I'm no expert on families.

In fact, mine pretty much blew. Aside from my mother but she was brutally murdered at such a young age that sometimes it's hard for me to feel the love she had for me. I vaguely remember her gentle caresses and her sweet melodic voice that would sing me to sleep when I was scared. I hardly recall my mother's beautiful smile that could light up a room, she was always great at that. I have never met my real dad, and the father figure I had in my life was a worthless male whose throat I've dreamed about ripping out.

So, yeah I'm no expert on familial issues. However, I never would have suspected there to be issues with Arabella and her father. Granted, I never really thought of her parents at all. She's ridiculously old and can obviously hold grudges like it's nobody's business. I mean her mate or 'true love' as she called him died roughly a hundred years ago… and you can clearly see how she avidly wants to destroy my father. Of course the pain of losing a mate lingers with you for the rest of your life, there will be a piece of you missing for the rest of your life so it would be hard to forget. Luckily that is one pain I've never had to feel, I genuinely hope I never have to.

"Arabella."

Her fist connects to his face in one fluid motion, relishing in the pain she's feeling because she knows he's feeling it twice as much. "You will not harm a hair on her head." She all but growls.

"I'm doing this for you."

When she snaps, he screams out in pain. "For me? I thought you were fucking dead! You are working for the man who brutally beats and tortures his so called daughter. And the man who has killed numerous amounts of people, wolves, and other supernatural creatures, NOT TO MENTION MY LOVE!" Pinning him against the wall, he is still not even remotely fighting back. Rising to my feet, I'm afraid to even make a move. "I never asked nor needed your protection! I can handle myself. I have all my life. For hundreds of years."

When I feel a sharp pain on my side, my mind has suddenly come back to me. My mate is still fighting, wasting no more time I scurry towards the window, until I'm not. I'm frozen in step. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that."

"Your fight is with me." Arabella snaps, taking a stance in front of me again. His hold is relinquished on me and I'm loading a fresh mag into my gun. "You have no right to be here. Leave or I'll kill you myself." Wow, I wonder what went on there. My eyes scan over the field, searching for anyone who may need assistance and firing as soon as I spot a few. I finally catch sight of my father and mate, circling one another. Clearly they've been going at it, their fur is matted and their scratches are beginning to heal.

A few more words are exchanged between Arabella and her father before shit hits the fan. Literally, something hit the fan and once it lands beside me, the shattered glass from the vase scatters around me. "GET OUT OF HERE" Arabella shouts before a bolt of electricity escapes her fingertips.

"Thank you." My words aren't yelled but from her glare softening for just seconds lets me know that she heard what I was saying. I drop my bag on my shoulder and when I see an opening, I take off towards the door. Now where the hell am I supposed to go? Groaning, I use my werewolf speed to get into the spare bedroom. Josh would flip the hell out if he knew I couldn't get to the safe room. Glancing out the window, I don't have a clear shot. I'm at the curvature of the mansion and can only see a few wolves.

"Well shit." Huffing, I loop the automatic rifle around my neck shoulder, stuff some magazines into my pockets and pull out the guns. "Looks like I'm fighting after all."

'Riley, how is it down there?'

'The older females are a little worried. They can feel their mates. No one is mate less yet. But other than that, we can't hear a thing. Pups are sleeping soundly.'

'Stay alert'

'Keep an eye out for my mate'

I don't tell her that I already have. Because she would flip balls. By the time I close off the link with a short 'you got it' I'm staring at the double doors of the pack house. I can hear growling, snarling and howling. I can hear the whimpers of pain, and at this point I know I can't wait any longer. I've never fought a battle for anyone else besides myself. I've never had to look after anyone besides myself, so this whole situation is something new for me.

Kicking the doors open, my hands are up and aiming at anyone who tries to attack. A gust of wind blows my hair back. My fingers move on their own accord at this point. Firing at any wolf who doesn't belong to my pack.

'MAYA! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?'

'There was a battle of magic in our room. Don't worry about me.'

I hear his growl and he shuts me off. Shot after shot, every wolf falls down and cries out in pain before they whimper for the last time. I don't relish in shooting other wolves, with every pull of the trigger I'm apologizing to the Moon Goddess, because I know she doesn't want this. A pair of piercing blue eyes catch my gaze from across the field. And he is sprinting my direction.

Kris.

Replacing my magazines I fire at a wolf who leaps at Kris. I can tell he is not even remotely happy about me being down here. Green orbs find me next and Lucas is in front of me within seconds, by order of Josh I'm sure. Or it could be because they're my guard. They each give me a brief head nod before I move off the steps. Each wolf in step with me, teeth clamping onto necks and tossing other wolves aside while I shoot. 'Kris, send in the next wave.'

A resounding howl echoes through the field, 45 others follow.

My gaze flips to my right, "WILLIAM!" 2 wolves are attacking his paws. 1 is at his throat. No, no! "NO!"

1.

2.

3.

Bodies collapse on top of his, I do my best to hold in my emotions. He's my only family I have left. When I make a pass towards the tree line, I smell the rogues before I actually see them. "Shit."

More. You have to be fucking kidding me.

