noun ~ the action of leaving, especially to start a journey

PHOENIX

Nova's alarm and her stirring woke me from my sleep. She usually took forever to wake up, shuffling and rolling before she decided to open her eyes. Today was no different. I grumbled when his elbow dug into my side, my arm around her waist tightening to keep her still.

"Good morning." Her sweet voice met my ears as she rolled once more to face me.

I inhaled her scent deeply, her hair tickling my face as she pulled it out of the way. I opened my eyes warily, wondering why she was speaking when it was the last thing she usually did when she woke. Her green eyes were pale and rimmed red from rubbing the sleep from them, her hair a frantic messy halo.

She never looked more beautiful.

"Morning, baby."

She tensed beside me and I hummed softly, leaning down to kiss her nose. Blush I never grew tired of blessing her cheeks and I savoured the sweet moment of her waking up a little longer. With a sigh and a gentle groan, I released her from my hold, pulling myself to a sitting position. I stretched my arms, hearing my back pop with pleasure. I threw my legs over the edge of the mattress, catching sight of the time on the wall.

6:55 AM

"How did you sleep?" Her soft voice called to me.

I turned to look at her, wrapped up nude in the sheets. I slept like crap, unable to think about the time that we wouldn't be together. I debated on telling her the severity of my lack of sleep but chose the gentler option.

"Not great. I couldn't settle down. How about you? When I was awake you seemed peaceful."

She frowned as if confused. "I slept okay for a change."

My lips widened with a smile, I was pleased she slept so well. I loved holding her in my arms and I was worried that she may have unrest because of the adventure she was going to partake in.

I rubbed my face, trying to force the tiredness from my body. "That's one good thing out of it then."

She frowned again before seeing the calm look on my face, then she rolled her eyes. Her sass at times never failed to amuse me, even if she did not know she was giving it. I made my way to the bathroom, hearing her light footsteps leave the bed and trail across the floor.

I washed my face, sighing as I picked up my toothbrush. Nova came trailing in once she realised I wasn't using the toilet, a faint blush to her cheeks as she stood nude beside me. I grumbled in approval as she copied my actions, pulling her toothbrush from its holder. I couldn't help but trail my eyes along her body, the way her breasts stood perk in the cool morning air. How her waist dipped ever so slightly before blossoming at her hips.

As she tamed her hair, I stood watching her for a moment longer, eyes raking along her backside and legs. She caught my wandering eyes and scowled at me, moving to tap my arm with her hairbrush.

"Down boy."

I rolled my eyes this time, chuckling as I left the bathroom. I found she had already laid some clothes out for me and smirked at the choices. She was insistent on getting me to wear sweatpants, taking the chance whenever she could to have me wear them. I'd appease her today, knowing that I had a day full of training to distract my mind from her long journey.

I pulled the clothes on with a smirk, a comfy black sweater accompanied the grey bottoms. Even socks lay on the bed and I pulled them on before seeking out my workout trainers. Nova's delicate steps came through the bedroom and she gave me a once over before a gentle purr escaped her throat.

"Look good don't I?" I teased.

She laughed, pulling her underwear on with a grin. "Of course you do, I chose the clothes."

I laughed with her, waiting patiently as she pulled on a t-shirt and leggings. Once she was ready, we made our way down the stairs. I walked behind her, watching the sway of her hips as she hit the bottom of our stairway. She suddenly groaned which had my eyes flicking to the back of the ponytail on her head.

"You okay?" I laughed.

She nodded, glancing at me from over her shoulder. "Just realised how long the car journey is going to be."

I grinned as we reached the last few steps, pulling her into my side. "There's always headphones."

We laughed and made our way to the kitchen. I knew how frustrating my Beta could be, and to mix him with her brother was bound to make someone go insane after an hour alone. I pushed her into a bar stool, making my way to the coffee machine. Her knee bounced lightly on the bar of the stool and I felt her nervousness despite how hard she tried to hide it.

My eyebrow quirked when she sighed, but I concentrated on fixing her morning coffee. I felt her eyes burn into my back until the moment I set the mug before her. Her eyes widened with delight and she pulled it into her chest, her small hands wrapping around it. I stood beside her, leaning on the island and watching her with amusement as she stared into the dark liquid.

She knew I was waiting for her to speak and sighed again before opening her mouth. The doors suddenly swung open, one of them banging against the wall. I glared at Charlie who merely grinned at me, making his way into the room. I sipped from my coffee, eyeing the twin as he trailed behind.

"There's my favourite Alpha pair." Charlie grinned.

Nova huffed. "We are your only Alpha pair."

He shrugged. "I could prefer some other Alpha pair. Maybe Alpha Demetrius."

I scowled at his taste, causing him to snicker at me and walk away. He always teased me about Demetrius, knowing that he could rile me up about the other Alpha. He was still grinning even as he made himself an espresso.

Do you really need that much caffeine? I grumbled.

He glanced at me briefly before tending back to his cup. 'Shush you.'

