Chapter One

Leaning back in my seat in first class with my headphones on and my eyes closed, the sound of conversation in the airplane seemed like a muted radio frequency.   

I felt a nudge. "Madam, are you asleep?"

I opened my eyes to stare at the air hostess as I turned off the music. I blinked rapidly, my eyes bleary with sleep, trying to bring her into focus. 

"The plane has descended." She gestured towards the other passengers. "Everyone is leaving."

I nodded and got up eagerly, collecting my suitcases.

"Do you need help with anything?" she asked helpfully

"No, thanks. I'm good," I replied, smiling at her.

I made my way out of the plane and stepped into brilliant sunshine. The weather was bright and sunny, yet not oppressive. A cool breeze offset the effects of the sun. A sudden gust of wind blew my brown hair into my face. I squinted as some strands got into my eyes. The breeze had disarranged my careful hairdo. I shrugged, bracing myself to lug my suitcase to where I could get a taxi. I had gone a few paces when my phone rang. I stopped and dug the phone out of the back pocket of my tight jeans. The caller ID said it was my mum. Right on cue. 

Smiling, I picked up. 

"Hello, hello Emma. Can you hear me?"

"Yes, I can mum. The plane just landed."

I heard her sigh of relief. "Oh, Emma. It has been so long. I-"

"Yeah, I miss you too mum," I said fondly, interrupting her. 

My mum could be extremely voluble when she felt the occasion called for it. The arrival of her only daughter back in town was one of such occasions. 

"So where are you exactly? Are you in the plane or-"

"I left the plane a while ago," I explained. I looked around me. "Right now I am er- a few meters away from the plane. On my way to find a taxi."

"With a suitcase?"

Puzzled, I frowned, not sure what exactly she was getting at. "Of course, I have suitcases mum. Why?"

"Don't tell me you are walking-" she paused and I heard the sound of a window shutter opening. "My goodness, it's blazing outside. Don't tell me you are lugging a probably heavy suitcase to get a taxi in this heat," she said in an offended tone.

I rolled my eyes at her exaggeration. Balancing the phone between my ear and my shoulder, I swiftly rolled up the sleeves of my shirt. I was beginning to sweat- not because of the heat per se, but because I had been stationary for too long. I had a feeling that if my mum went on and on I would be here for quite a while. I looked around to see that none of the passengers were behind me. All of them were far ahead of me. I gave an exasperated sigh. 

"Mum, I can take care of myself. I have been doing that all these years, remember?"

She made a clicking sound. "Still, Emma. You are home now so allow me- us- to take care of you. I am sending a driver down right away to pick you up."

"No, I'll pass. I'll be home soon."

"Emma," she said my name in a long drawn-out sigh. "There is an event, an important pack event that I would really love you to attend. It is the mating ceremony of our pack. You have to get home on time so you can rest and get ready. No pressure, no pressure-" she said hastily as if reading my mind. "- you can just go there to er- observe. So let me send a driver. It will be faster and more convenient than a taxi."

"Mum," I said. "Mum!" I said again, louder this time when she wouldn't stop talking. "I am not even home yet and I'm tired. It was a long flight and I will not be attending any events. I can find my way around myself, so don't worry about me."

She took in a deep breath about to launch into another speech when I interrupted her. 

"Mum, there is a taxi approaching me now," I lied. "I have to go. I love you." 

I ended the call and resumed walking to the taxi rank. I inhaled the clean, fresh air feeling refreshed. It had been six years since I had left my family and pack. I had gone abroad and though my time there was nice and memorable in a good way, there was really no place like home. My parents had called me three days ago asking me to come home. During the last six years, they had done that but this time they had promised not to pressure me to get a mate. 

Mate! I wrinkled my nose at the word. Left for me, I felt that no one should be pressured into having a mate but my parents were dead set on finding him. Admittedly, it was one of the reasons I had left home. I frowned as I reflected on the fact that my mother had just brought up the same issue I wished to avoid. Here I was, not even at my pack yet and she was telling me about the mating ceremony of another pack! 

I shook my head. I had reached the taxi rank and a driver stepped out of his cab and carried my suitcase. Giving him the address, I opened the door and relaxed in the backseat. In no time, he got in and we were off.

I looked out of the window at the passing scenery, recognizing every landmark I saw. We soon approached my pack's borders. The guards threw open the gates the moment they saw who it was. 

The driver glanced at me. "Nice place," he commented. 

"Yeah" I muttered.

My home was indeed impressive. The grounds were large and extensive, prosperous-looking houses dotted here and there. My house loomed in the distance. 

I sat up straighter, eagerly waiting to see my family. The car made a turn and soon came to a stop at the front door. My mum, dad, and older brother, Lucas were all waiting for me in front of the house. I got out. Grinning, I walked towards them as my mum and brother swept me into a bone-crushing hug. 

"We missed you," Lucas said, ruffling my hair.

My father stood looking at us, smiling.

"Hi, dad" I gave him a one-armed hug. 

Effortlessly, Lucas grabbed my suitcases and carried them in, my father behind him.  

"Come in, dear," my mum invited, wrapping her arms around my waist. Smiling at her fondly, I obliged. Indeed it felt good to be home.

******

Dinner that evening was an intimate, family affair. I had showered and rested that afternoon and so was able to help my mum make dinner. She loved cooking and didn't want any of me to do it, so I settled for assisting her instead.

My mother stirred a sauce that smelled heavenly while I handed her the ingredients she asked for. Lucas leaned against the sink, doing nothing but eagerly eating up the delicious morsels of food my mother handed to him. My father was already seated at the dining table. 

Putting my hands on my hips, I glared playfully at Lucas and hit him lightly with a spoon.

"What are you doing here anyway apart from stealing food?"

He grinned, unabashed. 

"None of your business, little sister." He paused.  "I  meant to ask, have you selected a pretty dress for the mating ceremony tomorrow?"

I gasped as my mum froze, the tension in the air palpable at Lucas' words.