Chapter 3

Irene’s POV “Kaius Wolff, the Lycan King.” I flipped through pages, barely paying attention to the written interview, as I hunted for more of his picture, groaning out of insatisfaction as I reached the end. “I wanted to see more of his damn hot-” I broke out in a yawn, stretched my arms and sank into my seat, allowing the cool and quiet ambiance of the plane to pull me into a moment of peace. “Miss… your flight has arrived.” I blinked open my eyes as I heard the soothing voice of the air hostess. I found my way out of the plane, got my luggage as I stepped out of the Moonshadow’s airport into the streets, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. I’m finally home, in a place that belonged to me. I took out my phone, and dialed a number. “Dad.” There was a pause on the other end. I had changed my number, though. “Irene,” he replied. My heart flushed on hearing his voice. “I’m at the airport, Dad-” “Ten minutes.” The line went dead. Wow. That was the most awkward conversation I had with my father. I had left home for a long time without keeping contact with him, it was bound to be this way. Thanks to the goddess he accepted to pick me up. I sat at the side bench as I waited. My mind went back to the magazine. I looked through my things as I searched for it. Shit. I left it behind in the plane. I sighed. Now, I have to sit here watching the busy road as I try not to get bored. Just as the longest ten minutes of my life passed by, a ferrari stopped in front of me. I raised my head just as the driver’s seat opened. My face lightened up as I jumped off the bench. “Uncle.” Uncle Leon, my Father’s Beta stepped up to me and he pulled me into a hug. “Oh. child.” My lips whimpered as I buried my head in his chest, his finger patting my back. “Uncle, I’m sorry for going away,” I whimpered. “What matters is that you are back. Your father asked me to pick you up, let’s go, I know he must be eager to see you.” I pulled away, he carried my luggage and fixed it in the trunk. We got into the car and he drove off. His eyes caught mine in the rearview mirror, he smiled softly. “Irene.” “Hmm” I replied. “You’ve changed so much.” I gulped, my eyes casted downwards. I hope he doesn’t talk about my scar, my mask was on it, but it was still visible that something was wrong with my face. “A woman’s body is bound to change over time, Uncle.” Uncle hummed and kept his gaze on the road. I was glad that he didn’t raise the issue any more. A few minutes later, we got to my father’s territory. Uncle Leon led me to the warehouse where my father was. He had his back to me, he seemed to be addressing an employee. “Dad?” I called softly, my voice above a whisper as I paused about a mile away from him. I was about to doubt that he heard me, but with the way he stood still and mute, I knew he heard. Slowly he turned, my eyes lit up as he faced me, his brow raised as he scrutinized me, I swallowed. My father hadn't changed one bit, save for the streak of silver strands on his hair and beard. “Child?” he called as he opened his arms to welcome me. I let my purse slip off my arm as I picked up the race, running towards my safe place. I crashed against him and he grasped me instantly, running his hand into my hair and the other on my back. “My princess, I searched everywhere… My child,” he kissed my head as he hugged me tighter. My father’s scent filled my nostril instantly, and my mind was at peace, I felt like a child once again. A safe child. I buried my face in his chest as I burst out in tears. My knees buckled, but he held me up. “Princess are you fine?” I pulled back and shook my head, as I pressed my lips together. He took a deep breath and led me to his office. I sat down, and he stood in front of me. I took off my mask, he went stiff with shock as he demanded to know what happened to me. Shakingly, I narrated it all to him. Uncle Leon stood by the door, writhing in anger. “What! I must get that scoundrel, I will kill him,” Dad growled as he went for the exit. Uncle Leon stepped in front of him. “Get out of my way Leon, I have to get that bastard.” I bursted out in tears as I covered my face. “Dad… don’t go, I don’t want this to go out.” “Irene is right, we need to focus on how to get her wolf to heal,” Uncle Leon added. Dad huffed out angrily. He faced me and hugged me. “I’m sorry. I’m here now, sweetie. No man would ever mess with you again.” I knew. I knew deep down. A while later, the pack doctor was in my father’s office, examining my scars and then he checked my wolf. His expression turned graven. My heart skipped. I think something was terribly wrong. My Dad and Uncle Leon were right outside the room. I don’t want them to hear something bad, and get worked up again because of me, but I had to know what was wrong with me. I mindlinked the doctor. “Doctor, do I still have a chance to reconnect with my wolf?”