My Pack Buddies! Helloooooooo! How are you guys? Pretty mad probably... I know that the wait between my chapters are long but theres really nothing I can do about it. School is time consuming. And irritating... And a pain in the fucking ass, honestly. But if u read the final chapter of Platinum Duo, ya'll will know why this chap had taken so long. I had a Geography project that I really had to focus on.

But, it is done now and since Platinum Duo has been wrapped up, I will be beginning that new story I keep talking about. Don't know when the first chapter will be up though. I'll see how it goes.

Anyway, since I was so busy, I hadn't really had time to reply to your reviews :( believe me, guys, I really want to. Its just that I was really busy. However, I will without a doubt reply to you guys if u review on this chapter.

Ya'll should know by now that I love hearing from all of u :)

Alright. Read on...

Previously On Blood Moon

Upon entering the spacious living room and taking a seat, I asked the question that was on my mind. "So what's going on? Aren't you guys supposed to be out in the field?"

No one had even a slight chance to answer seeing as how we had all snapped our attention to the entry of the living room where Austin stood, not looking at all happy at seeing the six occupants currently in the cabin.

"What in the absolute fuck is going on here?!"

Ally POV

"Pleasure to see you again, Austin."

Despite the tension in the room, I had to suppress my smile from witnessing Phillip's cool attitude towards someone who I had heard he supposedly hates.

"I'm afraid I can't say the same to you, Snowbell," Austin hissed and narrowed his eyes at Phillip which resulted in the other five pride members to shake their heads. The movement caught Austin's attention and he glared at each and every one of them.

About three of them shifted uncomfortably in their seats under his intense stare until Anthony stood up and walked over to Austin, clapping him on the back. "You're gonna burn holes into them if you don't stop that, bro."

Austin's gaze on the pride members never wavered. "I'll ask again. What the fuck is going on here?"

Anthony sighed and walked back to the couch, taking a seat again and turned to Phillip. "Phillip here had a suggestion. He already ran it by your dad but nothing is confirmed yet."

Austin looked at Phillip and raised his eyebrows in a look that said, 'Well?'

Phillip cleared his throat and leaned forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees and sending a pointed look to Austin. "Aren't you going to take a seat?"

"Aren't you going to fucking talk already?" Austin spat and I shook my head while Anthony, I noticed, bit back a chuckle at his cousin. Phillip rolled his eyes and sighed before speaking. "We had been talking earlier," He gestured to the five pride members, "And we had a thought. While we are sure that The Sabres are going to attack, we don't exactly know if they will stay on our kind's side of the border throughout the entire battle."

Austin cut in then. "We are aware that they could come here for Sarah which is why we're always on high alert so what's your point?"

Phillip hesitated and quickly glanced at Anthony, looking as if he wants him to answer the question. Anthony however, just shrugged and leaned back against the couch, shooting Phillip a grin. "Go ahead. Tell 'em."

Obviously whatever Phillip's suggestion was, Anthony knew that Austin wouldn't like it. This made me all the more curious to know what he was hesitating to say. "It was agreed that during the battle, most of your pack would join us on our lands and aid us to fight them off."

Again, Austin cut in while crossing his arms over his chest, the material of his red t-shirt straining against his biceps. "And the rest of the pack would surround the borders of our land to fight them off if they happen to get any ideas of heading to the cabin. You're fucking telling me stuff that we've already gone through. What the hell is your damn suggestion?!"

One of the pride members, a girl with a pale complexion and jet black hair that just came past her shoulders, turned to Phillip and spoke in a demanding tone. "Would you get on with it? Before he rips your damn head off?"

I raised my eyebrows at the abrupt outburst and it seemed that Anthony was equally surprised. He stared at the girl almost in awe and when she looked away from Phillip, her annoyed expression quickly dropped upon making eye contact with Anthony. Ducking her head down and pursing her lips, I noticed her cheeks flush considerably.

"I agree with her. Get on with it, Snowbell." Austin spoke through clenched teeth and Phillip sighed again.

"Okay, okay." He stood up and took a deep breath, focusing his gaze on Austin. "Since Sarah will obviously be here as the battle commences, I strongly believe that it would be best if a few of the members of my pride remain here in the cabin aswell."