"Morning, Nova."

My head turned, watching as the twin now accompanied the seat beside my mate.

"Morning Pollux. You ready for today?" Nova wondered.

"Am I ready to be stuck in the freezing mountains? No. But I am looking forward to showing you around." He smiled.

I watched nonchalantly, taking in the way Nova automatically relaxed around him. She giggled at his words, taking a mouthful of her coffee as he watched her.

Charlie came to stand beside me, a wide grin on his face. "What's up, Alphie?"

I growled at him and he snickered. "Are you fully prepared for this journey?"

He rolled his eyes. "Of course. I am a Beta wolf, just because I know how to have fun, doesn't mean I'm incompetent."

I hummed, watching him from over my coffee as he burnt his tongue on his espresso. I leaned against the cupboards, my mate in my eye line as I turned to my Beta.

"I expect you to report back to me every three hours, every day. I want to know that everything is okay."

His mouth dropped open in protest. "What! Three hours! What if I am driving, or having a really big meal? Or if I'm asleep!"

"During the day?" I quirked an eyebrow.

"Yes!"

"I'm sure you will not sleep during the day. You will be too busy looking after my mate, your Luna." I narrowed my eyes. "Her safety is the priority."

"It's exasperating!" He gasped.

He must've caught Nova's attention, her eyes turning to us with confusion. "What is?"

Charlie's head snapped to hers, eyes widening with ideas. I grumbled as he suddenly darted towards her, falling to his knees with puppy eyes, pulling at her top.

"Please make him change his mind." He begged and I scoffed. "You're a kind Luna, you can persuade him. Get out your goods for bribery."

I almost laughed but kept my face neutral as he tried to bribe my mate to bribe me.

Her lips pursed with laughter. "I don't even know what context I am begging for."

He breathed heavily, toying with the fabric in his hands. "Whilst I am gone, he expects me to give him three-hourly updates. Three hourly, Nova! He is on me like a bitch in heat."

She frowned in sync with me and I grumbled under my breath.

"First of all, ouch, secondly, I'm sure twice a day updates are fine."

I inhaled deeply as Charlie spun around to grin at me. "Yes! See, that's why you are Luna."

She laughed at him, a faint blush covered her cheeks. I rolled my eyes when he shot me a playful glare, wondering how on earth I am going to deal with his nonsense for another hundred years. He leapt to his feet, walking back towards me to drink the rest of his, still hot, coffee. His eyes wandered from my mate, and when he released the mug, I saw the mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

I scowled, wondering what could be so entertaining. Following his eye line, I found only Nova watching with confusion and the twin eating a banana. It clicked instantly and I closed my eyes as I inhaled deeply. Immaturity comes to mind.

"Yes, Nova?" Charlie asked.

"Why are you staring at Pollux like that?" She wondered.

Oh, my mate...

Pollux sighed, finishing his banana. "Eating a banana in a room full of sexualising males is never a good move, Nova."

Her forehead crinkled with confusion, eyes focused on the banana as she tried to figure it out. Her naivety always had my heart sore, and when she looked to me with questions in her eyes, I knew I had to help her. I uncrossed my ankles, my hand moving to gesture at my groin as I kept my body language relaxed. If Charlie knew I helped, he would not let me live it down.

Her eyes landed on my crotch and she frowned harder. The moment it clicked, her face full of expression, eyes widening at the realisation. She blushed once more, causing Charlie to burst into laughter.

"Hilarious Nova. You always entertain me." He beamed.

I growled slightly at him but he ignored me, choosing to set his mug in the sink and walk towards the doors. Never one to tidy up was Charlie.

He turned at the last second, eyes flickering between Nova and me. "It's okay Nova, I'm sure you're great at eating bananas."

I growled at him with annoyance but he just giggled like a child as he ran out of the room. My stomach growled just as Nova shot me an annoyed look about my Beta. I smiled softly at her before setting my mug in the sink and going towards the fridge. I hummed, staring into the abyss as I debated on what to eat.

As I debated on the sausage rolls or Charlie's pre-made sandwich, the twin came to make himself a glass of water. I eyed him from the corner of my eye, his harmlessness reminded me of a childhood pet. Just making himself scarce or quietly sorting himself something to do.

Looking back to the fridge, I decided on the sandwich, pulling it from the fridge. Unwrapping it, I found it was some kind of chicken salad. I was surprised Charlie had salad in a sandwich, so assumed it was something his mate or a chef made him. Smirking at my small history of payback, I indulged myself in the sandwich, my attention on the movement of the trees out of my window.

"When do we leave?" Pollux's voice caught my attention.

I turned around just as Nova glanced at her watch. "Ten minutes."

I frowned at how little time I had left with her. My chest ached with the idea that she was going to be gone for around a month. The two of them shared a look before standing from the bar stools. I blinked at them, taking in their features.

I could never get over how similar they looked. I mean, I knew they were twins, but they were non-identical essentially, being opposing genders. I really don't know why I didn't accept the thought so many moons ago.

