Josh's Point of View

"Alpha." Turning to face my leadership their angered expressions make me aware as to who has arrived. "Both of them." Lucas grunts and folds his arms.

Nodding my head I put on a white button up for the events to be held within 2 hours. My mate being inducted into this pack and introduced as their Luna. Excitement burns within me at the thought of my gorgeous mate ruling by my side. Leaving the last two buttons undone so everyone can see my mark. It's time to go to work. "Zay, Farkle. My mate is in my mother's room. You stand guard outside-no one gets near that room unless it is the women in there, myself or Lucas. Is that understood?"

Bowing their heads they reply with a quick 'yes Alpha'. 'Mother'

'Yes? You're interrupting'

'Do not leave my mate alone. Visitors have arrived. Do not inform her of their arrival.'

'Of course'

Lucas takes my right flank as we saunter downstairs. Kermit and I see differently on a lot of things, neither one of us liked the other as an individual-even when my father was Alpha. We keep the peace, that's what our alliance is for. That's the only reason, but not ripping his head off is going to be extremely hard. I desperately wish that this wasn't the norm for our wolves. I wish I could have just done a blood exchange between her and myself so she wouldn't have to go through with seeing these two.

But not inviting 2 of your allies who are closest to you in distance- well that's just plain disrespectful. Not like either one of them deserves any respect in the first place though. Alpha Thomas is the first to step inside my home. Tall and a smile plastered on his face, he has no idea. Shaking my hand he congratulates me on finding my mate. "Cherish her." Words spoken from a strong male who has lost his mate but surprisingly is still fit to lead. He has to be a strong wolf to carry on after losing his most precious.

I'm stronger.

For Maya I'm stronger.

"Of course." 2 warriors follow him inside, hard no nonsense wolves. Straight faces as they assess my pack house for quick escapes and any weaknesses in our home. "You can relax. 6 Alpha's and their Luna's along with pack warriors reside in this home. Safety is of my upmost importance, and anyone would be stupid to cause problems." My words holding an underlined meaning that Alpha Thomas is oblivious to.

This is the man trying to take away my mate.

To him I soon will be the man who took his second chance. But I don't care.

"Smackle." I usher her forward, "Alpha Thomas this is our Gamma's mate she will show you all to your rooms. Ceremony begins at 7. Smackle will update you on any other information or questions you may have."

Lucas nods his head and glances at the window, "4 seconds."

4 seconds to prepare to keep my cool… it isn't long enough. Alpha Kermit steps inside my home. Age has done him no good. Light brown hair greased back paired with cold calculating eyes. We don't shake hands, we have no respect for one another and since it is mutual no harm is done. "Alpha Kermit."

"Alpha Josh. Congratulations on finding your Luna."

Bastard.

All of my mate's emotions flood my mind from the past week. Her unheard pleas for him to stop. The blood, the tears. Shutting my eyes I grit my teeth, "It was a surprise to us all." No humor is in my voice though that was what was originally intended. Jax is pacing in his cage, growling at the man who ruined my mate's life. The man who could have killed her on several occasions had it not been for her wolf. And most importantly the man who gave her no choice but to run away. To risk her life to become a rogue. Piece of shit. "Delta Cross. Show him and his 2 warriors to their rooms. Ceremony is at 7 Alpha. Don't miss it."

He holds my burning gaze, I'm sure he's curious as to my hostility. Probably blaming it on our previous arguments. It isn't until he bows his head that I look away, I have to reign in Jax which controls the amount of power radiating off of me. "LUCAS?!"

Shit.

Glancing at my Beta he's mildly panicking. His eyes glaze over as he mind links her, trying to warn her that Alpha Kermit was here. But it's too late, she's skipping down the stairs completely unaware as to what was happening. Why the hell did Zay and Farkle let her out? "Riley?"

Her head snaps towards that man, if you can even call him that. Fear flashes across her face, feet moving backwards hoping to retreat back to safety. "What's wrong?" He asks innocently which only riles me up more. "Why did you leave? Your parents were and are worried sick. Why haven't you called them?!" Voice raising with every syllable both Lucas and I growl.

"You will do well Alpha to watch your tone to our Beta Female." Warning laced into every syllable. Our fight won't be for Riley. Oh no, it will be solely for my mate for my Luna. After mind-linking Lucas to get her out of here he follows my orders. "I won't tolerate disrespect to my pack members." I growl, "You will not confront her again." Unknowingly using my Alpha tone. If he weren't an Alpha himself he'd have no choice but to listen.

