A Ridge Mountain Pack Series

SERENA

A month later, when Serena steps through the glass doors of the airport with two rolling suitcases and a backpack, she admits to herself that the weather is beautiful in Montana. The day is warm, but apparently the cool August nights are filled with fireflies and breezes.

Serena watches as her grandparents, Tim and Sabrina Grey, pull up in a black, quad-cab Ford. Once they park, her grandmother immediately hops out, waving and calling out to her.

Serena smiles. “Hi Grandma, you haven’t changed at all,” she says as she gives her a hug.

Tim comes around to the side of the truck to load the bags, then gives his granddaughter a big hug. “No more bags?” he asks.

“That’s it, Grandpa. I only packed my summer clothes; I can always shop in town if I need anything once fall and winter come. Since Dad sent me here, he owes me—I can spend his money.”

Tim and Sabrina chuckle and get into the truck. Serena climbs into the back seat.

“So, can you show me around town a bit?” she asks. “I have to admit, I’ve never been away from Half-Moon, not even into Denver until today.”

Tim looks at Serena in the rearview mirror. “Sure thing, kiddo—not much to it. But we can’t be gone too long; the pack land is an hour away, and it’s nearing dinnertime. Your old grandpa needs to eat. Plus, the family is all waiting to meet you.”

As Tim throws the truck in gear, he explains that Billings is just an hour’s drive from Ridge Mountain Pack, if you do the speed limit…which most people don’t. If you’re in wolf form and therefore don’t have to follow roads, you can make it to town in less than thirty minutes.

Serena’s grandparents then tell her how excited they are to have her stay in Ridge Mountain. How they didn’t even have to think about it when Beta Gene and Trina called them last May—it was a resounding yes! But they had downsized when all their pups grew up and moved out, so unless Serena wants to sleep on their fold out couch, it’ll be better if she stays at her cousin’s. Amanda has a two-bedroom cottage that is just two houses down from them, and she, of course, is also going to school in Billings.

As they head into town, Sabrina points out the stores and restaurants along Main Street, as well as a coffee shop college kids frequent, a book store that looks unique, and a few boutiques. Once they make a turn, she points out the college. “There it is…Montana State University!”

Serena gasps. “It’s huge.”

With that, they make their way up the mountain to Ridge Mountain Pack lands. Serena shifts in the back seat, thinking about the size of the college. Wondering how she’s going to survive two years out here.

“Grandma, can I ask you something?”

Sabrina turns around and smiles at Serena. “Of course, dear. Anything.”

Serena takes a deep breath. “What about the humans? Is it easy to blend in? Do they know about us? The pack lands are so close to a big town…I am not sure where it’s safe to go. I mean, what if I want to run? Or what if things at school don’t go exactly as planned? What if someone finds out about me?”

Sabrina chuckles. “Oh honey, no need to worry about all that. You have your own personal guide. Amanda has been attending there for two years now and has the place mapped out, including safe places to go if you need to get away for a bit and run. And you’re not the only werewolves attending school there; there are several from our pack and actually some from neighboring packs as well. I’m sure there won’t be any issues for you.”

She turns around in her seat. As they make their way up the mountain, she points out landmarks along the road so Serena can get her bearings.

***

An hour later, they pull up beside the cutest little cottage. Tim honks the horn, and Amanda comes running through the front door, squealing when she sees her cousin. As soon as Serena climbs out of the car, Amanda gives her a huge hug, almost knocking her over.

Tim chuckles. “Whoa there—give her some room, Amanda. Can you let your dad know that we have arrived? I know your mom was cooking a welcome feast.”

Amanda, bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement, squeals again and nods, then runs off to a huge house down the street.

Serena turns back to her grandparents. “Um…she’s excited. Where is she going? Why didn’t she just mind-link her father?”

Tim laughs. “Yes, all of your other cousins are boys, so she’s excited to have a female cousin around. More so because you’re the same age. And she ran off because your Uncle Milo has her training a lot more lately; she is trying to improve her endurance in human form.”

He unloads Serena’s bags and takes them into the cottage. Serena follows close behind.

“Well, now what, Grandpa?” she asks.

Tim points to an open door on their left. “That’s your room. Go ahead and take your bags in there. The attached bathroom is all yours; I suggest you freshen up, and then when Amanda comes back we can head to dinner at the pack house together.”

He begins to head back out the front door, but Serena stops him with a question. “Wait, what? Grandpa, why do we have to go to the pack house? I thought Aunt Elise was making dinner?” She feels anxious about going to the pack house on her first day.

Tim shrugs. “She is—at the pack house. Our family is pretty big. The alpha is away, but Beta Jackson gave us permission to host in one of the smaller dining halls there.” As he walks out, he calls, “See you in about thirty minutes.”

Serena goes into her room, rummages in one of her bags, and jumps in the shower. Shortly after, she is dressed with her hair thrown up in a messy bun.

Just then, Amanda walks in and offers her a glass of water. “Oh great, so you’re ready to head to dinner? I can’t wait for you to meet everyone. They are so excited. It’s been ages since your mom was here last, and they will be amazed by how much you look like her.”

A few minutes later, there is a knock on the door. It’s time to go meet the family.

As Serena, Amanda, Tim, and Sabrina walk to the pack house together, Serena watches a few werewolves walk along the road or hang out in their yards. Most wave to Tim, and he waves back. She also catches a lot of stares and whispers as she passes them. She wonders if they’ve noticed her resemblance to her mother or if they just think she’s another newcomer.

The walk is short, maybe five minutes, and then they arrive at the pack house.