The air in the room was thick and it seemed as if everyone present were holding their breath, awaiting Austin's reaction. His arms had dropped slowly to their sides and were now curled into fists. He and Phillip stood staring at eachother for a few seconds before he finally spoke in a gruff and surprisingly calm voice.

"I want the rest of you to leave."

The girl who had snapped at Phillip to get on with it narrowed her eyes at Austin. "The six of us came up with this suggestion together. Whatever you say to him you should say to us."

I internally groaned, knowing that she would no doubt set fire to whatever calmness Austin has summoned up if she continues to argue with him. I saw his jaw clench and I raised myself up from the couch, walking over to his side just as he snapped his gaze at her.

I stopped him from whatever he was about to say by reaching down to gently uncurl his fist, intertwining my fingers with his. I used my other hand to rub his arm soothingly resulting in him to turn and look down at me. I shook my head at him and he sighed heavily. Once again, he turned to the girl, his gaze slightly less intense than before. "I really don't want a damn problem right now. So go. Now." The girl looked as if she was about to protest again which made me send her a pleading look.

"Please. Phillip will fill you in on everything that you need to know once he's done here. Wont you, Phillip?"

"Of course," He replied and the girl looked at me, her pale cheeks slightly flushed from the tension in the room. Her features softened and she sighed while giving a small nod.

"Alright."

She and the other four stood up, Anthony doing the same. "I'll walk you guys out," He said and I didn't miss the way his eyes lingered on the girl whose name I haven't learned yet.

I watched as they all filed out of the living room and once they were gone, Austin lightly squeezed my hand that was still in his, causing me to look up at him. He sent me a slight smile and murmured, "Thank you."

I smiled back. "You're welcome. Do you want me to leave?" He shook his head and turned to Phillip, raising a brow. "You don't have a problem with that, do you?" Phillip chuckled and went back to his seat on the couch.

"This is your home, Austin. You can have the entire pack here if you'd like. I assure you, I will not mind."

Austin and I took seats next to eachother, his hand now out of mine and being used to run through his shaggy locks. It was obvious that he was not going to say anything so Phillip took the plunge first. "You're obviously open to atleast considering my request seeing as how you haven't flat out refused yet."

"Key word. Yet," Austin said through clenched teeth before leaning his elbows on his knees with his hands clasped together. The action vaguely reminded me of Alpha Michael. He usually did the same thing whenever he was in a discussion.

"You're talking about having members of your family here in our house. Without any of us here. Call me fucking crazy but I don't see how that is in any way acceptable. We already have Sarah living here!"

I noticed that Phillip looked slightly offended at Austin's last words and he visibly struggled to keep his composure.

"Not that that has been a problem. Sarah is a pleasure to have here," I quickly said while shooting a glare at Austin and all the while, meaning every word that I said. He glanced at me and clenched his jaw before turning back to Phillip.

"Listen, Snowbell," Austin began but was interrupted by the other male.

"Phillip."

"Whatever. Now listen. If The Sabres do in fact head over here, Joey, Zack, Genevieve, Tanner and Skylar will have it covered. They're gonna be right outside on patrol as the battle is going on."

Phillip leaned forward and buried his face in his hands, a groan escaping his mouth. "The Sabres are fast, Austin. You know that," He mumbled into his hands before looking up. "The five of your wolves are going to be a few metres away from the cabin. We don't know if they'll be able to get here in time if anything happens. We don't even know how many of The Sabres will target the cabin to get to Sarah."

Austin narrowed his eyes and spat, "You're doubting my pack security? Those five can handle things just fine. I fucking trained them myself."

I shook my head at Austin's hotheadedness and turned to him. "He has a point, Austin." He swung his head to me and glared. The intense stare made me want to shrink back into the couch but I held firm, returning his gaze. "At least consider his request." Austin scoffed and shook his head, turning back to Phillip who looked as if he was pleading with his eyes.

"Please, Austin. I don't know what I would do if something happened to Sarah." At this, I noticed Austin's gaze soften just the slightest bit. He exhaled heavily through his nose then turned to me for a few moments and then back to Phillip.

"I'll consider it."

After thanking Austin, Phillip had left the living room to head outside to his pride members who would no doubt begin questioning him on Austin's decision.

