72 - Back Home

72 - Back Home
A flash of light blinded Xavier for a moment as he was pushed into the portal. He quickly thought about his pack house’s backyard and its huge green lawn he had spent countless days training and messing around with his siblings.
Xavier found himself falling a second later, only to get a face full of grass. He groaned at the somewhat hard landing, his ears catching the sound of something squawking.
Must be Bia. Xavier thought absentmindedly as he pulled himself up from the ground.
His eyes adjusted after being blinded from the portal’s flashing light and Xavier found himself sitting in the middle of the pack house’s backyard. Clare was groaning next to him, also getting up.
“You okay?” Xavier asked, moving to his mate, his wolf going crazy with worry.
“Y-yeah… I’m fine.” Clare muttered, giving him a weak smile. “You?”
“Fine.” Xavier answered as he glanced over at Lav and Bia.
Lav was passed out while Bia was trying to get out from under her arm. Clare also noticed this and lifted Lav’s arm for Bia. The bird familiar quickly hopped away.
“Is Lav okay?” Clare asked no one in particular.
Bia turned into her human form, sitting crossed legged on the grass. “She’ll be fine. The stench here probably made her pass out… Honestly, how do you live here? It stinks so bad.”
Xavier took a guess that Bia was talking about the air quality of the city. He had to admit, after spending time in the Fae realm, the air around them did stink a bit.
“Xavier!” A voice suddenly yelled, turning his attention away from Lav who was starting to wake up.
As he turned his head to see who was calling for him, a fist appeared in his sight. However, it was too late for him to block it. The fist connected with the side of his face, almost breaking his jaw.
“The fuc-” Xavier growled about to attack his attacker.
But he stopped as he recognized his sister Rose standing in front of him, yelling, “You idiot! How could you disappear for so long?! Do you know how worried everyone was?”
“Professor Wilder, please calm down!” Clare squeaked, moving in front of him before he could stop her. “I’m the one at fault here. Please don’t be mad at Xavier.”
“Hmhp!” Rose clicked her tongue, backing down. “Just prepare yourself for father…”
“Nice to see you too Rose.” Xavier got up to stand next to Clare, rubbing his aching jaw. “I see you still know how to punch.”
Rose sighed, shaking her head at the two of them. “Yeah, it’s good to see you… Especially you, Clare. I’m guessing you’re not going to run away anymore.”
“I-” Clare became a blushing mess at Rose's smirking face.
Xavier felt fuzzy at the sight, but now was not the time. They had more important things to do right now. Like questioning Bia. He still couldn’t believe she was hiding some important information from them.
“Enough, Rose.” Xavier murmured, taking Clare’s hand. “We have something important to discuss with father and mother. Are they here-”
“Xavier!” A familiar voice cried out, answering his question.
“Called them already.” Rose smirked, crossing her arms.
Of course you did. Xavier muttered to himself silently as he was engulfed into a hug. Xavier let go of Clare’s hand, returning the hug.
“Sorry for disappearing like that, mom.” Xavier murmured as he hugged his mother. “Clare had some things to take care of and I went along to help…”
He knew she deserved a better explanation, but there were too many ears listening and they needed to ask Bia some sensitive things. He didn’t want to admit it, but he had an inkling their pack had a spy.
Xavier just didn’t have proof or know who they were.
Talk later? Luna Mellonie mind-linked him.
Yeah. Xavier answered as his mother let go of him.
Alright then. Luna Mellonie mind-linked back as she took a step away from him, turning her attention to Clare. “I take it you must be Clare?”
“Yes, ma’am!” Clare responded, bowing her head. “It’s nice to meet you and… I’m really sorry for all the trouble I caused.”
Luna Mellonie waved her hand and chuckled, “Come now. You’re family now. Just call me mom… By the way, something seems different about you…”
“I…” Clare looked at a loss with Luna Mellonie’s words.
Thankfully, Lycan Ryder took this chance to step forward, placing his hands on Luna Mellonie’s shoulders. “Who are the other two?”
“Ah right…” Xavier muttered, forgetting that the other two were technically trespassing on werewolf territory. “This is Bia and Lav. They were us.”
I’ll explain everything in private. Xavier added to his father through mind-link.
You have a lot of explaining to do. Lycan Ryder mind-linked back. Your mother was worried sick about where you were and what you were doing.
“Please forgive us for trespassing, Lycan and Luna.” Lav suddenly appeared in front of them, bowing. “It was an emergency to get here and I ask that you forgive us for this transgression.”
“Lav, you’re being a little dramatic…” Clare whined, pulling her sword to stand up.
Lav turned to Clare. “I’m only following the proper etiquette. It was rude of us to come unannounced.”
“It’s fine.” Lycan Ryder sighed. “Let’s just head inside so we can discuss everything.”
“Oh yes!” Luna Mellonie added. “I’ll have the chef prepare us some refreshments while you explain your adventures.”
“Thank you for your understanding.” Lav bowed once more, earning a smack from Bia.
“Stop being dramatic.” Bia muttered under her breath. “You’re causing more eyes to stare at us… Honestly, did you hit your head when we landed here or something?”
Lav whined, clutching her head, as the familiar walked passed her, following Lycan Ryder and Luna Mellonie, who decided to head inside. Xavier took Clare’s hand and they followed the couple, with Lav trailing behind.
Rose quickly moved to Xavier’s side and whispered, “What are those too?”
“Not here.” Xavier muttered back.
Rose rolled her eyes at Xavier, but felt silent. The group quickly made their way to Lycan Ryder’s office, the pack house looking empty. Xavier knew that wasn’t the case and everyone was just staying clear of his father.
Once they were inside the well decorated office and everyone was seated, Luna Mellonie turned to the couple, “Alright, we’re alone now, so explain yourselves starting with those two.”