The remaining Alpha's and their Luna's line the bottom of the stage, hand in hand with the pack warriors standing behind them. All pack members that aren't on patrol are watching us, head warriors to omegas. They are mixed together, no classification of rank tonight at my request. Not one person is better than another, each having their own sets of skills. Each member a necessity to this pack, to keep the Twilight pack functioning properly. "Repeat after me." Josh smirks and holds my hand. Pride rolling off of him in waves. His mate finally joining the pack. "I pledge my allegiance to the Twilight Pack."

"I pledge my allegiance to the Twilight Pack."

"I will put the well-being of this pack ahead of my own." Repeating the words that I've never had to say before. Born into a pack, living as a rogue. For the past few years, I've looked out for me. "I will give my life for this pack." I wonder if this will hurt, I'm truly breaking the ties with my old pack and forming new ones. When I left Crescent Moon, I didn't feel any pain. Which was weird considering I lived there my entire life. But I never actually said the words to cut off my ties.

"I will give my life for this pack."

"Do you understand that in being part of the Twilight Pack you accept the responsibility and commitment of being an Alpha Female, the responsibilities of our Luna?"

"I do."

Josh picks up the knife, the point of the blade glistening from the moonlight. "Repeat after me again. For the strength of the pack is the wolf."

"For the strength of the pack is the wolf." The blade glides across his palm. Not once wincing, showing everyone he's a strong wolf. Fit for leadership.

Gripping my hand he gazes into my eyes, "And the strength of the wolf is its pack."

As I repeat his words the blade cuts my palm. I don't fight the pain, I welcome it with open arms. One small cut to help erase my dark past, it's preparing me for my bright future. Josh and I grip hands, our blood intermingling. A searing pain hits my chest. It feels like a thousand needles piercing my heart. I can't seem to loosen the hold I have on him, I tried to grit through the pain but this is bad. Falling to my knees, the bones hitting the wood. I scream.

A few seconds later the pain subsides completely. Warm sparks envelop around me a welcomed change, my mates holding me. "DON'T TOUCH HER!" Growling he pulls me closer to his chest. Nuzzling my neck, leaving small kisses. Whispering words to me that show his love. Consoling me, telling me to stay calm that he loves me so much.

Black spots begin to hinder my vision. My body is trying to shut down to help cope of what I've lost and everything I've gained. Voices in my head 'Luna' over and over again. My pack is worried about me. "Alpha, let me take a look at her."

Growling… again I'm held tighter. "My mate. Mine."

I smirk and right before I fade I can't help but force out my chuckle.

This was not how this day was supposed to go.

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I hate being woken up. I really do, I'm a decent morning person- I can tolerate smiley happy people but only if I wake up on my own accord. Shouting and yelling is not a good way to wake up, especially not whenever I just passed out in front of the whole pack. That was embarrassing. "HE NEEDS HER!" A voice I recognize as Lucas shouts. A beta worried for his alpha.

"He needs to calm down." Amy's calm yet firm voice announces. "Allen and Eric are handling it."

Goddess, what'd he do? Slowly I open up my eyes, white sheets covering my torso and below. I'm still in my dress. Amy, Riley, Lucas and Rachel are all in the hospital room. This is my least favorite place on earth. However, I'm here more often than not. "What'd he do?" I mumble.

"Maya, dear you're awake." Smiling faces circle me, all but Lucas who is mind-linking someone.

"Where is he? What'd he do?" Answers that I desperately need but no one seems willing to give.

Riley smirks and removes the heart monitor. I remember pranking her when I was younger and pulling my finger out slightly. I made her think I flat lined. It wasn't funny when she didn't talk to me for a week but at the time it was hilarious. A serious verbal scolding from her father, that was also not fun. He raised me, I never wanted to disappoint him. "Don't you want to know what happened to you?"

Shaking my head I pull the sheet off, "I'm sure it had to do with my connection to my old pack. Being their future Alpha my bonds were stronger, only hurting more whenever they were permanently severed."

"Brains and beauty." Rachel quips and grabs my hands to help me stand.