While I was proud of Austin for atleast considering Phillip's request, I couldn't help but allow my mind to linger on a question that came to me after he had left.

"Austin?"

"Hmm?" He hummed in response from his position by the sliding door of the living room. Since Phillip left a few minutes ago, he hasn't said a word. I stood up from the couch and hesitantly walked over to him, resting a hand on his shoulder blade. He turned around and I fiddled with my fingers.

Given the hard look in his eyes, I doubted whether I should be asking him anything since he seems more than a little put off at Phillip's request. I faintly mused at how different he had been just a while ago up in his bedroom.

The thought resulted in my cheeks to heat up and I cleared my throat which caused him to turn around.

He took in the sight of my rosy cheeks and raised a brow. "What?" He asked and I pursed my lips at his sharp tone.

Yup... Too angry. I'll ask later.

I took a slight step back and shook my head. "Oh, uhm.. Nevermind."

He groaned and brought up a hand to rub the back of his neck. "I'm sorry, Ally," He said and took the last few steps towards me. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and lightly grazed his warm fingertips down the side of my face before pulling me closer to him at the waist.

I rested my hands on his chest, feeling the steady beating of his heart. He sighed and said, "I just really don't know about this whole request, suggestion thing. The whole thing is just," He shook his head, "so unnatural." I nodded in understanding and rubbed his chest soothingly.

"Maybe you should give them a chance. They don't seem all that bad to me."

He groaned again and pulled away, turning around again while sweeping his hand through his hair. "I'm gonna be spending an entire day training with them. I don't wanna talk about them anymore."

"Okay. I understand," I said softly and he turned around. He sighed and brought his hand away from his hair, resulting in some of the strands to fall over his eyes. "You wanted to ask me something?"

I perked up then and said, "Yeah. Uhm. Where exactly am I going to be? You know, when this fight happens."

If I remember correctly, he did say that he would find a way for me to help in some way.

His face lit up in understanding before he again turned around and rubbed at his neck.

"Would you quit turning away from me?!" I exclaimed and he spun around, eyebrows raised at my outburst. "Sorry," He mumbled and I shook my head.

"Well?" I pushed. He swept his tongue across his bottom lip and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Trish offered to get you out of here for awhile so..." He trailed off and shrugged his shoulders before finishing his sentence. "I thought why not. It'd get you out of harm's way."

I frowned at his words and crossed my arms, noticing that his eyes went straight to my chest before flicking away quickly.

Such a guy...

"What do you mean by get me out of here for awhile?"

He rocked back and forth on his heels, shrugging again. "You know. Out of this world. Back into Miami."

My mouth dropped open. "What?"

He tilted his head up and allowed a groan, naturally sounding more like a growl, to leave his lips. "Ally, I know that you said you wanted to help but this entire thing is gonna be too dangerous," He said upon bringing his line of sight back to me. "No freaking way am I gonna allow you to be anywhere near this place when a fucking battle is going on," He stated firmly and I felt my anger begin to rise.

"Well there is no freaking way that I will allow myself to be anywhere but here when that said battle is going on!"

His jaw clenched and he took a step towards me, the golden flecks in his eyes blazing. "I can't risk anything happening to you dammit!" He took my face in his hands and spoke, his voice now gentle and soft. "I know that you want to help and I admire that so much but having you around when everything is so damn hectic will practically be like offering you up to danger."

I opened my mouth to protest but he cut me off, his voice, like his hands, remained gentle and warm. "Call me selfish but I don't wanna go through the hurt of having anything happen to you. I love you too much for that to happen, Ally."

I felt my features soften at his words and I leaned up to place a kiss to his lips. He dipped his head down to meet me halfway when I snapped out of it. "No. No, no, no, no, no," I pulled away from him before our lips could meet and shook my head, taking in his face now masked with confusion.

While I can yell out that he means every word he said with all the confidence in the world, I will not allow myself to be swayed into his way of doing things which happen to be kicking me out of the cabin and back to Miami just because he feels that I would be safer.

Well I would be safer but that isn't the point!

"No, Austin. I won't leave."

He sighed and reached a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Why are you being so difficult?" I felt the anger rise again and moved towards him. I flattened the palm of my hand against his chest and used all my strength to push him backwards onto the couch behind him. I succeeded and he stumbled, landing onto the couch with a huff, his face registering surprise.

