She hasn't spoken anymore.

Not since she told me my eyes make her feel safe. Just those words though were enough to keep Jax and myself incredibly happy. Not like we weren't happy before but the fact she feels safe with us has me jumping for joy. It's been 3 days since she spoke to me and today we decided it was time for me to address the pack about our Luna. When Lucas made the announcement about the meeting today, a ton of emotions flooded our pack bond. Worry, relief, fear and curiosity. No one has seen her aside from leadership and though her bruises have healed, we learned quickly that the whip was laced with silver.

I haven't let her look in a mirror yet, I don't want her to withdraw from me again.

"Come on baby girl, take a bite." She parts her lips without looking at me. Wrapping her lips around the metal prongs of the fork she slowly chews on the egg. Delicately, I stroke some hair behind her ear to get it out of her face. "You're so beautiful." Hurriedly, my lips press against her cheek before I offer her some bacon. She shakes her head, but I'm not taking no for an answer. She needs protein, "One bite baby girl and we can be done. But we need to get some protein in there." I chuckle while poking at her belly.

She gulps before opening her mouth and gingerly chomping down on the strip of bacon. "Good job. We have to get you strong again." Rising off the mattress I saunter into the bathroom and run the water so she can take a bath. I wait for the right temperature before adding the bubbles, I added bubbles a few days ago and I swear I saw a small smile on her lips. So I've been doing it ever since, even if it was just my mind playing tricks on me. Turning around to get my mate so she can bathe, I stop in my tracks. She's already in here and looking at herself in the mirror. Her soft fingertips brush the whipping scars on her cheek bone and across her face.

'Help mate. Tell mate she's beautiful.'

Swallowing deeply, I muster a smile. It pains me to watch her do this, there's still no emotion in her eyes but when she remembers everything I have no doubt this will hurt her immensely. Stepping towards her, I slowly remove her hands from her face. Icy orbs find my chocolate brown in the mirror while lowering her arms to her side. She's still a little pale, that much exposure to wolfsbane and silver will do that to you. She has several burn marks amidst her ivory skin along with scars. Her cheekbones are still sunken in, and her eyes aren't warm and inviting anymore. "You are the most beautiful woman in the world Maya." My eye contact doesn't waver, she needs to know I'm speaking the truth. "You are absolutely gorgeous and I love you so much." My fingers trail along her skin so she can feel the sparks, "don't ever think differently. If you already do, well –"I press my lips against the crook of her neck on the mark I gave her. "I will be sure to change your opinion."

With a smile on my face, I lead her away from the mirror, and as our routine she lifts her arms so I can take off her shirt. The mark that bastard gave her has faded to where it is difficult for even me to see now and I couldn't be more grateful. I lower her shorts and hold eye contact with her, I refuse to make her feel uncomfortable. Though she doesn't seem to care, especially when I lift her in my arms and set her in the water. And just like every day, I bathe her. Washing her body and her hair, she seems to enjoy it when I massage her scalp so I make sure to capitalize on that and take minutes up there.

It's not like she does any activity to where she needs to bathe everyday but, I feel like this is bonding time for us. "So guess what baby girl, I don't think I've told you yet. Which is weird because I've been talking non-stop." I quip and can't help myself when I peck her lips. "I fought and won against my father, meaning the pack is all ours now. There's no family traditions to prevent it, it's all ours." I chuckle and wait for some sort of reaction. I wasn't expecting one, so I just continue on.

'Amber's proud.'

'You can talk to Amber? Since when?'

I guess that makes sense, Amber and Maya are two separate beings but are living in one body. So her talking even though Maya isn't, makes sense. I can't help the smile on my face whenever I realize that at least we have Amber. Soon we will have Maya back.

'Comes and goes. Amber's tired a lot.'

Helping her out of the tub, I dry her off and put lotion on her body. This is quite honestly the best part of my day. Actually everything about the past almost 2 weeks has been great. I've been able to hold her and take care of her the way she deserves. Jax loves feeding her, he loves providing for our female. Once she's dressed I lay her back down on our bed and watch as she cuddles into my pillow. Two rapid knocks on the door has her alert, eyes wide open. "Come in."

Farkle with Smackle in tow, steps inside the room. "Alpha." Bowing his head, he shows that he's no threat to myself or my mate. Even though we've known these wolves for years Jax and I are still on edge. We've known John for years and he completely threw us and this pack under the bus. "It's time for the pack meeting. I thought that Smackle would like to stay here and watch over Luna, I've already got 2 warriors posted outside of the door that will check on them every 10 minutes."

"Thanks, I'll be out in a few moments." Once the door closes I turn on my heels and sheepishly smile to my mate. Kneeling down to her level, I stroke the wet strands out of her face. "Hi baby girl." As usual she just stares into my eyes. "I have to go address the pack, tell them that you're all safe and sound now. But I don't want to leave you alone so Smackle will stay in here with you. Is that okay?" Nothing. "You may not remember her, but she's Gamma Farkle's mate like you are mine. She's very sweet and timid, she won't push you. When I get back, maybe we can go downstairs for lunch? Get you out of the room?" I keep asking things as a question even though I'm sure I'll get no response, but one day I know she'll answer. "Alright, I love you baby girl. I'll keep my link open so if you need me or need anything just use Amber and ask." I pepper kisses all over her face, the only reaction I get is her scrunching up her nose like she used to. Of course back then she would have giggled, sauntering towards the door I give her another million watt smile. "I love you."

