Whenever you have so much on your mind it is almost haunting. Whether it is good or bad it doesn't really matter, not to me anyways. It keeps me up at night, and has me tossing and turning. Ever since Riley's parents arrived a few nights ago I have had this uneasiness inside of me. A warning flag waving in my stomach that won't seem to rest. I wish it was a white flag in surrender so I could relax, truly relax for the first time in my life but I'm very sure that won't happen. I don't think it's a direct cause of Cory and Topanga, they wouldn't do anything to betray the pack their daughter belongs to. Speaking of Cory and Topanga they fit into the pack like a glove. At first some of the wolves in the pack house were a little apprehensive. They are from the Crescent Moon pack, the pack that could possibly threaten me. But seeing and realizing the close relationship those wolves had with their Alpha and Beta female all that worry seemed to dwindle down.

However, they were still cautious. I wasn't stupid, I noticed the eyes protecting their leadership females. And even though it was just Cory and Topanga I was grateful for that.

It could just be from this trip that we are skipping school for and I'm going on my first trip as Luna. That had to be it that had to be why my nerves are so shot. It could also be because it has almost been a week since my Luna induction and I have yet to hear anything from my father or Alpha Thomas. We've kept in close contact with our allies this past week and they've heard nothing, no sign of retaliation. And that should make me happy, ecstatic even because it would seem that I'm getting my happily ever after, which is amazing since I've been fighting for that ever since I was a little girl.

But it doesn't.

In fact it does the exact opposite. Growing up as a rogue as previously mentioned, did a lot of things for me. I was never a sitting duck, I was always out in the open and waiting for the attack-I was prepared for the attack. I understand that I'm in a pack now and we can't just go throwing around a war willy nilly. I'm aware how incredibly irresponsible that is so that's why I'm not pushing it. But that doesn't mean waiting for my enemies to take action first isn't bothering me. Amber is at the forefront more often than not, and willingly might I add. She doesn't want harm to come to us or our pack. My ears constantly twitching, craning to hear any noise that could sound like an offensive outbreak. My eyes always moving from left to right, assessing areas for danger even on our own lands. Nose trying to pick up unfamiliar scents and the hair on Amber's scruff is always high.

I'm aware that what we are doing is the smart thing to do. We can't attack anyone because of my past and I would never want that, I would never want to put Twilight wolves in danger because of my own selfish agenda. But every day that I'm with our pack and with Josh, every day there is no attack I can feel myself relaxing and that's what they want. I can also feel my goal in life, to take the Crescent Moon pack away from my father, slowly lose its resolve.

"You're filing my mind with so many thoughts baby girl."

Tucking my feet underneath me, grabbing his hand I rest it on the console sitting between us. "Sorry, just-"

"I know." A reassuring squeeze of my hand. "I mean I literally know you left your wall down. And I'm glad that even though you aren't comfortable with it you understand that this is the safest move for our pack."

Nodding my head I lean over the console and kiss his cheek. The leather of the interior squeaking as I do so. "I have our head warrior on high alert prepared for anything. My father and mother are there so my mom will handle the she-wolves and pups. My father will stand beside Lucas. There's a reason I leave Lucas behind, so he will know what to do in case the worst possible situation arises and I'm not around." His words are reassuring and put me at ease. I really love this pack, I love how they run things. Alpha's putting aside their ego and leadership blood for the goodness of the pack. If I wasn't already sure about him taking over Crescent Moon when I take down my father, then I was positive this male was the perfect Alpha.

Josh is driving us to the Power Pack. Despite their name, they aren't super powerful. A mid-sized pack and not a whole lot of land. Granted, their leader is very old and very wise. They do things slightly differently than most of the other packs. "Alpha William is almost 200 years old, in human world he looks about 100." First thing being, they wait till the Alpha dies before the successor takes over. It's a commitment for life. "Just remember, I love your sassiness and your fire but you must behave yourself. This pack is very old fashioned." Probably from their 200 year old Alpha. "They have Luna, but even then she holds little to no power. They don't train women to fight and they certainly do not like a lot of skin showing so keep your clothes on."

