Chapter 2 Arriving in New York City
As I approached the airport, I couldn't help but cling to my parents, tears welling up in my eyes. I knew I was going to miss them terribly. After going through the check-in process and navigating TSA, I finally boarded my flight to JFK. Stepping onto the plane and walking down the aisle, I had a strange sensation that I could distinguish the werewolves from the humans among the passengers.
Passing through business class, a subtle aroma of coffee caught my attention, instantly alerting me to the presence of a werewolf. I felt a pair of piercing eyes on me and instinctively looked up. What I saw took my breath away – iris-blue eyes, belonging to a man in his early thirties with rugged good looks, sleek fair hair, and an absolutely captivating smile. It felt like he was looking straight into my soul. I couldn't help but smile back, and his surprised expression mirrored my own. Shaking myself out of the moment, I continued down the aisle to my seat, unable to shake the thought of those mesmerizing eyes. Were they really locked onto me, or was he just people-watching? Perhaps it was all just a coincidence, and he was merely bored, staring at everyone who boarded the plane.
Once the plane took off, I fell asleep, wondering if the flight would turn out to be as uneventful as I hoped, or if that was just wishful thinking. When I finally landed at JFK International Airport, anxiety bubbled up as I faced the daunting sea of faces in the bustling terminal. My heart raced, and I couldn't help but wonder, how on earth would I find Uncle Cameron's family in this chaotic crowd? Would they even recognize me?
With those thoughts swirling in my mind, I suddenly heard my name being called over the intercom, guiding me to the foot of an escalator. I quickly asked for directions and soon found myself reunited with my family. Uncle Cameron and Aunt Camille warmly greeted me, followed by their two children, Louis and Elise. When I shook hands with Elise, I couldn't ignore the subtle hostility in the air, as if she didn't want me in New York City.
Next in line was Grandmother, Nanna Celeste, who enveloped me in a warm, welcoming hug, declaring me the second daughter of the Rossen household. She held onto me and suggested, "Let's follow them to the car park."
We rushed to the parking lot, hopped in the car, and embarked on an hour-long journey to their Manhattan residence. I marveled at the breathtaking sight of the Brooklyn Bridge and the stunning Manhattan skyline. The Hudson River was alive with all sorts of boats. But as we drove further into the city, I felt overwhelmed by the towering concrete structures, a stark contrast to the lush green fields I had left behind at home. Homesickness began to creep in, and I couldn't help but shudder. Noticing my discomfort, Grandmother offered comforting words, assuring me, "You will be alright Bonnie, just give it time."
When we finally arrived at the Rossen residence, I was awestruck by the size of their three-story house, adorned with a beautiful front garden and flowers lining the sidewalk.
As we approached the front door, it swung open, revealing a very British butler who politely asked for my coat. He said, "Miss, may I have your coat please." I handed it over and stepped inside. The foyer was enormous, with a grand staircase leading to the upper floors and a magnificent chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The decor and paintings left me in awe. I could have wandered around, lost in the artistry, as art was my second passion.
"This house was similar to the houses in Hollywood movies." I thought.
As I gazed around, Nanna suggested I freshen up before lunch.
"Bonnie go to your room and freshen up. We will have lunch in a few minutes.”
I eagerly followed her instructions and went to my room, conveniently located next to Elise's. After washing my face, hands, and brushing my hair, I felt rejuvenated and ready to join the family for lunch. Following the directions to the dining room at the end of the corridor, I found all the Rossen family members already seated. The gentlemen stood and greeted me, with Uncle Cameron extending a warm welcome to his home.
"Welcome to my home Bonnie. I hope your stay with us will be good.”
Lunch was a delicious Scottish feast of haggis, mutton, turnips, and potatoes in creamy gravy. I couldn't help but feel at home.
After lunch, their butler, Lionel, served us crachen and a cup of English tea. Throughout the meal, I mostly listened and nodded along with the conversation. Suddenly, Uncle Cameron mentioned that I would start school next week but suggested I look for a job in the meantime to gain some work experience in the city.
"Bonnie, as a business administration student, you need to know that academics and experience go hand in hand."
Taking his advice to heart, I quickly browsed job listings on my phone, checking out Indeed and LinkedIn.
"There is no rush as the pack in New York knows many notable companies and I am sure something will turn up. If nothing turns up we will approach members of the pack who has several companies and ask if they have openings."
As soon as the words were out of Uncle Cameron's mouth, Cousin Louis said, "Elise, doesn't Brian need an administrative assistant currently?"
Elise glared at him and replied, "I don't think he will ever employ someone who is dressed as a country bumpkin fresh off the boat from the hills of Scotland."
Her parents were clearly embarrassed by her response, and Uncle Cameron demanded an apology.
"Elise Rossen! I expect better from you. Apologize this instant to your cousin!"
She glared at me and said, "Sorry." Under her breath she whispered, "Wait until we are alone, I will fix you!"
I was shaken by the confrontation. I had always received love and support from my family and friends back home. How would I survive this hostility?
Luckily, I was seated next to Nanna Celeste, who noticed my distress and offered a reassuring hug.
"Please don't mind Elise! Bonnie, when you are finished unpacking come see me. I have something important to say to you."
I replied, "Ok, Nanna!"
After settling into my room, I made my way to Nanna's location. She was in the drawing room, engrossed in a book. Nanna patted the chair next to her, and I took a seat.
"Bonnie, I hope your room is comfortable. This is what I wanted to say to you, we are from the Yorker pack and our Alpha is Brian but you are not allowed to call him Brian. You must always address him with respect as Alpha Brain. He is also dating your cousin Elise. Although she is not his fated mate, they will be engaged soon as chosen mates because he is not sure he will ever find his fated mate, but Elise is overly territorial of her loved ones."
"Nanna, I am ok with it. I will try to keep out of Elise's way.”
"Oh no, no! You must get along with her because when she becomes Luna she will also be your Luna."
"Like hell, she will be my Luna! My mother is my Luna and she is the most loving and thoughtful Luna of all time. Not a spoilt wannabe Luna who has no respect for me." I managed to muster a response, agreeing to the situation and promising to get along with Elise, even though deep down, I had reservations.
In my thoughts, I vowed that Elise would never replace the love and respect I held for my mother, who had always been my Luna.
After the conversation with Nanna, I returned to my room for a quick bath and a much-needed nap, exhausted from the long flight and the day's events.
As I stepped out of the bath, a knock on my door startled me. I hastily donned my housecoat and opened the door, only to be confronted by Elise.
"This is a warning to you. Keep your country-bumpkin fresh-off-the-boat eyes and hands off Brian. He is mine, and I will not say this again! Understand?"
My jaw dropped in disbelief. No one had ever spoken to me like that before.
Overwhelmed, I retreated to my bed, contemplating whether I should call my parents and ask for a return ticket to Scotland. This might turn out to be one of the most challenging experiences of my life. Could I really survive such treatment? I couldn't wait for the next day, eager to start university and distance myself from Elise and the so-called Alpha Brian.
With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I drifted into sleep, my dreams filled with those unforgettable iris-blue eyes and the charming smile of the fair-haired man.