Yes, that is right I am still alive and writing lol, so sorry for the wait and please enjoy the new read!

Also, like last time I didn't have the time to do my usual warnings before the harder parts, forgive me for that. Actually, do you guys prefer I do the warnings, or do you feel it messes with the flow of the story? Let me know :D (secretly I feel like it disrupts the magic)

I had no beta but still have the same program to have the story read back to me and I noticed that I do indeed add too many extra words oops lol hopefully it is better this time! (let me know?)

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Clarke's pov

Clarke stared at her den, most of the lights were on after the sun had finally set, her muscles were screaming from exhaustion she'd done nothing but run since the previous night and all today as well, she hadn't even slept or eaten either. She knows if she goes inside, she'll be blinded by pure happiness, to see Lexa, Anya, and Lincoln all sitting in the living room watching their ridiculous mini humans running about the T.V.; their laughter filling the room and warming her heart. Clarke didn't always understand the humor from the flashing box, but she enjoyed seeing how happy it made her humans. She wants that warm sensation to wash over her to feel how much they love her and know they would protect her as she would do for them. Clarke wants that so badly, yet she can't bring herself to move, the Wise Wolves words, Raven taking advantage of her ignorance, and her former pack's anger for choosing Lexa over them, these events were spinning in her head. Her head is hurting from all of it, though by being closer to Lexa it has helped to dull the pain, at least a little.

Clarke wants to go inside, to forget this mess, but she's afraid of how she'll affect Lexa. If what the Wise Wolves said was true, she is at fault for causing Lexa's wolf to stir, she is to blame for shattering Lexa's world, all because Clarke didn't keep her distance. She whimpered, feeling the need to cry but her tears had long since dried out as she done nothing but weep the entire run home. Clarke's ears twitched when she picked up the sound of Lexa's laughter, her tail moved joyfully wondering what caused her female to be happy.

Clarke relished the feeling of affection that coiled inside her, to know her female is feeling better despite her not being there, that should make her happy, yet the feeling is the same as when Lexa's parents had embraced her. The emotion is a type of sadness with a pinch of happiness mixed in, both sour and sweet, not a particularly good feeling, she shifted down laying on her belly and continued to look at her den. Clarke sighed the only relief she's had so far is Raven's remedy to calm her rut, though the medicine hadn't done anything to rid of her member. Clarke wasn't sure what to do now, if she went in the house, she'll have to tell Lexa everything that's happened, and she won't lie to her mate to be but reliving that mess would be painful. Lexa would be able to help Clarke in deciding, but she just know there is no way her female will be ok with her memories being tampered with, so she'd want to risk going for the third choice.

But what are the chances that Lexa lives? Clarke whined again, she lifted a paw draping it over her muzzle to cover her eyes, a world without Lexa is no life at all. And what about the process of becoming a child of Gaia's?! Is it painful? Will Lexa suffer? Who are the nightbloods? Why hasn't Clarke heard of them? Would Lexa even want to be a full wolf? She was so resentful of being just a half breed, Gaia, what would she think of being a full-blown wolf? Clarke curled into a tight ball, barely noticing how snow began to rain from the sky. She tries to think of something else, like those pups from Raven and Octavia's pack, whose pups were whose? There was nine of them all together and she only learned one of their names, Ali, the pup looked a lot like Mai. Clarke wants to learn all their names, wants to get to know them, but that won't ever happen.

She meant what she said to Kali, Clarke can't live in this world without her mate to be, there was just no way. Of the options she's been given, the first one seems fitting, that Lexa's mind be erased of her completely and she gets to live the rest of her life in peace. Her mate to be wouldn't suffer, she'd move on to do what she loved and never have to learn of an entire different world. Lexa could be happy again before Clarke came along and ruined it. Though if she can't find the right motive to keep her sane, she'll become mindless, no longer having a reason to keep her human mind. Why would she keep the human part of her that could constantly remind her of what she has lost and may never have again? Clarke doesn't want to be mindless; she doesn't want to be another animal that will get caught and killed for her unique coat. Which is why she asked for death, it be better that way, she could finally die and be reunited with her family and Lexa would continue to live. The second option fairs no better, that both of their memories be erased of each other because Clarke feels it deep in her soul that she will be in pain because of feeling like she has lost something important. And the third…Clarke didn't want to imagine the amount of pain Lexa would suffer before death finally numbed that pain, it would be such a horrible way to die, and Clarke would lose her mind in the process. So really that left her with option one, Clarke would suffer surely but being able to know Lexa is safe would help and she could even watch over her mate to be from a far.

"You look like a powdered donut,"

Clarke's ears twitched, at Anya's voice, she lifted her head looking down at herself, and she really did look like one of those round sweets. Clarke barked a small laugh then looked to the older female who somehow managed to sneak up on her. Anya had a blanket wrapped around her as she moved down the gate tell she reached the door,

"The Wise Wolves got to you huh?" Anya questioned approaching Clarke, she whined looking away ears falling back, and she laid her head back on her paws. "They're wrong you know; Lexa will be able to survive the change, but only if she has you there with her," Anya came closer and Clarke uncurled giving her the invite to sit, the older female took the offer. Anya leaned back against her belly and Clarke curled up to keep her warm, she could smell the wound on her side,

"Tell me about the change, what are the real chances of Lexa making it? What are the nightbloods?" Clarke nosed at Anya's waist trying to lift her shirt so she may see the wound, she managed to find it, but it's been covered with a white cloth.

"Well, there used to be this tradition that every 7 years 18 willing lunar members would choose to take the nightblood to become a child of Gaia, but only one or none would make it. With the number of losses lunar members were experiencing that tradition was put to an end," Anya looked down at Clarke as she tried nipping at the end of the bandage to pull it off wanting to heal the damage and she quietly cursed that Heda female, Anya understood, and she reached down pulling the coverage off. "No one knows for sure where the nightblood began, the cave paintings on the original Trikru's land tell a story of a mysterious wolf that fell from the skies and aided a wounded Lunar Trikru after they had defended their tribe from a bear. The unknown wolf gave some of its blood to the Lunar member and they became a wolf, but their blood had turned black. That one mysterious wolf is never drawn again only having appeared in this one painting, while the lunar member who changed to a wolf began to give their blood to those in desperate need. The Hedas of the past have tried to understand the nightblood bloodline but with the single painting to go off of no one has been able to understand where they came from. Some wolves have guessed that Mother Gaia may have been the mystery wolf, she is known to visit her wolves on occasion, but the wolf differs from the blue furred pelt she typically takes on. In a good change process, the nightblood's blood consumes a portion of a human's DNA and replaces it with its own, this process is like a wolf dominating a human but internally,"

"Why do the humans die?" She didn't care about how the nightbloods came to be but that part about a wolf falling from the skies felt oddly familiar. Clarke leaned in licking the wound, there was an odd bitter medicine that been smeared on the cut the taste made her cringe, Anya hissed as she carefully healed the cut yet when she finished a large pink scar remained, probably because it wasn't healed sooner. Anya's once beautiful flower will now forever stay split and disfigured, she whined leaning in pressing her nose against it, Anya scratched at the base of her ear.

"Thank you," Anya sighed scratching down to Clarke's neck, she leaned into the touch welcoming the pets, "the problem is both physical and mental, a human's body will instinctively fight whatever abnormal substance entered their system and will try to get rid of it. While the human body is doing what is expected the nightblood is doing what it believes is natural, which is taking away the humans' weak points. The struggle starts with the human body learning to accept the foreign substance and the nightblood trying to coexist with what it sees as the weak link. As you know any kind of weakness in a wolf needs to be destroyed, that's where the nightblood ends up killing the human part of them but by doing so the body is no longer viable. The two DNAs need to find a balance while the mental struggle takes affect, where you are having a battle with yourself. The people who survived the changes have recorded their struggles and to summarize it seems like they needed to forgive those who wronged them or accept their old mistakes." Anya continued to scratch hands pausing when her fingers slip against Clarke's scar. For a moment she wants to pull away but decides against it and allows Anya to trace the mark even letting the older female move her fur aside to look at it, surprisingly she didn't feel the need to bite Anya. Clarke could hear the pain in her voice as she gently laid her hand flat against the scar, it almost felt like she was apologizing,

"That's sounds awful, why do you think Lexa could survive that?" Clarke sighed the older female tilts her head trying to look underneath her neck, she lifted her head to give the female a chance to explore,

"Because Lexa already has wolf DNA, she would only need a little nightblood unlike the other people that tried. So even if the nightblood tried to overpower Lexa's human DNA it wouldn't be able to thanks to the wolf that would defend against the act," Anya's fingers are gentle as they trace all around Clarke's neck before sighing and pulling her hands away, she looked guilty realizing what she been doing. Clarke leaned in giving her a small lick to reassure her curiosity,

"I wouldn't push this much if I weren't sure. Before you came around the Lexa, I grew up with was fading, she was becoming this stranger who only wanted to help wolves and nothing else. But when you two started working together you brought back the real Lexa, a fierce girl that would do anything for the people she loves. I don't want to lose her or you either, and I just know she is strong enough to manage this change she just needs her big strong alpha at her side," Anya laughs leaning back into Clarke's belly she uses the blanket to cover the top of her head as she turns onto her side to meet her eyes. Clarke smiled maintaining the eye contact and didn't flinch when the older female reached out stroking up and down her muzzle tickling the whiskers, she pushes her nose to Anya's wrist giving her permission to cup her mouth and she glides her fingers along Clarke's muzzle, " You are her strength, Clarke Griffin and she is yours,"

Clarke wanted to believe that, but she was so scared, because if Lexa chooses to be a wolf, then she would need to be the strongest one. She'd have to be Lexa's steady hand, to keep her from drifting away before she could fall prey to her own mind and Clarke would need to watch her suffer. Her ears drop thinking of watching Lexa going through such pain and not being able to stop that misery, it sounds the same as whenever she has come close to giving up. Clarke knows that feeling very well, that emotional turmoil that wraps you in tight chains to rub at your skin raw and you try to scream only to notice too late that your mouth has been sealed shut. Clarke remembers that unbearable urge to give up that horror and trade a part of her just so she may be numb. She has seen Lexa suffer in the same way when she had learned the truth and it hurt Clarke that she wasn't the one that helped her, it was Anya. Clarke questions if she has the strength to keep Lexa alive. Then again even with how her mate to be is now, she is so strong, if she can lead Clarke a somewhat mindless wolf out of her head then surely, she can do the same for her mate to be? She can do it...right?

"Clarke! When did you get back?!" She jumped to her paws at the sound of her female, not being able to resist wagging her tail as Lexa ran over to her. Clarke shook off her fur not wanting Lexa to get wet when she grabs on. She aimed to head towards the fence, but a high-pitched scream stopped her,

"Fucking hell! That's freezing!" Anya shrieked, Clarke looked down lifting a paw to find Anya beneath her glaring up at her, "so giving me a concussion wasn't enough? You had to bathe me in wet wolf?" Anya grumbled pushing off the floor, Clarke was going to help but then Lexa had scaled the fence and jumped at her wrapping her arms tightly around her neck and buried her face into Clarke's fur,

"Sorry Anya! I'll make it up to you, I swear," Clarke meekly smiled as Anya shook her head flipping her off as she rushed to get back in the house. Clarke laid her head on Lexa's shoulder pulling her in closer, Lexa was shaking, thinking she was cold Clarke brought up a paw to her back but then Lexa sniffled and then it clicked she was crying, Clarke linked with her right away, "hey, I'm sorry for being gone so long, I didn't mean to be gone for a whole day," she purred for Lexa rumbling loudly to try to make up for her absence. Lexa shook her head but didn't move back though her skin began to get cold, her female ran out here without a coat, "let go really quick, so I can change forms and then we can head inside,"

"No," Lexa clung on tighter, and Clarke blinked a few times surprised, her female has never up right refused her before. She tried to think of a way to shift without hurting Lexa, she didn't want to make her let go if she really didn't want to. An idea came to her, and it would be silly, but Lexa wouldn't need to let go, she carefully wrapped a paw behind Lexa's knees getting her to sit on her forearm. Once Lexa was secure Clarke pushed off the ground standing on three paws and hopped the fence. She managed not to lose her balance, Clarke looked to the door wondering how she'd open it but by some luck Lincoln spotted her through the window and he rushed over opening the door wide,

"Hey! When did you get back?" He pushed against the wall as Clarke shimmied her way inside and Lexa was staying pressed into her, arms securely attached around her neck. She twitched her ears listening, her love had fallen asleep, how much sleep as her female gotten while she was gone? Maybe not much considering she has passed out, Clarke rubbed her muzzle against Lexa's hair heading towards their room,

"Not too long ago, has she slept at all?" Clarke kept a hold of Lexa as she heads towards the bed, the door frame caught her hips and she growled annoyed needing to wiggle, her fur has gotten thicker thanks to winter arriving. Clarke swears she is more fluff than wolf, her coat has always gotten thicker thanks to winters chilly breath, while out in the open she is grateful for the protection but when you're a wolf that lives indoors it is less than ideal.