"What are yo-"

I cut him off by planting myself next to him and unclasping the chain from around my neck, practically shoving it into his face which resulted in the tags to cling together. "Why did you give me this?" He frowned and his mouth opened then closed, not entirely sure as to what I was getting at. "Ally, I-"

"Why?" I asked with alot more force than I thought my voice could have. He glanced at the chain and then back at me. "To confirm our relationship?" He asked more than stated, as if he was afraid that it was the wrong answer.

Internally, I felt so thankful that he wasn't blowing up and cussing me out like he usually did when I first got here. There was no way that I would have spoken to him like this a few months ago. I would have been too scared.

Despite the fact that he is extremely intimidating when angry, our relationship isn't the same as it was a few months ago and I will make sure that he knows this.

"Exactly," I said. "We are in a relationship.I don't want you to shut me out of something just because it's dangerous. We're supposed to be taking care of things together. When you gave me this chain you showed me that you trust me and that you're serious about us."

Austin's eyes now held a little less anger and he looked almost... Sad.

"I know, I know. I'm not shutting you out. I'm just trying to protect you," He whispered and turned his gaze towards the living room exit.

I could vaguely see that his eyes were now glistening and that is when I realised this whole thing wasn't just about keeping me safe. Something else was triggering this mood of his.

I reached out and gently took hold of his hand. "Austin. What is it?" He exhaled heavily through his nose and shook his head, turning his gaze to the floor. "I lost my mum in a battle."

I was taken aback when he said this. Not only because he has never spoken a word about his mother but also because just roughly an hour ago, he had said that he wasn't ready to talk about his past. I was also shocked at how broken and hurt his voice sounded. I scooted closer to him and used my hand that was in his to gently cradle the side of his jaw, turning his face to me to give him a reassuring look, waiting for him to continue.

His eyes were watery with unshed tears and I felt my heart give a few painful tugs.

"I know that blaming myself would be stupid but I can't help but feel like I could have done something, y'know?"

I rested my other hand on his knee and gently rubbed as he went on. "It all just happened so fast. One moment she's here and the next..." He pursed his lips and ended, "She's gone. Just like that." He brought his hand up to cover my own that had slid down to his neck. "I don't want the same thing to happen to you."

I had no idea how to feel. On one hand, I was extremely warmed that he had opened up to me about his past but on the other, I felt immense pain and sadness from learning that his mother was killed by someone. He didn't exactly say that she was killed but he did say that he lost her in a battle so I'm assuming that I'm right.

"Austin. I know that past events usually make you rethink all your decisions. I know that they make you feel as if you need to do everything differently but you can't allow them to impact negatively on others."

I gently pulled my hand out of his and used it to run through his hair, not missing the sigh of content that escaped his lips. "Of course there are times where you don't have a choice and your decisions will negatively effect others but like I said; that's when you don't have a choice. Right now, you do have a choice."

Austin sighed heavily and heaved himself off of the couch. "Is it so bad that my choice is wanting to keep you safe?" He mumbled and I shook my head even though he was turned away from me.

"There's nothing wrong with that at all, Austin. It's just that if you send me away, I'll probably never forgive you." My voice ended with a hint of teasing laced into it.

I would definitely be mad at him but I don't see how I wouldn't be able to forgive him...

He spun around and I raised a brow challengingly. He chuckled lightly and shook his head. "You really are something, Princess." I grinned before clearing my throat and stepping closer to him. "Look. You're hesitant to allow Phillip's pride members in here because if you do, they're going to be alone. With nobody from the pack here to keep an eye on them, right?"

He nodded and I went on with a suggestion of my own. "Well then how about I stay here with them." He looked ready to shoot down the idea but I cut him off. "I doubt that they're going to do anything, Austin. You all are doing too big of a favour for them to betray your trust. And if anything does happen, I can contact you guys, remember?"

A look of realisation crossed his face, confirming the fact that I could somehow read into the pack mind aswell.

"Think about it. You told me that there will always be rival shape-shifters to fight against. Are you just going to make me pack up and get out everytime a battle is about to take place?"

He shifted his gaze to the floor and mumbled, "No. That'd be fucking stupid."