I begin firing as soon as I see a pair of almost yellow eyes escaping the tree line. 'LUNA! MY MATE! PLEASE!"

Smackle.

Halting in my steps, I blink rapidly trying to find Farkle. When I see two wolves on top of him, I waste on time to shoot. I'm slowly beginning to realize we're outnumbered. On average 2 against 1, he had more allies than we thought. "Sick fuck. KRIS! LUCAS! GO NOW!" When they flip their gaze my direction, their eyes are more than weary. I nod in affirmation, we need every wolf fighting.

'Thank you so much Luna.'

She cuts off the link before I reply. Loading in my last mags, I quickly use the last bit of my ammunition for hand guns. And I only realize that when all I hear is a click as a wolf leaps towards me. With as much force as I can muster, I pistol whip the male wolf. Adjusting my sniper rifle over my shoulder, I make sure he won't be getting back up. However, I linger too long. Two arms grab me from behind and pull my hands behind me in an awkward position.

Okay. Stay calm. Hooking my foot behind his left ankle, I tug making him trip backwards. To my luck he loosens his grip, my elbow connects to his rib. As he's falling, I lift the rifle off the ground and fire two into his chest. "You will have to kill me if you want me to go anywhere."

Josh.

I notice Kris and Lucas keeping their close proximity, even though they are staying busy. I'm just now noticing that every wolf is trying to make their way towards me. "MAYA GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!"

Amber growls at my mate, when did he even change back to human form? "I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE!" Firing the last few bullets in my gun, I connect the butt to a rogues head. My mind running, trying to find Farkle, Zay, Lucas and my mate. William is still on the ground, and even though I didn't know him for long I'm trying to keep my emotions at bay. As I glance around the field, I'm noticing the rogues on top. We're still outnumbered, glancing towards my bedroom I see random flashes of light telling me that Arabella is still tied up.

Amber whimpers, feeling the loss of a few of our pack members. Only one idea comes to mind. 'Do it.' My wolf agrees with my train of thought. 'Less loss of life.'

Mustering as much of my Alpha command as possible I yell, "I CHALLENGE ALPHA KERMIT FOR THE POSITION OF ALPHA OF THE CRESCENT MOON PACK!"

All movements cease. Everything is silent, a complete contrast to the amount of deafening noise that was rattling my brain. Everything is silent.

Until it wasn't. I could recognize that vindictive laugh anywhere. "NO! FUCK THAT!"

Josh. He storms towards me, a look of complete and utter betrayal mixed with anger written all over his face. "It's too late." Kermit practically sings and is grinning widely. I just offered myself up on a platter, and he couldn't be happier.

Josh cups my face in his hands, I can see the slight tinge of pink within his eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I whisper knowing full and well what pain I'm causing him. I watch his Adam's apple plummet before residing back to its natural position.

"Please don't do this baby girl." I hurriedly wipe the tear that threatens to fall. "I can't lose you. Not again, I can't. I can't. I can't live through it."

My chin begins to tremble, silent tears spilling over. "I love you."

"Baby girl, no. Please, I love you so much. I love you. I can't lose you!" He all but sobs, "You aren't at your full strength baby. I can't survive without you."

Inhaling deeply I give him a reassuring smile, "I love you Josh. But I can't sit here and watch my pack members die. When I win, this whole thing will be over."

"I don't have all day."

Glaring at the male I had once before deemed as my father, I growl lowly. "On the contrary. Once I kill you, Arabella will ensure you'll have all the time in the world. You'll never meet the moon." Shifting my attention back to my mate, he can't even look me in the eye. His eyes are held firmly on the ground, watching as the blades of grass whip back and forth, even under the pressure of the rain drops that are continually falling. "Please look at me." I beg, my whisper practically broken.

"Maya." Even the way he says my name has me in tears, "I'm already breaking. Please, I just got you back."

Snaking my arms around his neck, I hold him tight. "I can do this." Words only meant for him escape my parted lips. "I need you to believe in me. I'm not going anywhere. I'm a fighter. I have survived not because of you but for you twice now. I love you more than I ever thought possible." Gulping, I peck his sweet spot right beneath his ear. "I'll always be there." Even if I meet the moon tonight. I don't say the last part because that is just too depressing. Josh knows what I mean and that's why I feel his warm tears trailing against my cheek.

"COME ON!"

'I want to taste his flesh.'

'You'll get to.'

Reluctantly I pull away from my mate, "Subdue Kris." I remind him and give him a small smile. "I love you."

"I won't ever forgive you." Josh replies and pulls away from me completely. My heart shatters right then and there. Even if those words were in the moment, the finality and conviction they held were enough to convince me. I'm not sure if he means he won't ever forgive me if I die or if he won't forgive me for doing this period.

After everything, after being forced into school; finding my mate, being whipped, dying, being brought back to life to be kidnapped and then fully recover to find war on my doorstep, it ends like this. It ends the way I had always planned it.

A challenge for the Alpha title. "I can't let any more pack members die for me Josh. Please try and understand."

