I hear a deep and masculine growl in Josh's office. Along with a ton of things being thrown. Lucas had some important news to tell him and apparently it isn't being handled as well as one could hope. Riley looks terrified and instinctively steps closer to me, and while my mate is growling and tearing up his office I'm laughing. It's weird that an Alpha's growl and destruction is funny to me, is it the mate bond? Is that what this is? Or is it because I am an Alpha? The heavy wooden door of his office is thrown open and Lucas hastily shuts it with bug eyes, "Um he's just having a moment."

I roll my eyes and saunter inside the office, the desk was split in two and on the opposite side of the room where I assumed it would go. Only because the desk chair is torn to shreds, the bookcases have collapsed and quite frankly nothing looks right in here. I could go on and on like the flipped couches and shredded curtains. "Is my Alpha having a temper tantrum?"

At the sound of my voice he flicks his head in my direction and I'm in his arms in about a second. Out of instinct he wraps his arms around my back and I let out a cry of pain. "Shit baby girl I'm so sorry." I push him off slightly and fight back the few tears that are willing themselves to come out. "Maya baby I'm so sorry. I would never-"

"It's okay, I swear." I can move robotically at this point, there are still a few deep gashes and they are incredibly sore but all in all I'm alive and well. I retract my claws that came out on instinct that were digging into my hand and sigh once the pain subsides. "Um temper tantrum. Why are you having one?"

He furrows his brows and pecks my lips, "I was not having a temper tantrum."

I glance around at the room that could once have been classified as a workspace. "You sure?" I quip.

"Yes. I have misunderstandings and fits of rage." I don't really know if that's better, I step closer to him and wrap his arms around my neck, "Lucas told me a piece of unfortunate news."

I can hear the confliction in his voice. "You should tell me, I have a feeling this effects both of us."

He nods his head and presses several light kisses to my temple. "Katie and her family have protection." I don't say anything because that doesn't really surprise me. It is unfortunate but what's done is done. I need to fly under the radar from now on. "It ruins my plan to tear her apart." He growls aggressively. "This isn't over Maya they will pay for what they've done."

I shake my head and as an Alpha he isn't quite used to that gesture, "You and I both need to fly under the radar as much as possible Josh."

I know he's about to ask me why but the knock on the door announces Farkle's presence. "Alpha, Luna-"

"Maya." I correct.

"Luna." Josh demands.

I roll my eyes and realize I need to pick my fights, "Alpha we have the car prepared for her departure." He groans and rests his forehead against mine. So childish, he's been pouting about me leaving since I broke the news to him yesterday. "Also there is an audience downstairs."

"Audience?" I give him a curious look.

A flicker of amusement sparks in his eyes, "Yes Luna the pack has been very curious about you since word was spread about what you did for Alpha." It's not crowds that bother me, I was raised around them it is the amount of attention. "They're waiting in the foyer." Oh Goddess! So I'm going to descend down the staircase with all eyes on me? That's my nightmare. My father always made his appearance a huge ordeal, I knew I'd never do that. I would be an Alpha that someone could trust, just because I was born from a specific male and female does not make me better than the weaker wolves, the omega's.

"Thank you Farkle, 5 minutes."

I glance at Josh and he sighs, "You know a good way to avoid them?" I widen my eyes with the notion of sneaking away. "Just stay here with me." He pecks my nose, "your mate." He kisses my eyelids, "your future lover." I smirk while he kisses my cheeks, "your Alpha." His lips lightly brush against mine and I can't help but giggle against his lips. He tastes so good, there's always a hint of mint on his breath and it is so addicting. Unfortunately it disappears when he starts kissing my neck, or not so unfortunately. "Please."

"Josh-"

He attacks my neck and takes my breath away, he replaces my protests with moans. Sparks run all over my body and my wolf starts to project images in her mind of our mate doing… several sexual things to us. As said before wolves are very physical and visual creatures, so of course they are in charge of our sex drive. I immediately get turned on before I have a chance to push the pictures away, my mate freezes mid kiss and inhales deeply. Apparently I'm noticeably turned on. He groans and connects our lips together, "You smell so good."

