The Human Among Wolves (Aurora) novel Chapter 306

Chapter 306

Aurora

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Thursday finally arrived.

It hadn’t come quietly. It came after days of me asking–again and again–until Zayn finally gave in. He never said much about it, just sighed

once and nodded like he’d already made peace with the idea.

Christmas wasn’t something he was used to. Holidays in general weren’t. I guessed it wasn’t exactly a werewolf thing, or maybe it was just a him thing. Either way, it made the whole trip feel heavier somehow, like I was bringing him into a world he’d never stepped into before.

Zade still hadn’t reached out. I took that as I sign he hadn’t found anything that belonged to their mother yet. The thought lingered in the back of my mind, uncomfortable and unresolved, but there was nothing I could do about it now.

We packed lightly–one small suitcase meant for the two of us. Just enough clothes for a couple of days, nothing more.

My parents lived in the city, close enough that the drive wouldn’t take long.

Zayn’s car rolled onto the road, and the gates disappeared behind us sooner than I expected. The drive took about thirty minutes, though it didn’t feel short. I spent most of it staring out the window, letting the city slowly replace the familiar stretch of academy grounds.

I still hadn’t seen my parents‘ house. When they moved into the city, I’d gone straight to the academy, and with everything that followed, I’d never come back–not once. Mom had sent me the address earlier, and when the navigation finally told us to stop, I knew we were there.

The house stood quietly at the end of the street. It wasn’t huge, but it was warm–looking–two stories, pale walls softened by time, with wide windows and a small front porch that hinted at summer evenings and conversations that lingered too long. The yard was neat, cared for without being perfect. Their black sedan was parked just off to the side, unmistakable and familiar.

We stepped out of the car, and almost immediately, the front door opened.

My mom–Isobelle–walked out.

She was beautiful in that effortless way, with short black hair framing her face and striking green eyes that always seemed to see too much. Watching her now, standing in the doorway like she’d been waiting, something twisted quietly in my chest. With how little we actually looked alike, I didn’t know how I hadn’t realized it sooner–how I hadn’t questioned why I never truly resembled them at all.

She smiled the moment she saw us and stepped forward without hesitation. Her arms wrapped around me, warm and familiar, and I hugged her back just as tightly. I really had missed her. The thought came with a quiet sting of guilt–I’d been distant, sharp, unfair. I’d acted like a bitch,

and standing there now, it felt heavier than I expected.

After a few moments, she pulled back, still holding my arms as if she needed to make sure I was really there. Her gaze shifted past me, landing

on Zayn.

“This must be… Zayn,” she said gently, a knowing smile forming. “Your boyfriend.”

I nodded.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Zayn said, polite and composed, extending his hand toward her.

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12:41 Thu, Jan 29 BGB.

Chapter 306

Before she could reply, the front door opened behind her, and my dad stepped outside.

My dad stepped out onto the porch, pulling the door shut behind him as eyes settled on me. For a brief second, he just stared, like he needed to make sure I was really standing there. Then his face softened, e familiar crease between his brows easing.

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“There you are,” he said, his voice low but steady. He crossed the distance and wrapped me in a hug that was firm and grounding, the kind that made my chest ache in a way I hadn’t realized it needed to. I hugged himack, breathing him in, the scent of aftershave and winter air clinging to his coat.

He pulled away and looked at Zayn, giving him a measured once–over–no suspicious, not cold, just careful in the way fathers tend to be. “You must be Zayn,” he said, extending his hand,

“Yes, sir.” Zayn replied, shaking it without hesitation.

My mom clapped her hands together softly, already shivering. “Alright, enough standing around. It’s freezing out here. Let’s get inside before we all turn into icicles.”

Zayn grabbed our small suitcase, and we followed them into the house.

Warmth hit me the moment the door closed behind us. The house smelled like cinnamon, roasted meat, and something sweet baking in the oven. It felt… lived in. Comfortable. Not overly polished, but clearly loved

The living room opened up first, and my breath caught without me meani; it to. A Christmas tree stood near the window, tall and full, its branches decorated with soft golden lights and ornaments that clearly had stories behind them–old glass baubles, handmade decorations, a few slightly crooked ones that made it all feel real. Wrapped gifts were tucked beneath it, neat but not obsessive, some with names already

written on them.

Garlands lined the staircase, subtle and elegant, and a wreath hung on the far wall. Christmas music played softly somewhere in the background, low enough not to intrude, just enough to remind you what day it was.

“Dinner will be ready soon,” my mom said as she took off her coat. “Nothing fancy, but enough to feed an army.”

The dining table was already set, plates neatly arranged, candles waiting be lit. Everything felt intentional, warm, safe.

Zayn set the suitcase down near the stairs, glancing around with quiet culosity. I could tell he wasn’t used to this. The decorations. The ease. The way the house seemed to wrap around you rather than loom.

My dad clapped him on the shoulder lightly.

“Make yourself at home.”

I slipped my coat off and stood there for a moment, taking it all in. The house. My parents moving around the kitchen. The tree glowing softly

in the corner. Zayn standing beside me.

For the first time in a long while, the noise in my head went quiet.

Just for a moment, everything felt… normal.

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12:42 Thu, Jan 29 BGB

The Human Among Wolves