"Now, do not make me ask again. Where is he?" Snarls, yelps and growls from outside have me running down the steps.

"Luna Maya." Amy beckons, I don't slow down. I know my mate is involved with something outside. Falling to the ground I feel the pain in my left calf. Shit. He's hurt. Stupid mate bond. My hands hitting the cold marble floor, I fight to stand up straight again. "You have to understand. He wouldn't let you go, you needed medical attention and he refused to let you leave him. We had to have Eric and Allen as well as the Gamma's pull him off of you and things aren't going well."

Growling I spin back around, throwing the door open. An Alpha worrying about his Luna, he has every right to be beside me. I don't agree with the decision but what's done is done. My stomach is on fire. Amy falls in step with me, her male and mine are circling one another. A large black wolf versus a slightly larger blonde one. A new Alpha coming into his own versus one on the brink of retirement. Snarling, snapping of the jaws. Neither looks great, Josh is putting up a fight.

But he won't win this one.

We keep walking towards the scene, Josh leaping forward-angry that he was being kept from his female. One hard look from me at a few pack members watching in amusement as a father and son work out their issues sends them back to their homes. Allen has him pinned to the ground, baring his canines ready to show Josh why he's still the Alpha in their family's eyes. Ready to show him how much he has to learn. A sight I don't particularly enjoy, unfortunately Josh asked for it. He's being taught a hard lesson. A gust of wind blowing sends both Amy's and my scent in their direction. Stalking forward.

2 angry females.

Both inhaling deeply they turn to see their mates. Standing proud and strong, fists clenched. Ready to tear them a new one for acting irrationally. Hesitantly they approach us, my mate limping slightly from his injuries, their tails tucked between their legs. Preparing to be scolded like children. Jax is still in control, as is Allen's wolf. Ears pulled back Jax whimpers.

Amy steps forward and stands partially in front of me, hesitant to trust her son who just irrationally challenged his father. Jax wouldn't ever hurt me, but when he snapped his jaws at her. I took action, Allen growling in the process. I don't care if she is in the way of him getting to me. It's for my safety, something of the upmost importance to my male. Gripping his muzzle tight I get down to eye level. Amber orbs on arctic blue. "You dare snap at your mother?" I tighten my grip, Jax whimpering at me. If I tighten any further his teeth could crack. "Acting like a pup. Don't do it again." I throw his face to the ground, Jax rolls on his back. Belly up, his own submission to me. I hear Riley and Lucas approaching us. Kneeling back down I look him straight in the eyes, "If you snap at her you'll regret it. Do you understand?"

He nods his head. A quick chaste lick of his tongue to my cheek. Another apology. "Maya you ran off before I could check your vitals."

"I'm fine."

Standing up to my full height, which isn't much Jax nudges my leg. Ignoring him I glance towards Amy. She's scolding her mate for not keeping his calm exterior, 'lead by example' she says. His nose touches my palm, licking it slightly. Another way he apologizes. I have no doubt Josh well, Jax was the one who started this. He runs his head under my hand, wanting some sort of affection. Putting my hands back into fists, he will not get affection. Not right now. Not as his father, Allen approaches.

They sit before one another. A lick from his father, no hard feelings and no judgements. "Lucas, clothes please." I murmur and he takes off, not trusting the situation enough to leave Riley with us. Jax drops his head and whimpers, pawing the ground like a child. I glance at Amy who is staring down Josh, he's still her male mated or not. She feels the need to confront him.

Glancing at me, silently asking for permission I agree. Lucas comes back outside, 2 pairs of basketball shorts in hand. Tossing them each a pair, they shake out their fur- a little blood flying off the strands before shifting and quickly sliding them on. Gashes across one another's skin has me shivering, you think I'd be used to that by now. Amy stalks towards Josh and grips his ear, "If you weren't mated I'd show you some of my love." I don't think it's the love he's used to. He yelps from the tightened hold but nods, "Keep your cool. Watch and listen. At this rate we won't fully retire anytime soon."

