Chapter 6 | The Move

Violet

I watch the rain drops on the window as Cora drives us to the Renegade Pack. The day started out sunny, but slowly turned rainy, it’s like the weather reflected my state of mind.

Cora sighs as she’s noticed the change in my mood and says, “You’re going to enjoy being here, Violet. I’m not far away, I can be here at any time whenever you need me.”

“Yeah.” I mumble in response and she sighs in a melancholy way because I’m being so unresponsive.

I look forward to being around Magnolia, but I have enjoyed my life with Cora and I have enjoyed getting to learn about magic. Knowing that all of that is coming to a screeching halt makes me sad. We pull up to the pack and the patrol wave and nod at us in acknowledgement. We’ve visited enough times that all of patrol know who we are.

Cora smiles as we pull up to the pack house and immediately my uncle, Alpha Maven, my aunt, Luna Amelia, the Beta couple Bennett and Grace, along with my cousin Magnolia, Henry the Beta’s son, and his younger brother Charlie. Right as Cora parks, Maggie comes running out to join the others.

Cora walks out first and Maggie rushes to envelope her in a huge. The two of them are old friends and they’re always excited to see one another. I breathe out as I get out of the car and give my best fake smile.

Magnolia is the first to walk towards me and she is smiling brightly as she embraces me and says, “It’s so good to see you again, Vi! Happy belated birthday by the way.” She adds with a wink.

I smile at her, “Thanks Mags.”

Henry and Charlie walk behind her and I notice that Henry is looking at her in utter adoration. Charlie is 5 years younger than Henry so he’s only 13 but he and I have always gotten along. He’s like the little brother I never had. He smiles at me and says, “Hey Violet.”

Henry snaps out of his daze and focuses on me as he says, “It’s nice to see you again, Vi.”

I smile, “Thanks, it’s good to be back.”

I walk towards my Uncle and Aunt who are now hugging Cora. My Uncle Maven looks at me with a soft smile and says, “We’re excited for you to be here, Violet. I hope that after a few months of being here that you’ll want to become a permanent member of our pack.”

Cora looks at me with a happy look as if she’s silently suggesting for me to be happy about his offer, but I don’t know how I feel about it. I respond, “I guess we’ll see how things go.”

Uncle Maven gives me an amused look while my Aunt Amelia nudges his ribs and say, “Come on, this is a happy day! Let’s get inside before the rain gets any worse.”

Magnolia wraps her arm around me tugging me into a side hug and she squeals, “I’m so happy you’re here.”

I nod my head slowly as I walk into the house. It’s weird being here especially because I feel like I shouldn’t be. Not without my parents.

But this is for the best. Magnolia and I can get close and it will help in the end, especially if she’ll help me on my mission to avenge my parent.

Magnolia

It’s hard to focus on anything during dinner. In my head, all that I can think of is my kiss with Henry. It plays in my head on freaking repeat.

I feel bad, I feel scattered and I don’t know what to do to fix it.

Violet seems quieter than usual tonight and the adults are doing most of the talking. Henry is looking over at me and smirks anytime our eyes meet. Gone is the shy boy that I have adored my entire life, now he is confident, happy, and… excited. He feels the same way I do… we’re relieved. We’re mates and we can stop resisting this bond between us.

Violet excuses herself before dinner is brought out and leaves to go to her room. She always has the same room so she doesn’t wait for anyone to show her where to go. Once she’s out of sight Cora sighs, “I’m sorry. She’s been struggling lately. I really think she’ll enjoy it here and snap out of it, it’s just a rough day.”

My mom chuckles and says, “Cor, you act like we don’t understand the way teenagers are. We get it, don’t worry about it.”

I roll my eyes from my mom’s response and continue my meal in silence. Once we’re finished everyone disperses and Henry, Charlie, and I start heading towards the game room. Charlie asks, “Do you guys want to play video games or ping pong before bed?”

Henry says, “If we do that then we should ask Violet to join us.”

Charlie huffs, “She’s been weird this trip. What’s going on with her?”

I’m glad I’m not the only one to notice her bizarre behavior. I shrug my shoulders, “No telling. You should go get her, Henry and I can wait.”

Charlie’s always been fond of Violet so it doesn’t surprise me at all when he rushes out the door to go see her. Henry looks me up and down with a lazy smile on his lips and he says, “You seemed rather eager for the two of us to be alone.”

I roll my eyes, “It’s not a big deal for us to be alone, you are my best friend.”

He smiles, “As you are mine, Mags.” His face slowly changes expressions and I ask, “Are you alright?”

He nods, “I am, and don’t get me wrong, I’m happy we kissed. I can’t stop thinking about it. But… I’m scared you’ll regret it.”

I chuckle, “Hen, there is nothing in this world that could make me regret that moment with you.”

He asks, “Really?”

I nod in confirmation, “Really.”