"Naomi. Please listen to me. I'm going to set you on the floor and I'm going to lift myself into the door above, then I'll lift you out. Okay?"

She starts to sob and holds onto me tighter. "P-please don't-t leave m-me."

"I'm not leaving you Naomi. I wouldn't do that."

Sensing that she isn't going to cooperate let alone, relinquish her hold on me, Amber takes over completely, the howling of the Crescent Moon pack startling her and knowing we have less time than originally planned. Squatting I jump into the small hole, both of us barely making it through. She's still crying and I am scolding myself for taking so long.

She needs the masking spray, her scent is revolting right now and will attract attention. Taking control again, I rub her back soothingly as we move throughout the tunnels. "Naomi, unzip my bag and grab the spray bottle, it's a masking spray. Coat yourself in it." She does as instructed, spraying me in the face in the process but I don't mind. The next round of howls ringing through my ears, they're searching for the intruder.

8 minutes.

Standing at the ladder, I strip my backpack and pass Naomi the dart gun. Scurrying up the wooden steps, I close my eyes and press my ear to the door to ensure I don't hear any wolves. And it seems that the Moon Goddess is on my side. "Naomi, once we get out there I'm going to shift. Climb onto my back and shoot when necessary. I have 3 pack members waiting in rogue territory, if we can make it there we will be safe do you understand?"

Her eyes are wide as she mutely stares at me. "I need you to focus Naomi. I know what you're feeling, you were staying in my old cell but you need to focus right now. If something happens to me and I have to hold off some wolves you run to the pack border you'll find help." Not waiting for a reply I push the door open setting her down on the crunching leaves and sliding off my backpack I can tell she's terrified. The light practically blinding her since she's been trapped in the dark for so long. Her entire body shaking waiting for something bad to happen.

'Amber get us to mate.'

'Mmm. Mate.'

Amber lowers herself to the forest floor, Naomi slides on the backpack first, and clutches the dart gun in her hand before climbing on. As soon as she has a tight grip on her fur, Amber bolts towards rogue territory. I don't think she's ever moved this fast, not since the last time we ran from this pack. Weaving around trees, we have yet to run into another wolf but our luck has ran out when we hear thundering footsteps behind us.

Amber growls out her warning to them but we continue to push ourselves faster. Claws kicking up dirt and tossing leaves up behind us. Our legs burning from the exertion, barking behind us has Naomi in tears. I don't have time to comfort her right now. Making a sharp left, we don't miss the wolf running into the bark of the tree. Snorting we keep running, we know these woods, it's in our bones. We used to hide out here, a wolf to our left lunges towards us. Amber snaps her jaws in their direction but the wolf falls to the ground. Naomi snickers and I'm aware she used the tranquilizer.

Thank Goddess.

3 miles out from rogue territory.

'Amber turn right.'

She does as I say and we vaguely appreciate the wind whipping through our fur before we're tackled to the ground. Immediately we're to our paws and standing protectively over Naomi who is trembling and trying to nurse her leg that has a twig sticking out of it. Snarling my teeth, snapping my jaws I growl to the sandy blonde wolf in front of me. Leaning down, releasing a whimper to Naomi I rip the twig from her calf and jolt my head behind me before facing the wolf. 2 more take its flank, Amber radiates her power hoping they'll submit to her.

We don't want to hurt our future pack members.

They step back but don't submit.

Their eyes shift towards the she-wolf running behind me, one of them moves to take a step forward that has Amber growling out another warning. They'll have to go through us to get to her. Not listening the wolf leaps forward, following his example she leaps towards his stomach. My taste buds filling with blood, throwing him into the trunk of the tree. Amber gets tackled to the ground, we bite down on the first paw we see, a resounding yelp echoes throughout the forest. My back paws buck him off throwing him off of us.