"Have you? Neither of you look the best, plus she's only eaten a salad today, have you eaten at all?" Lincoln questioned staying at the door's entrance since there was hardly any room with Clarke's current form. She whined softly not liking the fact that Lexa had been so worried, if Clarke had been there Lexa could have some form of comfort, but her rut made it too dangerous. She considered how she was to lay in the bed without crushing Lexa and not waking her,

"I haven't eaten since last night," Clarke barked a small laugh, she scooted backwards to the side of the bed and hopped on the right side of it before rolling over to lay on her back. Lexa spread out in her sleep keeping hold of her as she stretched out her legs and rubbed her face into Clarke's chest sighing once she was comfortable. She felt a blush spreading over her cheeks and her tail puffed up, she tucked as much of the offending limb under her backside, Lexa has never been so clingy it was a pleasant change, without meaning she rumbled softly,

"Want me to get you something?" Lincoln offered, Clarke shook her head looking back at him, she hoped the male couldn't notice her sweeter side, she didn't purr for Lincoln, which is typically saved for the wolves one is closest to or whenever a wolf is in need of comfort,

"I'll be fine tell tomorrow, one day of not eating is nothing compared to days," Clarke yawned disconnecting from the male, Lincoln's face twisted in sadness but chose to hold his tongue and reached for the door,

"Alright, sleep well," Lincoln closed the door and Clarke laid there on the bed staring up at the ceiling listening to Lexa's steady heart rate. This sleeping arrangement wasn't new for Clarke, she's lain in the bed with Lexa sleeping on her in the past though she'd usually have her female tuck into her side, and she'd curl around Lexa providing warmth, but Lexa hasn't upright slept on her belly that takes a great deal of trust. Clarke closed her eyes willing sleep to come but her mind kept spinning over what to do, having her female curled into her belly's fluff and to listen to Lexa's calming heartbeat at least kept her wolf's mind tamed,

Clarke thinks of what she asked from Kali, and she feels guilty for ever asking for such a thing, even if she were to lose Lexa, to ask for death is selfish. If her mate to be knew of what she asked for, she'd be disappointed in Clarke wouldn't she? Lexa is always pushing that she voices her sadness even though it is so simple she finds it difficult, way back when she was younger Clarke used to cry out her pain and called desperately for help, yet no one ever heard or came to help. Eventually she learned that no one cared about her so why should she voice her suffering if no one was willing to hear her? She leaned down checking Lexa as she had stirred when a knock came to the door, Clarke looked back sniffing, "Come in Anya, Lexa is asleep," Anya opened the door carefully stepping inside, the older woman paused staring at Clarke from an abstract view, she tilted her head to the side and chuckled before coming closer holding some things in her hands,

"I have some medicine for you, it will help reduce the symptoms of your rut. You'll still have the effects, but it won't be nearly as bad as you needing to run at most, you'll just be a little horny and sleepy," Anya whispered, Clarke flushed while the older woman set a glass jar filled with purple pills and a glass of water on the desk table. "You'll have to take the first 2 now and again in 6 hours,"

"How? I can't change forms," Clarke questioned as Anya opened the jar fishing out two pills before approaching, she smirked in a way that made Clarke suspicious, she showed her fangs,

"Figured as much, I can give them to you, but you are not going to like how I do it," Anya held both pills at the tip of her fingers then dipped them in the water,

"What well you do?" Clarke tensed when Anya gripped her muzzle tapping at her lips instructing to open, but Clarke kept her mouth firmly closed,

"It's better that you don't know, please don't bite me," Anya tapped at her lips again but when Clarke refused, she moved down and tugged at her whiskers, instinctively she tried to bite, and Anya snuck two fingers into her jawline keeping her muzzle ajar as she then shoved the pills directly down Clarke's throat. She gagged pushing Anya's fingers out just as she snapped her muzzle shut shaking her head from the sudden assault. "Pay back is a bitch huh? Love you baby sister," Anya grinned as Clarke glared up at her the female leaned down pressing a kiss to her nose,

"I suppose I love you too," Clarke growled out lifting a paw to bat at Anya's face, she smiled before turning away heading back out and closing the door behind her. Clarke felt calmer this time, being around her pack helped more then she thought it would and Lexa made it better. Things will work out after all; she'll need to talk to Lexa about what the Wise Wolves told her and what had happened while she'd been gone. She made a promise to her female, lying about her emotions and how her wolf acted up was a firm no in Lexa's book. Plus, even if Clarke wanted to, she couldn't, not with the time limit and the third stripe of yellow in her eye, Lexa would notice that immediately.

Clarke leaned down nuzzling into Lexa's hair before lying back wiggling a little to lay down on her side dragging Lexa with her. She closed her eyes waiting for sleep until she felt something tickling her ear. Clarke pushed her head up to make the feeling go away but it only made it fall forward, she growled shoving the thing harder and it let out a familiar squeak. She opened her eyes right away checking to see if she was right or maybe she'll get in trouble again for accidentally squishing Jelly. Thankfully it wasn't the fur ball, Clarke grinned seeing her dolphin! She forgot the plushie in Lexa's truck, she reached up grabbing Strawberry and chomped softly making the squeaker go off. Clarke wagged her tail, nibbling on the toy though not enough to make it squeak as she didn't want to accidentally wake Lexa. Nipping on Strawberry helped sooth Clarke and she fell asleep faster.

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Lexa POV

Lexa had been feeling too warm in the middle of the night and she woke to find that Clarke had somehow gotten them back to their room. The large golden wolf was sound asleep, and, in her muzzle, she had her plushie nipping on the toy much like a pup dreams of nursing, Lexa took a few pictures her heart practically exploding from the cuteness. She changed her Lock Screen to one of Clarke holding her dolphin between her paws and muzzle, she sent a picture to Anya so she may see just how much Clarke loved her gift. She wasn't sure how Clarke managed to bring them inside because as soon as she had embraced her alpha Lexa had fallen asleep. As adorable as her girlfriend's wolf form is, it is also too hot, so she had to wake the she-wolf and ask her to switch back while she went to drink some water. When Lexa came back Clarke had changed forms though hadn't bothered to put some clothes on, Lexa still being too sleepy just climbed back in and went back to sleep.

Xxa little NSFW xX

The next time Lexa woke it was in the morning though this time she woke to Clarke whining in her sleep. Lexa thought she was having a nightmare though Clarke was spooning her and held tightly normally sleeping like this the she-wolf slept easier.

"Baby, hey its ok," Lexa patted Clarke's arm, trying to get her to let go, she couldn't move at all, and Lexa wanted to get up to at least open the window her girlfriend's heat is getting unbearable. But then Lexa felt something poking at her lower back and figured it may be one of Jam's chew toys though Lexa doesn't remember buying one this big.

"Lexa," Clarke whimpered and pulled Lexa closer grinding against her back, thanks to the flimsy T-shirt Lexa had on she felt something wet glide up the small of her back. Lexa tried to get up to figure out what was between them, but Clarke would not release her, so she reached back to grab whatever kept bothering her. Lexa's drowsiness vanished as quickly as blowing out a candle when her hand wrapped around something hot and hard. Lexa blushed profusely remembering what Clarke mentioned the night before, she bit her lip, curiosity getting the best of her she squeezed lightly, and the she-wolf gasped.

"Clarke, sweet babe, wake up," Lexa spoke louder, she managed to turn around though her girlfriend still refused to let go. Clarke was slowly waking though still groggy, normally she wakes way before Lexa at least on her days off from wo- fuck, when was the last time she properly went to work? Lexa set the thought aside, getting distracted when Clarke slowly opened her eyes, she waited for her girlfriend to wake up needing to ignore Clarke's added appendage, difficult to do when it rubbed against her bare stomach. She squeezed her legs together feeling arousal grow between her legs, the sensation enough to cause friction to her clitoris. Lexa swallowed down the lust and gasps when she saw Clarke's left eye has gained another streak and she reached out, but the she-wolf shot up quickly looking around mistaking her reaction for something else.

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"When did that happen?" Lexa questioned pointing to her own eye to be clear sitting up only to feel anguish as she spotted something else that disturbed her more when Clarke faced her.

"My sister took advantage of my trust, we aren't on good terms right now," Clarke muttered sleepily, Lexa barely takes in what she said, she moved closer cupping Clarke's right cheek tracing softly at the marks she caused. Lexa has permanently scarred her girlfriend's face; the claw marks start off in large, jagged edges from her chin then lead off into thin cuts at Clarke's cheek bone. Guilt twists Lexa's inside, using her organs like a stress ball and her eyes tear up, she has added to Clarke's numerous scars and this one surpa- "Don't," she growls out, surprising Lexa she moved away thinking maybe she didn't want her to touch but the she-wolf quickly grabbed her hand placing it back on the damaged cheek, "you didn't do this because you wanted to, your wolf acted to your emotions that's all, it won't happen again," Clarke nuzzled into Lexa's hand nipping softly at the skin,

"How can you be sure?" Lexa whispered trying not to feel bad but did little good, despite the worry in her tone, it didn't stop Clarke from pushing into Lexa's hand nipping down her wrist the bites becoming harder,

"Because you are strong, and there's no way you'd ever be like Hansel, my Lexa will never be like that," Clarke panted, she held on to Lexa's hand then yanked on her easily able to pull Lexa onto her lap. Lexa wanted to ask what she meant and tried to pull back but that earned her a growl as Clarke wrapped her arms around Lexa's waist. Clarke leaned down licking a trail to her collarbone up to Lexa's neck causing a shiver, Lexa moaned when Clarke's teeth snapped down on her neck, but the dangerous fangs hadn't broken the skin, instead Clarke started to suck, and Lexa knew she will not be able to cover up the hickey with any amount of makeup.

Xx NSFW! xX

"Gentle, alpha," Lexa gasped out her hips rocked forward grinding against Clarke, the she-wolf was being more forceful then normal as much as it thrilled Lexa, she needed to remind her girlfriend not to bite any harder, even though a part of her was telling her to zip it. Clarke whimpered nipping down again but released, she kissed the spot sweetly before moving further down. A lust cloud settled over Lexa's mind as Clarke grabbed her shirt in her mouth and yanked hard tearing the fabric apart, she should be upset yet it hardly mattered. Lexa quickly removed her sports bra before the she-wolf could destroy it, Clarke let out a coaxing purr watching with such a heated gaze Lexa flushed. Before Lexa could put her hands back down Clarke snagged her wrists pushing her backwards keeping a firm hold of her as she pushed Lexa into the bed. The she-wolf growled deeply as she looked down at Lexa locking her legs around hers and thrust her hips forward and she moaned feeling the she-wolf's member rubbing against her privates, Lexa swallowed nervously. She must have not hidden her expression well enough as Clarke's eyes widen and she let Lexa go instantly and held her hands up, she looked like a red panda from how hard she blushed,

"Oh Gaia! I'm so sorry Lexa, I-I lost control of myself," Clarke stumbled over her words trying to move away and off the bed attempting to hide her erection, "I'm supposed to take the medicine to reduce this mess, I- I'll take it right now," Lexa sprung forward grabbing Clarke's wrist and pulled causing her girlfriend to fall against her. Lexa wrapped her arms around her waist holding tightly when Clarke tried to get up,

"Please don't, I want this Clarke, I want to know every part of you," Lexa leaned over kissing at her shoulder as her hands glided down to Clarke's thighs scratching lightly up and down. Clarke whimpered hands coming up to cover her sex, Lexa can feel the heat of her blush, she felt the urge to bite at Clarke's skin but refrained and rested her hands on Clarke's outer thighs. "Unless you really don't want to, I won't be sad if you rather not right now," Lexa bit her lip, trying to calm down because even with her lower torso burning, no means no, and a verbal consent is vital. Just because the body is faster than a mind to react to a sexual stimulation it is the mind that truly decides how to move forward,

"I do want to, I really really do, but I'm scared I won't be able to stop myself from claiming you," Clarke leaned back pressing against Lexa's breast, her breath becoming shaky when she felt how hard her nipples gotten, "I don't know if I'll be able to control wanting to sink my teeth into you and finally making you my mate," Clarke panted as Lexa hummed moving her hands down pulling on Clarke's knees getting the alpha to spread her legs. The she-wolf whimpered as Lexa dragged her hands up the inside of Clarke's thighs coaxing her to move her hands away. Even though the mist of lust was circling Lexa's mind, she can still think clearly, why was she holding Clarke back from biting? They have been through so much and it wasn't even over, they still needed to decide about her future. Lexa wants- no, needs something good to happen for both of them before things got messier. Screw it.

"Then do it," Lexa leaned down latching on to Clarke's shoulder biting hard enough to cause the she-wolf to snarl. "Let's exchange bite marks and officially be soulmates, but I still want a wedding later," Lexa licked her lips when she pulled away, Clarke turned enough to face her, eyes wide but grinning from ear to ear,

"Really? You'd want to do it now?" Clarke asked eagerly, she got so excited that her tail popped out flickering back and forth. Lexa matched her energy nodding and giggling when Clarke's fur brushed against her bare thighs.

"Absolutely, I want to be with you Clarke, no matter what happens down the road. I think we both need this, and it will help us," Lexa kisses her temple, hand drifting up again tracing a single finger up Clarke's shaft the alpha gasped bucking her hips,

"It will, it definitely will, when we exchange bites we will be mates for life and our souls will bind forever more and in every after life," Clarke moaned as Lexa tentatively wrapped her hand around Clarke's member, Lexa swallowed thickly, she couldn't completely wrap her hand around the appendage and it felt so hot, Lexa felt herself clinch imagining what it would feel like to be filled by it, "you have to bite extra hard, your human teeth won't break my skin easily," Clarke turned back leaning into her and Lexa moaned softly feeling the top of her girlfriend's tail press into her labia. Lexa's voice caused Clarke to wag her tail the movement rubbing at her outer labia and she bit her bottom lip as the friction caused her clitoris to twitch.

Lexa shifted to her knees giving Clarke more room to move her tail, she didn't want to break this moment to make her put it away. Lexa pressed into Clarke's back the new height advantage gave her the chance to see this new part of her girlfriend. Clarke's breathing became shallow as Lexa slowly moved her hand up and down the member collecting the pre-cum that leaked out using it as lubrication. Clarke rumbled thrusting into Lexa's hand, and she yelped when Clarke's tail came up and tickled her down below, the fur brushing at Lexa's labia and clitoris. Lexa let out her own pants moving her free hand down to tug at Clarke's nipple. Clarke shuttered and Lexa quickly figured out the faster she moved her hand the quicker her tail would whip.

"Lexa!" Clarke moaned her hips shifting in time with Lexa's movements and she helped to push her girlfriend over the edge, and she can feel her own release just within reach. Lexa is surprised at how quickly it was coming, normally they could go for longer maybe Clarke's rut had something to do with it. Lexa stopped playing with Clarke's nipples and reached up turning her face to lay a not so gentle kiss on her girlfriend's parted lips and she groaned when she felt those sharp teeth prick her tongue. Clarke's tail went wild against Lexa's sex, she knew her juices were smearing across the fur, it makes little difference when Lexa's orgasm hit hard, she clenched her eyes shut causing her to squeeze down on Clarke's shaft. The alpha shot forward snarling deep and she felt Clarke's appendage twitched as she ejaculated.