He growls and takes a step forward, I meet his threat. Cold brown eyes to my golden amber ones. "I am not one of your pack members that you can order around, pup." Jax sneers and starts to bite at the cage. Slowly I'm losing my patience with this monster.

"You are on my land, you will respect my requests. If that is hard for you to comprehend then get the hell out."

"Son."

Of course my father is here. I don't glance at my father, he's always been somewhat of a mediator in these situations. "Alpha Allen." Kermit acknowledges pulling his stare away from mine. Yet again, not able to maintain eye contact.

"Kermit." He acknowledges, no Alpha title. Blatant and obvious disrespect towards another leader. "Is there a problem."

Arching my brow at Kermit I am practically daring him to make a move. Anything to rip this man a part. "No Alpha Allen. None. The Delta was about to show us to our rooms." Moments later my father and I hold one another's stare.

He's not mad but telling me silently to humble myself. "I'm doing this for your own good Josh. Do not challenge me." I avert my gaze, he's right. I'm not strong enough to take him, yet. The longer I'm with Maya the stronger I'll become. Besides if I get into a fight with my father, I'm sure I will be shown a lesson in 'a mother's love'. "Keep away from him as much as possible." He warns, "Hold your temper. Watch and learn from your mate. I have faith that she will handle this well."

Wise words, and so much faith in my mate. I can't help but be proud. "You two aren't challenging one another." The one woman who puts fear into both of us has our heads snapping away. "Do I need to show you both 'mother's love'." Shivering I remember the last time I had to endure that.

"No my female." My father interrupts, "Josh is learning. He's humbling himself." Pride laced into his words. Proud for his second son who is still learning. My father always told me that's what being an Alpha is about… learning, watching and listening before acting.

"Good."

Shaking my thoughts away, "Does she know?"

Nodding her head she comes down the stairs, "She's comforting Riley." At our confused faces she chuckles, "Don't worry Josh. She's a strong female, a strong fighter. She's preparing herself for this. Riley had a small panic attack. Her past invading her present." A smile takes her lips, "She's acting like a true Luna."

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The moon is out in the sky. My numerous prayers to the Moon Goddess are heard, I can feel it. I'm not sure how but I know she did. Looking outside, the stage is adorned with Christmas lights and surrounded by pack members. Farkle, and Zay along with their mates hold the stairs on either side of the stage. The party is in full swing, drinks are being passed around and the smiles are not missed.

The knock on my door pulls me out of my thoughts. "Come in."

Lucas enters my office with a smile, "It's time to welcome our Luna." The whole pack has been giddy all day long. The pack is always stronger and not just survives but thrives whenever there is a Luna. Riley comes in to the office. Bright smile, she's a ball of energy.

I've never seen her in her wolf, I'm sure she's just as childish. "Maya looks gorgeous!" She sings and clutches her mate's hand. Jax is slightly jealous that she's seen her, I haven't seen her since this morning and it's driving us insane. We all walk down the stairs, Maya is still upstairs and will be escorted by my father to the stage when it's time.

That isn't a tradition, but I don't want the two bastards set out to ruin her life to get near her. My dad volunteered to keep my mate safe, he really has a kinship with her. They understand one another, though I'm not sure what it is that makes them that way. I walk down the aisle that my pack has made with their bodies. Glancing at the Alpha's who have all gathered together to converse I have to stifle a growl. Making it to the steps I take them quickly, the need for my mate to calm me down driving my every move. "ATTENTION TWILIGHT!" All eyes snap towards me, a smirk plasters on my face. "Welcome, everyone to not just a pack initiation but the introduction of OUR NEW LUNA!" Cheers and claps, all of them almost as excited as I.

Nerves wash over me. But it's from my mate, not from me. I was wondering when I'd get this feeling. I was wondering when she'd feel enough to let her walls slip. She hides her emotions from me, I'm not sure why. Maybe she thinks I don't want to help or maybe it's just because she doesn't want to appear weak. "As you all know, a pack cannot be truly strong without a Luna. Without 'our mother'. She will make us strong, she has demonstrated before that she will put her life on the line to save pack members. Let us celebrate tonight a new member, and our new Luna."

