It has been five years since my mate was killed. That night, I had finally managed to get a decent shift at the pack hospital so that we could go out on a long overdue date. I was the newest pack doctor, so of course, I got stuck with the worst shifts. The date wasn't going to be anything special, just dinner and a movie. It has been months since we have had one night to ourselves-no children, no dirty diapers—just us.

I had gotten comfortable...complacent. We were living in the pack I grew up in, hell, my childhood home was less than a-mile away. The pack was strong, our warriors well-trained, and our borders protected. When the alarm went off signaling rogues, we...I panicked. It was the largest group of rogues that had every attacked us and my beautiful mate was killed. I blame myself...I should have trained harder...I should have fortified our home better...figured an escape route for my mate.

When she was taken from me, I was left to raise three young pups alone. Five-year Gideon, two-year old Seth, and nine-month old Sariah. I was lost. My body was in physical pain from the loss of my mate and my wolf, Katon, had stopped talking to me.

My mate's parents came from there pack up north to help but I only got worse. Seeing my deteriorating condition, we talked and I agreed it would be a good idea for them to take my pups with them until I was able to recover. So we met with Alpha Jack, who also happened to be my best-friend. He hated the idea, he stated that I needed to remain with my pups and that we would help each other heal. All I could think about was my mate. He didn't stop me when I asked for a second time. My in-laws packed up my pups and we all left to the north. It was decided that I would go up initially to help with the transition.

I wasn't supposed to stay long...just a week or two but I nearly died two-days after I arrived. So I stayed.I nearly didn't survive the first six months. I spent most of my days in bed aching for my lost mate. I had no desire to eat or drink. It was only the thought of leaving my pups without a father that pushed me through the dark days. In time, the pain became nearly bearable and I began to smile and laugh again. With my appetite returning, I put back on the weight and I regained my muscle mass. It was still a year before Katon was able to start speaking to me again.

With my in-law's Alpha's help, I was able to procure a job at the human clinic in town and was enjoying working again. A week ago, I received a phone call from Alpha Jack asking me to come back. He knew all too well my situation and wouldn't have asked unless it was dire.

My bond to my pack was strong... I wanted to return home but my pups were doing really well here. Gideon was ten and loved his school. Each day, I saw more of his mother in him. She was brave and loyal. Even as a young girl, my mate had been fiercely protective of her family. Those traits run strong in him.

Seth was more like me. Reserved, with a dry sense of humor. He was the most forgiving of the three. The minute Sariah was born I knew she was an omega. None of that mattered. I was proud that our pack did not put limitations on wolves because of their 'classification.' Abuse towards others in the pack was not tolerated. Sariah would not survive in a pack that did not respect their omegas. She hardly spoke and was easily frightened. But my baby girl was also extremely smart and loving. Within days, Sariah had won the hearts of her grand-parents and their entire pack.

But Katon desperately wanted to return home. My in-laws begged me not to return but it was time. My Alpha would not ask for us to return unless he had a good reason. Forty-eight hours later the moving van was packed and on its way south.

"Everything is packed and we are ready to go" I call out to my in-laws. All the pups were buckled in the car and their grand-parents were smothering them with kisses.

"Promise that you will let us know you got back safe. And don't forget to Skype on Sundays. And we can also Skype or talk whenever you want. And if you ever want to come back...you come back" my mother-in-law sadly chokes out as tears run down her checks. My father-in-law pulls her into his arms and kisses her head. My heart still tinges with jealousy seeing them so loving with each other even after all this time.

"I promise. We will be back for visits and you can come down whenever you want. I have already cleared it with Jack" I reply as I hug them both tightly.

"I love you guys. I'll call when we get their" I promise before I give them one last hug.

Climbing in, a take a deep-breath, start the car, and begin the long ten-hour drive home.

We're going home Katon.