The other wolf circles me, taking his time as the other two get their bearings back. Blood dripping from our fur from the snout, snarling has the wolf hesitating his next step. Running towards us in full sprint, we throw ourselves on our hind legs, front paws slashing at the flying form. Our teeth clamp onto his snout. Amber throws him from side to side, each 'THUMP' into the forest floor louder than the last as more bones of his break. Tossing him to the side, we shift our focus to the last two wolves. Sniffing the air, more wolves are at least 2 miles out. Ears flattened, claws digging into the earth.

We attack.

All 3 of us rolling in a giant ball. Yelping occasionally from the nipping and biting of the other wolves. My claws digging into flesh, teeth tearing ears. Somehow our teeth find a throat, clamping down the wolf goes limp in our grasp. A sharp pain radiates through my back, growling we take off towards the pack border as to put more distance between us and reinforcements. The other one on our tail, we make a sharp turn and throw ourselves at the wolf behind us after 2 minutes of running.

Another two miles of earth separating us.

We're not far from rogue territory, but we focus on the task at hand. Standing over the wolf, his claws trace my underbelly, howling from the pain we switch to skin side. My fists connecting to his snout,

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

He's out cold.

With a leap, switching back to fur we sprint towards our mate. Back paws going forward as our front are thrown back. Crunching leaves underneath us, leaping over logs and weaving around trees we're so close. Booming sounds behind us, they're at most a mile behind us. 'Josh run. Take Naomi and run. I'm on my way.'

Throwing up my barrier so he can't argue, Amber takes a hard right directing them away from our friends and family. Snapping jaws, and growling has us leaping over the pack territory line. A mere creek separating us from the 8 wolves standing at full attention. It's law, you can't chase a rogue once they're off territory and as far as they know… that's what we are.

Amber feels like agitating them. Leaning her snout down towards the water, we keep eye contact with the wolves who are pacing the territory line, our tongue meets the cool wetness. 'We've worked up a thirst', Amber says with a snort. Our tail flicking behind us as we trot in the water, they're still snarling… one in particular seemingly done with our show of dominance over them as he leaps towards us. A wolfy grin approaches our muzzle, as if we haven't fought enough today. Colliding into me, we roll till we're on top, our paw pressing on his rib cage – Amber waits for the light crack before wrapping her teeth around his neck and as gently as possible tossing him back to his pack.

They all seem stunned by her actions, but we don't want our future pack to think ill of us. Bowing lightly we take off, Amber incredibly proud of herself. Taking on 3 wolves at once, freeing Naomi… she hasn't felt this assured that we can take on our father in a long time. 'Josh. I'm safe. In rogue territory. Keep running, it'll be too difficult to find you. I'll meet you at our territory line.'

Hearing a howl about 5 miles ahead, Amber and I both shiver. Our mate celebrating and embracing his Luna. Pride echoing throughout the trees and reverberating off of the bark. Giving him a howl back, I can feel his happiness through the mate bond.

I love that wolf.

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

I'm not quite sure what happened.

One minute, I see Josh at our territory line. Watching as his tense frame and fidgeting fingers relax, the next I'm waking up in our bedroom in our bed. How did that even happen? Josh is sleeping beside me, his arm gingerly wrapped around my stomach, I say gingerly but he's holding on for dear life. I couldn't get up even if I wanted to. A bandage taped on my stomach and I can feel the tender spot on my back from where I was bitten. "Josh." I whisper, "Josh come on baby wake up."

Nothing.

Dead to the freaking world.

So I do the only thing I can, "JOSH!" A high pitched squeal escapes my lips. My mate throwing himself out of the bed, his entire frame tense as he stands protectively in front of me.

Once he assess the room and understands there is no danger, he flips his glare towards me and my snickering self. But after blinking a few times, his glare softens and he's throwing himself on top of me. Showering me in kisses, a small purr rumbles in our chest while his fingers roam throughout my hair. "Naomi told us about you fighting three wolves Maya. I am so mad and so proud of you all at the same time."

We both chuckle together before our lips press together. "So mate, what happened I don't remember anything after seeing you?"

