Unwavering devotion [Complete, 18+]

CHAPTER 22: HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTH IS

"ALPHA?"

I turned to Aaron who was trying to gain my attention to see a frail figure hiding behind him though I could not see them properly. Eyebrows lifting in question, I waited for him to speak as I rubbed Belle's side. I delighted in her company, loving having her by my side for hours as I made conversation with what seemed like thousands of people: barely able to take a breath never mind eat the glorious smelling food that was produced in vast quantities. Every time I managed to fill a plate I never managed to actually put any of it into my mouth as I was constantly met with questions and never ending streams of small talk. 

"I believe it is my honour to reintroduce you to someone that you once knew very well."

Curiosity was strong within me at his words and I couldn't help but let hope flare up inside of me despite knowing that everyone from my pack had been killed. I queried who it was but Aaron just moved to the side displaying an elderly female, head lowered but still familiar.  

"You look just like your father, well maybe a bit taller," an even more familiar voice muttered. I smiled as I recognised the voice who had told me so many tales when I was young, who berated me repeatedly when I misbehaved but was always there when I hurt myself nonetheless. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes, threatening to overflow as I gazed upon my grandmother. 

"Gran!" I barely managed to utter through the lump in my throat. Clearing it I rushed to pull her into my arms, the feeling homely and yet foreign simultaneously for she had shrunk and I had grown greatly over the years we had been separated.

"Not so tight dear, you wouldn't want to kill me after all these years apart," she croaked out against my chest whilst chuckling. 

Laughing I held her at arm's reach so that I could survey her, glad to see that she still had that fiery spark that I remembered, though the lines marking her face had deepened substantially.

"I thought you were dead, I've missed you so much. What happened? I thought everyone was dead..." I said trailing off as several faces appeared behind her that I recognised from my childhood. I laughed ecstatic, as pack mates that I had thought dead smiled before me. 

"There's a lot to discuss dear but most importantly we would like to thank you for freeing us-"

"There's no need, if I'd known you were alive I would've come sooner...If only I had known, what you must have gone through." I shook my head, hating that I hadn't gone looking despite my father's orders. 

"Shsssh," she murmured stroking my cheek, making me close my eyes in remembrance. "Now I see that you have some big news: Alpha and a beautiful young mate at your side. Aren't you going to introduce me?" She asked hitting me on the shoulder.

Turning I held out my hand to my blushing mate, beckoning her closer. She shyly placed her hand in mine and I tugged her towards me until she was once again tucked into my side. 

"Gran this is my mate Anabelle. Belle this is my Gran." I laughed as I finished the introductions, both looking at me like I was mad but it didn't matter. "I didn't think this would ever happen, I can't tell you how happy I am." 

"He always was a babbling idiot when he was young, doesn't look like that has changed much," Gran muttered shaking her head at me. I frowned at her but it soon fell off of my face when Belle rubbed my chest. Holding her hand there I smiled down at her.

"He does tend to do that a bit," Belle said to my Gran and I turned to look at her accusingly but she just patted my chest and smiled. Letting out a disgruntled humph when they both started laughing at me, I soon forgave them: they were after all family. I didn't know for how long we talked but my feet were aching when my stomach gave in and rumbled loudly, betraying my deep hunger. The small crowd including my sister, that had gathered around chuckled and I joined in shrugging my shoulders.