《Alpha Niall And His Lost Mate》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    *Book Three In The ''Alpha''s Mate Series- Stand Alone Book*


    ***


    My Dearest Zoey,


    If you''re reading this, it means I''m not in your life when you initiated your first shift. I do trust that you''re


    well and happy in a pack with people who love you. That''s all I ever wanted for you.


    If by now you didn''t know, I was a rogue. I ran away from my pack when I was 21 for reasons I wish for


    you not to worry about.


    If your mom ever told you anything about me, I hope she told you that I love you, and that the rogue life


    was never what I wanted for you. The constant running and looking over my back was never how I


    wanted you to live. And so, I''m trying my best to get you into a pack.


    Maybe the reason why I''m not with you is because my lifestyle got me to the grave, or maybe it''s some


    other reason.


    But I want you to know that being a wolf is more than just shifting.


    You''ll find your mate and live the happy life I always wished for you.


    Have my grandpups and make me proud.


    I hope you know that I loved your mom. She changed me for the best and gave me the best gift I could


    ever wish for.


    My precious Zoey.


    If by some unfortunate incident you learn that my death wasn''t natural and was by the hands of


    someone else, please don''t try and avenge me.


    I''ve done a lot of bad things in my life, and I don''t want that for you. It''s not worth it in the end. So


    always choose to be good Zoey.


    Be good and do good. I know your heart is bigger than mine and your mom''sbined. And I have


    faith that however and whoever you grow up with, teaches you the right way to be a wolf.


    You are and will always be the most precious jewel I was given. I want you to remember that and


    always stay true to yourself. Be happy and live life to the fullest. I will still be with you through every


    milestone.


    Know that you''re strong Zoey. You''re stronger than you''ll ever know. And I hope you use your strength


    to be the wolf you''re destined to be.


    I love you my dearest child. My blood will always run through your veins.


    Zoey Isabe Boysen.


    My love, my heart, the reason for the most joy I''ve ever known in my life. My baby girl.


    Your dad, Reagan. Forever in my heart.


    .


    Tears streamed down my cheeks as I nced over the letter one more time.


    This letter was written by my dad before he died. What pained me the most was that he actually had a


    feeling that he would, and so he needed to write me this.


    All my life I''ve never known who my dad was. There were no pictures, just stories from my mom about


    how he was when they were together.


    I''ve always wanted to know him and to talk to him, to learn so much more about him. This letter was


    the first thing that made me feel somewhat connected to him, but it also made me feel lost.


    Who was my dad? What really happened to him?


    My sister never knew him personally since we had different dads, and the one person who knew


    enough about him, died seven years ago along with his memories.


    I felt torn. I felt like I didn''t know who I was. I want to know more, to know everything.


    Growing up, I always knew that I was different. My mom was a human, and my dad was a werewolf.


    But I''ve always known that something was different about me.


    For a girl with only one parent with wolf genes, I was way too strong, and this was before I even shifted.


    Something about my life story isn''t adding up. And this letter just made me more curious.


    I deserve to know my truth. I can''t live knowing that there''s something about my background with


    missing pieces.


    And this letter was my first clue.


    This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I clenched the letter against my chest and looked up to the ceiling.


    "Thanks dad. I''ll make you proud. I promise" I whispered, as my heart ached with heaviness.


    My big sister, Victoria, pulled me into aforting hug, but I winced at the pain that ran through my


    body.


    I just shifted for the first time today. Other werewolves shift for the first time when they turn sixteen, but


    my wolf hadn''t awakened in me until this morning on my 18th birthday.


    I was so excited, that I woke up my sister and ran down to the backyard to get ready. Like my mom, my


    sister is human too, so she had no idea what to do about shifting, but I was just so eager.


    So her mate and our current Alpha, Luka, helped me every step of the way.


    It was he painful, but it was worth it. I felt so much stronger andplete. That is, until Victoria


    handed me this letter.


    "How did you get this? " I asked through a sniffle as I pulled away.


    "Mom gave it to me when you were six. She wanted me to give it to you on the day of your first shift.


    That''s what your dad wanted"


    My heart sank at the mention of both my parents in one statement. Though I didn''t know my dad, I still


    felt his absence. And when mom died too, it was like I lost them both.


    But I was never short on love. The people that I live with are some of the most loving wolves I know.


    Dad would''ve been happy.


    "Why would he want her to wait until I shifted? "


    "I don''t know sweetheart. Maybe he had his reasons."She sighed and tucked one of my curls back into


    my bun. "I know you have questions, and I really wish I could answer them. But I promise that I''ll help


    you find anything you want to"


    I buried my face into her shoulder as my head throbbed in pain. "I want to know everything, Victoria. I


    want to know why everybody is convinced that I''m from a high ranking family because of my scent. I


    want to know who my dad was, why he left his pack and where his pack really is. "


    "I know sweetheart "


    I continued. "I feel like I can''t fully know myself until I know who I really am, you know? "


    I huffed and peered at the letter again. My eyebrows scrunched as I read over a certain line.


    "I''ve never really asked how he died. Do you know? "


    Victoria tensed at my question for a moment, before meeting my eyes with a certain reluctance.


    "Zoey-"


    "There''s my big bad wolf! " She was cut off by Ciara as she barged into my room with a huge smile on


    her face and Ashley right behind her.


    Ciara was our Gamma''s mate, and Ashley was the Beta''s mate. I grew up with them also, and they too


    treated me like a little sister.


    "Congrats baby girl. I knew you had it in you. Oh and happy birthday" She added, handing me a small


    box.


    "What''s this? "


    "A little something I got for you when you turned sixteen. But since you didn''t shift, I assumed I''d give it


    to you now"


    I opened the box to see a beautiful gold bracelet with a wolf shaped pendant on it, and my birthstone in


    the chain.


    "Oh my gosh this is beautiful Ciara. Thank you" I wrapped her in a hug despite my aching muscles, and


    pulled away once again to admire it.


    "It''s a shifters bracelet" She informed me.


    "As in? " I asked, confused. Ashley chuckled before filling me in.


    "Meaning that you can shift with it and it won''t rip apart like your clothes. Instead it transforms into a


    cute chain cor when you''re in wolf form."


    "I didn''t even know those kinds of things were possible" I mumbled while putting it on.


    "We''re humans that have the ability to change into wolves three times our size. Anything is possible"


    Sheughed and I followed.


    "Well I love it. Thank you guys"


    "Some people say they are lucky charms. I hope it''s true"


    I chuckled as I spun it around on my wrist. "I''ll really be needing all the luck I can get."


    After a few minutes, Victoria ushered them from my room andid a dress on my bed. I scrunched my


    nose up at the heels that she sat beside me. I never liked heels, they made me seem too tall. Plus, I


    twisted my foot once and I''ve stuck to ts, sneakers or boots ever since.


    "Your party starts at six. But we''re having a family party first with everyone downstairs now. So get


    ready" She chirped with an enthusiastic p. I groaned and threw myself on the chair.


    "You mean I have to wear heels all day? " I whined, already feeling my feet ache.


    "You''re only young once Zoey. Better live it up"


    "By live it up you mean sit while you use me as your personal living mannequin"


    She threw me a re, but I could see that she was biting back a smile. That''s the thing with my sister,


    from a young age she always liked to pamper me up. I didn''t mind though, but sometimes it was a bit


    much.


    "Are you gonna sit there and smirk at me or are you gonna get over here and let me make you


    prettier?"


    I rolled my eyes and sat in the chair in front of my mirror. She pulled the band from my hair, letting it fall


    below my shoulders in all its wild coily curls. She always had a thing for my hair, and I let her do


    whatever with it since I could barely tame it myself.


    Two hourster, we headed to the living room where everyone was beaming and shaking with


    excitement. I stared at eight happy faces as Victoria and I entered the room, and I already felt the love


    radiating from them.


    "Happy birthday Zoey! " They all shouted in unison, causing a smile to further break out on my face.


    There were decorations all around, and a huge cake sitting on the table in front of the TV.


    In a house this big, you couldn''t get lonely. With the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, their mates and their kids


    present, there was no way I could feel alone.


    But as much as I was grateful for them, I couldn''t help the want in my heart to have my parents here


    with me. Or to at least know more about myself so that I could carry out their legacies in pride.


    I didn''t think it was possible to feel happy, loved, confused and torn at the same time. But turning 18 to


    me meant a new chapter in this story of mine.


    And I had a feeling I was about to go on a rocky ride. Emotionally, mentally and physically. Yet I was


    ready for anything that was toe from this day on.


    No matter what.


    Better buckle up Zoey.


    ***


    Alpha''s Mate Series:


    Book 1: Alpha Luka And His Human Mate


    Book 2: Alpha Ace And His Undercover Mate


    Book 3: Alpha Niall And His Lost Mate


    All are stand alone novels.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    "Happy birthday Zoey! I really hope you had a great day" Emma eximed on the video call.


    "Thank you! I miss you."


    "I miss you too sweetheart. I''m sorry I couldn''t make it today and I am so proud of you for shifting. Luka


    said you were great. Can''t wait to see for myself" She sighed in content as Jody took over the phone


    and started her own series of wishes.


    Emma is Luka''s younger sister who lives in Ennd. Her twin brother and also Luka''s younger brother,


    Ty, is the Alpha of the Emerald Pack in Ennd. He found his mate there a few years ago, and since


    she was the only heir of the former Alpha, Ty took the position once they were fully mated.


    A few monthster, Emma went to visit him and found her mate too, who was Ty''s Beta. It was such a


    lovely story that will forever leave me in awe.


    Whenever I went there throughout the years, I always felt right at home. Even though I wasn''t blood


    rted to Luka, his siblings always weed me with open arms whenever I visited, and their mates


    did just the same. And it was even better that Jody was my age, so we always got along quite well.


    Jody was Emma''s mate''s little sister, but she always seemed like my sister.


    We even looked alike for the most part, and her hair was just like mine. So whenever I visited and I


    didn''t have Victoria to help me with my hair, she always did. Unlike me, Jody was an expert on our hair-


    type.


    "And then we will finally run together in wolf form and be the badasses we were born to be" Jody


    continued with her rambling while I searched through the mass of people in our backyard for my sister.


    "I can''t wait. I''ll make it my duty to get a flight to Ennd as soon as I can," I shouted over the loud


    music so she could hear me.


    Luckily I was using headphones so I could hear her well. Not to mention that my senses were way


    better than they were yesterday. Perks of having my wolf awakened in me.


    "Ugh that party sounds so great. I wish I listened to my bloody heart and flew down for your birthday.


    I''m a terrible friend Zoey"


    Iughed and shook my head at her statement, and her ent alone made it impossible for me to be


    upset. I loved hearing her talk.


    "You''re not a terrible friend. You are one of the two people I consider my best friends. And trust me, I


    don''t go around and just choose who to be close to"


    "I know. But I really wished I was there."


    "Me too." I sighed just as I spotted Luka.


    "Hey Jody, I''ll call you backter. Tell everyone that I got their wishes and messages and I''m grateful.


    But having two parties really slowed down my replying"


    "You had two parties?!"


    I rolled my eyes at the fact that she only seemed to acknowledge that part, and rushed out a bye before


    hanging up. I threw the phone in my purse, then rested the headphones on my shoulders. I approached


    Luka and he smiled at me as I neared him.


    "Hey birthday girl, having fun?" He asked as soon as I reached him.


    "Yes thank you so much for everything. But I''m beat and still kinda aching so I just wanted to let you


    guys know that I''m gonna head up now"


    A semi-sad frown took over his lips as he heard this.


    "Surely you can stay a little longer. It''s only a few minutes past six, and some of the guests haven''t


    arrived as yet." He told me and I lifted my eyebrows in shock. I gestured to the massive amount of


    people in our backyard before turning back to face him.


    "More people areing? Literally everyone in our pack is here"


    "Who said they were from our pack?" He smirked, making me narrow my eyes at him.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I invited Ace and his family" He proimed proudly, which made all tiredness vanish from my body.


    "As in Alpha Ace from Truemoon Pack?" I rushed out. It wasn''t Alpha Ace that I was excited about. It


    was his son Niall.


    We met four years ago for the first time when Victoria and Luka had a meeting with his parents. We


    both hadn''t shifted as yet, so we didn''t know if we were mates or not.


    I had no idea why I felt so connected to him. I developed my first and only crush that day, and though


    we never spoke or saw each other again after that day, I never forgot him or the way he made me feel.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    If he shoulde tonight, I''ll know for sure if he is actually my mate. If he isn''t, it will be okay. I would


    just me my crush on his charm and perfect face.


    Gosh I wonder how good he looked now.


    "Actually Ace isn''t the Alpha anymore. He bequeathed the title to Niall a couple weeks ago."


    My eyes widened again at this. "Isn''t he a little young?"


    "Maybe. But we always tell ourselves that an Alpha''s son has to be twenty-one in order to take over.


    But in reality, they can take over as young as eighteen. Ace said that Niall was more than ready, even if


    he''s just neen"


    I nodded slowly as a pinch of doubt surged through me for a short second. Sometimes I forgot that I


    may or may not be a high ranking wolf myself. And since high ranking wolves were 99% of the time


    only mated with other high ranking wolves, this may or may not be an issue on my side.


    No doubt that Niall is Alpha blooded, but I on the other hand don''t know what I am. If it is indeed right


    that I am not a high ranking wolf, then I can kiss my dream of having him as a mate goodbye.


    "So Niall is Alpha now?" I asked once again to make sure, and he gave me a small nod with a teasing


    smile on his face.


    "That''s hot" I mumbled, but even over the loud music Luka seemed to have heard, and he shot me a


    yful warning look.


    "Be careful now Zoey. Don''t do anything I wouldn''t do" He gave me one final smirk and a wink before


    leaving me in the mass of dancing people.


    I didn''t even remember that there were this many young people in our pack. When I didn''t shift at


    sixteen, I kinda just excluded myself from every ss and activity.


    The other sses after sixteen were solely wolf rted, and since I never had one, there was no need


    for me to go. So I just focused on my art by taking some human sses in town to further my skills.


    I have friends, because the wolves here are very loving and weing. When I didn''t shift, I thought


    they would''ve made fun of me or treated me lesser than, even though I live in the Alpha house. But


    instead, they still invited me to hang-outs, treated me just the same, and they even invited me to run


    with them. I never went though; I wasn''t okay with riding their wolves.


    Despite all, I was only really close with my best friend Emily. She was the first person who talked to me


    on my first day of school ten years ago, and we''ve been close since.


    Whenever I went to the pack house, I always stayed in her room. And when she came here at the


    Alpha house, she would stay with me.


    At first, she was ufortable because all the high ranking wolves under one roof can be intimidating.


    But eventually she got sofortable that she would just go to the kitchen and eat anything with


    anyone. She still respected them though, and only called them by their titles.


    "There you are, birthday girl!" Speak of the devil. "I''ve been looking everywhere for you. It''s almost time


    to cut the cake"


    I frowned at this, not quite ready for that as yet.


    "Can we wait a while longer Emily?"


    "It''s your day after all" She shrugged then pulled me to a group of our friends.


    Time went by and all I kept doing was looking over my shoulder. My heart rate never dropped as I


    anticipated seeing him again. But eventually, one hour went to two, and two to three and people with


    kids were starting to go home.


    I knew I had to cut the cake soon, but I couldn''t stop the disappointment that ate away at me. I really


    wanted him toe.


    The party was supposed to end at ten, and it was now nine, so I decided to end my stalling.


    "Hey Vic" I touched her shoulders, interrupting her conversation with Ashley and she beamed at me


    when she saw me.


    "Hey, enjoyed your party? Luka really went all out didn''t he?"


    I smiled. "Yea it was really great. I can''t thank you guys enough for a memorable eighteenth birthday. I


    think I''m ready to cut the cake now"


    She quickly looked behind me and scanned the crowd, then frowned slightly. I guess she knew they


    were supposed to be here. I also knew that was the reason why she didn''t hurry me to cut the cake


    either. She of all people was very much aware of my crush on the boy I met when I was fourteen.


    "Okay I''ll go get the knives and the cake. Sit right here"


    I took my seat at the back door porch behind the highly decorated table as everyone started to gather


    around. Victoria emerged with yet another threeyer cake as everyone started the birthday song.


    Even though I was bummed, I couldn''t help but smile at everyone and everything. I was indeed happy


    that I had them all. It''s just as dad insinuated in the letter. Being in a pack makes you feel safe and


    happy.


    "Who would like to cut the cake with the Zoey?" Ciara asked.


    "I would like to cut the cake with the birthday queen" An unfamiliar voice said, making me whip my


    head to the backdoor.


    My breath hitched in my throat and I immediately stood up when I saw that it was him.


    It was Niall.


    He came! And he definitely looked great.


    He took slow teasing steps towards me with a sexy smile on his face and a white rose in his hand. My


    heart thud out of my chest as he got closer, and everyone just watched in anticipation.


    "Hello again beautiful" He whispered when he was just inches away from me.


    I opened my mouth to reply, but I couldn''t find the words. Suddenly all the irritation I felt when Victoria


    plucked my eyebrows today, all the frustration I felt when I was back and forth in the heels all day, and


    the overwhelming feeling of having two parties was nullified as I stood there in front of him and stared


    into his eyes.


    He made it all go away, and I could only think about how he was making me feel in that moment.


    Because he was undoubtedly and unquestionably my mate.


    Happy birthday to me indeed.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Niall''s pov


    "Niall wake up!" A voice I knew too well shouted from the door.


    "I''m up mom! And you know it" I chuckled as I pulled up from the floor and used a towel to wipe my


    sweat.


    I took a swing of my water as I pulled the door open to see the wonderful woman I called my mom


    beaming at me.


    "Still doing morning workouts in your room son? There''s a gym for a reason you know?" She had a


    teasing glint in her eye, since she already knew what my answer was.


    "I only -"


    "Yea yea I know" She cut me off, and I secretly rolled my eyes at her as she barged into my room.


    "What are you even doing here this early?"


    It was seven in the morning and I knew my mom wasn''t a morning person. So for her to be here this


    early, I knew it was something.


    She faked a hurt expression and threw her hand over her heart. "My own son doesn''t want me in the


    Alpha house anymore? This has been my home for neen years you know?"


    I chuckled lightly and ced a kiss on her cheek. "I know mom, and I''m d you''re here. I just don''t


    believe you came all the way from your house to wake me up"


    She didn''t say anything for a while; she just smirked at me. I knew it couldn''t have been anything


    horrible since she obviously wasn''t upset, but the silence was giving me anxiety.


    "Mom are you pregnant?"


    Her eyes widened at my question before she burst out intoughter. I mean, it''s not like it was


    impossible. She held onto my shoulders as she caught her breath, shaking her head rapidly.


    "No no sweetheart. That''s not it. Far from it actually"


    "So what is it?" I asked impatiently, but still calm enough so she didn''t assume I was being rude. Alpha


    or not, I still respected the people who raised me.


    "Okay okay. There''s this thingter"


    "Mom...." I dragged in frustration. "Just say it."


    "Roxy, why are you taunting the boy?"


    My head snapped to the door at the sound of my dad''s voice. Him being here too made me even more


    curious about what was happening. He had his signature smirk on his lips as he joined us, and I


    suddenly felt like 12 years old again getting the sex talk.


    "I''m sorry Ace. But he''s just so cute when he''s impatient" Sheughed.


    "Even when I''m forty you''ll think I''m cute" I mumbled, but I wasn''tining. My mom always treated


    me like a prince, like I was the best possession that life ever gave to her.


    "But-" I interrupted before she started another conversation. "Can someone please tell me what''s


    happening? Is something wrong in the pack?"


    I suddenly felt protective at the thought. But if something happened, I would''ve been the first to know.


    "The pack is fine. But I got a call from Luka from Brightwater Pack"


    My ears perked up at this, and I was suddenly very interested in whatever conversation he had with


    Alpha Luka. But it wasn''t him who I was interested in.


    "They''re having a birthday party for a certain someone this evening. And you, my son, have a special


    invitation" He told me, and my mind could only think of only one person whose party I would''ve been


    invited to.


    "Is it?" I asked a little too excited, and they both nodded with knowing smiles on their faces.


    "Yep Zoey turned eighteen today. And strangely, she just shifted for the first time today" He continued,


    but my mind wasn''t focused. All I could think about was the fact that I could finally see her again.


    I''ll finally know if she''s mine.


    The first time I saw her four years ago, was the first time I ever felt connected to aplete stranger. I


    was only 15, so my wolf wasn''t actively living in me as yet, so I didn''t know if she was my mate or not.


    But how could she not be? There''s no way I could''ve been crushing on someone I only saw once for


    four whole years.


    I tried to steal her sweater that day, thinking that when I turned 16 and shifted, the first thing I would''ve


    done was get a good whiff of her scent. But then I figured that it was kinda creepy so I let it slide.


    When I actually shifted, I begged my dad to take me to Brightwater Pack so that I could know if she


    was mine, but they suggested that I waited until she shifted since she would''ve been too young to even


    come back home with me.


    But even after I waited a year and I learnt that she still hadn''t shifted, I was too impatient. I wanted her.


