I didn't realize I had fallen asleep until I heard Xain whisper sweetly to me, "Wake up, Darling. We're almost there."

I shuddered, forcing my eyes open. The sunshine, thankfully, didn't hit my eyes directly, but I immediately noticed that the temperature had dropped considerably. I shivered, only for a jacket to be wrapped around me. I looked up at Xain, preparing to thank him, only to find his hands still full.

When I glanced behind me, I noticed Jean averting my look. I couldn't help but smile, only to gasp when Connor suddenly stopped. "Are you awake now?" He asked. I nodded, only to giggle when he caressed my thigh.

"Connor, that tickles."

"You might want to get off then."

I pouted before kissing the back of his head. I then carefully slid off of Connor's back, only to fall on my butt. "Ow!!"

Xain laughed and said, "Connor, you're a real gentleman. Ever consider the fact that her legs were asleep?"

"Put a pinecone in it, Xain," Connor grumbled, helping me to my feet. "You really are something, Lyra." He murmured, making sure I kept my balance. I gripped the cloth tightly around me, shivering and giggling as I struggled to get the blood pumping down my legs again.

Connor continued to help me keep my balance as the six of us trekked uphill. Eventually, I could walk on my own, and I kissed Connor's cheek. "Thank you."

He smiled a bit before helping Xain carry the duffle bags. I glanced around as I walked, enjoying the view. In my opinion, fall was the best time of year. That time of harvesting and prepping for the harsh winters to come.

I beamed at the thoughts, wondering of Connor and Xain's tribe did the same thing.

Grabbing the vegetables, sewing up warm clothing for winter, covering up the windows-

"WELL IF IT ISN'T THE BIG HOTSHOT WOMANIZERS?!" I practically jumped out of my skin at the booming yet playful voice. I couldn't even think before Xain disappeared from sight. I then turned my head, watching him and someone else roll downhill.

'So fast-!' I also noticed my bag rolling downhill, and without giving it a second thought, I dashed for it. Unfortunately, my feet were not my friends, and I slipped on a bundle of leaves. I shut my eyes tight, bracing for impact, only for someone to grunt and catch me.

"Whoa whoa, what do we have here?!"

I opened my eyes to see a tan skinned male look at me. His eyes were a playful light green with thin eyebrows. His hair was curly and straight at the same time and stopped just at the bottom of his neck.

He had a strong jaw and a wide nose, and his expression was caught between curious and amused.

"Ah, my damsel in distress. Don't worry about thy bag!" He stated dramatically, holding me up. I felt so small and couldn't help to pout at the feeling. "Put me down!" I whined.

He laughed and said, "Such sweet innocence coming from your lips. Say please!" I blushed immediately. Was this guy teasing me?!

Xain, who caught my bag, laughed and said, "Put my woman down please!" The male clicked his tongue and said, "Well, at least one of us has manners." I was too flustered to even glare at him, so instead I backed away from him.

Justin rolled his eyes and said, "Please don't tease the human. Connor's temper has gotten worse." I glanced at Connor, who was trying not to smile at the situation.

I felt like I was going to die from embarrassment until Xain said, "It's okay, Lyra." He kissed my forehead gently and I immediately calmed down. "Xain..."

He smiled at me before nodding towards the strange male. "This is Garry Cross. Longtime friend of mine and also a part of our tribe. He's a goofball." The male – Garry, grinned and said, "Pleasure to meet a fine girl such as yourself."

He then wiggled his eyebrows. "I'd ask why such a cute little human's here, but I smell my boys all over your skin." I blushed furiously, turning quickly and attempting to climb back uphill to catch up with Connor.

Charlie rolled her eyes. "If we're done playing around with the human, I'd like to go home now."

"Patience, Charlie," Justin stated, shaking his head. Jean just glanced at me before continuing uphill. Connor held out his hand to me when I got closer, and I took it, smiling when he continued to help me walk.

