The unexpected visitor

Hazel P.O.V.

The day goes by without more incidents on my part. They have become rare, but sometimes when I see a happy mated couple, I zone out and the memory of that dreadful night takes over. I wouldn’t trade that day for anything because it was the day Ebony came to me, and she is the best wolf in the world. However, I could have done without the trauma.

‘Your the best human a wolf could ask for, Hazel! And although I also long for a mate, well our mate, I understand why you ran away.’ Ebony says, making me feel warm inside. She has never given me grief for my actions. She is sad and misses her mate, and I understand that feeling, but I’m also convinced Alpha Grady already took someone else as his Luna and I’m just too far away to have felt the bond break. 

‘One can never be too far away from that kind of pain, girl.’ 

‘He hasn’t gone 5 years without taking a chosen Luna, Ebony. The Elders would never let him rule that long alone. Besides, he has a whole army of beautiful, if not slutty, admires who would kill for the position of Luna. He is definitely not still unmated.’ Ebony just curls up in my mind, not wanting to argue over this again. It’s ongoing as none of us want to give in to the other. She thinks he is waiting for us, and I am convinced he has moved on long ago - the night in the forest perhaps. 

After our shift has ended, we walk to the daycare to pick up Lily. Kaia and I both work at the same café, and on the same shifts. This way we have more time together, and a fairly tight routine down with Lily, who is the center of our lives to be honest. The first person I called after Hope was killed was Kaia, and she dumped her date immediately, got in her car and drove to the hospital to meet with me. She never left my side again. Through her, and because of her, I have learned to be myself. I’m no longer the quiet, timid girl with her nose stuck in a book because it is easier than to face the drama of her surroundings. Kaia talked me into starting yoga at home, and self defense classes with her. Lily loves it when we’re either at the gym working out, doing yoga at home or at the self defense class. She is always with us, and usually she plays with her tablet, draws something or tries to workout with us. She is the happiest little girl, and I love her so much I sometimes think my heart is going to burst.

All this working out, self defense classes and so on has also shaped my body. I still have my curves, but they are more defined now. I love myself in a way I never did before. 

“Hi miss Amber. Where is Lily?” I ask the teacher as I come in. Amber looks up with a smile, pointing to the back table. Lily is happily coloring something with crayons, and I just thank her and walk to my child. “Lilybugs! How was your day?” I ask as I get closer. Lily looks up with a cloud of concentration over her eyes before brightening at the sight of me. 

“Mama!” She smiles, putting her crayon down and jumping to her feet. She runs into my arms and I lift her up to kiss her cheek. “Good day!” She says, giggling as I kiss her all over her face. Kaia comes up behind us with Lily’s things, asking if we’re ready to head out. 

“Auti Aia!” Lily says, not yet quite able to pronounce aunty or Kaia correctly. Kaia laughs as the child launches herself at her from my arms. 

“Hi Lils. Did you have a great day?” 

“Mmmh.” Lily says, pointing towards the door. Kaia looks at me with a raised eyebrow and I laugh. Our little commander apparently wants her aunty to help her with shoes today. We both just head for the hallway with smiles on our faces as Lily excitedly shares story after story about her day and everything she did and everyone she met. 

“Alright Lilybug, go play while mama and aunty Kaia put the groceries away.” 

“Okay, mama.” Lily runs into her room with a gleeful shriek, her new Blue’s Clues book in her hand. Kaia and I laugh at her antics while working in the kitchen, getting everything out of the way before starting dinner. 

“So, what do you want to do for Lily’s birthday this year?” Kaia asks, stocking the fridge. 

“Well, she is really into Blue’s Clues and Paw Patrol at the moment - maybe merge those two? Do a mystery rescue party thing?” I ask, rubbing my neck. Kaia opens her mouth, but a knock on the apartment door interrupts her. We share a look. None of us are expecting a visitor. 

“Want me to get it?” She asks, but I shake my head. 

As I open the door, a stern looking elderly woman raises her hand to knock again. When she sees me, her eyes scan me from top to toe. 

“Miss Dalton?” 

“Who’s asking?” 

“My name is Leona Matters, I was your grandmother’s lawyer.” 

