
“Buy your own food!” Daisha shot back, her laughter mingling with the sound of the car door closing.
Stella smiled, her heart warmed by the familiar exchange. “I will!” She replied, saluting her sister with a playful flourish. “Bye!” she added, moving to the other side of the car to secure Bryce in his car seat.
“Thank you!” Stella said, offering a final wave to her sister before sliding into the driver’s seat.
Flora had already fastened her seatbelt, her usual exuberance tempered by a quiet contentment.
Stella checked on her son again. “Are you good?” she asked softly.
Bryce nodded, his eyes fixed on the world outside.
Stella started the engine, the familiar rumble a comforting sound. With a playful honk of the horn, she startled Daisha, who jumped slightly.
“What was that?” Flora asked, stifling a laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement at the unexpected sound.
Daisha rapped sharply on the car window, but Stella remained impassive, her gaze fixed on the road ahead.
“You’re dead!” Flora declared, her voice laced with mock seriousness, but Stella simply shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips.
Stella continued driving, the rhythmic swish of the wipers a counterpoint to Daisha’s increasingly insistent calls.
The midday sun beat down as they finally reached their land.
Stella decided to drop Flora off at her house before heading home.
“Thank you!” Flora said warmly, stepping out of the car.
“Let’s meet again next week! But don’t visit me this week!” Stella instructed, her tone playful but firm.
Flora nodded, a knowing smile on her face. “You can just say I should stop visiting you,” She teased, closing the car door with a soft click.
Stella watched as her best friend disappeared into her house before pulling away.
The familiar route back home was punctuated by a sudden, sharp intake of breath.
A familiar car, parked outside her own house, sent a jolt of surprise through her. With a swift turn, she pulled into her own garage, the familiar scent of home a welcome contrast to the unexpected sight. Quickly, she unbuckled her son, Bryce, gently waking him from his slumber.
“We’re here!” Stella announced, her voice gentle as she addressed her son.
Bryce, still sleepy from his nap, looked around, his eyes wide with wonder at the familiar landscape of their home. He stretched, yawning widely before breaking into a bright smile. “I dreamed about you and Uncle Brandon, Mommy!” he exclaimed, his words hanging in the air, unexpected and slightly unsettling.
Stella froze, a sudden chill running down her spine. “Wait, what did you say?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“You were with Uncle Brandon, and I was watching you from afar,” Bryce repeated, his innocent words carrying a weight far beyond his years.
Stella reached out, gently caressing his soft hair, her heart pounding in her chest. “Good to hear that! Let’s go outside!” she managed, her voice regaining its composure. She unbuckled her seatbelt, stepping out of the car, the cool air a welcome contrast to the stuffy interior. She moved to the other side, opening the door for Bryce, who eagerly scrambled out, his small hands reaching for one of the bags.
“My boy!” a deep voice boomed, and Elder Remus, Stella’s father, enveloped Bryce in a bear hug. “I’ve missed you so much!” he added, showering the boy with kisses on his head.
“You have a guest?” Stella asked, her gaze drawn to the car parked near hers.
“Yeah, he’s waiting for you and this young boy,” Elder Remus replied, taking the bag from Bryce’s small hands.
The sight of the familiar car triggered a wave of emotions within Stella. The image of Brandon’s car, parked so prominently, brought a rush of warmth and anticipation. “So, he’s here,” she murmured to herself, a slow smile spreading across her face, unable to suppress the joy that bubbled up within her.
Stella walked into the house, her steps light with anticipation, her heart thrumming with excitement. She burst into the living room, her smile faltering as her eyes scanned the room, searching for the familiar figure she’d been expecting.
Instead, she found Alpha Raven, the Alpha of their pack, rising to his feet as he spotted her. “Nice to see you again, young lady!” he greeted her, his voice a deep rumble that filled the room.
Stella quickly composed herself, the fleeting disappointment masked by a polite smile. “Nice to see you again, Alpha Raven!” she replied, regaining her composure. Turning to Bryce, she instructed him to greet their Alpha.
“Hi, Alpha Raven!” Bryce chirped, his voice full of innocent enthusiasm.
“Your Uncle Brandon is always looking for you,” Alpha Raven said, his words causing Bryce’s face to light up with delight.
“Really?” Bryce asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
Alpha Raven nodded, a warm smile gracing his lips.
“Let’s go to your room, Bryce!” Elder Remus called out, his voice firm but gentle.
Bryce, eager to spend time with his grandfather, immediately ran towards him, his small feet padding softly on the wooden floor.
“Be careful!” Stella called out, her voice laced with concern as she watched her son’s hasty departure.
Turning back to Alpha Raven, she found him observing her with a knowing smile. “You look happy being a mother,” he commented, his words a perceptive observation.
“I am!” Stella replied, a genuine smile illuminating her face. “Let’s have a seat,” She offered, gesturing towards the comfortable couch. She settled onto the cushions, her posture relaxed but alert.
Alpha Raven followed suit, his presence commanding yet strangely comforting. “Why did you leave our land?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that carried an undercurrent of concern.
