Chapter 271 Going home

Chapter 271 Going home
Kael's pov
"How is this even fair?" I complain, leaning back against the plush leather seat. “When I came to the academy, I was almost squashed under someone’s sweaty armpit in a tiny, cramped airplane, and then tossed into an ugly cab right after. You, on the other hand, traveled completely alone in this massive private jet, and you even drove yourself directly from the airport."

Kael grins, taking a sip of his cold beer. "I wasn't alone, baby. I had Dante and Jaxon with me."

"Yes, of course, you had two whole other people with you," I reply, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I’m sure the two of them managed to occupy every single empty seat on this entire plane."

"You know, I actually liked you better when you used to tremble in fear every time you talked to me. This new version of you is a little too mouthy for my liking."

I hurl the book I’m reading at him and he throws his head back and laughs. 

The sight takes my breath away. I hadn’t seen him laugh many times but now with no darkness hanging over our heads, we can laugh and hang out like a normal couple. I can sense the absence of the burden lifted off my shoulder and I can feel the same from him. 

I can also sense his frustration. 

We haven't had any moment alone since the battle ended, and I can feel his need for me, mirroring my own desire. But thanks to Lux, I can sense my father's emotions far more clearly now, and I know Alpha Roderick has been putting on a brave front and I plan on staying right by his side until his wolf is soothed. Kael and I have the rest of our lives to be together.

Kael stops laughing, meets my gaze and bites his bottom lips as his eyes glow. I’m thankful that his eyes have returned to their normal, striking gold, though I’m still trying to get used to the fact that our shifting emotions cause our eyes to change color. His eyes flashes between gold and stormy grey, making my breath hitch as I feel his desire through our bond and I clench my thighs as liquid pools between them. I’m considering dragging him into the airplane restroom for a quickie when a loud throat-clearing brings me back to earth.

"We will be home very soon, so try to keep it together until I'm no longer stuck on a plane with you two," Alpha Roderick says, not looking up from the tablet in his hands. 

He sits across the aisle from us, his thumb flicking through the tablet. 

"There is still zero news about what actually happened at the academy. I just hope they aren't trying to cover it up, because I'm certain everyone can feel that Benson is no longer alive."

"Can they really just cover up something that huge?" I frown, leaning forward.

"They've gotten away with a hell of a lot worse over the years," my father grumbles, tossing the tablet onto the empty leather seat beside him with a sigh. "But let's not waste our breath talking about those people today. I can't wait to get back home and see the boys."

I smile, leaning back into the soft headrest as I catch Kael's eyes still pinned on me. He winks and a blush rushes up my neck, making me look away from the handsome, arrogant fool.

"You know we still have to find out more about what your Phoenix wolf can do, and definitely more about our bond," Kael says. "Thalric was pretty damn confident when he said we were going to need him eventually. He seemed to be hiding something."

"Worry about graduating and officially taking your place as Alpha first," my father interjects, adjusting his watch. "Whatever storm comes next, you two will be okay as long as you're the one in charge."

"I'm already in charge," Kael smirks.

"I mean officially.” My father looks at me. "Has his ego always been this massive?"

"Always," Kael answers, his smirk widening.

I grin as I close my eyes, listening to their banter. Kael will be graduating this year and taking over his pack, while I still have three long years left at the academy. I really don't want to be miles away from him, but I also refuse to give up on earning my degree. I quickly push the heavy thought away. We have plenty of time to figure those details out later.

The private jet touches down on the private airfield, and I see our big, five-seater black truck already waiting when we step out. I run straight into Caleb’s waiting arms, and my big brother picks me up off my feet, in a tight, bone-crushing hug.

"You had us worried shitless, kid," Caleb says as he sets me back down, his blue eyes scanning my face. "I can definitely see there have been some major changes. You couldn't call to tell us what was going on?"

"It was... really complicated.”

"What could possibly be more complicated than failing to mention that you finally shifted, you little minx?" Elias demands, shoving our older brother out of the way to pull me into a fierce embrace of his own. 

When he finally releases me, I turn back to introduce Kael to them, but pause when I see Caleb already circling him, thoroughly sizing him up like a predator. Elias steps up beside me, pushing me gently behind his broad frame so he can size Kael up too.

"And who exactly is this, and why does he have your scent all over him?" Caleb asks, stepping behind Kael to sniff the air around his shoulders. "We explicitly said no boys at this new school, kid."

"I'm not a boy," Kael states. 

"Oh, so you're a girl then?" Caleb asks from behind him, his voice laced with a dangerous edge as Kael turns to face him.

I bite my lip to keep from laughing, looking over at my father for help, but Alpha Roderick simply leans against the truck, watching his sons corner my mate with a massive grin on his face.

"Umm... guys, this is Kael. Kael Blackthorn. And he's my..." I mumble the last word under my breath.

"He's your what?" Elias asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

"He's my mate, alright!" I snap, my face burning red.

"Alright then," Caleb says as he starts unbuttoning the cuffs of his shirt and rolling up his sleeves.

I stare at him. "What on earth are you doing?"

"No boys means mates included," Caleb declares. "And since I couldn't lay a single hand on Philip because of the whole fragile human thing, this is perfect."

"What! You can't be serious! Dad, stop them!" I yell, turning to my father in disbelief.

"Come on, Aria, I'm sure this big girl will heal up just fine," Elias grins, resting a hand on Kael's shoulder.

"Who is Philip?" Kael asks, looking over at me.
"No one!" I answer far too quickly as I turn back to Kael, who doesn't seem even remotely bothered by the imminent beatdown my brothers are threatening. 

I know he can take care of himself, but my brothers are massive, rare blue wolves just like my father, and no matter how impossibly strong Kael is, my brothers will protect me to the death. 

"Dad! Tell your sons to leave my boyfriend alone!"

My father simply shrugs as he tosses our bags into the back of the truck.

“Dad!”

"Alright, boys, cut it out. Besides, I already dislocated the boy's shoulder previously,” my father says.

Caleb pauses, narrowing his eyes at Kael before letting out a huff. "Fine then. I can live with that... for now." He gives Kael one final, lethal glare before turning back to me. "Let's go home, kid . I know you're starving."

He walks over and opens the front passenger door for me instead of the back, and I let out a heavy sigh before climbing in. When I put my seatbelt on, I turn to see Kael sitting between Caleb and Elias. They both look at Kael as if he had committed a crime and they are his judges…..no executioner.

"Welcome to Montana, Alpha Kael," my father chuckles, sliding into the driver's seat and turning the ignition key.

The private jet had made exceptional time, so the afternoon sun is still high in the sky. I roll down my window, leaning my elbow on the frame as I breathe in the crisp, familiar scent of the pines. 

Home. 

I’m finally back home.

I can’t stop the tears from coming and my father squeezes my hand.

"Welcome home, baby girl.”