---Benji's POV---

A low purr rumbled through my chest as the last of the former inmates finally left the island. Now that the danger of the corrupted pack has passed, the families could finally relax.

Whilst Anders' friends were still doing the last bit of cleaning up what the corruption had left behind, they had succeeded in finding the true heir.

The poor wolf had been miserable without his pack, trying desperately to find ways to regain his birthright but had been stopped dead in his tracks.

It seemed that he too had been threatened by the former Red Hills corruption, because they had abducted his then pregnant mate and vowed that, if he were to try and regain his rightful place, she and their unborn pup would be brutally slaughtered before his very eyes.

Not many werewolves would've remained sane at the very mention of having the blood of their mate and unborn pup on their hands. So naturally, when he was first approached by Anders' friends, he had assumed it was a trap by the Redhill pack.

It had taken them quite some effort to try and convince the poor man and even then, he had been extremely hesitant to even think about going back.

From what I had been told, they had to teleport him back to his mate, showing that she was indeed very much safe and sound before he accepted that he wasn't dreaming.

It also helped that a Lycan was willing to protect him, his mate and his young pup from any harm.

A sigh escaped me as I rolled over on the soft pillows, enjoying the sun that warmed my skin. The only ones left on the island now, were Anders' friends, Elijah and Vane.

The polar bear was sure making himself at home, smirking widely whenever I even mentioned of everyone heading out.

Huffing, I punched the pillows a bit before hugging one close with an annoyed grunt.

Perhaps I shouldn't have teased Elijah about certain activities we overheard but the buck was making things so easy!

Especially so if they were making out with their bedroom door wide open, or that time when I had wanted to call them down for dinner and walked in on Vane bending Elijah over the bathtub...

It didn't really help that Vane wasn't at all shy about their activities. And while he took great pleasure teasing Elijah whenever he blushed a pretty pink as soon as anyone locked eyes with him after they returned from their bedroom, as soon as I did it, the bear was on my case.

Which is why I was almost certain that blasted bear was sticking around on purpose, being my own personal cock-block.

And no matter how many subtle clues I gave, how many times I gave him a pointed look, that fucking bear just grinned my way as if he was pleased with himself.

Sighing, I rested my chin on the pillow and looked out the window. At least my little sister was safe and happy...

A grin slipped over my face at the memory that pressed to the forefront. How Dana had blushed as Anders had opened up a portal for us to meet.

Partially because, well, not to sound conceited but my mate was fucking hot. And judging from the way her eyes flitted between us before smiling, she fully understood the bond between us.

And as I went in for a hug and gathered her against my body, judging from the slight bulge of her stomach, she had some news to tell as well.

I had pulled back, instantly seeing the hesitation and a hint of fear in her eyes, the same growing hesitation and protectiveness that burned within her mate's gaze.

So instead, I had grinned down at my little sister and given her a wink "You need to lay off the chocolates, Dana."

The following punch to the gut was anticipated, followed by Anders snickering and shaking his head. "I see being a little spitfire runs in the family."

Garret smiled, pulling Dana back in his arms and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I know that we... haven't followed the traditional route but..."

I snorted, rolling my eyes. "Well, it wasn't exactly like I was easy to reach. You know, being in jail and then being dragged of to a prison island."

The lion nodded, eyes flitting towards Anders before he gave my mate a respectful nod.

"I have to admit, I feared for your life. While I tried my best to pull some strings and get some leverage with the pack, there was nothing I could do."

Anders in turned pulled me against his chest, causing Garret to smile warmly, gaze flitting between us. "But it seems there was no need to worry."

I had grinned up at Anders, sending my mate a wink and squealing as his fingers dug into my sides. "Oh trust me, he can be more than a handful at times."

We had caught up, especially considering the fact that my little sister was now pregnant and expecting her own family.

It made me happy but, also kinda sad. It was an odd feeling, stemming from the fact that she no longer was the little girl from my memories. She had grown up on me...

A sigh escaped me before warmth spread over my back, making me purr contently. Anders pressed a kiss against my jaw as he pulled me closer in his embrace.

"Are you alright hun? You're looking a bit sad..." He murmured, turning me around so I could nuzzle under his throat and sigh once more.

"M'fine." I murmured lazily, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my back and the warmth coming from Anders' firm body. "Just, reminiscing on the past."

