Josh's Point of View.

Before the meeting had ended, I asked everyone to be free of the dining room so I could take Maya down there for lunch. I think it would be good for her to get out of the room and see sunlight. Even if we don't take a step outside. The pack is still pretty torn up about my mate's condition, hell I'm still torn up about it and it's been almost 2 weeks since I've found her. Turning on my heels to meander off the stage, Riley gives me a warm smile. I return it and shake hands with my beta. "Thanks for being here. How're you feeling Riley?"

"Great, much better than what I was. I'm awake so that's a huge step up." I chuckle and avert my gaze to Lucas. His lips press against her temple before we take off down the steps. "Lucas would you knock it off. It is 5 steps." I chuckle and crane my neck to get a glimpse, her arm is draped around his neck, he's obviously carrying her down the stairs with a protective hand on her stomach. I would make fun of him, but I'll probably be ten times worse.

Gesturing for Farkle to follow me so we can meet up with our mates we make our way back to the pack house. "ALPHA!" A little girl no older than 8 rushes towards me with a wide smile spread across her lips. Her dark curls bouncing with each step and bright green eyes staring up at me. "Alpha."

Kneeling down to her level, I swallow her hands with my own. "Yes little one? What can I do for you?"

"My class, we made something for Luna Maya." She turns around to look behind her, I'm assuming at the woman hustling in our direction. "Mommy, hurry up!" This little girl sounds so exasperated and put out with the woman who carried her and raised her. It's quite entertaining to say the least. Switching my focus to Farkle he just laughs, I've always had a soft spot for kids and that's never been a secret. As soon as the woman makes it to our small gathering she passes a large piece of colored manilla paper in our direction. "Can you give this to Luna Maya?"

Grabbing the piece of large folded paper in my hands, I can't help but smile. 'We Love You Luna Maya' was written in what I'm assuming is the teacher's handwriting on the front, with stickers decorating the outside. Opening it up, there's notes written on the inside from about 30 students, most were with misspelled words others drew pictures. All in all, the notes consisted of 'we missed you', 'get well soon' and 'we love you'. Blinking several times to keep my emotions at bay, I hold her hands again. "What's your name beautiful?"

"Annisa."

"Annisa? That's a beautiful name. Thank you so much for this card, I will absolutely give this to her and I am positive it will help her get to feeling better very soon."

She launches towards me, her arms wrapping around my neck to give me a hug, a hug which I return immediately. "Thank you Alpha. Tell Luna Maya I said hello." And just like that she's skipping to her next destination. I watch her for several more minutes before actually rising off the ground and walking back into the pack house. Just as I asked, the kitchen and dining area had remained empty. A sense of pride running through me knowing that my pack listens so well. As an Alpha I should be used to, no expect them to listen to every word but that type of arrogance could only lead to downfall. Look at Kermit, running through packs as if they were just snacks. Kidnapping and torturing as if it were a hobby. Demanding his warriors and members not speak of or do anything when they saw despicable actions. How many had known about his plot to capture my mate? How many were involved? Should I trust Crescent Moon pack members to step foot on our territory? Or should I just end them once their location has been verified? That's a tough decision, offer sanctuary or turn them away? I hate the idea of turning them away whenever women and pups won't last in rogue territory. Once this is done my land will be never ending, it will take days in wolf form to go around my border to get to another pack.

'We need more numbers for more territory.'

I hate that Jax is right. Even if I do give them sanctuary, I won't allow them to run patrol. It's too risky, not until they prove their loyalty to this pack. Even then, I think I'll spend the extra money to have sensors lined up around our territory. "Alpha, are you okay?"

"Just a lot to process. Do you think we should offer sanctuary?"

He ponders for a moment, his eyes shifting to the floor as if the dark cherry hardwood is incredibly fascinating. "Alpha, let me ask you a question in return. Knowing Maya was Kermit's daughter, would you want someone to offer her sanctuary when she ran away all those years ago?"

"Of course." I answer without even hesitating, "But these aren't runaway's. These are people who moved with their pack, who are still following Kermit."

He narrows his eyes, not glaring but simply thinking. I'm sure thinking of a way to put this in a sentence I could understand. "It's just as you said. Your pack would follow you blindly, why wouldn't his?" That makes more sense than I care to admit. A handful of wolves who knew of his plans had already been offered refuge here, I'm just waiting to initiate them. At least they had the courage to realize what Kermit is doing was wrong. Giving him a curt nod I make my way up the steps again. I wish there was a way to test loyalties. Opening the door to our bedroom, I can't help but smile when I see my mate lying on the bed. An emotion akin to trust flashes within her eyes and that alone makes my day. But as quickly as it appears it is gone again. Something tells me it isn't just her brain preventing her feelings and memories, though after everything she's been through I don't judge her for wanting to forget.