As soon as I step out, Smackle steps in and Farkle takes my flank downstairs. I haven't been outside in a few days so this will be nice. We haven't disturbed anyone in the cells for a few days, and we currently have a few warriors and trackers scouting out the location that Thomas gave us. I haven't removed Katie out of his cell and though I probably should, I don't intend to. I'll at least let Katie enjoy the mate bond for a few more days. "How's the pack feeling today?"

"Better every day Alpha. Though they would love to see Luna, they understand."

Stepping outside the crisp air brushes against my skin, a nice reprieve from constant warmth. But just like I never felt it in the first place, the chill is gone as my escalated body temperature takes over. I really think it'd be good for Maya to get out of the room for a little bit, get some fresh air. Maybe I'll take her out to the clearing again, that way she isn't overrun by pack members who are itching to see her. As soon as I step out into the field, I head towards the stage. My pack members parting the way for me with their necks showcased in submission. Running up the steps, I turn towards my pack who have now lifted their heads. "Twilight pack, good afternoon. As everyone knows, I don't like to hide anything from my pack. So I'm going to tell you all the truth. The previous Beta John and his family are being held in the cells for treason towards our pack. John allowed Kermit and Thomas to use his property for them to hold and torture Luna Maya." Though no one says anything besides growling, I can feel the tension and anger in the bond. "We have in custody, Thomas and we have Kermit's whereabouts."

"Alpha." My gaze flickers towards a young warrior, "Once we defeat Alpha Kermit –

I hold up my hand to stop him, "You do not need to address him as Alpha. He deserves none of your respect, everyone here is a better wolf than that male is."

He nods and though he's clearly uncomfortable with the idea of calling an Alpha by his first name he continues. "Once we defeat Kermit and his pack, will we take in their pack members and take their land since we neighbor them?"

"We will offer refuge to their pack members, they must pledge their loyalty and will be on probation for at least 6 months considering their leaders were responsible for what happened to our Luna. But, as you would follow me blindly, no matter how stupid or reckless my ideas are so would their packs. I can't blame them for their Alpha's actions – unless they were directly involved." Inhaling deeply I continue, "In regards to those who don't pledge allegiance, I won't allow them to go rogue and cause another uprising. I hope I won't have to elaborate on that."

"Thank you Alpha."

Averting my gaze to anyone but my pack, I address my mate. "In regards to Luna Maya, her captors have severely –"I cut myself off because I don't know how to explain this well. "Her mind has closed herself off. She doesn't recognize even me, her mate which means she will more than likely not remember any of you. At least not right now." A few females drop their heads to hide their tears, "She is more visibly scarred and not just on her back but she's healing well. Especially now that her wolf is back. I am going to try and pull her out of the room a little more but try not to scare her. Or linger around too long, you may pay your respects as you normally would and say hello but too much too fast could have the opposite effect of what we want."

Every member nods in understanding. "With her memory, we have no idea when she will get it back. But we have faith that she will and soon. It's just a matter of time."

Just a matter of time.

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Maya's Point of View.

The man with safe eyes found me. Maybe he's the one who I thought would find me at one point in time when I was in hell. I don't know, I could be making it up. He keeps asking me if I remember certain things but I don't want to remember. It's easier not to feel anything emotional or physical, it only hurts. Which is why I haven't talked to Josh anymore. He's kind though and takes good care of me, but I can't let my guard down. I hate that he makes me feel. But I won't let my guard down. At this point I'm not sure if I'm reassuring myself of that or stating facts.

Not yet. This could all be a big trick before he gives me back to him. This could just be a test for me, just to see if he needs to force me to submit more. So I don't pull away when Josh kisses me, I don't push him away when he tugs me into his chest at night. I let him wash me because he massages my head and that feels nice. 'You enjoy it. You love him Maya.'

I just ignore her, she says her name is Amber. She's nice though, and she said she helped heal my bruises and scratches. She apologized that she couldn't heal my scars, I just shrugged it off. I'll scare people away, which will make things easier. If only it would scare Josh away, he still says I'm beautiful. I know he's lying. I don't want to feel for him. I don't want to feel, at all.

'But you do. Maya, he is our mate. Our soul mate that the moon goddess gave to us, he's our other half to our soul. We are made for one another. Don't push him away. Let him in.'

"Do you remember me Luna Maya?" I glance up at the woman sitting timidly on the chair next to my bed. Long dark hair and naturally tan skin, she's beautiful. "I wouldn't think you would." I just blink and allow her to continue speaking. "A while back you wanted to tell me your story but I didn't allow it. I didn't want to hear about your pain while I was still processing mine. But while you're here and well, we've obviously been through similar situations, I thought maybe my telling you what happened to me could help?" Her face scrunches up like she doesn't really know whether to believe her own words. "I also think it could help me. Talking to someone about what happened, not even my mate knows everything.

