Chapter 3

I ended up getting a few nice shirts, two leather jackets, a couple of dresses, and new boots. My mom, Jordyn, and I walked in the house. Ryan and Dad were still talking. How much did they have to discuss? We've been gone for hours.

"They are just finalizing details for the trip," Mom reassured me. I nodded and went to my bedroom. I packed my new clothes mixed with some of my favorite outfits. I put all my necessities into a separate bag and set the bags by my bed.

Knock. Knock. Knock. "Come in," I called, lying on my bed.

I heard the door creek open. "Ema?" Matthew walked in. I sat up and leaned against the headboard. Matthew climbed onto my bed and rested his head on my lap.

"How was your nap?" I asked while running my hand through his blonde locks.

"I'm still sleepy," he mumbled. I chuckled and kissed the top of his head. "Ema?" I hummed in response. "Mommy said that you're leaving," I felt something wet on my legs. I stopped playing with his hair, and I pulled him off my legs. Matthew had tears streaming down his cheeks. I pulled him onto my lap and wiped his face.

I kissed his head. "Just for a little while." I gave him a small smile. "To find my mate," I told him.

Matthew frowned. "But Daddy said that outside isn't safe," he sniffled. "My mate will protect me. And Ryan is coming with me," I assured him.

"But what about Aunt Jordyn? Isn't she gonna miss him?" he questioned.

I nodded. "So you'll have to keep her company. You have to keep Mommy company too."

"Yeah. Cause her and Daddy will miss you." He started playing with the hem of my shirt. "I'm gonna miss you too." Matthew sniffled and started crying again.

I shushed him and rocked him in my lap. "I'll be back very soon. I promise." Matthew nodded and he fell back asleep in my arms. Not long after, I found myself drifting asleep.

This is the last night in my bed for at least a month. The last night in my room. The last night with Matthew. Then everything will change. I will be Queen. I will have a mate. With those thoughts, I drifted off to sleep.

Emma

"Ema." Someone lightly shook me. "Time to get up." I slowly opened my eyes and saw my mom standing over my bed. "Ryan's here. He's waiting for you," she informed me. I nodded and she walked out. I carefully got out of bed, making sure that I didn't wake up Matthew. He stirred, but didn't awaken. I watched him for a moment. Despite our 13 year age difference, Matthew was still my best friend. He can get annoying- like any other five year old. But I know Matthew loves me and looks up to me.

I sighed and got dressed for the day. I walked to the kitchen in light grey sweats, a white crop-top, and my white converse. Ryan was sitting at the table with my parents. All three heads snapped up to me when I walked inside the room. I dragged my bags to the wall and sat at the table. "Are you ready?" Mom asked. I honestly have no idea.

I was ready to leave. But am I ready to meet my mate? The one person who loves me forever. My other half. Someone who was literally made for me. I want to meet him. But does he want to meet me? These insecurities need to leave me alone. 'Of course he wants to meet us! He's our mate!' Ingrid, my wolf, shouted at me. I blocked her out, so I wouldn't be able to hear her voice. Although we are part of one person, our human forms and our wolves are separate beings. Our human forms are the more dominant side. Our wolves just linger in the back of our minds.

I nodded at my mother. "As ready as I'll ever be." I gave her a small smile, which she returned. Ryan and my parents slowly stood up. My mom walked over to me and engulfed me in a bear-hug.

"Be careful. Call us when you get to the first pack," Mom whispered in my ears. I nodded and she pulled away. "Good luck," she said with a small smile. I wrapped my arms around her waist one last time, and she kissed my head.

"Honey, she'll be back soon. A few months top," Dad said. Mom nodded and let go of me. I quickly turned to my father and buried my face in his chest while he hugged me. "Stay with Ryan at all times. Never go anywhere alone." I nodded in his chest and he pulled away. "I love you, Princess." He kissed my forehead. Water prickled at the corner of my eyes and I tried to blink them away.

"Love you too, Dad," I said and grabbed my bags so they couldn't see my tears. I haven't been away from my parents for more than a few days. They have always been constants in my life. My mom cooked for Matthew and I. My father protected us. They love us with all of their hearts. I turned to Ryan who was patiently waiting for me.