King Luka

17.

Staring at my shoes crunching through the gravel, I ponder intensely on how I'm going to tell the pack. There are several ways I could go about this. I could just leave without telling anyone. No, that's too rude. I could leave saying individual goodbyes to everyone in the pack. Yikes, I don't even know all the people in the pack.

It's been a couple days since Luka had gotten me the bear and flowers. He has gotten an abundance of bed rest in the past couple days, to his dismay. He claimed and I quote that he 'just wanted to get out of the damn bed and go home'.

The crisp breeze whisked my chocolate hair off of my shoulder, leaving it cold. A chill ran through my body at the frigidness in the air. It was close to being the beginning of December, so the gelid weather has begun to make itself known. The cold bites at my cheeks as I make my way towards the pack house.

The wooden steps groans under my weight as I push myself up onto them. Glancing around the area I try to etch the memory into my brain. The way the grass is unevenly cut for some unknown reason, the swing set that the children usually occupy, but most of all the wonderful people who reside here.

I steel myself as I trek into the house. The cool metal of the doorknob feels as though it is burning itself into my hand. Not being able to stand the feeling anymore, I rip the door open. The familiar scent of ginger assaults my nose. The scent almost brings tears to my eyes. Almost.

Children run around inside the house, parents converse with each other, smiles are present on both age groups. The pack house is rather busy today; I assume it's because of the cold weather outside. I swallow the nervousness in my throat. Wringing my slightly sweaty hands out, I urge myself to continue forward.

My boots soundlessly stride across the rug, lying in the middle of the room. Numbly, I lift my leg to place on the coffee table and hoist myself up. Everyones' attention automatically turns to me, seeing as though I'm standing three feet higher than themselves.

"Excuse me?" I interrupt loud enough for those who weren't paying attention could hear. From that small statement several pairs of eyes turn to look at me. I freeze at the attention directed at me. Licking my lips, I prepare to say what I have rehearsed in my head several times now.

"Um, hello. I'm Venus for those of you don't know me, I came to this pack looking for help. Help from my life; a small break if you would. Recently my mate has come to this pack. I haven't seen him for two years. He has offered me an offer I couldn't refuse. I have decided to go back to my former pack. I wish you all the best of luck in your lives and thank you for being so hospitable," I announce with a firmness in my voice I really didn't feel.

My eyes scan over the crowd to evaluate their emotions. Several stares return to mine as blank or confused. But there are few such as Alpha Kai and Rockie that reflect sadness, but their faces also reflect pride. I shoot them a shaky smile to which they both send back.

Shakily, I step down from my 'pedestal' and let out an exhausted breath. I drag my down my face and begin to make my way upstairs to my room to pack. My hands still shake at my sides as I unsteadily throw things that I've accumulated for the past two years into a suitcase.

Zipping the bag up, I rub my sweaty palms on my jeans. Turning around to leave the room, I was met with the sight of Kai and Rockie standing in my doorway with sad, but proud, expressions written on their features.

"I'll miss you two goofballs." Were the only words I am able to say to them. They smile slightly at me and walk forward, collapsing me in a group hug.

Our hug session is interrupted by a growl. The two men break apart like a set of doors, revealing Luka holding his mouth with wide eyes.

"I swear to the Goddess I did not intend for that to come out," he states. "I'll just..."

He spins around and gives us some sort of privacy. I smile slightly and resume my hug with my friends.

"I've got a good feeling about this time, kiddo," Alpha Kai whispers in me. I don't reply; instead I grip him harder.

"If he gives you trouble, you know where to contact us," Rockie smiles. I nod my head, tears pooling in my eyes. I furiously wipe them and grab my bag by the grip and make my way out of the room. Touching the Lukas' back, he spins around, checking if we were done. He nods his head at the two men. He extends his hand out for them to shake, to which they give. A relieved breath escapes Lukas' form.

"Treat her right, you hear me?" Rockie threatens. Luka nods his head.

"I was planning on it," Luka replies with a grin on his face. Rockie nods his approval. Luke reaches out and grabs my bag out of my hands. We begin to make our way down the stairs before a minuscule voice interrupts us.

"Wait!" Tyler shrieks as he rushes forward. I smile and squat down to reach him better. He rushes into my open arms, almost taking us down in the process. I steady my being before hugging the small form in my arms.

"I'm gonna' miss you so much, Vee," he wails into my arms. I feel his tears begin to dampen my shoulder. I rub his back soothingly.

"I'll miss you more, Ty," I remark squeezing him tighter.

After we break apart, his mother Stacy slowly walks forward to grip onto the young boys shoulders.

"Hey! Don't I get one?!" Luka says throwing his arms open. The young child rushes forwards and hugs Luka.

"Be good for your mother okay? We don't want to see my bad side, do we?" Luka asks Tyler. Immediately the childs' eyes widen.

"No, sir!" he exclaims. Luka smiles at the toddler.

"You'll be a strong wolf one day, Tyler. Don't let anyone tell you any different. And if they do, they'll have to deal with me okay?" he declares. Tyler nods his head with a smile and a blush on his cheeks.

I wave to the others as I walk out of the cherry red front door, with a weird emotion in my stomach.

Eli was waiting in the passengers side of the car on his phone the entire time we were saying our goodbyes. The cold wind whips around us as we walk towards the vehicle. I speed my pace up as we walk towards the car, hoping to leech some heat off of Luka.

Luka pulls his beanie down further on his skull, hoping to trap some heat. His inky black hair spills out the front of it, the white streak tainting the black canvas. His plaid long sleeve shirt is practically hidden by his black jacket. His black jeans and combat boots complete his look. He walks to the backseat of the car and opens the door for me, gesturing inside.

Surprised by the gesture I stand there frozen for a second or two. Finally, the harsh air spins me back into reality. I walk forward into the car, using the door as an aid. He visually checks that I am situated before gently closing the door.

"What in the-?" Elias is cut off by Luka pulling his door open. He smoothly slides in and turns the ignition of the car on. As soon as the car begins to back out of the driveway, Eli is fast on the radio, flipping through the stations until he finds one he is satisfied with.

I look out the window at the passing hues, daydreaming.

One day I would like to have kids. Little Lukas or little Venus' running around. I've always had the dream of having a couple kids with my mate. Seeing Luka back at the pack house with Tyler made me realize how much of a good dad he could be one day; if he puts some effort into it. Although we still have a lot of progress to make, it's still a wonderful thought to have.

Speaking about progress, he seems to be trying. A few instances today showed me that. When he gave me privacy with my friends, when he opened my door, and when he was talking to Tyler. I know, I know, they aren't much, but something's better than nothing.

"Is everything okay, Venus?" Luka asks, worry etched in his features. My head whips to look at the mirror, where his azure eyes are gazing at me. I nod my head. I turn my head back out to the window and out of the corner of my eye, I can see Luka still staring at me. After about a minute, he looks away.

One of the songs from my first ride with these two show up on the radio, and an amused smile makes itself present on my appearance.

"Talk about deja vu," Eli laughs out.