•••

I sit and look at the two suitcases on my bed.

I contemplate on zipping them up or just folding all the clothes back into my closet.

I can't go back...not to their pitiful gazes and the possibility of seeing him again. He should be there since he's an alpha now.

"Oh God I can't do this." I mutter.

My family may have no problem coming to see me but I can't go there,it's been far too long but father requires all his children by his side and I've been avoiding this for four years; besides I limited all forms of communication and visits from my family for over a year to avoid this conversation but somehow I was convinced.

The summer alpha gala week is going to begin this night and I don't think I could put up an indifferent front if I see him today. I can't put on a smile as expected of me while he parades around with his mate.

I have everything packed and I stare at the suitcase lid trying to find the courage to zip it up and haul the suitcases down stairs. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before exhaling the doubt away.

I go over to my bed and hurriedly zip up the suitcases before I change my mind, sealing my fate. I pick up my red handbag and then drag the suitcases out of my room, down the stairs and out of my apartment. I enter the elevator with the bags and push the button for the ground floor.

"The driver is waiting Miss Adalwolf." The door man says as I walk out of the elevator.

I just nod at him, try and failing to drag my suitcase behind me and he stops me.

"Let me"

"Thank you." I mutter and walk ahead.

I need to keep my self busy so I just play with my fingers. I am nervous as hell–screw it, nervous is an understatement. I was scared, nervous, doubtful and just plain unsure. Was I going to go through this okay?

Another door man opens the door for me and I step out, exposed to the sun and the mild humid breeze. I see the black BMW that's meant to pick me up.

I walk down the short flight of stairs towards it as the driver steps out immediately.

"Good to see you again Miss Adalwolf." He acknowledges as he opens the door for me.

"How are you Derek?" I ask and smile at him.

"I'm doing great miss."

I murmur out a thank you and He simply replies with a soft spoken 'you're welcome.' as he shuts the door when I enter the car.

The doorman with my suitcase comes out of the building and Derek opens the boot of the car and he eases my suitcases into it.

Derek shuts the boots and enters the car and soon we're zooming off.

"How are the preparations for the SAG?"

"They're going really well. The castle is looking beautiful"

I smile.

"And my sisters?"

"You know your sisters," he breaths out a laugh. "Your mother is adamant on Faye wearing a dress per usual—Quinn is taking care of the palace while Faye and your mother are constantly fighting." I chuckle at the last bit.

My heart squeezes at the mention of my sisters and I manage to squeeze out the last question.

"And Noel?"

"He found his mate last year. Alia. A very nice red head that can control your strong headed brother." he chuckles softly.

I smile and try not to let tears fall. I didn't even contact my twin brother. What kind of person am I? and all they've ever done is to look out for me.

My family was so beautiful before I moved and hopefully, it still is. Noel was the first and he was the best big brother anyone could ask for growing up even though we were the same age ;Faye,the tomboy and wild child of the family who hated dresses and who I loved pranking people with and finally the my youngest sister, the last sweet child, Quinn, she was the most respectful, the sweetest and the most innocent, we all protected her when she was little and she was–is the baby of the house, no matter how much she protests.

But they would be all grown up now, twenty four doesn't suit me so I wonder how it'll suit Noel and I can't imagine how huge he'd look, I'm sure Finn is quite the trouble maker at nineteen and I can't believe baby Quinn would be eighteen in few months.

"Everyone misses you." Derek said out of nowhere.

I just nod because I know and I've missed them too, "and we were all so sad that you stayed away for four years. We hope you stay longer this time." He continued.

"I'm sorry"

"There's no need for that because everyone is so happy for your arrival. The castle may be preparing for the upcoming celebration of the SAG but you are the main reason for the festivities." He gives me a reassuring smile from the rearview mirror.

After a ride of over six hours, we finally go through the gates of the Adawolf castle.

The car stops in front of the castle and I look at it through the window. Derek steps out.

I'm scared to step out. Even though Derek said they were so happy that I was coming, I just couldn't help it but wonder if they hated me or were at least pissed at me.

Derek opens my door and holds out a hand for me with a reassuring smile. I hesitantly take his hand.

Immediately I step out, I hear my name. I turn around and I see only gold before the air is knocked out of me as I stumble a bit.

"We missed you" Faye mutters.

"So very much" Quinn continues.

I hug them back, ignoring the fact that I can hardly breath and this movement encourages them because they hug tighter.

"Can't breathe" I manage to wheeze.

They pull back and I'm met with two blondes giving me bright smiles.

They look so different but also the same as I left them. I feel my heart squeeze at the thought of missing them for four years.

"I didn't expect you to come Odetta." Quinn says.

"Neither did I." I admit and I can't help it,the tears start to fall.

"I missed you so much. I'm so sorry." I hug both of them as my voice cracks.

They hug me back and when we pull away Quinn blue eyes are filled with tears while Faye is smiling at me.

"Odetta my baby, my goodness." my mum shrieks as she runs down the stairs and flings herself at me.

I hug her back, "Hi mom." I mutter.

She strokes my head and I want to cry because I've missed the feeling, "I missed you so much. Why didn't you call? we didn't want to bother you." she says as she pulled back.

Her brown hair is in a bun and her brown eyes are teary. Her eyes crinkle showing her age as she pulls her lips into a small smile

She hold my cheek in her hands. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing well. I missed you." I whisper.

"Oh my baby." She exclaims and hugs me again.

I ignore the fact that she's blocking my air flow and I inhale her sweet homey scent.

"Let me have a go at my daughter kat." I hear my dads booming voice before I see him.

Mum reluctantly lets go as my dad sweeps me into a hug. He lifts me up a bit and spins me lightly.

"Dad I'm twenty four." I groan while lightly laughing.

"Fuck being twenty four, you're still my sweet little girl." he exclaims.

"Ben language." my mother scolds but there's no heat to her words.

He places me on my feet and pulls away inspecting me before pulling me into another bone crushing hug.

"How are you doing?" He ask wiping away my tears.

"Um–Good I guess. I–I'm just so happy to be here." I say trying not to cry anymore.

My father is a tall man with piercing blue eyes that could strike fear even in the toughest of men but those eyes soften at my words.

"Odetta meet alia." Mum says eagerly as I meet the red head Derek was talking about earlier. Mum gives her a light push to my direction as she introduces her.

"I see you're the fiery mate keeping my brother in check." I smile at her and she smiles back. I'm sure she was trying to pick her words which is understandable because we haven't met before.

"You wouldn't believe how respectful and obedient noel has gotten." My mother giggles.

"I'm Odetta." I say and she surprises me with a hug. She must have been holding that one in.

"Noel talks about you all the time—well everybody does and I'm so happy to finally meet you."

"Thank you." I say and smile again.

"I can't wait till noel sees you. He'll be so happy." she gushes.

"Where is he by the way?" I ask, trying to crane my neck behind her.

As if on cue I see him. I'm about to walk—screw it run into his arms when he holds up a hand halting my movements. I look up and meet his steely gaze, they don't soften or let up when they meet mine and I know, he's not so happy to see me.

•••

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