The couple leaned against each other as they caught their breath, neither of them was ready for the sudden release. Lexa opened her eyes first checking her hand curiously and cheeks reddening at the cloudy liquid that dripped from her fingers. She sat back bringing Clarke with her laying the she-wolf on Lexa's stomach as she brought the hand to her lips. Clarke opened her eyes in time to watch Lexa put two of the fingers into her mouth, Lexa chuckled when Clarke's whole face went red, and she felt how her tail puffed up tickling Lexa.

"It's sweet, a little more bitter then your other cum," Lexa spoke before thinking and Clarke shrieked as she slipped down and off Lexa's stomach, she curled up into a ball covering her face and used her fluffy tail to hide,

"Why would you say something so embarrassing!" Clarke bickered trying in vain to stay beneath her tail, Lexa laughed stroking Clarke's head to comfort her as she licked off the rest of the sensual juices, "and why taste it?" Clarke grumbled, she could hear the she-wolf suddenly sniff and this time it was Lexa's turn to go red,

"There's nothing wrong with it, it's perfectly normal to want to taste it," Lexa looked away as Clarke sat up sniffing the spot on her tail that was damp, she didn't miss when Clarke licked at her fur and Lexa's blush spread down to her neck as the she-wolf purred excitedly. "Unless it really bothers you, I won't do it-" Lexa yelped as Clarke suddenly shot forward and pushed her down to the bed, the blue to Clarke's eyes were almost gone from how diluted they were, Lexa thinks she sees specks of red too, but she gets distracted as Clarke smirks, fangs on full display, she gulps,

"I want to eat you up," Clarke purrs out a hint of a chirp laced in her words as her hands laid on Lexa's knees parting them. Lexa lost her voice as her body tingled, it almost felt like Clarke was letting out an immense aura of sexual energy, she can feel herself dripping. Lexa expected Clarke to devour her immediately, yet the she-wolf kept her hands on her knee's, tail switching back and forth waiting, Lexa found it so sweet that even when Clarke was desperately horny her girlfriend still abided to have permission.

She only needed to nod once and Clarke lowered down to her belly, fangs exposed as she dragged those dangerous daggers down her inner thighs. Clarke wouldn't break eye contact as she lightly grazed Lexa's thighs, fangs scratching the surface of her skin and Lexa moaned embarrassingly loud at the rush of pain. Clarke licked were she cut healing the small damage and moved lower finally breaking eye contact and Lexa tossed her head back heart raising as she felt Clarke's sultry breath on her inner labia. "You are mine, as I am yours," Clarke chirped and Lexa couldn't reply as Clarke's tongue laid flat across her lips, the slippery organ resting across her sex as if warming her. Lexa can feel her girlfriend's fangs grazing lightly on the outside of her labia and that turned her on impossibly more confirming for Lexa that she has a piquerism kink,

"I-I'm yours," Lexa managed to gasp out shivering as her words caused Clarke's purr to grow louder the vibrations traveled the length of her tongue as the she-wolf ate her eagerly. Clarke's tongue traced around her outer labia slowly tracing the shape repeatedly, her girlfriend fangs occasionally pressing against the sensitive flesh and Lexa let out moans shamelessly. Clarke's focus shifted up and Lexa bucked when that tongue lapped at her clitoris the sudden touch caused Lexa to grab a handful of the blonde's curls.

Clarke paused a moment though with a needy whine from Lexa she thankfully caught on and went back in, she flicked her tongue across the sensitive bud. Lexa tried to keep still but couldn't help rolling her hips, she hissed when feeling one of Clarke's fangs cut at her skin though was quickly healed. Clarke growled in warning and arms coming up to wrap around Lexa's thighs keeping her in place as she continued to explore. The constant switch from her clitoris to the inner labia had Lexa craving to have something inside and as if reading her thoughts Clarke pushed her tongue in and she nearly screamed from the delicious feeling of being filled. She pulled on Clarke's hair encouraging her to keep going since she had paused again, her beautiful she-wolf always wanting to be careful with Lexa but at this time and moment she wanted the alpha to destroy her.

Lexa moaned as Clarke's tongue stretched inside of her, the silk slippery muscular organ was long enough to grind against each ridge, and she stopped caring about the volume of her voice. Clarke was in her own world as the she-wolf enjoyed her fill, tongue continuing to penetrate Lexa at such a quick pace, and she knew she'd be cumming soon. Lexa arched her back moaning as Clarke closed her mouth over her sex effectively pressing against her clitoris while her tongue still dived inside and with the additional purring Lexa came. She panted as lust still circled her mind and Clarke had yet to remove her tongue, the eager alpha kept lapping and Lexa needed to tug on her hair to coax her out.

"My love, too much," Lexa swallowed trying to get her brain working again, Clarke whined but did pull out and Lexa was going to get a heat stroke with how hard she blushed, having caught sight of how much of the slippery organ had been inside. Clarke curled up her tongue taking Lexa's arousal into her mouth, and she eagerly licked her lips, Lexa felt her clitoris twitch silently cursing how quickly her body wanted more. The she-wolf got to her knees as she rests her hands on Lexa's thighs,

"You taste exactly like your scent but with something new too, you taste like a dessert," Clarke swooned eyes glazed with arousal, her attention flickered back to Lexa's sex and Clarke literally drooled, tongue slipping out as she panted, "can't I have more?" She whimpered nuzzling Lexa's inner thigh as she inched down but Lexa sat up noticing how hard Clarke still was and she may have been in too much bliss to notice the discomfort.

"Later puppy, how about you put something else inside me? like your knot," Lexa reached between Clarke's legs grabbing the member tugging lightly and like a spring trap Clarke had her pinned down, Lexa looked up at her surprised by the roughness, but Clarke had her eyes closed as she breathed in and let it out slowly,

"Please don't tease, I don't know if I can control myself," Clarke growled out eyes opening as she trained her gaze to lock with Lexa's, she saw more of those fragments of red swimming in her iris so that had to be related to her rut. Though it doesn't seem to bother Clarke so, Lexa will have to ask about it later, she noticed that Clarke's tail and ears were present, and they were signaling her eagerness to dominate Lexa. She smirked leaning up as much as she could since Clarke still held her down,

"I don't want you to control yourself, I want you to own me," Lexa grinned snapping her teeth just as Clarke had done all those months ago back at the club. Clarke let out a snarl so deep Lexa swears she cumed a little, her girlfriend's hand came up and pressed against Lexa's chest holding her in place. Lexa bit her lip, cheeks flushing as Clarke pushed between her legs and the she-wolf's dripping appendage dragged across her sex. Clarke moaned as she shifted into a loud purr and thrust against Lexa, both experiencing a shiver at the friction. Lexa pushed off the bed feeling the desperate need to have Clarke fill her, the she-wolf wasted no time, freeing one hand she gripped her member and guided it to Lexa's entrance. Clarke used her other hand to pin Lexa by her stomach when she had tried pushing down, the alpha snapped her teeth and she listened to the silent command to stay put.

"Patient my mate, I don't want to hurt you, it's your first time too," Clarke chirped out then achingly slow her girlfriend pushed past Lexa's labia gliding inside smoothly thanks to how wet she still was. Lexa groaned at the stretch and slight sting as Clarke leaned down pressing kisses above her navel. Clarke tried to purr to help comfort, but Lexa's walls clinched tight around her shaft and the sound came out in deep moans. Her girlfriend leaned over her as she captured Lexa's lips in a heated messy kiss, Lexa pushed her tongue inside to trace over Clarke's causing her to thrust. Lexa pulled away going after Clarke's shoulder blade she bit into the flesh sucking vigorously as Clarke began to ram into her, hips stinging from how hard she moved.

Lexa groaned at the stimulation of her insides being penetrated repeatedly and Lexa sunk her teeth deeper when Clarke began to move faster. The alpha growled before pressing Lexa into the bed continuing to push in and out and Lexa could feel her knot ramming into her clitoris. Lexa reached out grabbing Clarke's hand and the she-wolf knew what she wanted and laced their fingers together. Lexa could no longer care if she is being loud enough to be heard outside of their room, the heavenly feeling of Clarke's member was sparking a flame in her lower belly. She so wasn't going to last long, Lexa tried to speak but forgot how to even form words so instead she listened to the wolf in her to tilt her head to the side. Clarke didn't even hesitate, she leaned down latching between Lexa's shoulder blade and neck, she freed one hand to push her alpha's hair back and snapped her teeth into Clarke's in the same manner.

The she-wolf held on to Lexa's flesh not slowing down moving hard enough to make the bed squeak and she held on tight struggling not to pull away to let out a moan. She can feel her orgasm just within reach, but something was missing, and Lexa let out a needy whine. Clarke purred for her and thrust forward harder effectively pushing her knot inside and Lexa went lightheaded as she felt her womb be coated in hot secretion. The orgasm intensified as Clarke finally bit down fangs piercing through Lexa's skin and the sharp pain caused her to bite down just as hard and her teeth managed to break the flesh.

Lexa felt an odd sensation in the middle of her chest, the area was on fire before it went cold as a freezer burn like she lost something, but the empty feeling vanished in an instant and a warmth engulfed her chest then spread throughout her body. Images or maybe memories flashed across her mind, the memories didn't fit in her universe, she saw Clarke dressed as an oasis princess make-up done to match her seductive look and the blonde smirked as she winked; another image came and it was of her golden wolf but this version of Clarke had a white mask over her face shaped as a heart and she looked down at Lexa before leaning in to press her nose to Lexa's belly; and the last image is of herself dressed in the clothes of the original Heda, Clarke sat before her smearing on the mask a warrior wears before battle and the blonde grinned wide as she stole a kiss. The memories made no sense, yet they were both familiar and foreign at the same time, each one represents them as a couple who were always bound to find one another no matter what universe they were a part of, Lexa's eyes watered as she smiled before she passed out.

Xxxxxxx

When Lexa came to, she felt dazed not sure when exactly she'd fallen asleep yet looking down at herself, she found her hair was wet and she was wearing comfortable clothes, when had she showered and changed? She pushed off the bed and hissed when her shoulder blade and neckline flared in irritation. Lexa reached up to feel what caused the pain and felt a bandage of some sort. She looked around the room trying to figure out what the heck happened this morning judging by the light coming in from the window it was now midafternoon. The bathroom door opened startling Lexa as she looked over finding Clarke walking out dressed in a tank top and shorts, her girlfriend was toweling off her hair, the alpha looked up and grinned right away.

"You're finally awake, how are you feeling?" Clarke asks leaning back into the bathroom to rid of the towel, Lexa cleared her throat pressing a hand to her temple trying to jog her memory. "Lexa? Does it really hurt?" Clarke leaned in, and Lexa caught sight of a patch work in the same area as Lexa's bandage but on the opposite side,

"What happened here?" Lexa asks reaching out to Clarke's new patched wound, the alpha chuckles as she reaches up peeling at the edge of the patch until what lay underneath was exposed,

"You did, you're probably still a little woozy, apparently I was letting out a lot of pheromones during our umm mating and it can cause dizziness," Clarke smiled sheepishly, Lexa blushed remembering all at once what had happened early that morning and she laughed tracing over Clarke's bite mark. She was surprised to see that the permanent teeth marks held a fang shape, Lexa reached up to her mouth and found several of her normal teeth were a lot sharper,

"Is this typical?" Lexa asks looking for her phone wanting to see the change for herself, Clarke caught on and she went to the desk where her phone had been charging then brought it over.

"Yes actually, though normally they shrink after you do the bite," Clarke sat down as Lexa unlocked her phone, she had several messages and calls from her parents, she felt a small pang of guilt for not sending out a message sooner. She sent her mother a text to let her know she was fine but needed some time before she could talk to either of them. Lexa closed out of her messages and switched on the camera opening her mouth, she stared at her front teeth trying to process that she was looking at her own mouth and not Clarke's, six of her teeth were a lot sharper and longer. Lexa poked at them curiously with her tongue, feeling how narrow and sharp they were, this ought to send her into a panic for seeing her body change in an abnormal way, yet she wasn't feeling anxious.

"Huh, how do I make them go back?" Lexa questions, Clarke hums trying to think of a solution as a knock came at the door. Before either of them could answer Anya came in with a plate full of grilled chicken, Lexa's stomach growled, she placed a hand to her stomach to muffle the sound, taken a back to have such a reaction when she hadn't eaten meat in years,

"She finally wakes, you two are so fucking reckless," Anya chuckles walking around the bed and placed the plate of meat on Lexa's lap. She would have pushed it away, but her belly kept mimicking whale calls and she could feel the push that she eats. Lexa hesitated, she didn't want to eat it, but her stomach was starting to hurt from the lack of food she's had. She not even sure why she is refusing in the first place when Anya had already admitted last night that she has always been adding a meat substitute to her foods.