'Lucas pass off Riley to my mother. Zay, Farkle you too. Meander in front of the Alpha's.'

"Without further ado, my beautiful mate." I gesture towards the end of the aisle where she's already walking towards me arm in arm with my father.

Maya's Point of View.

"Hold your head up high. Eyes on your mate." My feet are bare as they touch the grass, the way it should be. We want nature as close to us as possible, feeling the cool blades under my feet makes me shiver slightly. My back is on full display for all to see, Rachel ensured that with my hair curled and pinned to the side. Draping over my shoulder that isn't marked. A flowered crown rests on top my head that was made by some of the younger pups. Cool breeze brushes against my back as we step out into the open field.

Many eyes of the pack are staring at me, well all eyes of the pack members are on me. I keep my focus on Josh. He's staring at me as if I'm his entire world. I see goosebumps on his skin, an Adam's apple bobbing up and down to show me how nervous he is. Our marks on full display. I'm happy he's willingly and proudly ensuring my mark is showing.

Occasional gasps from behind me, they've seen my scars. Pale white hills on my back.

Telling my story.

A familiar and unfriendly scent invades my senses.

My father. Muskiness and alcohol. My mother must have truly loved him to be able to tolerate that smell. My eyes begin to shift unknowingly as Amber and I search for the threat. My steps start to become smaller, I am not sure if I can do this. 'Eyes on me baby girl. I've got leadership on them, he won't touch you.'

Nodding my head I glance back up to him. We reach the end of the aisle and he escorts me to the steps. A small table and a knife rests on top of the platform. A hand outstretched and an arm letting me go, I take Josh's hand in mine. "You could give the Goddess a run for her money. So beautiful Maya." My lips touch his and I instantly feel relieved. His touch, his smell, his love all of it is calming my boiling nerves to a simmer. We're with our mate now, we won't get hurt. Burning gaze against my profile makes me aware that Alpha Thomas or my father one has figured me out.

"ALPHA JOSH!"

Josh growls and stands in front of me protectively, Amber purrs at the action. She loves how protective he is. "Stand down Alpha Thomas."

"MAYA!" A growl rips through my chest. Amber doesn't like how my father said my name, as if he actually cared for us. As if he actually didn't push me to welcome death time and time again. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?"

"HOLD YOUR TONGUE!" Josh yells, everyone even other pack warriors bow their heads to his overwhelming and dominating power. "MAYA IS MY MATE! MINE!"

We need to calm this down they haven't even mentioned taking me away yet and he's already giving him his answer, lightly touching his arm I move to stand beside him. To his dismay, the wolf in him wanting to shield me away from my past. When in reality it needs to be confronted. "Alpha Thomas, father."

Gasps from my future pack, conversation regarding the confusion of the situation buzzes. "Maya!" I growl as he takes a step towards me, he stops and cocks his head to the side. We don't like the way he's feigning innocence. "Why did you leave?"

Growling I take a threatening step forward, my thigh exposed from the slit in my dress. "I think you and I both know the answer to that question." My eyes trace his form, he's weaker than when we last saw him. Alcohol getting the best of him after all this time, I hate to imagine the condition of the Crescent Moon Pack. I prevent my canines from flashing, Amber wants to taste his flesh.

I can take him.

"Maya." Alpha Thomas' voice rings in my ears, I hesitantly shift my focus. Defying every instinct to not take my eyes off my prey. "What-I don't even know where to start." Eyes watering as if he actually cared. He was a nice man, but he wanted to take my future. A future that didn't belong to him and eventually wouldn't have belonged to me.

"I was young Alpha Thomas." Words hitting home for him, "3 days." I state as I take another step towards the stairs. Unshed tears blur his vision, he knows what I mean. I'm speaking like a true Luna, in my own language. I'm not entirely ready to air out all of my dirty laundry to the entire pack. Hesitantly I spin around, showing my scars. A flow of courage bursting through me I didn't realize I had. Josh is still behind me, our hands intertwined. He's letting me confront them.

Letting me get this off my chest. "It wasn't training Alpha Thomas."

My father growls and hurriedly I switch my focus to the fuming man I call father. Fur standing up on Amber's coat. She doesn't like the threat, he takes another step forward. Lucas stops him, meeting his glare head on. Riley should be proud. "I am not under your control anymore Kermit." Name spat out, disgusted that I even uttered those two syllables. "I am mated, you can't take me away from him. You can't take me away from this pack."

