Bianca clutched her ticket, her hands quivering with anticipation. She scrutinized the seat number imprinted on the ticket, her gaze unwavering. Stepping onto the plane, she cast a fleeting glance over her shoulder at her sister, Emiline. The perplexity and residual guilt still clouded Emiline's eyes, tugging at Bianca's heartstrings.

Shifting her attention, Bianca's gaze settled upon the two figures standing behind Emiline. His eyes fixed on Emiline, Ashton bore an unmistakable weight of sorrow. Beside him stood Cane, his rugged form draped with a black leather backpack.

An ironic amusement danced in Bianca's eyes as she observed the reactions of passersby, their astonishment evident as they craned their necks to take in the towering presence of the two men. Bianca was the first to enter the plane, greeted by the flight attendants' warm smiles. She gracefully found her seat, a coveted window spot positioned just behind the cockpit, the airline's name elegantly stitched in red on the chair.

Settling in, she observed her sister Emiline take the neighboring seat. Bianca tugged at her shirt, her words a hushed admonition, "Sit with your mate." Her voice was barely audible, careful not to let their lycan companions overhear. Emiline's surprise at the suggestion was palpable, prompting Bianca's quirked eyebrow. "Why?" Emiline asked obliviously. "He looks like he's dying," Bianca almost hissed at her sister, her frustration thinly veiled. Despite Emiline's scholarly brilliance, her behavior bordered on foolishness. Yet, Emiline remained unmoved, merely averting her gaze and watching as other passengers streamed onto the plane.

Among the boarding travelers was a young woman, her mid-twenties countenance framed by short, brown hair. Her curvaceous figure was hard to miss; their enhanced werewolf senses quickly picked up on whispered comments from seated passengers who followed her every step, a cacophony of undertones accompanying her entrance. Her eyes, however, immediately fixated on Ashton, who had claimed the aisle seat. His bag nestled beneath the seat under him, leaving the overhead compartment open.

Seizing the opportunity, the woman struggled to hoist her seemingly weighty carry-on into the bin. Her eyes met Ashton's with feigned vulnerability, a request for assistance concealed within her gaze. Ever the gentleman, Ashton rose, deftly stowing her bag away. Her gratitude translated into an exuberant hug, purposefully pressuring him with her ample bosom. A stifled laugh escaped Cane, his composure teetering on the brink of collapse. Initially oblivious, Bianca's attention was directed by Emiline's smoldering ire. Her fists clenched an unspoken fury radiating from her.

A knowing smirk danced across Bianca's lips as she prodded, "Something bothering you?" Emiline retorted with a dismissive gesture, donning earbuds and furiously tapping the screen electronic screen in front of her. The flight attendant intervened and escorted the woman to her rightful seat, fortuitously behind Ashton. Bianca's gaze shifted toward Cane, engrossed in conversation with an increasingly embarrassed and flushed Ashton. As the plane progressively filled, the pilot's voice permeated the cabin, issuing the call to prepare for takeoff. The telltale clicks of seatbelts followed, intermingling with the sounds of the aircraft's ascent. The rumbling of the plane as it navigated the runway resonated in Bianca's ears. With a tight squeeze of her eyelids, she braced herself as the aircraft gained altitude.

Meanwhile, seats away, the same woman from earlier persisted in her antics. A tap on Ashton's shoulder segued into a commentary on his muscular physique. Ashton, ever polite, requested the woman to refrain from touching him, her justification an apparent fear of flying.

Emiline's ire surged, her voice dripping with venom, "Cane, switch seats with me, so I can be by my boyfriend." Her demand was met with Cane's mirthful laughter, though he muffled it behind his hands. Meeting Ashton's gaze, Emiline impatiently shifted her weight, tapping her foot rhythmically as her anticipation grew. Cane rose, chuckles escaping his lips, and slid past his still-flustered friend. Emiline's deliberate pace as she edged past Ashton left no doubt of her intentions. Each movement was choreographed, her pointed sway calculated to provoke a reaction from the observant woman.

Bianca was gazing out of the window, eyes fixated on the somber hues of the clouds.

Cane reached out, "You don't like flying?" She shook her head, her gaze clouded with anxiety and fear.

"I just miss my family." The comfort in Cane's touch provided a fleeting respite, a fragile shield against the encroaching fear, "everything is gonna be okay," He reassured her.

Bianca nestled her head against Cane's shoulder, finding comfort in his warmth as she drifted asleep. The soothing sensation of his presence wrapped around her, easing her into slumber.

