My connection remains with the pack, I don't disconnect from them. But the mind linking ability has faded. I sent Riley one message, 'I'm going to visit an old friend. I'm fine, don't worry.'

Except I knew she'd do the exact opposite because as soon as I took another step all the probing at my block from her was cut off completely. I was too far out of reach. I had stopped by one of my marked trees and picked up a few knives for protection since I couldn't shift. I'm not afraid, my skin side can handle its own even whenever I'm injured. The leaves crunching under my foot as I try to silently step through the woods as to not attract attention. Hooting owls, chirping crickets and if I really strain I can hear running water. But I don't stop, not yet. It isn't safe to stop in the middle of the night for water I don't necessarily need yet.

During my trek my mind begins to wander to my pack. I don't want them to think I ran away from responsibility or ran from their pack, because I love that pack and those wolves. They've done nothing but welcome me with open arms. But after learning Kris' mom was trapped in that hell hole, I don't have a choice anymore… no telling if she's even alive but I'm going in there either way. I'm going to save her for all the times I wasn't. She doesn't deserve this and she's in there because of me, though I'm not sure why Katie chose to manipulate her brother.

Taking a deep breath of air, my mind wanders to Riley. No doubt having a fit, I'm going to get an earful whenever I do return. Though at the moment I'm not sure how long I'll be away. I need to let fur take over again, to train my body and mind. It took 6 months last time, but I've been through it before maybe this time will be quicker.

Amber instantly whimpers, we can't go without our mate for that long. But then I think of how much longer can Kris' mother survive in that hell? I'd have to do a quick mission, getting in and out before I challenge my father. If I stay away from the packs, go off the radar for a bit that could put a halt on the impending war. Giving me enough time to train and enough time to make out a plan.

Glancing around, I realized just how far I've walked… well limped. The pain in my knee beginning to seriously bother me. Glancing up at the sky, the moon beginning to fall I have no idea what time it is. Continuing my trek in stride, I estimate about another hour of walking before I arrive at her border. I wonder what Josh is doing right now? Does he regret acting like a jack ass or is he trying to find me? I'm hoping for the latter, and if I know Josh I'm sure he is. His behavior was so off during that leadership meeting, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let it slide.

Taking a step, I hear a twig snap. Knowing it isn't from my foot I pull out my knives from the holder attached to my shorts. "I know you are out there." Staying still my eyes wander around my surroundings searching for anything, listening to breathing and trying to lock in on a heartbeat. "Just come out and save me the suspense."

Another twig snaps as I turn around full force, my knives ready to be thrown. "Well, well long time no see." I hear her before I see her, slowly a smile replaces my scowl. Putting my knives away, I see long red tresses falling down to dainty shoulders. "Maya."

"Arabella." Emeralds stare back at me, neither one of us move. "How's my old friend?'

Tilting her head to the side, regarding me as she always does… with hostility. "Who said I was your friend?"

Shrugging my shoulders, I mimic her movement. "Considering I'm more than likely in your territory now and I haven't fallen ill, meaning I have no ill intentions with you." She's always had a barrier around her land, well land that she's claimed and protected. If anyone wishes to cause her any harm they'd fall ill to the point where they couldn't move. Luckily for me, my visit is purely of selfish motives. "Plus, I have your back whether or not you have mine—

"I don't need you to have my back." Her fingertips itch to move. To cast a spell to show her strength. "If you brought trouble with you, I will not help you."

Shaking my head from left to right, a mischievous smirk graces my face. "Now, Arabella surely you think more of me then to think I would bring you any trouble at all." Her emotionless mask does not falter, eyes scanning over me for any sign of a lie. Slowly she circles me, holding my hands up I mean her no harm. "I was unaware I had already crossed your territory lines. Have you expanded?"

Scoffing to herself, the moon casting light onto her ivory skin. She's beautiful and has a grace about her no one could possibly achieve. "As if your father would allow me to take any more land that he claims belongs to him."