Chuckling to myself, I throw my head back. "It isn't like I go stripping in my spare time."

His lips connect to every knuckle on my hand that's in his hold. "Only for me baby girl." Arrogant wolf. "We're about 30 minutes away." Thank Goddess we've been driving for like 6 hours. "This is a land negotiation they need more and well-thanks to my father we have it."

Furrowing my brows, I wonder how that would work. "So what is it exactly you are wanting to do? Pay a price for our land? Or have them buy land from us?"

"What would you think we should do my queen?"

A test, good night as if I haven't passed enough of those things already. Buying land from us wouldn't be the worst thing in the world but more land is more power. Land is similar to wealth and strength in werewolf language. "Not buy. Rent. Maybe have like a 'lease', kind of like what I did with my apartment. It's difficult for packs of different cultures and wolves to coexist with one another. Not saying it isn't feasible but have them rent out a portion of the land for X amount of months. If it works then they can continue it on a month to month basis but them being on our land poses a certain risk to them more than us. To us it's another barrier enemies will have to get to which is great. To them, they're a barrier to those trying to get to us."

Nodding of the head and a grin from ear to ear, he wants me to continue. "In conclusion, if we go to war so do they and vice versa. It isn't really negotiable there. You'll have to draw up an alliance." The Power Pack was pretty set on no alliances. In time of need they were known to hear both sides of the story if approached and at that point they'd decide if first, they wanted to be involved and second who they wanted to side with.

A noble way of dealing with things. Though I'm not sure if I agree with it or not. I enjoy loyalty. If for one moment I'm fighting a wolf and the next war or battle I'm not… well that's utterly confusing.

"You're brilliant." Whispered words filled with pride. Amber's humming and rolling belly up in her cage. "A new perspective and I'm very grateful to have it. Would you want to sit in on the meetings?"

"No, thank you. If this pack truly does not value its women they wouldn't be as willing to accept my idea. Go in alone, pitch whatever option you have and if you feel like bragging on your Luna. Well who am I to stop you?"

'Alpha's we're 2 minutes out from their territory.'

Farkle's voice ringing through our minds, I'm hoping I can take this time to get to know Smackle. They're currently in the car behind us with 2 warriors and the SUV in front of us has 2 more. Putting on an expressionless mask, his hand moves from mine to my thigh possessively as wolves from the Power Pack become visible. It's customary and respectable for wolves to escort visitors to the pack house, even if there is no threat.

Usually it's about 4, but when I see 10 I see how they're trying to impress Josh. Which it does, I see the tug on his lips that he masks entirely. However in doing this their Alpha has also proved how in need they are of land, unknowingly of course. An Alpha never wants to show weakness.

As we approach the pack house, you can tell this is an older pack from the design of the mansion in front of me. An old man and woman await at the bottom of the steps with other leadership wolves flanking them. From the predatory look in the wolves' eyes I can tell they are protective of their Alpha's, it was way past his prime but an Alpha won't admit that. Especially not whenever it is tradition for him to die before passing his title.

Kind of depressing if you ask me.

Josh steps out and buttons up his dress jacket-he looks delicious in his professional attire-giving the Alpha and Luna a respectful bow he focuses on taking me out of the car as Farkle, Smackle and the warriors walk towards us. Eyes constantly roaming the perimeter to ensure its safe, we make the first move meeting in the middle as is customary. Not taking a step closer to their pack house without their permission.

Every little thing we do as wolves is a sign of respect or disrespect. Our animal side of us assessing every gesture searching for a threat. So something as simple as meeting them half way is an act that the wolves of this pack receive well. We don't mean them any harm, simply to negotiate. "Alpha William, Luna Rebecca." A handshake between two men. Both of these wolves have white hair and brown eyes that are clearly filled with wisdom. Crows feet and wrinkles around the mouth, they've had great times in their long lives. Frown lines and worry wrinkles etched into his forehead, an Alpha title never is without stress. "May I introduce to you my mate and Luna, Maya." Holding eye contact I lower my chin as a sign of respect since I can't touch a male.

