Episode 23: "Home Away From Home"
(Briarâs POV)
The long drive to my grandparents' house felt like an eternity. It wasn't that I wasnât happy to visit themâI loved my grandparents. But ever since I moved in with Olivia, being away from her, even for a few days, felt⦠off.
I had been hesitant to leave, but my parents insisted. They missed me, and they thought it would be a good idea for me to visit my grandparents, who hadnât seen me in a while. Olivia, being the responsible Alpha she was, had encouraged me to go, saying I deserved some time with my family.
Yet, here I was, staring out the car window, counting the hours until I could go back to her.
My mom turned in her seat and gave me a knowing smirk. "Youâre awfully quiet back there, sweetheart."
Dad chuckled as he glanced at me in the rearview mirror. "Let me guess⦠thinking about Olivia?"
I groaned. "Can we not do this right now?"
Mom laughed. "Oh, honey, we have to. Itâs our job as parents to tease you about your first serious relationship."
"Itâs not my first," I muttered.
Dad raised an eyebrow. "Itâs the first one that has you looking all mopey just being apart for a couple of days."
"Ugh, youâre impossible." I crossed my arms, staring stubbornly at the road ahead.
"You are proving their point, Briar," my mom said with a grin.
I rolled my eyes but didnât argue. Because, well⦠they werenât wrong.
Arriving at Grandma and Grandpaâs House
The moment we pulled into the driveway, my grandparents were already outside, waiting eagerly for us. Grandma, a short, lively woman with a sharp eye for emotions, wasted no time pulling me into a warm hug.
"Briar, my dear, you look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you!"
I smiled. "Itâs good to see you, Grandma."
Grandpa clapped me on the back, his voice booming. "About time you visited! Your parents talk about you nonstop, especially about this⦠whatâs her name again?"
I tensed immediately. "Oh no."
Mom, ever the troublemaker, grinned. "Olivia."
Grandpaâs face lit up with interest. "Ahh, Olivia! The one who stole my granddaughterâs heart!"
I groaned as Grandmaâs eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, tell us, Briar. Whatâs she like? Your parents say sheâs quite something!"
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Sheâs amazing, okay? Smart, strong, protectiveâ"
"âLovesick," Dad added.
I shot him a glare. "I am not lovesick."
Grandpa chuckled. "Denial is the first sign, kiddo."
I groaned again. This was going to be a long visit.
Meanwhile, Back at the Pack Houseâ¦
(Oliviaâs POV)
I sat in my office, trying to focus on paperwork, but my mind kept wandering back to Briar. It had only been a few hours since she left, yet it felt⦠too quiet.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
"Come in," I called.
Caleb, my beta, entered, followed by Tara and Ethan, who were grinning like they were up to something. I narrowed my eyes.
"What?" I asked suspiciously.
Ethan smirked. "So⦠howâs life without Briar?"
Tara leaned against my desk. "Yeah, Alpha. You holding up okay?"
I sighed. "Iâm fine."
Caleb snorted. "You mean youâre suffering."
I glared at him. "I am not suffering."
Tara smirked. "Really? Because youâve been staring at your phone like a lovesick puppy for the last hour."
Ethan nodded. "And letâs not forget that you personally made sure Briar had everything packed before she left. Including snacks."
I crossed my arms. "She likes snacks."
Tara grinned. "You even made sure she had an extra hoodie. Which, letâs be real, sheâs probably gonna steal from you anyway."
I exhaled sharply. "I was just making sure she was comfortable."
Caleb chuckled. "Face it, Olivia. Youâre just as bad as she is. You miss her already."
I opened my mouth to deny it, but my wolf, Lyra, snorted in my head. Theyâre right. You do miss her.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Okay, fine. Maybe I miss her a little."
Ethan grinned. "A little?"
Tara gasped dramatically. "Olivia Elara Knight, the mighty Alpha, reduced to a soft mess by her mate! Who would have thought?"
I gave them a warning look. "You all are insufferable."
Caleb smirked. "And youâre in love."
I sighed. There was no winning with them.
Back at the Grandparentsâ Houseâ¦
(Briarâs POV)
After dinner, I stepped outside to get some fresh air. The night sky was clear, and the stars twinkled brightly. The cool air felt nice, but I still felt⦠empty.
My phone buzzed.
Olivia: Howâs the trip going? Are your grandparents treating you well?
I smiled, immediately replying.
Me: Yeah, theyâre great. But they wonât stop teasing me about you.
Olivia: Oh? What are they saying?
Me: Just that Iâm lovesick and mopey without you.
Olivia: â¦Are they wrong?
I frowned.
Me: Youâre supposed to take my side!
Olivia: Iâd take your side, but I also miss you, soâ¦
I felt my heart clench at her words.
Me: I miss you too. A lot.
Olivia: I can tell. But donât worry, love. Iâll be waiting for you when you get back.
Me: You better be.
Olivia: Always.
I stared at the screen for a long moment before sighing.
Yeah. I was definitely lovesick.
The Next Day: More Teasing from the Pack
Back at the pack house, Olivia walked into the common area where Caleb, Tara, and Ethan were lounging.
Tara immediately perked up. "Any texts from Briar?"
Olivia sighed. "Yes."
Ethan smirked. "Lemme guessâsheâs missing you like crazy?"
Caleb grinned. "More importantly⦠youâre missing her like crazy."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "Youâre all ridiculous."
Tara grinned. "Oh, come on, Alpha. Just admit itâyouâre a total softie for her."
Ethan nodded. "And youâve been checking your phone every ten minutes."
Olivia sighed heavily. "Is it a crime to miss my mate?"
Caleb smirked. "No, but it is hilarious to see the terrifying Alpha Knight turn into a big, soft puppy."
Olivia groaned. "I hate you all."
Tara patted her shoulder. "We love you too, Alpha."
Olivia shook her head but couldnât hide the small smile on her lips. She missed Briar more than sheâd ever admit, but soon enough, her mate would be back in her arms. Until then, sheâd just have to endure the relentless teasing.
End of Episode 23
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