"Uh huh," I said and added, "I don't want to be far away if anything has to happen to one of you." He looked up and I bit my lip. "I'm not gonna go."

He stared at me intensely and shot me the smallest of grins. "You're not gonna drop this until I agree with you, right?" I giggled and twined my arms loosely around his neck, snuggling my face onto his firm chest covered by a grey t-shirt. "Yup," I said, popping the 'P'.

His chuckle vibrated against my cheek and he wrapped his strong arms around my body while nestling his face into my hair. "Alright," He breathed out.

"I just wish that I could be a bigger help than just being a lookout on the inside of the cabin," I joked and he pulled away, sliding his hands up to cup my cheeks. "You shut my stubborn ass up and took charge just now. You're gonna be a freaking big help by keeping those housecats in line. Believe me."

I laughed and said, "I really don't see them doing any harm. Besides, they're not going to try anything knowing who my boyfriend is," I ended shyly while looking down and fiddling with the hem of his t-shirt.

Austin laughed and nuzzled the side of my face with his nose.

Suddenly, we heard footsteps, resulting in us to turn towards the entrance of the living room where Mark appeared. "If you two horn dogs could keep it in your pants, we'd like to get started on some technique training."

Austin POV

Ally.

She surprises me everyday.

Those random moments of boldness, those outbursts and her ability to keep my ass in check astounds me.

She may be timid and shy at times but fuck me! She would make a kickass Alpha Female.

Did I really just think that? Damn...

I stood off to the side with Mark as Anthony and a Crystal Claw member, Joe, went at it.

"So they're really gonna be in our house?" Mark asked and I replied, "Yup. They feel that Sarah should have more protection." Mark shook his head and sighed. I dont blame him for not liking the idea. None of us do. Upon getting onto the field I had just sent a nod to Phillip, letting him know that I accepted his request. "Ally will keep em' in check though," I said with a grin and Mark chuckled. "I don't doubt that."

Anthony and Joe were still fighting. The both of them were snarling and twisting in and out of moves smoothly.

I looked away and took notice of Ally standing with who I've come to know as Paige. She was the same girl who had snapped at Phillip earlier. She was pretty different from the pride, with her jet black hair and pale complexion. More than a handful of times, I had caught her staring at Anthony who in turn, kept glancing at her whenever he could.

I'll freaking bash my head in if anything has to happen there...

Shaking away any thoughts of Anthony being interested in Paige from my head, I turned back to the current fight and realised that they were done and Paige was now making her way to the middle of the field.

"Alright. I think it's time for Austin and Phillip to enter the ring."

I rolled my eyes and heard the murmurs of agreement come from the cougars while my pack mates whooped and yelled their delight at the suggestion.

"What say, guys?" Paige asked and I shrugged casually, making my way to the centre of the field. Phillip stood next to a few pride members, a lazy smirk resting on his face. "I really don't want to injure you before the battle, my friend," He said which earned a few snickers around the field.

I curled my lip up and snarled, "Just get your ass over here." He tipped his head down in compliance and made his way over. I caught Ally's eye and she gave me a thumbs up. I shot her a wink just as Paige moved away as we landed on four paws.

"Remember, Austin. The Sabres fight dirty. So you're going having to do the sa-"

I cut him off by lunging forward to deliver a bite to his paw. He yelped in surprise and I took advantage of it, knocking him to the ground with my shoulder.

"Dirty enough for you, Snowbell?"

"Nice, bro," I heard Anthony say followed by Cassidy's voice, "Sneaky bastard," She joked.

Phillip raised himself off the ground and shook himself off. "Sneaky indeed." He raised a paw and swiped it across my face, earning a good few 'oohs' from the onlookers. I growled and jumped towards him. He easily manoeuvred himself away from me and landed a bite to my neck while bringing up his paw to dig his claws into my side, keeping a solid grip on me.

"Damn those sharp lil' kitten claws," I heard Elliot say.

Yup. Absolutely sharp. Those things hurt like a bitch.

I twisted my body around which enabled him to slightly loosen his grip on me. Ducking my head down, I bit down on his right leg and yanked, effectively getting him to let go of my neck to let out a pain filled roar. I was about to bulldoze him onto the ground again when I heard my father's voice.

"That's quite enough, boys."