Josh's arm possessively wrapped around my waist, he doesn't like all the unmated males who enjoy what these leather leggings are showing-my curves. Now that I look at it, all the she-wolves that are standing aside their mates are wearing floor length dresses that aren't form fitting. I may have packed the wrong clothes.

I've read a lot about their customs when Josh told me we'd be visiting them this weekend, however I skipped over the clothing part of it all. "Thank you for showing your hospitality Alpha William."

"Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. I've heard there has been some issues as of late." Immediately I tense, what has he heard?

A bruising grip on my hips, curiosity though winning out over the slight pain. "I would very much enjoy to hear what is going around, but I'd much prefer to discuss our matters first."

One quick glance my direction and I know the information he has is about me. Luna Rebecca keeps her head down, not afraid to speak but knows that she shouldn't. "Of course, I'll have some of our pack show you to your rooms and to my office. One hour and we'll begin, I'd hate to keep you from your pack longer than necessary."

Does he know something that we don't?

Or is he just being polite?

We're escorted to our rooms in silence. They're all side by side. Ours and the Beta's in the middle with the warrior's on our side. Josh sends out a link to meet in our room in 10 minutes. As soon as we step inside our room he groans and pulls me into a hug. Hands running up and down my curves lingering on the small of my back. "I'll find out don't worry baby girl." Peck to my cheek and closed eyelids. "There were lots of unmated males watching you."

"I didn't notice, I had my eye on you." His wolf purrs in satisfaction, luckily he doesn't know that I did notice. But nothing appeases a wolf more than to know their mate doesn't have eyes for anyone else. But being in a new environment and already being on edge, I wasn't going to not look around.

He continues to hold me against his chest, "I'm hoping we'll be out of here tomorrow afternoon so we'll arrive late, late tomorrow night. As long as negotiations go as planned, I can feel that you're anxious about being off pack land."

My reply was interrupted by 2 rapid knocks on the door, "Enter." He states never taking his eyes off of me. A warrior steps inside first, quickly assessing the room before the rest of our company follows suit. Shutting the door behind them, Josh glances at our friends. "Smackle and Maya you will be with Warrior Ryder and Warrior Xavier at all times. If you choose to stay in the room which I'd prefer, they will await outside of the room."

I stifle my growl, considering the circumstances I know he's being cautious. "Ryder, Xavier you will check in every 10 minutes on your Luna and Gamma Female." Alpha ordered, not even I can override that one with my Luna command. Not that I would, if it appeases him so he can focus on the meeting I have no issue. "If, for whatever reason something happens to my mate I will make your death slow and painful."

Whoa. Let's just jump to the worst case scenario. "That won't be necessary." I reply with a smile, "They'll keep us safe, besides I think we'll be staying in." Eyes shifting to the raven haired beauty beside me, she nods in agreement.

I want to get to know her. To understand her. I want her to open up to me, and though I've always cared for others, I can tell this Luna business was taking hold of my emotions. Amber immediately wanting to console any pain that one of our pack members feels. As Luna, I couldn't help it if I wanted to. "And you two will answer any mind link we send out. No blocking us, we don't have an alliance with these wolves."

Nodding my head in understanding, I would ask the same thing of him if roles were reversed. Crashing lips against mine, I fall into his sweet embrace. Always so warm and comforting, the sparks emitting from our touch is calming all my nerves. Pulling away too soon I groan, a quick peck to the forehead and one more steel look telling me to behave and he's out the door. I wonder where they're going. It hasn't been an hour.

Everyone leaves the room, Smackle and I alone at last. I don't think we've ever been alone before. Flashing her a small smile I step towards the queen sized bed where a TV remote lies. Flicking the TV on, I pat the bed once. Twice, and with hesitant steps she joins me. Starting off small I ask her how long she and Farkle have been together, a quick response and I didn't expect more than, "Almost 3 years."