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

Immediately my head snaps in Smackle's direction. 'Talking', did Maya speak? "One second baby girl." Shutting the door behind me, I stop Smackle in her steps. "Did she speak to you?"

Solemnly she shakes her head, "I spoke to her of the similarities between our stories. She didn't speak, but she comforted me." My heart swells with pride. "She tried. It was awkward for her, but even whenever her mind wasn't closed off she wasn't great at hugging." The gamma female tries to make a joke and surprisingly it worked. I find myself laughing. "Give it time Alpha."

"It took me months to get Smackle to talk." Farkle wraps his arm around his mate and kisses her temple. "But the work is so worth the satisfaction of hearing her voice." He tacks on and bows his head so they can take their leave.

When I walk back in the room, Maya's sitting up in the bed. She glances at me through her eyelashes, "So baby girl, heard you were hugging on Smackle? Do I not get that kind of love?" I question with a smile before enveloping her in my arms. My mate grips the cotton of my tee shirt and buries her face in my chest. Does she realize she's doing this? "Mm, I love you baby." Peppering light kisses on her face, I help her stand up straight. "The pups made something for you." I pass her the card I laid down on the bed, and watch as her eyes roam over the paper. After about 30 seconds of her staring at the front, I open it up. "They're saying how much they miss you, and hope you get better soon." When she gulps, Jax howls – she's swallowing down her emotions. The emotions we thought were long gone. Her fingertips graze the letters and the pictures. "Isn't that really nice?"

Maya nods and I honestly didn't think this day would get any better. I really didn't. "I'm so proud of you baby girl." My lips press against hers gently, as usual she doesn't respond but she's done more today than I could have asked for. "Are you hungry?"

Grabbing her leather jacket, I slide it on and grip the collar of her jacket to kiss my mate one more time. "Come on baby, let's get some food." I take her hand in mine and lead her towards our door, "I asked for everyone to keep the dining area cleared out. Maggie already made us some food, how does shrimp sound?" As soon as we reach the stairs, I lift her off of her feet and wrap her legs around my waist. She complies instantly. I'd like to say this is just precaution in case she gets to shaky but in reality I just want to hold her and love the crap out of her as much as I can. I'm going back down to the cells tonight to check up on our prisoners after meeting with my father and leadership to discuss the location Thomas gave us. Fingers crossed he didn't screw himself over.

I honestly don't know how Kermit could keep up torturing someone for so long. It's been almost 2 weeks and I'm already done. I don't want to hurt women anymore, I certainly don't want to waste more of my time on John and Thomas. But I'm conflicted, I want to avenge Maya. Deep down I know I won't ever have my revenge sated until we find Kermit. So as of yesterday, I halted the torture sessions. I'm not a vicious man, I will defend my pack and my mate and pups with my life and with every bit of aggression I can muster but right now with my mate in my arms I've never been more calm. As soon as we make it into the dining room where the walls are glass she buries her face into the crook of my neck. "Is it too bright baby girl?"

I've done a horrible job at easing sunlight back into her life. I've kept it dark with the curtains closed, the only light being from the ceiling fan. I shut the curtains surrounding the table but leave the others open so it isn't direct but will surround us. Setting her in a chair, I peck her temple again before sauntering into the kitchen.

'Amber said, she thinks we're going to give her back to Kermit. Mate thinks this is a test.'

My grip on the countertop tightens, the crack of the granite before I release my hold echoes through the kitchen. I don't say anything for a few minutes while I regain control. I can't believe she thinks that, though after everything she's been through I'm sure it's hard to believe anyone is not going to hurt you. Lifting the plates out of the oven that has kept them warm I saunter back towards the table. Immediately she's watching my every move. Is that why she's so aware? She's afraid I'll bring her back? Goddess that thought alone kills me. As soon as I'm sat down, I lift her into my lap and offer her a bite of the shrimp. She glances at me, then at the fork and back again. I take the bite I originally offered and take the other half to place at her lips. Like the wolf she is, I notice her sniffing before taking the food. "Baby girl, I know this is hard to believe. But I won't ever hurt you." Scooping some macaroni and cheese, I take a bite and hold some out for her. "I know you're scared to be hurt both physically and emotionally again but you're my life. I don't just love you because we're mates, I have fallen in love with everything you are. Loving someone, it means you never want that person hurt. So when I say I won't hurt you that means I won't hand you over to anyone who would hurt you either."

After that we eat in silence. The same routine, I take a bite and she takes a bite. Of course, she doesn't eat as much as me so I end up finishing both the plates once she refuses to eat anymore. Gently turning her body so her chest is resting against mine, I begin to scratch her back. "Please know that Maya, please know that I love you so much and won't hurt you. I have the safe eyes, right?" I don't wait for her to answer – or not answer before I continue. "If you ever have doubts that I won't hurt you then look into my eyes and see how much love I have for you. See how much I want to protect and care for you."

