Sophia stared out into the crowd, eyes wide and mouth open, utterly shocked with the sight before them. She stood her ground, wondering when her guard was going to diminish and everyone would see her fear and attack. Her eyes scanned the crowd, noticing that some faces were holding smiles rather than shock. Sarah was one of them. Standing not far away from Sean, leaning up against a tree, arms crossed over her chest, she silently laughed at the spectacle and smiled comfortingly to her friend. Nodding to recognize her acceptance, Sophia mentally reminded herself to thank Sarah later on. Sean had seen what Sarah was doing and his eyes left her to look over at Luke, noticing that he was holding hands with Sophia. He had wondered why he hadn't showed up at the party the other night. Now he knew why. Something had definitely happened between him and Sophia. He would get the details later, but for now his eyes and attention went to the girl leaning against the tree less than ten feet away from him.

Luke saw Sean's approval and his attempts at hiding his infatuation with Sarah. It was evident that he was into her. Now if Sarah could only stop hiding her emotions behind a wall like Sophia had done, and they would be okay. Turning his attention towards Sophia, he noticed that her head begin to shift towards the ground. Squeezing her hand, she immediately looked up at him, knowing that he had caught her. Planting a fake smile on her face, Luke restrained himself from lashing out. He was calm, but inside he was tearing apart knowing what was going through every Skinwalker's mind.

"It'll be okay. I promise." Luke whispered in her ear causing chills to run all over her body as she shivered. Noticing her body tense up when he got closer Luke couldn't help but smile. Planting a kiss on her temple, he mentally backed up what he had just told her, sealing the deal with a promising kiss on the lips. The Pack's shock continued to grow after seeing the new found attraction between Luke and Sophia. Hearing their thoughts, Sophia turned away from Luke as the gossip starting growing about the two of them. One voice rang out more vibrant than the others. A voice which caused her heart to cease beating for a few seconds, a voice she hadn't missed while she was away. A voice she would have to recognize more often now that she was with Luke.

"A half breed can't be an Alpha." the voice said and even though she was the only one saying it, Sophia knew others were thinking it as well.

"And why not Presley?" Luke asked calling out to her shadow within the crowd, knowing it was her. "If you feel so strongly about this, why are you hiding behind the Pack. Coward, show yourself." Luke said, the last sentence a command as it reached his throat turning into a growl.

From the center of the crowd, a sea of bodies began to part for her. Out in the opening, Presley appeared as dominant and superior as ever. Her stance made Sophia stand straighter, openly defying her. Eyes glowing brightly, she continued her stride towards Sophia trying to impress Luke, but Luke had seen how bright Sophia's eyes had glowed amber, and Presley's could never compare. They held too much attitude and danger, while Sophia's held strength, pride, and hope; something that would take Presley years to find on her own.

"The only coward here is the so called "white wolf" standing behind you being protected by all of you because of her father. Hate to be the rain on your parade, but this is the same man who left his Pack for a human, may I remind you." Presley said loving to be the bringer of bad news. Sophia knew they weren't just going to attack her, but yet everyone inportant in her life. "Then there's Ruby who left her Pack knowing full well how important she is to the Pack to fall in love with a human as well."

"Do I look human to you?" John asked letting his eyes flash a deathly gold in anger and protection for Ruby's name and honor.

"Looks to me like we have the freak show of Wolf Lake here." Presley said turning around to face the crowd, knowing she wasn't alone with her opinions. The only exception between her and most of the Pack was that she had the audacity to disrespect powerful Pack leaders, no matter how much pure blood they had in their veins.

Hoping to find nodding heads along with the crowd she found a still and almost deafening silence among their faces. Seeing their eyes looking at something behind her, Presley turned to face her destiny head on. However she was blinded by the illuminating and almost florescent glow of what seemed like headlights. Taking literally off her feet, it took her a moment to register what was happening to her. Sophia had clasped her neck with one hand, effortlessly raising Presley off the ground, her feet dangling in the air. Choking from gravity cutting off circulation, Presley's hands instinctively went to Sophia's arm in efforts of releasing herself from Sophia's rock solid stance. Seeing, for the first time in her life, the fear and worry present in Presley's eyes, Sophia saw that her message was heard, and Presley now knew just who was stronger.

"You can hate me all you want and threaten me in any way, but don't not threaten my family." Sophia raged out letting her eyes recede back to normal before glowing again sealing the deal.

Knowing that Presley had received the message fully, Sophia slowly let the girl back down to the ground watching the horrified and shock expression creeping across Presley's face knowing that Sophia had let her off too easy. It only took a second before Sophia saw the back of Presley's head retreating back into the crowd.

"So what kind of concoctions are you making up these days Blackstone? C'mon, a half-breed can't be a white wolf and there's no way a human can just become a Skinwalker." Tyler said, the next one to speak his mind, something everyone knew was coming.

"I had no take in any of these situations. Ever heard of flukes Tyler?" Sherman replied trying not to let his emotions get the best of him especially when he knew that Tyler had killed Alice, and the fact Sherman couldn't do anything to stop a powerful wolf like Tyler.

"Yeah that and exterrestrial life?" Tyler said trying to keep a straight face, but that terrible, haunting smile came creeping across his face.

"You would know." a voice said stopping that smile from spreading any further. Turning to see who it came from he looked over at the line of dominant wolves, knowing that each of them had agreed with the remark, just who was the first to say it outloud. "Wouldn't you Tyler?" the voice said again and this time Tyler picked up on exactly who said it.

Making the few quick strides to meet his attacker, he stopped only inches from Matt's face, openly daring the man that stood before him to turn his threats into actions for once in his life.

"Finally saying something for the Pack, Matt? Why now after all these years? Hmm?" Tyler asked getting closer to Matt's face as his eyes glowed brightly.

"You know why? I have to keep fouls like you from getting out of line in a time of change like this." Matt said not backing down and not letting Tyler get to him, knowing he wasn't worth it.