When she awoke, she found herself in a vast open field, instantly recognizing it as the pack's sacred grounds. She walked across the desolate landscape toward the familiar houses, but a heart-wrenching sight awaited her.

The pack's once-thriving homes were now reduced to ashes, chaos and flames consuming everything. Wolves, some injured and others lifeless, lay strewn across the ground, covered in blood. Bianca's voice filled the air with cries, desperately calling out for her family. With each call, the world around her seemed to spin, disorienting and unsettling. Her howls grew louder, a poignant plea for answers that remained unanswered. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she gazed at the fallen wolves, and her heart shattered when she recognized a silver-furred wolf on the brink of death – her father.

Suddenly, a sinister laugh pierced the air, and her surroundings blurred as flames flickered at the edges of her vision. Emerging from the inferno was the man from her haunting memories, his malevolent grin sending chills down her spine. His laughter echoed, and Bianca's fear intensified. Her body felt heavy, as though held by an invisible force. She struggled to escape as he drew closer, her cries growing more frantic.

But she was immobilized, a captive of her own terror. He held a silver collar in his hands, its metallic shine tainted by the stench of burnt flesh, a chilling reminder of her past torment. Bianca's pleas for help echoed in the nightmarish scene, her cries shifting into a desperate call for the one person she believed could rescue her.

"Cane!" she screamed, her voice cutting through the darkness like a lifeline.

Abruptly, Bianca's eyes flew open, her body drenched in a mix of sweat and tears. Cane lay beside her, lost in slumber, his rhythmic snores a backdrop to her disoriented awakening. She lay across the seats, her head resting now on Cane's thigh. Groggily, she shifted, careful not to disturb Cane's peaceful repose.

Amid her foggy state, a flight attendant approached, her voice soothingly, "Hello miss, would you like anything to eat?" Bianca's stomach churned, the aftermath of her vivid nightmare still lingering.

She managed a faint shake of her head, her voice a mere whisper, "No, thank you, but I'll take some water, please." Gratefully, the attendant handed her a cup filled with water before departing to attend to other passengers.

Bianca's gaze wandered, her eyes drawn to the vacant seats across her. An eyebrow arched in curiosity as she realized Emiline and Ashton were nowhere to be seen. Speculation flitted through her mind, and she reasoned they might have gone to the restroom. Leaning back against the seat, Bianca sighed, her heart racing from her haunting dream's lingering effects. She sipped water, hoping the cool liquid would help ease her unease. The cabin was peaceful, the distant hum of the plane's engines providing a soothing backdrop. 

The intercom crackled to life as she sat there, the pilot's voice permeating the cabin. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will begin our descent shortly. Please ensure your seat belts are securely fastened, your seat backs and tray tables are upright, and all electronic devices are turned off or in airplane mode. Thank you for flying with us, and we hope you have a pleasant landing.

"Ashton and Emiline reappeared, slipping back into their seats just as the plane descended. Bianca's brow furrowed slightly as she observed their return, a flicker of curiosity igniting within her. An unspoken question lingered in the air, and she couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their absence."They were in the bathroom together?" she mused, a bemused confusion tugging at the corners of her thoughts. The notion seemed odd, prompting her mind to venture down a path of speculation. Her gaze shifted between them, her curiosity growing with each passing second. However, as the plane's wheels touched the ground and the cabin resonated with the sounds of preparation for disembarkation, Bianca's immediate focus shifted to the imminent arrival at their destination.

Glancing back at Cane, who was now beginning to wake up. The runway grew closer, the plane's engines adjusting their pitch as they prepared for the touchdown. Bianca tightened her grip on the armrest, adrenaline coursing through her veins. The cabin reverberated with the gentle vibrations of the plane, a tangible reminder of the transition from the boundless sky to solid ground. With a soft thud, the wheels made contact, and the plane's deceleration was palpable. Bianca's heart raced as the aircraft taxied along the runway, gradually slowing to a stop.

The cabin erupted in a chorus of seatbelt clicks and the shuffling of belongings, passengers preparing for disembarkation. Bianca and Cane shared a meaningful glance as he roused from his slumber, a silent understanding flowing between them. The combination of worry and resolve was palpable, an unspoken recognition of the bond that tethered them through every twist of their journey.

"Are you alright?" Cane's concerned voice cut through the subdued hum of the cabin, his gaze tracing the telltale signs of tears on her cheeks. Bianca nodded in response, offering a gentle smile as she wiped away the remaining evidence of her emotional moment.

"Yeah, I'm okay," she replied softly, her voice carrying a trace of lingering vulnerability. "Just a bad dream, that's all." Cane's expression softened. She leaned in slightly, their shoulders touching reassuringly. A mixture of eagerness and relief threaded through her words."I just want to get off this plane."