Now, I have a deal in mind. I follow her with my nose, inhaling what little scent this witch carries. "Arabella, I really appreciate your hospitality but if you don't mind I would like to strike a deal with you." Stopping in her tracks, she arches her brow. "My motives are purely selfish, I assure you. I'd rather harm myself than you."

Gesturing her head, I put my arms down and slowly saunter towards her. Hand on her shoulder, snap of her fingers and the need to vomit later we're sitting inside of her home. Nothing's changed in the last 6 years. I found Arabella when I was running from my father, stumbling onto her land the protection barrier she had placed up notified her of my trespassing. It was an act of kindness she told me she wouldn't repeat. Giving me a masking spray to cover my scent and shelter for two nights… I owe her my life. She says she won't repeat it, but I feel as if I have a soft spot for this female. Occasionally killing deer and leaving her one on the edge of her territory.

I wanted to be in good graces should I ever need her help. The small cottage formed with wood and cobblestone, she's been here for centuries. A fire in the fire place, an oak table that has lasted years for her. Very few pictures lining the wall, herbs and potions lying everywhere. She was never very organized, "Speak."

Taking a seat at the dining room table, I gesture towards my knee. She simply rolls her eyes at my casual approach, she didn't invite me to sit down. "Poor pup, hurt your knee?"

"My father found me." Gulping down the acid that threatens to rise, I hold eye contact. Her expressionless mask is gone. "I died for 7 minutes." Glancing to her right, she still sees me as the 11 year old pup who was beaten to a pulp. She told me I looked like shit, and I had no doubt of that. Shaking her head from left to right, stepping into the kitchen and pouring her a glass of tea. I can't help but tease, "I don't want any thanks."

"So you want me to fix your knee? For what? If I fix your knee, how does that correlate to your father?"

Nodding my head briefly, "I need to train, one more time in fur. I can take that male." My words hold no conviction, I'm sure I can take him down with teeth. "But I have to save someone from his dungeons first before it is too late. I can't do it with a bum knee."

"I can't get into his dungeons, you and I both know they have a spell cast upon them."

I didn't even think of that, "But you are stronger than the witch that cast that enchantment." Rising from my seat, Amber is excited at this information. She doesn't say anything, remaining in her seat staring at the flames as they do their dance. "Arabella, you're the oldest and strongest witch that walks—

"I am the strongest because I am the oldest, I am the oldest because I don't get involved in affairs that are not my business to be meddled in Maya."

Amber growls, but I stifle it. We hate that she hides herself, some would consider it cowardice but she does what she has to, to survive. Darwin, survival of the fittest. I lived that way for years. Sitting back down, running my fingers through my hair I stare at the witch before me. "Arabella, I understand your trepidation." Quickly shifting topics, I'll go back to that later. "If you don't want to enter that dungeon even with your teleportation I understand. But I have a proposition for you."

"Why else would I bring you into my home?"

Smiling with teeth, "Old times sake." After her scoff, I realize her patience is wearing thin. "Heal my knee, and give me masking spray." An arch of the brow as she holds tightly to her shawl that wraps around her. "When I defeat my father you can expand your land. You can roam around mine with no fear, I'll tell my pack to not harm you or disturb you or punishment will be rendered."

She's intrigued, leaning back in her chair. Black fingernails trace her lips, "Should you fail?"

"I won't."

"You can." She's humbling me, "You can fail though. Then what? I exasperate myself to heal your knee and give you masking spray at no charge?"

Chuckling to myself, my fingertips tapping the wood of the table. Strong table, I have no doubt she's had this for centuries. "Exasperate? I think that's an overdramatic statement considering you mumble a few words. Little power put forth from a strong witch as yourself. But, if you truly will be exasperated then I can offer you money." Sorry Josh. "I can pay you, I'm Luna of the Twilight Pack."

