CHAPTER FIVE
The plane touched down with a gentle land, waking me from a dreamless sleep.2
As soon as I stepped out of the plane, the scent brought back memories I’d tried to suppress for years.X
“Home,” I whispered, taking in the lush green mountains that surrounded the airport
It had been five years since I’d been here, five years since my parents‘ tragic death. Instead of staying and accepting my responsibilities. ran away to find myself and ended up finding Lucas instead. What a mistake that turned out to be.
My grandparents had called me repeatedly, begging me to come back and take my rightful place as the Alpha. But I was foolishly, stupidly in love, I rejected their pleas, turned down my birthright, and cut all ties with them.
Now I was back, ready to face my past and claim what was rightfully mine.X
As I made my way through the terminal, my phone buzzed insistently. I pulled it out, expecting a message from my grandmother but instead found a social media notification. Clara had tagged me in a post
The picture showed her and Lucas, his hand protectively placed over her slightly swollen belly. The caption read: “Can’t wait to welcome our miracle with the love of my life. Some people weren’t meant to be mothers anyway. #TrueLove #Forever Mates #BabyOn Board”
I hissed and shoved the phone back into my pocket By the time Lucas processed the mindlink and the rejection, I couldn’t even imagine the pain he’d pass through. Rejection affects one’s wolf deeply, but it didn’t affect me because I was already free.
“Evelyn, welcome back to Blackthorn,” I said to myself, grinning.
Suddenly, someone hugged me from behind and I tensed immediately.
Guess who?” a familiar voice sang in my ear
I whirled around to see my best friend of long years ago, Mia, standing there with her arms wide open and a mischievous grin on her face.X
“Fuck, Mia!” I exclaimed, throwing my arms around her. “How did you know I was coming?”
She squeezed me tightly, and I groaned before she released me. “Your grandmother told me. She couldn’t keep the secret that our little Alpha was finally coming home“?
I laughed, taking in her appearance. “You’ve changed so much, Mia. Your hair is shorter and is that a tattoo peeking out from your collar?”
She grinned mischievously. “Got it last year. You should see the others.” She wiggled her eyebrows in suggestion
“God, I’ve missed you,” I said, pulling her in for another hug
“Oh! I almost forgot,” Mia said suddenly, her expression turning serious “I need to tell you something important. The council has chosen a new Alpha to replace you since you’ve been gone so long.”
My heart dropped. “What? They can’t do that! The position is my birthright—“%
“Gotchal” Mia burst into laughter, pointing at my stunned face. “First trick of the year! Did you really think they’d replace you? No one could fill your shoes, Evelyn.
I frowned when I realized what had happened. “Seriously? That’s not funny. You haven’t changed a bit, have you? Still the same prankster”
“You know it,” she winked. “And trust me, now that you’re back, you’ll be experiencing plenty more where that came from “2
I couldn’t help but smile despite myself. Some things never changed, and Mia’s pranks were certainly one of them
“Evelyn!” an elderly voice called out!
I tumed to see my grandparents rushing toward me, their faces bright with joy and relief. My grandmother reached me first, wrapping me in a tight embrace that smelled of home and safety &
“My sweet girl,” she whispered, stroking my hair. “We’ve missed you so much.“%
My grandfather joined the hug, and we stood by the airport sidewalk as they held me while tears streamed down my face. The familiar scent and warmth of my grandparents made me realize what I’d been missing all these years.
When I finally pulled away and wiped my tears, my grandfather’s expression softened as he looked at mel
“Where’s your pendant little one?” he asked, reaching for my neck where my mother’s locket should have been.!
Fresh tears sprang to my eyes, and I shook my head, unable to speak about what had happened. Clara’s cruel face flashed before me, the sound of the pendant breaking echoing in my ears.
“Oh, my dear,” my grandmother pulled me into another hug. “It’s alright. Now you’ll start afresh and forget the past. You’re home now, and that’s all that matters.”
My grandfather nodded in agreement. “Your parents would be so proud to see you taking your rightful place. The pack has been waiting for you.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I pulled away from their embrace. I looked at them both, then at Mia, who watched me with
curious eyes.!
“I’m not here to start afresh.”
They exchanged concerned glances. “What do you mean, Evelyn?” my grandmother asked cautiously 3
I took a deep breath. “I’m here to make Lucas, Clara, and the entire Silverstone Pack pay for what they did to me.”
“Evelyn-” my grandfather began, but I cut him off.
I’ve spent five years being their doormat letting them break me piece by piece. But no more.” My voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “I didn’t come back to start a new life, I came back for revenge.
11:18 AM c c