Lexa never was a full vegetarian only reduced her meat intake whenever she has gotten her own food. She had been annoyed to find out the truth, feeling stupid, Lexa had noticed the difference in taste from the food at home compared to the ones she'd eat from the grocery store but chucked it up to getting the wrong brand. Anya claimed it would be impossible for her to be a full vegetarian thanks to what she is, the wolf in her needed the meat or else her body would have shut down. Which explained when Lexa started her meat free diet why she gotten sick and became malnourished, that had to be when her parents snuck in the meat substitute. Honestly, she should still be angry, but Lexa felt strangely calm and even craved to eat the food that's been made for her,

"We talked about this Lexa, I know last night I said you can slowly start adding meat to your diet but thanks to this one," Anya turns around flicking at Clarke's nose and the alpha huffed but didn't argue only looking away her cheeks flaring red. Lexa was surprised that her girlfriend didn't bite or at least growled, she lifted a curious brow but she shook her head mouthing later, "you have to eat meat now, your soul binding affects you both in a good and bad way,"

"I didn't think it would be that big of a deal," Clarke grumbled getting another smack on the top of her head from Anya, who looked mildly annoyed, but the smile hinted she was not actually angry. Lexa didn't get why Anya seemed to be so upset with Clarke, though now that she looked at her best friend, she noticed how her cheeks were a tint of pink and little beads of sweat were around her brows. Anya was feeling sexually frustrated, Lexa only seen this look of hers a handful of times, but she made sure to remembers what it looks like to stay clear, Anya gets really snippy when she's frisky and doesn't have a partner to relieve herself with,

"You literally combined your souls, that bite strengthens both your wolf and human mind. You will always feel each other no matter how far apart you two are and because you couldn't keep it in your pants you have made Lexa's wolf more vocal," Anya lectured, Clarke exposed her fangs but showed guilt as she stuck out her tongue then looked back to Lexa giving her a mink smile. Lexa smiled back holding a hand out and Clarke took it climbing further onto the bed and leaned into her side. Lexa ignored her hunger when her stomach growled in persistence, she was feeling the urge to tear into the food, but she needed to get all the facts first,

"Should we be worried?" Lexa knows she ought to be freaked out, yet she feels nothing but peace. Anya sighs getting the chair to the desk out and pulled it over before taking a seat,

"In a traditional bonding I would say no, but because of your half genetics I couldn't say for sure. I would lean more towards this being good since you're in control and Clarke's corruption has reduced but it's also projected on to you," Anya explained and she gestured to the plate enticing Lexa to eat, she was going to protest but then Clarke leaned over and picked up a piece tearing off a chunk then held it to her mouth. Lexa took the offer and melted at the rich flavors, though slightly choked when she realized the change in Clarke's left eye. She reached out grabbing the she-wolf's chin and pulled her close to be sure,

"Wow, there's only one line now!" Lexa exclaimed excited but Clarke didn't share her enthusiasm she looked down breaking eye contact,

"Only because you have the other half," Clarke muttered pulling away from Lexa's grip and reached over to the nightstand fetching out the mirror and handed it off. Lexa brought the reflection close, and her eyes widen seeing in the right eye there was a streak of yellow mixed in her emerald eye, just like Clarke's. She didn't know what to say.

"I don't feel anything mindless," Lexa wondered aloud placing the mirror aside she's startled when Clarke holds another piece of chicken to her lips. Clarke nibbles on the piece of chicken she was tearing chunks from, but her nose scrunches up like she just tasted something bland, Lexa chuckled, she was more into the red meats instead of the lean ones,

"My wolf doesn't act up unless I'm under stress," Clarke explains as Lexa took another bite chewing on it slowly, she hummed quietly paying more attention to see if her body would reject the meat, yet her stomach felt at ease, actually it was feeling really good. "Which will be put to the test as we decide what options to choose from what the Wise Wolves gave me," Clarke whispered, and her girlfriend then filled her in on what had happened while she'd been away.

As Lexa listened to Clarke, her emotions reflected the she-wolf's. Lexa's throat and chest tightened uncomfortably while her eyes watered, Clarke's feeling were so raw and intense it made it hard for her to breathe. Her mate's feelings were like a child, one who was not taught how to label their feelings and express them in a healthy way, even as Clarke spoke her expression was blank, but Lexa could feel the turmoil. For the first time Lexa finally understood Clarke's pain, despite how she would motivate the she-wolf to say what she feels, she knew that the alpha was holding back. Lexa may now connect to Clarke and help her in every way that she can, but they will need to have a serious conversation about the she-wolf seeing a therapist. She knows a few ways to handle mental health, but she isn't a professional and the she-wolf really needs to see one. Lexa while discuss that topic down the road but for now once their current mess is over, she definitely plans to take Clarke on vacation where she can meet her favorite animal face to face.

"Why give us such a brief time to make such a huge decision? Lexa sighed; she could only manage to eat half the food before she lost her appetite all together. She turned her head away when Clarke tried to feed her more, her mate didn't push and instead began to eat the rest. Clarke may not enjoy the meat, but she was never one to waste food, Lexa smiled a little, she ought to make her some cheese and spinach stuffed chicken breast Lexa bet she would love chicken cooked that way,

"The full moon is when Gaia is at her strongest and can offer her blessing to those that need her guidance. On nights of the full moon many Trikru have had more luck in their troubles, whether it be praying to Gaia for good health or when asking for more strength. But in cases of someone changing their true nature we- I mean the Lunar Trikru and the people going through the change are essentially asking to be forgiven for wanting to change her plans for you and hoping she may spare some blessings to do what it is that you like," Anya explains, she leans back against the chair looking towards the window, she glanced outside noticing how the clouds were collecting hinting there may be a snow storm ahead,

"The Wise Wolves, will more so Zale and Kali, likely want you to have the most fighting chance possible and don't want you to end up like Hansel," Clarke added setting the empty plate on the desk, she draped over Lexa's lap and she automatically began threading her fingers through the blonde's locks. "Anya has faith that you'll be able to manage the change," Clarke curled up snuggling up like a puppy, she briefly wondered why her girlfri-mate was being extra clingy. "I'm not so sure, but I don't doubt your strength I just worry over your wolf's strength. Of course, you didn't do it on purpose, and it was out of your control, but your wolf doesn't care about anything logical, it only cares how she's been silenced for years," Anya gets off the seat and comes over, reaching out she pets Clarke on the head and the alpha leans into the touch. Lexa is not sure why her girlfriend was suddenly fine with being touched by someone other than herself, of course she isn't jealous, just curious,

"But now with you two being mates it's different, Lexa you'll be able to feel Clarke with you as you go through the changes and Clarke can be your grounder, as in keeping you sane. Lunar members who have survived the changes each experience a different challenge but the most common is facing your most difficult flaws. Helen recorded in her process she had to accept that she had been a good provider for her children but a terrible mother for making little effort to get to know them. Orion needed to forgive his father for remarrying after his mother died suddenly. Lipa had to let go of her son and allow him to go down his own path after she been over controlling. And yours Lexa, depends on what difficulties your inner child, teen, or even current self-have faced that have caused you not to grow," Anya stops when Lexa holds up her hand signaling, she needed a moment to process, this was a lot of information to take in. Clarke rubbed her cheek against Lexa's thighs, she watched as her girlf-mate stared at her belly and she felt a sudden shift of sadness. Clarke may just be worried about her decision she laid a hand on her head patting lightly to bring her attention back to her face,

"I'll do it, there's just no way I could live without you, and I know you'll be there every step of the way," Lexa smiles guiding Clarke up so she may lay a kiss on her forehead and her girlfriend purred. She heard Anya sigh; she could tell her old friend had been worried over her decision, there was no way she'd choose anything that would mean Clarke disappears.

"I'll leave you guys then, Lexa not to be tmi but take some pain medicine before trying to get up and Clarke you should leave as soon as possible," Anya was already out the door before Lexa moved back confused as to why she'd needed pain meds. Clarke leaned down laying a feather light kiss against Lexa's new bandage, she paused but then shook her head and laid another kiss to Lexa's cheek, it seemed like Clarke wanted to say something else but she held back.

"I'll be back in no time my mate; would you like to stay here or go to the living room?" Clarke slipped off the bed and Lexa shifted to get up but gasped hand falling to her hipbone,

"What the hell?" Lexa whispered she lifted her shirt and eyes widening seeing the hand shaped bruises along her hipbone and down to her thighs. She poked at the mark carefully but winced since the skin was so tender, her legs felt unbelievably soar, and that wasn't even including the ache in her nether regions. Lexa looked up to the one responsible for the damage and Clarke sheepishly grinned she reached into the nightstand pulling out a bottle of pain medicine,

"You did say I didn't have to hold back," Clarke laughs looking a little too proud and Lexa narrowed her eyes then reached up instead of snagging the bottle she grabbed Clarke's wrist and yanked her down. Clarke yelped as Lexa tangled her fingers into her hair and pulled her head back and before she could pull away Lexa bit down on the other side of Clarke's neck enough to bruise the flesh a tad,

"Take me to the living room you feral brat, I expect you back before the sun sets babe," Lexa whispered into her ear and Clarke quickly nodded leaning down to scoop Lexa into her arms. She grabbed the bottle from Clarke's hand popping it open taking a few out then tossed the bottle back on the bed. Lexa smirked when she felt the heat from Clarke's face as she turned towards the door, "what I'm I going to do with you?" Lexa lectured wincing as Clarke held her closer pressing on one of the bruises.

"I can think of a few things, but you should heal up first," Clarke grins taking the question literally, she still struggles to understand rhetorical questions, Lexa only shakes her head batting the alpha's nose. Such a naughty she-wolf, Lexa can't believe she's choosing to be like her or rather to become a complete wolf. She is going to need to learn how to be a wolf from Clarke, she laughs at the irony of it, she's still teaching Clarke how to be human and soon their roles will be reversed.

Xxxxx

Clarke's pov

She fully intended to keep her word; Clarke wanted to return to her freshly marked mate as soon as possible. Clarke was absolutely thrilled they finally were able to exchange bite marks and now tell the end of time their souls will always find one another just as they have done in their previous lives. She wonders what memories came to Lexa as their souls had reunited, Clarke had seen Lexa dressed in a dashing suit and she had been taunting the female by grabbing at her tie; the next memory she saw a very gorgeous caramel wolf towering over her and Lexa grinned wide as she kissed her; and the last one consisted of her walking up to Lexa who sat on a throne of twisted bark, the female was dressed in a similar way as Echo. As exciting as it had been to relive the old memories, there was a slight problem, she had missed a key step, something called a moonstone, she learned the new word from Anya.

After she and Lexa mated, Clarke had to wait for Lexa to recover and after bathing her love and tucking her back in bed, she wondered off to find Anya to tell her the big news. While Clarke was expecting some excitement from her sister, she instead got a bonk on the head and an ear full about her projection control. Anya then explained pheromones and aphrodisiac and taught Clarke how to keep the hormones focused on Lexa, because of the mistake she ended up affecting everyone inside the house. Her sister ended up needing to give the house pets and herself a very cold bath to wear off the effect and her brother Lincoln left to work extremely horny and confused. Clarke will have to hunt down some apology gifts for everyone. Clarke was still unbelievably happy though; Lexa was finally hers and she fully belonged to Lexa.

The only thing missing is the moonstone, Anya has begun teaching Clarke more on the customs of wolves and thanks to recent event she has learned her sister knows so much more then herself. While technically that should make Clarke sad, she's oddly been feeling more at peace since the soulmate binding, funny considering all that she and her mate are going through. Anya had taught her the origins of the moonstone, a tale that has been passed down for centuries.

Xxx

Upon one late night the Goddess Gaia rested within her crescent moon, from here she watched her creatures thrive. She'd watch the humans pollute and break parts of her body for their own gains; Gaia's children were still learning what was right from wrong, yet she held hope those more connected to her will become all the wiser.

Among Gaia's creatures the wolf gifted with two forms was doing something unusual, the little one was hunting through a rock field that held no signs of life. Yet the young lad continued to paw and shove away clusters of rocks picking out only those that shimmered in her moon light. Gaia has been studying this boy longer than normal, unused to one of her children acting so strange. The alpha was mimicking the gentoo penguin, Gaia was uncertain as to why, as the wolf searched for a spark in rocks instead of a pebble.

The young wolf paused in his search, ears perking as the mate howled, the wolf immediately gathered all the stones in his muzzle then flew down a path. Gaia laughed watching the eager alpha race to his pregnant omega, the female stood on the outside of their den searching for him. The female rubbed at her swollen belly whispering sweet praises and jumped as the male appeared leaping towards her. The Goddess curiosity grew as the male pushed his muzzle into the mate's hand then shifted forms, staying to his knees, he hugged at the omega's belly laying gentle kisses around the surface.

Gaia decided to see firsthand why the wolf brought such odd items to his mate, she leapt from her moon gliding down to the earth landing like a feather. The Goddess stayed silent as the winds listening to the mated pair, the omega pleaded to the male to stop this nonsense that she need no pretty stones. Yet the male protests that the right stone is meant to be more than just beautiful that he wants a physical item to hold the symbol of their love. Gaia tilted her head watching as the couple sat upon the grass and the male took back the stones and held them up to the moon light. The male chucked away some and the ones favored he kept in his palm, when he finished sorting, he balled up his hand adding an immense force, the male snarled as he felt them crumble.

The omega comforts her male asking that he joins her in sleep, the male dusts off his hands and sighs nodding but asks for a moment alone. The female showers her male with quick kisses earning her the male's laughter and a flurry of kisses in return. He ushers her inside and that he will join her shortly, but he is at least in a far better mood. Gaia smiled softly wishing to help her beloved creatures and before she could consider what to do next the male looked to the sky towards her moon.

The male gifted his musical howl before he asked for guidance from Gaia, asking from the Goddess a stone that cannot break and shunned as brightly as her moon. The genuine passion in the alpha's voice as he spoke of his mate brought Gaia to tears and she could not help but smile. Gaia felt the tears slip off her cheeks to land on the ground but instead of flowers blooming as they typically do, she instead heard a few thuds, looking down she saw that her tears had hardened and taken on odd shapes.

A curious thought past in the Goddess's mind as she reached down collecting the scorching tears. Gaia placed the hardened tears into her mouth before shifting into her favored creature and once she stood on all fours, she drew attention to herself with her glowing midnight fur. She swayed her tail high catching the alpha's attention the mated one is quick to be on defense shifting back to his true nature and launches towards the possible threat. Gaia laughs as she runs off towards the rushing waterfall the male in high chase, the Goddess could feel her child trying to connect to her mind but to no avail, Gaia cannot permit that to happen for it will distort the alpha's mind.

The Goddess misjudged the male's speed she could feel the alpha's breath against her back hind leg but before he could act Gaia sprung up landing gracefully on a tree branch. Gaia glanced down at the wolf grinning, the alpha's eyes had gone wide, the male shook off the surprise and snarled looking around the base of the tree to find somewhere to climb. The Goddess wanting to have fun strengthened the muscles in her tail and wrapped it around the thick branch swinging down she batted the alpha's head. The male yelped shooting away the poor wolf utterly confused to see someone like himself swaying from the tree branch like a capuchin monkey.

Gaia smiled purposely exposing the harden tears in her muzzle as the alpha's focus shifted to her mouth his eyes went wide the male shifted forms. The wolf questioned what she was, how she could do the impossible, and demanding to see the "stones" in her muzzle. Gaia swung back up settling on the tree branch before pushing forward one of her tears and raised it to her moon's light, as Gaia predicted the tears reflected her aura. The alpha was mesmerized then pleaded if she would take a trade for the stone, Gaia brought the tear back to her muzzle the surface still too hot for mortal hands.

