Thirty Days: A Werewolf Romance

Problems In Sunshine State

Ellie 

The piece of paper that I clenched in my hand caused me nothing but pain. Sitting on a plane with my disgruntled and furious Uncle was nothing but awkward. He was annoyed that I had lied to the Elder's about his knowledge of knowing about my rejection. He couldn't understand why I would risk my safety for him. It wasn't until the Elder's left my apartment that he explained that the Council hold powers that are beyond our imagination, they have abilities which make them formidable opponents. He explained that they could tell when a wolf was lying. He couldn't understand how they couldn't tell that I was hiding the truth. 

I could feel that my Uncle was anxious. A tribunal was serious matter. When my uncle saw the summons he understood that both me and my mate were being taken to trial. He spent the rest of the day strategising what I was going to say and how I was going to survive. Deep down, my uncle knew I wasn't the one who instigated the rejection but he understood I ran away, something he helped me succeed in. 

My uncle planned our departure immediately and stated that I couldn't run away anymore. He also informed me that we would have to tell my grandparents what was going on. Something neither of us were looking forward to. It was during that time that I had to contact Seth and give him an excuse about why I was taking emergency leave from work and leaving the state. I hated lying to him but I had yet to tell him I was a werewolf. There was a part of me that was scared about telling him about what I was. Being part wolf was part of my identity whether I liked it or not, I feared that he wouldn't accept me and I would lose someone who was so important to me. He had saved me and in turn earned my heart. 

As much as I loved New York, the heat of Florida was something that I always loved, even if I wasn't used to the sweltering sun. It was something that I enjoyed. It wasn't before long that my Uncle was pulling into the home of my grandparents. This place was my home and it offered me the freedom to roam as a wolf. I knew it was why my grandparents choose to settle it. They had a large piece of land that offered them privacy and I spent many years running around. 

As my Uncle's pick up truck pulled up on the gravel of the driveway. My grandmother was waddling out the house. Although she was old, she aged well for her age. I didn't know whether that was a genetic thing or whether that was a werewolf thing because my Grandfather looked good for his age as well. 

My Uncle looked at me. "Are you ready?" He sighed deeply, giving me a look that he knew this wouldn't be a pleasant conversation. All I could do was give him a curt nod as I opened the door and pushed myself out of the vehicle. 

"Eleanor! Baby your finally home!" My grandmother made her way towards me, her arms wide. 

"Ma! It's been a long time." I sigh out in relief. I quickly rush into her arms and let her warmth wrap around me. 

"Look at my girl! All grown up. You don't visit enough." She sniffled into my hair as an overwhelming sense of regret filled my stomach. I hated being away from my grandparents. They didn't deserve my distance. They had taken care of me from the moment they discovered my father's actions. They gave me hope when I felt the darkness consume me. Never once did they blame me for my father's actions. They loved me unconditionally and still despite my distance they welcomed me with a warm embrace. 

"It's so good to see you. I'm sorry for being away for so long." I whispered into her shoulder. Her scent of fresh soap filled my nostrils. She still used the same simplistic wash since I was a child. It was something familiar and it brought nothing but a sense of home to my heart. Every time I was sad, or missing my mother I would always be comforted by my grandmother. She would never say anything, she would just hold me until I felt better. 

"James bring our girls' bags in will you. Your Pa has already put the kettle on!" She started ushering me into the house. I looked over my shoulder at Uncle James who gestured with his hands for me to follow my grandmother.