    Wolf or not.


    Strangely, I don''t know why we never contacted each other. Maybe because none of us were


    completely sure. I never actually knew the exact date of her birthday, but the fact that she has shifted


    and will be able to identify me as her mate too was exhrating.


    If she actually is my mate.


    "The party starts at six, so you have approximately five hours to do whatever work you have here. The


    drive to Brightwater territory is six hours, so better get to work" My mom said, snapping me out of my


    daze.


    "You guys aren''ting?" I asked, confused.


    "Oh dear heavens no. You''re big enough to go on your own"


    I gave her a pointed look, since she knew quite well that''s not why I asked. "I just thought that since


    you are such good friends with Luka and his Luna"


    Dad shrugged as they got up to leave. "We''ve talked, and I''ve already informed him that I won''t be


    there. He just wanted you to be there most of all"


    I chuckled at the thought. Dad and Luka have always been ying matchmaker from the first time they


    saw Zoey¡¯s and I first encounter. Luka kept tabs on me through dad, and dad kept tabs on Zoey


    through him.


    "For now you know what to do. Decide who you''ll take if you won''t travel alone, and since you''ll have to


    stay overnight-"


    "I know. Thanks dad." He gave me a curt nod as he and mom turned to leave.


    "Oh and Niall?" My eyes found the doorways again where he returned. "I really hope she''s yours"


    I gave him a genuine smile as I thought about the whole possibility again. "Me too"


    As soon as he left, I dove into work and sorting out everything. I was never the person to feel nervous,


    but this was killing me. I wanted the clock to move faster and the possibility of something going wrong


    would make my head hurt.


    ~"I''m going to Brightwater Packter today. I''ll need you guys to take over until Ie back"~ I said in


    the mindlink to my Beta and Gamma, Asia and Jared.


    ~"Noted"~


    ~"Got that"~ They replied immediately, and I smiled at having such wonderful people to work side by


    side with me.


    People thought that we were too young to be running a pack, and the fact that my Beta is a female


    made them think we were weak. Little do they know that Asia was more than capable and strong. If


    anybody thought that they could just walk over her, they had another thinging.


    Though Jared was a year younger than me, he too was a very good Gamma. He''s been trained to be


    just that, and he never failed his dad. Overall, we were a strong team, and anybody who feels like they


    can mess with us has another thinging.


    ~"Finally gonna get your girl huh?"~ Jared asked after a while, and I couldn''t help but smirk.


    "You know it"


    ***


    "You know what would be funny? If she''s actually my mate and not yours"


    My jaw clenched for the hundredth time since I''ve been in the car, and my grip tightened on the


    steering wheel.


    "Shut up Valero. You already made mete. No need to be pushing it" I gritted out, already having


    enough of my cousin''s taunting.


    "How many times do I have to tell you? I had a pack emergency. As an Alpha you should understand.


    You''re the one who gave me short notice."


    "I called you at eight in the morning. You seemed fine then" I argued back.


    He was quiet for a while, until he dared to speak again. "You could''ve just gone without me. But you


    love me too much to leave me."


    I scoffed at his assumption. "Just shut up and don''t piss me off anymore. I''m already four hourste"


    He did a zip impression with his hand over his mouth before leaning back against the seat. Deep down


    I understood why he made uste, but it was eating me alive to think I might not see her tonight.


    Valero is my uncle''s son, that is, my mom''s twin brother''s son. We grew up like brother''s mostly, and


    since our packs are side by side, we were never more than thirty minutes away. Uncle Aiden was the


    Alpha, but he gave the pack to Valero the same time dad stepped down to give our pack to me. He was


    only a year younger than me, so we were mostly in this thing together.


    I can call on him for anything, and the same with me. When I called him today, I knew he wouldn''t have


    denied since for one, he knew how much finding my mate meant to me, and we just had that kinda


    reliability towards each other.


    "Slow down Niall you''re gonna kill a squirrel or something!"


    "The squirrel won''t be the only thing I''ll be killing tonight if I miss that party." I snapped back. "What time


    is it anyways?"


    "Uh-... " He hesitated, making me know that it was actuallyte.


    "What time is it?" I asked again with a little more urgency and edge.


    "10:02"


    "F**k," I cursed under my breath as I raced through the trees. I knew I was close, but instead of being


    calmer I was getting more and more antsy.


    In a few minutes I realized that I was nearing the Alpha house, and I was there in a split minute. I gently


    picked up the rose I got her, and ensured everything was off before I exited the car. I did my best to put


    on a calm demeanour, but my chest felt heavy with every step I took.


    I could hear that the party was going on in the back, but I spotted Luka standing near the entrance


    when I arrived.


    "You''ve made it" He smiled as I shook his hand.


    "Yea. Really sorry for beingte but-"


    "I know. Ace called me when he got your message earlier tonight" I nodded once as he turned to Valero


    who was standing next to me.


    "Alpha Valero. Wee to my pack" Luka greeted.


    They curtly shook hands and exchanged greetings, and I respected how much he treated us with


    respect, despite our age difference. Shortly after we walked through the house, where I saw Luna


    Victoria heading towards the back. She turned abruptly when she heard us, then smiled brightly as she


    embraced me warmly.


    "I''m so d you made it! Zoey was so bummed when she thought you weren''ting. They are


    singing to her now bute on; she''ll still be d to see you"


    She started to pull me to the backdoor as my mind wandered over what she just said.


    "She knew I wasing?" I asked, just to be sure.


    "Yes of course" She replied, never slowing her pace.


    I couldn''t help but smile at the thought. She knew I wasing and she wanted me here. Maybe I


    wasn''t the only one with these feelings. Maybe she wanted me too. The wonderful scent in the house


    didn''t go unnoticed by me either, and I knew from then that it only meant one thing.


    "Who would like to cut the cake with Zoey?" The woman I recognized as the Gamma female asked


    once I stepped onto the backdoor porch, and that''s when I saw her.


    She was still so damn beautiful, just like I remembered. And to think, I was only seeing her profile. My


    wolf got restless in my head as I took another step towards her.


    "I would like to cut the cake with the birthday queen" I said loud enough for her to hear. She whipped


    around quickly at the sound of my voice, and the moment we met eyes my legs got weak.


    She looked both shocked and delighted as I took slow steps towards her. I wasn''t trying to taunt her or


    put on a show, but I really couldn''t have moved any faster on weak legs. She watched me expectantly


    as I got closer to her, and I could see that she had just the same reaction to everything as me.


    I wanted to hug her so badly, just to have my arms around her. I wanted to stare into those


    mesmerising eyes all day and night. I wanted to run my hands over those alluring smooth shoulders


    that she had exposed, and trace them down to every perfect curve of her body.


    Damn, her body was so perfect. Her hips curved in the right ces at the right angles, and her legs


    were long and smooth; perfect for all the caressing they''ll receive from yours truly. Her hair was still as


    luxurious as the first time I saw her, except now it was a little longer, and my fingers itched to run


    through those perfect curls. And her neck, God her neck looked so weing, and I had to fight hard


    not to im her right there and then.


    My mate. Zoey is my mate. I freaking knew it.


    "Hi again beautiful" I whispered, once I was only inches away from her. Neither of us even care about


    the hundreds of pack members who were watching, because in that moment it was just us.


    She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. I smiled sweetly at her as I moved a


    curl behind her ear.


    "I knew you were mine from the moment I saw you four years ago" I told her as I ced the rose in her


    hand.


    She peered at me before looking at the flower, and the most beautiful smile I had ever seen sketched


    its way on her plump lips.


    "A white rose " She uttered, her smile never faltering "White roses symbolizes-"


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "New beginnings" I finished for her, as she met my eyes again.


    "Thank you" She said in the sweetest voice, and I knew right then that I was whipped.


    "Shall we?" I asked as calmly. I picked up the knife and held her hand under mine without breaking eye


    contact.


    The immediate rush of fire that rippled through my body made me want to do more than just hold her


    hand, and the almost inaudible moan that I heard escape her lips made me know that it wasn''t me


    alone who felt it.


    I lifted both our hands and ced the knife into the cake, then slowly guided it down until it hit the


    bottom. It was then that I heard a series of cheers erupting through the crowd, and that was when we


    broke eye contact to look at them.


    I could see that they weren''t just cheering for another birthday for Zoey, since it wasn''t hard to guess


    what obviously just happened.


    "Happy birthday Zoey" I said, this time I made the bold move by wrapping my arms around her waist.


    She fitted so perfectly in my arms.


    "You made it happy" She answered with an equally genuine smile. I pulled her even closer so she


    could see the truth in my eyes as I uttered my next words.


    "And I''ll always make you happy. I promise."

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    I woke up on top of thefiest pillow I''ve ever felt, with a strong arm draped around my waist.


    A smile made its way to my lips as I remembered how perfectly my night turned out to be. Niall''s cousin


    was sleeping in what seemed like a very ufortable position on the couch across from us, and


    Emily was curled up in a single arm chair beside him.


    We must''ve all fallen asleep in the living roomst night--or should I say this morning.


    So far Niall was perfect. After my initial stage of shock and silence, we spent hours talking,ughing


    and just enjoying each other''spany. I don''t wanna talk too soon, but he''s everything I dreamt


    about, and more.


    The only ufortable conversation we hadst night was when he suggested that I had to go back


    home with him, or eventually go back home with him.


    Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew this, but leaving my family felt kinda heart wrenching. I


    haven''t even talked to Victoria about it yet, though I knew she must''ve thought about it at least once.


    I nce down at Niall to see him still sleeping peacefully. He looked so beautiful with his perfectly


    curled eyshes and slightly parted lips. Deciding that I didn''t want him to smell my morning breath


    when he woke up, I slowly eased myself from his grasp and ran to my room to get cleaned up.


    There was cake frosting in my hair, and something that I wasn''t sure even existed. With a slight


    grimace, I hopped into the shower and scrubbed myself clean. When I''ve sessfully washed my skin,


    mouth and hair of all impurities, I pulled on my favourite leggings and a sweater before heading back to


    the door.


    Something on my chair stopped my movements, and I slowly pulled my legs towards it and picked up


    the letter that Victoria had given me yesterday. I read over it once again, stopping at the part where he


    said I would find my mate and be happy, and I couldn''t help the sad smile that tugged on my lips.


    It made me realize how much I wished he was here so I could tell him all about Niall. I wished my mom


    was here so I could see that huge smile on her face when she squeezed the life out of him.


    I wish I could see the look on both their faces when I get pregnant a few years from now, and I wish I


    could see the tears in mom''s eyes when I ce my baby in her arms.


    But I know that wont happen. I was very young when my dad died, so I barely have any memories of


    him. But I still remembered his beaming smile that would make meugh when mom took away my


    candy, and I wanted nothing more than to see that smile again.


    I wish I knew more about him so that I could honour him with pride.


    So what if he was a rogue? He loved me, and he never did wrong by mom and I. He probably died


    trying to make a better life for me. And that made him more of a man than no one would ever


    understand.


    "Hey." A voice shook me out of my little wishing trance, and my eyes found the door where Niall was


    standing.


    His face scrunched into concern when he met my eyes, and I didn''t even realize that I had been crying.


    This was very strange for me. Apart from yesterday when I first read this letter, thest time I cried was


    at mom''s funeral so this was not normal for me. I was sort of a bad ass. But even the toughest people


    have weak spots.


    "Hey what''s wrong?" He asked once he crossed the room and reached me. For some reason I didn''t


    like him seeing me like this, so I quickly attempted to dry my eyes.


    However, his hands stopped my movements by holding onto them and turning me to face him.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked again in a gentle voice that somehow gave me butterflies.


    I had no idea how to exin it to him, so I just gave him the letter and sat on my bed. He followed in


    suit with his eyes still glued on the paper.


    I waited patiently, fiddling with my hands in silence until he finished. His eyebrows knitted closer


    together every few seconds until I saw that he was finally done.


    He met my eyes with a pained expression on his face as he ced the letter beside him on the bed. I


    sighed in delight when he pulled me to his chest.


    "You lost your dad?" He whispered in an almost inaudible voice. I nodded before answering.


    "He died when I was three. I don''t know the exact cause of his death, and I don''t quite remember him


    either. My mom would tell me about him when I was younger, but when she died too it all just seemed


    to vanish. I didn''t have any other way to know him anymore"


    He pulled away to look me in the eyes, looking even more pained. "You lost your mom too?"


    I couldn''t help but chuckle at his expression. I knew it was sad, but it doesn''t hurt like he thinks it does.


    "Yea I was eleven. But it''s okay. She was a very happy and jovial person, and even after death, she still


    managed to brighten my life. I felt her absence, but I was never short on love. You don''t have to feel


    bad for me Niall. It''s okay"


    I managed to give him a reassuring smile, though the air was heavy. The look on his face would make


    anyone think that he was the one who lost both parents.


    "I just can''t imagine how much pain you must''ve been through. I wish I was there for you when it all


    happened." He ran the back of his knuckles against my cheek as he spoke, and a shiver ran through


    my body at the small gesture.


    "As I said, it wasn''t terrible. The way she left was peaceful, and even then her vibrant aura was still


    here. I also had Victoria and Luka. Hell, I had a house of nine wolves keeping me happy. Even though I


    looked and acted differently, they treated me like family. I never had a chance to feel lonely even


    though none of them are exactly around my age. The kids are a few years younger than me, and the


    others are almost twice my age, but I still enjoyed theirpany"


    "So you had a pretty nice childhood huh?"


    I chuckled at his question as I remembered how I grew up.


    "Yea it was epic. I came here when I was six. I knew I was a wolf before I joined the packlife, but I was


    too young to even understand what that meant. My sister never got the chance to grow up with mom,


    so they met on a rocky road three years after my dad died.


    "By then, she would''ve already met Luka, and so when she found me and mom in town, Luka arranged


    for us to live here with them. I guess you could say fate brought us together, because Victoria had no


    idea that I even existed. Not to mention how she was coincidentally imprinted on by an Alpha wolf, and


    so I got the packlife my dad wanted for me"


    I whispered thest part as I thought about how that weirdly worked out. After my dad died, it was just


    me and mom. Since my mom was human, she had no idea about finding a pack for her half wolf


    daughter. And even if she did, there was no way she would''ve left me there without wanting to stay with


    me.


    But if things were different and I had to grow up without a pack, I would''ve automatically been


    considered a rogue, and that was a very dangerous lifestyle. That''s what he didn''t want for me, and I''m


    forever grateful that my human sister got mated to an Alpha wolf. Somehow.


    But hey I''m definitely notining.


    "I had a pretty normal childhood. My best friend, Emily, that you metst night was pretty much my


    other half. My other best friend lives in Ennd. Whenever I go there I have a st. And though my


    only blood rtives are Victoria and her son, everyone treats me like their own. So yep, I was pretty


    much happy all my life, even without my parents. I missed them, but I was living the life they wanted


    me to live. One filled with love, family and a sense of belonging"


    I sighed as the small smile dropped from my face, which didn''t go unnoticed by Niall.


    "That is, until yesterday" I whispered.


    "What do you mean?" He asked, confusion clear in his voice. Thest thing I wanted him to think was


    that I was sad because I met him.


    "A lot changed when I got that letter. My dad wanted it to be given to me on my first shift, and when I


    read it, I realised how much I don''t know"


    I paused for a while to nce at him. I saw that he visibly rxed knowing that I wasn''t sad that I met


    him. But he still looked concerned for my interests.


    "All my life I''ve never given much thought about who my dad was, or who I really am. When I read what


    he wrote, I suddenly wanted to know everything. And can you me me? There''s obviously a lot I don''t


    know about myself that is literally already eating away at my brain"


    My hands clenched at my sides as I got frustrated yet again at the thought. Niall, however, managed to


    make me feel better by just holding my clenched fists in hisrge hands.


    "It''s okay Zoey" He mumbled sweetly, no doubt trying to make me feel better.


    "It''s not Niall. I want to know everything. I want to find out who my dad really was. From a young age,


    Luka was always convinced that I was from a high ranking family. And now since I''m mated to you, I


    know for sure that I am for real."


    "That''s true. The power surging through you would be intimidating to any other wolf. There''s no doubt


    that you are one. Probably Alpha blooded too, there''s a lot a powering from you"


    "That''s the thing Niall. My mom said he didn''t talk about his pack or family, and even when Luka


    researched and reached out to other packs, there was no Alpha, Beta or Gamma family with the name


    of Boysen. No one knew a Reagan either. So I just assumed that my scent was just some personal


    weird shit.


    "But when I read this, it opened back those doors. Why did he be a rogue in the first ce? Why


    didn''t he tell my mom anything? Why doesn''t he want me to know about his pack? How did he die?


    What pack blood do I have running through my veins? The questions never end Niall. And I don''t think I


    can ever be at peace until I answer them all"


    My own voice cracking took me by surprise, and I weed the embrace as he held me once again.


    "It''s okay Zoey. I''m here for you; I got you okay?"


    "Will you help me Niall? I have to know" I whispered, unsure that he would attempt to break this brick


    wall with me. So far I was at a dead end, and I had no clue where to start looking.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Of course I will. You didn''t even have to ask" He pulled me away just enough so he could gaze into my


    eyes. "You are my mate Zoey, and I''ll do just about anything to make you happy. What promise did I


    make to youst night?"


    I blushed at the memory of when he saw mest night, and I remembered clearly what he said. "You


    said you''ll always make me happy" I whispered, trying to contain my blush.


    "Say it louder so those in the back can hear" He smirked, holding my cheeks and peering at me


    intently.


    "You''ll always make me happy" I repeated a little louder with a shortugh. He seemed happy that I


    was smiling again, and he gently ced a kiss on my forehead.


    "Yes I will. And I meant every word. " He added, making me feel all warm inside. "So keep that beautiful


    smile of yours on that beautiful face and don''t worry about it. We''ll make it through this okay?"


    My blush only got worse as my cheeks burnt. Who would''ve thought that Zoey Boysen would be a


    blushing mess under a few words from this gorgeous Alpha?


    But then again, who wouldn''t ?


    "Thanks Niall. I''m really happy you turned out to be my mate"


    "Me too princess. Me too"


    We stayed silent for a while, just enjoying each other''s presence. His scent was heavenly, the best I''ve


    ever came across in my eighteen years of life. I found myself drifting away, getting lost in my own world


    with my mate.


    Then my tummy rumbled.


    We bothughed as it made yet another sound, and I concluded that it might be time for breakfast.


    "Wanna go down for breakfast?" He asked.


    I smirked at him as I got up and motioned for him to follow. "Get ready for breakfast with my family.


    Alpha or not Niall, get ready."


    "Why?" He asked, seeming a little amused but still curious.


    "You''re not nning on going back home without me right?" I asked and he nodded once.


    "Right."


    "Well I''m sure they already assumed. But good luck telling them that" I winked at him before turning


    and pulling him out of my room.


    This is about to be a long morning.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    "You¡¯re to  be a good girl now Zoey. And pleasee and visit sometime"


    I nodded frantically as I hugged my sister for the millionth time. She has been taking my departure the


    hardest, and I knew this would''ve happened. She''s been quite edgy for the past three days after Niall


    suggested taking me back to his pack with him.


    They already knew this, but I guess the confirmation was too much for her. And I understand.


    It was hard for me to part from them too. They have been my family all my life, and now I''m going to a


    strangend with new people. It was tearing me apart that I would be six hours away from them.


    I also felt bad that I was the only female in the house that hadn''t shed a tear since. My heart ached


    greatly and I wanted to cry, but I was never the emotional type.


    My heart had a contradicting war going on. No way was I gonna stay away from my mate, but I also


    didn''t want to leave my home.


    "We can visit sometime," Naill had said once, and I knew he was right. But since I was six years old


    this was where I had been.


    I''ve never slept anywhere else apart from Emerald Pack in Ennd. But it''s just how things have to be.


    "I love you Vic." I mumbled. "Thank you for everything"


    "I love you too baby sister. Call me as soon as you''re there" She told me before cing a kiss on my


    cheek.


    I then met eyes with Luka and for the first time ever, they looked sad. I stood awkwardly, not knowing if


    I should hug him or do our normal fist bump thing, but I was shocked when he pulled me into a hug.


    I could feel all the love radiating from him as he held me, and I knew I couldn''t have been any more


    blessed to have them.


    Luka had always looked out for me and my mom, and I knew it wasn''t just because we were his wife''s


    family. He did it because he genuinely cared for us. And the same can be said about everyone else in


    the house. They loved me.


    And I will forever love them too.


    I was never good at goodbyes. But then again, who is? Saying bye to these ten people, including


    Emily, was really hard. But I did it.


    With onest look and wave, Niall and I exited the house and headed to his car. I let out a breath, as I


    constantly reminded myself that they were just a call away, and I can visit anytime I wanted. This is my


    home after all.


    His cousin, Valero, had to leave the day after my birthday since he had a pack to run. Niall on the other


    hand, didn''t want to leave without me. So he gave me as much time I needed to pack and say


    goodbye.


    It only took me three days, though some might say that was a short span of time to do everything. But I


    was a simple person.


    Our rtionship has been steady. We were just getting to know each other, nothing more. It surprised


    me how he hasn''t attempted or brought up the topic of marking yet.


