Chapter 76

Chapter 76
The journey came to an end as the massive gate separating us from the outside world came into view. It creaked open as we approached—I had messaged the guards through the mindlink already.

“Welcome to my pack,” I said to my mate as he chose an empty spot in the garage to pack.

“Thank you, I can see some changes that weren’t there the last time.” He mused, and I looked around the pack with a hint of pride.

“Thank you,” I said with a small smile. “I try my best.” I wasn’t going to tell him that it was the hatred I had experienced and the need to prove to my father that I could take care of the pack even in his absence that had been fueling me. “You can take the car back to your pack,” I said, offering him a reassuring smile. “We have plenty of cars here, and I can use any of them until someone brings it back for me.” I wanted to make sure he was comfortable.

“Stop stressing over that, Maddie. I will take care of that when it comes.” Toby told me, reaching to squeeze my hands, and I nodded my head.

I came down from the car first, and Toby followed suit, and I watched as he opened the back door to remove the bag I had brought back with me. They were much heavier than I had left because Ariel had insisted on gifting me some extra things.

Toby hoisted the bag higher in his hands and started walking ahead of me. I stood frozen for a moment, confusion clouding my mind, before snapping out of it and running to catch up with him.

“Where are you taking the bag to?” I asked him, my eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Shouldn’t you be heading to the pack now?” The sun was already shining down on us with a vengeance, and if he wanted to make it back to the pack on time, he should be on his way now.

“You really don’t stop talking, do you?” Toby teased, his eyes glinting with amusement as he glanced back at me. 

I blinked, caught off guard. “I don’t think I do. No one has ever complained before.” My voice was defensive, but the warmth in his gaze made my lips twitch into a reluctant smile. I walked faster to reach him so we could walk side by side, and I couldn’t help the tingle that shook up my spine as he reached for my hands, squeezing it gently in his.

The murmurs rose to a din as we continued to make our way to the door, the hushed whispers too hard to ignore, and I knew that before we got to our room, the rumor would have spread that the alpha was walking hand in hand with a man.

But this time, I was happy, and I puffed my shoulders up in pride. Let them talk if they want; Toby has professed his undying love to me, and that was all I cared about.

We entered into the living room, and some youngsters were gathered there, talking animatedly over what had happened in school, perhaps, but it came to a stop as they saw me, and they all lowered their heads in greeting.

They lifted up their heads after I mumbled a reply, and every once in a while their gaze filtered to Toby, gawking at the intruder. I guess the gist hasn’t gotten to them.

“Hello.” Toby attempted to break the silence with his ever-charming self, and their mouths dropped open, but he was already pulling me away before they could think of a reply.

I allowed him to lead me into the elevator, and I leaned on him as we began to descend upwards, just content with breathing his scent.

We finally reached my door, and he opened it. I held my breath, not sure what to expect, but to my surprise, it was clean, and I let out a little sigh of relief. My first homecoming had scarred me.

Toby entered inside, and he stood in the middle of my room, looking like he didn’t belong there, yet he managed to just blend in well. His gaze fluttered across the room, his eyes taking in everything, and he nodded to himself.

“Are you doing anything yet?” Toby asked, his gaze on a teddy bear that was at the head of my bed.

“Not really; I have to unpack, but first I need to inform my betas and see them. I have been away for too long.” I told him, brushing my hair back to look a little presentable.

“Alright, let us go together.”

“What?” I turned to him, my hands on my hips. This man just keeps finding ways to surprise me.

“What?” He shrugged like it was no big deal. “I have never seen your brothers in person, and it is important to know the family of my mate. I would have loved to see your parents too if they were around.”

“What?” I exclaimed, confused if this was the Toby that had been complaining of long distance, and here he was trying to play meet the family.

“Come on, you are not going to stand there staring into space, are you?”

I was definitely going to stand there and stare into space because his words had left me speechless, but he grabbed me for the umpteenth time, and he was pulling me towards him, and I followed.

We began to go out the hallway when I got hold of myself, and I led the way to their office, still thinking of every possible way this meeting could end up badly.

But it was too late for any thoughts because we were at the door, and I knocked on the door to alert them before I opened it.

“Maddie.” The twin echoed in that similar eerie voice that I have not missed, but I did miss them. “You are back.”

“Yes, I am back.” I nodded my head because it actually feels like I am.

“Welcome back.” They echoed in unison, and I smiled, glad to see them. My gaze wandered around the office, taking in the newest addition. A minibar, lined with different bottles of liquor, caught my attention, and I nodded my head. They had done a good job.

“Thank you.” I replied, and their gaze wandered to the man beside me, regarding him. I could feel them staring at our joined hands, and they put two and two together, their eyes widening as they figured it out.

“You are Maddie’s mate?” Dylan asked.

“I am Toby, Maddie’s mate.” My lovely mate introduced himself, and my lips tugged to the side as I heard him call me his mate. He held up my hands, bringing them to his lips and kissing them softly, and all I could do was watch open-mouthed, mirroring the stunned expression of my siblings.

They recovered quickly, though, and they moved to meet us.

“I am Ryan, and that is Dylan, the younger one.” Ryan said, extending his hands for a handshake.

“Dude, you don’t have to announce to everyone that you came out first.” Dylan complained, but I could hear the smile in his voice. “Anyways, it is nice to meet you; you don’t look familiar, though. What pack are you from?

“He is from...” I began, not sure how they would take it if they found out he was from the rogue pack, but Toby had different ideas.

“I am from the rogue pack.” Toby provided, but I could see the shift in his demeanor as he prepared for a fight if the need arose.

“Oh.” The twins echoed in unison, and they fastened their gaze on me, then back at Toby. “You are welcome?”

“I know this is a bit impromptu, but I promise I will be back soon so we can catch up properly. In the meantime, I will leave Maddie in your care. Please look after her while I’m away; I will return soon to take better care of her.” Toby said all this before turning to me, his gaze softening. “I am leaving now, but I will be back soon. Goodbye.”

He leaned in, pressing his lips to mine in a sweet kiss. I closed my eyes, still reeling from the sensation, only to open them and realize he had already gone.