Episode 24: "Back in Your Arms"
(Briarâs POV)
The car ride back home felt much shorter than the trip to my grandparentsâ house, probably because I was counting down the minutes until I could see Olivia again. The past few days had been niceâmy grandparents were sweet, even if they wouldnât stop teasing me about Olivia. But being away from her had left an emptiness inside me that I wasnât used to.
I tapped my fingers anxiously against my knee as Dad drove through familiar streets, my heart beating faster the closer we got to the pack house.
"Youâre jittery," Mom observed, glancing back at me with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes. "Iâm just excited to be home."
Dad chuckled. "Home, huh? You used to call our house home. Now it's wherever Olivia is."
I groaned. "Youâre still not done teasing me, are you?"
Mom laughed. "Oh, sweetheart, weâll never be done."
Before I could respond, Dad pulled into the long driveway leading to the pack house. My wolf stirred excitedly at the scent of homeâof Olivia.
And then I saw her.
Standing on the front steps, arms crossed, was Olivia. Her piercing gaze locked onto me the second our car stopped.
I didnât even wait for Dad to park properly before I unbuckled my seatbelt and jumped out of the car.
(Oliviaâs POV)
The second I saw Briar step out of the car, my chest tightened with relief. It had only been a few days, but it felt like much longer. I had spent too much time missing her, and now that she was here, I wasnât about to let her go again.
Briarâs eyes lit up when she saw me, and before I could take a step forward, she was already running toward me.
She crashed into me, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist. I caught her instantly, holding her just as fiercely.
"Miss me, love?" I murmured into her hair, inhaling her scent.
She buried her face in my chest. "Shut up. I hate being away from you."
I smirked. "I know."
Her grip on me tightened. "Youâre supposed to say you hate it too."
I chuckled, pressing a kiss to her head. "Of course, I hated it. It was unbearable."
Briar pulled back slightly, looking up at me with a pout. "Good. Now never let me leave again."
I smiled, brushing my fingers through her hair. "I donât intend to."
Behind us, I heard Tara and Ethan whispering loudly.
"Look at them," Tara said dramatically. "Theyâre so in love itâs disgusting."
Ethan sighed. "I bet Olivia was counting the hours until Briar came back."
I shot them a glare. "Donât you two have something better to do?"
Tara grinned. "Nope."
Briar rolled her eyes but didnât move from my embrace. "Ignore them."
"Oh, I intend to." I smirked before tightening my hold around her, enjoying the feeling of her finally being back in my arms.
---
(Later That Day: The Results Are Out)
(Briarâs POV)
After unpacking, I met up with Tara and Ethan in the common room. The pack had gathered to celebrate the results of our final school year, which had just been released online.
Ethan and Tara sat next to each other, practically vibrating with excitement. Olivia stood beside me, an amused expression on her face as she watched us fidget in anticipation.
"Okay, okay, Iâm opening the results," Ethan announced dramatically, pulling up the website on his phone.
I leaned in, my stomach twisting with nerves. "Just read it already!"
Tara peeked over his shoulder. "Come on, Ethan, before I die of stress."
Ethan grinned and then gasped loudly. "Holy shit."
"What?" I asked urgently.
Tara clutched his arm. "Tell us!"
Ethan turned the screen so we could see. "We passed! We actually passed everything!"
Tara shrieked in delight, throwing her arms around Ethan. "Oh my god, we did it!"
I exhaled in relief, a grin spreading across my face. "We survived!"
Tara turned to me and pulled me into a tight hug. "Briar, weâre officially done with school!"
Ethan joined in, wrapping his arms around both of us. "No more exams, no more essays, no more boring lectures!"
From the corner of my eye, I saw Olivia watching us with an amused but proud look.
I pulled back and grinned up at her. "Did you doubt me, Alpha?"
Olivia smirked. "Never. But I am proud of you."
Tara turned to Ethan suddenly. "Wait a second, we have to check something else."
Ethanâs eyes widened. "Oh, right!"
They both fumbled with Ethanâs phone before letting out a synchronized gasp.
I frowned. "What? What is it?"
Tara turned to Ethan with teary eyes. "Itâs confirmed."
Ethan swallowed hard before turning to face us. "Weâre officially mates."
A beat of silence passed before I tackled them both in excitement.
"Thatâs amazing!" I squealed.
Tara was crying happy tears while Ethan just stood there in shock. Olivia, who had been quiet, finally smiled. "Congratulations. You two deserve it."
Ethan exhaled sharply. "Wow. I mean, we suspected, but now that itâs realâ"
Tara wiped her tears. "This is the best day ever."
Olivia placed a hand on Ethanâs shoulder. "Take care of each other. Being mates is a beautiful thing, but itâs also a journey."
Ethan nodded. "We will. Thank you, Alpha."
Tara turned to me. "Briar, youâre my best friend, and now youâre stuck with us forever."
I laughed. "I wouldnât have it any other way."
Olivia wrapped an arm around my waist and leaned down. "Speaking of being stuck with people foreverâ¦"
I tilted my head up at her. "Hmm?"
She smirked. "You already know youâre never getting rid of me, right?"
I grinned. "Oh, trust me. I have no intention of trying."
She kissed my forehead, and for the first time in days, I felt completely at home.
The pack erupted into cheers, celebrating our success, but all I could focus on was the warmth of Olivia beside me.
I was exactly where I belonged.
End of Episode 24.