    I guess he''s a slow and steady kind of wolf. Weird for an Alpha, but understandable.


    "You alright?" Niall asked after cing my bags in the back and joining me in his car.


    "Yea. I''ll just miss them you know?"


    "I get it, but don''t worry. We can alwayse back when you get home sick" He offered soothingly.


    He ced a reassuring hand on my knee as he drove out of the driveway. I dared not to look back,


    because the tears might not have flowed then, but it might flow now.


    "What''s your pack like?" I asked in an attempt to get my mind off the distance that was being put


    between me and the people I love. I trusted Niall, but I had no idea about what his pack was like.


    "You''ll love it, don''t worry," he said with a gentle smile. It was obvious that he loved his pack- the first


    and most important trait of an Alpha. "My Alpha house doesn''t have as much people like yours, but you


    will find my Gamma and Beta quite weing"


    I smiled at the thought. I knew going from a house of ten to a house of three would be a change. But


    maybe it will be good.


    "I met them four years ago" I reminded him. " Jared was nice. And Asia...." I trailed off with a chuckle as


    I remembered my first encounter with Asia. She didn''t seem to like me very much.


    "Asia isplicated" Heughed. "If she doesn''te around now, she will eventually"


    I nodded once but stayed quiet. I leaned my head against the window as the trees rushed past me in a


    green blur.


    It was obvious that Niall really wanted to go back to his pack. That was one reason why I hadn''t made


    him stay here too long. I had barely sleptst night, so my eyes were already drooping.


    "Sleep love" I heard Niall whisper before I let the sleeppletely swallow me whole.


    ***


    "Zoey?"


    I groaned as I felt someone shaking me.


    "Five more minutes Victoria" I mumbled as I pulled my legs closer to my chest.


    "We''re here. Wake up" The voice said amused, and I became more and more aware of my


    surroundings.


    Niall.


    His pack.


    Six hour car drive.


    I jumped up, seeing that we were parked in front of the huge house that Ist saw four years ago. It


    looked the same for the most part, but I noticed that I felt different towards being here. A good different.


    Slowly, I pushed the door open and waited for Niall to meet me on my side, as I continued to stare at


    the ce that I will soon call my home.


    "You ready?"


    My head snapped to Niall, and I saw that he had finished unpacking the car. I took one of my bags from


    him to ease his strain and followed closely behind him towards the house.


    My heart beat hard in my chest as he pushed the door open, and I was immediately met with smiles


    and a very high pitched squeal.


    "You''re finally here!" Niall''s mom gushed as she pulled me into a hug.


    I was never a hugger, and I knew I had way too many hugs for one day, but I couldn''t help but wee


    her embrace.


    "I was so thrilled when Niall phoned us and told us that our suspicions were correct. I promised Victoria


    that we would take good care of you here" She added as she let me go to gaze at my face. "Oh you''re


    even more beautiful than I remembered. No wonder my son was away for three days"


    "Mom" Niall warned in a semi-annoyed tone, and I couldn''t help but giggle.


    "Roxy, leave the girl alone. It''s nice to have you here Zoey. I''m happy that my son found his mate" This


    came from Ace, Niall''s dad, as he gave him a short side hug.


    I only ever met them once, but I was surprisingly veryfortable around them.


    "Me too. And I''m sorry I kept him away from his pack so long" I voiced, surprisingly shy. Ace and Roxy


    simply waved it off.


    "Oh that''s okay. Things here were dealt with wonderfully. All credit to these two"


    Our attentions were brought to the others in the room as Ace pointed behind him. He stepped aside


    and I got a full view of Jared and Asia.


    Jared looked mostly the same like when he was fourteen, but only in a more matured way. He was


    undoubtedly handsome and had a great build, and the smile he was shing me gave his face a more


    youthful glow.


    "I guess it''s finally my turn to wee our new family member" He beamed as he came over to give


    me a short hug. I knew puberty was a thing, but his voice really took me by surprise.


    "It''s good to see you again Jared" I smiled as he let me go.


    "Likewise. This guy chatted my ears off for four years about you. So I would be bummed if that was all


    in vain." He added, making meugh. "Just make yourself at home."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    He did a little bow and raised his imaginary hat, so I did my best curtsey followed by augh. Jared and


    I will get along quite well.


    My eyes then moved to Asia, where she was perched on the staircase with a deep frown on her face,


    and it was directed at me. If I thought that puberty did Jared well, I don''t know what to say about her.


    She had long auburn hair that flowed richly down her back and shoulders. From where I stood, I could


    see how straight and perfect her nose was, and her lips were full and plump. She had the perfect curvy


    figure, and her bust seemed just right for her height and size. All in all, she was beautiful; perfect even.


    The only thing that ruined it was her scowl.


    I didn''t know why she didn''t seem to like me. I mean, isn''t she supposed to be ecstatic that another


    femalepany will be around?


    I guess not. But I tried my best to put on my best smile. I didn''t want to start off on the wrong foot, even


    though I usually matched the energy I got. But I was mostly doing it for Niall, since she was his Beta


    and all.


    "Hi Asia," I greeted with a very awkward wave that made me want to cut my hand off.


    Her eyes shifted from me, to Niall, then to everyone else in the room before she said, "


    Congrattions"


    And with that, she turned and left.


    I looked to Niall in confusion, and he just shrugged casually. I''m not the person to force friendship, so


    she definitely won''t be hearing from me again.


    If Niall was right about her ing around eventually'', then it''ll take me a while to warm up too.


    She''s not the only one with sass.


    "Well that went well" I mumbled sarcastically as I picked up my bag again.


    "Don''t worry about Asia. She''s a tough shell to crack" Roxy said in an attempt to make me feel better, I


    assumed. Except, it didn''t bother me one bit because I''m an even tougher shell to crack.


    "That''s okay. I''m starving though" I giggled as my tummy rumbled, and I realized I hadn''t eaten in eight


    hours.


    "I''ll go get dinner started. It''s okay if we stay for dinner right Niall?" His mom asked, and he nodded


    once.


    "Of course mom. I''ll just go get Zoey settled in"


    He offered me his hand, and led me to the second floor. He stopped in front of a door and turned to


    look at me shyly.


    "This is-ugh- my room. I didn''t know if you''d like to stay in your own room just until we know more about


    each other?" It came out more as a question, and he looked so cute with the blush climbing up his neck


    "How are we gonna know more about each other if we stay in separate rooms?" I teased, making him


    blush even more.


    It was the cutest thing, and I could really see that he didn''t want to mess things up between us.


    "Okay, so it''s big enough if you would like to add anything. Or if you want to take out anything that''s fine


    too. We can even redecorate the whole room if you''d lik-"


    "Niall" I cut him off gently. "My hand hurts" I giggled as I gestured to the bag I was holding.


    He gave me an apologetic smile and pushed the door open. His scent immediately filled my senses, as


    it soothed me from the inside out. It was rtively clean and neat, even more than my old room, so I


    had to give him credit for that.


    It was, however, a little boring given that the walls were beige and held no wall hangings or anything.


    I could also envision a nice chandelier hanging from the centre of the room like in my old room, but for


    now it was perfect. I would run the ideas by him sometime in the future.


    He carried my suitcase and my other bag towards the closet, and I did the same with the one I was


    holding. He then proceeded to show me where everything was, including the ensuite bathroom and the


    library attached to his room. Very impressive.


    I ced my art supplies in a corner, and he offered to make part of the library an area where I could


    paint, since he learnt how much I loved to do that.


    He also seemed to read my mind and suggested that I hang some of my favourites around the house


    and room. But for now, I decided to settle with just the room.


    "So how is everything so far?" He asked nervously. I knew this was very unlike him, but I also knew


    that thest thing he wanted was for me to hate it here and demand to go back home.


    A small smile etched it''s way to my lips as I closed the distance between us and ced a sweet


    lingering kiss on his cheek.


    "It''s great Niall. I already love it here"


    He visibly rxed at that, and I was d that he finally seemed to loosen up and know that I was not


    going anywhere. Ever.


    "Good" He breathed. "Oh and sorry about Asia, she''s probably just a little jealous"


    My eyebrows knitted together in confusion at this, and the look on his face suggested that he wasn''t


    supposed to let that slip.


    "Why would she be jealous?" I asked carefully, folding my arms over my chest. "She''s not your mate"


    "She-uh. We... Look Zoey don''t take it the wrong way but-"


    "Were you guys in some sort of rtionship?" I shot back a little too harshly. I couldn''t help the


    possessiveness that swamped my feelings.


    He didn''t answer, whichpletely confirmed my question. I, however, needed to hear it from him.


    "Niall. Were you and Asia in any sort of intimate rtionship?" I asked even more sternly. He hung his


    head and I saw as his Adam''s apple bob up and down before he whispered almost inaudible.


    "Yes."


    And just like that, my intention of staying in the same room with him tonight suddenly felt


    negotiable.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    He said yes.


    Yes for crying out loud!


    Gosh I never thought one word could''ve caused such turmoil within me. Normally the word ''yes'' is


    associated with good news or requests, but right now it just made my stomach churn.


    I knew it was probably unnecessary that I was upset about it, given that it was before we even knew we


    were mates. But the thought of it happening just made me sick.


    And to make it all worse, that bitc- I mean girl felt like she had the right to be jealous. He''s MY mate.


    I felt anger build up in me even more by the second, and as much as I wanted to walk out and find


    somewhere else to go, I had an urge to know more. God knows why.


    "What did you guys do?" I muttered through clenched teeth as I balled my fists tightly.


    He looked utterly petrified at the situation, and I knew he wished he hadn''t let that one slip.


    "I promise you, I''ve never slept with her" He rushed out, and I visibly rxed. "We did....other things,


    but I had enough respect for myself and my mate, and her and hers to keep it pure. I would''ve never


    wanted to take something from another man what is rightfully his"


    "But you did anyway," I shot back. "You may not be her first in that way, but you were her first


    everything else. And she yours"


    He sighed, looking down. "I know. But she had the biggest crush on me since we were kids, and I


    guess I kinda liked her too.... For a while" He added quickly. " When she shifted and realized that I


    wasn''t her mate, she got all sad and I guess because we both were teenagers of different sexes, things


    tended to get out of control" He exined, and I scoffed with a dramatic eye roll.


    "But I cut things off with her when I turned seventeen. It was just a messed up year. I''m really sorry


    Zoey. I don''t know why I did it but I was young and curious. I knew I told you that I always suspected


    that you were my mate and hence I should''ve waited. But once I shifted for the first time and everything


    became heightened, it was hard not to give in. I really am sorry if this hurts you or makes you


    ufortable " He added, but it barely calmed me down.


    I knew I had no right to resent him for his past actions. As long as we were unaware of our mateship, I


    couldn''t hold him responsible for being ''adventurous''. But I was hurt, and I wouldn''t hide it.


    "Okay" I mumbled as I turned to leave. "I think I''ll take a guest room for tonight if you don''t mind"


    For a while there was silence, but I didn''t want to turn around.


    Eventually he sighed, stepping ahead of me and showing me to the room across from his. Without a


    word or a look back, I entered the room and gently closed the door behind me.


    I just got here and already I felt sad.


    I knew this wouldn''t be easy, and I knew we had to work things out, but I guess it would have to wait


    until I cooled down.


    Just like my sister, I had a temper that could light a whole forest on fire. Don''t let her sweet and calm


    demeanour fool you into being rude or disrespectful to her. She will end you.


    And so would I.


    That was the main reason why I requested to stay in a separate room for now. I knew that if I stayed


    and listened to him trying to exin or make it better, I would erupt and say things that will hurt us both


    in the end.


    I knew it was weird, but I recovered from my moods alone where I can''t hurt anybody or cause


    anymore trouble.


    For now, I just needed to ept what is. But I had no idea how I was gonna be cool around Asia,


    knowing that she still obviously has feelings for my mate. Hell, I didn''t even know how I was gonna get


    through dinner.


    The tension alone will be enough to choke me to death.


    ***


    "So Zoey, how was the drive here?" Niall''s mom asked in an attempt to initiate conversation.


    It was dinner time, and I was still not talking to Niall. I didn''t even sit beside him, but regretted it


    instantly when Asia plopped her ass beside him.


    She was still very much upset with me being here, and the awkwardness among us was evident to


    everyone else. It sorta made me feel bad.


    "It was okay I guess. I was sleeping for almost all of it so I couldn''t say" I replied sweetly.


    "You made the right choice dear. The six hour drive is almost dreadful. Though I''m sure my son''s


    company would''ve been great" Sheughed, and I chuckled awkwardly.


    I threw Asia a re when I heard her scoff, and even Jared gave her a warning look.


    "This is delicious Roxy. I dont think I''ll ever miss home if I continue to get more of your food" I joked,


    deciding to ignore the red-haired bitc-


    "I''m d you like it. I want you to feel very much at home here. We all do"


    I simply nodded as I continued to eat the delicious food.


    Niall has yet to utter a word since we got here, but I could feel his piercing gaze on me. His stare


    wasn''t the only one on me though. I really wondered if she didn''t know that she has a mate out there.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "So Zoey" A perky voice called, and I was shocked that it came from the demon herself.


    She had a fake smile stered on her lips as she stared at me. I, on the other hand, don''t do fake. So I


    showed her my uninterested bored face as I waited for what she had to say.


    "I heard you shifted for the first time a couple days ago on your 18th birthday. How could that be?" She


    faked curiosity and blinked her eyes rapidly as if she didn''t already know.


    "My brother-inw assumes that it has to do with my mom being human" I answered in a bored tone


    without looking at her.


    "So does that make you half wolf?" She asked again, and my grip on the fork got tighter as my irritation


    grew.


    She damn well knew it doesn''t work like that.


    "No..." I dragged slowly. "Once I have the wolf gene, which I got from my dad, I am a full bred wolf.


    There''s no such thing as a half wolf"


    "So why did you shiftte?" She pushed, and it took everything in me not to sail the fork right in her


    eye. Because I could.


    "I. Don''t. Know" I gritted out, this time looking directly at her to tell her to drop it. But the stupid girl didn''t


    seem to get a hint.


    "Perhaps it means you''re not as strong"


    "Oh I can show you just how strong I am" I threatened as I barely pushed my chair back and attempted


    to get up. But Jared, who was right beside me, held me put.


    "Zoey" Niall warned calmly, and I could see that his eyes were pleading rather than demanding. But


    nheless, it hurt me so I shot him an unbelievable look.


    She was literally here picking on me all this time, and he chose to talk when I actually answered the


    bitch? Yea there I finally said it.


    "Really Niall? You talk to me but not her?" I asked harshly, and he looked slightly guilty.


    "That''s quite a temper for someone who is going to be the Alpha female. Not to mention the fact that


    you''re half wolf and probably weak; that''s not a good start for a Luna" Asia retorted.


    "Oh and immature, impulsive and ignorant are just the perfect qualities of a Beta" I shot back, and this


    time I managed to stand. The look on her face was priceless, but I didn''t want to look at her any longer.


    "I''m sorry Ace and Roxy. Thanks for the beautiful meal. Excuse me" I quickly apologized and headed


    for the exit.


    I noticed that they didn''t look astonished by my outburst nor did they seem to disapprove of my


    reaction, which I was happy for.


    I quickly made my way to the stairs in hopes to get to my room before Niall caught up to me. He came


    after me when I ran out of the kitchen. But I knew that if I was angry then, it was far worse now. So


    talking was thest thing I wanted.


    "Zoey!" I heard him call after me once I reached the floor that our rooms were on. I continued to move


    swiftly, not wanting him to catch me. "Zoey wait" He caught me just before I stepped inside.


    "Yea why should I?" I semi-shouted as I spun around to face him. "Why don''t you gofort your little


    princess and let me be"


    His face fell at me mentioning her as his princess. This was the exact reason why I don''t talk when I''m


    angry. I say irrational shit.


    "She''s not my princess Zoey. I-"


    "You surely stood up for her when she was the one attacking me! I know you guys are close from like


    baby days and stuff but I''m your mate Niall. You''re supposed to be on my side" I cut him off swiftly by


    saying.


    "I am on your side Zoey. I just didn''t want you to push the argument. Asia is better when avoided"


    "Well I''m not good at keeping my mouth shut. So if you want this Luna-Beta rtionship between me


    and her to work, tell her to stay the hell out of my path!" And with that, I stepped inside the room and


    shut the door.


    I ran to the bed and grabbed my phone as I searched for Victoria''s number quickly. Luckily, she picked


    up at the first ring.


    "I told you to call me as soon as you arrived and it''s now six in the evening!" She scolded as soon as


    she picked up. I rolled my eyes at her extraness and sighed deeply.


    "Vic I don''t like it here" I mumbled lowly, and I wished I had her to hold onto.


    "Awe what happened sweetheart?" She asked, her before irritation now non-existent.


    "I don''t think I can put up with Asia. She hates me and I don''t like her either. Niall seems to have some


    family bond with her that makes him loyal to her and Jared is fine but I don''t know if he will take her


    side too and Roxy is great and her cooking is spectacr but-"


    "Zoey" My sister cut me off. " You''re rambling" She highlighted. I sometimes ramble when I feel


    pressured. "And you have to give things time sweetheart. You''ve only been there what, a few hours?


    You can''t judge how the rest of your stay will be like. People don''t always start off on the right foot, but


    you have to know that things will get better"


    "And what if it doesn''t?" I asked softly.


    "It will. But if in a few weeks you still feel ufortable, I''ll have Luka talk to Ace or Niall and see what


    can be arranged. But you''re a big girl now Zoey. I won''t always be there to look after you." She said


    gently, and I knew she was right.


    "You were always mature for your age, so I know I won''t have to worry about you.... Do you remember


    what I told you two years ago when you didn''t shift and you felt ufortable around your friends?"


    I nodded, but then realized that she couldn''t see me. "You told me to be calm, and that the world isn''t


    out to get me. Everyone is not teaming up against me" I chuckled at the memory still so clear in my


    head.


    I always had this striking nerve feeling that everyone is against me because I''m different. If not in one


    way, then it''s the other. I guess with everything today, the feeling came back.


    "Exactly. Give them a shot--give Niall a shot. I saw the way he admires you Zoey. The guy is probably


    just nervous about bringing you home for the first time. I bet he just wants the best for everyone"


    I pondered on her words for a while, feeling a lot better. She always had the power to do that.


    "Thanks Vic. I guess I needed that reminder." I mumbled.


    "Anytime sis. Now whatever that happened between you and Niall, I suggest you sit down and talk to


    your mate." She added, a little bit more stern.


    That was always the case with Victoria. She didn''t know the exact issue, but she would still know what


    to say.


    "I will. But I won''t talk to Asia. She can kiss my a-"


    "Zoey Isabe Boysen don''t you dare!"


    Iughed so hard in my pillow at that. She was acting as if she was any more innocent.


    "Okay okay, I won''t say it. But I mean it though" Iughed.


    "Don''t you go on causing mischief now little sister"


    "I''ll try," I sighed dramatically. "Thanks for the talk. Bye, love you"


    "Love you too" She ended and the line went dead.


    I sat on the bed silently for a while, contemting going to Niall or not. I was much calmer, but I didn''t


    trust the fire in me to keep a bay. I mean, I couldn''t 100% me Niall for going through an exploration


    phase. I''ve been through many. Just never any intimately with another person.


    I guess I could see that he was genuinely sorry, and that he was mature enough to be honest with me


    rather than going around corners and telling everybody that knew to keep hush about it. And if I was


    being honest, most of my anger stemmed from jealousy.


    Asia got to do things with my mate that I haven''t even done myself. She kissed him before me, touched


    him before me, probably tasted him before me.


    Gosh it made me so mad!


    And then the burning fact that they knew each other so well, and the fact that she''s so drop dead


    gorgeous just made it worse.


    If I really sat and thought about it, I was angry at her and not really Niall. He said he was the one to cut


    it off after all. And as far as my eyes can see, he isn''t still attracted to her.


    But I couldn''t say the same for her. And that is what pissed me the hell off.


    With a long sigh, I grabbed my bag and headed to the room across the hall. I didn''t bother to knock,


    and when entered, I saw him lying on his back on the bed with his feet on the ground. He got up as


    soon as he sensed my presence, and I offered him a small smile.


    "I guess we need to talk," I said softly, and I saw as hope filled his eyes.


    But when I saw the smile that stretched onto his face, I knew that what Victoria said was true. No doubt


    that Niall adores me, and soon enough he will love me.


    But if I continue topare myself to Asia, I will forever be at everybody''s throats. Yes, she knows him


    better than I do, but I will in time. I will even know him more than she does. The fastest way to kill


    something special is topare it with something else.


    So here''s to giving it a shot. See where this goes.


    Good ces, I hope. Good ces.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    "Oww Niall! " I screamed in pain as I pulled my head away from him.


    The look of terror crossed his features as his eyes darted from me to theb in his hand.


    "Wh-what did I do?" He asked, sounding confused but it was undeniably cute.