Immediately she chortles, her hands clapping together. Barely able to sip her tea without it spilling over the tops. "You? An Alpha's mate? Well, Maya I had wondered for a good while if you were dead in a ditch somewhere." That's sweet. "Granted, I could have checked up on you but why waste precious power?" Because your power is endless. "But an Alpha's mate. Josh? Correct?" Nodding my head, gritting my teeth Amber doesn't like the fact she knows of our male. "Very handsome. Too bad I'm several hundred years older than him or I could—"My snarls cut her off immediately, flashing my fangs she clicks her tongue. "Sit down wolf. You could beat your father, but you and I both know you can't beat me."

Damn magic.

Amber's fur falls flat, but doesn't stop pacing within her cage. "So what do you think Arabella? Either way you get compensated greatly."

Shaking her head from left to right, my brows start to furrow. What could she possibly disagree about? "I don't want your money. I could have anything I want with a snap of my fingers." Then… "I want your father's head on a platter." She hisses, her cup being thrown against the wall. "HE KILLED MY LOVE!"

"Arabella, you're a witch you could kill him with the snap of your fingers… remember?"

"DO NOT MOCK ME!" A small halo circles around her entire form lighting up her already natural beauty. Sidestepping her and grabbing a tea cup, pouring me a glass while she reigns in her power. This is really good. I'll have to ask her how she makes it.

Witches don't have mates, not like werewolves but the moment they fall in love they might as well have a mate bond. Just as possessive and protective, unfortunately her mate was a human. So he was deemed useless in this supernatural life. What she doesn't realize is, he has hurt many in his path for power. Myself and my mother, his own flesh and blood. "I can't kill him." She whispers while the shattered tea cup cleans itself up.

"Why?"

Sitting back down at the table, the aura around her fading. "I don't know." She grits out, "I've never had this problem! Never in my 426 years!" Yet she doesn't look a day over 30. "Years I have researched, I've tried so many times but the only way he can't be harmed is if there's a stronger witch or wizard protecting him! BUT I'M THE OLDEST THAT I KNOW OF!" Clearly she's frustrated. But it's true, I've not heard of a stronger witch than Arabella. So who could my father know? Who would want to help him? "And that kind of enchantment would need to be done at least twice a month… I mean honestly. What a coward! I can't even use my magic to paralyze him and bring him to me to kill him the old fashioned way."

"He's mine." I state while taking a sip, and there's that aura again. "He killed my mother and tortured me for years… plus dad rights." Even though he wasn't a dad, he's not even a father but sperm donor doesn't always seem appropriate for conversation.

We sit in silence while she glares at me. I don't budge, surely she wouldn't think I'd give up that opportunity? "You can keep glaring but I'm not going to change my mind. I deserve this!"

"So do I."

"I can let you kill him, or else I won't be able to claim the pack." She opens her mouth to reply, I'm sure grumbling about power hungry wolves. "I'm not doing this for power, I'm going to set things straight over there. My father is not a leader, he's the worst male possible to lead a pack. With my absence I'm not sure what all has changed but whipping juveniles is bad enough. He's a poison, a cancer. Males look up to their Alpha, and his cancer will spread throughout the pack. I can't let that happen. It doesn't matter if I'm not part of that pack. That is my original home, where my mother lived for most of her life. I refuse to let it fall and let males follow in my father's footsteps."

Inhaling deeply, taking a sip of tea and looking her square in the eye I continue. "I can't imagine your pain and suffering to losing your love. And I am so sorry about that, my father is a worthless male. But I'm going to kill him, my wolf wants to fill his neck snap in our teeth. His blood saturating our taste buds, all of that and much more. Whether you help me or not tonight, whether you take the deal or not makes no difference."

"You wolves, so disgusting." I can't help but laugh, yes it's gross that our wolves like the taste of blood. We're animals… literally. "I can't not avenge my lover's death."

The crackling of the fire is the only sound that's heard. I don't want to deprive her of that, I couldn't imagine the lengths I would go to avenge Josh if something – Goddess forbid – were to happen to him. "I can't guarantee he'll submit."