"My pack had been overrun, and taken over by the Crescent Moon pack. The man who took and hurt you, he's the Alpha of that pack. I was only 13, and a weak wolf. I wasn't an omega but I was pretty close, unfortunately my parents were murdered in an attempt to defend our pack. I'll always remember them as warriors, as strong wolves no matter how much I miss them. So, I ran along with other juveniles even though we had no idea of where we were going. The attack was so out of the blue, in fact our Alpha was supposed to meet with Kermit for an alliance two days after." I just blink to acknowledge I'm listening. "I was captured by one of their warriors and taken back to their pack – against my will of course. My mom always said that other packs wouldn't hurt juveniles, that they had no business in pack affairs and would hold no information. So, I was scared but comforted by that thought." She shakes her head and wipes away her tears, "I shouldn't have trusted that notion. I should have fought harder, or gotten myself killed before I got there. I was 1 of 5 children they had captured, and the only one to make it out of their alive." That doesn't surprise me as much as it probably should, if it was anything like I had went through… I wanted to die. "For a full year they'd come down and beat me 4 times a week, I was starved a-and taken advantage of."

'Go to her.'

She wipes away her tears and I stay firmly planted on the bed. "I actually had no idea how long I had been down there until they turned me loose to become a slave. I remember wanting to die, so badly. I had no idea why they wouldn't just end me. I didn't know what they were looking to achieve. I would drink the water that had liquid silver in it and eat all the food that I could smell – without my wolf – had wolfsbane in it. By the time I was released, I realized they wanted complete and utter submission. No matter the circumstance or situation, I was to keep my mouth shut and let it happen. The perfect slave, is what I gathered."

Her hands turn to fists, her eyes squinting painfully shut. 'Maya go to her. She's hurting. We are Luna, we are there to comfort. Comfort her as Josh has comforted you, comfort her the way you wished to be comforted while we were kidnapped.'

Gulping, I lift the comforter off of my form and place my feet on the hardwood floor. She hasn't noticed I'm moving yet. "The day before I turned 16, I ran. I have no idea how I got out to be honest it was a complete and total blur. I had never tried before and I just kept telling myself to run. Run faster and get to the border. I didn't even realize I had kept running until I was trespassing on Twilight territory." My hands reach out for her, and slowly I put my arms around her.

'Good job Maya. Just put your arms around her and listen. This is what she needs right now.'

Okay. Smackle starts to cry even more whenever I do this, so I seriously doubt this is doing anything. "I was tackled to the ground, gently somehow, almost playfully. It was my mate, I was panicking and trying to get away but Farkle wasn't having it. He didn't understand and I could tell just from the look in his eye that he was hurt. He thought I was rejecting him, when in reality I had no idea who he even was. I avoided him like the plague, wouldn't talk to him or acknowledge him or even glance in his direction for months. But he didn't give up." A small smile approaches her face, "He never gave up on me."

'Like our mate Maya. Josh won't ever give up on us. He loves us, and you love him.'

"Not even after I told him I wasn't pure anymore. For a lot of wolves that's enough to reject them, but Farkle loved me anyway. He loves me anyway. W-When I found out you were originally from Crescent Moon I was terrified to say the least. But, then I got to thinking about what you did for Alpha. Taking lashes for him, because you love him. I knew you were nothing like those monsters."

See love gets me hurt. I don't want to be hurt anymore.

'It was worth it. You said so yourself. You protected our mate.'

"Thank you Luna Maya. I – I really appreciate you listening and comforting me even though you're going through your own inner turmoil." Hesitantly I release my hold on her and saunter back towards the comforts of my bed. We sit in silence for several minutes, Smackle glancing at me occasionally and I know she wants to say something. "I know you grew up in Crescent Moon, till you were 12 and you had to endure torture from your father for years. I don't know how you did it honestly. I don't know how you managed to get up out of bed and remain happy as if nothing had ever happened. You survived as a rogue for years. You were – you are so strong Luna Maya. Even now, I know that you don't want to feel and you don't want to hurt anymore but you still came and comforted me. It took me several weeks before I even uttered a word." I don't dare look at her, I can hear her voice cracking so I know she's crying. "You'll get through this Luna Maya. You really will, even if you don't believe me right now just know that I did it. I conquered my fears and I felt what you're feeling and went through something similar to you. If I can do it, you can too because you are the strongest she-wolf I've ever met."

The door opens up and Josh steps in with a smile. "Hey baby girl."

"I'll take my leave Alpha. Luna Maya it was nice talking to you. Thank you for everything."

I didn't do anything.

But from the look on Josh's face it seems as if he thinks I did.

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Alright so we kind of got the inside track in Maya's mind. She doesn't want to feel, and she kind of has a small grudge against Josh since he's making that happen. We also found out Smackle's story and how she became what she is. Not to mention how sweet Farkle is to help her in her moments of need. The pack knows just about everything and one thing I wish I would have done in earlier chapters is put more Luna Maya and pack dynamic within the story so we could really feel the connection they have. Even though I didn't show it, as previously mentioned Luna's are like the mother's to the pack so her bond to the wolves is very strong and comforting.