    "If you haven''t noticed, my hair is curly" I retorted in a sarcastic tone and he gave me a ''duh'' look. "So,


    my dear mate, you cannot attack my hair from the roots first. You have to start from the ends and make


    your way up. Everyone knows that"


    "Well I didn''t" He mumbled as he pulled me back to him and kissed my forehead. "So I''m sorry"


    "It''s okay. You were just trying to help and it''s my fault that it''s so tangled. I hadn''t brought ab to it


    in five days" Iughed at howzy I am with my own hair.


    It''s just like what Victoria said, I had to take care of myself now and she''s not here tob my hair for


    me. And everyone knows I''m useless with it.


    "Yet you still managed to look great throughout all those days" Niall added, making butterflies erupt in


    my tummy.


    He had a tendency to do that often, and I never got sick of it.


    "You never fail to make me feel special don''t you?"


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "Well you are." He replied, cing yet another kiss on my temple as he gently began to untangle my


    hair like how I showed him.


    I liked when he gave me small kisses.


    We have yet to kiss on the lips, though that was very unusual for werewolf mates given that it has been


    a whole week since I got here.


    Even though we stayed in the same room, things were very PG. Again, unusual for mates. I guess he


    didn''t want to scare me off by rushing things, and I respected that.


    We would go to bed around nine every night, and he would hug me from behind ory facing each


    other then talk for hours.


    We talked about ourselves mainly, since we were at the stage of getting to know each other; but we


    would talk about random stuff also like, what if the mirror is actually the right side of the world.


    Overall, things were good so far even though he was busy most days with pack work. He would take


    regr breaks in the day to be with me, but the majority of the time I was alone.


    The only friends I had here were his parents and Jared, and since Jared would always be working too, I


    was mostly alone unless his mom visits.


    Roxy is actually very goodpany. And I found that I could naturally rte to her since everyone from


    my previous home was a couple years older than me. So, it was really nice to know that my former


    rtionships with adults paid off.


    I actually went to her house today. I felt bad that she would alwayse to me, and I needed to be out


    more. And since I was getting familiar with Niall''s pds, I was able to find it quite well.


    She took me shopping in their town, and I was more than surprised at how beautiful and modern it was.


    I got a lot of clothes that I needed, courtesy of my mate, and I''m d I did. I only brought a few from


    home and since I''m a shifter now, I''d be in high demand for clothes when I destroy them while shifting.


    It was really fun and she never treated me like just a daughter-inw. She treated me like a friend, and


    I loved that about her.


    Asia and I were still steering clear of each other and I was more than happy about that.


    I would cross her in the kitchen or on my way to see Niall in his office, but we treated each other like


    ghosts. She never even spared me a nce or let that big mouth yap mean things again. I partially had


    Niall to thank.


    On my second night here, I felt when he left the bed since I was a very light sleeper. At first I thought


    that he was going to the bathroom, but when he left the room, I followed him.


    I saw that he went into Asia''s room and I was pissed. I felt like I just couldn''t believe my eyes, so I went


    after him. But I had to stop when I noticed that the door was wide open and there was hush arguing


    going on inside.


    I hid myself and listened to what they were saying, and I heard him telling her to leave me alone and


    ept the fact that we are mates and that I am her Luna.


    He also told her that if she tries to make my living here ufortable or hell-like, he would make no


    hesitation in demoting her.


    I honestly couldn''t believe my ears because they are literallying from baby days.


    I just had hoped that he would''ve done it with me there, so that I could look that bitch in the face and


    smirk at her reaction. But I guess he had his reasons.


    So I could say that life here so far has been good. I gave them a shot and I''m liking it so far.


    "All done" He announced proudly, and I stood in front of the mirror to see what he had done to my hair.


    I had to give him credit for his styling skills for a beginner. He sessfully managed to braid my hair in


    two, giving me a sixth grade pigtails look; but it was cute and better than what I would''ve done.


    I shed him a beaming smile and wrapped my arms around his neck.


    "I think I just found my new hair stylist" I whispered, half joking but half serious.


    "I don''t mind. I already love fixing my queen''s crown" He mumbled in response as he sat us on his bed.


    I was positioned on hisp with my arms still around his neck and a blush creeping up mine. "You are


    too sweet Niall Wilson. When am I gonna meet the side of you that will make me want to kill you?"


    He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and tilted his head to the side while he rubbed his


    chin with his thumb as if he was thinking. I couldn''t help but giggle at his yful side.


    "Hhhmmm. I''m hoping that there''s not a side to me that will make you want to kill me...but if there is,


    maybe in two decades" He finally replied by saying.


    Iughed loudly and shook my head from side to side, making my pigtails hit my nose every time I did


    it. "No I give you two weeks because you can''t be this perfect. No one is."


    "I beg to differ. Because the beautiful woman sitting on me right now is just perfect"


    "No I''m not" Iughed. "You''ll see. I give me two weeks too"


    We bothughed at that while he fixed us on the bed so that we were both lying down. It was our


    regr y down and talk'' time, so I turned around to face him.


    He trailed his finger from my eyebrows to my cheek, then to my lips and chin. He continued to outline


    my face with his finger while we just stared at each other and appreciated the moment.


    "You are so beautiful Zoey" He whispered and my cheeks burnt with a blush again. I think my face will


    permanently hold a blush within a year with this man.


    "You say that every night Niall" I grinned and captured his finger with my lips.


    "That''s because you are. And I will never stop saying it"


    "Well I guess I won''t have to worry about having confidence issues anytime soon." I joked, but he didn''t


    seem to get it since his face fell serious.


    "Zoey you don''t need to have even the slightest doubt about yourself. Ever. You are funny, strong,


    daring, gorgeous, smart, sweet, adorable-"


    "Okay no need to finish the whole English dictionary on me now Niall" Iughed and luckily he did too.


    "You deserve more than just the English dictionary Zoey," he said, bringing my hand to his lips.


    "What did I ever do to get a mate like you?" I asked in a soft hushed tone, but I knew he heard.


    "Exist."


    Like always, I was left speechless after the one and only Niall finished showering me with praises, so I


    just continued to smile at him.


    The silence wasn''t ufortable or awkward; I actually really liked it. I felt like moments like this are


    needed for our rtionship to grow.


    After a while his expression changed to a thoughtful one, and I got curious to know what was on his


    mind.


    "What are you thinking about?" I asked, seemingly snapping him out of his thoughts in the process.


    "I was just thinking that maybe I could introduce you to my pack soon" He admitted, almost sounding


    nervous which I didn''t understand.


    By now the word had gotten around that the Alpha found his mate, and I knew it was in due time that I


    would officially meet them and be introduced to them as Luna.


    First, I would have to get familiar with Niall and the pack before that could happen, but I knew it


    would''ve been soon.


    I wasn''t nervous because the few times I''ve been around the pack, I''ve received warm wees,


    greeting and adoring looks. So I wasn''t nervous about getting the pack to like me. I wasn''t worried


    about being a Luna either since my sister was one.


    Throughout the years, I have learnt a thing or two given that I would help Vic with certain things. I


    actually liked it, and deep down I guess I kinda knew I was cut out for the position.


    Not that I was power hungry, I just felt the need to lead, love and protect.


    So Niall''s facial expression really confused me. Was he worried about me and Asia probably having to


    cross paths more often? Did he think I didn''t want to lead by his side?


    "I''m ready to meet them whenever you find it fit" I reassured, and he looked slightly more rxed but


    still nervous.


    "Zoey, before I introduce you to them, we will have to be fully mated" He told me, and that''s when it hit


    me.


    We will have to be fully mated. And for that to happen, he will have to mark me and of course, we will


    have to actually mate.


    And it will have to be soon.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    "Niall, you don''t have to look so nervous" I chuckled and ran my thumb across his cheek. "You''re my


    mate, I already knew this " I reassured him and I received a charming smile from him in return.


    "I just wasn''t sure if you were ready for all this. I didn''t want to unsettle you" he said shyly.


    "You''re too careful with me Niall" Iughed. "It''s like you think I''m gonna break if you frown at me"


    He yfully red at me, causing me tough harder. "All I want is for you to be happy Zoey. Nothing


    else."


    "And what about your happiness?"


    "It stems from yours" He whispered, pecking my cheek.


    Instead of letting him pull away like he always did, I pulled him closer to me. I stared intently in his eyes


    with a smile still lingering on my lips.


    "I''m happy, " I told him softly before resting my forehead against his.


    I could smell the sweet, masculine irresistible scent of him from this close, and it made me feel even


    more rxed than I already did. It also made me feel uneasy, but in a good way. A really good way.


    I let my fingers gently caress his cheek as I continued to stare into his eyes.


    My breathing became unlevelled and my chest rose and fell faster than usual. My tongue thrusted out


    and slowly glided across my lips at their sudden dryness. Niall''s eyes watched intently as his grip on


    my waist tightened.


    His eyes became darker and his hand found my cheek. My eyes fluttered closed at how wonderful the


    small gesture felt, and my lips parted a little to allow air to my lungs. Without another word, his thumb


    swept across my bottom lip, and I waited in anticipation for what I dreamt of all along. His lips found


    mine as he closed the tiny space between us, and my heart plummeted to my stomach at the wonderful


    feeling that surged through me at the simple kiss.


    It was my very first kiss and I had no idea what to do, but it felt so natural as our lips moved in sync. A


    feeling I recognized as new overtook my nerves, and I loved how excited my body felt.


    His lips became even rougher on mine as I tried to gasp for air. Without warning, his tongue invaded


    my mouth and I let him. I let him take me on a journey I''ve never been on before. I let him devour me in


    just a simple kiss, and I would let him do it again without hesitation.


    To my demise, he eventually pulled away, and both of us panted heavily as we stared at each other in a


    brand new light. I couldn''t help but smile as I reyed the whole moment in my head. And I wanted it


    again--needed it again.


    When I was sure enough that I refilled my lungs with oxygen, I captured his lips again in another kiss.


    This one was slow and sweet, and I really had a chance to relish in the feeling of my mate holding and


    kissing me.


    I couldn''t believe I waited a whole week to do this.


    It felt so right and I could feel my wolf frolicking in joy. I could never get enough of this feeling, that is for


    sure. I will definitely have a hard time giving him space to work from now on.


    A rush of disappointment flooded me when he pulled away, but it soon left when his lips found my neck.


    I bit my own lip as a moan threatened toe out, but eventually I couldn''t contain it any longer.


    His tongue glided over my neck in a skill movement as my toes curled at the feeling that surged


    through me.


    I ran my fingers through his hair, surprisingly receiving a satisfying groan from him. He licked and


    sucked at my neck without giving me a break, and I yipped in shock when I felt his teeth nip the


    sensitive flesh.


    He quickly pulled away, and I could see how dark his eyes were with desire.


    His fangs were out and I could see that his wolf was in control. He looked as shocked at me, but I was


    only shocked because I didn''t expect it. It didn''t mean I didn''t want him to, but he apparently got the


    wrong idea from the sound I made.


    "No it''s okay Niall," I whispered as I pulled him back down to me. "Do it please"


    "You sure?"


    "Yes I haven''t been more sure about anything before" I told him before kissing him again.


    He quickly took control of the moment again and kissed me back roughly. I was basically on cloud nine


    again when he found my neck once more.


    He quickly switched his pace and kissed down my neck slowly. It was almost teasing until he reached


    the area where my neck met my shoulder, and my senses went wild.


    His tongue flicked and licked the spot that drove me crazy, and I felt as his teeth lightly grazed the area.


    This was it. We willplete a next step in the mating process.


    Slowly, I felt as his teeth slowly began to pierce my skin, and I winced at the sudden pain that throbbed


    through the area. But as he bit harder, the pain eventually subsided and was reced by a flood of


    pleasure I had never felt before.


    I felt the bond bing stronger and the feeling was almost overwhelming. My body soared to an


    impossible level of pleasure as I shook in euphoria beneath him.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I was panting really hard and Niall''s grip on my waist only got tighter as I assumed that he too felt what


    I was feeling.


    Eventually, he removed his teeth and licked the spilled blood clean. The area slightly throbbed as my


    body recovered from its high. Heid back down beside me and pulled me to his chest. I snuggled into


    him and rested my head in the crook of his neck, getting full ess once again to his glorious scent.


    I felt awesome.


    A new bond has just been made, and I could feel his emotions so open and bold through our newly


    formed link. They only entailed admiration, happiness and peace, and I felt the same way.


    I was marked by Niall. My mate imed me as his.


    And that meant I could mindlink him, feel his emotions if he kept his walls down and most importantly, it


    meant we were one step away from being fully mated. I was actually surprised that we initially waited


    this long, but I loved how it was all falling into ce.


    The important thing was that I was a imed wolf. But it also meant I would go into heat by the next full


    moon if we didn''t mate.


    But the next full moon is in two days.


    Well this escted quickly.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    "Something smells off."


    I rolled my eyes without turning to face her and continued to search for the pancake syrup.


    From the moment I stepped into the kitchen, Asia tensed and has been giving me the stink eye ever


    since.


    Of course every wolf knows that when a female wolf is marked, her scent mixes with her mate''s. But it


    was a majestic scent; not ''off'' like she presumed. She was just jealous that MY mate marked me.


    I finally found the syrup and squirted arge amount onto my mountain of pancakes. I was extremely


    moody this morning since I woke up without Niall, but I knew that it was the post-mark pre-heat effects.


    The fact that I was marked would throw my emotions off a whole lot for the first couple days, especially


    if I wasn''t with my mate. But the fact that my heat was this close too, I was like a deadly ball of


    emotions walking around.


    I was really consideringpleting the mating process before the full moon, that way I wouldn''t have to


    go through the detrimental heat cycle that I''ve heard so much about.


    If Niall and I should mate before the full moon, I''ll still have my heat, but it would be bearable. The most


    that would happen is a high temperature and the extreme horniness, but at least I wouldn''t be dying


    from pain and whatnot.


    I''ve never had a heat cycle, but I am already dreading it.


    A whole night of fever, sweating, excruciating abdominal pain and never ending arousal? Doesn''t


    sound enticing to me.


    At that moment, Jared walked in just as I was about to walk out. I came down for breakfast, but I was


    avoiding Asia at all costs, hence why I decided to eat in the living or dining room.


    He perked up as soon as he entered with a confused look on his face. He whipped his head towards


    me, then a broad smile took over his lips.


    "Well well. Look who''s making progress," he said before pulling me into an awkward side hug, since I


    had my pancakes in my hand.


    I blushed under his gaze as he continued to ogle me in excitement. I knew this was a big thing for all of


    us, so I couldn''t me him.


    "Congrats Zoey. I''m so d you''re officially part of the family" He added and I heard a scoff behind me


    but ignored it.


    "Thanks Jared, I feel like family. By the way, do you know where Niall is?" I asked, assuming he might


    have an idea. Thest thing a wolf needs after just being marked, is waking up alone.


    "Not sure. Maybe some pack business if he left that early."


    "Okay," I mumbled, somewhat agreeing with him. It must''ve been important.


    Just as I was about to head out, when I heard the back door open. I turned around to see a sweaty


    Niall just entering. He had on ck sweats, in t-shirt and a backpack, and he looked undeniably


    gorgeous.


    The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up and he made his way over to me. He engulfed me in a hug and


    dropped a kiss on my cheek, before whispering a good morning.


    "I''m sorry I left so early this morning, but I had an emergency at the back border with my border patrol"


    He exined, and every ounce of annoyance that was in me disappeared at that, since I knew just how


    important having a strong and stable border patrol was.


    "Is everything okay?" I asked in concern.


    "Everything is good now," he assured. "Just needed my help that''s all."


    I nodded. "Okay good"


    "Well look who''s being Luna of the year." A snarky voice retorted from behind me, and this time I


    decided that I had enough. But before I could answer, Niall beat me to it.


    "Seriously let it go Asia. Just stop okay?" He snapped, though what I had nned to say would''ve been


    way worse.


    She just casually shrugged and left the room.


    "I know I just got here and I may have no right to say this, but why is she even here? " I asked,


    annoyed.


    "I know she can be a pain in the ass, but she is really a good Beta," Jared said.


    "I suppose. But if she doesn''t grow up soon, then the pack will feel it too when we can''t get along"


    "Don''t let that bother you. She''lle around" Niall proimed as he cut a piece of my pancake and


    brought it to my mouth.


    "Kinda har todo tha when she mahkes it her duy to boher me," I said with a mouth full of pancakes.


    Niall chuckled at it, but I knew from the confusion on his face that he didn''t understand.


    "Kinda hard to do that when she makes it her duty to bother me" I repeated once my mouth was clear.


    "Don''t focus on her now okay? If it makes you feel better, I would like to take you somewhere today if


    you''re up for it" He said, and I suddenly got excited.


    On many asions I had gone out, but it was mostly with Roxy, since Niall was always working. The


    idea of going somewhere with him was thrilling.


    "Yes of course I''m up for it" I almost squealed as he shed me a smile.


    "Good. I''ll be down in about fifteen" He announced before pecking my lips and heading upstairs.


    I downed the pancakes in ten minutes and waited for Niall to join me again. I ran my hand over my


    pigtails that I gotst night, but I noticed that they were fuzzy, since my scarf somehow got discarded in


    the middle of the night.


    Deciding to try and look decent, I began to undo the braids and separating the curls in the process.


    Victoria always did this for me, so I had assumed that it would''ve looked good like when she does it.


    But since I only knew how to pull my hair in a bun or puff, I couldn''t be sure.


    "Woah there beautiful," I heard Niall say from behind me, and I whipped around to see him freshly


    showered and dressed.


    "What?" I asked shyly as he made his way towards me.


    Instead of answering, he captured one of my curls and began to twine it around his finger. None of us


    said anything for a while, I just enjoyed the feeling of being so close to him. Maybe it was the effect of


    the mark, but I could feel as my wolf purred at the mere scent and presence of him. I had no idea how


    one person could do this much to me.


    My lips suddenly felt dry, and I licked them in an attempt to restore their moisture. But Niall seemed to


    have had the same idea, since he dipped his head and captured my lips with his.


    I immediately responded to the kiss, and it was then that I realized that it was my new favourite thing to


    do. I felt on cloud nine as I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried one of my hands in his still


    damp hair.


    His lips moved slowly on mine as I gently rubbed and caressed his scalp with my fingers. His arms


    tightened around my waist, and one hand swept up to pull my hair backwards, giving him better ess


    to the kiss.


    I clenched my thighs together as the tension began to build up, and it was when we heard the fridge


    opening that we finally pulled away.


    There Jared stood, in front of the fridge searching for God knows what. I hadn''t even noticed when he


    entered, and he didn''t even look bothered that two wolves were making out in the same room as him.


    "Oh don''t mind me guys. I just came for a bottle of water," he said casually, and I had to try really hard


    not tough.


    I was also suppressing a blush, since I always assumed that I was never a PDA person and I was right.


    But it was all still so funny.


    "Ready to go?" Niall asked as I turned to face him again. It was obvious that we both were recovering


    from the kiss, but I was still excited about leaving.


    "Yep," I replied quickly with the excitement resurfacing.


    I didn''t know where we were going but as long as I was with him, it didn''t matter.


    ***


    "Were here" Niall announced as he removed his hands from my eyes.


    The minute my eyes adjusted to the area, I was left in awe.


    The first thing I noticed was the lush green grass that was decorated skilfully yet naturally with small,


    wild yellow flowers. The area was open and bright, and I noticed that it was like a natural meadow.


    There were more trees on the other side, just like what we had just emerged from, so it seemed like a


    clearing, but it was far more mesmerizing.


    The sun was beaming and the wind was cool and calming. There were even small white butterflies


    roaming around, giving the area that fairy-tale look. Finally, in the middle of it all, ran a small stream


    that didn''t look over a foot deep. It seemed to have emerged from nowhere and disappeared in the vast


    trees.


    It was all so lovely that I couldn''t take a minute to breathe.


    "Niall this is so beautiful" I whispered in awe.


    "You like it?" He asked as he ced a yellow flower in my hair.


    "Like it? I love it" I gushed as I caught a butterfly on my finger.


    "I''m d you do" He whispered as he wrapped his arms around me from behind and rested his head


    on my shoulder. "This used to be my parent''s spot. But the moment they brought me here I stole it from


    them"


    I chuckled at that "Maybe I can steal it from you too," I teased as I turned around and quickly kissed


    him before running towards the trees.


    "What''s mine is yours princess" He shouted as he joined me under a tree facing the clearing. "But if


    you want toe out here, I want to be with you. No one else knows about this ce because it''s so


    far out from the pack, but it''s not safe"


    "I can take care of myself you know?" I told him confidently.


    "I have no doubt that you can," he chuckled. "But I insist"


    "Fiiiine. If you wanna baby me" I drawled dramatically with a shortugh.


    This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "I just want you safe and happy always"


    "I am happy" I whispered truthfully.


    I was surprised to see his expression looking thoughtful instead of relieved.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked in concern. "Are you not happy?"


    "Of course I am Zoey" He replied quickly as he ran his finger over the mark on my neck.


    "So what''s wrong?"


    He sighed before shifting more so he was sitting directly in front of me.


    "I know you say you''re happy. But I know you won''t bepletely happy until you know everything


    about your dad and your background " He said, and my face immediately fell.