"Fouls? Who was the foul who married a human?" Tyler asked with a smile knowing Matt's soft spot. A growl was heard nearby, but Tyler and Matt kept their eyes locked on each other's.

"Soph-, calm down." Luke demanded holding her around the waist, keeping her out of the fight, knowing no matter how strong she was, she wouldn't win up against two Alpha males. "It's not your fight." Luke growled lowly enough for Sophia to hear as she backed off slowly seeing Luke's point.

"Who was the foul who thought he could control a dominant white wolf?" Matt asked knowing he hit Tyler's soft spot of not being able to control a powerful female who was weaker than he was.

"By white wolf, you mean your daughter?" Tyler asked as a sick smile appeared on his face.

This time Luke was the one trying to barge in the fight, as he took a step closer towards Tyler only to be stopped by Sophia from in front of him and his mother from behind. Their hold on him created a long enough distraction for Matt to grab Tyler around the neck and throw him back about thirty feet until his flying capabilities were stopped with the thud of his body hitting a tree. Matt took a few steps forward wanting to finish it, but he too was stopped by Vivian knowing that sometimes violence solved things, but other times they didn't. Everyone standing in that line, for some reason or another, wanted Tyler dead, but Matt knew it wasn't his place to kill Tyler. Others with more hatred for the man were higher up on the list than Matt. Sooner or later Tyler would get an awakening, they all knew that. They just hoped sooner rather than later.

Tyler stood, his healing powers working in overdrive as he turned towards the six people who stood up for the rest of the Pack when it came to Tyler. They were the only ones because together they were stronger than Tyler could ever be. Tyler's gaze fell upon Ruby's seeing that John now claimed her, and by the laws of the Pack he would have to fight John for Ruby.

"I'm now free from your hold on me Tyler. You have nothing on me for me to be with you now. I only did it to protect John, but now that I know he is even stronger than you, I have no worries." Ruby said in his mind and he smiled at her, letting her rise in her moment of victory. Yes she had won this battle, but who would win the war?

Tyler thought back on his plan wondering when he had failed. He had something to hold against Ruby. The love for a human, but since he was a strong, dominant, black wolf, Tyler could no longer compete. He needed another, easier way of getting into that Alpha position. That was when his eyes fell upon Sophia. She was a dominant white wolf much like Ruby, but Tyler could already tell that she was much stronger despite her half-breed status. Better yet, he knew full well that he could beat Luke, no matter how strong the Cates chain was. Luke was still young and Tyler was just getting to his peak, Luke would be an easy target. Sophia felt Tyler's leering eyes on her body and looked up at him. Flashing gold in anger and rage, she wondered why he was smiling. What was that madman thinking? She had no clue what was going on in that mind of his, but what she did know was that it usually wasn't good. As the answer to her thoughts, Tyler told the whole Pack his plan, smiling the whole time.

"Cates, it's time for you and me to finish this on-going battle between the two of us." Tyler said the smile on his face growing if at all possible. "I challenge you." He finished before he began to stretch his muscles, ready for the Change.

"It is finished Tyler. I have no business with you." Ruby said taking Sophia's advice earlier and steering clear of any violence, knowing what her premonition had entailed.

"And I have no business with you either, Ruby. However I do have business with you." Tyler said stretching out his arm, his finger pointing towards Luke. Luke who had been looking at Ruby the whole time was shocked that Tyler had picked him. He looked daringly at his present threat, eyes displaying that amber gold he was known for.

A growl emitted his throat as he took a step forward, but that was all the farther he went for Sophia stood in his way and his mother was beside him, ready to restrain him.

"Luke, don't." Sophia said her voice strong but fear was present.

"What's the matter Luke, afraid to lose your title or your girl?" Tyler asked mockingly with a sickening grin. A growl vibrated in Luke's chest as he made his way towards Tyler threateningly, but his steps were slowed by that of Sophia's body trying to stop him. However strong of a white wolf she was, there was no possible way that she would stop an emerging Alpha male trying to protect his mate. Sophia saw that she couldn't stop him physically, so she needed to come up with another plan quickly.

"Luke, don't do this. Please." Sophia begged, digging her heels down in the ground, but it was no help to his power over her. She tried to get through to him mentally, but he completely shut her out. She knew that he was trying to protect her and the hell she would go through that Ruby had experienced, but she didn't want to think about what would happen if Tyler killed Luke and she wound up as Tyler's mate. Luke was determined, but his anger clouded rational thoughts and the one that should have stopped him was the fact that Tyler was a much stronger male than Luke. If it came down to it, Tyler would kill Luke without any remorse. She couldn't stop him, and she couldn't get through to him. Looking for help, her worried eyes landed on her father's, looking for advice, but ending up with more.

"I will fight in Luke's stead." Matt said loud enough for everyone to hear and for Luke to come out of his trance. Making his way up to Luke's side, Matt saw all eyes were on him. He noticed Vivian shocked eyes following his movements and the respect she suddenly gained for him by fighting for Luke.

"This is my fight." Luke growled through clenched teeth when Matt came up next to him.

"Yes but I need you to protect my daughter." Matt said to Luke.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Luke asked wondering where Matt was going with this, and why he was butting in where he didn't belong.

"Yes, but I need you to be alive in order for her to live, happily." Matt said and he left it with that as he continued walking but not before giving Sophia a light kiss on her forehead. Sophia hoped that that kiss wasn't a kiss goodbye, but yet a kiss of reassurance. However, either way, a tear fell down her cheek, clouding her vision for a moment as she was being pulled farther away from her father. She didn't realize it at first, but Vivian had come forward and pulled Luke back away from the fight, and in the process, Luke was there pulling her back from the violence that was about to begin. Back at a safe distance, Sophia continued to watch her father and the risk he was taking right now, as Luke pushed her behind him possessively. He knew that if Tyler would win, he wouldn't allow him to take Sophia away from him, no matter what the Pack rules stated. She belonged to him and that's how it was. Nothing would break his bond to his mate.

