Fang

Welcome Home

Thankfully, the drive to MistFang was short. It appeared Herek hadn't sent anyone after me, or to see where I went, but I wasn't foolish enough to risk that. Instead of immediately going home, staying on the road longer than necessary.

It wasn't likely that GrassTail would follow me for too long, if at all. They'd only be interested in which direction I had gone, pieces can be put together after they know that information.

My exhaustion was outweighed by my excitement to return home after so many months. GrassTail had taken longer than I'd anticipated, but the information was worth it.

Familiar MistFang territory greeted me, only furthering the excitement in my chest. Home.

MistFang's territory was mostly mountains, the trees sparse, the lang split by rivers of snowmelt. The rivers would be freezing again soon with the coming cold.

The main pack house wasn't too far into the territory, making the trip even easier. MistFang's pack house sat on the other side of a grand lake, its reflection cast over the water's surface. A smile found my lips at the sight of it.

Pack members were trickling out of the house as I pulled up, turning the engine off. I received a few smiles, some waving, but none stopped to greet me. They all knew who I was, but nothing deeper than me being the alpha's niece.

Their respect for him extended to me like it did his sons, but that was all that could be said for my place here. Either way, the sight of home relieved me.

It'd taken me most of the day to come back. The sun hung low in the sky, barely cresting over a mountain peak in the distance. Snow capped the peak, illuminated by the sun. The air felt crisp in my lungs, cold. Winter never leaves MistFang and its territory.

Two familiar faces poked out of the pack house. My cousins.

The twins spilled out of the front door, practically shoving each other aside to get through. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of it. "You're back!" One of them called. Truthfully, I couldn't tell the difference between them.

Before I could say anything, I was lifted off the ground, thick arms wrapped around my middle, squeezing the air from my body. "Ouch," I managed to get out, patting their shoulder.

With a mumbled apology, I was quickly set back onto the ground. I was engulfed into another embrace by the other, although much less suffocating. "Alright, alright," I pushed away. "You don't have to try to kill me every time I come back."

"But we missed you," one of the Crossfield brothers said, probably Liam.

Shaking my head at them, I stepped away, heading to the back of my car. "Make yourself useful?" I called to them while pulling my bags out.

Neither looked happy about the prospect, but took my bags anyways, lugging them over shoulders before disappearing inside to drop them in my room. Closing the trunk, I stepped inside, overwhelmed with the feeling of giddiness.

Numerous people were moving about the first floor, idly conversating while others worked to keep the house clean. I got the same greeting as I had outside; smiles and waves, but nothing else. Clutching my last bag to my chest, I made my way up the stairs to the third floor.

My room was on the same floor and corridor as the alpha. He'd been a kind man to me, taking me in as his own from a young age. My attention snagged on his door, wondering if I should go to him now or later.

Later.

Kicking open the door to my room, I was equally happy and upset it was exactly how I'd left it. Sheets thrown off the bed and onto the floor, drawers open with clothes spilling out, curtains open for anyone to look through. There hadn't been much time between my assignment to GrassTail and when I had to be there.