Beastly

wouldn't have believed it if the weight of her body didn't tackle me to the ground. Her familiar smell and the warmth of her hands surrounded me and overwhelmed by it and by how much I had actually missed it, I began to cry as I hugged her back.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, tears rolling down my cheeks, "How?"

"Girl, shut up and let me hug you as much as I want." her words were muffled and choked, making me giggle slightly as I pat her hair that was in braids "I've fucking missed you."

"I've missed you too."

That was how we laid together, on the cold ground as little flakes of snow began to fall. I stroked her hair softly as she cried hard into my shoulder. A warrior suddenly appeared in my vision, and obviously wanted to help us up but I raised a finger to tell him to give us a minute.

A little while later, her head popped up and a big bright grin was plastered over her face.

"Is it me or have you gotten buffer? What the hell have you been eating?" she asked, scrunching her eyebrows like she hadn't just ugly cried into my shoulder

I laughed as we stood up and answered, "Trust me. My muscles have nothing to do with food."

Her lively chatter started up immediately. She spoke animatedly of how the Blue moon pack was a beautiful place and how she had made friends with the pack warriors that she had been standing with. Although I had numerous questions, I let her say everything she wanted and gush about how she had missed me and more as we got into the car and drove off. She told me how it wasn't long that she had gotten in and had demanded to be taken to me at once.

I obviously couldn't wrap my head around the fact that she was here in the pack. What had happened during these few months for Xander to change his mind? I found myself pondering over it as we drove through town and towards the direction of Xander's house.

"Is it only you? What about Ben and Maria? Donovan and Freddie? What about-?"

"One at a time, jeez. Everyone is good and we are all here." The information made my heart soar and I found myself smiling in excitement as we pulled into the driveway. I could sense them before I could see them and once the doors were unlocked, I pushed myself out of the car and ran towards the door, pulling it open with little to no grace

My feet led the way and as I turned into the living room, I found them all, sitting and laughing as Gladys poured juice.

"M-Maria. Ben." Their eyes turned to me and what came after was the most heart-wrenching reunion ever. The familiar warm, firm arms of Maria wrapped around me and I found myself breaking down so quickly, it was almost unreal

The little drum of energy against my abdomen, which came around for the first time in a while, reminded me of who I was and the things I had been through. It reminded me of what my hands had done and the months that I had to be strong for myself and others.

It hurt. It hurt so much I found myself gasping for breath as I held on tighter, giving in to the feelings I had tried to ignore. Despite the loving shushing sounds I heard and the comfort, it did nothing to alleviate the throb of pain I felt. I was supposed to be relieved and crying with happiness, wasn't I? Like I had done when I first saw Astelle.

My family should get the same. I shouldn't give in this way and allow things to happen. Still, as I told myself this, I felt my consciousness slipping away as I nuzzled my head deeper.

is where I

voice was loud in my mind like she was screaming 'It's okay. Please calm down. Everything is okay now baby

was

a voice ask,

"Do something!"

water from the

are closing.

and my vision flickered constantly, through tears and an aching heart. My hand reached out for someone to grab it, wanting to let them know that I was fine. Wanting to tell them that even though no

for a moment before the warmth engulfed me again. My heart that beat frantically began to calm down and although it remained irregular, I felt myself start to breathe again and the feeling of giving in to the pain dulled significantly. My whole body felt alive and my hand was covered by the

no mistaking

around. Ben held Maria as they looked at me with worried expressions. Cassie had the expression of someone that was going to pass out. Donovan looked pissed but so confused, that it was almost comical. Freddie held Astelle's hand and

and looking down, I found a messy head of dark hair nestled into the crook of my neck in the most awkward of positions. His breath tickled my neck and stupidly, the heat rose to my cheeks as

eye not dissipating. I licked my lips

started, taking a deep breath "I'm sorry. I haven't learnt

interruption was accompanied by a ghost of a smile as he pulled away from me, but still supported me with his arms as we stood together "Can you stand

"Yes. Thank you."

let it hinder the happiness I felt and took turns hugging them and whispering that I was okay. Through it all,

relieved me as

gave me one last smile as well, before leaving

at my skin, but I ignored it as I addressed their questioning gazes. Maria held my right hand as Astelle held onto my

Donovan's loud question cut

him, on the edge of his seat and glaring at the

Ben's voice was clear

smiling slightly to show that I wasn't upset. This kind of reaction was to be expected. My focus centred on Donovan's irritated expression as I said "I can't keep

out this way and I would never imagine that the hate I thought I felt for him could simmer down to what it was now. Xander respected me, no matter how much of a stubborn person he was. He

this very moment. At some points, I found myself crying. At some points, there were so many emotions from around the room that there was a bit of effort put in for me to continue speaking. Other times we laughed together, as

not give them any more anxiety than

own thoughts. Donovan's face didn't change and he looked like he still thought of what to say, even as Freddie's hand was firmly clamped down