Nuzzling his face in her neck, she pecks her son's temple. No ill will, just disappointment. "My female." Allen sighs, running his hands through his hair. Their wolves have apologized, now it's the skins side.

"Baby girl." Fidgeting with his fingers Josh approaches me, each step slower than the other. He can't maintain eye contact with me. He knows he's in the wrong, "Are you feeling okay?"

His wounds are steadily healing, I grip his hand without saying a word. Silently leading him into our bedroom. I need to clean his cuts so they won't get infected. Pulling out the peroxide I pour it on his leg and side. "Maya?" He whimpers. "Are you-Are you feeling okay? I'm so sorry I wasn't there."

Calmly, probably too calmly I reply. "But you weren't. You were starting a fight you were going to lose." A hit to his ego, he doesn't react. I'm not wrong and he knows that. Washing away the blood with the cotton ball I keep working. "Honestly Josh. That fight was going to get worse before it got better." Glancing up, he's already looking down at me with saddened eyes. "You better be lucky I handled you for snapping at your mother before your father cut in." Tossing away the cotton balls I start the shower. "If you so much as snarl at your mother again-"

"She was keeping you from me. They all were."

I can't help but laugh, "Had you calmed down you would have been with me every step of the way." I'm not mad he wasn't there, Jax took control. "In fact pull Jax out for me. We should talk about his actions, I know when our wolves are in a state of panic it's hard to reign them in."

Josh glances towards the ground, "He doesn't want to come out. He keeps saying 'mate hates us'."

'Amber?'

'It's true.'

'Reach out to him. Tell him we love him, just hate his actions. Give him hell for treating his mother that way.'

'Well duh.'

"Shower then bed."

A knock on the door startles me, Josh shuts off the shower and follows after me. Lucas waits patiently at the door, "Alpha. Luna, I'm sorry about the disturbance. The pack is still waiting for you Luna. They're wanting to make sure you're safe."

"We'll be right down. Please gather them at the front entrance." Lucas bows his head and sprints down the stairs. Turning around I glance at Josh who is holding out his hands for me, "Next time you act rashly expect the 'love' your mother was referring to. With my own dose added." He whimpers and glances towards the ground. Snaking my arms around his neck I sigh, "I can feel what you feel ya' know. Remember that next time you go picking fights."

His hold on me tightens, burying his nose in the crook of my neck. Letting Jax know that things are getting better. "I'm so sorry I disappointed you baby girl. It won't happen again."

"Seal it with a kiss." I demand and to our pleasure he obliges. Lips soft against mine. Warm and slow, trying to show me how much he cares. I love this wolf. Stupidly he picked a fight, only because he couldn't get to me.

"Mate?" Frowning because the kiss stopped, it's seconds later I realize that Jax has come out. "Mate's mad at Jax." Pinching the bridge of my nose for mere seconds before I grip his hands, "Mate's mad." He whispers and leaves a lingering kiss on each knuckle of my hand.

"Jax look at me." He does so without hesitation, my fingertips grazing his jaw line. Showing him that I forgive him. "I'm not mad at you. I will tell you like I told Josh, I won't forgive you should you treat Amy like that again. Is that understood?"

"Yes mate. Mate's happy with me again." If he was in wolf form his tail would be wagging.

"Yes. But bring back Josh we need to go address the pack." A quick peck from Jax with a small whimper he lets Josh take charge.

Hand in hand we exit our room. Alpha Allen and Luna Amy waiting patiently outside. Handshakes between two men, cheek to cheek I acknowledge Amy. No hard feelings held between anyone. It's been settled with teeth, and with mates. It's in the past. Hurriedly we make our way outside, desperately wanting this day to be over with to start new tomorrow. Hundreds of our pack members wait on the bottom of the steps.

Seeing me, they smile. Howls fill the silent night air, they see that their Luna is okay. Glancing at Josh he knows what I want. Suddenly feeling less tired I walk down the steps, still barefoot. Males acknowledge me with a bow of their head. Females approach me and meet my cheek, inhaling my scent. Learning what their Luna smells like should they ever need to find or protect me. One by one each female comes to me, from warrior to omega they show their respect. I have no doubt Josh will be annoyed with all the different scents on me.