Garry ran up to Justin before saying, "Hey hey, seen any sign of them yet?" "No," Justin replied, "And I don't think we will. They've realized who's stronger, so there's no worry now." "Well hit me upside my head and call me stupid!" Garry exclaimed, grinning. Justin glared at him and said, "Don't tempt me."

I giggled a little, shaking my head. Justin was way too serious compared to Garry, who was definitely hyper. I glanced at Xain, who seemed at peace just watching them. I looked up at Connor, who had the same look on his face.

I couldn't help but feel happy for them. They were close to home now. I gripped Connor's hand tighter, causing him to look at me in worry. I simply smiled at him.

Not just the brothers. This would be my home now. They were my home. Connor looked as if he wanted to kiss me and more, but Garry's whistling caused him to scowl. "Go die in a ditch, Garry!"

Garry feigned hurt. "I'm so upset! We've missed you so much!" He started to fake cry and I couldn't help but laugh at him. Xain and Connor looked at me in surprise, causing me to blush. I wanted to ask why they glanced at me like that, but Justin said, "There's a sight I've been missing.."

We all looked ahead and saw tall, thick wooden poles stretch far and wide from one end to the other. The middle was a large opening that had smaller sharp poles sticking out. Slowly, like a gate, the wooden poles were lifted off the ground.

Out of the corners of my eyes I saw other werewolves, both in human and natural form looking at us as we closed in on the entrance. I was scared, but when Connor squeezed my hand, I relaxed. Xain fell in step with me as he said, "Welcome home, Lyra."

Those words made my heart flutter as I smiled softly at him.

Connor smiled at me before looking ahead of him. He looked nervous, although I couldn't understand why. When we passed through the door, I gasped, and I was sure everyone in the group was smirking at me.

There were houses. So many houses. And so many trees. It almost looked like a fairytale. Aside from the straight line towards what looked like the largest building, the houses were in no particular order, and varied in size.

The houses were stone and wood and some of the houses almost looked like domes. The houses closest to the wooden wall looked like areas for the warriors to camp out at, as many of the wolves in those few houses were armed yet relaxing.

Further down, I could see children running and adults walking about and handling their business. Garry patted down his tan cotton shirt and said, "Home sweet home." Xain exhaled before shifting, standing all as he howled. The sound echoed throughout the village, and I almost jumped at the noise he made.

Connor chuckled, kissing my cheek as he said, "We'll be right back." I smiled shyly, watching him as he shifted as well. He then nudged Xain a little too hard before taking off on all fours. Xain followed and I couldn't help but giggle.

Several adults and children looked at them, many howling in response. I got so lost in watching them sprint that I didn't notice Garry standing beside me. I smiled nervously at him, unsure of what to say or do.

The brothers pretty much left me on my own at this point.

I was far from being a social butterfly, but more like a snail that stays inside its shell. Garry patted my back and said, "Hey, relax. We're all family here." I smiled shyly and said, "Sorry. I'm really out of my element here."

Charlie chuckled, glancing at me before walking towards the large house in her green silky dress. Jean nodded to Justin before walking in another direction quietly.

Justin said, "I have a feeling we won't be seeing them for a while. Lyra." I looked up at Justin nervously. He exhaled, patting my head a little. "Why did they bond with someone so skittish..? And so frail too."

I didn't know how to answer that, so I just blushed and stayed quiet.

Garry chuckled before saying, "Now that's just rude. Come on lyra, help me prepare their home." I smiled wide at that, nodding. Garry handed me my duffel bag before picking up the brothers' bags. I then followed him as we turned to the right, eventually sliding between one house after the other.

As we walked, many adults and young ones, "pups" as Garry called the children, greeted us in friendly a friendly manner. Although I did get a lot of odd looks, none were volatile.

When we made it to the brothers' house, it was the farthest away from any of the other houses, and it looked as if it was abandoned. Garry noticed my look and said, "They haven't been back for quite some time." Confused, I asked, "Why did they leave?"

