You belong with us

Dahlia opened her eyes to the crackling fireplace, feeling the weight of an arm around her and the warmth of a body pressed against hers. She turned slowly, meeting his gaze. For a long moment, they simply stared at each other before his lips found hers in a gentle kiss, his arms drawing her closer. She remained still, unable to respond.

Finally breaking away, Dahlia retreated to the bathroom, locking the door behind her before turning on the shower. Her emotions were in turmoil. Bram was so different, controlled and gentle, despite his intimidating physique that suggested violence rather than tenderness. "Why am I comparing them?" she whispered to herself.

When she returned to the bedroom, he had gone, leaving several boxes on the bed. Inside, she discovered an elegant wool suit, boots, and a new long coat.

"How thoughtful," Dahlia murmured, dressing quickly before heading downstairs.

The room fell silent as she entered. Ganh approached her, and her instincts immediately sounded an alarm.

"Why are you leaving, Dahlia? You belong with us."

"I'm... not leaving," she stammered. "I just need to sort things out. After being gone so long, not knowing who I am..."

"You handed the pack over to a stranger, Dahlia," Ganh said, his tone edged with accusation.

Her expression hardened. "Careful how you speak about your alpha, Ganh. From where I stand, he’s doing just fine. What’s your issue? You wanted the title for yourself?" She took a step closer, her gaze sharp.

Bram went still, watching her. She must be remembering something, he thought.

"I’m just saying, you’re both walking out," Ganh muttered.

"Your chance to shine… shine…" The words echoed faintly in her mind. She tilted her head, searching for the memory, then snapped her attention back to Ganh. "Disrespect him again, and you’ll answer to me," she said, jabbing a finger into his chest. "Let me guess—Heidi’s your mother?"

"I thought you already knew that," Ganh replied, raising an eyebrow.

Dahlia smirked. "Everything balances out in the end, Ganh. Everyone gets what’s coming—it’s just a matter of time." She turned, catching sight of Bram standing behind her.

Behind him stood the old woman from the night before, her hand resting over her heart as she gave Dahlia a soft, knowing smile.

“Ready to go?” Bram asked, his tone firm, eyes fixed on Ganh.

“Yeah, just let me say goodbye,” Dahlia replied, stepping past Bram toward the woman. Their eyes locked, a flicker of recognition passing between them.

“Your name?” Dahlia asked, reaching out to take her hand.

“Glenda, my child. You’ll remember in time. Do come back,” the woman said warmly.

Dahlia pulled her into a brief hug before turning to the pups waiting nearby. She scooped a few into her arms, pressing kisses to their heads, then handed them back gently. Bram opened the car door, and she slid inside as the pack watched in silence.

As the car rolled away, Dahlia felt the sting of tears. Bram gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Why the tears?” he asked quietly.

“Not sadness,” she said, her voice catching. “Just feels like I’m leaving home all over again.” She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand.

“Thank you for the gifts, Bram,” she added, managing a small smile.

He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. The car ride stayed quiet until they reached the airport. Bram stepped out first, helping Dahlia out of the car to find Todd and Jason waiting nearby.

“Damn, you clean up nice,” Todd said, giving her an approving once-over.

“Thanks. Courtesy of Bram,” Dahlia replied, glancing at Bram with a small smile.

“So, how’d it go?” Jason asked cautiously, like he wasn’t sure he wanted the answer.

“Unexpected,” Dahlia admitted. “I’m more confused than ever, but some memories are coming back. Jason, why do you think I can’t remember everything? Did I hit my head or something?”

“You’ll get there,” Jason assured her. “Now let’s board, long flight ahead. Try to sleep.”

Dahlia took a seat next to Bram while Todd and Jason settled in the back, giving them space.

“Bram, hold my hand,” she said, her voice low. “And tell me why my cousin Ganh isn’t alpha. Besides the obvious, he can’t measure up to you. You’re stronger, smarter…” She turned to him, and his gaze locked onto hers, a smirk playing on his lips that made her cheeks flush.

“Don’t stop now,” Bram said, grinning as he kissed her hand again. “No one’s ever complimented me this much in one go.”

“Well, it’s the truth,” Dahlia shot back, rolling her eyes slightly.

“Your parents decided a long time ago that we were meant to be together. Don’t ask me how they figured that out,” Bram said, his tone light but firm. “When I came of age, I became alpha, then left to study. Ganh stepped in during that time. But Dahlia, it all ties back to your parents. You’re the one in charge now, and no one’s taking that from you, not while I’m alive, at least or Hunter or Lupin.

“How are we connected?” Dahlia asked, her voice tinged with frustration and curiosity.

“That’s something you’ll have to figure out,” Bram replied, glancing at her as he clicked the button to recline her seat. “Now, close your eyes and get some rest.” Her head slumped onto his shoulder, and he draped a fur blanket over her before she drifted off.

“Dahlia!” a voice shouted. “Stop!” She was running, laughing, the sound carefree and wild. The boy caught up, grabbing her, and they both collapsed into laughter. His eyes were a piercing blue. Nearby, two wolves paced back and forth. The scene shifted abruptly. Her bedroom. She was asleep when the door creaked open. “You little bitch,” the boy hissed, his eyes glowing with malice. The knife in his hand gleamed in the dim light. He slashed her arm, and she screamed, bolting upright.

“Dahlia, are you okay?” Bram asked, his voice steady but concerned.

She pulled up her sleeve, revealing a deep scar. Dahlia stared at it, she always wondered how she got that.

“That’s a nasty one,” Bram said, frowning. “We never figured out how you got it, but it landed you in the hospital.”

“I know who it did,” Dahlia said calmly, her voice cold and certain.