"Call me selfish." Every muscle in his face is tight as he tries to force away the sobs that I'm openly showcasing to everyone. "I won't apologize for wanting you for the rest of my life. And I'm afraid I won't have that." Humorlessly he laughs, "Hell I probably won't live at all. I give it a day, maybe two. I've felt too much Maya. Every time you were in pain and when you died, I've felt it all. I know my heart can't take losing you a second time." Even though he is so furious, I can still see the love in his eyes. Hidden under the pain, under the hurt and anger it shines through. Like a white mark on a black canvas. A single flame in the depths of darkness.

Dying for someone is much easier than to live for someone. Dying is inevitable and a voluntary sacrifice I would make over and over again. But living, that's something entirely different. Would I go against all odds to one day hopefully live in peace? Would I fight with everything inside of me to continue breathing? Would I strive through all the pain and sadness? Anger and betrayal? One look at my mate, and the answer is undoubtedly yes.

A wave of determination washes over me. Amber begins pacing inside of her cage, practically stretching. She hasn't been out to play for a good while. She's refreshed and ready to tear into this male. "I'll live. For you." Sliding off my jacket, I see people grimacing at my back… no not just my back anymore. My entire body. Kermit however seems pleased. "THIS IS WHAT YOUR LEADER DOES!" Stepping forward, I take off my shoes. "YOU WILLINGLY AND BLINDLY FOLLOW A SICK WOLF, WHO GETS HIS KICKS FROM TORTURING INNOCENTS!"

"You done?"

I shake my head, growling in the process. "No. Not even close. I will never be done, not until your throat is across the yard. Not until your blood is dripping from my teeth and saturating Amber's taste buds. I will never be done despising you, not even once you're dead. This –" I gesture towards the empty space between us, "this ends tonight. I will kill you Kermit, unfortunately you will never get to see your mate and you will never meet the Moon Goddess." His eyes hold more than fury, a rage like one I've never seen before.

And I think it's because he believes me. He won't ever admit it, he won't ever show it but the fact I'm getting under his skin is enough for me. Stepping forward, I bow up and meet his gaze. "I'll have to beat that out of you. You seem to have forgotten your place."

"The only way I'm leaving this field tonight, is if I'm dead. I won't be going anywhere with you. I will never submit, you either kill me or surrender your pack. But make no mistake Kermit, it isn't me who will be dying tonight. Let's not get our roles reversed." Before he has time to react, my fist connects to his face. A resounding crack is heard, "Damn did that feel good."

My right foot kicks in his rib cage. Another crack, "You should have been drinking some milk. That liquor doesn't exactly have a lot of calcium in it." Another blow to the face. 'Someone, find Alpha William. Heal him, now.'

Taking a step back, I glance at Kermit. A rush of anger, and an overwhelming sense of power reaches every bit of muscle, bone and tissue within me. A sickly sweet smile dances at my lips. "Get up, you pathetic dog." Tackling me to the ground, I miss his fist by a fraction of a second before rolling him over so I'm on top. Punching his throat, I hear the sound of his windpipe collapsing. "Unfortunately that will heal before you suffocate to death." Amber is beginning to take control, we want him to suffer. Rolling onto my back, my legs lock around his shoulder before I pull back on his arm. I don't wait, I make it snap within seconds. He can't even scream. I'm about to roll over to his other arm, when it connects to my nose.

I feel Amber taking over. Fur sprouting effortlessly, my tongue flicking out to wipe the blood away on my nose before it shifts to a snout. I haven't shifted in so long, it doesn't take mere seconds like it used to. I feel my tail growing as I fall to all fours. My ears perking up from where they're perched on top my head. Snarling, I circle my prey as he readjusts his arm. Damn he heals fast. "What, did you think I was done for?" Snorting out loud for everyone to hear, earns a few chuckles.

'On the contrary, we were hoping for the opposite.'

Pack members of mine growl in agreement. "You're a feisty one Maya. I'll break you of that, don't think for one second that you have this one."

Leaping forward, my teeth dig into his calf before retreating back again. Amber enjoys the taste of his blood on our canines. We smile a wolfy grin, as if to say 'bring it on asshole'. As soon as I see his wolf beginning to take form, I sprint into action. Tackling him to the ground in the process. My claws digging into any piece of flesh that is absolutely possible, unfortunately he is doing the same. Mud gets caked onto my blonde fur when he rolls us over so he's on top and ultimately in control. Kermit's teeth bite painfully into my snout before I claw deeply into his underbelly causing him to yelp. As soon as we're both on all fours, I sprint not giving him any time to regain his bearings. Putting as much power behind each stride that I can gather, mud flicks out every time my paw leaves the wet earth. The Moon Goddess is crying tonight, for every wolf that has died.

My head connects to his ribs, knocking him 15 feet back. I don't halt my movements. Grabbing the scruff of his neck, I toss this male from side to side. His body connecting to the earth over and over again.

Left to right.

Left to right.

A total of 7 times he's tossed around like a fucking rag doll before I let him fall to the earth. Knowing my strength is slowly fading, I lie my belly on the ground. My teeth are already embedded into his neck. Growling in satisfaction, the blood begins to pool on my tongue. All before, I'm standing a foot away. His throat is in my mouth, and his body is lying limp on the wet earth.