I giggle against his lips and begin to pull away, "I should be going."

"No." He growls and tugs me back into his body, I arch my brow at his tone and he instantly shakes his wolf out of control. "Don't leave beautiful, please." We have become very close as humans since we've spent the past 2 days talking while I was conscious. Now as wolves, I don't hardly have to be conscious for the mating pull to work its magic. It's evident how strong our bond has grown. "I don't think I'll be able to sleep without you beside me."

'Stay with mate.' My wolf Amber whimpers while sticking her nose through the bars of her cage. Goddess she looks pathetic. What's worse is, it isn't just my wolf I want to stay too.

I glance at the ground and then back into his eyes, "I've been alone for so long. It's just weird." I all but whisper.

He's got the most charming smile on his face, he looks like a pup who just shifted for the first time. "Does that mean you're going to stay?" He's practically bouncing on his heels.

I cock my head to the side and watch my mate flip a lid. "How about I'll stay tomorrow. That way I can grab stuff from home and bring it to school tomorrow." I offer as common ground.

His smile falters, "I can have Farkle or Zay go grab your stuff baby girl." He cups my cheek and shocks dance across my skin. I'm about to find some other reason why I can't stay when he pecks my lips over and over again. He keeps going until I start to laugh, "It's settled. ZAY!" The door opens again and I rest my forehead against Josh's chest. The Moon Goddess blessed me with a mate that is more stubborn than I and just as convincing. Well played.

"Yes Alpha?"

"Go to Maya's apartment and gather up her belongings-"

"WHAT?" I snap and push away, "I didn't mean my belongings I meant a night bag."

Josh rolls his chocolate brown orbs and smirks, "It was worth a shot." I punch him in the arm and instantly regret it when a stinging sensation seers through my back. Josh is at my side instantly and whispers sweet nothings into my ear. He's really good at that, it takes my mind away from everything along with his touch. "I'm so sorry baby girl." I'm aware he still feels guilty I can see it in his eyes, even as an Alpha I like direct eye contact at least for a moment. Eyes are the windows to a wolf's soul. "A night bag Zay, take my sister to pick out her clothes." Zay nods and leaves the room, "Are you okay baby girl?"

I love it when he calls me that, I didn't get any sort of cute nickname growing up. I had nicknames but they were more along the lines of 'waste of space' and 'bitch', my father always had a way with words. "I'm fine. I just-I know it's stupid to say I forget about my back but it's the truth."

Josh chuckles and softly kisses my lips, "Farkle just linked me saying that the pack is still waiting downstairs." I nod and take his hand, "You want to do this?"

"I'm not going to send them away since they've taken the time to gather here." Again, I'm not better than anyone else, if they came to see me then that's what they'll get. Especially since I'll be their Luna one day. "Though I'm not sure what they are looking for."

He opens his office door and holds it open for me, "Lucas have someone clean out the office." I growl at him and glare in his direction. He cocks his head to the side in confusion and once the gears start turning in his head he starts to laugh. "You want me to pick it up?" Yes, it was his temper tantrum. I nod in affirmation and he rubs his eyes. "Fine. I'll take care of it but only for you my Luna." He whispers the last part in my ear and it sends shivers down my spine. "I'll just explain to them what happened and you don't have to say anything if you don't want to. Okay?" Fair enough. We start to walk to the balcony overlooking the foyer when everything becomes silent.

Pups crying and older children talking cease. Gossiping females look upon me with curious eyes, while some of the younger ones that are our age send me murderous glares. The males also look at me with curiosity and pride for their future Luna. "Twilight Pack." All their eyes flicker to my mate who stands tall and proud. He broadens his chest and widens his legs in an authoritative stance. "As you know 5 days ago the Sepiente Wolves paid our pack a visit in regards to activity that occurred 6 days ago. There was a punishment given, no matter how unjustified it was. However, my mate and our future Luna not only tried to defend your Alpha proudly when confronting law, she also took extra lashes for my punishment." Gasps are heard from around the room mostly from the males.