    He was right. I would always have that hollow if I don''t learn everything about myself. Over the past


    week, it was like I forgot. But deep down I still had that urge to know everything. It only made my heart


    frolic even more knowing that he didn''t forget.


    I sighed and shrugged as I nced down at my feet that were tucked underneath each other.


    "I know. I just don''t know where to start"


    "And I''m here for you Zoey."He whispered as he held my cheek and forced my eyes to his. "I''m here to


    help you. Don''t forget that "


    "Thank you Niall" I mumbled, throwing my arms around his neck. "I really need it"


    "We can start searching soon. If it makes you happy then I''ll do anything to get that for you. I''ll go to the


    moon and back for you"


    My heart did a back-flip at that. But then something else came to my mind that made it beat faster.


    "Speaking of the moon" I added as I pulled away. "The next full moon is the day after tomorrow," I told


    him. He looked confused at first, but then his face lit up in realization.


    "Shit Ipletely forgot" He mumbled to himself before meeting my eyes again. "Are you- are you


    ready? "


    I offered him a small shy smile with a shrug. "I guess. Why wouldn''t I be?"


    "I don''t want this to sound like I''m being pushy, but I don''t want you to go through that pain on the full


    moon" He said, and my body involuntarily became excited.


    I darted my gaze from him and tucked a curl behind my ear."Yea I was thinking about that too. My heat


    will only be horrible if we don''t mate before the full moon, so I wanted to ask you-"


    "Don''t ask" He quickly cut me off, but in a gentle way. He pulled me onto hisp and ced a kiss on


    my lips. "Asking will take away the specialness of it. And you didn''t even have to, my sweet mate"


    My cheeks burnt with a blush, so I attempted to hide it by burying my head in his neck.


    "Okay" I mumbled, cing a kiss on there. He sighed in content as we fell into another session of


    silence.


    I felt as he stood up and started to walk back home I assumed. I wrapped my feet around him and kept


    my head nuzzled in the crook of his neck.


    I could get the full whiff of his wonderful scent from here, and I slowly felt myself drifting away as it


    continued to soothed me.


    But all I could think about was that before the next full moon, I''ll be a fully mated wolf.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    ?This chapter contains mature content. If you are not a person who appreciates smut, you can skip it


    when you see it starting ?


    ...


    It was almost eight in the evening when I checked my phone and jumped up in bed.


    I woke up in thefy nkets of me and Niall''s bed, and that''s when I remembered when I fell asleep


    on the way back home as he carried me. Hisforting scent and straight stride knocked me right to


    sleep. But I was astonished to see that I slept all morning AND day.


    This heat thing was already exhausting me, and it wasn''t evening that soon. This got me even


    more curious as to who I really am. I knew that highly ranked wolves were said to have the worst heats,


    since the dominance in a Alpha, Beta or Gamma wolf was more prominent. Hence, the wolf''s need to


    be fully mated is always greater.


    The room was already dark, indicating that the sun was almost gone, if not gone already. Niall was


    nowhere to be seen, but his fresh scent made me know he had been here recently.


    I groaned as my tummy made a cry for food. I decided to go get dinner right after I had a shower. For


    some reason, I felt weirdly ufortable in my clothes. Ironic really, since leggings and a tank top


    were literally the mostfortable clothes ever.


    However, my need to discard them was great. Even my hair that fell on my shoulders annoyed me


    significantly, so I quickly pulled it in a bun before literally ripping the clothes from my body.


    Once I was in my underwear, I felt much better. I rummaged through my part of the closet to find


    something minimal to wear once I have my shower.


    For sure I knew something was wrong with me, but since I knew my heat was so close, I wasn''t


    worried. Indeed it was some pre-heat symptoms; I just didn''t understand why so soon. Normally for all


    wolves I know, they only got symptoms on the day of the heat, not two days before or a day before.


    Maybe there''s something even more about me that I have never even considered. What if I''m


    ....different?


    The one thing I''ve despised my whole life was being different from everyone else. If there is indeed


    something more to what I should know about my dad and myself, do I even want to know what it is?


    Will I be happy with what I learn? Will it grant me the peace I long for? Or will it just arise more


    questions?


    But whatever it is, I know that deep down that I have to know.


    "Hey you''re up" Niall''s voice echoed through the room,pletely snapping me back to reality. "And


    naked" He added gruffly as his eyes shed to his wolf''s quickly.


    It was then that I remembered that I was only wearing my bra and panties while holding tiny bed shorts


    and a sports bra in my hand.


    Surprisingly, I didn''t feel awkward being around him like this; it actually felt quite normal.


    "The clothes were bugging me " I admitted, taking myself by surprise when it came out whiny.


    He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion before closing the space between us. His hand immediately


    went to my cheek as he studied me in concern, lust and all on hold.


    "Do you feel warmer than usual? "He asked once he finished studying me.


    I nodded, realising that I indeed felt a slight temperature rise. He pursed his lips in thought as he


    peered in my eyes.


    "When we were out in the woods today, did anything bite you? Did you happen to get a scratch from a


    nt or something? "


    I raked my mind for the events of the day, realising that I wasn''t bit or scratched.


    "No. I didn''t. Is-is something wrong with me?" I asked in panic, feeling surprisingly overwhelmed by


    everything.


    "No baby it''s okay" He cooed as he pulled me into a hug. "It''s just the heat "


    "But the full moon is the day after tomorrow. Why is it affecting me this soon? "


    "I don''t know" he mumbled and I could see that he hated the fact that he didn''t know the answer for


    once. "This has never happened before" He mumbled that part mostly to himself.


    I simply stayed silent as he continued to think, since being in his arms made me feel much better. I still


    really needed a shower and dinner, and I also realized the new rming feeling of wanting to pee.


    "Tell you what. I''ll run you a bath so you can rx and then I''ll bring a te up for you. You must be


    hungry" He said, and I couldn''t agree more.


    He quickly pecked my lips before heading to the bathroom, while I grabbed clean underwear. I joined


    him in the bathroom and settled in his jacuzzi shaped bath once it was filled.


    Gosh Niall had the best house.


    Once I was settled in, he left to go get dinner so I simply sunk deeper and closed my eyes. I didn''t have


    to make this bother me. Sure I was the only wolf in existence to have heat symptoms before the day of


    the full moon, but no biggie right? Just another regr day on the Chronicles of Zoey.


    Minutes after, Niall reappeared with a tray filled with delicious looking food. I immediately perked up


    when he sat on the edge of the bath.


    "This looks delicious" I moaned, already tasting the vour on my tongue.


    "It is too...Here "


    He ced a piece of chicken in my mouth, and my eyes rolled back at the vour that erupted.


    "Oh my gosh this is giving me an orgasm" I blurted out without thinking, but Niall justughed.


    "Jared knows how to do his thing " He simply shrugged as he fed me another piece. "So I hope you


    don''t get annoyed, but I asked my mom-"


    "You told her about my heat? " I gasped with a shudder.


    Yes, I loved Roxy dearly, but my extremely horny wolf and a full night of intimacy with my mate is just


    not something for others to hear about. It''s one of those things that everyone knows will happen but


    just don''t talk about.


    "No I didn''t tell her" He quickly defended. "I just mindlinked her and casually asked her if there has ever


    been a wolf who has had heat symptoms before the full moon, and she just said no. I doubt she even


    thought about it too much"


    "I don''t know Niall.. I think it has something to do with my origin" I mumbled through a full mouth of


    food.


    "I think so too. We really should start getting ready to dig a little deeper in your family line. See what we


    can find"


    I frowned a bit at this. "What if I''m not even fully a werewolf Niall? What if I''m a hybrid or something like


    from those movies" I concluded, feeling like I hit the jackpot.


    "There''s no such thing as vampires, Love," He dismissed easily. "There must be a logical exnation


    for it"


    I shrugged. "Okay but until we find otherwise, I''m sticking to my theory... Oou I can try drinking blood to


    see if that will activate my vampire side or something!"


    "Hey let''s not get crazy now" Niallughed and I followed. "But if we don''t find anything, I''ll dly be


    your test monkey"


    "Well of course" I smirked. "There''s no one else I would like to sink my teeth into" I purred sexily. I had


    no idea where that rush of confidence came from.


    "Is that a threat or a promise?" He asked in an equally sexy voice.


    "It''s whatever you want it to be" I whispered, pulling him down to my lips.


    I liked the way he tasted like cinnamon and chocte, and I wasted no time in deepening the kiss.


    He kissed me passionately and greedily, and he didn''t stop until the tray and everything in it overturned


    into my bath water.


    I yelped in surprise as he quickly recovered and retrieved the dishes. I pouted a little, disappointed that


    my kiss and dinner were cut short.


    "I''ll just bring these down okay? " He chuckled as he stood.


    I nodded in reply as I got ready to leave the now ruined bath. Niall left and I wobbled to the shower to


    get a proper cleansing. Once I was done, I pulled on the sports bra and shorts I had chosen and


    hopped into bed.


    Even though I just woke up like an hour ago, I didn''t miss how tired I felt. Odd.


    Niall emerged soon after and joined me in the bed. He pulled me to his chest and without a word,


    picked up where we left off.


    I didn''t hesitate to kiss him back with equal amounts of urgency and need for the man that was stealing


    my heart more and more each day. His hand gripped my waist tightly as he kneaded the soft flesh


    between his fingers, and even the simple gesture sent sparks through my body.


    I swept my tongue over his bottom lip before lightly biting it, and he immediately granted me entrance


    as I explored his mouth with my tongue.


    He leaned over more to me so that his top half was hovering over me as he continued to ravish me with


    just a kiss. He pulled my hair back, tilting my head so he could get better ess, and I wasted no time


    in burying my hands in his soft hair.


    His lips left mine and trailed down my cheek to my neck, and my body went wild when he found my


    mark. My toes curled at the wonderful rush that swept through me and I could already feel my center


    panting for him.


    "Niall" I moaned almost inaudibly as he trailed his fingertips over my bare stomach. He simply grunted


    in response as they travelled further down, driving me insane. I waited impatiently for him to grant me


    some sort of release, but then he stopped.


    "Zoey" He started, meeting my eyes. "I hope you know that this is not situational. I''m not doing this


    because of the heat. I''m showing you how much you mean to me and how much I want you-- need


    you"


    I nodded frantically before pulling him back towards me. Only Niall will think I might be having second


    thoughts because he might be ''sorry for me''.


    What I like however, was how smoothly we went back on track. Once his lips were on mine again, it


    was like we never stopped. He waspletely hovering over me now, as one hand explored my


    curves while the other was holding him up.


    He brought his hand to the perk of my breast before pulling and twisting the nipple through the fabric. I


    gasped in the kiss at the excitement that flooded my body. It was the very first time I had ever felt


    anything like this, and I already knew it was gonna get a lot more frequent.


    He left my lips to attack my neck once again, as his hand slipped under the tiny sports bra I was


    wearing and cupped my breast. He was driving me insane with everything, and I didn''t bother hiding


    the sounds that came from my mouth.


    I gasped in shock when I heard the shredding sound of fabric, and the cool air fanned my now naked


    chest. He wasted no time in capturing the bud in his lips right after, and my eyes rolled back at the


    sensation I felt.


    He dragged his hand down my body and to the waist of my shorts, after which he skillfully pushed them


    off with one hand. I too got busy and ripped his t-shirt from his torso with a new found strength. I see a


    lot of torn clothes in our future.


    And it''s not from shifting.


    "Ooh shit" I gaped in ecstasy when his fingers trailed over my now soaking underwear as he continued


    to ravish my breast and neck.


    "You are so beautiful Zoey," he mumbled, but I wasn''t paying attention to that. All I could think about


    was the throbbing in my core that needed to be tamed.


    Without warning, he slipped a finger past my panties and swirled it across my wetness in a circr


    motion. I moaned even louder as my back arched, and all I wanted was release. He kissed down my


    stomach, stopping just above my belly button before slipping a finger inside me; and that''s when I lost


    it.


    I clenched the sheets and cried out his name as he brought me to a new high with the movements of


    his finger. He nearly pushed me over the edge when he licked the area right above my underwear


    waistband.


    He pumped his finger faster and harder, and even though there was a slight ufortable feeling, the


    pleasure I felt over-shadowed it. It felt so right. Not only because of the thrill, but just to be with the one


    I was destined to be with made it all better. Yes, there were boys from back home who found an


    interest in me, but I''m so d I waited. No one could''ve made me feel the way Niall does.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    No one.


    I felt empty and disappointed when he removed his finger, but then I noticed what he was gonna do


    which got me excited again. All I wanted was to be taken by him, to have him all to myself in both body


    and soul. I needed him. So I used my foot to push the sweats from his waist, and I watched as he


    kicked it off the rest of the way.


    He captured my lips again as I got ready for him. This was it. I was gonna be fully mated in just a


    matter of seconds. But then the loud ringing of my phone pulled me back to reality. I ignored it


    completely, but it wouldn''t stop ringing and it was really throwing us off course.


    "Just let me turn it off" I rushed out as I grabbed the phone, but then I saw a name that I never


    expected to be calling me. I thought it was Emily or Jody, but it was Ashley, the Beta female from back


    home.


    It wasn''t that we didn''t talk- we had the best rtionship. But Ashley just doesn''t call me. Ever.


    I got curious as it went off again, and Niall must''ve noticed my change in demeanour since he wobbled


    off me. I clicked the bottom with my heart in my throat as I pressed it to my ear.


    "He-hello? " I mumbled, still recovering from my high.


    "Zoey!" She called, and the urgency, sadness and fear in her voice was enough to get me alert.


    "Ashley what''s wrong? " I asked in my own fear as I straightened up. This, of course, didn''t go


    unnoticed by Niall.


    I grabbed a sweater from my armchair beside the bed and flung it over my head as I heard nothing but


    shuffling and patter of feet-- like running.


    "Ashely you''re scaring me! " I semi shouted as my heart raced. "What''s wrong? " I grabbed my shorts


    and pulled them on too, and I saw from the corner of my eyes that Niall had already pulled on his pants


    and was watching me intently.


    "Zoey it''s awful! " She cried, sounding much like sobs. "It''s Victoria" She said and my heart stopped.


    "What-What about her? " I wasn''t sure if I was prepared for what came next, but I knew my ears were


    probably not working properly.


    "She-she had an ident.... Zoey I don''t think she''s gonna make it."

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    I didn''t hear anything after that.


    "Zoey I don''t think she''s gonna make it"


    It rang in my ears like a mocking song. I couldn''t process anything around me. I couldn''t listen to Niall


    asking me what''s wrong, I didn''t see the dim of the light as it slightly flickered- I only saw red.


    I felt my feet moving, and I was down the stairs in what felt like a second. I didn''t care what happened


    after I shifted, but once I hit the outside air I knew I was in wolf form.


    I ran as soon as I was certain all fours were on solid ground. The cool wind whipped past me in a fast


    mocking song, reminding me of the distance I had to go.


    I could hear Niall behind me, calling after me in desperation. I didn''t even know how he managed to


    keep a close distance to me while I was in wolf form and he was in human form, but I guess it was the


    worry that boosted his adrenaline.


    Deep down I knew running all the way back to Brightwater Pack would be a challenge, but who am I to


    tell my wolf what to do when we were both very upset? Even though Victoria is no wolf, she is my blood


    and that meant even the wolf in me had all right to be upset too.


    I couldn''t imagine a life without her, and I wouldn''t either. I was determined to keep only positive


    thoughts.


    I felt like crying yet no tears came. I felt angry that I was miles away from my sister who was probably


    battling for life. I felt useless knowing that there was nothing I could do about it. I felt vulnerable


    knowing that in my unfocused and grieving state, I could get attacked on the way by any rogue. I just


    felt awful.


    ''What if she doesn''t make it?''


    I shook the thought from my head and pumped my feet harder. If I move fast enough, I will be able to


    arrive by ten if I only take two minute breaks. We can move faster in wolf form than any car, but it was


    much safer to go by car. I didn''t care about safety though -- I just wanted to see my sister.


    "Zoey wait please! " Niall called out a few meters behind me. We were a good distance from the Alpha


    house by now and I wanted to stop, I really did. Of course I needed my mate especially now, but I just


    couldn''t stop.


    Soon after, I heard clothes shredding and a set of stronger footsteps throbbing behind me. That''s when


    I knew he shifted as well.


    I was tackled in a matter of seconds, but my wolf only saw it as a hindrance in the ultimate mission.


    And so she fought him. We tumbled around for a while, growling and biting at each other but never


    hurting each other. He finally managed to pin me down with a low growl, warning me to stop fighting.


    My wolf had a few growls of her own too, and it was then that he pushed into my mind through our


    mindlink.


    ~"Zoey what happened?"~ his sweet human voice rang in my head, causing me to rx a whole lot.


    My growls turned to soft whimpers as I eventually stopped wiggling beneath him. He rested his nozzle


    in my neck before licking the area gently. It was his way of providing mefort. He didn''t get off me


    however, since he assumed I would just run again.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    ~"Victoria. She had an ident. A terrible one it seemed"~ I told him with sad wolf eyes.


    He looked shocked at this, and I watched carefully as he got off me and shifted back to human form.


    He watched me with sympathy filled eyes as he gently caressed my head.


    "I''m so sorry Zoey," he whispered. "I understand why you took off like that, but it''s dangerous to run all


    that way. Let me take you" He suggested carefully, not wanting to upset me further.


    I pushed forward in my head and took back control over my wolf, but I remained in wolf form. I guess it


    was smart to listen to logic. But since wolves worked on instincts mainly, I knew I had to be in control


    for this conversation. The wolf side of me just wouldn''t understand the danger of running back home,


    so the human side of me had to listen to reasoning.


    I didn''t have to say much to him for him to know that I wanted to leave ASAP, and I''m d he


    understood.


    "Let''s just get back home for a while. We''ll get dressed, grab some food for the road and take my car


    okay? " He asked gently, but the thought of putting more distance between me and Victoria caused me


    to whimper again as my ears fell.


    "Hey it''s okay baby. We''re only going back for food and clothes, then we''ll be back on the road okay? "


    I eyed him carefully for any sign of dishonesty, but I didn''t find any.


    I got up on my four feet as I watched him shift back to wolf form since he shredded his clothes. I


    followed as he started to trod in the direction of home, but I felt a tug in my chest as I moved farther.


    My feet suddenly halted after a while and Niall stopped too to see what the issue was. I tilted my head


    back to the moon and let out a long, sorrowful howl. I saw from the corner of my eye as Niall did the


    same, as his own howl fell in unison with mine.


    He closed the distance between us and nuzzled his nose in my neck again, offering me a wolf hug. I


    was quickly taken by surprise when I heard numerous simr howlsing from in and around Niall''s


    Pack, sharing in on my sorrow and showcasing their support. I knew they knew it was me, and the


    Alpha''s howl was also very distinct to them.


    My heart warmed as the chorus continued to echo through the pack as more wolves howled with their


    support to me.


    I knew being a part of a pack meant being a part of a family, and I couldn''t be more grateful. But as


    much as I was grateful for their already constant love, I just hoped that the moon heard our cries and


    granted me the only wish lying on my heart.


    Please let the only sister I have be okay. I can''t lose her too.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    Hours.


    Four terrible long hours just sitting in a car waiting, anticipating and longing to arrive.


    The minute Niall and I got back to the Alpha house, he quickly exined everything to Jared and Asia


    while I packed a few things for us.


    They were already waiting at the door when we got back. Every wolf in the pack heard my howl, and


    that included them. I wasn''t surprised when I saw Asia''s concern though; any wolf could understand


    what a howl like that meant.


    We didn''t know how long we would be gone for, but I knew for sure that if it was more than three days, I


    had to let Niall go back home. I need my mate, but a pack needs its Alpha and I couldn''t keep him from


    his pack any longer than three days.


    This seemed to have the worst timing ever. Just when I am a day away from having my heat this


    happened. It''s like the universe has a vendetta against me or something.


    "Hey it''s gonna be okay" Niall whispered from beside me. He held my hand with his free one, and


    everything in me wanted to believe him but I couldn''t.


    I simply nodded and focused my attention on the trees rushing past me in a blur. The speed that Niall


    was going surely trimmed a hour or two off our journey, so I knew we were close by. But strangely it


    wasn''t fast enough to soothe the burning in my chest.


    "I just hope she''s okay" I mumbled, my legs shaking like a leaf.


    "She will be," he assured me. I hoped he was right.


    The anticipation was killing me. I was close enough to feel the link to them , but no one was responding


    to my mindlink. I was still a Brightwater pack wolf until Niall mixed his blood with mine to make me a


    Truemoon Pack wolf, so even though I could mindlink with Niall through our mate bond, I still could link


    my family and anyone in this pack once I was within linking range.


    Only if they were answering.


    It just scared me even more. Was it that bad to the fact that they all shut down their links? I couldn''t


    think straight.


    Victoria''s a human, she doesn''t heal as fast as wolves do. The chance of a wolf surviving an ident is


    higher since we heal faster. But Victoria? I couldn''t wrap my head around it.