The Goddess beckoned with her tail and took off hopping on tree branches with ease and she could hear the male chasing. Gaia jumped to the ground being sure to be quicker on her paws, she had no need to worry if the alpha had fallen behind. The wolf stuck to his human form likely so he may converse, Gaia could hear him offering numerous things to trade but the Goddess would take nothing in return. The waterfall was up ahead, Gaia paused only for a moment making sure the alpha could see her and once he was close the Goddess leapt to the other side to keep a respectful distance.

The alpha growled in annoyance barking out an insult, but Gaia laughed not minding her child's words since she's been mischievous. The wolf took a moment to gain his breathing then tried again to ask for the stone apologizing for his rudeness, Gaia shook her head grinning as she opened her muzzle then tossed the tears into the rushing water immediately the water boiled, and a fog blossomed. Gaia watched her child's bewilderment in amusement as she took back her true nature, the alpha could not see her, yet he continued to search.

The fog slowly dissipated, and the alpha finally caught sight of the Goddess and he gasped recognizing her, the wolf whispered her name. Gaia only offered a smile before blowing a gust of wind at the wolf causing the alpha to shield his eyes then the Goddess leapt to the stars leaving only her joyful tears behind.

Xxxxx

Clarke duck low into the water's flow, the waves pushing against her body as she searched the ground for the infamous moonstone. Majority of the rocks looked the same, Clarke really couldn't tell the difference, some stones matched the color of her fur yet held a brighter shine and others shimmered like broken glass, but none resembled the moon's surface, all of it was worthless. She pushed off the ground resurfacing for a breath of fresh air before diving back inside, Clarke pawed at the water pushing to reach the waterfall, but the current was too strong even for her. She huffed annoyed then moved down clawing at the dirt quickly before needing to paddle again but still nothing came up.

"I'll have to do this later, I can't waste any more time," Clarke paddle pack to the surface and swam towards the shore pulling herself out then shook her fur dry. She was feeling a little sad, Clarke was sure she'd be able to find one in no time, this was a stone not some rabbit that could run from her. Clarke glanced back at the water but now the water was muddy from all her digging, "damn now I really need to wait," Clarke sighed then took off heading towards the mountain's base, thankfully she had chosen a waterfall that was closer to where the old wolves lived, maybe she'll look for another waterfall on her way back home. Her shoulder stung from her push to move faster but Clarke welcomed the pain as it was Lexa's mark, she wondered what her former pack would think but she quickly hushed the thoughts. She can't consider them her wolves anymore; they made it perfectly clear they'd never accept Lexa and in turn it means they can't accept her.

"You're back rather early, what a welcome interruption," Clarke skipped to halt surprised that she didn't feel the connection,

"Zale?" She questioned sniffing at the air and slowly followed the old wolf's scent, she trotted faster getting closer to the male and found herself coming to a clearing. Clarke glanced around the open field the set up was unusual, the entire area is warren down from years of being used resulting in very little plant life, in the center of the field is a pile of tree branches the wood set up to stand up like a tower, and off to the side there was piles of rocks with flowers and vines blooming along the surface and there sat the alpha. The old male was sitting in front of a pile of rocks his focus purely on the odd shape as Clarke approached him. Clarke felt uneasy, this area felt like her old home, the atmosphere was peaceful yet there are the signs of death.

"Hello dear pup, I am assuming you and the half breed have come to a decision?" The male broke his concentration to greet Clarke, she did her best not to be defensive as the male leaned in sniffing her neck and sat back. Zale noticed the bite mark immediately she could feel his gaze as the male observed it then chuckled but made no other comments,

"Yes, we have, we choose the third option," Clarke stated firmly, she didn't miss how the alpha's expression became sorrowful but nodded anyways sighing. Zale got to his paws and gestured that she follows him, Clarke glanced at the pile of rocks first sniffing at the spot scenting only flowers and grass whatever laid underneath was far too faded for Clarke to figure out.

"Very well, then it shall be done, I hope that you understand because you have mated you well also be burdened by some of her pain," Zale had paused at the fields edge waiting for Clarke and she quickly joined him. She looked back at the clearing knowing she needs to pay attention but still her curiosity must be satisfied,

"What is this place?" Clarke walked beside the old male as he studied her a smile on his lips,

"This is where we set our spirits free, where wolves take their final slumber by either rejoining the ground or the stars," Zale explains nudging at Clarke's shoulder so she may look at him, she'd gotten distracted when she saw a blueberry bush. Clarke made a mental note to grab some on her way back, she has seen Lincoln eat the fruit nearly every day, "the bodies of our loved ones are either burned or buried and we gift our howls so that Gaia may find their souls to rejoin her. Wolves of the departed typically are the ones to gather rocks to mark the graves and the same goes for those who choose to be burned," the alpha elaborates noticing Clarke's confusion,

"The rocks you where at, who were they to you?" Clarke moved closer to Zale as they came across more wolves and like before the wolves offered a quick flash of their throats to the male. The old wolf only offered a quick poke of his nose to answer their respectful submissions. Zale didn't answer for a moment, and she checked on him her ears fell back when she saw the tears that fallen,

"My former mate and majority of my own pups and grand pups, I have lived many years young one, so much so I do not remember my age," the male chuckled, but the tears continued to fall, Clarke leaned up and licked at the alpha's cheek clearing them away. The alpha tensed and Clarke failed to notice the other wolves gaze and many becoming on edge,

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you, I have a habit of just saying the first thing in my head," Clarke tugged at the alpha's cheek to make him turn his head and she cleaned those tears as well. The alpha barked a laugh, a real one this time, as he leaned over and gave Clarke a small kiss on her forehead. Clarke's tail puffed up a little, not expecting the old wolf to kiss her, she had only wanted to comfort him. She looked around finally noticing all the wide-eyed stares and looks of disbelief, had she done something wrong? The wolves were on guard heckles raised and their attention on Clarke, before she could answer the challenge Zale barked calling the other wolves off with a huff,

"You truly are an odd one, I hope to Gaia with all my heart that your mate survives the change," Zale continued to walk acting as if he didn't just calm down over a dozen wolves at once. Clarke kept up with him despite the other wolves clear disapproval, she can only guess that she wasn't acting like a proper wolf when it comes to being around an older alpha. One wolf snapped his fangs towards her waist trying to make her back off, but Clarke ignored him and whacked the beta with her tail making him stumble off his paws. She grinned then suddenly recalled something that Zale had said earlier,

"What did you mean that I would feel Lexa's pain?" Clarke remembers Anya only mentioning she'd be able to keep her mate calm and of course she would indeed be in pain while watching over Lexa but there was no mention of her experiencing it herself. Zale paused outside of the cave's entrance taking a seat not bothering to move to the side so as not to be in the way of the other wolves that lived here.

"You are not the first wolf to do something like this, the half breed's mother Neva, was an alpha who mated and bred with a human." The old wolf explains as Clarke moved over to the side of the cave's entrance so as not to be in the way herself, Zale looked over at her confused but didn't join her. Clarke didn't miss when she saw the other wolves glancing between them equally lost, yet a few wolves nodded at her to show thanks.

"Neva managed to keep her relationship hidden for 10 years, up until the half breed had seen 6 summers. We believe she had friends that helped hide who her partner was but at one point the truth slipped out from the very source that would lead to Neva's demise. That half breed caused a mistake that would permanently change several human lives for the worse. We had come to learn that Neva kept her family in the city far away from our native lands. To raise a half breed who is unable to control their appearance and behavior inside a city with humans who crave to hunt those that are different was beyond foolish."

"The half breed shifted in front of a group of children, forcing Neva to erase the children's minds of the mutt completely, but because of their sensitive brains it led to their minds ceasing development. The children were permanently stunted, no longer able to grow, and the parents could not understand why their children were broken and how no advanced medicine could explain the occurrence. Only because Neva is a descendent of nightblood, was she given the chance to turn her mate but with the understanding that her offspring would be eliminated," Zale sighed looking away from her towards the sky,

"Neva accepted those conditions; the former alpha loved her mate more than her own pup. I do not know what transpired between the women since we respectfully gave them privacy for Neva to turn her mate. All that we know is that the human did not survive the change and Neva must have felt each of her mates suffering since it led to the alpha straight into stage 3 corruption. The loss of her mate caused Neva to be reckless and violent she had even attempted to attack her own pup out of grief. Soon after the half breed was removed from her but unfortunately pushed Neva to corruption 4 and she ran off. We could only assume that the former alpha was lost leaving us only the half breed to remember her by," Zale looked back at Clarke, and she couldn't stop the tears that overflowed, she raised a paw wiping at her muzzle. Her heart goes out to Neva, the poor wolf has suffered losses that even Clarke can't imagine, she wanted to be angry at the alpha for ever choosing someone else over Lexa, yet the alpha's hand was forced to decide. Clarke sniffled cleaning off her face and took deep breaths as she felt through Lexa's mark, she caused her to worry. Zale waited for her to calm down as Clarke did her breathing exercises and Lexa projected calmness, though fueled a different feeling.

" Why was Lexa spared?" Clarke didn't keep the growl out of her question, there was something bugging her about what he said. Again, just like Hansel, the Wise Wolves didn't give an answer if Lexa was perfectly fine before being found out. If she and her mothers lived for six years peacefully without exposure how was Lexa considered a threat? Why was it that the Wise Wolves immediately decided that they had to put themselves in the family's lives? Clarke's anger grew her heckles rising, also what mother would choose her mate over her pup? A family bond is everlasting, if anything Clarke believes that Neva and her human mother would have chosen their pup's life vs the human's. Something was just not adding up, someone is lying,

"The night Neva had run away, we Wise Wolves called a meeting on what to do with the half breed and a fight began. Before any real damage could be done the Goddess herself shone her moonlight on the young pup alone; it was as though Gaia had deemed her life worthy. I swear on my own mother that every wolf and human could feel the silent command that no one was to harm the pup," Zale looked towards were the moon typically rested though it wasn't visible since the sun continued to shine, "who are we to deny our Goddess? That is when Heda proposed a solution, to lock away the half breed's wolf deep inside her mind," the old alpha sighed looking back to Clarke as she spared a small a glance to the sky. Clarke's tail wagged furiously she's known it from the beginning that her Lexa was special, and she had a Goddess's support at that. Of course, she can never confirm if what Zale says is true yet if there was an entire clan of wolves and humans to witness such an event then it had to be true, yes? Whenever she comes across Echo, she will have to confirm it from her point of view. Clarke feels a tension at her mark, the sensation traveling down her spine and back up, Lexa is concerned.

"I need to get going, my mate is worried, can we go tell the other Wise Wolves my decision?" Clarke questioned getting to her paws already walking inside, Zale chuckles nodding. She purrs quietly hoping that Lexa may feel it to ease her stress. Clarke ignores wolves that side glare at her obviously noticing the bite mark and they damn well knew it belongs to someone they dislike. Instead, she holds her head up baring her fangs daring anyone to say something about her mate. Old or young Clarke doesn't fucking care, she well sink her teeth into any wolf that makes a disrespectful comment towards her love.

Xxxx

Clarke faced the Wise Wolves without a huge crowd this time, she told them her decision and behaved herself even when Dara expressed her joy. She thinks that Lexa will not survive the change and it didn't help that Yanric and Kali looked so disappointed. Yanric was oddly quiet for most of the meeting, his focus never really on her and he kept fidgeting, strange considering he was so vocal the first time they met. The old wolves instructed she was to return tomorrow morning, and they will begin the ritual of changing Lexa's nature. Clarke should be feeling excited but still couldn't shake off her doubts and fears, it also didn't help that Kali volunteered to do an early blissing and pray for Lexa. The other Wise Wolves were also surprised typically it would be Zale the eldest who did such acts, but Kali had insisted. Clarke wanted to decline but she also should take every advantage there is that may help Lexa, besides, she did like Kali more than the others. Though the downside to running with an older wolf is how slowly they crept along the forest, Clarke could have been at her den by now.

"Sweet pup, please tell me why this half breed means so much that you'd risk your own life?" Kali ran besides Clarke as they made their way back to her home, well the alpha was running while Clarke was merely going at a trot, honestly, she's surprised the old wolf can even run, "I do understand your passionate love for her, I've heard the stories of what she's done for you but why her? When there are so many omegas to choose from?" Kali speaks in a way that doesn't provoke Clarke to be defensive, she sighs feeling a little annoyed all the same, Clarke has explained her love for Lexa so many times now it was ridiculous that these humans and wolves just couldn't understand. If these creatures could just see past Clarke's and Lexa's genetics and focus only on their words, would they finally get it? Clarke shook her head glancing at the old alpha as they continued to move despite Kali's panting,

"With all that I have been through, romance has never been an option, it was pointless. All I could worry about was surviving and live off being grateful that my friends were not suffering like I was. Once I finally got my real freedom, Lexa and Anya taught me how to be human, taught me about the world that I still don't know much about. But they never treated me like I was less than them, I was with them for months and they were the happiest times I have ever had in my life, but then I met my own kind, and everything went to hell," Clarke slowed down resulting in Kali pausing as well, the old alpha seemed grateful for the break since she let out a sigh plopping down, the wolf wouldn't meet her eyes,

"In a matter of hours, I was forced to meet a pack of wolves that judged, mocked, insulted, and pitied me. You know, with all that I have been through it changed who I used to be, I was drowning in so much negative emotions that it snared my heart in a pit of inferno, I forgot about the good feelings," Clarke shuttered shaking out her fur noticing Kali wasn't entirely paying attention instead she was staring off to the right side of them. The alpha is likely being a look out, they were awfully close to the roads, Clarke can spot some of the roaring metal beasts a little ways down north,

"But then Lexa came along, without even meaning to she brought me peace and I was able to find the real me again, not this bitter angry wolf that wanted to destroy everything and everyone. I'm only telling you but I'm sure that Lexa has made a real softy out of me, and I love every minute of it," Clarke grinned looking down at the old wolf her tail thumping against the ground. She felt an odd crawl creep across her skin, the human part of her was on edge and motivating her to be on guard even her wolf was antsy. Kali didn't look away from the direction she was staring in, though at least nodded before taking a deep breath in and let it out. Clarke checked where her focus was but felt a sudden cold drop on her snout, glancing up her eyes widen, bits of puffy white clouds were raining from the sky it looked like there may be a snowstorm. She immediately grew excited; Clarke hasn't had the chance to enjoy the snow since her captivity; even in the sanctuary the humans would mostly keep her and the other mindless wolves indoors.

