Chapter 1 - Marian
Several steps led up to my patio and front door, and for a second, I stood at the base of the steps just staring at the door. Every inch of my body was aching, and I was dying to take a shower, but still, I stood, staring.
I was happy to be back home in Wolfcreek, and already I was thankful for the quiet but with it came a feeling I hadn't expected, a feeling of loneliness and not just peace.
I looked around at the familiar forest, at its trees, and listened to the birds calling to each other in the distance. I watched the leaves dancing in the wind and smiled when I heard a wolf’s howl somewhere in the forest.
This was home, and it was such a contrast to Mexico.
I spent two weeks surrounded by family, noise, and love, and now I was home, alone, and I wasn't sure what to do with this bombardment of loneliness. Years had gone by since my last visit to Mexico, so I took the opportunity to visit my mom and relatives for my cousin's wedding.
From the moment I arrived, I barely got some moments of privacy, which I didn’t mind. Although, ever since I’d arrived a small part of me started dreading returning home. My family by blood was in Mexico, and my chosen family here, and while Wolfcreek was my hometown and a close-knitted community, I lived alone.
I was single without a child, and my calm life, now, seemed uneventful. There was no excitement.
I placed a foot on the first step and then another, and when I reached the final step to the patio, dragging my suitcase instead of lifting it, it decided to become hitched on the step. I yanked on it twice, and when it didn't come free, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I suddenly felt livid, and with two hands, I grabbed the suitcase and yanked it free.
Being so irritable, this wasn't like me, but I couldn't help it. I was frustrated with myself because my life was great. I had freedom, emotionally, financially—every ‘ally’ that mattered, yet I felt that something was missing.
After I unlocked the door, I sighed and pushed it open. I watched it swing before stepping inside, and after leaving my suitcase and carry-on by the door, I made my way into the kitchen and downed a water bottle.
I undid my ponytail and shook my head, ruffling my thick black curls to fall down my shoulders.
Removing my shoes next, I grabbed a bottle of wine. It was 3 pm, but I didn't care. I planned on finishing this bottle, having a long bath, and then sleeping until midday tomorrow. My eyes darted from side to side while pouring the wine, and instead of taking a sip, I placed the bottle and glass on the island.
I’d done well for myself.
I had a lovely home and a business and was currently helping my mom build a three-story family house in Mexico. My life was great but spending time with my extended family was like a wake-up call reminding me I didn't have everything.
I didn't have an adventure in my life, excitement, romance, none of it, and it hadn't struck me until now how plain my existence had gotten.
I shook my head suddenly. "What the hell are you doing? What's this sulky crap you're doing, Marian?" I picked up the glass of wine and finished it in one swing. "This is not you. So what if you've gotten a little too comfortable with being comfortable? If that needs to be changed, change it."
I nodded at my own advice while pouring myself another glass of wine.
When my front door opened, I didn't flinch at the sound of paws pitter-pattering on my wood floor. Only one person entered my house unannounced, so when a massive wolf entered my kitchen, we only stared at each other for a moment.
She had glowing hazel eyes and reached my waist if we stood side by side. She was a majestic and powerful beast and my best friend.
“Yeah, I know. I said I'd call when I got back." I grumbled, and the wolf snorted. "I literally just got in."
She turned and walked out, her tail swishing with an attitude, and I finished my second glass of wine while the sound of breaking bones echoed through the house. A few moments later, a naked woman returned with her arms on her hips.
"You were meant to be home hours ago. I was starting to get worried," Diana grumbled.
"My phone died," I answered, not bothered by her nakedness.
Unless wearing clothes spelled by witches that didn't rip when they shifted, werewolves spent much time naked. They didn't often shift around humans, some humans could go their whole lives without seeing a wolf shift, but I was practically a part of Diana’s pack, although a human.
"I'm going to grab one of your sweaters upstairs. Pour me a glass," she said while wrapping her long dark brown hair into a bun.
We'd been friends since childhood, and while I was 5’7 and had brown skin being of African American and Mexican descent with a round doll-like face, Diana was Caucasian, 5'8, and slim with stunning hazel eyes. She had a toned body with muscles, and I had massive thighs, a tiny waist, and a big bust.
Growing up, she was my protector, and I was chubby and hyperactive. She spoke her mind and threw punches when needed, and for a while, I wasn't sure why a badass werewolf was my friend. But we made up for what each of us lacked. She wasn't open and overly friendly, but I wasn't much of a fighter, and she had enough fire for the both of us.
I poured her drink and sat down, waiting for her to return, and when she did, we embraced each other first. I sighed, the heat her body radiated soothing my nerves.
“I missed you,” she whispered before releasing me and sitting down.