Tyler and Matt began circling each other, as they both prepared for the Change. Stopping at the same time, they allowed themselves to possess stronger capabilities as they changed into the legendary pelts that they were known for. The light gray shades of fur to which they owned shined brightly beneath the luminescent and full moon displayed tonight. Snarls and growls were heard from both Tyler and Matt as they both came closer and closer to that defining minute when they would attack.

Sophia didn't know whether she should stop this fight from ever happening, fight for her own battles, or allow Luke to take control like he had done other times when she needed help. Taking a look around the crowd, Sophia noticed that many Pack members did not want this fight to happen, but the undeniable truth of it happening was the reasoning everyone held back. Even though there were those wishing they were in Matt's place. Ruby and John looked at each other, feeling the same emotions of jealousy and respect that Matt had stepped up when no once had and protected his daughter and began to take back respect that was needed for all wolves, no matter what their blood or past held. Ruby had prayed and dreamt about this day where Tyler would finally be put in his place by a better, more powerful wolf. That day would have to wait.

Sophia was by Luke's side when she felt a headache beginning to form. She didn't know if it was from the amount of stress piling on her at the moment, or the simple fact that she was being catipulted into another haunting vision, this one greater leaving more guilt on her conscience. For the second time that day she saw blood, but not from just one person, but yet three. Three wolves who were dying. Screams were mixed with whimpers as the earth ran heavily with crimson liquid staining everything in its path. Sophia's sight was clouded by the red liquid like it was being painted over a screen. She tried to strengthen her capabilitied, but it only left more blood split. Before being suck from the vision, Sophia caught sight of beautiful blonde curls and the scream of a young girl filling her ears, so much that she mocked the scream which vibrated through her body.

While the vision had placed a trance upon her body, she was unaware of the fact that everyone standing around her had turned their attention to the screaming, trembling, and convulsing girl in front of them. Her dramatics were so strongly felt through every wolf, that she had temporarily stopped the fight between her father and Tyler. Something to which Vivian quietly said thanks to whomever was listening to her prayers. The vision had taken so much control from her that she felt limply into Luke's arms who had noticed a change in her body before the vision even happened. Startled by her scream, he almost dropped her, but his quick reflexes along with his worry for her stopped him from that mistake. Lying her down with her back to the fallen tree trunk, Luke sat beside her, brushing back her hair with his hand while he tried to will those eyes of hers to open once more.

Her tremors and whimpers had stopped, but yet her eyes had yet to open. This had never happened before and although change needed patience, Luke was never patient when it came down to Sophia. Their link was still there and checking her pulse Luke found her heart still beating, rather lightly, but still beating.

"C'mon baby, wake up." Luke said, his hands cupping her face, feeling the iciness of her flesh next to his. "Oh God. Sophia." Luke whispered as he tried to connect with her on their link to find her slipping from his grip. Without the ability for his mind to connect with hers, he couldn't help her in any way. He couldn't give her his strength and he couldn't be there for her.

"She's not waking up." Luke said turning around towards the others, who had begun to gather around her fragile form. His panicked and concerned eyes burned through everyone else as they immediately came to his aid, trying to piece together this tricky new puzzle in front of them as time began to slip away.

"Sophia?" Matt asked trying to get through to his daughter as he came to other side, opposite of Luke. He immediately came to the same level of Luke's worry when he also touched Sophia's skin finding it chilling more and more by the second.

"Watch out." Ruby said coming up behind Matt and pushing him out of the way as she came to kneel down beside Sophia. Supressing all her fear behind a tightly locked door inside her head, Ruby felt another, new part of her emerge from the darkness. That wolven part of her, new, yet welcomed as she clasped her hands to Sophia's temples. Closing her eyes and bringing forth that new wolven part of her into full gear, Ruby concentrated with all her might of transferring her life to Sophia's. A bright glow traveled from Ruby to Sophia and then traveled outward, growing brighter as it did, cloaking around the members nearest to the two white wolves.

An explosion seemed to happen as the light exploded into a blinding force as heads turned away from it. The light now gone with its explosion, Luke looked back at Sophia to see air come crashing into her lungs causing her to lunge forward, coughing. Finally relieved with life once again coursing through her veins, he failed to notice his sister slowly fall to the ground, John softening the impact. John held her in his lap, concerned about her, but found her alive, just taking a nap. Brushing the hair back away from her face, he held her protectively as he saw just how much she risked saving Sophia. Just like Sophia, her new abilities took energy out of her, but Ruby only used the minimum amount of energy to heal Sophia, while Sophia would have to learn to hold back.

"Sophia, baby, what did you see?" Luke asked inching his way closer to her, the realization of just how much she meant to him hitting him hard in his chest once again. Cupping her face in his hands, he looked in her eyes and felt her on their link, making sure that she was back and there to stay.

With Luke's words, her vision came crashing back to her. Standing up, she found others trying to help her up like her father, and others trying to set her back down like Luke who even exited a low growl with her attempt to stand. Nonetheless, she stood and before anyone could ask her what was going on, she took off towards an unknown destination, only knowing that she didn't want another vision to come true.

"Sophia!" she heard the low growl exit Luke's throat as she continued to run with all her might, knowing that if she slowed down, Luke would catch her and demand an explanation. One which she didn't have time for at the moment. The moment that she had clued back into reality, Sophia looked into the crowd and immediately saw that three very important people were missing. Those three which she had seen in her vision. Hoping it wasn't true and that she still had time to react, she increased her strength by returning into her snowy white pelt, jumping around a raised root before pushing all her effort into running.

Luke changed after Sophia did; he had to keep up with her. She was so strong, stronger than she knew that it took all of his energy just to keep her within his sights when she really put her mind on running. Her strides looked effortless and free, but Luke knew all too well that power and energy were behind those fast, fluid acts. Calling out to her on their link, he found her blocked in another place at the moment. She was not coherent to anything around her. That was just how bad she was sucked into the trap of her vision. Wondering what could have been so urgent for her determined state, Luke continued to break through her blockade as he continued chasing her.