I'm sure they're confused as to why Josh let me do that. As a female, we regard women with their beauty. As males, it is strictly power. So when an Alpha doesn't take a punishment it can go a few ways, and it isn't looking to be in his favor from the looks a few older wolves are giving. "Alpha Josh tried to prevent me from doing so." I interject and get a surprised look from my mate. "However I wasn't going to let my mate get punished for my actions. My punishment was one of my choosing, I am not a hero to your Alpha I'd do the same for you."

Josh grips my hand and takes the lead again. I meet the challenging stares head on, I would rip them apart before anyone could even try to challenge him for his position. Wow, that was a violent thought. I make a quick glance towards my mate and smile, seems as if I'm becoming very protective of him. One by one I take down each male, their wolf submitting to one of higher power. I can see the regret in their challenging stares, it is more than disrespectful for anyone to question an Alpha. "Dismissed." I received several bows of the head and I return the respect. "You shouldn't bow. Hold your head high baby girl."

"I'm no better than anyone else Josh."

He shakes his head in a disapproving manner and kisses me. Slowly, passionately and savoring the moment. Most of our kisses have been a heated 'I need you now' kind of kiss. So to slow things down, was nice. Probably because I'm staying here tonight and I've accepted him as my mate. "I saw you staring down a few wolves." What does he expect me to say to that, "You tend to fight my battles."

"Old habits die hard."

He chuckles and brushes his lips against mine, "From now on let them challenge me. In my pack we settle things with our fists or claws. We fight it out and winner gets the prize." I actually quite enjoy that method, it gets out all the aggression and it's fair.

"Peaches do you mind if I speak to you for a moment?"

Josh growls lowly, only for me to here and pulls me closer to his body. "Yes. Josh pick me up from Riley's room in 30 minutes. "'Kay bye." I peck his cheek and saunter towards my best friend before he can stop me.

"You'll pay for that later baby girl." He warns while I meander down the hallway. This place is like a never ending maze. We had a pack house, but my father had another house built specifically for him, my mother and me so I didn't have to wander around aimlessly. A creak of a door pulls me out of my memories and I carefully sit down on the bed. "What's up?"

Riley tucks her hair nervously behind her ear, "You should tell Josh… everything."

My smile fades and my lips form a tight line. "I can't do that. He won't fight my battles for me." Riley opens her mouth to protest but I hold my hand up to stop her, "He will. Once he finds out everything my father has done to me he will react. I will be the one to take him down whenever I know I'm ready."

Her dark tresses hide her face, "Would you rather him find out another way? There are many opportunities for him to find out you're here Riley. What if William had recognized you? He knew who I was, he knew it was me who had reported your father about the abuse and your mother's 'mysterious' death." I wince and avert my eyes, "I'm sorry peaches I just- if your father catches wind of you being here he will be here in moments to collect on the agreement."

I cover my eyes, "That agreement was not one that I signed. I am 18 now I don't have to-"

"Your father signed it." She snapped and rose from her seat, "If someone finds out your alive and alerts Alpha Thomas he will rain down hell onto Crescent Moon!" I furiously blink my tears away, "That includes my father and mother!" Alpha Thomas is the Alpha for the Eclipse Pack, the second largest pack in the United States, second to Josh's Twilight. That makes my wolf purr from the power our mate holds. Anyways, Alpha Thomas is just as much of an ass as my father, "You know I'm right and he will find out eventually. Josh's wolf will get sick of vague answers."

"It isn't as simple as saying, 'Oh hey Alpha Josh I'm the future Alpha of the Crescent Moon pack. Meaning that my father, the man who tortured me for years relentlessly and quite possibly killed my mother is Alpha Kermit arranged a marriage for me to wed Alpha Thomas when I was 11'." I toss my hands up and begin to pace the room. My hands furiously shaking as I push my wolf's murderous thoughts aside.

"Well what else are you going to do?"

I gulp and run my hands through my hair, "I uh-"

"Princess what's wrong? I felt a shit ton of anger and sadness on our link." He pulls her into his arms and lightly kisses all over her exposed cheek. "What'd you say to her?"

