No Place Like Home

Chapter 1

The entire drive was filled with either silence or music from the radio. Uncle Dolph knew I wasn’t mad at him, but I knew he was worried about me. He tried multiple times to get me to talk to him, but I would just shake my head or stare out the window. Half way to Dixon, he gave up.

          We finally reached our destination. As we drove past the town sign that read, “Welcome to Dixon, home of the Raging Wolves,” I rolled my eyes. It would seem that Dixon was a wolf town. Sending a silent plea to the heavens that they weren’t the kind that hated ligers, I let my eyes take in the small town as we drove through.

          When I spotted a MacDonald’s and a Starbuck’s, I let out a happy sigh. A red light in front Starbuck’s caught us, giving me a little more time to take in my new town. A group of guys sitting in front of the coffee shop caught my attention. There were nine of them, and each one was drop dead gorgeous, but I found my eyes going back to one in particular.

          He had to be just a little over six feet. His hair was a light colored brown that had a little blonde tint when the sun hit it just right. And he had the most amazing set of blue-hazel eyes I’d ever seen. But what really made my heart beat faster was his smile. When he smiled, his whole face lit up.

A sudden gust of wind carried my scent towards them. When they snapped to attention, I chewed myself out for not wearing mom’s necklace. The guys were looking around, but he was looking right into my eyes. Just as the light turned green, I heard Siochain, my liger, growl softly.

That’s when I realized that they were wolves. Sighing softly, I turn my head back around and closed my eyes. We might find our mate here Ruth.

Why would he want someone like us Si? He’ll reject us the second he lays eyes on us.

I wouldn’t be too sure about that Ruthie. You’ve just hit some hard times right now, but when everything passes, you’ll think differently. She says softly, and without warning, that night comes to mind. The night my life was ruined and I changed.

I just scoff and watch as they grew smaller as we sped out of town. I didn’t want a mate, but I would not reject him. I wouldn’t put Si through that pain. She would do anything for me and I would do anything for her. Our bond was stronger than most normal weres.

          Uncle Dolph drives out of town, and turns onto a gravel road that was almost hidden because of the trees. I watched in awe as a small two story gray stone cottage came into view. It looked as if someone pulled it out of a postcard. And I loved it. But there was no way that my brother would ever know that.

          We came to a stop and Uncle Dolph got out and walked to the door. I just stayed inside the car watching him. The door was opened just seconds after he knocked. He spoke with whoever was in the house and then turned to face me. A loud gasp slipped from my lips as I stared at my brother. I knew it was him because he looked exactly like Dad.

          I pop the trunk and get out of the car. Slamming the door, I start to pull my bags out, making sure to grab mom’s necklace and slip it on. I didn’t want Jubal to know until I was sure that he was a wolf. And that he didn’t hate ligers. You could never tell by just looking at someone. Slinging my stuffed bag on my shoulder, I grab my three suitcases, and shut the trunk.

          They were still standing on the porch talking. With the increased hearing, I could hear their every word. “Jubal, I have to warn you. Ruth’s very fragile right now. You’ll need to be very patient with her.” Dolph sighs and rubs his face. “Ever since the wreck, she’s locked herself down. She won’t show any emotion no matter what she’s feeling, and she hasn’t talked since the day the doctors told us that they wouldn’t make it.

          “You should have come to their funeral. She needed you, she needed her family. Give her time to get to know you.” My brother just stared at Dolph like he was nuts. I just wanted to go screaming down the driveway. To me, the fact that he looked exactly like Dad was nerve racking. The sound of Christmases When You Where Mine caught my attention. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I see a text from Aunt Reagan.

          -Did you and Dolph make it alright?

          -Yes ma’am. We’re at Jubal’s house right now. Uncle Dolph will be on his way home soon. Miss you. XOXO

          -Miss you to Lady Bug. If you ever need anything, we’re just a text away.

          -=) I have to go Aunt Rea. I’ll text you later.

          I felt their eyes on me as I made my way to the porch. Uncle Dolph hugged me and got into his car and drove away slowly. My eyes followed the black car until the tress hid it from view. Then I slowly turn to face Jubal. It was time to start my new life.