Chapter Six – Home

Chapter Six – Home

Ella's POV

As we approached the familiar borders of our pack, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursed through my veins. I clung tightly to Aiden's arm, seeking comfort in his presence as we prepared to face the pack that had been our home, and yet, a distant memory for so many years.

The scent of pine and earth filled the air, enveloping us in a warm embrace as we stepped foot onto familiar grounds. It's been thirteen good years. I've always dreamt about walking through these gates, and here I am. The sight of familiar faces and bustling activity brought a smile to my lips, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.

We shifted from our wolves upon entering the Alpha's mansion, and we were welcomed by familiar faces, though older than the one I once knew and were taken to him.

Alpha Brian, Aiden and Jayden's father, stood tall and regal, his eyes filled with pride and joy as he caught sight of us. The strong and tall man I knew back then had some lines around his face. He sure aged, it's been thirteen years after all and I can't help but wonder if dad would have lines on his face too. There were age mates, best friends and his trusted Beta at that time.

 "Welcome home, my son Aiden, just look at you. I'm proud of you doing this all for your pack." he proclaimed and he turned to look at me, his voice resonating with a mixture of authority and affection. "And welcome, Ella, our long-lost daughter. You have finally returned to us. And accept our apologies for not bringing you home soon. And I am sorry for your loss. We would definitely look up upon it now that we have a clue and investigate. You are home now." He opened his arms and welcomed me into a hug.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at Alpha Brian's Luna, who stood beside him, their love and acceptance radiating from their very beings. She gave me a smile with tears in her eyes which I returned. Aiden squeezed my hand that never left his, reassuringly, silently soothing me.

I took a deep breath, summoned my courage, and broke the hug. "Thank you for welcoming us back," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "It feels like a dream to be home after all these years. I ... I.. missed you all."

Alpha Brian's warm smile never wavered, his gaze scanning over our faces. "It has been far too long, my child," he said, rubbing my head. "Now that both of you are here, our pack feels complete once more, though Jayden is not here yet. He is on his way back from the city to settle some things."

Aiden's mother and our loving Luna, approached me with open arms, enveloping me in a warm motherly hug. "Ella, my dear, we have missed you dearly," she whispered, her voice tinged with emotion. "You have always been a part of our family, and we are overjoyed to have you back where you belong. And I'm so sorry that you lost my child. It still grieves me if I think of what happened."

The pack members gathered around, offering their greetings and warm embraces, a sense of belonging washed over me. These were the people who had shaped my childhood, who had shown me kindness and love even in the darkest of times. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for their unwavering support.

Aiden stood by my side, his presence a constant source of strength. "We are back home, Ella," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. "Together, we will build a future filled with love, unity, and prosperity for our pack."

I nodded, a sense of purpose settling within my heart. I had finally returned to the place that had once seemed lost to me, and now, with our newfound bond and the support of my pack, we would usher in a new era of harmony and prosperity.

We eat and drink lavishly as the festivities carry on, laughter and music filling the air, catching on to my childhood friend Kristy and Caleb and my neighbours too. 

Kristy's father is now the Beta of the pack, since mine was dead. More murders. And Kristy and Caleb are the next in line beta of the twins. 

Everyone grew up. Well, so did I, even though not much changes with my omega body. Kristy is well toned, strong, and more beautiful than before, she cut her long white hair in a short Bob, I can see she is ready to take the Beta's responsibilities.

"Ella, I can't believe my eyes." She squealed, crushing me in a tight hug. I hugged her back. She never changed. She is always bubbly and talkative, always pulling the quiet Aiden with her to play. 

"I..I.. can'ttt breathe!!" I tapped at her back several times. She sure is strong.

"Hhh, sorry. I just met you." She chuckled. 

"I missed you too." I hugged her back. 

"We sure have a lot to talk about girl." 

"Sure, I agree."  With that some people came, all showing their love and concern. I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope. I had overcome so much to reach this point, and now, we had the chance to create a home where love and acceptance reigned supreme.

I looked around at the faces of my packmates, my family, and felt a surge of gratitude for the journey that had led me back to them. I had finally found our way home, with the sacrifice of Amelia, which I would be forever grateful for. I am here within the strength, love and the unity of our pack, there was nothing we couldn't accomplish.