Small howls from my future pack. They're proud of their Luna. "This needs to be discussed behind closed doors." He growls.

I give him a powerful snarl of my own, I'm not weak anymore. I'm not a pup who needs her father to provide. I was a rogue, living on my own-killing with sharp teeth and claws. I came here, a leader and didn't back down from Pack Law. "No discussion is needed."

"Maya, you know we were supposed to be together."

Josh's growl has me bowing down. Something I've never felt the need to do. The grip on my waist tightens, he's fuming. Claws unwillingly descending, fur sprouting on his arms. "All due respect Alpha Thomas, you know more than anyone how special a mate is."

My words do little to comfort my mate. Pack members slowly form a barrier around the stage. No one is willing to let their Luna go. "Kermit we had an agreement." He growls, placing blame on the man who blame is due.

"It will be fulfilled."

"No. It won't." I state in finality. Remaining calm and fighting off Amber as much as possible.

He growls again, and I realize it doesn't have the same effect on me anymore. Nothing he does has the same result on me anymore. Josh pushes me behind him, "I suggest you leave. Now." Menacing words laced with an unavoidable promise should they not comply to his demand. "You've caused enough pain in my mate's life. Don't you think?"

Allen and Amy watch as the new leaders of the pack they built handles their first confrontation that isn't as simple as rogues. Allen watching his son thoughtfully, scrutinizing every word and action. Making notes to critique him on later. Amy watches me with a smile, pride exuding from her. "NOW!"

"This isn't over."

My father promises.

Then I realize his words have the desired outcome. It was foolish of me to think that he couldn't ruffle my fur. He makes do on his promises. "Yes it is. And if you are not off our pack lands in 10 minutes I will send every warrior after you. Then it will truly be over." Another promise sealed with a growl.

One last menacing look from my father. A softened, confused gaze from Alpha Thomas and they're sprinting towards their vehicles. "IT'S A 15 MINUTE DRIVE TO THE PACK BORDERS I SUGGEST YOU MOVE FASTER! Delta Cross, take 10 warriors. Make due on my promise should they not be gone in 10 minutes. Starting now." 10 volunteers step out from the crowd and follow Delta Cross into the woods, the need and want to protect their Luna overpowering the gathering itself.

I glance at my mate, releasing a breath I was unaware that I was holding. I wrap my arms around his neck, his grip tightening by the second. He's still angry, "I'm here. I'm okay. I'm yours and I'm not going anywhere."

My lips collide with his, sparks warming up the cold demeanor we had to put up in front of the men I've ran away from. Our tongues dance together, completely oblivious to the many eyes of the pack members. "Mmm, mate." Seems as if Jax is out to play.

"Son." Looking at Alpha Allen his expression unreadable the way he prefers it when referencing precarious situations. "Luna Maya." He bows his head respectfully, I've done nothing to earn that respect. "I'm proud of how you both handled that situation. Letting Maya take the reins when you couldn't control your wolf. Admirable quality son. Knowing when to share responsibility."

Cheek to cheek Amy pulls me into her embrace, "Your mother would be proud." Lightly nipping at her skin, I show my appreciation for Luna Amy. Leaving unshed tears in my eyes I pull away. "But for now I think it is time for you both to explain the situation to your pack members."

"Once the Alpha's leave. They don't need to be involved in our problems, not unless we need them as allies. I'll call a pack meeting before our Luna challenges Katie." Shifting his focus out to the wolves he smiles, obviously fake. Obviously forced, but he needs to be a leader and keep everyone calm. "TWILIGHT PACK!"

Silence.

"EVERYTHING WILL BE EXPLAINED TOMORROW! EVERYONE REPORT BACK HERE AT NOON! NO ONE WILL BE LATE!"

I wince at his tone but understand that this is important, no pack member needs to miss this. There's no need for a warning, they know how vital this is. We won't go into full detail, but moving in front of the stage tonight-they put their lives on the line. They deserve to know what they were doing it for. "Let's put this behind us tonight." Josh announces and kisses my temple, "Let's properly initiate your Luna."

Cheers and howls invade my ears.

A smile creeping onto my lips.

This is where I belong.

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Let me know what you think lovelies.

What'd you think? Do you think Maya handled it well?

Should she have reacted more? What about Josh humbling himself and letting Maya take charge?