"Ruby!" Sophia called on their link, finding her in an unconscious state of mind. She would have to do this without Ruby's help, which meant if her vision was correct, the wolves that were injured would have to heal on their own. She prayed that she would get to them before any damage would be done, but that glimmer of hope only lasted seconds before an earth shattering scream ripped through the woods, stopping every Skinwalker in its tracks.

Sophia stopped, not because she was tired, but the simple fact that she was taken away by the magnitude of that scream. Even though so many had exited her lips in the past week, she failed to remember most of them, only remembering some of the key issues, her weakness taking effect on her memory. She sensed more than saw Luke come up beside her. Sliding her gaze over towards him, she noticed the fear in his eyes, uncertain if she had voiced that scream when she wouldn't let him in her mind. She was just about to fall into those deep pools of green that she called heaven when another scream filled the air with a bad aura.

Not even waiting to see if Luke would join her, Sophia took of running again. This time she could tell she was getting closer. The evident smell of blood was hanging heavier in the air with every passing second. Sophia ran through a thick area of ferns and trees, seeing a clearing up ahead. Taking a jump in between two pine trees, she closed her eyes instinctively, feeling the brush of the needles poking her soft underbelly. Feeling the hard form of the earth once again in contact with her feet, Sophia opened her eyes, amazed at what she saw.

Two wolves, one gray and one a redish-brown were lying on the ground, obviously hurt with the blood soaking into their fur. Nonetheless, they were alive and still breathing. Both of them were healing, although it would take a fair amount of time before they would be 100% again. Growls were heard off in the distance and as Sophia ran around the corner, she saw two males deathly engaged in battle. One she recognized as Sean, probably fighting for Sarah, but the other wolf she had no idea who he was. Usually each wolf had their very own signature trademark of scent, but this wolf had neither. And yet he was a very powerful wolf, a charcoal gray color and glowing green-yellow eyes. He vaguely looked like Luke except for the fact that Luke was ten shades of gray lighter than this wolf. Noticing that both wolves were getting tired, though they had yet to back down, Sophia decided to intervene, not wanting any more blood shed today.

The males were so attentive and set on ripping each other's heads off, that they failed to notice an a attack of an outsider. White flashed before their eyes, followed by stars. The hold was broken, although both males recovered quickly, ready to defend themselves. Upon sight of the white wolf standing in between them, Sean quickly bowed his head in respect and backed off. Sophia now assured that Sean was no threat put her full atttention on the other male beside her. He stood there starring at her for a couple of moments still acting as if he was about to fight Sean. Sophia held her ground, knowing that she would resort to fighting if she had to. It was fully within her power and right to do such.

Luke, after checking on Sarah and Presley, quickly found his mate in a heated debate with a rather large charcoal gray wolf. A showdown evident, Luke was not about to watch Sophia fight another male as long as he had any say in it. In less than seconds, he was by her side. Actually more like possessively in front of her. Luke watched as the wolf began to growl threateningly towards him. Yet to back down on any fight towards him, Luke took a step forward, still keeping Sophia guarded behind him. Sophia's dominance by nature was not one to stand by and let others fight and/or get injured on her behalf. She would never stoop that low as allowing others to do her job.

Quickly walking in front of Luke, stating her peace with the dark gray wolf, she watched Luke's eyes return to normal. Knowing that Luke was once again back in control of the wolf, Sophia turned to see the tail of the gray wolf vanish behind a dense patch of folliage.

*****************

After the gray wolf left, others were called to help move the wounded to the hospital and Sherman was advised to meet them there. Sophia and Luke had asked Sarah and Sean what had happened since they couldn't get an appropriate answer from Presley.

"Sarah, what happened?" Sophia asked while tending to the worst of Sarah's injuries in the car ride to the hospital. Sophia was currently working on a big cut in her stomach. While bandaging it to stop the bleeding, Sophia could tell that Sarah's powers were already starting to heal the wound.

"After Presley left, I followed her and asked her why she would embarass herself infront of the Pack and try to disrespect you. She's the one that's threatening the Pack, not you. She's just causing more problems. I was defending you." Sarah explained before she drastcially sucked in air after Sophia touched a sore spot.

"Sorry." Sophia said trying to make her touch more gentle.

"Then this gray wolf, who I have no idea who he is, comes out of no where and takes Presley on." Sarah explained taking Sophia's attention away from her injuries to her story. "Presley starts screaming and I don't know, I guess after all these years of hating her, I didn't have it in me to just watch her die, so I charged after the wolf. Big mistake there thinking I could take him on my own."

"What were you going to do? If you had called for help and just waited, Presley might have died." Sophia said not even believing the words that were coming out of her mouth. She was talking about Presley. The girl who had made her life a living hell. The one who was in charge of making sure she felt inferior to everyone. She was the one that had kept Luke away from her so many times and had been the one keeping them apart. Yet here she was thankful that Presley hadn't died. She really needed to know what was going on with her.

"I'm just glad that Sean showed up when he did. Otherwise, I might have come out of that fight worse than I did." Sarah said, a smile coming to her face.

"You know he is absolutely 'head over heels' in love with you, right?" Sophia said not needing to even look at Sarah's face to know the answer.

"Seems like that's running around a lot lately." Sarah said catching Sophia's attention. "Ruby and John, you and Luke." she said catching Sophia's blush. "What happened between you two?"

"Let's just say there's a completely new Luke walking around Wolf Lake." Sophia said as they reached the back entrance of the hospital.

"I'd say that Luke isn't the only new one in the relationship." Sarah said climbing out of the car, knowing that Sophia had understood exactly what she meant. Since Sophia had flipped she had taken on a completely different role. She no longer was the citizen-low, half-breed mutt walking around town, but the white wolf, future Alpha's mate. Her dominance was seen in her eyes if not in the way she walked, and she didn't even think anyone noticed. It was like not noticing the tattoo you got one night when you were drunk, when it's on your forehead.

