Pines Grove

Chapter 3

I slowly opened my eyes, flinching slightly as the bright morning light leaked through the cracks of the window blinds. Slowly I sat up to find Ryker by my side, with a gentle smile I gave him a gentle pat and forced my body upright, inhaling deeply I stretched and slipped out from the soft comforting covers of my queen sized bed. 

I made my way into the kitchen and immediately started cooking up a large breakfast for one. I made eggs, bacon then toast, which I lathered in hot sauce. I made my way to the small table in the corner where I ate most of my meals, I plopped down with a sigh my hazel eyes gazing out of the window beside me. It was still early, not many people were out, a few minutes passed and a car would drive by, a few more minutes would pass and a runner would run by and be out of view in a matter of seconds. It didn't happen often, but I could feel a sense of loneliness.

Werewolves were a social species, just like wolves they were created to hunt and to live in packs. I was alone, it was almost a year now since I left my pack. Which consisted of my parents, which I wasn't the happiest with, my little brother Slate and my mate, Braxton. The reason why I left is a painful story for another time.

My eyes flicked to the door as someone shuffled outside, my wolf shuttered and woke up from her slumber, ever since I left we didn't talk much, I could feel our connection beginning to fade. I focused and gathered my thoughts for a moment reaching out to her, she embraced my gestures toward her, bringing a soft smile to my lips. "I'm sorry we haven't spoken lately," I spoke in our link, "We've both needed time to heal," She replied. My eyes shifted to the door, my focus going from my mind. My wolf also began focusing on the door. Someone was definitely out lurking in the hallway.

I shuffled for a moment debating on what move I should make and finally decided on what I always do, rush recklessly into the situation. I stood up and walked to the door, smelling for a moment trying to catch the sent of whom or whatever it was.

Just as I was doing so the person on the other side of the door began turning the handle, I caught a glimpse of it moving, I quickly moved to the side and waited silently.

The door swung open, the figure in the doorway cased a shadow on the hardwood floor, stretching inside my apartment. My mouth opened as I took in the sent, my heart began to pound in my ears, slowly I emerged from my hiding place, standing in front of the door I looked up at the man who was filling the entire doorway.

The man on the right stood at 6'. His hair was blonde and his eyes green, like my own, Slate. I almost crumbled into a ball and started bawling at the sight of him.

I jumped into his arms, tears began streaming down my cheeks, it took only moments before a set of large arms embraced me, my feet left the floor as he lifted me into his embrace. We held this for a moment before I pulled away and looked into my brother's eyes. "Slate, what are you doing here? Wheres Brax?" I said and glanced to his side, only to be disappointed, he was alone. "I came to see you, Koda... Its been too long. There's so much that you've missed." He said and sighed deeply. "Braxton came... but he wasn't sure if you wanted to see him, he's waiting just outside of town." He said softly, finally letting her loose of his grip. 

I pushed my hair back behind my ear and looked down, with a wave of my arm I invited him inside, he accepted and closed the door behind him. After a moment Ryker finally decided to get out of bed and come greet their visitor, Slate gave him a pat on the head and sat down at the table moments after me. "Slate, I have a lot of explaining to do," I said while rubbing my eyes. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Koda... I'm just glad you're ok. Are you ready to come home with us?" I looked at him lonely for a moment before tears pooled in my eyes, I let out a sigh and shook my head. "I can't go back. Not after what happened." I said softly looking down at my toes, I couldn't get my mind off Braxton. He probably hates me, I was so afraid to face him. Regardless of it all, I missed him.

He followed my gaze before shaking his head. "I know what you're thinking Koda, Brax misses you just as much as I do. It's time to come home." Before I could respond, a strong scent filled my nostrils, it was strong, powerful. I shot up out of my chair, my eyes locked on the door and the sent got closer. 

It was only a matter of seconds before a man, 6'7, busted the door open. He stood nearly naked, his bare chest heaving, cuts on his tan body were in the process of healing. His blue eyes locked onto Koda. I looked back my chest was heaving, fear and longing filled my eyes. "Koda babe." His voice was smooth and deep, making me want to melt into his arms, but I stood still as stone, my eyes glossy I croaked out a reply. "Braxton."