...

Exiting the plane, the four navigated the terminal corridors until they reached the car rental section. Bianca's steps were purposeful, her determination propelling her forward. She glanced back to ensure that everyone was keeping pace, a reassuring smile exchanged with Emiline.

Cane's authoritative presence made it easy for him to locate the designated car rental counter. He engaged in a brief conversation with the attendant, his voice a steady cadence that drew attention, while Ashton leaned against a nearby pillar, his casual posture a stark contrast to the controlled intensity of the situation Emiline by his side.

Bianca's watchful gaze flitted between the three, her protective instincts never far from the surface. Her shoulders relaxed as Cane returned with the rental details in hand, his confident strides leading them to the waiting vehicles.

Upon reaching the cars, their eyes settled on a sleek, dark blue Land Rover Defender, its modern design standing out among the surrounding vehicles. Cane brought the group to a stop beside it, his hand resting on the door handle. He turned to Bianca, his voice a measured concern cutting through the moment's anticipation.

"Do you know how to go to your pack from here?" Cane's inquiry was accompanied by a gesture, offering the car keys to Bianca. Her hesitation was palpable, her gaze locking with his.

Bianca responded slowly, her head nodding as she considered her answer. However, her motion seemed to carry a weight of uncertainty, and she didn't reach for the keys. The unspoken admission hung in the air, and Cane's brow furrowed in response.

Without judgment, he sensed her unease and pressed further, his voice gentle. "Is something the matter?"

Bianca breathed, her embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she met Cane's gaze. "I don't know how to drive," she confessed, her voice a mixture of embarrassment and self-consciousness.

Cane's surprise was evident. "That's okay. Just show me the way." He reached out to rest a comforting hand on her arm, his touch a grounding anchor amidst her unease. "Driving isn't a big deal; I'll teach you when all this is over."

Bianca's eyes met his, gratitude and relief mingling with the lingering embarrassment. "Thank you," she whispered, the weight of her admission lifted by Cane's understanding and support. Cane's gaze shifted from Bianca to Emiline, a silent question lingering in his eyes. "Well, how about you, Emiline? Do you want to drive?"

Emiline's response was accompanied by a wry smile, her voice carrying a hint of self-deprecating humor. "I'm afraid I won't be much help either. It's been a long time since I've driven, and I fear I might be just as bad as Bianca."

Bianca let out a small laugh, the tension in the air dissipating further. Cane opened the door for Bianca, and Ashton's held the passenger door open, gesturing for Emiline to slide in. Once settled into the car, the engine rumbled to life beneath them.

Emiline and Ashton exchanged a knowing glance from the backseat. As they began to dip sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the airport, they were on their way To the West Moon pack.

..

The West Moon pack, nestled on the West Coast, exuded an air of quiet strength that belied its modest size. Spread across 72 acres of pristine forest land, the pack's territory was a sprawling expanse of untamed wilderness. Towering trees, their branches intertwined in a delicate dance, created a dense canopy that blanketed the landscape in cool shadows. The very heart of the pack was hidden within this thicket of nature, a haven where wolves of all ages lived, thrived, and protected their own.

The wolves of this region boasted dark pelts, an evolutionary trait that allowed them to seamlessly blend into the thick underbrush. Their coats were a tapestry of rich browns, deep blacks, and earthy grays, each hue serving as nature's camouflage in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the leaves.

As the Land Rover Defender rolled to a stop at the outskirts of the pack's territory, a sense of familiarity and anticipation washed over the two women in the car. The scent of pine and earth hung heavy in the air, the very essence of the forest welcoming them home. Their arrival marked the beginning of a journey into the unknown as they embarked on the mission to uncover the mysteries that shrouded the WestMoon pack.

"If you keep going straight, you'll make it to the main house," Emiline said, guiding Cane along the path through the pack's grounds. The Land Rover Defender trundled forward, its tires crunching on the dirt road as the pack's territory unfurled.

As they ventured deeper into the pack's domain. Bianca fell into silence as she sat in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the passing landscape, lost in her thoughts. She was scared to be home.

Familiar homes began to pass by in a steady rhythm as the Land Rover continued its journey down the dirt path through the heart of the pack's residential area.

Bianca's gaze traced the outlines of the homes as they slipped past her window. The scenes were bittersweet, each building a repository of memories that tugged at her heart. She sank further into the seat, her emotions swirling with nostalgia and introspection.

