Homecoming

     As I sit in first class on the flight back to Texas, all I can think of is Drake. He has been the leading man in my fantasies and also the target of my rage for the past four years. I thought I would outgrow the urge to make him suffer over the years, but I have not. I still remember the hurt and humiliation I felt as he called me a silly little girl. I am a woman now. A curvy, strong, beautiful woman trained in manipulation. My years in Italy had changed me, I am no longer a shy tomboy with overalls and braids. I had left as Izzy and returned as Bella. My Italian family said Izzy was a child’s name and insisted on calling Bella if I refused to use my full name, Isabella. It fits now, in Italy I truly became Bella, a new grown-up version of myself. I look down at my designer dress and smile. It is perfect and looks perfect on me. It is short, stopping mid thigh and it clings to me showing off my ample breasts and round bottom. It has a cut out in the front and criss-crosses over my breasts. The back is open and plunges low just above the curve of my bottom. My long lean legs are bare and a beautiful tan. My feet are covered in quality tall heels, the kind that automatically make you think of sex and money. Just before we prepare our descent I touch up my makeup and hair. Will they even recognize me, I wonder. I know this clothing will not work around the ranch, but I can be just seductive in boots and jeans. At least I hope I haven't worn them in years.

     We land at DFW and I board a smaller private plan that will take me to our pack territory.   I am surprised when we land and my brother is nowhere to be found. I know he is beta, second in command, of our pack but I never thought he would not show up for me. Even more strange is who is holding a sign with my name on it. There stood Alpha Drake holding a handwritten sign with the Izzy on it.  I kept my composure and walked up to him. I had on sunglasses in anticipation of the glaring Texas sun. Maybe that is why he did not recognize me. I came to a stop in front of him and he must have thought I was just some random female. Drake called me darlin’ and told me maybe some other time he was waiting on someone. I sighed and slowly removed my sunglasses. I smile crept to my lips as I watched Drake recognize me. “Izzy? Is it really you?” he asked in awe. “Actually, I go by Bella now. Nice to see you, Alpha Drake.” I said as emotionlessly and professionally as possible. He frowned at the coldness. Most of my clothes I had shipped home weeks ago and only had a few pieces of luggage, which he quickly loaded into his truck. It was just a few minutes drive to my family home, but we did not go there, instead we drove to the pack house. Of course, my brother lived at the pack house. He is the beta, but why was Drake getting my luggage out? I asked him to stop unloading my things but he did not listen. I was having to fight to control my anger. My wolf on the other hand was almost purring, the little traitor wanted to be near him. Lila, my wolf wanted out to play but she would have to wait. Maybe we would run as soon as we got back to the ranch. I followed Alpha Drake into the pack house. 

     Once inside, I asked where Bo was and was told he would join us shortly. I sat quietly in the living room on a big comfy couch as I awaited my brother. Alpha Drake had disappeared to take a call and I could hear him talking loudly but I was not sure about what. Bo showed up and also looked surprised by my appearance, but he shouldn’t have been, we video chatted every week. Although strangely enough all the pictures he had on display in his office here, which is where he was when we chatted, were all older ones of the old me. I just thought maybe he liked to remember me as the awkward overall wearing kid in braids he knew so well. Bo said I was even more beautiful than in the videos and pictured. He said he was afraid that if he hugged me I might wrinkle. I jumped from the couch and pounced on him with a giant hug. No amount of designer clothes could stop me from getting that hug. After we chatted awhile, I requested to go to the ranch but was told no. We still own the ranch but Bo lives here. I have no desire to live here. I decided that I will stay one night and then I am going home.

     I go to bed early in the beautiful room prepared for me. It is gorgeous but in a much different way than my home in Italy. It is rustic with large furniture and an outdoor theme. The bed is comfortable and I quickly fall asleep.  I awake to the smell of bacon cooking downstairs. I dress quickly in a basic black sports bra top and cropped length leggins, hoping I can get a run in before breakfast is done. I trott downstairs and stop when my brother yells my name. He is fuming wanting to know what I am wearing and why I am not dressed. I tell him I am going for a run and ask him to join me. He attempts to order me to put on more clothing. I ignore him as I run out the door. While running I cross paths with Drake, who is also running. He apologizes for not visiting with me last night. I tell him it's fine and he joins me as we run in silence. When we arrive at the pack house together I can tell Bo is still angry, so I quickly head upstairs and shower. This time I am in a short flowing dress that has spaghetti straps and falls at mid thigh. I pair it with wedge heels and leave my hair in loose waves again. I join Alpha Drake and Bo for breakfast and we make pleasant small talk.

     After breakfast, Bo agrees to take me to the ranch. The ranch is just as I remembered, perfect. Buttercup, my horse is in the pasture. I know a wolf that rides a horse is silly but this is Texas and we have a ranch. When I walk in the living room I see all of my belongings have arrived and set in boxes in the middle of the floor. My brother argues that I can not live out here alone, but I let the alpha in me pulse forward just enough for him to realize he can not control me and that I can handle myself. It is really silly that I have to show power to get him to treat me like I am an adult and not a child.  He is strong but it is clear I am just as powerful if not more. I dated some in Italy but my power was too much for them. My uncle says it will take a very powerful wolf to be my mate, definitely an alpha. My brother asks if I want to let my wolf out to run, I need to run but tell him no. I only run at night because my wolf is also very rare and I don’t want anyone to see Lila. She is a solid white wolf, they are very rare. Lila is extremely powerful and dangerous. I also need him to leave so I can work on my plan. Tomorrow is Sunday and I invite Bo and Drake to come out to swim and have a barbecue.