Loving Young

Chapter IV

The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the pack's camp. Shadows lengthened across the familiar terrain, where faces I had grown up with moved through their daily routines. My heart was heavy, thudding in a rhythm that echoed my bittersweet emotions—excitement intertwined with the sadness of leaving. I stood at the edge of the meadow, gazing out at the place I had called home for so long, the people I had fought beside, laughed with, and cared for. Today, I was saying goodbye.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let the familiar scents fill my lungs, trying to etch the moment into my memory. The earthy tang of the forest, mixed with the sweetness of the flowers, would be something I'd miss. I exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of what was to come, the uncertainty of what awaited me in the other pack.

A gentle touch brought me back. Elene's hand brushed against mine. I opened my eyes to find her watching me, her smile small but full of understanding.

"You okay?" Her voice was soft, the concern in her eyes clear.

I managed a nod, though the lump in my throat made speaking difficult. "It's harder than I thought it would be, saying goodbye."

Elene squeezed my hand, her support silent but steady. She didn't need to say anything more—she understood. She understood me.

The pack had gathered around in a loose circle, their voices quiet under the weight of the moment. The evening light bathed everything in a soft glow, the golden rays blending with the growing shadows. I stood in the center, feeling their collective gaze on me—comforting, yet heavy with unspoken goodbyes.

Josh was the first to step forward, his grin defying the melancholy atmosphere. "You're not getting rid of us for long, you know," he said, his tone teasing. He held out a bundle of wildflowers, freshly picked from the edges of our territory. Their vibrant colors splashed against my palms, the scent of the earth still clinging to the petals. The gesture pulled a genuine smile from me, easing some of the tension in my chest.

"Thanks, Josh," I whispered, looking down at the flowers in my hands.

One by one, the others followed. Some handed me more flowers, others offered hugs or simple touches—words weren't needed when emotions ran this deep. The younger members of the pack, bright-eyed and full of energy, dashed forward with colorful blossoms, their laughter cutting through the somber air.

A little girl, barely old enough to shift, grinned up at me, holding out a handful of daisies. "These are for you, Beta! So you don't forget us!"

Her smile was infectious, and I found myself returning it despite the heaviness in my heart. Crouching down to her level, I accepted the flowers with a soft smile. "I could never forget you."

Her eyes sparkled, and she dashed back into the group, leaving me clutching the flowers like a lifeline. The older members of the pack came next, their goodbyes quiet but no less heartfelt. Their embraces were warm, their hands clasping mine in silent reassurance. It was strange—feeling so much love and support, knowing I would soon be apart from it all.

Josh lingered near the edge of the group, his smile turning softer. "You'll do great out there, Lexa. And when you come back, we'll be right here, waiting for you."

His faith in me was unshakable, and I wanted to match it, but the uncertainty gnawed at me. "Thanks, Josh," I said, burying my face in the bouquet for a moment, hiding the emotion threatening to spill over.

I caught sight of Vincent watching from the edge of the meadow. He stood apart, his gaze intense, watching me as though he were committing every detail to memory. We hadn't spoken much about my leaving, but his presence was always there.