"And you would risk that happiness on the slight chance she survives? You would watch your mate relive her worst mistakes only to die in misery and pain? You'd allow your own greed to harm your mate?" Kali scuffed, her tone made Clarke uneasy, the old wolf's mood had changed drastically, she tucked her tail under her back leg pawing at the fur. Clarke watched as the alpha wolf played with her tail like some pup, it felt as though Kali was trying to calm herself. She would ask what was wrong if the old hag hadn't implied that Clarke is forcing Lexa to do what she wants, the alpha kept saying 'you' instead of referring to them as a pair. Clarke was too quick in thinking the old alpha was a reasonable one, but hadn't she stated she was on Clarke's side?

"She'll make it, she has me and I will help her every way that I can," Clarke spoke firmly baring her fangs she got back up ready to move again but then Kali spoke up, sounding nothing like her sweet little self,

"I was once in your shoes Clarke, but instead of letting my emotions control my actions I used my head. I erased the mind of the only wolf I have ever loved; he was another alpha. During my younger years, things were different, and our love was taboo but like lovesick fools we continued the relationship despite the many that disapproved. Yet the day came when a Wise Wolf commanded that he end things with me and he broke that demand, and then inherited that wolf's position. He didn't want the title, he knew it meant that our relationship was over for all Wise Wolves have to remain loyal to the clans of wolves and he wanted to run away," Kali cleared her throat shaking her head she leaned against Clarke's shoulder, she was tempted to step away, but Clarke wasn't that rude, at least not yet,

"My love didn't have the strength to do what was right, so I did it for him. I erased every single memory of our relationship and I let my mate go," Kali snarled then suddenly shoved Clarke forward making her stumble out in the open, "and then that disgusting beast tore my Ivan apart, that filthy half breed ruined my sacrifice just as I was finally able to join his side again. In a fit of pure rage, I killed that monster and would have harmed even more if my fellow alphas hadn't jumped in. I was able to take down a beast four times my size and I wasn't even corrupted. So, what is to stop you Clarke, a wolf whose mind that can't be controlled, from killing everyone around you out of grief?" Clarke felt a sharp pain at her hind quarter, she yelped turning to see what caused it and her blood ran cold when she saw a familiar red feathered dart piercing into her skin, Clarke quickly reached back to snatch it out,

"Lie down!" Kali's command forced Clarke to her belly, and she looked up stunned as the alpha towered over her. Kali had tears running down her cheeks as she changed back to her human form then drifted off towards an underbrush and fished out some clothes. Was this all a trap? Clarke whimpered as she began to weep, feeling so stupid to have trusted this wolf just because she helped her once. She was too willing to let other wolves into her heart all because Clarke was desperate to reconnect to her own kind. She should have known better from Raven's actions that no one can really be trusted, not even her fellow wolves.

"I gave you a chance to change your mind, I had hoped you were smart enough to make the right choice and instead you listened to your heart!" Kali hissed out, she wiped at her face but continued to cry as she sat on the ground bringing Clarke's head to her lap. "I had to make a deal with that horrid human of yours, she has been causing us so much trouble and losses. Yanric and I confronted her and asked her to stop in return we would give her whatever she wished. How lucky we were that you came to us first otherwise we would have been searching for the golden wolf for Gaia knows how long," Kali ran her fingers down Clarke's spine, she wanted to sink her fangs into the old woman's throat until she stopped shaking, but her body was already responding to the tranquilizer,

"You are too dangerous to be around normal werewolves. I do not want to imagine the damage you can inflect from losing someone that keeps you sane," Kali kept petting her, hands moving gently yet her words dug at Clarke's heart. She growled out turning to snap her jaw around her wrist, but the alpha easily forced her muzzle shut. The old wolf's touch felt like sandpaper across an open wound, Kali spoke of Clarke like she was wild and untamed, a pet that needed to be controlled. Clarke squeezed her eyes shut whimpering harder as flashes of her past sprung forward and humiliated further because not even her own kind wanted her. Her breath hitched instantly terrified as she caught the scent of grease and cigarettes with the undertone of bitter perfume and old mint leaves, that scent alone was able to make Clarke revert to her old ways,

"This has to be a dream or a nightmare," Clarke eyes were so blurred from tears she couldn't see the group of hunters that were being led by Yanric, she did not see how the old male was conflicted by his actions nor the way he hesitated with each step. She could hear him saying something to the hunters and the group busted into laughter stating that this would be the easiest job they had ever done for the Queen. She didn't care about what they said, her attention was on the fact that the horrid scent grew stronger, and Clarke lost control of her breathing, far too afraid to be able to feel Lexa was reaching out to her,

"One day you will understand sweet pup, or maybe not, for your own sake it be best to stop fighting and give up. I promise your mate will not morn your death, my most faithful wolves are already on their way to free her from suffering," Kali whispered to Clarke laying a kiss on her forehead, but she barely processed those words as the man who began her horror story stepped out of the darkness and crouched down to her level. Her first owner has grown quite a bit since the last time, his hair was longer yet filled with tangles, skin damaged from too much sun, though for the most part not much about him has changed but he had bags under his eyes like he hadn't slept in ages.

"Hello, my princess, you've been a very bad girl, it's ok though the Queen going to set you straight," Finn reached out patting her head bits of ashe fell on her snout from his cigarette and Clarke shut down. She retreated to bottling up her emotions as she taught herself to do, to be numb is worth more than to feel, she ignored everything and everyone as they discussed how to get her into their truck. The traitors' alphas offered to help move Clarke, dismissing her as an object to throw away and her tears would not stop. Clarke wondered what had she done wrong to deserve all this mess, why did Gaia want her to be in so much pain? What is she too learn? Why does the Goddess keep giving her bits of joy only to snatch it away just as Clarke began to become hap-

"I…get… help, don't…up" Clarke snapped her eyes open as she was lifted, she hardly paid attention to being touched by these filthy humans, not even caring when Finn clipped on a metal muzzle. Clarke still had enough strength to look around and then she saw her, Neva, Lexa's mother, she cried out feeling that never dying hope bloom once again. "Be…back, my puppies…save you,"

"I'm not alone this time," Clarke whimpered just as the drug took her out, she couldn't be bothered by what Neva said or how she managed to make a connection, the only thing that mattered was that her pack would save her, Lexa, Anya, hell even Lincoln. Clarke's most treasured family are never going to let her suffer the same fate thrice, she just needs to hold on, she will continue to silence her wolf that may always taunt her for not being good enough, because Clarke has found her soulmate again after what feels like a hundred years.

Xxx

Short Raven's pov

"Your pregnancy is coming along nicely little omega," the healer pressed lightly at Raven's belly, his hands shifting around making sure all the unborn pups were fine, due to her stress levels rising, Octavia had pushed that she be seen. Raven didn't want to, instead she wanted to find Clarke to apologize for everything. At first, she hadn't understood why her sister cared for that half breed so much that she'd risk her own life, but then Raven finally got it when the half breed's parents had embraced Clarke.

Her sister held those humans like they were wolves, like they were her parents and she loved them. Raven saw how Clarke marked the couple with her scent a sign to warn off other wolves from harming them, she even wept with those humans, and they were just the parents to the half breed. So of course, this small display of care couldn't compare to how Clarke spoke and defended Lexa. When Clarke had looked over at her and her pack, she saw how torn up she'd been, and Raven wanted to hurl herself off a cliff to have caused that pain. She was in the wrong and realized it too late, Raven had tried to get Clarke's attention before she left but she was too quick, and Raven wasn't fast enough.

"Your due date is close, and you will need to stick to one form for the duration of the pregnancy and after, I heavily advise you to take it easy," The healer squeezed at Raven's hand trying to bring her back to focus, she sighed nodding, mind still thinking of how she may begin to make it up to Clarke. What did she like now? Clarke has changed so much; Raven was stuck on the idea that her little sister was still the same pup that needed to be helped and protected because everyone just loved to mess with the runt. Clarke was always getting picked on for being the smallest out of everyone, so she was often challenged for her worth and considered a threat because of her weird fur. Yet the alpha she met carried herself in a way that she had never seen in any wolf, she was both broken and resilient,

"I'll make sure she gets her rest," Octavia spoke up when Raven hadn't, her mate ran her fingers through her hair, the healer nodded not looking entirely convinced, that really wasn't a surprise. Every wolf in this stupid place knew the drama of how her pack was saved by Clarke and in their words to have their lives be wasted with a traitor. These wolves have always hated their mom, up until recently she and her pack just thought it was because of her corruption, yet they had learned so much more from the Wise Wolves. Raven never would have guessed that Neva was the half breed's mother, but it finally made sense why the senior alphas banished her pack from being involved in council matters. Their mama caused them hell all those years ago by taking a human for a mate and the dusty dinosaurs didn't respect mama Neva in the slightest.

"We need to go find Clarke, she needs us, and we have to admit we were wrong," Raven kept a tight hold of Octavia's hand as they headed out of the cave's nock, some wolves spared them a glance before moving out of the way to make room, the reason they didn't approach Raven was because her mate was with her. Normally these wolves were jerks that would walk right up to her and touch her belly without permission and ignore her whenever she growled at them.

Raven fucking hated the way they respected an alpha's boundaries more than an omega's, honestly even in her own pack some of the alphas tested her boundaries, but Clarke has been the only alpha that has remained respectful. Raven doesn't get how her sister isn't an asshole like the others, nothing against her adoptive mom but she wasn't a sweetheart in the slightest, so how is it that Clarke was so kind? (well, before Raven screwed that up) It was weird that Clarke wouldn't push Raven to let her do what she wanted; instead, the alpha respected her wants and did not correct her for acting out. And that thing she said about omegas needing to be worshiped made her feel so warm and loved, it's not like Octavia was mean to her but she didn't really show her sweet side often.

Sometimes Raven questions her relationship with the alpha, feeling like they were only together because it was required by wolf law, she loves Octavia of course, but Raven wasn't sure if she was in love with her. Since their childhood they had always been lumped together because everyone else in their pack found their partners, and she and Octavia were the last perfect "couple". Wolves don't mate outside their pack unless there are inadequate pairings, there are too many blood relations, or not appropriate ages. She can't ever admit it, but she has fantasized about having an open relationship not as though she will ever push for it. Raven gets the feeling that maybe Octavia feels the same way since she remembers a time when she felt her mate become very aroused when they ran into this large muscular man at this Italian restaurant. She has never felt Octavia respond so excited for a human and Raven is no better, she gets the same way for that half breed's guard,

"Yes, we do, but how do we even begin to apologize? We abandoned Clarke when she needed us most and we chose our wants and needs over hers. We basically put a gun to her head and told her she had to choose us," Octavia sighed face scrunched up not wanting to admit to the fault, yet Raven knows that her mate regrets what she's said to her best friend. They all have said some awful things and felt worse when Mia and Charlotte allowed Octavia to enter their minds and she was able to see their memory of Clarke breaking down; she cried for the longest time, as badly as when they found out Bellamy had become corrupted. Octavia used her skills as an alpha to project the scenario onto their pack's mind and they saw just how badly they've hurt their little sister. What a fucked-up way to part ways from the very wolf they owed their lives to.

"And we ignored her feelings and opinions even though Clarke tried to explain why the hal- I mean Lexa matters so much." Raven rubbed at her cheeks annoyed how easily she cries thanks to the hormones, Octavia grabbed a rag from her pocket handing it over so she could clean herself, "it's still kind of hard to understand why Clarke would choose Lexa over us, but with how she grew up…Lexa had been the only one to give her a second chance," she shakes her head sighing, up ahead at the borderline of the Wise Wolves territory she sees her pack is playing with their pups distracting the little ones from the wolves that bared their fangs and bad mouthed them. The wolves here can clearly smell Mama Neva's scent is all over the pups, their grandma was babysitting them until she suddenly took off,

"So, she has to be something special, I think we need to be the first ones to offer the olive branch specifically to the half b- I mean Lexa," Octavia laughs softly as she calls the pack's attention and the pups are the first to run over, "hard to do when you been drilled to believe that all half breeds are monsters, we've seen the video tape way too many times to count. Despite that, we should be taking what Clarke said to heart, this human version of Lexa hasn't acted out towards us, maybe this half breed isn't all bad," Octavia was ready for when Everlee threw herself at the alpha and quickly blocked Talia when she tried to do the same to Raven, the little omega snapped her fangs huffing but obeyed and stepped back. Talia is like her mama she loved cuddling up to Raven's pregnant belly, problem was she forgets to hold back her strength. Once the omega offered her throat Octavia tickled her neck making Talia giggle and gained permission to hug Raven's belly. Everlee playfully nipped Octavia's forearm then shot back before her mate could flick her nose, the feisty girl turned away and tackled her sister at random,

"I was right huh? There's three of them two girls one boy," Talia nuzzled into her belly, Raven could feel her pups reacting to the pup's voice making them move around and kick, her pups were going to know Talia's voice better than Octavia's. Raven shook her head messing with the girl's hair, Talia stuck out her tongue but allowed her to do it while she continued to hug Raven,

"We won't know tell they are born Talia, I've told you that so many times," Raven tickles under her arms to get the newly pounced omega to let go. Ali grabbed her sister before she could pounce again and distracted the girl by asking her to re-due her braids. Remy was eyeing Raven's belly wanting to do the same as Talia, but he was too shy to do so, instead he continued to bounce Ollie on his hip. Emori was trying to get her other two girls to behave, Everlee and Melany liked to play fight a lot and needed a rougher scolding than their dad could manage.

"Are we going to look for Clarke now?" Charlotte asks for the 10th time today; the teen has been demanding they go immediately since last night. Earlier in the morning Mai had already taken off to search for where Clarke may be living and they had a rough guess as to where to find her, but she and Octavia have been hesitant to invade their sister's lands. Raven thought it be smarter to wait around the Wise Wolves territory for when Clarke had to come in, but they may have gotten here too late. She could smell her sister had been here to see the Wise Wolves, but the scent was faded which meant she wasn't here for long, and she missed her because of the stupid checkup.