He smiled. "They were trying to find themselves again. I'm sure they've told you about the switcheroo. They didn't want to stick around as the village was building itself. So, they took off. It's almost been a year, but it's honestly felt like forever."

He grinned at me. "And then they come back with a little girl in their arms. Tell me, how did that happen?"

I blushed furiously and said, "Um.. Well..." Garry watched me for a moment before smirking. "Oh, don't tell me. You're one of theirs?" I shook my head.

"No? A friend with benefits?" I shook my head again. "Uh... Well, we kind of.. All... Bonded..." Garry looked at me, quizzed, before his eyes widened in realization. "Wait. Both of them? With your soul? And you're still alive?"

"Wait, what?" I blinked a few times, not quite understanding. "What do you mean 'still alive'?"

Garry shook his head as he opened the door to their house. "When two wolves try and bond with the same female, normally it damages the female, if not all three of them. Wait, have you always been this small?"

I smiled and said, "I got it from my mother. And I guess I just got lucky. Xau stated that I actually helped them with their souls, although I'm not sure how that works."

"None of us are," Garry stated, taking the bags inside. I followed suit, looking around. The place wasn't dirty, but it was dusty and needed some cleaning. Garry glanced at me and smiled. "Well, missy, I'd consider you lucky. Xain and Connor, despite the wolf switch, tended to be the strongest of us. And they helped our tribes become one."

I smiled a bit and said, "While all of that does sound intimidating, I'm happy just to be theirs. They treat me so nicely."

Once again, Garry looked at me in surprise. He then smiled softly before saying, "Damn girl... You are really changing those two."

I was going to ask him how, but instead he said, "Now, let's open up these windows and prep this house! Those boys will be here before you know it." I smiled and nodded, helping him in letting light in. We started dusting the place; grabbing blankets and flapping them outside. As he started sweeping, I started cleaning up all the dishes, bringing wood and water in with him right after.

I can't recall how much time we spent on cleaning up, but when we were finished, there was a fire going, there was fresh water to drink, and I had leftover fresh fruit and veggies to munch on. Garry assured me that the boys were probably eating as well.

He then stretched and said, "Heavens, it's almost dusk already!" He grinned at me. "I had fun, Lyra. But I think I should head on back to my house. My other brothers will be expecting me."

I nodded and smiled. "Take care. And thank you for the help." "No problem, sis!" He announced, chuckling as he walked out the door. "Make sure to lock the door behind you!"

I giggled and did just that after he exited.

I then ate in silence before going to check out their rooms. Xain's was more or less empty, as was Connor's, but Connor had the bigger room. They also had plumbing, which I was happy for. They may have looked old fashioned on the outside, but this tribe evidently worked hard to get water running for the toilets and showers.

All I needed to do was warm the water. After smelling myself, I decided to shower, dressing up in a large shirt of Connor's and a pair of baggy pants that belonged to Xain. Both pieces of clothing were large, but I didn't mind. I was warm and happy.

After cleaning up my dinner, I relaxed in a large cushion chair by the fire, feeling very warm and comfortable.

I would've slept had I not heard a knock at the door. In a bit of a daze, I opened it up, hearing Xain on the other side. I then took a few steps back to let them in. "Welcome home," I said, hoping I didn't look or sound tired.

I then looked at them in confusion. Connor looked like he had just finished crying. Xain looked like he was close to breaking down. They stared at me as if I was some alien.

I took a step back, suddenly nervous. "C-Connor? Xain? What's wrong?"

Xain smiled weakly, answering when Connor could not. "Connor's father... our mentor... He's.. Dead."

~

And my heart aches.

My poor babies. They'll be alright though, Lyra is there for them 100%. And she's also in their clothes. :3
I hope you guys enjoyed this update. They're finally in the village! So I'd call this a midpoint in the story. And there's a cutie as a goofball too.

His name is Cesar Klens, who's a model. Kinda cute to be honest.

Until the next Update!

~ Nimo