    I gasped in shock and despair as I spotted something. We were just a mile or so away from the border


    patrol, and thereid Victoria''s car. Niall slowed down so we could get a better look at it, but it only


    wrenched my heart even more to really see it.


    It looked like it turned over a few times beforending on its side, but the only thought in my head was


    how Victoria even managed to survive that.


    "Go faster," I mumbled out in a shaky voice. I was never a crier, but I couldn''t help the few tears that


    trickled down my cheek.


    I sighed in relief when I noticed that we passed the border patrol, but it also made me more anxious.


    "We''re almost there, don''t worry" Niall said sweetly. I knew he didn''t like to see me hurt, so he would try


    anything to calm me. I nodded in response as we drove towards the pack hospital with my heart in my


    throat.


    This is it.


    The minute the car stopped in front of the hospital, I was out and rushing towards the door before Niall


    even shut the car off. I bolted towards the emergency room, where I saw my family there with worried


    looks on their faces. Eight faces turned towards me when the sound of my steps caught their attention.


    Ashley immediately weed me in her arms, and that''s when the tears came fully.


    "Ssshh it''s okay Zoey. It''s gonna be okay" She cooed soothingly, but even I could hear the uncertainty


    in her voice.


    I could feel all the sadness radiating from everyone. Victoria is the life of that house. We all knew it.


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    I heard hush greetingsing from behind me, and I turned around to see Niall greeting Luka.


    Luka.


    Poor Luka. He looked so broken--so scared. This was definitely something I''m seeing for the first time.


    I escaped from Ashley''s grip to hug him. He didn''t deserve this. Not again.


    Victoria wasn''t Luka''s first mate. He had a mate before he met Vic, but she died a few years after they


    met. He was literally broken, but that''s when he found my sister. She brought back the life in him even


    before he realized that he had imprinted on her. I knew she was literally his heart in the form of a


    human being, and even though he had Levi, I knew it would break him if he loses her too.


    And Levi, my nephew. He was only thirteen. He didn''t deserve to go through this. I lost my mom when I


    was eleven, so I knew how scared he must''ve been feeling.


    I released Luka and wrapped Levi in a bone crushing hug also. I could see that he was trying to be


    strong. But the minute I held him, he broke down. Him and I are the only ones who have direct blood


    rtion to Victoria, and though his love for her might outweigh mine by a little, we both understood


    each other''s feelingspletely.


    "It''s okay Levi. She''s a fighter" I tried to convince him for his sake. But he was here and I was not, so I


    had no idea how bad it was.


    He simply held onto me tightly and buried his face in my shirt. I took the chance to really look at


    everybody else. All their faces basically resembled each other, and that''s when I knew for sure that


    Victoria had to be okay.


    She was too selfless to leave us. She loved us more than anything in this world, and no matter what,


    she would fight to keep us happy.


    For the first time since I got that phone call, I had hoped that she was going to be okay.


    She had to be.


    It felt like hours since we were all sitting in the room. We had a few calls from Luka''s brother and sister,


    Emma and Ty, in Ennd while we waited. They all had an unbreakable bond that I could never


    understand, so I knew this was hard for them too.


    They insisted oning home, but Luka assured them that he would keep them posted. Ty had to run


    the biggest pack in Ennd after all; that''s not something you can just leave from doing like what Niall


    did. And Emma was the Beta''s mate, so if she left, he would too. Whenever I went there growing up,


    they always seemed so busy so I knew they couldn''t leave so suddenly.


    But we all had the same wish: that she would be okay.


    Luka didn''t know what exactly caused the ident, but the wolves at the border patrol heard the chaos


    and brought her to the hospital after contacting him. None of them had seen her since she left for town


    this afternoon, so we all anticipated how badly she was hurt now.


    I sighed deeply and snuggled closer in Niall''s shoulder, still holding onto Levi who was snuggled next to


    me too. Niall kissed my forehead for the umpteenth time and whispered sweet nothings to me. It helped


    that he was here with me, and I was d he was such a supportive mate.


    All our heads snapped up when we heard the emergency room door open, and the doctor came into


    view with afortable look on his face.


    He gave us a gentle smile before closing the door behind him. I already felt relieved seeing that he


    didn''t look regretful, and I felt like I would''ve actually kissed him in gratitude.


    "She was hurt real badly, but she will be okay" He informed us, and we all breathed out a breath in


    sync.


    "Can we see her? " Luka asked with a shaky breath and hopeful eyes.


    "The anesthesia is just wearing off. But it''ste, I suggest you guys go home and rest. She''ll be strong


    enough to see you all tomorrow. For now, I''ll allow only immediate family to see her"


    I shared a look with Luka, knowing that meant only the three of us. Everyone else expressed their


    gratitude to the doctor before leaving Luka, Levi, Niall and I in the hallway.


    "I''ll stay here and wait for you okay? " Niall whispered before leaving a kiss on my lips.


    "Okay. Thanks Niall, for being here." I mumbled in his shoulder.


    "Of course Zoey. You''re my mate. Your happiness is my happiness and your grief is my grief. I will


    always be here for you okay? "


    "Okay " I kissed his cheek and stayed in his arms a little longer before heading to the door with Luka.


    I took a deep breath and followed closely behind them inside the room. There on the small hospital bed


    laid my big sister. She looked broken, hurt and she was still asleep.


    But the only thing that mattered was that she was going to be okay.


    My sister is gonna be okay.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Slowly, I took careful steps towards her bed.


    She was still fast asleep, maybe knocked out from anaesthesia, but she still managed to look peaceful.


    I nced at Luka who was already by her side holding her hand against his lips with gratitude with a


    mixture of uncertainty in his eyes.


    He looked less tense than before, but I had a feeling that his fear wouldn''t subside until he saw her


    eyes open again.


    I stopped a few inches away from the bed and Levi snuggled himself beside her without putting too


    much pressure on her. Her chest rose and fell slowly, indicating evidence of life in her body. It was


    enough to calm my nerves.


    Sighing, I sat beside her across from where Luka was sitting. I swept a strand of hair from her face and


    really took in her appearance.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She had a busted lip and stitches on her left eyebrow, but her face didn''t look much different thankfully.


    She did, however, look fragile under those casts. Maybe it was just my mind, but I didn''t like it.


    But I had to resist the urge to go weak on her. She was always strong for me, and I felt like I shed way


    too many tears for one night. So, I held her free hand and closed my eyes, silently whispering a prayer


    for her health.


    It felt like hours since we were there in silence. It wasn''t ufortable, since I could still feel the bond


    to this pack, so I felt the strong sense offort we were stringing to each other. But I couldn''t ignore


    the fact that I was getting tired. The constant beep of the machine was beginning to sound like a


    luby.


    My eyes flickered open and searched for a clock. I saw that it was almost midnight, so I decided to call


    it a night. Levi was silently sleeping beside his mom with his head gently resting on her abdomen and


    his arm draped over her frame, but even in his sleep he seemed to be keeping most of his weight off


    her.


    Luka was still in his chair with his fingers intertwined in hers and his head leaning back against the


    chair head. I quietly kissed Levi and Victoria''s head then did the same with Luka. His eyes flickered


    open at contact, and he offered me a small smile before straightening up with a groan.


    "You''re leaving? " He asked, rubbing his eyes.


    "Yea I''ll be back tomorrow. Call me if anything changes? "


    "I will. Want me to walk you out? " He asked as he stood up. I simply shook my head.


    "No need. Niall is right out there" I told him as I nced at the room exit.


    He gave me a confused look, since I knew he couldn''t smell him. Alpha or not, these rooms were


    designed to trap or block out any scents. Emergency rooms plus wolves with heightened senses


    seemed like an equation for a lot of puke and tears in the hallways if you asked me, so I understood


    completely.


    "I can feel him, and believe it or not, I can smell him too" I said, causing his eyes to open a little wider.


    "I me it on the hea-" I stopped immediately when I realized I was about to tell Luka about my heat.


    I was more thanfortable with Luka. He was my big brother/father figure growing up with Victoria.


    But my extremely horny state in a day was not something I wanted him to know. Of course, he would''ve


    noticedter when Victoria is awake and his mind wasn''t this clouded, but it was better that way.


    Realization lit up his face as his eyes darted to my neck and lingered for a while. I saw a look sh


    across his eyes, something I recognizedpletely from experience growing up. When Levi and I


    would reach a stage in puberty while growing up, he would always have that stupid look on his face--


    like we were growing up too fast. But I guess it''s a dad thing.


    "I almost forgot you''re a mated wolf now." He whispered as he pulled me in a hug. "I''m so proud of you"


    "Thanks Luka. I couldn''t have been here without you" I sniffled, feeling suddenly emotional. Stupid


    heat.


    "It was my pleasure. Watching you and Levi grow has been the light of my life. And to think, in one day


    you''ll be fully mat-"


    "Ew Luka don''t talk about it! " I gagged, causing him to chuckle lightly but shook his head nheless.


    "I don''t understand why you''re having signs this early though. I noticed your scent was different, but I


    wasn''t focused so I just assumed that it was the fact that you were marked. I didn''t stop to think that it


    was a heat scent. " He regarded me confusedly and I wished I had the answer for him. But it seemed


    that just like Roxy, he hadn''t seen something like this before.


    "I don''t know Luka. It scares me. "


    "Hey don''t worry about it," he assured me with a gentle smile. "You''re strong. I raised you to be strong"


    He smirked as if he had just won something.


    "Teaching me how to fight and teaching me how to be strong are two different things" I rolled my eyes


    but couldn''t help the smile on my face.


    "I know....She''s the one who taught you to be strong. Just like her" I followed his eyes towards Victoria,


    both our hearts swelling in pride for her I''m sure.


    Best sister ever.


    "She is, isn''t she? I know she''s gonna be alright. She wouldn''t be Victoria if she isn''t. " We stood in


    silence for a while until I remembered that my mate was on the other side of the door.


    "I''ll see youter okay? " I bid my farewell to Luka and kissed Victoria onest time before heading to


    the exit.


    Niall was fast asleep on one of the chairs when I opened the door. I was torn between gushing at how


    sweet he looked and scolding myself for leaving him here all alone.


    I was too lucky tond a mate like him. They say mates were specifically chosen for each other, and


    I''m starting to believe it more than before.


    "Niall? " I whispered gently as I shook him awake. His eyes darted open and searched around before


    landing on my face.


    His expression immediately softened as he took my face in his hands, standing up. "You okay? " He


    asked once he was just a few centimeters away from my face.


    "I''m fine. Just tired" I yawned, finally embracing the sleep that swept over me. I felt his lips pressing


    against my forehead before my feet left the ground. I snuggled into his chest as he carried me bridal


    style through the hallway.


    Being shown that beautiful meadow in his pack, ALMOSTpleting the mating process with Niall,


    shifting and running across his pack, anding here on a four hour drive in one day was surely


    enough to drain mepletely. What a day this has been, yet I felt like my fatigue was just getting


    started.


    My heat was still at hand.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    "Can I see her?" I asked as soon as I entered the hospital.


    They knew who I was talking about so I was immediately ushered to her room. Luka and Levi were


    already there when I entered, blocking my view to the bed. Luka met my eyes as soon as I entered,


    and the smile on his face made me know that everything was okay.


    I slowly walked further in towards them, and as soon as they stepped away from the bed and I saw her,


    I felt reassured. The smile that graced her lips when I saw her made me feel way better than I felt since


    I got that call yesterday.


    "Hey" I whispered as soon as I was close enough to her. I kept my voice low as if I was going to hurt


    her with my tone.


    She offered me her famous Victoria smile then wrapped me in her arms. I held onto her for dear life,


    but just loose enough so I didn''t hurt her.


    A single tear of joy rolled down my cheek as I heard a light chuckle from her.


    "I don''t appreciate all this tears shedding for me you know?" She mumbled in my hair, causing me to


    roll my eyes with a sniffle.


    Victoria and her cheery spirit.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "We''ll leave you guys for a bit." Luka said as he gently kissed her forehead. "Come on bud. Let''s go


    freshen up and grab some breakfast " He said to Levi as they ventured out.


    "Bring me back some food that''s not from a hospital! " Victoria called after them, causing me tough a


    bit. She was never a hospital food kind of person. Ironic, since she works here as a pack doctor even


    though she''s the Luna.


    "So how have you been Zoey? How''s life with your mate? "


    "He is so awesome. I think the moon gave me the best mate ever by ident... I''m notining


    though" I blushed sheepishly as she bellowed out augh.


    "I never wanted anything more for you. " She had that look on her face that told me she had something


    elseing. "Luka tells me that your heat is tomorrow" She added and I groaned. There it is.


    "You and Luka shouldn''t have been talking about that in the first ce" I scolded with a cringe.


    But of course, she justpletely ignored me. "Are you going home? "


    "What? No. I''m not leaving until you''re out of here. You''re not a wolf Vic. It takes longer for you to be


    discharged" I protested sternly. "And before you tell me that you''re fine, you should know how stubborn


    I am"


    "So you want to have your heat in a house of eight wolves?" She really got me with one.


    I love them all, I really do. But even though the Alpha house is huge and Niall and I could always stay


    on the other side of the house by ourselves, everyone would still know what''s up with me. This is


    between me and Niall-- And Victoria and Luka it seems.


    "I''m sure you''ll figure something out." She added casually as if dropping the subject. "By the way...


    There are some stuff at my old house in the human town that I need. I was bringing some of them


    home when my ident happened. " She plopped her finger on her chin as if she was thinking, then


    her face lit up as if she just got the best idea.


    "Oh I know. You and Niall can fetch them for me today or, I don''t know, tomorrow maybe? "


    She shot me an innocent smile while I gave her an unbelievable one of my own.


    "And it might take a while so you might wanna carry an overnight bag"


    "I get it Victoria" Iughed awkwardly. . "Now stop talking about it"


    I totally understood what she was doing. All I needed to do was silently appreciate it. Nothing else.


    "Where is that mate of yours anyway? "


    I frowned a bit when I remembered that he stayed behind to make a few calls back home to see if


    things were okay. But he should''ve been done by now.


    "I don''t know. He should be here by now.. " I trailed off, deciding to link him instead.


    ~"Hey where are you?"~


    "I''m right here sweetheart" He announced as he entered dramatically.


    Just like all week, my wolf got super excited at his presence and magnificent scent. I always craved to


    be around him, especially now.


    "Hey there," he sweetly greeted me with a peck on my lips before greeting Victoria. As always, he was


    his charming self, making herugh and smile ever so often.


    We spent the next hour with her, and whenever Victoria and I were talking, he would bury his nose in


    my neck and wrap his arms tightly around my waist.


    All in all, I was just happy that she was okay. It made me feel much better and focused on my


    uing heat, that was not only affecting me, but Niall too.


    After Luka and Levi returned, I convinced Niall to take a breather. In all honesty, I was dodging the


    adults at home. Now that Victoria is awake, they''ll be more focused and notice the change in my scent.


    Of course they all know that it would''ve happened the day Niall found me. But when it does is totally


    irrelevant to them. I simply don''t want them to know my heat is tomorrow.


    "Your scent is irresistible " Niall whispered against my ear as we headed outside.


    I faked a hurt face and threw my hand over my chest yfully. "So my scent wasn''t always irresistible?


    "


    "Of course it is my sweet mate. Always"


    ***


    "Here we are," I announced as I pushed the door to Victoria''s old house open.


    It was the day of my heat and I was more than nervous about it. Victoria told me where to find her keys,


    so Niall and I left as soon as we could. One, because I couldn''t risk anyone finding out. And two, I


    wanted to get Victoria''s things in the car before I was too weak to do anything.


    I managed to get away without anyone noticing, since they were all at the hospital when I left.


    Whenever one of them asked to see me, I would just mindlink them, telling them that I didn''t feel well,


    which wasn''t a lie. This heat was really taking a toll on me.


    But of course, as we entered Victoria''s house, there was nothing but her beautiful furniture in the living


    room. No boxes, no bags, no nothing. Victoria only used that as an excuse to get Niall and I alone.


    That sneaky sneaky sister of mine.


    "Uh where are the-"


    "There is none. Victoria only said that to get us away from the pa-pack" The stutter was a shock to me,


    just like the sudden lightness in my head. I stumbled back a bit, and luckily Niall was there to catch me.


    "Woah Zoey you''re burning up" His face scrunched into worry as he regarded me carefully. He brushed


    the hair from my face and held me fully in his arms.


    He picked me up as if I didn''t weigh a thing and brought me to the couch. He cradled me like a baby on


    hisp to get a better look at me, but I simply gave him a reassuring smile.


    It was only midday and my heat shouldn''t have started until the moon was out. For sure I knew


    something was off about me, and right now more than ever I needed to know why.


    "I''m fine. I''m fine" I reassured him as I felt the warmth subside. I assumed that would happen a lot


    throughout the day from now on. I still dreaded the heat itself, but I felt better knowing Niall was here


    with me.


    "Do you need anything?"


    "No it''s okay Niall, really. Let''s just get settled in" I suggested as I quickly gave him a kiss before I


    headed to the kitchen to get some water.


    I only came here a few times when growing up. Whenever Victoria wanted to get away from the pack


    life and just spend some time in the human town here, I would always tag along. I always enjoyed


    settling into thefy couch, or getting ice cream in town. It felt like home here.


    But out of nowhere, a strong scent that wasn''t normally there filled my senses. I eyed Niall as he


    appeared at the entrance of the kitchen and gave him a knowing look.


    "Don''t you smell that?" I asked as the scent got stronger and stronger.


    He looked overly confused at my question, and that''s when I remembered that all he wanted to smell


    was me right now.


    "Niall, don''t focus on me right now. I''m sure you smell that too" I tried again, but it seemed like he was


    having a hard time focusing anyways.


    It only got stronger and I only got more curious, so I pushed through the back door and into the small


    backyard. The scent got more distinct as I hit the outside, and that''s when I noticed that it was a wolf.


    I carefully analysed the trees that spread across the edge of the backyard, knowing that he/she was


    close. I yelped when I heard a low threatening growl from behind me, but I rxed when I realized that


    it was just Niall. At least he finally regained focus.


    He immediately took guard in front of me protectively as he prepared himself for whatever would


    emerge from those trees. From the dept of his growl and his eyes that were now his wolf''s amber


    colour, I knew he was just a glimpse away from shifting. But oddly, my wolf didn''t feel threatened.


    Surprisingly, I felt calm.


    "Niall, calm down please" I uttered softly, not wanting to startle him. But of course, I should''ve known


    better. He''s an Alpha wolf whose mate is in potential danger. There was no calming him down.


    Finally, whoever it was appeared in sight, and I saw that it was a girl. I couldn''t make her out properly


    as yet, and Niall was ready for charging. I held onto his forearm in attempts to keep him away from her,


    not wanting him to scare her off. Slowly, she came into view, and I could get a good look at her.


    She seemed just a few years older than me, but she didn''t look like other rogues. She looked gentle,


    calm and definitely not dangerous. Of course, looks are deceiving, but my wolf was still calm.


    "Niall, please it''s okay" I tried to sooth him again, this time holding tighter onto him. "She isn''t


    dangerous."


    "She''s a rogue Zoey," he said sternly, still hell bent on attacking the poor girl.


    "But she isn''t dangerous. Just let me talk to her. I promise I wont leave your side. She somehow found


    us all the way out here, so don''t you wanna know what she wants?" I reasoned, grateful when I saw


    him back down.


    With a sigh, He wrapped a protective arm around my waist and pulled me close. We maintained a good


    ten feet distance between us and the girl, and I noticed how she hasn''t flinched, moved or made a


    sound since she stopped. There was something oddly familiar about her scent, but I just couldn''t put a


    finger on it.


    "Who are you?" I asked loud enough for her to hear.


    I expected an answer, but she just eyed Niall before turning her gaze back to mine.


    "How did you find me? What do you want with me?" I asked again, eager to get some answers. But just


    like before, she remained quiet.


    I was getting utterly annoyed by her silence, and I couldn''t figure her out by just looking.


    "Why wont you say anything? Do you want him to leave?" I sighed frustrated, since her eyes darted to


    Niall ever so often. I was surprised to see that she nodded at my question, so I concluded that she just


    wanted to talk to me alone. But of course, my mate wouldn''t have that.


    "No way am I leaving you here with her. I don''t trust her" He growled threateningly at her, and weirdly


    she did the same too before disappearing in the trees.


    I huffed in frustration and crossed my arms over my chest before facing my mate with a death re.


    "Great now you scared her off." I used with narrowed eyes.


    "She''s a rogue Zoey. You expect me to leave you with her?" He defended, apparently not liking the fact


    that I was upset with him.


    "My dad was a rogue, and he wasn''t a bad person" I shot back, then something lit my mind. " Of


    course! My dad was a rogue..."


    I avoided Niall''s confused look and ran to my room that I stayed in whenever I came here as fast as my


    already weak legs could take me. Niall was right on my trail as I grabbed my mom''s box from my


    closet. I rummaged through it like a crazy person, but I knew what I knew.


    "Zoey, what is it?" Niall asked as he sat beside me on the bed.


    "Her scent. I knew it was different from regr rogues, but it also had something familiar about it.