***********************

Making sure that Sarah was resting comfortably, Sophia decided to go check on the other two. First on her list was Presley. Walking into the dimly lit room, she saw the girl resting on the decorated white bed. Pulling a chair over by her bed, Presley immediately woke up the moment she heard the movement of the chair. Letting her eyes adjust to the minimal light in the room, Presley groaned when she realized who she was looking at.

"What do you want?" she asked not even saying thanks for rescuing and saving her life.

"I wanted to see how you were doing." Sophia said as she saw the shocked and confused look on Presley's face. "No matter what our differences are, you are in the Pack, and as such, you therefore are my family-"

"No half-breed is in my family." Presley spat out before she could stop it.

"But a white wolf?" Sophia asked not afraid of the word half-breed anymore. It made her different and more human, something which would make her remember her mother. The one thing she had left of her. "Listen, I had my chance to kill you today and I didn't because for one, I don't think you wanted to die today, and two, that I don't want any more wolves to die unless it is for the better of the Pack. You can hate me all you want Presley, but just remember the most important thing on your mind should be the continuance and growth of this Pack. Nothing else should rise above that part of your life. Get some rest, you'll need it." Sophia said, standing as she moved her chair back. She had her hand on the doorknob when Presley stopped her.

"Sophia?" Presley said her voice hoarse from her screaming.

"Yeah?" Sophia said turning back but keeping her hand on the partially opened door.

"Thank you." Presley said as if it took all her energy to say those two words. Resting her head back on the pillow, Sophia saw that the conversation was now fully over with. Smiling to herself, she walked out of the room in search of something soft and warm so she could go to sleep.

**************

Walking down the hallway, Sophia's eyes caught movement in Sarah's room. Stopping by the door of the room, Sophia watched as Sean pulled a chair close to her bed, and sat down, meanwhile his gaze never leaving Sarah's form lying there on the bed. After sitting down, having some difficulty with his arm in a sling, Sean watched her sleep. Sophia continued to watch as Sean placed Sarah's hand in his, content just to sit there all day. Sophia even continued to look in Sarah's room when two strong, muscular, tan arms possessively wrapped around her torso.

Letting his chin rest on her shoulder, Luke pulled Sophia to his body, letting his warmth envelop her. Sophia's hands came overtop Luke's, letting their fingers entwine as she let her head fall back and rest on his slumped shoulder.

"Is Sean okay?" Sophia asked since she had yet to talk to Sean and didn't feel like interrupting him at the moment.

"Yeah, nothing major. He'll just be out for a couple of days." Luke answered, taking in a deep breath of her hair, reassuring him of her presence. "How's Sarah?"

"Tired, but she'll be okay. So will Presley." Sophia said and after she did, she noticed how Luke's body tensed and then relaxed trying to remain calm. "It's okay. I don't think she'll cause any more trouble."

"Are we talking about the same Presley?" Luke asked jokingly, but before Sophia could mutter a reply, loud arguing took their attention.

Looking towards the noise, Sophia's senses registered the angered voices of her father and Luke's mother. Beginning to move towards the room Vivian and her father were in, Sophia was pulled back by Luke, who had yet to even show interest in the subject.

"Luke, don't you think we should do something?" Sophia said still confined to Luke's arms.

"Yeah, let's get out of here. I know this spot in the woods-"

"I meant do you think we should do something about our parents arguing?" Sophia said trying to knock some sense into Luke.

"They're always arguing, I think they're getting used to it." Luke said trying to persuade Sophia to say by planting a kiss to her neck. Although it sent shivers through her body, she wasn't about to fall victim to Luke right now.

"Well I'm not." Sophia said, this time breaking Luke's hold around her waist and walking away. Hand on the doorknob, Sophia was startled when Luke placed himself between her and the door.

"Soph-" he began but was cut off.

"Luke." Sophia said eyes glowing a brilliant gold, bright enough to almost turn white.

"Can't argue with that." Luke said moving out of the way.

Opening the door, the noise was almost unbearable, however, Sophia walked in, Luke following behind. Vivian and Matt both stopped their arguing when the door closed and they saw both of their children looking at them, wondering what was going on.

"This isn't over Matt Donner." Vivian said storming out of the room.

"Mom? Mom?" Luke said storming out of the room like his mother, but not before giving Sophia a look of concern and confusion, needing to know what was going on.

Seeing that Vivian had left, Matt began to walk around the room, hands on his head, trying to calm his emotions. Taking a deep breath and exhaling he turned towards his patient daughter, knowing the question before she even spoke.

"What's going on?" she asked clearly alerted that something was up.

"I told Vivian that since there are two white wolves in the Pack, a black one, and lots of chaos yet to happen that she should think about receiving help from others, or let someone else lead, someone stronger. She doesn't need to sacrifice her life for the Pack."

"You mean you?" Sophia summed up from his elaborate way of beating around the bush.

"Yeah but she took it offensively. She's always saying how she thinks I should be Alpha. That night at the elections, she told me that she was going to nominate me, but I beat her to the chase by nominating her. She told me she just wants to protect Luke and I understand that because the only person I want to protect is you. She doesn't get that in protecting you I then swear my loyalty of protecting him as well." Matt said blowing steam at his daughter. "Why does she always have to take things so defensively?"

******************

"Why does he always do things when they're too late. I told him to become Alpha after Sophia supposedly died, but if he takes over now, it will show how weak I am. He doesn't get it. The only reason why I do this is so I can protect you." Vivian said as her son put a hand on her shoulder comfortingly.

"Mom he wants to become Alpha to make sure that you don't get hurt, that and to protect Sophia." Luke said not realizing how much he was sounding like the sheriff at the moment. "Why do you always have to take things so defensively?"

"Because he can't garuantee me that he will protect you like I can." Vivian said trying not to seem like a sap in front of her son, but then again she was talking about his life here.

"But if he wants to protect Sophia, don't you think he would then have to protect me just like today, in order to keep her safe?" Luke said as the lightbulb finally clicked.

*******************

"I don't know why she acts that way, but don't you think you should cut her some slack Dad? She's been under a lot of pressure lately." Sophia said trying to play and understand both sides of the arguement much like Luke was doing.