I growl at him, "Do not go pointing blame. We're rehashing old memories." I snap and storm out of the room quickly remembering where the stair case was. If only my old memories didn't haunt me at every twist and turn, if only my past didn't dictate my future so much. If my father didn't inflict so much pain and suffering upon everyone even me then things would be easier. Josh and I could lead both packs since they're neighboring and I wouldn't have to challenge my father for the Alpha title.

"Baby girl?" I glance behind me and grin at my mate. "You alright? Lucas told me to come find you, apparently you and Riley had a misunderstanding?"

And they say females are dramatic, "No." I correct, "We were rehashing old memories. Things neither one of us wants to think about but they need to be dealt with."

"Speak to me about them." His fingertips play with the ends of my hair before they run through it entirely. "I want nothing more than for you to be happy and relaxed my mate. I will help in any way I can."

His 'help' AKA his reaction to my news is what I'm afraid of. "I will, I'm just not sure when yet." I breathe and rub my eyes, "It's a lot Josh. I come with a lot of baggage." He stares at me directly into my eyes and concern is very evident. "I know this is confusing and I'm so sorry but you'll understand when I speak to you about it.

Josh kisses my forehead and against my skin he says, "You have 1 week Maya." I pull away from his embrace and glance at him, "This is a big deal obviously Maya. And I care deeply about you, as your mate I can't protect you from whatever it is you're obviously afraid of and as an Alpha to this pack I have to be able to protect them. But I can't do either whenever I don't know anything." I open my mouth to protest whenever he stops me, "Let's go to our room and discuss this." I ignore the 'our' statement and let him carry me into the room.

As soon as I'm set on the floor I glare at him, "I didn't want to move into this pack house because of that reason in particular. I didn't want to put the pack in danger."

"Are you in danger?" He questions angrily, "If you are you better damn well tell me now."

"It is complicated." I run my fingers through my hair.

His brown eyes slowly descend into darkness, his fists clench and without hesitation he punches the wall. "I'm sick of the ambiguous answers Maya. Give me something I can work with baby girl, anything." He tugs at his hair and I immediately glance at the floor.

"Okay." I rack my brain on what I can reveal to him, "If someone finds out I'm alive then yes I'll be in danger. If someone finds out I'm here then your pack and I will be in danger." I fidget with my fingers when he doesn't say anything.

"Your father?" I reply with a simple 'yes' and hold his gaze, "Is he leadership?" I don't say anything, I don't want to lie to him. But how hard would it be to find out what leader is missing a daughter in our pack. "Don't lie. It's obvious that the 'someone' you were referring to has connections to find out you are here. Is that why William asked if he knew you from somewhere?" Damn it! He's so freaking smart! I thought my vague explanation would keep him in the dark. "Baby girl I suggest you answer me before I start doing some damn research."

"Josh." I reach out for him and drape my arms across his neck, "1 week. Please." I beg, "I will tell you at some point in this next week. But please, no digging. No research, and most importantly no marking." I point out.

His eyes widen, they're amber now and I know his wolf has taken hold. "Give him full control." I say, "I want to meet him."

"You want to meet my wolf? You can't shift."

I smile and kiss his cheek, "Our furs will meet soon, but I need to explain to him why I'm not going to let you mark me. I'll let my wolf take control as well once I'm done with my explanation." I offer and he instantly agrees.

"Before I let him come out just know that I will wait a week and I will fight my wolf on it as much as possible. But if you don't tell me I will figure it out." I nod my head in agreement as he steps back slightly in case he shifts. A few seconds later his eyelids flutter open revealing amber orbs, luckily he didn't shift into his wolf. His wolf has just taken control of his conscious mind and body. "Maya." He smiles and touches my cheek.

"Hi. What's your name?"

He runs his hands through my hair and smiles. "Jax."

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

IMPORTANT: Just a reminder that though the wolf lives inside of a human they have separate minds. Which also means they have their own names and their own thoughts.

Maya's wolf is named Amber.

Josh's wolf is named Jax.

So what Josh did at the end of the chapter was let his wolf take control of his conscious state. If you have any more questions please message me.