    That''s when I remembered..." I trailed off as I grabbed my dad''s sweater from the box. I keep one here


    and one back at the Alpha house, since it helped me sleep sometimes as a kid.


    I handed it to Niall and gestured for him to take a whiff. "It''s my dad''s. His scent is all over that thing.


    That rogue-"


    "Her scent is simr to his" He ended for me, and I gave him a nod.


    "The two scents are different, but- but... woah there''s that --oh my gosh"


    I groaned as my body caught on fire again with a shock of pain through my lower abdomen. It was like


    earlier before, except this time I felt a familiar warmth when Niall caught my arm, initiating skin to skin


    contact. With every ounce of me, I wanted him. It was sudden but it was also so urgent.


    I trailed my hand up his arm and to his cheek where I gently cupped it and brought his face to mine.


    Our lips connected with perfect sync, and the overwhelming desire I knew too well whenever we kissed


    rushed onto me ten folds. I couldn''t stop it.


    And I didn''t want to.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    ?Just putting it out there, this is a very mature chapter,all of it. So if you''re not interested in smut,you


    can skip here. You''ll know what happened so don''t worry about missing anything?


    Enjoy!


    ***


    Just one kiss.


    It was just a kiss and it drove me crazy. I knew most of it was because of my mini heat stroke, but the


    desire for my mate was solely primal. I knew this was it. I couldn''t wait until my heat came for him to


    grant me some release, I needed him now.


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I didn''t want it to be only because of my heat either. I wanted it to be like all the other times it will


    happen, only happening because we want each other so much. Yes, I might''ve initiated it because of a


    side effect of my heat, but now it was just up to me.


    Up to us.


    I ran my fingers through his hair as I slowly eased myself onto hisp so that I was straddling him. The


    kiss was still slow and soft, a gentle caress of our lips like a sweet song.


    Nothing was gentle about how my body was feeling though. The mini heat stroke was reced with a


    heat I''vee to love when I''m with Niall.


    Raw desire.


    He roughly grabbed my ass, somethingpletely contrasting to how sweet he was kissing me, but it


    sent a bolt of lightning through my whole body. I slowly began to grind myself on him, receiving a


    throaty but approving growl from him, only turning me on more.


    I threw my head back as his lips attacked my neck like a leech to skin. I moaned loudly as he continued


    to massage my rear with one hand and used the other to hold my neck in ce.


    My movements on him increased, awakening a friend that I''m so eager to meet. My hands became


    sweaty and my eyes rolled back, but nothing in that moment made me feel ufortable. Not one


    thing.


    I gasped when the fabric from my chest was torn from my body, revealing nothing but my ckce bra


    and bare chest. Niall''s eyes drank me in with pure dark want before he captured that special area on


    the base of my neck in a maddening suckle.


    "Niall.. " I gasped as he teased my mark with his tongue, driving me crazier than I never thought he


    could.


    My fingers found deeper grip in his hair as he moved down my chest with his lips, capturing a sensitive


    bud beneath the fabric. His other hand left my ass and found my free breast where he tore the whole


    thing to shreds also.


    I''m gonna need a lot of new clothes it seems.


    The cool wind bathed my chest, sensitising the feeling even more. It didn''t help that Niall just continued


    his harassment on my breasts--not that I wasining.


    I already felt like I was on the edge, but something told me we were just beginning.


    Without warning, he flipped us around so that I was on my front with my arse up. I blinked a few times


    to adjust, but I barely got the chance to, since my jeans were being torn from my body too. I winced


    when I felt a sharp sting on the side of my thigh, signalling that his w dug too deep on that side. But


    the warmth in my body easily overshadowed whatever pain it caused.


    "I''m sorry baby" Niall whispered in a husky and incredibly sexy voice as he slowly licked the small open


    wound. But instead of just helping, the small gesture drove me crazy, pushing through another moan.


    I bit my lips and tried to stay still as he kissed his way up my thigh and to my left cheek, where he slid


    his fingers over my right cheek to the base of my panties. I would''ve erupted right then and there, but I


    urged to get more.


    To feel more.


    In a maddening manner, he rubbed his thumb over my sensitive skin through my thin underwear. I


    buried my face in the sheets as I continued to moan his name, never once straying from the eruption of


    tingles that took over my every nerve.


    But he didn''t think that was enough torture it seemed. Nope. Instead, he aimed to push me all the way


    over by bringing his lips to my already dripping area.


    I threw my head back with a high pitched moan as he used his teeth to get rid of the fabric, only to


    sweep his tongue slowly over my moisture. To say it felt good was an understatement, but I was sure


    there was no going back for me.


    I threw my head over my shoulder and gripped his hair with my hand as he continued to push me over


    the edge with his tongue. But he was not having that, no no. He held my hand across my back with one


    hand and used the other to grip my thigh, keeping me in ce.


    "Niall please,¡± I managed to say through gasps. I was almost to my edge, I could feel it building up in


    my tummy.


    Granting my wish, he slowly eased himself away from me, but I was immediately regretting it. I needed


    release, and only he could do it.


    He flipped me around so that he was now standing between my legs, but I hated that he was still fully


    clothed. So I sat up, not once breaking eye contact, and slowly unbuckled his belt. He aided me by


    whipping his shirt off in a swift movement, showcasing his hard, chiselled, breathtaking chest.


    My eyes lingered there for a moment before meeting his again, as I pushed the pants from his waist,


    showing me his already eager member through his boxers.


    I could see so much in his eyes. The evident desire that I too had for him, the pure adoration of just


    having me there, the sweet addictive feeling of being this close. It was beautiful. I could feel it through


    the mate bond too. Nothing but happiness and admiration.


    Whenever I was growing up, seeing all the mated wolves in the house was always so beautiful; but to


    have it for myself was another level of satisfaction.


    And to have such a wonderful mate too was over the top.


    Gosh I''m so damn lucky.


    Slowly, he pushed me down on my back so that he was between my legs. The desire was still raw and


    eager in me, but I took a moment to really appreciate him and the moment.


    He brushed a strand of hair from my forehead that had light streaks of sweat there, but I could care


    less. His eyes softened for a bit as he watched me, both our breaths still light but heavy from before.


    "You''re so beautiful Zoey" He whispered sweetly before bringing his lips to mine again.


    He kissed me like he''s never kissed me before, and I got quite eager to get to know him--all of him. He


    pushed thest piece of clothing from his body without breaking the kiss, and this was when I realized


    I''d be solely andpletely his.


    Everything will change for the better. We''ll be closer, more connected and definitely happier. Once


    we''re fully mated, I''ll no longer see Asia in the hall and think about what could''ve happened, because


    he will be mine and only mine.


    My mate. My Niall.


    "I love you Zoey" He whispered, resting his forehead on mine and gazing into my eyes, showing me the


    truth behind each word.


    "I love you too Niall," I told him truthfully between breaths. Nothing ever felt so right before.


    From the moment I saw him for the first time four years ago even before I knew we were mates, I knew


    I''de to love him one day.


    No one ever made me feel the way he does. He makes me smile the minute I wake up in his arms in


    the mornings, and he makes me feel safe every night before I fall asleep. The constant and ever need


    to be around him and the happiness I embrace when I actually am. The butterflies I get when I steal


    kisses and the warm bubbling in my chest anytime heughs. The rush of sadness and fear I feel


    whenever my mind even thinks about losing him and the maddening need to run into his office and curl


    up in his arms, having him tell me it''s okay; all this will forever justify my feelings for him.


    He makes me feel like there''s absolutely no problem in my life whatsoever by just looking into my eyes


    and telling me it will be okay whenever I feel stressed. And there is absolutely no one in the world that I


    would rather spend my entire life with, bearing pups and growing old side by side.


    I know we have a lot more to learn about each other in the future, but if this isn''t love, then I don''t know


    what is. And that is exactly what I see when I look into his beautiful eyes.


    "I love you so much" I added softly before crashing my lips to his again, showing him just how true that


    was.


    I held onto him tight, anticipating my newly found experience. He spread my legs with his knees as he


    positioned himself before me.


    He was full and hard as he entered me, sending a quite ufortable feeling through me. Slowly, he


    eased himself more and more into me as I adjusted to his size and recovered from the pain I felt.


    But once he touched that very tender spot, I was head over heels in lust.


    I bit down on my lip as he thrust steadily for a while, gradually picking up his pace. I buried my hands in


    his hair again as he kissed his way down my cheek to my neck. My legs involuntarily opened wider and


    wider as I weed the new and very wonderful feeling that my mate was giving to me.


    My body lit on fire again, even more than before as I felt the bond be stronger as well as the build


    up in my lower abdomen. My moans got louder as his movements got more swift, and before I knew it,


    my ws were grazing their way over his back as my eyes rolled back like never before.


    It was so nice having him with me like this, and every time my eyes fluttered open to see him, was like


    a dreame true. Nothing else mattered but us together at this moment. Every time he gripped my


    sides to bring me closer was likeing home to where I belong. I guess that''s what making love feels


    like. Sure pure, so raw, so real.


    "You feel so good Zoey. You feel so damn good" Niall groaned against my neck, thrusting even faster


    and pushing me all the way to my peak.


    My toes curled and my heart felt like it stopped as I reached my high, shaking crazily beneath him and


    emptying myself all over him. It was the best seven seconds feeling ever, and I already wanted more.


    Only seconds after reaching my own high, Niall swiftly pulled away and emptied himself on my tummy.


    He groaned as he ended, copsing beside me on the bed.


    He pulled me to his chest, dropping a kiss on my forehead as we both panted loudly. I was stunned into


    silence, but I also just wanted to enjoy the moment.


    Niall and I finally mated. And it was great too.


    To say I was exhausted was the least, and soon I felt my eyes drooping as sleep dawned on me. But


    Niall swept me from the bed and carried me to the bathroom though I was still almost asleep.


    It was the exhaustion from the heat and the moment I''m sure, but all I saw before I slept was Niall


    smiling down at me.


    And when I awake in the night in my heat, I''d get to relive that moment over and over until I just couldn''t


    anymore.


    So for the first time since this whole heat cycle began to affect me, I actually wanted it to


    come.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    Different but great.


    That was the only sentence that I could use to describe how I felt in that moment. Since my heat two


    days ago and that wonderful night with Niall, I''ve never been the same--we''ve never been the same. I


    knew what it felt like to be fully mated, and I''ve never been happier.


    The constant assurance that he''s mine and only mine was spectacr. I saw a new side of him that I''m


    oh so excited to meet again once we''re back hometer. I loved having him with me; it put me and my


    wolf atplete ease. All in all, I feltplete despite the fact that there was a whole other side of my


    life that I''m yet to discover.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    I had another talk with Victoria and Luka yesterday, just to be sure that I was receiving all the


    information I can get on my dad. But even after going through all my mom''s things again and hearing


    all the stories mom told Victoria back in the day, I still haven''t found anything.


    This trip home was supposed to be about being there for Victoria while she recovered, but instead it


    consisted of mepleting the mating process, half discovering a wolf that could potentially be


    connected to my dad and realizing how much Victoria loves ushering me away to be with my mate.


    Luckily, she was much better and so we were going back home today. Niall had a pack to run after all,


    and even though Asia and Jared had it all under control, the duties of an Alpha were still very


    important.


    I hated that I pulled him away from his work two times now, and I sure won''t be doing it again. Yes, I


    need my mate and it''s good having him at my side, but his pack needs him too. And since he''s such a


    young Alpha, people in and out of his pack might begin to question his leadership if he is gone all the


    time.


    If by chance I need to leave again, I''ll go alone, even if he insists oning.


    "I''ll miss you" I mumbled as I wrapped my sister in a hug. She was able to sit up at the edge of her bed


    now, so I could push all my love into the hug.


    "Meh. I''m sure you''ll be back soon. You can''t seem to stay away." She joked as she yfully nudged


    me. I chuckled lightly as I kissed Levi''s head before wrapping him and Luka in a hug too.


    Luka ced a small kiss on my forehead, something he''d always done since I was a child, so I was


    pretty much used to it. He made me promise to be safe and keep in touch, as if he had to tell me twice.


    Niall and I packed beforeing down to the hospital, so we had already said our goodbyes to


    everyone else at the house. I really got the chance to spend some time with Ashley and Ciara. Even


    though they''re almost the same age as Victoria, they make really good girlfriends.


    Everyone seemed happy that I was fully mated, even if they didn''t know when it all happened. But all in


    all, despite the circumstances, it was good to have a trip home. It also reminded me of what I really


    aimed to achieve when I just turned 18-- find out all there is to know about my dad, be Luna and


    finally be a hundred percent happy with my mate.


    "You okay baby?" Niall asked as we hopped into his car.


    "Yea I''m fine. I was just thinking about my dad you know? How much more happier I''ll be with you


    without the constant ''whys'', ''hows'' and ''what ifs'' on my mind"


    "Hey we''ll find out everything okay? Together" He reassured, holding my hand firmly in his.


    I shot him a grateful smile as I leaned in and captured his lips in a kiss. "What would I do without you


    Niall Wilson?"


    "You''d do perfectly fine Queen" He smiled wholeheartedly as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.


    "When you''re this great I wouldn''t be too sure" I blushed sheepishly as I leaned back in my seat. Only


    Niall has the power to make me blush like a crazy person.


    "Well let''s hope we never have to find out"


    I giggled as he quickly pecked my cheek before backing out of the pack hospital''s parking lot. The drive


    home was rtively peaceful and nice. We talked about random stuff and sang along to random songs


    on the radio. The hours felt like nothing, and I was more than stunned when we pulled up to Niall''s


    pack border. I was, however, relieved to be home. I''ve gotten so used to living in an Alpha house with


    just three people, that going home to a house of eight was slightly overwhelming.


    The moment we pulled up to the house, Asia and Jared came out to meet us. I rolled my eyes as Asia


    basically flung herself on him, but the minute she detected the change in our scents, I watched in


    delight as her face fell like hail. It was almost hrious..almost; I''m more mature than that.


    Her eyes darted to me as if I''d justmitted the worst ever crime as she basically turned red. She got


    lost in sight as Jared appeared in front of me and gave me a hug.


    "It''s good to have you back Zoey. How''s your sister?" He asked as he released me. Niall carried the


    bags inside as I walked side by side with Jared.


    "She''s doing great. It''s almost like she has wolf healing too you know? I thought she''d be down longer"


    I told him honestly. Not that I wanted my sister to suffer, but that''s what you call a hasty recovery. But


    after all, we''re all wolves so we have little knowledge about how fast the human body heals.


    "That''s great." He beamed. "I see that''s not the only good thing that happened. I''m happy for you two"


    He threw a hand over my shoulder in a side hug which I happily epted.


    "Thanks. At least someone is" I mumbled as my eyes darted to Asia sitting on the couch stubbornly like


    a child in timeout.


    "She''lle around" He chuckled, patting my back before walking away, most likely to go do work.


    Jared is always working.


    I headed to my room where Niall was already putting our stuff away. I was exhausted, so I threw myself


    in bed as soon as I was in front of it. I heard a light chuckle from Niall as I immediately started to doze


    off. I had no idea why I was always tired. I knew I loved sleep, but this was another level sleepaholic.


    I was sure I was almostpletely asleep when I felt Niall''s warm hand on my bare shoulder. The


    touch of a mate was definitely uniquely distinct.


    "Zoey?" He called softly, shaking me awake.


    "Hhmm?" I groaned as my eyes fluttered open. I was met with his beautiful gentle smile that I couldn''t


    help but smile too.


    "I''m heading out for a bit okay? I''ll be back soon" He told me as he ran his hand up and down my arm,


    magically putting me back to sleep.


    "Okay be careful" I mumbled as my eyes bopped closed. I held onto his head and pulled him in for a


    sweet short kiss before turning back around and drifting back to deep, sweet slumber.


    .


    .


    My eyes fluttered open as I felt my tummy rumble. Of course the only other thing that will keep me from


    sleep is food.


    I really need to change.


    Touching a hand to my mouth, I stifled a yawn as I stretched with the other. I rubbed sleep from my


    eyes before darting them to the clock on the wall, seeing that it was half past six.


    I decided to get a shower before going down for dinner. The shower did what the stretch alone couldn''t


    do, eliminating every ounce of sleep from my mind and at the same time giving me a fresh cool feeling.


    For some odd reason, I couldn''t feel Niall''s bond to my wolf and I almost had a mini panic attack , but


    then I remembered how he would sometimes shut himself into workpletely. I knew I should''ve left


    him be, but the mate in me just couldn''t go eat before seeing him first.


    I strolled down the hall to his office, but I already knew he wasn''t there, since I would''ve already picked


    up his scent. However his scent was very faded, telling me that he was there but left a while now.


    With a frown, I headed downstairs to the living room where Jared was watching tv. I still couldn''t pick up


    Niall''s scent strong enough to tell me that he was here. The only evidence of his scent was the forever


    lingering aura of it, which is existent because he lives here.


    "Hey Jared have you seen Niall?" I asked, trying desperately to keep my worry at bay.


    "Haven''t seen him. I''ve been in my office all day but maybe try calling him"


    I would''ve if his phone wasn''t still on the nightstand.


    With a sigh, I ventured towards the kitchen with stupid hope that he''d magically be there. I even tried to


    mindlink him, but the void in my mind confirmed my former thoughts.


    He wasn''t anywhere within pds.


    In the kitchen, Asia was sitting at the ind eating ice cream and watching something on her phone.


    With my appetite now gone and my little pettiness aside, I considered even asking her if she knew


    where he went. What could it hurt?


    "Asia have you seen Niall?" I asked, biting back on the pride my wolf oh so tried to kill me with.


    She looked up from her phone with the spoon stuck at her mouth as she eyed me weirdly. I knew


    whatevering from her mouth was going to be snarky and rude, but an answer must be in there


    somewhere.


    "So you finally crawl from that bed of yours and expect me to find your mate for you? You''re thatzy


    huh?"


    I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek till I tasted blood. I wanted so badly to p her for being the


    eldest yet the least mature. "Asia it''s a yes or no question" I simply and surprisingly calmly stated.


    "No I haven''t seen him since he left today. He didn''t tell me anything either so don''t worry, he''s still all


    yours," she remarked obnoxiously with an eyeroll before focusing her attention on her phone.


    I took a deep breath to calm my nerves as I turned to leave. I will never get along with this woman so I


    have no clue how we''ll ever work together. But as I walked out of that room, the frustration of not


    knowing where my mate was plus the annoyance from this ''Beta'' had me storming back into the


    kitchen.


    Then my mouth took control.


    "You know what Asia? From the minute I got here you have been nothing but a pain in my ass which is


    completely unnecessary. I get that you have a thing for Niall okay? I can''t me you. But he''s MY mate


    and it will always be that way so the sooner you ept that, the better okay it''ll be"


    I walked further into the space, ring at her and putting everything into what I had to say.


    "So stop acting like a whiney petty little girl and be a grown up who is literally running a pack of


    hundreds of wolves. Because guess what? When I be a member of the Truemoon Pack, I''ll be


    Luna and that automatically makes us partners. So you don''t have to like me, but at least be grown


    enough to put up with my presence for this pack. And it''s strange how you care for Niall so much yet


    you don''t seem the least interested that he could be in trouble! Ugh!"


    I spun on my heels with a huff and a lot off my chest, but her voice haltered my movements. "I am


    worried about him," she said lowly, but I heard it.


    I slowly turned back around to face her and for the first time since I met her, she looked remorseful.


    "I tried to mindlink him earlier today but I realized he was out of pack borders. I was worried for a while


    then I remembered he''s the strongest, smartest and bravest man I know. He''s fine. Maybe he just had


    an important errand to run or something, but not even twenty rogues could''ve hurt him. I know your


    judgment is clouded because you''re his mate and it''s a part of being a mate to worry even if he''s the


    strongest man in the world. But I think you should take it easy." She said as she gazed at her hands.


    I was stuck between taking her word for it or continuing my panic session. But then again, I guess she


    was right.


    He is Alpha blood after all, it would be highly unlikely for someone to really hurt him. I''ll just hope for the


    best. But the minute I feel any form of panic or fear between our bond, that''s it. It''s good that no matter


    how far, if mates are in trouble, the other will know.


    "Thanks" I mumbled awkwardly as I turned to leave again. Did Asia really just help me to calm down?


    "I was jealous of you" She suddenly blurted out, making me stop in my tracks again.


    ''Yea I already established that'', I wanted to say, but stayed quiet. So slowly, I turned back around to


    face her. She was aimlessly ying in her ice cream with her spoon, avoiding eye contact.


    "Four years ago when you and Niall first met, did you know that it was my sixteenth birthday?" She


    asked, meeting my eyes as she ended. My eyes widened in shock since I definitely didn''t know that at


    all.


    "No, I didn''t know. That was the day of-"


    "My first shift, yes" She confirmed. "I always had a crush on Niall, so I always wanted him to be my


    mate. Since I''m a year older than him, I''d know even before he does. So when I turned sixteen and I


    discovered that he wasn''t, I was absolutely devastated" She sighed with a slight shake of her head.


    Damn, I almost felt sorry for her. Almost.