Her eyes remain on the fire, the orange light from the dancing fire apparent within her green eyes. "What would submitting do for me?"

Shrugging and taking the last sip, my eyes averting to the fire. That seems to be the only thing that's keeping our cool. "I could give him to you. You could hold him, do whatever you want to him if I can get him to submit." Arching her brow, lips smirking she likes that idea. "I can't guarantee that. My father is prideful and the last thing he'll want to do is submit to me."

Pointing at my glass then at the wash bin, it does as she commands. "I was wanting more." I quip and she can't help but laugh. I told you she has a soft spot for me.

Her ratty shawl falls off her shoulders as she leans forward, it's made of quality material since it is clearly old yet its fibers hold together… strong. Like her. "You would give him up?"

"I don't like it." I point out, "I actually despise it but I'm not one to torture someone… not even that male. I was the victim, I won't be the offender. I was going to fight him, deliver a good beating and snap his neck. But from your words, I realize that it might be too easy of a death for a wolf who has done nothing but ruin others."

Power radiates off of her in waves, I can practically taste it. "So if you can get him to submit you'll hand him over."

"Yes I will. You have my word, but I can't guarantee that." I keep repeating those words, I don't want to give this female hope where there could possibly be none.

"I can take that risk." She whispers out, "I can take that risk." Repeating words, is she trying to convince herself? Probably, because the chances are slim to none. "Either way that wolf dies."

"Of course."

It may sound vindictive… no it is vindictive but we're just two females whose wrath he will feel undoubtedly. Nothing like a woman's scorn. We both smile wickedly at one another, "So we have a deal?" She questions.

I nod my head and restate the terms. "You'll have free roam of the Crescent Moon pack lands when I either make my father submit and send him to you or kill him with teeth. In exchange I receive masking spray and you heal my knee."

Really this is all in her favor, she gets to be free and my father dies. "Should I mark you? Hold you to your deal?'

"If you wish." I shrug, "I won't turn my back on you Arabella. We're friends… remember?"

Mumbling to herself she stands, I guess she chooses to not mark me. Meaning, she'd leave a mark on my body that would make me follow through with the deal. I don't really know how that spell works, so I can't go into full detail. Kind of like the unbreakable vow in Harry Potter… though that story is right about the truth of witches and wizards it is littered with supernatural inaccuracies.

Don't hate, I enjoy that series.

Minutes later, she steps back into the living area. Handing me a spray bottle, lots of masking spray. She truly wants me to succeed. "Take off your brace." Doing as she says, gritting my teeth from the pain she only smirks while tapping her foot as if I'm wasting so much time. Placing her hand on my knee, the aura of power radiating around her yet again. I feel the heat from her hand as she flutters her eye closed.

"Curare patiens, nunc autem
poena inops dolor, maneant modo poena,
et non reverta!"

"Good as new." She musters out.

And she's right. Bending my knee back and forth, smiling to myself. I have full use of my knee. "Thank you."

"Completely selfish motives. But, how do you plan on getting in their dungeon?"

Seriously can't even take my gratitude. She really doesn't want to be my friend. "I know the secret tunnels like the back of my hand. I don't believe my father has found them yet, and I'll know if he has before they know I'm there." Jiggling the solution in the spray bottle that will literally ensure I have no scent whatsoever I can't help but smile.

Freezing mid-stride she glares at me, "I thought you said you had no company?"

Furrowing my brows, standing by her side and placing my hand on her shoulder. "Technically I said I brought no trouble. But, I wasn't expecting company."

Snapping her fingers while rolling her eyes, I stifle a laugh. Goddess she can't hardly stand me. We're at the same spot that Arabella found me in earlier. Standing defensively in front of the witch, she scoffs while I watch the wolf in front of us. Dark brown all over, I've never seen this wolf but his scent is familiar. "SHIFT."

Doing as instructed since my words were laced with command, a naked male stands before me. "Kris?"

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

Let me know what you think.

How are you feeling about Kris?

What about Arabella?