Alpha's Forbidden Flame

Ava's POV

I never thought I'd come face to face with him.

Stepping off the bus into the scorching heat, I wished I was anywhere but here. No breeze, just burning sun. The bus driver handed over my suitcase, looking annoyed like he had better things to do. I flashed him my best smile, grabbed my bag, and walked away.

The bus station was smaller than I remembered. I scanned the crowd for my aunt's face.

My life's been one big game of musical chairs. First with Mom, then after she passed, with my aunt, her partner, and my cousin. Always moving, always running from whoever was after us.

Here I was, back in this town because my aunt insisted. I still don't get why - this place only brings back memories I'd rather forget, especially with HIM here. I can't even say his name. He walked out on Mom and me when I was 10. I had to watch her heart break every single day. He never showed up for me - too wrapped up in his new love and his pack business to remember he had a daughter.

I seriously questioned my aunt's judgment in bringing me back here. Sure, she's settled down with my cousin Olivia, but I told her it would take something major - like life or death - to get me anywhere near him again. This town's gonna be my personal hell, I just know it.

"Ava, OVER HERE!" My aunt's voice cut through the crowd. I looked left and there she was, bouncing up and down like a kid. Had to smile at that as I headed her way.

I took my time walking over, super aware of all the eyes on me. Everyone wondering what I am, who I am. This is werewolf territory - yeah, there are some humans who know about them, but mostly it's wolf central. Two packs live on opposite sides of town, including HIS pack. They pretty much own the place.

Being a cat shifter here? This should be interesting.

"Auntie!" I smile, getting closer. Her face scrunches up - she hates that word. "Ava, you know I can't stand that," she says, but I can tell she's happy to see me. "Sorry, Ella," I say, pulling her into a hug.

"How was the trip?" She grabs my bag while I wheel my suitcase along toward the exit.

"Not bad. Plane ride first, then twelve hours on the bus. Got to stretch my legs at the stops. Double-checked - no one following me." I notice the bus drivers switching shifts, both staring right at me.

I let out a sigh.

"I swear, if one more person keeps staring, I'm gonna tear their throats out," Puna, my inner cat, growls. We're panther shifters - runs in the family with Mom, Ella, and Olivia.

"Why's everyone staring?" I ask, feeling weird about it. Puna moves forward, scanning the crowd.

Ella looks around, smirking. "Well, we don't get many gorgeous twenty-year-olds in town."

I laugh. "Come on, there's gotta be other girls here. But seriously..." I catch two old ladies staring. When they notice me looking back, they quickly look away. One's definitely mind-linking someone.

"Bet they're telling their Alpha there's fresh meat in town," Puna yawns, stretching out in my head.

Ella eyes me. "Watch it when Puna's close - your eyes change a little," she whispers super quiet. "We'll talk more in the car." She leads me to the parking lot.

We're heading to her little Honda when this fancy Mustang cuts right in front of us. Ella sighs. "Great, another Alpha. Be nice, Ava," she says under her breath as this guy gets out. He opens the back door and two guys about my age step out.

A scent hits me - familiar somehow. Then it clicks, and I growl softly.

I know that smell.

Not my father, but close enough - has to be his son.