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Once we had finished eating, Maya looked extremely tired so I brought her back upstairs and we laid together for a few hours before I had to go. Riley, her usual baby sitter when I had to go run some errands entered the room with a smile on her face and took my place on the bed. She immediately – even before I left the room – dove straight into telling stories of their past. Their adventures, or rather their misadventures thanks to Riley's clumsiness. Not being rude, she openly admitted to the fact that she was an extremely clumsy women. That's probably why her mate is so worried about her even walking.

"Maya." She cranes her neck to look at me, "I'm going to go do a few things okay. I shouldn't be gone long, just let me or Riley know if you need anything. Okay?" Though it was only once and incredibly fast, she nods and stares into my eyes. And just when I think she's about to say something, she closes her mouth and caresses my cheek before turning to face Riley. Riley stares at me with extreme happiness, no doubt my smile is just as wide. "I love you baby girl."

Practically skipping to my office, I throw the door open and greet everyone with a gargantuan grin. "Did something happen?" Zay asks hesitantly.

"She touched my cheek gentleman." Though this wasn't the first time, it still makes me feel incredibly giddy. "She touched my cheek." I repeat and though I know everyone is happy for me they chuckle lightly. "Alright, so where are we at? Was the location valid?"

My father hands me aerial view pictures, "Yes." Of course whenever I stare at these pictures, I see one male standing in front of hundreds.

"This looks like a pep talk." I muster out and flip to the next picture. "Are they planning something stupid?"

Lucas clears his throat, pulling my attention away from the pictures. "They are coming here."

I'm already off of my seat, I don't care how they got this information but we need our allies here. "How long?"

Farkle types a few things into his computer, "Without rest it would take 2 days running time for them to get to us. Obviously they would need to rest and eat."

My first call was the Power Pack, our closest allies. "Zay and Farkle I need you to clear out the pack house so we can make room for our visitors. Have your females prep the safe room and planning activities, starting tomorrow evening, all females and pups under 16 will stay down there."

"Hello?"

Placing Alpha William on speaker, I take a seat in the office chair. "William, this is Josh."

"Josh, how's Maya?"

Gulping I just rub my face, "She's getting better. I need you and your warriors here within the next 24 hours. Kermit is headed here with his forces as well as Thomas'."

"We leave in the morning. Give my condolences to my granddaughter and your mate." After telling him I would, and a quick goodbye I waste no time and dial my brother.

Zay and Farkle leave my office to start preparations. While I'm waiting on my brother to pick up, I link Maggie to start prepping food for the safe room. "Hey brother, how's your mate?"

"Eric, I need you and your warriors here with in the next 30 hours. I understand this is short notice, but Kermit is to attack in the next 2 days, maybe 3."

Nibbling at my lip, I don't have to wait long for his answer. "Of course brother." There's a short pause before he continues. "I have my beta gathering our warriors. We take our leave within the next 2 hours."

"I'll let you go brother. I know you have preparations you need to make. I'll see you soon." I mumble out before hanging up the phone, "I need eyes on them at all times Lucas, I won't have my mate hurt again."

My dad sighs and falls back in the chair, "How did Maya not see this coming?"

My first instinct is to glare, to defend my mate because she's already been through so much. But I stop myself from doing that, she should still have her seeing abilities. And that's when an idea comes to me. "Lucas she transferred her memories to you when I was acting like an ass about 3 months ago? Right?"

He outwardly winces at the remembrance of my mate's past. "Yes Alpha."

My father already knows where I'm going with this. "Do you think that's a wise idea son?"

No, it's probably an incredibly stupid idea and could backfire. I would practically be forcing her to remember, forcing her to open up her mind. "She needs to remember. She needs to before Kermit gets here. She'll be in the safe room but since Riley is pregnant we need a leader and quite frankly I want my mate back. I need her to be coherent enough to see what I'm going to do to Kermit." I want her to know he's going to die so she won't have to fear him anymore.

No one says anything for several minutes. Our mind processing everything in its entirety. Everything that has happened since the moment I saw Maya in that classroom. Father's right this could absolutely backfire on me and ruin progress but she needs to accept what's happened to her. Of course with that thought, I'm aware of how selfish I sound.

'Don't' hurt mate'

'I don't want to Jax. And I don't think I will, she'll remember us. She'll be comforted by us more than anything.'

"I think I'm going to do it. I'll tell her about my plan first, but she needs this."

Before the males in the room can respond, a feminine and familiar voice speaks up first. "It's a risk."

My gaze flickers to the red head glancing at the pictures on my bookcase. "Arabella." I growl out, I can't stand this witch. She does nothing for the good of others. "What do you want?"

Her purple dress flows behind her as she slowly saunters towards my desk. She's so graceful, the complete opposite of her personality. "I do believe I was promised Kermit."

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Let me know what you think lovelies!