The contrast was stark, a shadow of what she remembered. Once, these homes had echoed with laughter, the sounds of young pups playing and carefree moments shared. A heavy silence seemed to have settled upon the pack, muffling the vibrant life that once thrived here.

The absence of laughter, the stillness that hung in the air, sent a shiver down Bianca's spine. She recalled the days when these streets were alive with activity, the joyous sounds of pack members creating a symphony of life. Now, the silence seemed to echo with the weight of unspoken worries.

The Land Rover rolled on, passing by empty playgrounds and quiet front yards. The swaying of the trees, their branches dancing in the wind, provided the only movement in a tableau frozen in time. Bianca's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions, a blend of sorrow for what had been lost and determination to reclaim what had been taken.

Emiline's hand found Bianca's, a gentle squeeze of solidarity that spoke volumes. Cane's gaze met Ashtons in the rearview mirror, silently acknowledging the pain beneath the surface.

"There's the main house," Emiline's voice broke through the quiet, her tone a cocktail of emotions. Her finger pointed to a large, imposing white home that stood as a central pillar within the pack's territory. Cane brought the Land Rover to a halt. The atmosphere seemed to hold its breath as the engine's rumble faded.

But then, as if the scene couldn't be any more charged, the air seemed to shift, and a figure emerged from the neighboring houses. An older woman stepped into view, her presence commanding attention as she walked with grace from years of leadership. Her eyes, wise and piercing, locked onto the group with an intensity that made Bianca's heart race.

It was Luna Lois, a woman that held weight and significance in the pack's history. Her very presence evoked a whirlwind of emotions within Bianca. Memories, both tender and bittersweet, flooded back.

Bianca's grip tightened on the edge of her seat, her breath catching in her throat. She stared at Luna Lois, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. The past and the present collided at that moment, a convergence of worlds that left her both exhilarated and apprehensive.

The creak of the car door echoed through the tense air as Luna Lois stepped forward. Cane's voice cut through the silence, a question tinged with curiosity and caution. "Who is she?" he asked, his gaze shifting from Bianca to Luna Lois, seeking an explanation.

But Bianca's attention was solely fixed on Luna, her heart racing as she felt the overwhelming surge of emotions within her. "Luna!" The word burst from her lips, a mixture of surprise, relief, and joy interwoven in her tone. In an instant, she was out of the Land Rover, her movements practically propelled by the intensity of her feelings.

Without a second thought, Bianca practically leaped into Luna Lois's waiting arms, the years between them melting away in that embrace. The weight of their history, the bond they had shared, and the challenges they had faced together hung in the air as they held each other tightly.

Luna Lois's arms wrapped around Bianca, a mixture of tenderness and strength evident in her embrace. Her voice, when it came, was a soothing balm to Bianca's emotions. "Bianca, my dear, you're okay, thank the gods."

Bianca's grip on Luna Lois tightened, her eyes closing as she allowed herself to simply be in that embrace.

As the car doors opened and the rest of the group stepped out onto the familiar territory of the pack.

Bianca finally pulled back slightly from the embrace, a smile gracing her lips as she looked at Luna Lois. "Cane, Ashton, this is Luna Lois. She's the Luna of this pack," she explained, her words carrying a mixture of reverence and fondness.

Luna Lois extended her hand towards Cane, her eyes met him, and at that moment, a sudden realization seemed to dawn upon her. Her expression transformed from a warm welcome to one of shock, her hand freezing mid-air.

"Oh, my gods, Prince Cane!" Her voice rang out, a mixture of surprise and astonishment that seemed to reverberate through the air. Her exclamation was nearly a shout, a testament to the unexpected revelation that had just unfolded before her. Still taken aback, Lois quickly lowered herself into a respectful bow, a show of deference that underscored the weight of Cane's presence.

"Please, just Cane is fine," Cane said, his voice warm and gracious. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Luna Lois. This is Beta Ashton." He gestured to Ashton, who was now by his side. Lois bowed at Ashton.

"It's an honor to have you in my pack."

As Luna Lois straightened from her bow, her gaze held wonder and curiosity. "You honor us with your presence, Prince Cane and royal beta Ashton," she said, her words carrying a weight beyond mere courtesy.

"Lois, they know what's happening; they are here to help," Emiline explained

"In any way that we can," Ashton added.

Luna Lois's gaze lingered on Cane and Ashton; tears glistened at the corners of her eyes. When it came, her voice held a soft tremor—a reflection of the emotions that surged within her.

"Thank you," she whispered, her words carrying a weight that transcended the ordinary. It was a simple expression, yet it held a world of appreciation and recognition within it.

"But first, Bia, I'll take you to see your parents."