Anders hummed pleasantly, fingers trailing gently over my back. "You've introduced me to your sister but... you never mentioned your parents, love."

A soft smile curled on my lips, nuzzling against Anders with reassurance. "They weren't bad, just... not present most of the times."

I relaxed in his arms, focusing on his touch as I continued, "They were a free-spirited couple, lovely people in any shape and form... but they just weren't meant to be parents."

"Oh?"

The chill tone of Anders voice made me shiver, leaning up to press a kiss to his lips. "They weren't abusive or anything, just... neglectful."

Anders raised eyebrows and pointed look made me close my eyes as he blandly said "That's still abuse, my heart."

I knew that. At heart, I had always know that it wasn't right for them to act that way. They might not have originally planned for children, but they ended up becoming parents anyways.

"Could've been worse. There are no horror stories to tell." I defended, shrugging a shoulder, "They traveled a lot and left me plenty of money to take care of ourselves. It wasn't like we were left without food or sustenance."

Soft fingers grasped my jaw and lifted my face up. Anders was watching me, brows furrowed and eyes gleaming dangerously.

"Abandoning their children, even if they were leaving money for them, doesn't make it right." Anders stated, frown deepening before he questioned, "I can imagine that they left your sister in your care as well?"

I nodded, remembering all too well the painful hope I had felt when mom announced she was pregnant. Hoping that with two kids, they'd stay at home, that we'd be a family.

And of course, that hope had been shredded as Dana was left in my care temporarily so they could travel for work and then for relaxation, as work had stressed them out.

"I was eight years old when they started leaving for days on end. Back when I was a toddler, they stayed most of the day, though I remember them leaving me for hours on my own..."

Anders hugged me tightly as I recounted my past. Of the fear that had gnawed at me the first time my parents left for two weeks without a word, waving away my worries upon their return.

"You're a big boy now, Benjamin. Big boys don't cry when their parents go out to work." Father had said dismissively, patting me on the head with a smile. "Big boys don't cry about little things like this."

Mom had laughed and shook her head, giving me a hug and kiss on the forehead. "Silly little Benjamin. Oh, that'll be the Airline company. Yes, you're speaking with-" She had stood up and left for the dining area as soon as her phone went off.

And I had stood there, confused and torn, wanting to be a good boy so maybe they stayed home longer. If I behaved, they'd see that, right?

By the time that Dana was going to school, I had lost all faith in my parents and wasn't surprised when they had left for their next trip without saying goodbye to our faces.

Just a note left on the kitchen table, haphazardly written as if in a hurry. A reminder that I shouldn't forget the parent-teacher meeting for Dana, which had already happened two weeks before.

When a knock had sounded on the door three weeks after their departure and I opened it to face two grim police officers, I already knew that they weren't coming back.

"What happened to them?" Anders questioned after a moment of silence. I shrugged tiredly, pressing further into the hug, ignoring the dampness of my cheeks.

"They accepted an offer from a known shady company. Got tricked into a hotel room and well..." I didn't continue, didn't need to continue. Anders knew enough, lips pressing to my forehead in reassurance.

I've always felt guilty at my reaction, the quiet relief. Because each time my parents had returned, I've always had that silent hope.

The hope that they'd change, that this time they'd stay home. This time we'd be a family.

But as the police officers explained what happened, as I was busy comforting my crying sibling in my arms.... I had felt relief.

Relief as it was the last time I'd have to feel that bitter taste of disappointment. Of not being good enough to catch and keep their attention.

It was twisted and made me sick to the stomach.... But their death had freed me, freed us both.

They had always done what was best for them without looking at what was best for all of us. And now I'd be able to focus on my sister and I, our needs, instead of struggling to reach that unattainable standard.

Of course it had been rough. With the government wanting to have us placed in the system, having to pay for rent and having to convince everyone I was capable of taking care for both of us, we had struggled.

But we made it.

Finally, we were happy and could continue on with our lives. And as I nuzzled against Anders, I realized things couldn't get much better than this.

Well...

"Please convince that blasted bear to leave the island as soon as possible." I grumbled against Anders throat, making him jostle me around as he roared with laughter, shaking his head before he rolled us over.

"I'll try my best, my love."

Purrfect.