"Yeah, first we must bring gift for both the hal- Lexa and Clarke. Auntie Clarke isn't going to easily trust us again," Octavia sighs guiding the pack out of the area, she bared her fangs a few times at wolves that tried to snap their teeth. Raven drifted towards the back to ensure none of the wolves tried any dirty tricks, a few wolves have bitten Charlotte before since she defended herself from an alpha that wouldn't stop flirting and making advances. She notices Philip and Sienna drifted back from Harper, the pair arguing on who was going to say something.

"Out with it you two," Raven demanded, and they both exchanged a look and then Philip moved closer to her, he gripped her arm as he leaned up to whisper into her ear.

"Me, Jorden, and Sienna saw something funny earlier when we went to get a drink of water," Philip pulled away looking around nervously, "Kali and Yanric were sneaking into the back of the cave, and Kali had the faint smell of Auntie Clarke's blood," he whispered just for Raven to hear and her skin broke out in goosebumps, she quickly pulled the beta aside, away from everyone else and Sienna chased after,

"It wasn't a lot just really faint, but I could smell Auntie's blood for sure," Sienna always has had a sensitive nose, the little pup typically needed to wear a mask to help muffle scents, hell her nose was even more sensitive than her mom's.

"What emotions did you smell?" Raven questioned grabbing the pup's hands rushing them towards the front with her mate who noticed her quick mood changed.

"Yanric smelled like bitter thyme, that would be sadness and Kali smelled like old lemons that would be fear, right?" Sienna asks and Raven smiles feeling proud of Harper and Monty for being able to help their pup distinguish emotions. Emotions could be tricky to scent but it was possible, and a pup needed to be trained incredibly young to be able to figure them out. Octavia met up with her halfway and Sienna repeated what she scented,

"What the hell is going on!?" Octavia snarled aiming her frustration at the cave where the Wise Wolves typically stayed inside, she made a move towards it but suddenly Raven felt the sharp sting of Mama Neva's connection. Her hand flew up pressing the center of her forehead to ease the tension, Raven has to withstand the discomfort since only the connector is able to relieve the pain and Mama Neva's abilities were typically kind of funky,

"Trouble…gold…my pup…danger!" mama Neva's broken English came through and Raven's pack tensed as she had, she quickly motions they needed to leave as mama spoke up again, "hunters... Kali…help!" Mama Neva whimpered her high-strung emotions made it harder to understand,

"Mama its ok, breathe, we will be right there," Raven reassured, though mama Neva isn't in the right mind set to understand and she feels her growing anxiety. Raven takes a deep breath trying to keep herself calm since her pack and her unborn pups fed off her emotions, she couldn't afford to let her feelings run wild. "Mama Neva is worried, she is saying something about trouble, Kali, my pup, hunters, and gold," Raven repeats aloud and immediately her pack disrobed handing off their clothes to Charlotte and she tosses them in her pack.

"Gold has to be Clarke and Sienna just scented some of her blood," Emori points out, every wolf changes back to their true selves and Raven is stuck with needing to ride Octavia, her mate is already laying down and motions for her to get on. Raven sighs helping Charlotte with the backpack after she has shifted, while she is busy finding the straps to clip together, she misses when Ollie jumps on his dad's shoulder, as soon as she finishes the beta takes off followed by Jasper, Monty, and Emori.

"But what do hunters have to do with any of this?" Ali questions nosing at her sister's nape trying to help Talia switch forms, the omega struggled going into her wolf form,

"I'm not sure but I need you and Jorden to get the rest of the pups back to the den, no arguing," Octavia shows her fangs when Jorden opened his mouth, the little ones are all too eager to prove their worth in the pack looking for any chances. Raven grips her mate's fur tightly as she swings her leg over to straddle her back and her mate shoots forward and she feels as Octavia reaches out tying everyone into one mind link, not including mama Neva just yet. She glances back making sure Jorden and Ali were leading the other pups back to their den that was in the opposite direction. She sighs feeling reassured that the two older pups were listening, Raven faces forwards remaindering herself to be patient with her mate. Octavia isn't fast, but Charlotte has beat the rest of them and the beta uses her pheromones to calm their mother.

"She keeps pushing at me to follow her, can I go ahead?"

"Not yet, I'm right here," Octavia and Raven can see them up ahead, Mama Neva is pacing back and forth pointing with her muzzle to follow her, she is even panting which means she is very stressed. Mama spots them and she quickly runs over to meet them halfway, she barely keeps from colliding into them as she pushes at Octavia's forehead. Their mama Neva needed a strong alpha to communicate easier with others, but Octavia can only reach inside their mama's mind to project memories, she doesn't have the strength of a Wise Wolf's mental abilities to do more.

Everyone stays on their paws ready to move out as Octavia takes more time to concentrate on projecting whatever is circling Neva's mind. Mama's frantic emotions made the memories scramble and it's difficult to know what has happened. Raven sees through their mom's eyes as she is chasing after some chipmunks; then it switches to a different memory where she is watching a group of humans with guns; then switches to her running randomly warning off other animals of the hunters; and then changes back to chasing after the chipmunks (fucking mama Neva and her obsession with those rodents!) and then finally they see what has caused their mama to worry.

"We need to get to Clarke's den now! If Lexa is hurt in any way, there is no way she'll ever forgive us. Emori, John, Jasper, Charlotte, you are all coming with us to defend Lexa and whoever else is in that house. Monty and Harper go warn Lexa's family. Mai contact Zale and Dara and tell them what's happened, no back talk, move out!" Raven gave the orders, and all the wolves took off taking their assigned paths. She knew Octavia wanted to argue about her going but time wasn't on their side, as painful as it may be to not go to Clarke's aid first it was Lexa who was in the most danger. Clarke is strong, stronger than anyone Raven has ever met, and they at least know who had her this time and they will fucking save her.

Xxxxxx

Lexa's POV

Lexa couldn't sit still, something felt off, something was wrong, Anya told her that it may just be her inner wolf and human trying to adjust to each other but that wasn't it. She was starting to panic and decided to distract herself by working on her notes for the wolves at the sanctuary, she had gone to work for the first time in a while, honestly Lexa was surprised to still have a job. She re-read her notes with Toby, a wolfdog recently brought in who was jumpy and aggressive with most people and really didn't like men. Normally the young hyriid was joyful with Lexa but today Toby hadn't wanted to work with her at all, no number of treats or baby talk got him out of his fake igloo, though he wasn't the only wolf that acted weird. All the rescue cases behaved like Jam and Jelly had when Clarke first came to them, like they knew something was off about her. While she was trying to motivate some of the wolves to work with her, she did feel uneasy, but Lexa figured it was due to her worrying about Clarke, she's not so sure now.

Besides trying to adjust to her own emotions she had to get used to Clarke's bite, this soulmate binding is so amazing yet odd, she could feel Clarke's emotions like they were her own it was like having her right next to her. Whatever was stressing Clarke earlier calmed down, but Lexa didn't like the fact that it was so sudden, it felt like she was having one of her episodes and then it stopped out of nowhere. Lexa sighed putting down her notebook looking up thinking some mindless junk on the tv should help, Lincoln was watching a documentary about wolves. She muffled a laugh by biting her lip, the poor man has been trying to understand Clarke's behaviors more and with all the latest changes occurring he didn't want to be left behind. Lexa doesn't have the heart to tell him that Clarke's breed only shares a few traits with the mindless wolves, if he really wanted to understand Clarke, he would need to watch documentaries on wolves and tigers, she feels like Clarke's breed is a crossbreed of the two species.

Her forehead tickled slightly but then quickly stopped, she could have brushed off the feeling and chucked it up as mistake but those emotions from earlier were really screwing with her. So, she got off the couch upsetting Jelly who had been curled up on her lap and she headed to the back door snagging a coat on her way out since the snow was really coming down. Lexa pushed the back door open nearly tripping over Anya who was sitting in front of the door, Lexa would have said something, but she was on the phone, and it sounded like she was talking with her dad.

Lexa sighed patting Anya on the head before making her way out the back gate, her best friend's eyes were glossy from trying not to cry, she was going through her own pain for being banished. She wanted to help Anya feel better, but her best friend said it could wait since what Lexa was going through was more important, Lexa didn't agree but there was no way to convince her old friend. Just as she stepped out of the gates, she felt the hairs rising on the back of her neck, somethin-no not something her…wolf, was warning her to go back. Lexa hesitated, she could listen to the wolf, but the little tickle came back then vanished, she looked back towards the far end of the fence where she'd put her old wooden defense poles from her training days and went over grabbing one just as a precaution.

"Lexa? Everything ok?" Anya paused her conversation, she looked back at her nodding waving her off, Lexa didn't need to be bringing her into this when it wasn't necessary. Clarke was likely testing the limits of her connections; she had said she wanted to see how far out the she-wolf needed to be before she could link with her. Lexa could hear Anya's dad still talking on the phone and she quickly brought the phone back to her ear though she was aiming to wrap up the call. She decided to go ahead going more towards the woods twirling her pole, Lexa squinted her eyes trying to see past the snow fall, but it was difficult to see anything at all, she got that same feeling to turn back just as she felt that feather tickle of a link but this time it held,

"Lexa woods, under the Wise Wolves request we have come to set you free," Lexa froze up, this wasn't Clarke, who was this? Before she could open her mouth, a reddish wolf sprang forward running straight at her. Lexa grounded her feet into the dirt she brought the pole up in time to smack the wolf under his jaw causing him to yelp then snap back,

"What is the meaning of this! You should already know that me and Clarke have made a decision!" Lexa brought the cane down slapping the fresh snow and stabbed into the wet dirt creating foot holders to prevent any slipping. She checked her surroundings trying to gage how many wolves were here and going off the sounds of their snarls she believes there is roughly four, a wolf came up from her right and she quickly strikes their carpus the wolf slams against the ground and slipped across the dirt.

"Did you really think you could ever be one of us mutt?!" The fallen wolf sprang back to his paws holding up his bruised leg to his chest and ran back to the others, Lexa backed away wanting to get a tree behind her for a better defense. She felt her skin heating up as adrenaline increased, heart pounding at the rate of a hummingbirds, and despite the bitter cold sweat gathered at her forehead trickling down her face, what the fuck was going on?! Where was Clarke? Is she ok? Is she in trouble?! Lexa reached one of the trees, Anya must have heard all the commotion by now, she just needs to stay calm and keep the wolves distracted, her best friend will know what to do,

"You are nothing but a mistake, that nightblood has disgraced all that we stand for," Lexa doesn't know how many wolves have made links with her but the amount of them was hurting her head; she winced jumping to the side when another wolf shot forward snapping their teeth close to her ankle. She slammed the pole down in time to snap their muzzle shut on their own tongue and a trail of blood formed in the snow. Something jolted inside of her at Clarke's bite mark and then traveled to her fingertips then flared up to her head, Lexa could hear a buzzing sound that sounded like her name, but she couldn't give it any attention as she had to block a different wolf from trying to take her arm.

Lexa's temples were imitating a woodpecker hunting for pray, she was losing focus, eyesight becoming worse from the sudden brutal pain and the blizzard practically made it impossible for her to see. A force collided at her side knocking her to the ground and she tried to push up but what weighed her down had her pinned, the wolf kept its massive paw on her back. Lexa reached to clinch at her head anything to make the pain lessen, this felt worse than her normal panic attacks, this felt like fear and hatred, and she couldn't tell if they were her emotions or Clarke's. Abruptly Lexa's back stung like knives the sensation dragged down her skin, she screamed and swung back knocking off the offending predator and she heard the animal let out its own wail.

Lexa pushed off the ground shaking as she blinked rapidly gaining some focus and she saw a brownish wolf holding its paw to its face where gashes ran off its muzzle the skin split so open, she could see their fangs. She reached up rubbing at her eyes to clear them and felt something wet and warm on her fingers, Lexa looked at her hands seeing those claws again, dripping in red. Lexa gasped it took her moment to realize that she was the one to have disfigured the wolf and it stared back at her, eyes wide horrified. The wolf backed away quickly never taking their gaze away from her, looking at Lexa like she was the monster,

"Lexa! You are ok! Your reactions are normal!" Anya's voice yelled before she could freak out and she searched for her best friend, finding her pinned beneath the wolf that first attacked. Lexa looked around quickly for the wooden pole finding it snapped in half further away, "your wolf Lexa! You must stay calm it's going to be ok," Anya's voice muffled as the reddish wolf stepped on her head and Lexa shot forward to help but then two more wolves came up snapping their fangs onto her wrists holding her back. She screeched as their teeth dug past her muscles into the bone and then the wolves yanked down bringing Lexa to her knees. She hyperventilated, Lexa couldn't think of anything but fear that this was it for her, wasn't it? Her death was going to kill Clarke as well, Lexa shut her eyes as the tears overflowed,

"You can burn in hell! You two faced bastards!" Lexa looked up in time to see a light gray wolf that she knew, Octavia, the wolf slammed into the reddish one that held Anya down. The wolf flew back crashing into a fallen tree and a branch pierced through his back leg, the wolf howled in agony and tore himself free of the branch which was a huge mistake as he bled out. Anya barely got up in time to avoid being showered by his blood and the reddish wolf turned around snarling at Raven,

"Omega! You are out of li-"

"Shove it up your ass you old crow! You're not doing shit to our new sister," Raven snarled at the male as two more wolves Lexa hasn't seen before attacked the wolves holding her down. She was about to fall forward until a spotted white wolf caught her, the wolf was on the smaller side but still managed to get her to lay across their spine.