“Was?” The woman frowns as if my question paints me as an incredibly unintelligent person. 

“Yes, she is dead. Do you not read your email? You are Hazel Rose Dalton, are you not?” I nod, moving so the lady can come in. 

“I have not gotten any email from a lawyer, Mrs. Matters, so excuse my confusion, but I do believe it is quite valid.” I explain, crossing my arms. Kaia pokes her head out from the kitchen. 

“Everything okay?” She asks, and I present the guest to her while gesturing for the lawyer to enter further into our apartment. She is a little shorter than me, making her about 5.2 or 5.3, grey hair in a tight knot at her neck, glasses and a very rigid posture. She moves stiffly to the dining table, her stern dark grey eyes, matching her hair to be honest, taking in our home. 

“Are you sure you have not received an email? And it is Miss. Matters, not Mrs.” I nod, grabbing my phone from the coffee table while Kaia offers our guest something to drink. She gets a glass of water as that is the only thing she asks for. I scroll through my email inbox with her, and my spam folder next. There is nothing. Her frown deepens. “I distinctly remember telling Rebecca to email you about the death of Hannah Rose Dalton, as per her will, you are required to attend her funeral on pack grounds and her will reading. Now I’m glad I made the journey to see you.” It’s my turn to frown.

“Rebecca? As in Rebecca Nox? The Gamma’s daughter?” 

“You know her?”

“I did, or thought I did.” Well, maybe that explains more than it doesn’t regarding the lack of email.

 Of all my family, my grandmother was the only decent person! She loathed my parents' way of treating me, and she always offered me sanctuary at her home, but as I was a minor I could only stay so long before my parents ordered me home - usually when people started asking uncomfortable questions. My grandmother was also the reason I knew about Hope, had decent clothes, electronics etc. We kept in touch after I ran, and she knew all the details of why and what my parents did to me that night. 

“How on earth did you find Hazel?” Kaia asks, looking between the lawyer and me. She has gotten out her laptop, starting it up before answering. 

“Hannah and her granddaughter, Miss Dalton here, kept in contact. She knew where the illegitimate child of her son lived, and that her granddaughter lived with her.” I raise an eyebrow. 

“Hope was my sister and grandma recognized her as her granddaughter as well as me and Josie.”

“I know. I need to speak to the young lady before I leave.” 

“You can’t. She has been dead for 4 years.” I answer flatly. The lawyer’s head snapped up from her tapping on the keyboard of her laptop. 

“My condolences. Then I will just book one plane ticket for you.” I shake my head. 

“I am not going back there. I left that life behind me almost 5 years ago, and I am staying well away.” Kaia grabs my hand and pulls my attention to her. 

“Babe, this could be good for you. Closure! Your grandmother wanted you there, and you need to go for her and for yourself. Lily and I will be there with you all the way, you know that!” I squeeze her hand. I really do not want to go back, but Kaia is right. I kinda owe this to myself and Ebony to get some closure. And I can finally put it all to rest once and for all when we get back. 

“Alright. You can book three tickets.” 

“Three?” Lily comes bouncing out of her room, but stops when she sees the strange lady at our dining table. I open my arms for her, and she hurries into my embrace. 

“Lily, can you say hi to Miss Leona?” 

“Hiii.” She says, waving for good measure. The lawyer looks at me for an explanation, but I just stare back at her. 

“My daughter is coming with me, and so is my best friend. You have an issue with that?” I ask, trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice and not really succeeding. 

As Leona types away I ask Lily to go play again and we will call for her when dinner is ready. She asks for her tablet and Kaia finds it for her. 

“Lily is my adopted daughter. Not that it matters in the slightest, but I want to make sure to clear any misunderstandings up front.”

“Understood. I have booked you for tomorrow morning at 7am. The funeral is in 5 days. You are to live in Hannah’s guest wing as per her orders. As are your daughter and your friend. I will meet you when you land, and a car will bring you into Starfall packlands.” She gets up, says goodbye and leaves after ensuring I got the tickets on my email this time. “We will have no more mishaps.” She says as she walks out the door. I close it, and take a deep breath. This is going to suck so much!