He's made it a habit to ensure his scent is embedded into my pores. Watchful eyes on me, a proud Alpha. My mate walks down the steps as the last few approach me, how long I've been doing this? Probably hours. Is it worth it? To earn the respect of my pack, yes. Josh holds my hand, tilting his head up to the sky, up to the moon he howls.

A praise to the Moon Goddess for having me.

Shortly after, I follow.

Then leadership.

Then everyone.

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Waking up this morning I'm aware of what this day brings. Good and bad.

A future of Katie knowing her place.

A past that I will have to share with my pack.

I don't necessarily like the thought of injuring someone. Especially not a pack member, but she needs to learn her place. I can't be looking over my shoulder in worry that a pack member will kidnap me. Glancing at my mate, he's sound asleep. Lips slightly parted, and soft snores filling the room. Pecking his lips I clean up and change my clothes. Skinny jeans, ankle boots and a tee shirt that I had no idea I owned. Rushing downstairs, we missed pack breakfast.

I'll make it for my male.

Kris is in the kitchen, doing dishes as I enter. A smile on his lips and a polite bow, "Luna Maya good morning how are you feeling?"

"Well thank you Kris. And you?"

He shrugs and points to the dishes. "As well as I can be." Opening my mouth, I should tell him that I have yet to work on his punishment but he stops me, "I deserve this Luna. And you are helping me get into the pack, I will work kitchen duty for the rest of my life if it means I can be close to my mate."

"Luckily it won't come to that." After last night my mate needs meat to continue to heal his wounds. I place a steak on the skillet butter melting in the pan.

"Luna?" I hum in response and flip the steak over while cracking an egg in another pan. "What happens to Katie after today?"

I take my time in response. "Understand that I don't like having to do this."

"Of course not Luna, you're very kind." Furrowing his brows as if my statement was ridiculous to even mention.

He passes me two plates, I empty the contents of both pans onto one. Quickly starting the other. "I will not kill her Kris. Make her submit, yes. Ensure she understands that she maybe a past Beta's daughter but I'm the Luna? Yes. She will understand her place in this pack, unfortunately it is by force."

"Will the pack be invited?"

Shaking my head, I will not make a spectacle out of injuring a she-wolf. "It will not be announced. If pack members choose to watch, that's fine. But I'm not going strut around, I'm not better than anyone else."

"You're a fair Luna." Filling the last plate I put two Capri-Sun's in my back pocket.

"Thank you Kris, but what have I said about calling me Luna?"

Chuckling he takes the skillets I've used off the burners, placing them in the sink. "It's like having a Queen tell a peasant to call her Elizabeth. It will take some getting used to… Luna."

I roll my eyes at his taunting and grab my plates. It seems as if lots of pack members are still asleep still recovering from yesterday's festivities. Nudging my door open, Josh is already sitting up and resting on the headboard. "Imagine my surprise when I wake up and my mate is nowhere to be found." I lean down and a single peck turns into a passionate kiss. "You should be here when I wake up."

Arching my brow I hold the plate of food out in front of him, "Am I getting chastised for providing a meal for my male?"

Unknowingly he licks his lips, desire for the food in front of him forces his puppy dog side to come out. Don't tell him I called him a 'puppy dog'. It's an insult in our world, though we are related in a way. Deep brown eyes glance at me and without making him wait I pass him the plate. "Good portion of the pack is sleeping."

"First off, thank you for my food it's delicious and I love you."

"I love you too." I chuckle and take a bite of my steak.

"Secondly I figured they'd be sleeping. Festivities of last night didn't dwindle down till an hour after we finished festivities of our own." Flashing him a look he averts his gaze. "Are you ready for today?"

Laughing to myself I take a bite of eggs, "Which part?"

"Both." Caution in his tone, he's scared of my reaction.

Sighing I speak my truth, "I think both items on our agenda today will only make our pack stronger. They need to understand things are changing. Both the pack and Katie."

Silently he agrees. I can't help but ponder over my words again."

'Things are changing'

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