Chapter 33

POV Joann

Thomas pushed a connection with Aiden and I. “You’re going to want to see this.” He said before cutting the connection.

A few minutes later we could hear Thomas pull up. Aiden and I waited in the kitchen, Thomas was never really one for surprises, so we weren’t sure what to expect.

The caravan of Black Moon pack should arrive any time now.

I was hopeful that he had finally found his mate, he is so dedicated and devoted to this pack. He deserves to find his own happiness.

With Paula’s family coming we had wanted to set up a dinner or casual party in case any of them or the warriors escorting them had mates here. Hopefully as Paula got better, we could arrange something but as of now it would be in poor taste.

The front door opened, and I could hear Thomas tell someone we were in the kitchen. A deep gravelly voice replied. “I know the way.”

Aiden and I looked at each other before a massive figure appeared in the doorway. He had to crouch down to avoid hitting his head on the frame.

I stared at this man for the longest time. A scar ran from his forehead down his check. Square jaw line and sharp features. A large muscular body, his tan skin made his scars more visible.

The bottom of his pants ripped, several holes faded and worn into them. The sleeves and neck of his shirt tattered. No socks or shoes on his feet.

For a moment I could have sworn Darien was standing before us. Taller and younger but he looked identical just the same.

When the corners of his mouth turned up in a slight smile, I felt my heart catch. He still has his father’s smile.

I knocked the chair over getting up, running and jumping into him and wrapping my arms around his neck. Hitting his solid body with enough force to almost knock the wind out of myself. His large frame didn’t budge an inch.

Thomas entered the kitchen behind him a big grin on his face.

“Where did you find him?” Aiden asked Thomas.

“He was just standing at the gate.” Thomas told him.

Tears ran down my face. I felt like I was going to explode with pure joy. “We never gave up hope. I knew you were out there. Where have you been?” I asked through shaky breaths.

Wrapping one large arm around me he picked me up off the ground and hugged me in return. Bringing me further in the kitchen he set me down on the island. “That’s a really long story mom. Can we talk about it later? Right now, I’m starving, and I smell like something that came out of the wrong side of a bear.”

“Of course, of course.” I said but didn’t let go of his neck. I pulled back to look at his face. Although he wore a smile his eyes looked blank.

The years had changed him. Where a sweet boy had left us, a man had returned. I hadn’t expected to look in his eyes again and it saddened me that the light was gone from them.

Wiping the tears from my cheeks. “You’ll have to use our bathroom for now. Thea and Amira are staying in your room right now.

“Who is Thea and Amira?” He asked. His voice deep. His chest rumbled against me when he spoke.

“That’s right you left before she woke up. Thea is the girl you saved, and Amira is her friend. Omega Gavin was killed a few days ago and we moved the girls in to make sure they were safe.” I told him.

“No lose there.” He said.

“Not really but his mate Paula has no memory of our pack. Turns out she has a family in the Black Moon pack. They should be arriving today. We thought you were them.” Aiden said.

“I will shower and speak with Paula.” Eric said. His words and voice almost robotic. “I will take Darien’s old room.” He turned and abruptly left.

Aiden and I looked at each other. We were so happy to have him home, but he was acting peculiar.

“Is he acting odd to you?” I asked Aiden.

“He’s been gone almost six years. What did you expect Joann, he would just come back the same fifteen-year-old boy.” Aiden said with distain before getting up and walking out.

“I imagine he’s been through a lot. Just give him time.” Thomas tried to reassure me.

Even with the nagging feeling in the back of my mind I couldn’t be happier that he was home. I set out cooking all his favorite foods.

When Eric reappeared, he was wearing a pair of his dads' shorts with no shirt on. Looking at him know nothing we had would fit him. He had grown into a massive Alpha. My heart ached seeing the scars covering his chest and arms.

I wanted to ask a thousand questions. Where had he been? What happened? Why didn’t he come home? What happened to Darien? But Thomas was right, when he was ready, he would tell me. For now, it was enough just to have him home.

He ate everything I made. Two steaks, four cinnamon rolls, a plate of cookies, eggs and bacon.

“Must have been hungry.” I said in a joking tone.

“Yes.” He replied simply.

His head snapped to the door before I heard anything. Then the girl's laughter outside could be heard before the front door opened.

“That will be Thea and Amira.” I told him.

I walked out to greet them. They were talking excitedly amongst themselves carrying bags of supplies to decorate with.

Feeling Eric walk up behind me Thea froze dropping everything in her hands. The sound of glass breaking as amber liquid leaked out of one of the bags onto the floor.

A low growl coming from Eric behind me.

“Mate.”