When Night Falls

Chapter 11: Cillian Returns

  It was already night by the time I arrived at the pack house. Several of my pack mates were waiting outside, including a very displeased looking Tony.

   Misty ran towards me and embraced me with all the love a mother would give. In a way she was like a mom to all of us. I suddenly felt bad for running off the way I did, and causing her to worry.

   "Cillian you had us all worried sick! You were gone for an entire day!" Misty scolded.

   Yep, definitely like a mom.

   "I'm sorry Misty, it was just too much too take in. I needed some time alone, but I know I should have stayed in touch so you all would know I was okay. I really am sorry." I apologized.

   Her expression softened. "Well you're here now, and that's all that matters."

   She turned around to look at Tony, and then stepped away so that he could say his piece.

   Oh man was I in trouble. I directly disobeyed my Alpha and refused to speak to him or anyone else for that matter, and then disappeared for a day.

   Tony stalked towards me with a stern gaze. I lowered my head, avoiding eye contact.

   "Cillian," the Alpha said sharply.

   I looked up and met his angry stare. "Yes Alpha?" I forced my voice to remain steady.

   I wanted to sink into the ground right then and there.

   It was quiet for a moment. All of the surrounding pack members were staring at us. No one dared to speak.

   The wind stirred my hair slightly. I nervously tucked a few blonde strands behind my ear.

   "Do you have any idea how worried we all were? How worried I was? Bryce could have been lurking around just waiting for you to break away from the pack! You could have been killed!" He shouted.

   I knew that his anger was a result as how much he cared for me. Tony was like a father figure to all of the younger wolves, and felt guilty for causing him stress.

   "I'm sorry Alpha." I said, using the proper title in hopes that it would lesson my scolding.

   To my surprise he wrapped me into a tight hug. I just stood there shocked for a minute, and then wrapped my arms around his neck to return the gesture. I had to force myself not to cry.

   "Don't ever scare us like that again Cillian. You're like a daughter to me. I see all of you kids as my own. You know that, and if anything ever happened to you we would all be devastated. It's not safe to run of like that with Bryce tracking your every move." He said and then released me from the hug.

I   felt tears sting my eyes. I tried to fight them back, but it was no use. The salty droplets streamed down my face and I began to sob. Everything that I had bottled up inside of me had finally made its way to the surface. Bryce, the dreams, my family, all of it, and I fell apart.

   In a flash Dallas was beside me. He pulled me into him and wrapped his arms around me. I buried my face in his chest as tears flowed freely down my face. No doubt I was getting snot all over his shirt, but I knew he didn't care. I knew there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for me.

   I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see C.C holding out a handful of tissues. I took them and smiled gratefully at her.

   "Thanks C.C"

   "What are friends for?" She said with a shrug and smiled shyly.

   As she walked away I noticed Bridgett standing awkwardly to the side of the group, staring at me with concern. I slipped my hand into Dallas's and began to walk towards her.