My Luna Has Returned

I let out a sigh. "My mother is acting like this strange girl is her own daughter, as if she's never seen her before," I mock, not understanding her behavior. Carmen scolds me with a well-placed heel hit to the side of my head, to which I complain and retaliate by tossing the heel away. In return, she gives me a playful smack on the back of my head.

"Carter!" I protest, seeking support from my friend. He simply shrugs, saying, "What? You upset her in the first place."

"But she's your mate," I point out.

"Exactly, which is why I shouldn't upset her," he replies with a goofy grin, sending a kiss to his mate as the two girls leave the room.

As I lie back, thoughts swirling in my mind, I realize I might have to make an appearance at the party for my mother's sake. The return of the girl after eleven years is quite remarkable. I had assumed she was long gone, but fate seems to have favored her. I find myself with many questions about her return, but I'll have to wait until the party starts to find out more.

Riley's POV

I was jolted upright as vivid images flooded my mind, unlocking memories from eleven years ago. My hand instinctively reached for my forehead, feeling a slight throbbing sensation. As I glanced around, I realized I was in my old room, the sight of a twelve-year-old girl's space making my heart ache. I wasn't that innocent little girl anymore, and the realization hit me hard.

Before me sat my entire family, with my dad and mom by the foot of the bed, and my three older brothers scattered around. Their eyes were filled with various emotions, and I could sense my wolf feeling overwhelmed with emotions as well. It was strange; with the memories rushing back, it felt like everything had happened just yesterday, but their appearances showed that years had indeed passed.

Gray hairs had appeared in my father's hair and beard, and wrinkles marked his face. Although he seemed softer, he appeared smaller in my eyes now that I had grown taller. My mother looked mostly the same, but the years had taken a toll, leaving her looking more tired with wrinkles around her eyes.

My brothers, on the other hand, had transformed into matured, muscular men. Their faces had sharpened, and I couldn't help but be surprised by the sight of them. Their eyes, once distant and indifferent towards me, now showed a longing to hug and hold me close. It was something I had always yearned for, to feel the love of my family once again.

"Mom," I whimpered, tears streaming down my face. My mother's response was immediate; she rushed to me, and we both embraced tightly, tears flowing freely. My dad soon joined, holding my face gently as he expressed his apologies for my disappearance, blaming himself for the incident.

Trying to ease his guilt, I reassured him that it wasn't his fault, and that I had wanted to go for a run that night anyway. My brothers followed, hugging me in turns, a sight I never thought I'd experience.

We spent a long time in each other's arms, basking in the joy of being reunited as a family. Later, the Queen, who had become my mother's close friend after the incident, entered the room. Surprisingly, she greeted me warmly, hugging me tightly, and I found comfort in her embrace.

Moving to the living room, I shared my experiences after waking up that night. My family was speechless and filled with remorse for not finding me sooner. However, I didn't want anyone to feel guilty, as I cherished the time I spent with my adoptive parents, Thomas and Meggan Dyson, who had taken care of me all those years.

Despite the mixed emotions, the Queen planned a celebration at the palace to mark my return. Grateful, I accepted, feeling somewhat uncomfortable about addressing her as Ellie, but I was determined not to offend the Queen.