His smile flips to a grimace almost instantly, anger swarming through his orbs. "You lost a lot of blood and fainted. It didn't help you ran so long." Without permission he rips my shirt and bandage off, his tongue lapping at my almost healed wound. I must not have been sleeping long. Protective instincts, and animalistic instincts coming out to play. I don't argue mostly because it feels good, his tongue numbing the slight pain I was feeling.

Hands on my hips flip me over to rest on my stomach, the tearing noise and the cool breeze against my back has me shivering. Again I feel his tongue against my skin as Jax or Josh one continues to heal me. "I love you Josh and Jax."

A deep satisfactory growl vibrates our bodies, "We love you and Amber so much."

"How's Naomi?"

Rolling to my side, I snuggle into his chest. Fingertips trace my jawline leaving warm sparks in their wake. "Worse for wear. Several cracked ribs, a few infections, concussion, and broken wrist, malnourished, dehydrated… the list could go on and on." Closing my eyes I fight off the tears that are threatening to fall. "She's safe now baby girl." His lips press against my temple, while his hands lovingly caress my back. "She's safe because of you. Because you risked your life to rescue her. Such an amazing Luna, amazing wolf, amazing woman! We love you."

His lips press gently against my eyelids before I flutter them open. "I want to go see her."

Nodding his head, his fingers intertwine with mine. "We have a secret door in here baby girl." Stepping into the closet he moves our dresser aside and enters the combination into the lock. "If we can't get to the other door, say if it is being guarded by other wolves we still have a way to get into the safe room and defend our pack."

Smart move.

Right when I'm about to open my mouth to ask the combination, he answers for me. "The day we met." Internally awing at my incredibly sweet mate, he places his palm on a scanner that popped up out of nowhere. "I need to get you implemented into the system." Nodding my head in agreement, I grip his hand tighter as lights lit up the stairwell descending into the depths of the pack house. "It's underground. There's food and water to last the pack 60 days, bathrooms, showers, cots, blankets and a kitchen, even a little infirmary. The works. That was the first thing I had fixed when I took over. We're hardly ever attacked but I'd rather be prepared, and considering the circumstances we're in now, I'm glad we did."

Scrunching up my nose, he chuckles. "Baby girl don't look at me that way. I would go to war for you over and over. You aren't going anywhere." Smiling, our lips press gently together before we continue our descent. Pressing his thumb against the scanner the door in front of us opens. I'm immediately blinded by light, the room before us is lit up in white. White blankets, sheets and walls. There's a name plate on every bed, one for every pack member. I even see some beds with cribs beside them for the pups. I don't have time to continue looking around as Josh drags me around the corner. The white is broken up by blue and purple skin. My heart breaks for the she-wolf in front of me. Dr. Packwood is checking her vitals again, "Where's Kris?"

My orbs glance towards Josh, who has yet to answer. "We thought it best you be here, being his charge you're the only one who can contain his wolf besides his mate. For fear of hurting you." His eyes glaze over while I process the information. "I'm going to collect him."

Leaving me alone with Naomi and Dr. Packwood I step forward and sit on the chair beside her. "I just gave you another dosage of pain medication. Just rest, I'll bring you some food." She nods her head in acknowledgement and rolls her head to look at me. "You're a Luna." I nod my head in affirmation and cross my legs, my hand wrapping up in hers. "You risked your life for me?"

"Yes ma'am." Her eyes well up with tears and it pulls on my heart strings. Biting my lip, I feel as if I should ask this question before Dr. Packwood leaves. "Naomi, do you need to be 'checked'?" As soon as she shakes her head, I release a breath I was unknowingly holding. They never did anything to me like that, but I wouldn't put it past them. "My mate went to get your son. I'm sorry this happened to you."

Her grip on my hand tightens, slowly she pulls me into her frail frame for a hug. She sobs into my chest when frantic footsteps enter the infirmary. "M-mom?" Carefully laying her back down, I pull away to allow Kris some space.

"Hi little wolf."

Sobbing he wraps his arm around her body, "I'm so sorry this happened to you."

