Goodbyes

Harlyn

The pups are looking excited about this trip. “Okay, go pack, please,” I say to the pups and watch as they run to their rooms. Moving, I walk to mine and begin to pack my bag, ready to go.

“Are you sure about this, Harlyn?” Wayne asks. I turn and see him standing by the door. He’s worried, but I know that I will be fine.

“I am sure. Don’t worry about me, Wayne. I’ve changed, you know that I have,” I remind him. He walks to me and wraps his arms around me.

“Yes, you have,” he whispers. “The difference from the person you arrived here as to today is huge, it seems almost impossible for you to be the same person.” He kisses my cheek, and I smile. “The pups have changed you. Just remember your training, Harlyn. You may not have a wolf, but for seven years, you trained,” he reminds me.

I nod. Even I know my training is useless if I am faced with someone who is a wolf. Another human, sure, I can manage, but a wolf? No. Still, he needs reassurance.

“I remember, don’t worry. Plus, Thorin will warn me if he senses someone might want to hurt me.” He’s smart, and he somehow can feel people's intentions far easier than anyone I have ever known.

“You’re right, my love. Thorin will sense if someone is going to do you harm. So listen to him,” he insists. I watch as he grips my chin. “I know they are young, but they are stronger than everyone here. You might not want to admit it, but Thorin knows, so if he tells you someone wants to hurt you, please listen,” he begs.

I nod, knowing what he means. I ignored Thorin that day and almost got hurt. He had told me the woman wanted to hurt me. I thought he was being overprotective. I sent him back to eat his dinner, and the woman pounced the moment he was gone. She seemed so calm and nice, but clearly, Thorin sensed her true motives.

Zipping up the case, I stand and smile at him. I don’t want him to worry, and I know this will be hard.

“What if when I return, we plan the wedding?” I suggest. I now I avoid it but there’s no real reason for me to anymore.

“Really?” He stares at me, clearly in shock.

“Yes, really. You and the pups are my family, so let’s marry.” I smile at him, and he kisses me. I hear his heart beating fast.

“He’s already unsettled,” Wayne whispers, and I know he means his wolf. I can sense it, but I don’t understand it. I don’t have a wolf, so I wouldn’t know how it feels. “Four days, and you come back, right?” He looks at me. “I can’t guarantee that I won’t just wake up tomorrow and come find you.”

I laugh at his words, but I know he’s serious. He needs to focus on the pack. Not me.

“Okay, try not to. The pack needs you,” I say as I kiss him. Grabbing the case, I walk out, determined not to be the weak, pathetic girl I once was.

~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

I was relaxed, but now I am sitting anxiously, watching as we pass the familiar borders and enter the city of Ockrith. My mind is flooded with memories of my childhood, both good and bad, which makes me feel uneasy.

“Are we there yet, Mummy?” Isaac asks, breaking me from my thoughts. His face is pressed against the window as he stares at the passing buildings.

“It’s so big, Mummy!” Lotta exclaims. Her awe is visible, and she looks at her surroundings. She’s right. Where we live with Wayne is merely a small town. Just the pack inhabits it. There are no connecting towns, no royal family. It’s just the pack. Compared to Ockrith, the town of Moonlore is like a grain of sand within the entire beach.

I make a conscious decision to point out different landmarks and places I visit often. I point out the prestigious academy that I had once attended as well.

“That’s huge, Mummy! You really went there?” Isaac’s eyes widen. It is big, but nothing compared to the palace.

“Yes, darling. I did, along with the prince and princess. Your uncles also attended that academy. It’s one of the best in the world,” I explain. Turning, I look at Thorin. “Carlton also went there,” I tell him, and his eyes widen, and now he looks as well.

The memories of the place flood me, and I hate how the good memories are tainted by the bad ones. So much happiness came from this place, but at the same time, sadness as well.

“Mummy, are you okay?” Thorin asks. His voice is full of worry. He looks at me, waiting.

“Yes, my brave warrior,” I reassure him. I know that my words won’t ease all his worry, but it’s enough to at least make him go back to looking at the city. Isaac and Lotta’s excitement grows when they spot the palace in the distance.

“Can we visit Mummy?” Lotta pleads. Her eyes stay fixed on the palace as we approach it.

I’m not sure if that is possible. At one time, I was welcomed; I didn’t need to ask; I was like family. Now, I’m not sure if that is going to be possible. “I’m not sure, darling,” I admit. Her eyes drop, and sadness fills them. I will see what we can do, okay?” I ask. She nods and smiles happily. I can’t bear to have her hurting.

“Look at that!” Isaac’s words are loud as he points to the manor.

“That’s where I grew up,” I explain. The pups turn shocked.

“In the palace?” Thorin asks. Confusion is clear on his face.

“No darling, that’s the manor,” I explain. They all look at me, still confused.

“It’s inside the palace gates, Mummy,” Thorin explains. I nod, maybe I should have explainend better.

“My parents are the Earl and Countess. They are required to be near the palace and royal family at all times,” I clarify. A look of understanding crosses their faces, and they nod, understanding me. I watch the gates open, and the car goes up the driveway. A feeling of dread instantly fills me. I push it down. This isn’t about me. This is about Samuels’ wedding and the pups finally meeting family.

The car stops, and I sit looking at the manor, knowing that I need to get out and do this. I can’t avoid it.

“Come on then, stay with me please,” I say to the pups, getting out of the car I walk towards the house. Isaac and Lotta are on either side of me. Thorin walks ahead with a protective stance.

“Miss Harlyn?” Joseph greets me, his words clearly questioning if it is really me. He’s the same soldier who always stood guard on the door.

“Hello, Joseph,” I say while smiling at him. I watch his surprised expression as he glances at the pups.

“Who do these pups belong to?” he asks.

“Me, Joseph. These are my pups,” I reply. His eyes widen, and I now realise my father hasn’t even told anyone I was pregnant, so no one knows about the pups. He doesn’t respond, so I decide to talk. “My beta’s will gather our luggage and bring it in,” I say before pointing to where they are waiting.

“Of course, Miss Harlyn,” he replies and steps aside before opening the door to allow us to enter. I almost expected my father's voice to attack me like it always had, only it didn’t.