"You're lucky." I reply calmly and focus on the TV, "I wish I had met Josh at a young age. Yes, I may or may not have punched and elbowed him a few times-"A small giggle escapes her mouth and I'm proud I was able to do that. "Just because he's an Alpha doesn't make him any less stubborn or arrogant than any other male, wolf or human."

Nodding her head she fidgets with her fingers, "I think Josh would have rejected me had he not been so keen on my scent." I quip and watch as her lips turn to a frown. She has a very expressive face and I welcome that, I'm not great with emotion so being able to 'see' it makes my job a hundred times easier. Okay so she's scared, let's play on that see if that gets her talking. "I was actually terrified to find my mate."

"Why?" A quick reply, making progress. Obviously Farkle has done wonders with her, I thought it would be so much harder to get something out of her.

I'm not expecting long answers, but as long as I'm getting something. "Well you've seen my father, and my back." Inside I'm grimacing, but I keep a calm face. If I don't remain relaxed neither will she, in reality I'm letting Amber guide my words and movements. She's got this Luna, nurturing side on lock down. "I was scared that my mate would hurt me." Not like I'd let it, "It took years after running away from my pack to understand that I wasn't going to get beat by everything I did or said."

I notice an obvious wince, "I understand." She whispers, mostly to herself.

"I'm not sure what happened in your past Smackle, but Farkle is the perfect mate for you. I don't know another wolf who'd wait a year and one day to mark his mate." I've come to the conclusion I didn't set a world record for a mate not marking a female. Smackle did.

Nibbling at her lip, I know she wants to say something. I'm letting her take the reins at this point. Openly responding is great, but it's time for her to start the conversation if she chooses. Linking the warriors outside our door, I practically beg for snacks and without hesitation Warrior Ryder is on the hunt.

Luna perks.

The next few minutes are quiet and relaxing. Sitting down and watching 'Friends' re-runs, occasionally laughing at Chandler's antics. Even Smackle snickers a time or two. Right whenever it was time for the warriors to check on us again, I squeal from excitement. "He comes bearing gifts." I joke and take away the bags of chips and bowls of fruit. "Thank you Warrior Ryder. I greatly appreciate it."

Bowing his head once towards Smackle then to me, "Anything for our Luna."

Diving in I waste no time to offer her some snacks, I don't miss the flinch when I pass her a bowl of fruit. Amber starts growling, someone has hurt her and even after 3 years she's still terrified. I'm no doctor, and I'm different compared to other abuse cases but I don't believe it took me this long to not flinch. Of course I'm being uncompassionate, I don't know her story.

I don't know anything about this female.

But I want to start to understand how she ticks. I have no doubt she hasn't been training to fight, Farkle wouldn't allow it after whatever it is she's been through. Maybe that's what helped appease my worries, that and revenge fueling my every move. "Smackle."

"Yes Luna?"

"Call me Maya."

Furrowing her brows she blinks several times, "O-okay Maya."

Sighing to myself I rub my eyes, "If that makes you uncomfortable then you can call me Luna. But I'd like to think we are friends, and if not now then I'd like to be your friend." Honesty, speaking my truth.

"Maya." She tries again, rolling off the tongue a little easier than before.

Giving her a small smile, I clap my hands for dramatic effect. "And the crowd goes wild." I'm serious a lot of the time especially in front of our pack. But, I have a feeling Smackle enjoys my childish side slightly more. "So let me ask you a question." My icy orbs focused on her chocolate ones, immediately diverting her gaze. "Who?"

Wide eyes she snaps her face back towards me, opening her mouth but closing it again in a frantic manner. Amber chastising me for not taking it easier on her, and I welcome it because the question slipped out before I realized I had said it. I'm not surprised that she knew exactly what I was talking about, but I could have been gentler. Gulping and fidgeting with her fingers, she tries to hide her worry behind her hair. I need to open up first, "Let me tell you a story."

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Let me know what you think lovelies. Things are soon to get interesting.