"That's why I'm trying to help her." Matt said wondering how to get through to Vivian.

"Then tell her that you're trying to help." Sophia said making it sound to simple, but the look from her father said otherwise. Before they could further try to decifer the functioning of Vivian's mind, none other than Luke walked in, his mother not far behind, the two holding hands.

"Okay, how about trying this again?" Luke asked playing mediator for Vivian. After looking around the room and finding no objections, Luke decided to continue. "Now then Matt, your main reason for becoming Alpha is to protect Sophia right?" Luke asked seeing a nod come from Matt.

"Among other issues." Sophia voiced knowing her dad was thinking that same thing. Seeing that an explaination was needed, she continued. " No one should have to go through what has been happening, especially you. My father just wants to help you Vivian. And in protecting me, he swears loyalty in protecting Luke." Sophia said looking at Luke who smiled at the last bit.

"I'm sorry, but what were you arguing about again, because it seems like you both want the same thing: to protect your children at all costs and to help the Pack through this time without burdening anyone with this danger." Luke said broadening the smile on his face. "Sophia, I think this concludes our business here as mediators. Let's leave this to the real adults." Luke said offering her an arm catching the giggle she tried to hold back.

"Now play nice Dad." Sophia said entwining her arm around Luke's before they walked out into the hall together. Matt and Vivian both watched their children as they stopped in front of the window. Talking to themselves for a couple of seconds, Matt and Vivian continued to watch as Luke picked Sophia up off her feet, her hips straddling his torso as her arms came to wrap around his neck. Matt and Vivian continued to watch as Sophia dropped her head, her hair fanning out like a curtain, hiding the kiss behind it. Luke began to walk away, her hips straddling his, his lips still locked onto Sophia's, eyes glowing yellow behind that curtain of brown hair.

Turning to Matt, Vivian placed her hands on her hips, knowing that Matt was thinking the same thing she was.

"How come our kids make everything sound so simple?" Vivian asked receiving a light chuckle from Matt and a nod agreeing with Vivian. Inwardly thanking her for lightening the mood, Matt motioned for her to sit, wanting to discuss the Pack and its leadership in more depth now that their kids were gone.

*********************

John was loving the sight lying beside him. Resting comfortably was the familiar body of his mate, Ruby as she began the process of regaining her strength after today's events. Brushing back strands of hair, John saw how peaceful she was when she slept, angelic lashes occacsionally fluttering in her sleep. Her stomach slowly rising and falling and lowered heart rate were the clear observations of her unconsciousness. John stared in awe of her simple yet flawless and stunning beauty. He remembered that was one of the reasons he fell in love with her, but not her only virtue.

She was indepedent, perhaps even more so than he was. He loved her fire and flare, sparking in the wildest moments. She was opinionated and he savored her change in mood from tough to compassionate depending on who or what you were talking about. She was a small flame inside, coming to life at times and others she was put out in one clean swipe. She was the perfect combination that had him wanting her in his arms these past nine months, enough so that he had come all the way from Seatle to the small town of Wolf Lake. He had stayed although it was obvious he was the minority in the town, perhaps the only member of that group, but after months of staying here, he found himself wanting to stay for some unknown reason besides the magnetic pull and gut instinct that Ruby would surface here. He now knew why he stayed.

It wasn't because he was ridiculed and thought of as a crazy person looking for someone who didn't exist. It wasn't to hear the philisophical legends of a crazy Indian. I didn't have anything to do with the harsh treatment of the town sheriff. It wasn't because he loved the full moon visible almost every night. And it surely wasn't because he loved the charming humor of Tyler Creed. No, he felt pulled to this town, almost suck to the ground, forbidden to leave just like the wolves he had no idea about till now.

He now remembered all the little hints so many others had tried to tell him, wondering why they didn't click with him at the time. And why he ever listened to that annonymus caller telling him about a small town called Wolf Lake. Looking back down to the small frame of the beautiful woman lying beneath him, he knew why. It was the amount of love, which couldn't be described, that he had left all he knew in Seatle to leave to the god forsaken town of Wolf Lake. It was her eyes that had fallen over his body, a sensation he would never regret. Her heart which he promised to hold forever. Her soul which had bonded with his so much that he felt literally touched to have had that experience. They were destined to be together in the end, but had they known that from the beginning, it wouldn't have ended the same. Knowing and acting on just love, their destiny later unfolded into something both mesmirizing and unique, something never even possible, was now praised.

He smiled at the situation they had and what the outcome was. Ruby was forced to stay away from him to protect him, yet now Ruby has to stay with John to be protected from her husband. John made a mental note to change that to ex-husband as soon as possible. Gleeming with joy he pressed a small kiss to Ruby's forehead, wishes her sweet dreams as he came in closer contact with her body. An arm around her waist, Ruby unconsciously molded to his body, savoring the warmth before her body returned to its sleep cycle. Heartbeats matching exactly, they both took the time together as a liberty, not knowing when the next disaster would come.

***************** (A/N- Song for this scene "Hold Me" by Plumb)

Hush I can hear you breathing Sweet The taste of your tender kiss I'm crazy, crazy tonight Baby hold me tonight Capture my heart

Hold me til morning Love me right now Catch me, I'm falling Never let go Hold me til morning Love me right now

Holding hands, Luke and Sophia made their way closer into the heart of the forest, a part which Sophia had never laid eyes on before. Night was slowly approaching as the moon was getting brighter against the darkness of the sky. Luke's eyes came creeping along Sophia's body watching her as she took in her new surroundings with stride. From the bright beaming smile to her inquiring eyes moving frantically about the forest. Luke couldn't help but smile at her childish behavior, so much that Sophia jabbed him in the ribs for thinking outloud.

Coming from what seemed out of no where, Sophia's eyes wondered over a small pond. It was almost like a rock was thrown into a small lake, the water cutting into the rock creating a cave. Luke tighten his hold on her hand, catching her gaze on the beautifully landscaped masterpiece before them, afraid she would immediately run to it, but he had tonight planned down to a tee.