“I wanted to protect my son from Theo,” Stella replied immediately, her gaze unwavering as she met his serious gaze.
“Yeah, I saw how Theo almost killed Brandon that night,” Alpha Raven added, his words confirming Stella’s worst fears.
The mention of Brandon sparked a fresh wave of worry in Stella’s heart. “How is he?” she asked urgently, her voice laced with concern.
“Resting, I guess,” Alpha Raven replied, his tone suggesting a guarded optimism.
Stella remained silent, her mind racing with unspoken questions. “Do you want anything to drink? Coffee? Tea?” She realized, with a slight blush, that she hadn’t offered her guest any refreshments.
“I already had coffee before coming here,” Alpha Raven replied smoothly.
Stella nodded, her attention shifting back to the pressing matter at hand. “Where can I find him?” she finally asked, the question hanging in the air, a direct and vulnerable plea.
“I think he doesn’t want any visitors right now,” Alpha Raven replied carefully, his words carefully chosen.
“Oh! Maybe he’s focusing on resting right now,” Stella said, trying to sound reassuring, even to herself.
“But if you want to see him-” Alpha Raven began, but Stella cut him off.
“Nah! I’m just asking about his whereabouts because of Bryce,” she said firmly, her tone defensive.
The carefully constructed facade of casual inquiry crumbled.
“Really? Your son only?” Alpha Raven’s question hung in the air, sharp and pointed.
Stella met his gaze, her eyes widening in disbelief. “What are you saying, Alpha Raven?” she asked, her voice rising slightly, a hint of indignation coloring her tone.
“You should act now, before it’s too late,” Alpha Raven said, his voice firm and urgent. He rose from the couch, his movements conveying a sense of purpose. “I’m going now. Thank you for entertaining me,” he added, a polite formality that belied the seriousness of his earlier warning.
Stella also stood, her own sense of urgency mirroring his. “You’re always welcome here, Alpha Raven,” she replied, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness as she led him towards the front door.
Stella opened the door, allowing Alpha Raven to step out into the bright sunlight. “Drive safely, Alpha Raven!” she called out, her voice a soft farewell.
Alpha Raven smiled, a brief, almost imperceptible flicker of something akin to understanding passing between them. “Thank you,” he replied, his gaze lingering for a moment before he turned and walked towards Brandon’s car.
As Alpha Raven approached Brandon’s vehicle, he paused, his eyes lingering on its sleek lines. “I really like this car,” he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. “My son has excellent taste,” he added, a subtle acknowledgment of Brandon’s presence, both physical and implied.
Stella, watching him from the doorway, nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I can see that,” she replied, her voice soft, her gaze fixed on the car, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
With Alpha Raven gone, Stella’s attention turned to her son. She found her father, Elder Remus, emerging from Bryce’s bedroom. “Is he sleeping again?” she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.
“Yeah, maybe he got tired from the trip,” Elder Remus replied, his voice carrying the gentle reassurance of a loving grandfather.
“Thank you,” Stella murmured, her gratitude heartfelt. She stepped into Bryce’s room, the familiar scent of baby powder and clean linens filling her senses.
She began tidying, putting away the scattered toys and clothes, restoring order to the small space. Her movements were methodical, each action a quiet act of love and care. After organizing Bryce’s belongings, she turned her attention to her own things, carefully placing her clothes back in the closet.
Once her room was tidy, she indulged in a long, relaxing shower, the warm water washing away the day’s tension. Emerging refreshed, she slipped into bed beside Bryce, his small form nestled peacefully under the covers. She settled in, the comforting weight of her son beside her a soothing balm, and closed her eyes, surrendering to the much-needed rest.
A couple of weeks had drifted by, marked only by the relentless rhythm of Stella’s routine: caring for Bryce, tending to her business, and the ever-present, gnawing absence of Brandon. The routine, once a comforting structure, had become a monotonous cage, each day blurring into the next. She sat before her laptop, the glow of the screen illuminating her weary face, when the insistent trill of her phone cut through the silence.
It was Flora.
“Hey!” Stella answered, her voice a tired greeting.
“I heard from Tyros that Brandon’s thinking of staying there for good,” Flora stated, her voice urgent, cutting through Stella’s weariness.
Stella was speechless, the information hitting her with the force of a physical blow. “Are you sure?” She finally managed to ask, her voice barely a whisper.
The words were barely out when the distinct sound of a car pulling up outside interrupted the conversation.
Stella closed her laptop with a decisive snap, her movements betraying a sudden surge of energy. She hurried to the front door, her heart pounding in her chest.
“Open the door for me!” Flora’s voice, now closer, urged her on.
Stella fumbled with the handle, throwing the door open.
Flora stepped out of her car, her expression serious, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a grim determination.
With a curt end to the call, Flora turned her attention to Stella, her gaze unwavering. “Do your move now, before it’s too late!” she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.
“But-” Stella began, her voice hesitant, but Flora cut her off.
“No more buts,” Flora stated firmly, her words silencing Stella’s protest. The urgency in Flora’s voice left no doubt about the gravity of the situation.