"My dear, even though I know though I know the memory is not a great and good one we would like to know what happened to you and know the measures we would take, And plan how to avenge you." Alpha Brian's voice filled the hall and got everyone's attention.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts as I approached Alpha Brian, who was surrounded by his advisors and other pack members. He looked at me with kind eyes, waiting for me to speak.

"My Alpha," I began, my voice steady but filled with a mix of emotions. This is it I have to tell him and everyone about the evil of Alpha River. And together plan on how to get back on him. "I always dream of a day like this, I would share with you the hardships I endured in the BloodMoon pack before I escaped and was saved by Aiden on my way back home."

The alpha nodded, his expression grave yet attentive. "Please, Ella, tell us what you have been through," he urged, his voice laced with concern.

I told them, I recounted the years of maltreatment and abuse I had suffered at the hands of the BloodMoon pack, my words filled with a mixture of pain and determination. I spoke of Luna Scarlett's cruelty and Alpha River's heartlessness, detailing the daily struggles I faced as an omega in their midst.

As I spoke, I could see everyone furious, mostly Aiden and Alpha Brian, his jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. As our alpha it was his job to keep us safe, the anger I saw in his eyes was palpable, yet he remained composed, waiting for me to finish my account.

"And then," I continued, my voice growing softer, "last week, I finally escaped, with the help of Amelia, an aged omega who cared for me like her child. She sacrificed herself and let me escape and then fate led Aiden to me drawn by our mate bond. He saved me from the Alpha's men here we are today." I concluded as my cheeks turned to a shed  of red,  I could feel Aiden give my hand a gentle squeeze. 

Alpha Brian's gaze shifted from me to Aiden, who stood beside me, his expression a mix of pride and determination. I could sense the respect and admiration in the alpha's eyes as he looked upon his son.

"Aiden," Alpha Brian called, his voice filled with a father's pride. "You have found your mate? And none other but Ella. I am grateful for your strength and the changes you made. You brought her our lost daughter back to us. A perfect alpha able to rule. With how strong you both are, I can now step down from the crown with ease."

"It's my duty, Alpha." Aide answered full of joy.  

My heart swelled up with love and gratitude for Aiden. "Indeed,  my great  Alpha," I replied. "Aiden has been my rock, my protector. I am honoured to be his mate and to be a part of this pack once more." I added as our eyes locked,  I turned quickly feeling the butterfly in my tummy. And for a split second that my eyes fell on Kristy, her face darkened for some second but when our eyes locked she gave me a smile. And I smiled back at her. 

That's when I remember,  she always had a crush on Aiden since we were little, like I had for Jayden. Though for me and Jayden the relationship is mutual, but for her Aiden is the emotionless little boy, so she can't get to know what's he is thinking. And I've been away for so long, I don't know, did she not find her mate too?  Is she still love him? I can't help but wonder. But fate is fate. Here I am, Aiden's mate when Jayden and I used to pray to the moon goddess to make us mates, since when we were  kids.

Alpha Brian's warm hand brought me a trace of thought. He placed it gently on my shoulder. "Welcome home, Ella," he said, his voice filled with warmth and acceptance. "You have endured so much, but know that you are safe here. We will stand by you, as we always have."

A sense of relief washed over me, tears welling up in my eyes. I had found not only my mate but also a place where I truly belonged. The weight of my past began to lift, replaced by a sense of love and safety.

"Thank you, Alpha," I whispered, my voice filled with gratitude. "I am humbled to be a part of this pack, and I will do everything in my power to contribute to its growth and prosperity."

Alpha Brian nodded, his smile warm and genuine. "You have already shown great strength, Ella," he said. "I have no doubt that together, we take down Alpha River and his pack."

We continued to talk, Beta Owen Blake, and Kristy's father approached, welcoming me offering his support. And so do the pack members, they gathered around, their smiles and soothing words make me feel at home.

Amidst the love of my pack, I find nothing but peace, unity, love, and strength. But there is something that feels missing, a missing piece yet to be complete.  

I feel a void in my heart? After all this something seems to be missing and it makes me uncomfortable and sad. Lea has been down too. What must be wrong? This was what I've been yearning for years. And here I am finally fulfilling my dream but I am not satisfied.