I shook the thought from my head, moving away from the cupboards to stand beside the half-size wolves. Their size always amused me, being over a foot tall made me feel superior. Pollux was always a cocky little shit, but I had to admit I had grown a soft spot for him much as I did for Charlie. Being my mate's twin probably had something to do with it, not the fact I was starting to like him.

"What?" Nova breathed.

I smirked. "I don't know how I never realised how similar you two looked."

"Well, we are twins." She blushed.

I let out a small noise of agreement before moving my hands to guide them from the room. I didn't realise that I had coaxed Pollux too until we were standing in the foyer. His eyes were wide as he stared at where my hand touched his back. I moved it away awkwardly, turning to scoop up Nova instead.

I nuzzled my face to her hair, breathing in her scent.

"Hey! What have I said about spontaneous lifting?" She giggled, music to my ears.

"I don't know." I kissed her neck. "I must've missed the memo."

The twin made a noise of disgust and I rolled my eye with a grin. I took Nova back to grab her things, only placing her down for that sole reason. She stood scanning the room and I came to stand beside her.

"Got things for the car?" I asked, knowing she would need entertainment.

"In my backpack." She nodded, counting her fingers. "Headphones, mobile, tablet, book."

"No sleeping tablets?" I teased.

She nudged me. "I will grab a couple on my way down."

"Come on then, Charlie is bringing the car around."

I took her coat and suitcase from her fingers. I noticed she missed the charger from her list, so with her back was turned, I slipped it into the backpack. I nudged her lightly and she turned around to smile softly at me before following me out of the bedroom. We walked down the stairs quietly as pack members began to wake. They eyed me warily before saying their goodbyes to their Luna, causing her to blush.

Once outside, Charlie helped load her things into the back seat of the Cullinan whilst I loaded her suitcase into the boot. He was practically pouring with cockiness, his flirtatious nature coming out in full force. If he wasn't my Beta, I would've punched him already for his constant flirting.

"Nice wheels, no?" He boasted.

Nova laughed. "It's pretty, sure."

He huffed. "She, she is pretty. Phoenix never lets me drive this car, so I am making the most of it."

Only because Nova is riding in it.

"That's because you could never afford a car like this," I grunted.

"Spoilsport." He crossed his arms, pouting.

I laughed at him, shaking my head. He smirked slyly at me as Nova began to walk away to say goodbye to her brother and his pregnant mate. I watched as she conversed and embraced them, my heart twinging as Molly cradled her still flat stomach. I had to look away, my envy getting the best of me. Charlie caught my eye, already knowing how I felt about the situation, his hand coming to pat my back.

"One day, mate."

I shrugged it off with a small yeah, as Nova came back to stand by us. She was mixed with others' scents, and when she looked at me, I gave her a small smile. I knew it was time for her to leave, but I just didn't want it to happen. She sniffled, eyes brimming with tears as she came closer. I pulled her into my arms, one hand grasping at her waist as the other cupped the back of her head closer to me.

I opened the bond, allowing her to feel my emotions before pulling her lips to mine. I pushed all my love and emotions to her, causing her to gasp as she returned the kiss. My lips burned fire against hers, pulling away briefly for air only to capture them once more. My chest heaved with the thought of leaving her, but I held her closely, not wanting to let her go.

My lips fell from hers, my hands grasping her with enough force to let her know she wasn't going anywhere. I searched her face, wiping a stray tear that escaped her eyes.

"Be safe," I murmured gently, pecking her lips again and closing my emotional bond once more.

I just wanted to hold her, to taste her and keep her with me. I wasn't sure if I could let go.

"I love you."

She frowned, forcing back the tears. "I love you too."

I inhaled her scent once more, taking in all of the features on her beautiful face. She would be back, safe in my arms before I knew it. My mouth felt dry as we pulled apart, my movements almost robotic as I opened the back door for her. Once she was in and comfortable, I shut the door gently. I kept my eyes on her through the glass even as Charlie started the car and revved the engine.

I stood still even as the car pulled away, Charlie's eyes finding me in the rear-view mirror. He knew his role; he knew he was to be her protector in my absence. I had a lot of work to do whilst they were gone, work that would leave me too busy.

My heart ached as they disappeared, my eyes stinging with emotions. It didn't help when she pushed gently into my mind and said words that made me want to run after her and not let her go.

'I'll miss you.'

My head dropped in agony, licking my lips. I hoped their journey was safe, Charlie was a good driver and they were in one of the best cars in case of the worst happening. Bulletproof and built-in armour plating, I had the Cullinan decorated with many things to protect its passengers My pack was watching me, I could feel their eyes on my back.

I'll miss you more.

The car disappeared out of sight and I inhaled deeply. I heard feet shuffle behind me and quickly composed myself. Turning around, all of them averted my gaze.

"See you on the training grounds in ten minutes."

"Yes, Alpha." They murmured before scurrying away.

Distraction time.