Page 16 of Escaping Wildfire
I fell asleep for most of the ride, and before I knew it, we were pulling into Harvest Moon territory. “We’ll be staying at the pack house, Alpha Kedrick said they have plenty of space for us there.” Alpha Henry made small talk as we drove the rest of the way to the pack house.
As we neared the house, I could tell the place was a lot bigger than ours back home. They had what looked like the main house in the center with several other buildings spread out all around.
We pulled up into a parking spot. It already looked a little packed, I assumed because of the birthday party that would be starting soon.
Alpha Kedrick and his Luna met us at the door. “Welcome, it’s good to meet you all. We’ve enjoyed having your boys here. They’re all very hard workers. Your boy in particular.” He pointed at Alpha, and then they both shook each other’s hand in greeting. “We kept the boys busy out back so that you could surprise them, do you all want to head up to your rooms first or go out back already? Alpha and Luna looked at me and Jasmine to decide, “Out back first!” We said in unison. “Follow me then, we’ll come back for your bags afterward.”
He led us to the backyard, and as soon as I locked eyes with Noah, I started to run his way.
“Gema!?” He yelled in surprise as he ran to meet me with open arms. “Goddess, Gema, it’s really you.” He swept me up in a big hug, “You’re really here. How are you here?” He smiled wide as he pulled back to look at me. “Alpha Kedrick invited us to his son’s party. He thought you guys might be a little homesick and that it might be nice to surprise you. Are you surprised?”
“Fuck, yes, I’m so happy you’re here.”
“What, no hug for your big brother now that you have a boyfriend?” Cristian came up behind Noah and tried to cut in for his hug.
“Oh, come on, you know I always have hugs for you.” I went up to him, and he picked me up and swung me around as usual. I looked over to see Jordan and Jasmine in their sibling hug as his parents happily looked on.
We spent a few more minutes with the boys before Luna Ellis had one of the pack members show us up to our rooms. We had about an hour before the party started, so we rested until then. The boys stayed downstairs as they were still helping set up.
There was a knock at my door before Jasmine barged in. “We’re heading downstairs, are you ready?”
“Yeah, let’s go.” I glanced once more at my reflection in the mirror making sure my makeup was in place and closed the door.
“So…Jordan said they are having a pack bonfire tonight, that it was their Saturday night thing for the younger pack members. He said almost everyone comes out to party and that even members of other packs join sometimes.”
“That sounds like fun. He said you and I could go, too?”
“Yeah, he already got Mom and Dad to agree on it too.”
“Oh, my Goddess, I love your parents. I mean, I love mine, but I also love not having to check in with them for everything this weekend.”
“You’ll be 18 soon, maybe they’ll loosen the reins then?”
“Doubt it, but I suppose it doesn’t hurt to dream.” I shrugged.
We made it downstairs to find the boys had saved us a table right by the Beta and Gamma of Harvest Moon.
Jordan was busy talking to a little boy, who I could only assume was Alpha Kedrick’s son. He seemed to be hanging on Jordan’s every word. Jordan had always been great with kids. He’ll make the best dad someday.
“Your brother seems to be doing okay, I thought the Alpha here said he was homesick?”
“Yeah, I don’t know, he seems okay to me, too. Either way, just glad my parents brought us with them.”
I felt a warm arm come around me as Noah sat down beside me. “I’m so happy you’re here.” He kissed my cheek. “Did Jasmine tell you about the bonfire?”
“Yeah, sounds fun.”
“We went last week, it was pretty chill. Alpha Kedrick does them so his younger pack members won’t go off drinking somewhere dangerous. We were thinking about starting something up like that back home, so we don’t have to go over to the human clubs as much.”
“That’d be so cool, well assuming I have fun tonight.” Jasmine cut in, and I nodded my agreement.
“So, how’s Jordan really been?” Jasmine looked over at Noah knowing he’d tell her if he was worried about Jordan. “Alpha Kedrick told us he’d been a little homesick.”
“He’s been okay, not great, but he’s been focusing on the training and soaking up everything they’re teaching us…”
“But?” Jasmine raised her eyebrows knowing something was up with how Noah trailed off.
“Well, Neo’s been a little agitated, which is throwing him off, but really…it’s Jordan’s story to tell, so I’ll leave it at that…Maybe get him alone, I’m sure he’ll talk to you about it.”