"Another amazing spot in Wolf Lake." Luke commented bringing her back down to reality. "I'm glad you like it." he said slowly leading her onto the bridge made of rocks across the water to the waterfall only a few feet away from him.

"Luke-" she began to ask him how he ever found this place but was cut off when his lips pressed down onto hers. It would have been okay if it was a normal kiss, but that was definitely not a normal kiss. That was an overpowering kiss that almost brought her to her knees.

Somehow, she wasn't sure exactly how, Luke managed to turn her around, making this experience even more exotic. He slowly began pushing her back towards the waterfall, the splash of water echoing through her mind just like the vibrations growing in her body. She began to feel the mist of the water still behind her as she was sent into a whirlpool of emotions with another mind-blowing kiss wondering if she was being drugged with the bizzare range of emotions and feeling at the moment.

"Sophia-" Luke called out to her mentally feeling the word echo in her mind and into her soul. Luke had to cut off with just her name knowing he couldn't manage to go on with the unexpected and still never-experienced feelings he was having to deal with. His hands were currently infatuated with the curve of her waist, calling to him for his hands to mold to the silky skin. Grasping her hips, Luke wound up with his hands up her shirt, carressing the bare skin of her back, causing chills to run down both their spines.

Sophia let out a startled gasp when the ice cold water hit her neck almost causing her to break the hold she had on Luke's lips. Water cascaded all over her body as Luke continued to push her backwards, her body falling victim not only to his lips but his hands as well, steering her into the cave-like surrounding behind the small waterfall. Caught in between the waterfall--Sophia on one side and Luke on the other--their lips stayed locked even with the rush of water falling down both of them now. Luke smiled inside realizing just how intoxicating it was for Sophia, reading her thoughts, but she was also reading his. Both of them becoming drenched with the water, clothes clinging to their skin, Luke took a quick glance of her body when they broke the kiss, although nothing was stopping that fire raging inside both of them.

Feet finding some sort of edge, Sophia's heartbeat pounded as Luke continued to push her further back. She pushed back, unsure what she would fall in or how deep the fall was, yet to break the kiss, feeling Luke some how latching on to the kiss. Sensing her uncertainty and fear, Luke broke the kiss, looking deeply in her eyes.

"Trust me." Luke said, hands on both sides of her face, as Sophia began wondering what Luke could possibly have up his sleeve. Sophia eyed him suspiciously, especially since he couldn't remove the grin upon his face. Taken by surprise once again, Sophia nearly screamed when Luke grabbed her possessively around the waist and forcefully pushed her off the edge into an unknown depth. Turning to shelter her fall, Luke pulled her closer sensing her urge to shut her eyes and hold onto him for dear life.

Stop Let my love surround you Safe My face inside your hands I'm crazy, crazy tonight Baby hold me tonight Capture my heart

Hold me til morning Love me right now Catch me, I'm falling Never let go Hold me til morning Love me

Sophia prepared herself for the inevitable, grasping Luke for support. When she finally landed, feeling the watery depth and cold water envelope her entire body, she felt relieved and yet panicked in the same moment. She hadn't taken a breath of air and now was fighting to get back to the surface before she drowned. Luke heard her frantic cry and made it even worse. He pulled her further into the icy depth of the dark water, bringing her lips to his, his hands craddling her face, giving her the only air she needed. Relaxing with his kiss, Sophia's body was no longer tense, as it came under Luke's, twisting in the water, an entirely new experience. Hands burning his sides, Sophia let her trust in Luke rise, knowing especially after today's events that he really cared for her, enough to fully explain where and who he stood beside in the Pack. He had changed so much, grown ages wiser, and taken responsibility in just a little over a week. All because of her. Her love, her trust, and her soul which had shattered his world when she died. He had taken her friendship for granted, never fully knowing how much she meant until now. Something he was grateful for now.

Slowly rising towards the shallow end of the natural pool, Sophia couldn't believe the effort Luke enforced when he pulled the two of them out of the water. Finding her back thrown into the rock wall, the wind knocked out of her chest quickly came flooding back in with a even more forceful kiss coming from Luke. One that made her shudder and him yearn for more. Body trembling under the pressure, Sophia felt Luke rise above her, mentally whispering promises of protection and love for all eternity to her. His love for her overcame her mind as she felt so inferior to him at the moment, Luke definitely the one in control of the situation here.

Luke's hands finding her hips, slowly worked their way upward while gently depositing of Sophia's soaked blouse, leaving behind her tank top. Sophia in turn followed, releasing him of his shirt, his chest nothing new to her, but still mesmirizing under the circumstances. The straps of her tank top kept falling off her shoulder, something Luke couldn't stand any longer as he removed that article of clothing as well. Sophia's turn surprised Luke as she was able to keep him busy long enough in order to begin the removal of his jeans. The only problem arose when the zipper got stuck. Breaking the kiss and looking down to where her hands were, Luke followed her gaze, finding out just exactly what she was doing. Determined to finish the task she set out to complete, Sophia concentrated on taking off his pants so much that in the end she just pulled them down, finding that the waistband was big enough it simply hung on his hips, waiting for a good tug to fall down.

Luke who had taken the liberty of tasting what the rest of her body was like during this time, stopped after receiving the harsh pull on his pants. Smiling, he now took his turn, loving this new game that they were playing. Brushing his hands down her back and even further till they traveled over the space between her abdomen and her thighs, Luke grasped the belt loops of her jeans, pulling her closer towards him. Sophia smiled at his attempts to arouse her further, returning the feeling as she became infatuated with his shoulder, tasting his flesh and even leaving bite marks upon his skin, knowing that got his attention.

The slow movement of her zipper seemed to vibrate through the water, traveling up to her ears, echoing loudly inside of her. Sophia tried to remain calm, but the simple fact of where his hands were was causing her to lose control. The slide of her jeans upon her skin and the water replacing it's warmth was enough for Sophia to jump like electricity was running through her entire body. Only Luke felt her body and the shockwave it sent through her body, flattered that she was enjoying tonight as much as he was. They quickly discarded the rest of their clothes, sinking a little bit in the water for partial cover, even though both had seen the other naked. Sophia started to kiss Luke, but felt somehow that she should hold back. Looking into his eyes, she found them glowing a extravigant gold, pulling her into his gaze.

