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The memories flood back even stronger, threatening to drown me.

I force a smile onto my face and accept her hug.

“Thank you, Luna,” I say respectfully.

“None of that, Yelena. I’ve known you since you were a pup, and no matter what, I’ll always think of you as a daughter.”

Her words tug at my heartstrings.

“Come, say hello to Alpha, and then I’ll take you over to Callie,” she says briskly.

I nod and follow her as she leads me into the sitting room where Alpha Malaki is sitting in an old worn chair.

His eyes soften slightly when he sees me, but there’s marked sadness there too. He stands as I enter and holds out his hand toward me.

“Yelena,” he says, his voice tight with emotion. “It’s been too long.”

We shake hands, a formal greeting that feels alien now.

“Alpha,” I respond, my voice barely holding steady. “Thank you for allowing me back to attend the Farewell Rite.”

He waves his hand and motions me toward the couch.

“I would never keep you away, Yelena,” he says softly, “We’re your pack. Your family.”

So many conflicting emotions rise in me that I can’t speak, I can only nod.

I knew coming back here would be challenging, but I didn’t think it would be because they were going to welcome me back so warmly.

“Are you well? Tell us about your life in the human city,” he booms. Luna Elizabeth comes to perch on the edge of his chair, and she smiles at me. “Your father said you’re a nurse. That’s wonderful!”

I nod. “Yes. I have found a lot of joy in nursing. I’ve found my training as a healer here has aided me in my studies in the human world,” I tell them. At least talking about work feels easier.

“You do your pack proud,” Alpha Malaki praises, causing me to flush scarlet.

“Dad, Mom? Are you home?”

The familiar voice echoes through the house, freezing me in place. I know that voice as well as my own. I’ll always know it.

Austin.

The Alpha and Luna exchange a glance before nodding at me reassuringly.

“In here, son,” Luna Elizabeth calls out.

I take a deep breath and try to prepare myself, but when he walks through the door, it’s like being hit in the face.

Nothing could have prepared me for seeing him again. He looks…good. Better than good, actually. He looks great. My wolf perks up immediately, overjoyed to see him. I can feel her intentions pushing against mine, begging me to go over and greet our mate.

He’s not ours anymore, I remind her, forcing myself to ignore her whines.

My appearance is also a surprise to him because he sees me and stops in his tracks. A muffled “ow” from behind him breaks the silence.

“Austin? Austin, baby…why did you stop?” The high-pitched whine makes my skin crawl.

A tall, beautiful woman appears in the doorway. She’s dressed simply in a fitted white dress that accentuates her figure, her blonde hair tumbling down in loose waves over her shoulders. She looks every bit the Luna, radiating grace and poise.

She’s stunning.