"You're safe now, it's going to be ok," the voice was from a girl or rather a young woman, Lexa tried to sit up but fell back down as the spotted wolf trotted out of the fighting range from the others. She could hear as the wolves fought and Lexa couldn't tell who was winning, she was only able to make out blurring movements and the crimson staining the snow, "I'll keep you safe, promise, I'm Charlotte," the girl laid down leaning Lexa against a tree and she looked for Anya who was already rushing over,

"Do you know why they attacked me?" Lexa questions trying not to flinch as Charlotte leans down licking at Lexa's wrist, the sharp sting lessened, but these wounds were far too deep to be healed the wolf way. Lexa is going to need stitches, when Clarke finds out she is going to shred these wolves apart. Charlotte whined realizing the same thing then moved towards her back to lick the new wounds gently. Anya kneeled beside her and immediately ripped off pieces of her shirt to wrap them firmly around Lexa's wrists,

"Two of the Wise Wolves have made some sort of deal with a group of hunters and Clarke was taken back to the Queen, that's all I know so far," Charlotte explained hastily as she suddenly jumped to the left slamming into one of the enemy wolves. The young one managed to send the older woman flying back knocking into a black pelted wolf with an unusual brown spot on his shoulder. The black one turns around quickly snapping its jaws into the older woman's throat and wrestled her to the ground. Lexa narrows her eyes confused thinking she made out movement from the spot on the black one's shoulders. Her eyes widened as the brown spot moved again then Lexa realized it was a pup, the little one was clinging on and then it lifted its head spotting her, the pup lifted a paw and waved,

"Is that pup supposed to be there?" Lexa waved back baffled and wondering what parent would bring their kid to a battle. Charlotte stopped licking her back then leaned over to stare at her seeming to be just as lost then checked for herself and gasped,

"John! Ollie is on your back!" Charlotte jumped forward yet stopped instantly and backed up hovering by Lexa, the young wolf looked torn between keeping her safe and wanting to get the pup. John's ears lifted high, and he stood back up releasing the older wolf giving her the chance to get away. John looked back at the pup and the little one smiled sheepishly,

"John Murphy are you fucking kidding me?!" The brown wolf next to him snapped her fangs into his hind leg and John yelped dodging when she tried to bite him again,

"I didn't know he was there! He is so damn light,"

"He always does this shit! You know that! You're always supposed to check your back! What if he got hurt?!"

"Not my fucking fault! Who the hell needs to check their back constantly?!"

"You do! Ollie only does this shit to you!" The brown wolf snarled then one of the opponent wolves came over trying to take advantaged of the distraction but the she-wolf snagged the wolf by their throat, and she shook her head viciously tossing the wolf around like they were a rag doll. The enemy wolf's eyes were wide as saucers likely regretting getting involved and questioning its own intelligence level. John lowered his head and visibly gulped then trotted quickly over to Lexa and leaned down giving Charlotte the chance to grab the pup by his nape,

"Watch this little fucker for me and Ollie we are going to have a talk about this, you hear me?" John snarled at Ollie as Charlotte dropped the pup in Lexa's lap, the little pup's ear laid back but nodded, "check your back, my mother fucking ass," John grumbled while he turned back around helping the brownish wolf or getting her to let the poor old wolf go. When she saw him approaching, she let the opponent go and gave them a kick on the rear as she then began snapping her teeth and growling at John. Lexa could only stare in bewilderment, the couple, she assumed, continued to argue, and fight the enemies as if this was an every day occurance. She looked down at the pup and Ollie was already staring up at her his tail thumping against her thigh nervously,

"I really wish I could say this was the first time, but really Ollie does this a lot. I'll at least give his parents credit to remember to keep fighting," Raven showed up next to her out of nowhere causing her to flinch and suddenly the pup became more friendly and burrowed himself past the coat and under Lexa's shirt, she squealed as his cold nose and pads touched her skin. Raven sighed then used the tree for support as she leaned against it watching as her pack drove the other wolves away,

"So, this is normal?" Lexa asks she looked around for Anya since she had taken off after securing Lexa's bandages and she spots her talking with Octavia and that tan wolf, Lexa's mother. Neva whines softly, she clearly wants to come over but Octavia for some reason blocks her and shakes her head. The wolf shows her teeth but drops herself onto the ground choosing to paw at the snow.

"Weird choice of word, but for my pack, I'd say yeah this is normal and now you get to be part of it, welcome to the pack," Raven laughs, Lexa looks up at her utterly confused to this sudden mood change when days ago this wolf wanted to wrench her head off. Lexa brought her knees up shifting Ollie who easily adjusted to moving with her and the pup wiggled up until his nose poked out the front of her shirt. Lexa watched his nose twitch as he sniffed at Clarke's bite mark and then shimmied back down.

"Why the change of heart?" Lexa questions drawing some comfort from the pup despite his little back being wet he's under belly was nice and warm, she could feel his warmth against her legs. She briefly wonders why they don't go inside the house instead of sitting out here in a snowstorm. Lexa isn't cold at least but it's weird that they were talking outside in this freezing weather, she glances at Anya who is currently trying to keep warm.

Lexa couldn't stop herself from being tense unsure of what to do, Raven sure was being a lot nicer compared to last time. She looks at the she-wolf closely and her eyes widen noticing her bulged belly and the hints of stretch marks peaking out from beneath her shirt, well that could explain some of her behaviors still didn't excuse all of them. Clarke's sister not only violated her right to choose but her autonomy as well, Clarke may not have seen that as being so bad, but it was incredibly wrong on several levels. No matter what species or gender absolutely no one is allowed to lay their hands on another person without their consent unless the person's life is at risk.

"Cause of this," Raven pointed to her bandage, Lexa reached up feeling the heat as the skin tried to heal, she may need to change the dressing. But those feelings of anger haven't gone away, this may be Clarke's emotions but still hard to tell when Lexa was equally pissed off. "Your soul binding with Clarke makes you family, well that and also we had the chance to realize we were wrong," Raven wouldn't meet her eyes and Lexa sat back staring at the woman, she knew everything that happened between the sisters. So why wasn't she apologizing? Or did she think Clarke hadn't said anything? The way she shifted and avoided looking at Lexa it was obvious that she made her uncomfortable, that triggered her. Raven's action brought up memories of other people not wanting to be around her, always using her culture as an excuse to alienate her. So now an entire different species wants to fucking isolate her too?

"You really hurt her, she can't handle herself like a normal wolf, she's sensitive and needs a lot of care. Clarke wants to be part of the wolf world again and she trusted her own sister to help," Lexa put a little too much venom into the words causing the wolf to flinch. Raven reached up wiping her face as the tears fell and Lexa's chest clinched, it was odd, she could feel Raven's guilt. Weird considering Lexa didn't like her, maybe it was due to her pregnancy? Lexa felt a warm tongue lap under her chin glancing down she saw Ollie had shifted back up to clean off her face.

"She's not going to forgive any of you guys easily. Clarke really doesn't like it when people don't talk with her, it makes her feel stupid, like someone is thinking she's not smart enough to understand, so why bother?" Lexa spoke before she could think, not fazed as the other wolves and Anya came over to them. A part of her was telling her to shut the hell up that it was incredibly stupid to make one of their leaders cry yet she pushed past that little voice of reason and spoke her mind, something she rarely did, "Clarke's world is very small, sometimes it is like she is a stunted six year old that is so desperate to learn everything because she had nothing. People took her away from her home, destroyed her innocents, fucking took away her name, screwed with her memories, and she was alone for years. When she finally got away from it all and found you guys again, she was terrified that it was all fake and the moment I helped her see it was real, she opened her heart and you quickly tore her to shredds," Lexa spat out with far more anger than she meant, but it really enraged her that Clarke's former pack would hurt her and continue to do it. Clarke deserves better. No one said anything, even Anya stared at Lexa stunned to hear her speak her mind,

"We never meant to hurt her, we didn't mean to cause Clarke pain, and we plan to make it up to her starting with you," Octavia stepped closer as Raven was trying to stop crying, the gray wolf nuzzled into Raven's side before she turned to Lexa. She tried not to flinch as the wolf leaned down then slowly pressed her nose to Lexa's, "we shouldn't have reacted the way we did, should have given you a chance to prove that you aren't what the Wise Wolves described. I am sorry for what I have done, if you can give us a chance, I promise we will show you what a real wolf pack should be like," Octavia bumped her cold nose to Lexa's again and was startled when Raven suddenly threw her arms around her shoulders and hugged her tightly. Lexa could feel the bundle in her belly as it pressed into her side, even felt a few kicks,

"We are all sorry, Lexa, we really want the chance to get to know you properly and you can get to know all of us. I regret what I did to my sister, I won't be able to forgive myself for a very long time. Clarke still sees us as the pups she knew you know, like no time has passed at all. But she's not the same Clarke we grew up with," Raven sobbed out, Lexa brought a hand up patting at the woman's arm because she didn't know what else to do. She appreciates their efforts, but she never liked being touched by anyone she wasn't close to. Lexa looks to Anya for help her best friend chuckles nodding as she moves closer,

"No, she's not and if you guys want to get to know this new version of her then we need to act now and we can't go in guns blazing," Anya spoke up, she held her hand out to Raven, who looked at it for a moment a curious blush painted across the bridge of her nose before she reached out and grasped the offer. Lexa saw how Octavia shifted closer lips rising, clearly she didn't like her mate being touched by another, but she snorted and stepped back plopping down on her rear when Raven shook her head,

"We have to go back to face the Wise Wolves and demand answers, something is seriously wrong, and it needs to be stopped," Charlotte paced back and forth then leaned against Anya's side, the young wolf nipped at her best friend's fingers when she stroked at her head the wolf may not be used to being touched by humans. John nudges the young wolf away and takes Charlotte's place letting Anya scratch at the base of his ear, the black wolf leaned into the touch letting out unbelievably soft murmurs,

Anya tends to pet Clarke whenever she is stressing out and she will let her, Lexa has even caught her girlfriend laying her head on Anya's lap and her best friend would merely play with her fur as Anya was lost in her thoughts. Lexa found it sweet since Clarke was doing what she could to help, she enjoyed watching the pair become closer, Clarke had really warmed up to the older woman. Anya blushed realizing what she was doing and wrapped her arms around herself to keep from doing it again, John didn't seem to mind though, he even pouted. Her best friend is likely thinking about how she isn't allowed to go back to the Lunar tribe to be able to help, she no longer has the rights to get involved and Lexa wasn't welcomed either. Meaning they would need to rely on Raven's pack to do everything, which wouldn't be fair.

"Yes, but in reality, even though what Kali and Yanric did was horrible, the other two Wise Wolves will not risk putting all werewolves in danger by interfering with hunters and a person that is publicly well known," John spoke up he walked closer to Lexa then poked at the pup still buried inside her shirt. The wolf was trying to coax him out, but Ollie only poked his nose out then shook his head before diving back in curling into Lexa's belly, "spoiled brat," the wolf sighed sitting back he offered an apologetic smile to excuse the pup's behavior, she smiled and shook her head not minding the pup, plus he was keeping her warm,

"Exactly, we need to have something worth risking such exposure and the Wise Wolves will need time before they can take legal action without looking suspicious," Octavia added, she nudged at her mate trying to get the woman to get on her back and Raven sighed before listening. Lexa looked around just noticing that Neva wasn't here with them, where had she gone?

"We don't have anything worth that much, in their eyes one wolf who isn't completely stable isn't worth the time and effort it will take to arrest everyone and punish anyone involved," Raven sat on Octavia's back holding onto the gray one's coat as she got back to her paws causing the other wolves to get up as well. The brownish wolf walked up to Lexa then suddenly grabbed her shirt and lifted it causing Ollie to plop out and the wolf snatched him up by the nape before he could crawl back to Lexa. She yanked her shirt down cheeks coloring, these wolves have no boundaries. Something clicked in Lexa's head that could be worth a trade for saving Clarke from Nia, but she knew that her mate would be so angry for going through with it without her,

"Trade me to the Wise Wolves," Lexa got the wolves' attention just as they began to argue that offering to make more pups would be of interest to the Wise Wolves, Anya narrowed her eyes at her immediately knowing what she was going to say.

"Don't, without Clarke being physically besides you as your supporter, the chances of you making it is slim to none," Anya hissed out as Lexa got to her feet rubbing at her legs to get the blood circulating again, her whole back side was damp and now without the pup's warmth she was starting to feel the chill,

"Clarke needs us, if she stays in that place for any longer there's no way she's going to survive again," Lexa bit back and Anya glared at her as she turned to Octavia and Raven, "if I go with you, I'll tell the Wise Wolves I'll take the nightblood with or without the full moon but only if they get Clarke out as fast as possible. They can't turn that down," Lexa held her head high keeping up a brave face despite how terrified she was feeling on the inside, she needed to do this for Clarke, she had to. The wolves exchange looks unsure but neither they nor Anya could argue that this is an offer the Wise Wolves couldn't pass up. A chance to correct what those senior wolves view as a mistake, an opportunity to erase a creature that shouldn't have been allowed to live, the dangerous half breed can finally be put to rest.

Lexa bit at her lips to keep herself from crying, she wasn't sure what to expect, unsure if she had the strength to face a challenge that may very well break her. Lexa is going to replace who she is now with someone new and doing so without Clarke. She can't admit aloud, but she is afraid how some of Clarke's mindless traits may make this process more difficult or maybe it could help in some twisted way? She glanced up at the moon that has already overtaken the skies and she kneels placing a hand to her heart and a palm to the ground, "Goddess I ask for your forgiveness for these selfish prayers, please continue to give my mate hope so that we may save her and I ask for your guiding hand as I take on the most challenging aspect of my life. I will partake the liquid of life from the wolves whom you blessed, and I wish to survive,"

Lexa leaned down kissing the back of her hand that lay on Mother Gaia's body and repeated the prayers in her head, she felt several paws beside her hand and the wolves offered their howls as tribute to make the requests stronger. From here on Lexa can only hope with all her heart and soul that the Goddess will look past her unfaithfulness since she hasn't prayed nor offered gifts to Mother Nature in an awfully long time. Lexa feels it may be possible as a sudden gust of wind bellowed through her hair, that was a sign that the Goddess has heard her. "I am going to save you my hodnes and I will do everything in my power that you may never suffer anew,"

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What did we think everyone? Good, yes? I always love to hear what parts you guys enjoyed most!

Anyways, better to subscribe for the last two chapters as I have no steady time frame XO (maybe? there's one chapter I have that may need to be split)

Love ya lots and pretty please won't you be sweet enough to leave me a treat?

-YuriWolf