Second Chance Mates

-48- 🌹 Reunited

[A/N - POV changes partway through]

"Mother teach me to walk again. Milk and honey so intoxicating. I'm reunited, into the fire. I am the spark, into the fire. I yearn for comfort."
~Sarah McLachlan, 'Into the Fire'

~~~

*River's POV*

The first time I saw my younger brother, he was the cutest pup I had ever seen.

Energetic and free-spirited, covered in light brown fur with shining golden eyes. I had waited so long to meet my brother, and I loved him with every fiber of my being.

As werewolves, our wolf soul has to lay dormant until the human reaches maturity, and is able to shift. That means we have to wait thirteen years before being able to shift and experience the world for ourselves. In those thirteen years, all we can do is see the world through our human's eyes and learn about their way of life.

Being older than Kieran, I had to wait a few years for Kai to reach maturity and be able to shift. Once he did, I instantly fell in love with the energetic little pup that would be my brother.

Those few months we had together were great, but now I feel like I took them for granted. If I had known that those fleeting months would be all we had, I would've spent more time with him. I would've taught him more, answered more of his questions. I would've tried to be a better brother.

Looking at him now, I no longer see that little pup that I knew so well. While he's still small and retained that same light brown fur, Kieran is clearly a full-grown wolf.

And I... I missed it.

I missed watching him grow up. Watching him experiment with his newfound abilities. Watching him turn eighteen and become stronger than before.

I missed everything.

Kieran's eyes lock on mine, shimmering with the same golden color that matches my own. I step towards him with my heart pounding. Dipping my head, I rub my nose against his muzzle, causing him to release a small whimper.

'River,' Kieran whimpers softly. 'I missed you.'

'I'm so sorry,' I whisper, knowing if my voice was any louder, it would break.

Kieran shakes his head. 'Don't blame yourself. It was that bitch, Roman. He stole five years of your life. If I ever see him again, I'll rip him apart,' Kieran pledges with a growl, and I chuckle inwardly.

'That's exactly what I said. K, you... you've grown up so much. I can't believe I missed everything,' I murmur, my ear dropping.

'You're here now,' Kieran says, nuzzling our heads together. 'That's all that matters.'

I soak in this time with my brother, breathing in his scent that has evolved over time. The scent of a pup is gone, replaced with the one of a fully grown Omega.

Purring contentedly, I nuzzle my head against Kieran's head and neck, covering him with my scent. Satisfied with my work, I finally turn to address the wolves standing around us.

Valeria watches us with watery eyes. Her dark grey coat is as glorious as ever; her eyes brightly glowing with pride. Renee stands at her side, light brown fur with streaks of dark brown covering her lean form. Her scent is different than I remember it, but I'm guessing that's because she mated with Liam.

Ryland told me that she took Leo's place as Luna of the Silver Woods Pack. Initially, I didn't know how to feel about that. Landon and Leo were so hurt when they were kicked out, but none of that was Roselyn or Renee's fault. The Moon destined for them to be with Leon and Liam, and if that means she's Luna, then I'll proudly support my friend.