I swept my tongue across my fangs and turned to Phillip. We gave eachother firm nods before moving back to separate sides of the field.

"Wouldn't be the best idea to hurt eachother before the battle would it?" My father asked and Phillip mumbled, "Told you."

There were a few chuckles around the field but it came to a stop when a member of the pride tore through the brush of the tree's, looking frantic with his tail swishing from side to side.

"They're coming! We need to go! Now!"

His voice rang through our heads and before we could even make sense of them, he was gone, already sprinting back into the forest.

Phillip glanced at us before taking off aswell, his pride members following close behind.

Everything began to happen all at once after that. My father and I barked out orders, Mark and Anthony led out the pack members into the forest while the five younger wolves sprinted to their patrol stations, ready to fight off any Sabres that may head towards the cabin.

I was about to head to Crystal Claw's territory aswell when I remembered.

"Ally!" I howled out and was answered by my father's voice as he made his way towards the tree line. "She took off into the forest!" I flicked my ears and took off.

She fucking ran by herself?!

Upon reaching the cabin, I was pleasantly surprised to find her racing up to the oak doors.

"Damn, she's fast," I muttered in my head just as three members of Crystal Claw came up behind me. I turned around to face them and rolled my eyes. "Almost forgot that you guys would be stopping by."

I quickly led them inside, albeit reluctantly, and then phasing. "Ally?" I called upon noticing that she was nowhere to be seen even though she just came in. I heard footsteps quickly descending the stairs and I walked over to see Ally reach the last step. I stalked over to her and grabbed her shoulders.

"Are you fucking crazy, woman?! You ran all the way here when The Sabres are on the attack? Why the hell didn't you wait for me?" She huffed out an annoyed breath and removed my hands from her shoulders.

"I made it here safely, didn't I? So stop stressing. I wanted to get here as quickly as possible to let Sarah know what was going on."

I groaned and swept my hand through my hair. "Okay. Okay, alright. Look, there are three pride members here, if anything happens at all-"

"I'll let you know. I promise," She said and I stared at her before gathering her up into my arms, holding onto her tightly.

I know that I shouldn't be wasting any time seeing as how the battle has most likely already begun but I couldn't help but hold onto her. She pressed herself closer to me before we pulled away.

"I'm sorry that this is all happening so fast. We weren't expecting them for a while," I said and she shook her head. "No, no it's okay. Just... Just be careful. Please." I smiled lightly and nuzzled my nose against hers. "I will. I gotta go," I said and dropped a kiss to her cheek before spinning on my heel.

Just as I was about to exit, Ally yelled out my name and I turned around only to stumble backwards from her tackling me into another hug that only lasted about two seconds seeing as how she pulled away and leaned up, crashing her lips against mine.

I immediately reacted and kissed her back, wrapping my arms around her waist as hers went into my hair.

Once we separated, she looked up at me and spoke, choking up abit. "Austin, I... uh.. I-"

I cut her off by kissing her again. This one was gentle, with no urgency. "I know. I love you too," I mumbled against her lips.

I hugged her one more time before heading out and phasing.

My claws dug into the earth as I sprinted off towards Crystal Claw's territory.

I reached their home in record time and was immediately overcome by the scent of The Sabres. I hadn't even gotten to the mainland yet when one of the Sabres jumped down from a rocky ledge. He hissed at me and flattened his ears against his skull.

I bared my teeth and growled, raising the hackles on my back.

"Here, kitty-kitty."

Sorry if there's any errors. Didn't exactly proof read.

Anyway, how was it? Thoughts?

So the battle has begun. We will be seeing more of it in the next chapter. Tell me, how are you guys liking Ally's attitude? I feel like she has really grown throughout the story in terms of her awkwardness. She's still shy and timid but those moments of boldness? Tell me if ya'll are enjoying reading it as much as I enjoy writing it :P

And it looks like Anthony has an interest in Paige... By the way, Paige is a real life diva from WWE. I love her. Seriously. So yeah, thats who she's based on. I in no way own her.

Okay so don't forget to share your thoughts on this chapter, yeah? Also, remember that I have created a fanfiction account on Instagram. Followers are steadily rising so I'm happy about that. If I had a tail, it'd be wagging XD

Look up FictionFan and my account should come up. You'll know which one it is.

Love you guys!

PEACE.