Chapter 4. Roots and Shadows.

Chapter 4. Roots and Shadows.

Becky’s POV. 

I got out of the airport, cold air carrying the unmistakable scent of pine and damp earth that only my pack lands had. The familiarity hit me like a punch to the gut, stirring a wave of emotions I wasn’t ready to face. Five years away from this place, and yet it still felt like home.

Dragging my suitcase behind me, I adjusted the strap of my bag on my shoulder and took a deep breath. Things would be different now. I was different now. I’d spent five years in the human world, working, studying, and building a life of independence. But the memory of why I left—the rejection, the pain—still lingered in the back of my mind, a ghost that refused to fade completely.

The airport was as quiet as I remembered. I was glad to see that that didn't change with the five years I was gone. I stopped in my tracks, remembering I didn't return alone. 

“Becks. Slow down will ya? I know it feels good to be back home but I only have two legs and a heavy suitcase behind me.” Jimmy said, dragging his extra large suitcase behind him while trying to catch up with me.

“Oh Jimmy, you're as dramatic as ever," I said with a chuckle and stopped in my tracks.

“Well, what's life without a bit of drama." He said walking past me. 

I couldn't help but burst out laughing, catching up to him. Without him by my side, five years in the human world would have been boring. I caught the scent of someone familiar. 

“Becky, Jimmy." 

We both turned to see Brandon, my older brother, standing a few feet away. He looked the same. His face was clear with no beards on it, though his stents were a bit more serious. His eyes widened when they met mine, and then he broke into a playful grin, striding towards me with open arms. 

I brushed past Jimmy, dropping my bag to hug him tightly. 

Jimmy picked up my bag and walked towards us, a cheerful smile on his face. 

"Look at you," he said, holding me at arm’s length and scanning my face. "You’ve grown up. You’re… different.”

"Good different, I hope," I replied with a smirk.

He laughed. "Of course. You’re still my kid sister.” he turned to face Jimmy, pulling him in for a hug which surprised him. 

“Jimmy, it's so good to see your sassy self. I hope my sister wasn't too stressed out in the human world?” 

" Your sister is as tough as a rock and as sticky as a cat.” 

Brandon raised an eyebrow at Jimmy’s comment, his lips twitching with amusement. “Sticky as a cat or sneaky as a cat? That’s a new one. Care to explain, Jimmy?”

Jimmy grinned, setting my suitcase upright. “Both. She’s stubborn as hell, but once she decides you’re hers, you’re stuck. Doesn’t let go. Like a clingy cat that swipes at you if you try to leave.”

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. “Oh, please. You’re the clingy one, Jimmy. Who insisted on following me here because ‘life without Becky is dull’?” I mimicked his dramatic tone.

Brandon chuckled, clapping Jimmy on the back. “Well, I’m glad you followed her. Someone’s gotta keep her out of trouble.”

Jimmy smirked. “Oh, trust me, trouble is the one following her.”

I shot him a mock glare before grabbing my suitcase and bag from Jimmy. “Alright, enough teasing. Let’s get going before I regret bringing you here.”

Brandon laughed, picking up Jimmy’s oversized suitcase with ease before taking mine. “I’ll drive. Mom and Dad are waiting, and knowing Mom, she’s probably already cooked half the kitchen.”

We piled into Brandon’s truck, the familiar scent of leather and pine filling the cab. Jimmy sat in the back, peering out the window like an excited tourist.

“Is this your first time in pack territory?” Brandon asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.

Jimmy nodded. “Yup. I’ve heard all the stories from Becky, though. Werewolves, packs, mates… it’s all fascinating. A bit like a soap opera, really.”

Brandon snorted. “That’s one way to describe it. Though I’d say it’s less dramatic than you might think.”

Jimmy leaned forward, grinning mischievously. “Oh, come on. You’re telling me you don’t have any juicy pack gossip? Secret love affairs? Betrayals? The usual drama?”

Brandon shot me a look, his smirk widening. “Oh, we’ve got drama alright. Becky will fill you in later, I’m sure.”

I groaned, slouching in my seat. “Can we not? I came back for peace, not gossip.”

Jimmy laughed, settling back in his seat. “Fine, fine. But don’t think I’m not taking notes for when the drama inevitably finds us.”

Brandon’s laughter echoed through the truck as we continued down the winding road toward the pack house. The closer we got, the tighter my chest felt. The trees blurred past, the familiarity both comforting and suffocating.

Brandon got to know Jimmy from the once in a while video calls. 

Finally, we rounded the last bend, and the pack house came into view. It stood tall and proud, just as I remembered it, with its wide wooden doors and sprawling grounds. A small crowd was gathered outside, and I recognized a few familiar faces among them.

As we pulled up, Mom was the first to break away, her face lighting up when she saw me.

“Pumpkin!” she cried, running toward the truck before Brandon could even put it in the park.

I barely had time to step out before she enveloped me in a tight hug, her warmth and scent instantly soothing my nerves.

“Hi, Mom,” I murmured, hugging her back.

“Oh, look at you,” she said, pulling back to cup my face. Her eyes were misty, her smile radiant. “You’ve grown so much. And who’s this handsome young man?” she added, glancing at Jimmy with curiosity.

Jimmy stepped forward, flashing his charming smile. “Jimmy, ma’am. Becky’s roommate, best friend, and professional drama diffuser.”

Mom laughed, shaking his hand. “Well, it’s lovely to meet you, Jimmy. Any friend of Becky’s family here.”

I couldn't see my dad or other brothers anywhere. “Where's Dad and the others?" I asked my mom.

“Branson, Damian, and Damon are in the kitchen or talking to some wolves while Sebastian is with your father, speaking with the Alpha King.” Mom said, unable to hide her excitement.

My heart immediately sank at the last word she said and I felt my knees getting weak.