Holding his face in her hands, she just shakes her head. "Don't apologize son, this isn't your fault. Because of you I'm safe. I c-can't believe your Luna rescued me. Son, she rescued me." Incoherent words fumble out of her mouth through her salty tears. "She took on 3 wolves so I could get off their territory." And then some more mumbling, Kris glances at me teary eyed. His orbs profusely thanking me, I just shake my head he doesn't need to thank me.

Immediately he smiles, "Mom you'll never believe what happened. I'm Luna Maya's Guardian." He's so proud, as he pushes his sleeves to his elbow. A shocked expression masks her facial features, pride for her son rolling off of her in waves. He leans in again for another hug when she winces slightly. Jumping back a few feet, a low growl bounces off the walls. Behind me Josh tenses, Kris' chest heaving and fists clenching as he tries to regain his composure.

Naomi is struggling to stay awake at this point. "Kris." I warn when I notice fur sprouting from his skin. Amber eyes flash to look at me, canines involuntarily elongating. "Naomi, what is his wolf's name?" I ask while holding his stare. He seems to calm when he looks at me, but as soon as he sees his mother's condition he starts to shift again.

"Alias."

"Alias." I repeat, slowly stepping towards him while ignoring the grip Josh has on me. Every instinct of his is wanting to put me behind him but I don't budge. "You need to calm down. You're scaring your mother."

His head bows down, one knee rests against the floor a formed fist resting against it. "Forgive me Luna."

Kneeling down in front of him I can't help but shake my head and lift his chin. "You do not bow to me Alias. Stand up please." Obliging to what I said, his knee lifts off the tile floor. I can feel Josh's happiness surge through our link, he loves it when wolves treat me that way. "Great. Now, Alias listen to me. I warned you and Kris about her condition, I told you she wouldn't be in good shape so you had time to prepare. Your mother needs to relax, sleep, eat and heal. I'm sure she wants you around to do so, but unless you get your temper under control I can't allow it. She doesn't need the added stress."

He nods, golden eyes flickering back to their normal blue. His anger sating for now, "Thank you Luna Maya." An arch of the brow has him back tracking, "Maya." He corrects while his mother gasps, a scolding look on her face since she didn't see my urging expression to treat me with normalcy.

"Don't worry Naomi, Kris is a friend not just a pack member or guardian of mine. I urge him to call me Maya." Stepping around back towards the chair that Josh now occupies, I sit in his lap. I wonder what it is like for him, I feel like I do all the work around here. Amber snickers at my comment, "Naomi unfortunately you will have to stay in the safe room for a good while. No one knows you're here, our mission to rescue you was not announced to the pack and we'd like to keep it that way. However, once we deem it safe for you to return back to your pack you are more than welcome or you can stay here. Whatever you'd prefer." I know she won't stay here, John is here. He is pretty much some of the reason she was rejected and doesn't have a choice mate. If Kris was treated so poorly I can only imagine how she was treated. Granted, if John ended up having something to do with her kidnapping… she won't have to worry about him anymore.

Nodding her head in understanding she smiles, slightly grimacing from her bruised jaw. "Thank you Luna, you have no idea how grateful I am to you and your mate." Josh's rough hands caress my thighs, "Luna Maya?" I gesture for her to continue since it sounded like she was asking a question, "Your father is the man." I hate being associated with that monster, "He w-would tell me to b-blame you for what h-happened."

Sounds about right, turning wolves against me. Josh growls, power emanating off of him while Kris stands defensively beside his mother. Linking for him to 'stand down' he does as I instruct, he knows I wouldn't let anything happen to Naomi. "She is the reason you are here."

Her eyes widen, head shaking vehemently. "Oh no Alpha you misunderstand. I wasn't blaming Luna, it was a memory that had suddenly reappeared, I was just voicing my thoughts. I owe my life to your mate, I would never blame a she-wolf who risked her life for someone she never met."

That seems to settle his fur, my hand rubbing circles on his chest. "Now Naomi, you hungry?"

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Let me know what you think guys!

Is Amber/Maya a badass? The answer… yes!

Lol. Thanks for reading!