Hands sweeping across the stuble of hair growing on his face, Sophia continued to hold his gaze, wondering what was going on in his mind sensing that he shut himself off to her for the moment. His arms encircled her waist, bringing her flush against his body, knowing that hers was seeking his warmth. Pulling her up to his height and pushing her against the rock wall to keep her in place, Luke's hands rose from her waist to her face, keeping his eyes on her the whole time. Sophia could feel him pressing into her body, waiting for something, wanting to make sure she was ready. She kept her gaze on him, not backing down, letting him know that she hadn't wanted him more tonight than any other night. He was all that mattered anymore and she was willing to risk everything she had put on the line just for tonight.

"I could have lost you again today." Luke said in a whisper; the fear and seriousness there as he caressed her cheek.

"You will never lose me Luke." Sophia said sounding sure of herself although knowing that either one of them could die at any time. However she also knew that both of them would fight like hell before that day came rolling around. "As you said, we're destined to be mates."

"Are you sure you want this?" Luke asked after a long pause, trying to make sure that she was ready and wondering if he was as well.

"You don't know how long I've waited for this night." Sophia said knowing inside that she was now ready.

"Good, cause my patience is wearing out." Luke said with a smile before picking her up and resting her against his hips. Hips grinding into hips. Bodies at a new level of closeness. The water creating a new friction between them, melding their bodies flush against each others. Flush like Sophia's cheeks from the new living fire inside her clawing to get out. Needing to get out at all costs. Her flesh continued to burn even with the freezing water when Luke's lips claimed her into a match of domination. Hammering it out for the upper hand, Luke easily won after a distraction involving his hands and her back thighs making her break the kiss altogether.

Finding comfort in the hollow of Luke's neck, Sophia breathed deeply as Luke not only dominated her mouth but that private space between her thighs sending her off into another universe. Gravity was not helping as he dug harder into her, the pain burning within her body, but she called to that pain, welcoming it knowing that the amount of love was outweighing the pain. Luke saw that he was pushing her once again into something that wasn't innocent nor cautious, but he also felt the wolf rising within her calling to Luke. Calling for more.

Tasting the flesh on his shoulder, Sophia permanently embedded his taste on her lips, before returning for more. Sophia's hands dug into his back, not even noticing the droplets of blood seeping from his tiny wounds. Her heart rate and breathing increased as the force within her propelled to an entirely new level, making her cries be voiced not only vocally but between their links as well.

"Sophia?" Luke said in a breathless whisper, not wanting to interrupt this miraculous moment he had spent countless nights dreaming about. Luke waited as her only reply was a soft cry. "Are you sure ab-?" he tried to ask, but before he could even complete the sentence her lips had clamped on to his, Luke forgetting the question within seconds. His hands sought out to uncover the various curves of her body, remembering the feel of her silky skin just like she had remembered the salty taste of his flesh and the feel of the stubble starting to grow on his face.

As he began the hypnotic pace of his thrusts once again, this time slower, Luke found Sophia beginning to relax in his arms, their bodies melding together as one and over time he began to slow their pace. After those twenty minutes, the best twenty minutes of her life, Sophia found her heart beat matching his, slowing down as their lips still continued their need to be on the other's. They sinked back in the water, allowing its chilled temperature to tame the roaring fire still sparking to life inside each other. Luke kept his arms around Sophia as she did the same. He felt her fear that he would now leave her, now that he had taken what others had thought was the only thing he wanted from her. He reassured her with a passionate kiss before pulling her up to carry her like a small child on his lower torso. Head craddled in his neck, Luke whispered reassurements in her mind, wanting her to know how much he really cared for her.

Walking out of the water, Luke walked over towards a darker part of the cave that Sophia hadn't noticed before. Depositing her on a blanket, Luke thought back on how well he had planned tonight. It had turned out perfect and not because of the beauty of the cave or the full moon lighting their way. It was the simple presence of two lovers making love under that moon, grateful for the oppurtunity and ability to love each other, away from any influences and opinions of others. Luke stared into her honey brown eyes knowing full well that his had been glowing an amazing amber off and on throughout the whole night. Her eyes now reflected that passion he had displayed that night, as she pulled him towards her. Hands on the small of his back, Sophia gently yet forcefully pulled him down to her, seeking his warmth and closeness now more than ever. Their eyes stayed locked on each other's glowing just like the moon illuminating the sky above them.

"Sophia...I want you to know that I...I love you." Luke said in barely a whisper almost flinching at what she might possibly respond to that much emotion in one night.

Sophia's answer wasn't in words yet in actions. Pulling on his neck, Sophia brought his lips to hers, needing to seek the truth in a kiss. The truth she found. I love you, too. Floated across his mind like the wings of angels before they departed from their kiss. Lying next to her, Luke pulled her body towards his, needing the reassurement of hers as close to his as possible. Content that she wasn't going anywhere and she wasn't a dream, Luke closed his eyes ready for a dream which he hoped would replay the past events in the last hour over and over in his mind until he knew it by heart.

Sophia couldn't believe the amount of emotions Luke had displayed tonight along with her own. She never thought in her wildest dreams she would be doing this, wait, she did dream this though. Her fantasies had sparked to life because of one person, a person she once saw as an enemy, a bully. Now his role was friend, mate, and lover, fulfilling those duties on a whole new level. Arms wrapped around her, she prayed that those arms would never leave her tonight nor any other night. That they would hold her forever.

And I will never be the same again Tonight lives forever in my dreams And I will be there when the morning comes Tonight lasts forever

Hold me til morning Love me right now Catch me, I'm falling Never let go Hold me til morning Love me

Hold me til morning Love me right now Catch me, I'm falling Never let go Hold me til morning Love me

And I will never be the same again