Back in Normalcy

Nathaniel's POV

It's our last day here in paradise.

This time went by fast, but I feel more connected to her. I've found out more small details about her and know exactly how to satisfy her, which was just a bonus. I feel this trip with her was a major success, but my chest feels heavy at the thought of having to leave her and go back to my regular day-to-day.

I'm worried about her asshole of an Alpha and what may happen to her without me there, but aside from kidnapping her and bringing her to my packlands, there's not much I can do. There's still processes that have to be followed, especially since I don't want to reveal she's my mate.

Kiba is furious with me, but my desire to make sure she's safe before putting her in any other danger overtakes the need I have for her to know.

It's the middle of the day, and we had a nice time in the shower this morning before we decided to pack up all our belongings for the trip home. We've just received word that the cars are here to take us to the airport where we will take the private jet back home, and we will go our separate ways back to our respective packs.

I wish I had more time with her.

"You coming?" She asks and I break out of my trance and put the last items into my bags and zip them up. She's in casual clothes today, some loose grey sweats and a red tank top with a cropped hoodie. Her red locks are tied up loosely and she looks beautiful.

"Yes. Let's go."

- - -

The all too familiar sounds and smells of the northern continent – my land - hit my senses the moment I step out of the jet. Ivy follows behind me and we walk over to where our town cars are waiting. She looks up at me, and I can see the wetness in her eyes, and I pull her close, resting my chin on the top of her head. I feel her grasp my shirt and push herself more into my chest.

"I know, songbird. I'll miss you too." I say quietly and she lifts her head and pushes up to place a kiss on my lips.

"Text or call me whenever. I'll always make time for you." She smiles and wipes her eyes. "I'm going to hold you to that. Will you come see me?" She asks and I nod. "I will try as much as I can. Let me know when you're performing at Iron Wolf too. I'll always come to hear your beautiful voice."

"Deal." She smiles and hugs me tightly, giving me another sweet kiss before we part and get into our cars.

Not even two seconds later, my phone vibrates, and I smirk. Sure enough it's her.

Thank you for the amazing time these past two weeks. I'm happy we got to know each other a bit more, among other things. I already miss your touch.

I respond to her.

It was my pleasure to spend time with you. I really enjoyed every moment, especially you writhing under me. But all aside, thank you for opening up to me and making this time away memorable.

I laugh when she responds with an embarrassed emoji, and I send back a heart with Let me know once you're home and settled in.

I will. Talk soon!

I miss her already. Being away from her is going to be torture.

Ivy's POV

I sigh as I see the familiar sights that indicate that I'm close to Red Moon packlands. Which means I'm closer to seeing my best friends and closer to the man I hate with all my being.

Hold on to the positive moments.

I don't know what to expect, but my heart flutters with anxiousness the moment the car pulls into the familiar packlands I pass my house and continue up towards the packhouse and the residential building of my nightmares. I step out of the car and am immediately tackled into a hug by Evie, and I laugh.

"I missed you so much!" She pulls away and looks at me. "You look so good!!!!" She exclaims. "How was it?"

"Good. Really needed. Relaxing and very enjoyable."

"that's all I get?" She says lowly and I wink at her. "More stuff I'll tell later." She smirks and nods. "Gotcha. Well let's get your stuff and get you unpacked and settled in at the new building."

I hold my hand up. "Is Cole in his office?" She nods. "Yeah why?"

"I'm not staying in the building. I'm going back home with you and Kane."

Her mouth drops in awe. "You sure you want to do that?" she questions intently, and I nod. "If there's anything that I took from this time away, it's that he can't keep controlling me like I'm some pet. So, it's about time I stood up and stopped letting him, regardless of consequences."

"I'll get your stuff back to the house then. See you soon?" I nod and smile. "Yup! See you shortly."

I pull my phone out to text Nate and let him know I'm home safely, and then I make my way into the packhouse and up to Cole's office and knock on the door.

"Come in." I hear that voice and I cringe a little. I take a deep breath and walk in and see those oh so familiar eyes of anger directed at me.

"You're back." He says flatly and I nod. "Yes. Was just coming to let you know that I am back and that I'm going to continue to live at the house with Genevieve and Kane."

"You absolutely are not."

I keep my head raised and look him straight in the eyes. "Yes, Cole. I am. Stop with this ridiculous control and punishment over me. It's tiring. Move on and find someone else to torture. I'm done." He rises from his chair and stalks over to me, trying to intimidate me but it doesn't work anymore. I hold his stare and glare at him with all the hatred I can muster.

"I am your Alpha. You listen to me." He raises his voice and I shake my head.

"I've told you countless times you are not my Alpha and that I will never follow you, nor listen to you. The sooner you realize that the better. I will still do my duties to this pack and help it prosper, but that is all I'm obligated to do." I go to turn and leave but stop, my back still facing him. I can feel the anger rolling off his body, the tension and hate thick in the air.

"If you or Alarik ever put a hand on me again, I'll report you to the King. Or better yet maybe I'll kill you in your sleep."

And with that, I walk out and head back home.

- - -

I yawn as I sit on the couch with Evie watching a movie, having unpacked everything and organized things that I've got to get back to considering that I'm back home. The door opens and I look over to see Kane walk in and he smiles when he sees me.

"Welcome home." He says, heading over and giving me a hug before heading into his room to decompress from the day. It's then that Evie looks over to me and whispers. "So, what else happened at the retreat?"

We went shopping, which reminds me I gotta grab couple things for you and Kane from my bag, but..." I trail off and look to make sure Kane isn't coming out and beckon her to come closer with my hands.

She comes closer to me, and I whisper in her ear.

"Nate and I had sex. Multiple times."

She backs away from me and clamps her hand over her mouth in surprise. "What?" She leans in again and whispers. "Was it good?" I laugh and nod excessively. "It was something else, my god."

"Ivy, Ivy, Ivy..." She says slyly as she blushes and giggles. "Well, I'm glad you had a good time."

It's a time I'll never forget for the rest of my life.