    "Nheless, I always had this stupid n that if he wasn''t my mate, we''d still be together because we


    had a thing. I also knew that he''d make my birthday the best by cheering me up, being there when I


    went through the pain of shifting, and be there with my favourite ice cream once I shift back" She


    chuckled humorlessly as she gazed down at the bowl of ice cream in front of her. "But that didn''t


    happen Zoey." She gazed up to look at me again.


    I was ready to defend myself. I was ready to tell her that I didn''t know her and I had no clue that it was


    her birthday. I remembered that day perfectly. Niall spent the whole day with me even though we only


    met that same morning. I felt like I knew him my whole life; and though we were both without our


    wolves and didn''t know that we were mates, the connection was still there.


    "But you just had toe with your sister to the Alpha-Luna meeting with Roxy and Ace. You took him


    from me that day and he''s never been the same... Before all that, we were literally best friends. We did


    everything together and we were inseparable. But after you left, I couldn''t get a day by without him


    talking about you. Even when I stole his first kiss and got him to be mine for a while, thinking that I


    could make him forget about you and fall in love with me. it was always you" She sneered, looking


    slightly crazy.


    "You had no control over what was destined to be Asia. You didn''t from the start" I simply stated even


    though I sorta understood her obsession now. Sorta.


    "But if you hadn''te that day, he would''ve fallen in love with me. It happens all the time when two


    wolves fall in love so much that they reject their mates. I just needed time"


    "You need a therapist "I blurted out without thinking, but she was too deep in her rant to even notice.


    "He was never mine again after he met you, and deep down I knew it. I just never epted it until he


    brought you home that day. Even though you were miles away in another pack for the past four years,


    you always had him and that made me mad" Literally.


    "I never had anyone but my parents, Jared and Niall. With my parents always busy and Jared always


    working even as a teenager, the only person that made me feel mattered was Niall. When you took him


    away I just cracked"


    "But I didn''t take him away, Asia," I tried to convince her even though I was convinced she''s crazy. "He


    has always been with you, but you focused on the wrong thing and so you saw me as the bad guy


    when it was actually yourself "


    She met my eyes at that as if I just told her the worst thing in the world. But it was simply the truth.


    "You''ve tortured yourself for four years and med me, when you should''ve been focused on


    appreciating Niall as a friend and maybe searching for your mate. I know you believe you''re in love with


    my mate, but when you find yours, trust me he''ll be the only man you see" I don''t know why I was being


    nice to her when she just told me I basically ruined her life with my existence; but it''s called ''being the


    bigger person''.


    "You don''t know that" She mumbled with an eye roll.


    "But I do because I know what it feels like."I sighed, feeling the slightest bit of pity for her. "Look Asia,


    I''m not gloating but it''s just the in truth that Niall can never be yours as long as I''m here. So instead


    of viinizing me, why don''t you look in the mirror and be the woman everybody knows you can be.


    You''re a great Beta. Niall said it, Jared said it, and it''s true. But a good Beta only goes as far as his or


    her heart leads them. And yours that is filled with hate will never lead you or this pack anywhere good.


    "I''m sincerely sorry if you believe my arrival four years ago on your sixteenth birthday ruined everything


    for you, but this vendetta against me won''t fix that. I don''t necessarily like you either, but I''m human


    enough to understand what a broken and misunderstood heart looks like. Trust me I know. I lost both


    parents and I''m yet to know who my dad really was. But I have people to lean on and you do too. You


    just need to lean the right way"


    And with that, I decided to leave her to her thoughts and try to at least not fret until Niall gets back. I


    think I dealt with that pretty well. I''m proud of me.


    "I''m sorry about your parents." Was thest thing I heard before I left the room.


    The weird thing was, it sounded sincere. Hopefully, my words hit a nerve and she stops obsessing over


    my man. It took a lot out of me to keep my wolf at bay while she talked like I stole ''her love'' away from


    her. That''s a different level of self control.


    So I decided to go out and get dinner that night, and since I had no friends except Jared and Niall''s


    parents, I invited Roxy to dine with me.


    Maybe the night out will calm my senses, ease my worry and strengthen my hope that Niall was


    okay.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    I tilted my canvas to the left as I tried to get my paint brush at the perfect angle for my now fully


    developed yellow flower.


    Anytime I needed to think, rx or just be at peace, I just grabbed my supplies and made art. A bird


    chirped beside me as the cool evening breeze from the meadow whipped my hair all over in messy


    curls. I frowned as I ran my hand through it, seeing it as yet another reminder that Niall wasn''t here.


    Since we''ve lived together, he had alwaysbed my hair for me, simply because I could never tame


    the coily waves myself. However, since I had to go to bed alonest night, I didn''t get my usual braids


    or twists, courtesy of my lovely mate.


    But he didn''te home, and he still hasn''t.


    Sighing deeply, I tried to remember what Asia had said about him being able to take care of himself,


    which was further backed by his momter that night at dinner. That didn''t mean that I didn''t miss him


    though, and I couldn''t hide the hurt I felt knowing that he just left me without telling me anything.


    I''m his mate. He knew damn well that I''d be worried sick and missing him. Whatever he had to do so


    urgently better be important.


    I sighed, feeling defeated as I made the final stroke on my painting of the meadow. It was beautifully


    painted--maybe one of my best, but it didn''t give me the same satisfaction I normally felt whenever I


    finish a painting. I knew that it was because of the immense frustration I was feeling, but I didn''t even


    try and hide it.


    This morning when I woke up, Iid in our bed, hugging his pillow for two hours straight. I then went


    down for breakfast, which I had no appetite for, so I grabbed my supplies and came here. So far I''ve


    painted a single green tree standing in the midst of a gray background, a bird, and finally the whole


    meadow.


    Niall''s room can''t hold anymore of my paintings, so I concluded on just gifting them to his parents or


    leaving them in storage.


    I leaned against my tree with my legs pulled to my chest, and my chin on top of my knees as I gazed


    into nothingness. I tried not to think about him too much, but I ensured to keep my link wide open so


    that if he just happens to step within linking range, I''d know immediately.


    I let my thoughts drift as I allowed my eyes to flutter closed. I pushed my wolf forward in my head in


    order to connect to nature more, just to appreciate the brush of the wind, the quiet hums of animals and


    the mncholy sound of the stream flowing. Luka always helped me with this technique growing up


    even without my wolf. He always said that once my wolfes alive, I''d connect better.


    And he was right.


    Within seconds I was one with my surroundings, just appreciating everything about the moment.


    Though my frustration was still on edge, it was now bathed in tranquility as I let myself go. I slowly filled


    my lungs with air momentarily, before letting it out again. I made a mental note to thank Luka for this as


    I felt myself drifting away. It wouldn''t be the first time I fell asleep here, and no one else knows about


    the ce so I was safe.


    However, as if the universe couldn''t give me a break, I suddenly got alert when I sensed a foreign


    presence near. I perked my ears and focused on the scent that was distant but strong nheless. I


    straightened my back as my eyes shifted to my wolf''s amber ones, a sign that she has taken control. A


    growl rumbled from my chest as I looked through my wolf eyes around the area, just waiting for my


    intruder to appear.


    I knew the smarter thing to do was run back for help, but there was a strong primitive instinct in me that


    glued me to my spot in order to protect the pack. And though I haven''t had much fighting practice in


    wolf form, Luka and Beta Caleb ensured that I learnt how to fight. So if it shoulde to that, I''d be


    ready.


    However, the closer the intruder got, the more familiar the scent became until I realized that my wolf


    stepped backpletely, leaving me defenseless as she rxed. I mini panicked, forcing her to get


    back up, confused at her behaviour.


    I knew she was hurt about mate leaving but isn''t dying just a tad extreme? But in time I noticed that she


    wasn''t sad or lonely, she was just calm.


    Our wolves act mainly on instincts. It''s what kept us alive all these years. So I trusted mine and let my


    guard down just to try and focus on the scent. But as the wolf got closer, I realized why the scent was


    so familiar. My eyes scanned the trees as I waited for her appearance, and I couldn''t help but wonder


    how she managed to find me all the way out here.


    If she was dangerous, I''d be in real danger. The first time I saw her was at Victoria''s house back in


    Brightwater Pack territory. Now I''m miles upon miles away and yet she managed to find me. She


    obviously has something worthwhile to tell me, since it seemed like she has been tracking me a while.


    Thest time she was ushered away by Niall, but now I''ll know for sure what she wants.


    I got up on my feet as I saw a shadow in the trees on the other side of the clearing. If my wolf wasn''t so


    calm around her, I would''ve been really freaked out about how mysterious she looked just standing


    there. It almost gave me a creepy stalker vibe.


    "You''vee all this way to find me. What is it that you want?" I shouted just loud enough where I


    knew her wolf hearing would pick up.


    Instead of answering, she emerged more from the trees as she came closer to me. I kept my wolf on


    edge just enough for if I will need to shift quickly. Even though she didn''t seem like a threat, I still


    couldn''t avoid the fact that she''s aplete stranger. It''s only smart to stay on edge.


    The closer she came, the better look I got at her face. She looked more at ease than thest time I saw


    her, which made me feel slightly better knowing whatever she had to tell me wasn''t bad.


    She was also very pretty. She had atinoplexion and dark waist length hair. Her eyes were big


    and bright, and her lips held a small friendly simper. She had a scar running from her lower left eye to


    her left ear, but it just gave her a tough but surprisingly sexy look.


    As she came closer, I saw that calling her a ''girl'' would be slightly inappropriate, since she looked


    around the age of Victoria and Luka. It was for sure that she was a rogue, but her clothes were bright


    and clean, a sign that she wasn''t the nomadic type of rogue.


    "I''m sorry ourst meeting didn''t go so well. What I need to say wouldn''t sit well with your mate" She


    said once she was a few feet away from me. My eyebrows scrunched in confusion as I felt my stomach


    fall.


    If whatever she had to tell me wouldn''t sit well with Niall, then it wouldn''t sit well with me either. The


    mere fact that she even knew who I was unsettled me.


    "Who are you? How do you know who I am?" I asked, just to get my mind clear enough.


    She smiled gently as she moved to sit in front of me with her legs crossed over each other. I mimicked


    her pose as I readied myself to hear what she had to say. It was so odd that even though I was still on


    alert, I felt sofortable around her.


    "I know you because I knew your father" She stated, and I was up on my feet before I could even blink.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "I knew it!" I knew her scent was too familiar to his for it to be a coincidence. It just puzzled me how


    she''s just finding me and why.


    "Hey rx. I''ll tell you everything" She gestured for me to sit back down, which I slowly did. My


    excitement and anxiety was eating away at my mind. She offered me an encouraging smile while I


    rxed into the soft grass.


    "I was born of the Gamma family of The Roseum Pack, deep in the forests of the Amazon. I was stolen


    by rogues from my family at age six, brought to the US to be exploited for my blood. You see, Zoey, we


    are very special wolves, but at such a young age, I never understood." She met my eyes with an


    encouraging smile as she fiddled with her hands before continuing.


    I was more than already invested in her story even though there wasn''t much connection to us as yet.


    "Your father, Reagan, found me and rescued me from their evil hands before they could even imagine


    doing their dirty deeds with me. He knew I was like him from the moment he caught my scent. But


    since I was a child without a wolf, he didn''t know for sure. I was old enough to tell him where I was


    from, but I had no knowledge of English back then. So, he took me in and raised me as his own....By


    the time I was proficient in English, I had already grown close to him and refused to go back home,


    since being the daughter of the Gamma family never granted me as much affection as Reagan gave


    me." She looked up to meet my eyes with sorrowful ones.


    "I''m sorry you didn''t get to be raised by him. I knew he loved you very much"


    "Thank you. I can only imagine" I mumbled, feeling a rush of sadness sprinkled with an ounce of


    jealousy for this woman. I had no ill feeling towards her though. I knew she was sincere.


    "I lived as a rogue with him, and on many asions I almost got him killed when he had to fight to


    protect me. Sometimes when we were settled at a temporary home, he would tell me stories about


    himself, but he was never straight forward with anything. Eventually, I put it all together and figured out


    my own theory about his background, but up till this day, I am yet to learn everything" Her expression


    changed from one of thought to one of moderate excitement.


    "But when I turned 18 and initiated my first shift, I understoodpletely. Once I caught his scent and


    realized how different it was from other rogues, I was able to understand why he fought for me, why he


    saved me and why he raised me. Because we are bound by blood"


    My eyes widened in shock as the words stumbled from her lips. I mean, it would make sense why their


    scents were familiar, but it still had a lot of loopholes.


    "Wait are you saying we''re rted?" I questioned as I rubbed my temples in frustration.


    "Not exactly, but there''s an ancient story that will exin it all. I wish I could tell you, but I''m yet to learn


    it all on my own. "


    "So why didn''t you go home and find out why?" I asked as my head soared with questions. "And did


    you say your first shift was on your 18th birthday?"


    She chuckled lightly as she held my hand in her small ones, but ignored my questionspletely to


    continue her story.


    "Reagan wasn''t surprised when I didn''t shift on my 16th birthday but he didn''t tell me why. It was then


    that I knew that he knew where I was from all along. Maybe it was my driving desire to stay with him, or


    the father-daughter rtionship that we had that made him adhere to my request to stay. But ultimately


    I knew that he would try and send me back eventually. He always talked about how dangerous the


    rogue life was"


    "That''s what he said in the letter" I muttered mostly to myself.


    "And he did. Once I turned 18 and shifted for the first time, he wouldn''t stop preaching about how much


    easier I''d be to be tracked now that my wolf was awake in me. He tried to convince me that I''d be safer


    at home, but after twelve years as a rogue, I didn''t know to be anything else. I didn''t even like my


    home. Things were always so...hard" She looked away from my intense gaze, and I could see her


    difort. I didn''t urge her to exin, since it looked like a touchy subject.


    "However, like any father would do, he didn''t stop trying to get me home. So we had a falling out and I


    ran away. I''m sure he looked for me, but he must''ve known that I learnt his strategies of staying hidden


    and unnoticed. " Her eyes looked sad as she yed with my fingers with hers, but a small smile formed


    on her lips as she continued.


    "But then I realized that he stopped searching, and I tried not to be disappointed even though I didn''t


    know why." She met my eyes once again with nothing but admiration. "Then apanion we had up


    north informed me that Reagan bore a child--a daughter. I couldn''t be more happy for him, but I also


    knew you''d be his main focus now. I knew he''d try and get you in a pack, and I''m terribly sorry about


    the price he had to pay to do that"


    Her face fell, and I could see that she missed him probably even more than I did. She knew him for


    twelve years after all, and I only knew him for three. It was my time to squeeze her hand infort,


    encouraging her to continue.


    "I kept an eye on you, but I never intervened because we both were safer that way. I don''t know why I


    chose until now to approach you, but I just came with one goal" She said with a thoughtful expression.


    "And what''s that?" I asked, still not knowing her motive for seeking me out just now.


    "Whatever you''re looking for, you won''t find it here. You must go to the Emerald Pack in Ennd. There


    you will learn all you need to"


    "But I''ve been to the Emerald Pack countless times as a child."I pointed out, even more confused than


    before.


    "You have, but you weren''t seeking answers then. I know that you don''t know me, and you have every


    right to be skeptical. I''m a rogue who imed to know your dad. But from the little he told me growing


    up and what I concluded on my own, I know your answer is there" She smiled encouragingly and I tried


    really hard to believe her.


    "Why Emerald Pack?" My heart raced as I thought about it all.


    I feared what she would say next, because deep down I knew that answer. I''ve always felt drawn to


    Emerald Pack more than home, and Victoria always assumed that it was because of the freedom I was


    granted whenever I visited Emma. Yet I knew it was deeper than that.


    "Because, my dearest baby sister, your father was from Emerald Pack."

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    Emerald?


    And that was it. The answer I was afraid of.


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    If my dad was from Emerald Pack, then that meant that was where my blood lies. I gasped in


    realization when I affirmed that I could be rtives of the Beta family there. I always noticed that we


    oddly resembled each other, especially Jodi, Beta Alex''s smaller sister and my only other best friend.


    Could it be?


    "I-I don''t know what to think" I mumbled as my eyes watered. I couldn''t register what I was hearing, and


    the look on her face told me that that was just the least.


    "You must go. But I can''t be too sure if your mate will be happy with what you learn" My heart stopped


    as I whipped my head towards her.


    "Why wouldn''t he be happy with it?"


    "As I said Zoey, we are bound by a blood tie that goes way back. Though we aren''t rted, we are very


    simr. When you learn everything, you''ll have a grand decision to make. If you''re anything like your


    father, you''ll make the decision that will be against your mate''s wishes" she said as if it was the most


    obvious thing in the world.


    "If you''re suggesting that I will leave my mate then you are wrong!" I shouted in anger as I jumped to


    my feet. She followed my movement with a regretful look on her face.


    "I''m just saying, Zoey, it''s a lot. I''m trying to prepare your mind for what you''ll learn"


    "Why can''t you just tell me?" I threw my hands in the air as frustrated tears stung my eyes. "What kinda


    blood tie do we have? Why did we both shift at 18? Why are you and my dad''s scent different from


    other rogues? What is all this huh? I didn''t sign up for this!"


    The frustration of not having Niall with me plus learning all this brought me to tears. I hated that she


    wouldn''t just tell me.


    "If I tell you, then you won''t get the same fulfilling feeling that you''d get if you learn it on your own. And


    as I said, I don''t know the full story. Reagan kept his stories about himself to a minimum, and what I


    learnt on my own are just fragments of the truth. But you, my dear little sister, can know it all. It will be a


    lot, and you''ll have some serious decisions to make, but you''ll do the right thing. We both know you


    will" She looked up to the sky as she uttered thest part, and I couldn''t help but wonder if this is what


    he wanted for me.


    From his letter, I knew his intention wasn''t to die, but he knew it was a possibility. He wanted to keep


    me safe from the truth maybe for my own peace of mind. But oh how I wished he would''ve said more in


    that letter, or at least tell my mom more. My mom said he loved her, but he kept stories about his life


    before a rogue to a minimum. Something he obviously wished to keep hidden.


    But how will I have peace of mind if I don''t know more? Especially now that I''ve learnt that I may be


    Beta blood, and not just any Beta blood, but rtives of the Beta family in Ennd. I just had to know


    everything. Once and for all.


    "Go, learn the truth and do what needs to be done. If by then you still haven''t learnt everything, I


    promise to tell you everything I know."


    She took out a small tube vile with red liquid from her pocket and ced it in my hand. I eyed it weirdly,


    silently asking what''s it for.


    "Drink it" She simply instructed, causing me to gag at the very thought.


    "Is this your blood?" I scrunched my face in disgust at just the thought of drinking her blood. She rolled


    her eyes in amusement at my question before grabbing my wrist and rolled up my sleeves.


    She silently asked me with her eyes to bite me as her canines emerged. With a gulp, I nodded slowly


    as she sank her teeth in my hand.


    I stubbornly shoved my hand out, requesting hers as I did the same with her hand. If she could drink


    my fresh blood, I deserved that too. Almost immediately, I felt a new link forming in my mind. My eyes


    widened as the feeling took over my body greater than I anticipated. It was like I knew her all my life.


    "My name is rissa by the way. You can link me anytime anywhere no matter how far. This only


    works for wolves like us though, so don''t go around biting people now" She attempted to joke, but I was


    still in too much shock to register. "And remember what I said. You need to go to Ennd"


    And just like that she turned on her heels to leave me just standing there in my own thoughts. She was


    already across the clearing when the one question I''ve been asking myself since this conversation


    started rushed to the front of my mind.


    "What are we?!" I shouted desperately as the urge to know what kind of wolves we are swamped my


    emotions. She turned to face me with a sly but proud smirk on her face.


    "It''s not what we are, Zoey. It''s WHO we are." And just like that, she was gone.


    I stumbled back as I fell to my bottom on the grass, as I stared aimlessly into the forest. I knew what I


    had to do, but I wasn''t too sure if I was prepared for what I''ll learn.


    However, what I definitely wasn''t prepared for, was the sudden surge of panic I felt rushing through my


    mate bond with Niall. My chest rose and fell as his panic ran through mine like a flood.


    "Niall!" I screamed as my heart raced in fear for him.


    At first I believed that my links were messing with me, since I just initiated a new bond. But there was


    no doubt about it that it was my mate. Unlike every other link, my matebond link didn''t only exist in my


    wolf''s mind, but in my human heart too. I could feel that he was in a state of constant panic, and that


    could only mean one thing.


    My mate was in trouble.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    I rushed through the trees like wind as I ran towards the Alpha house.


    My mate was in trouble and my one goal was to find him. I tried not to panic too much, but simply try


    and focus on the issue at hand. We have a connection, so finding him shouldn''t be the problem. But if I


    was going to make this work, I had to keep my head straight.


    I contemted asking rissa for help. She is, after all, an expert at tracking. Deciding that I could use


    all the help I can get, I mindlink her.


    ~"rissa! My mate is in trouble. I need you to help me find him"~ I pushed through her link without


    warning. She replied immediately.


    ~"He''s your mate. Doesn''t that make you the best to find him?"~


    ~"Yes, but I''m sure I''ll find him faster with your help...Please rissa. I know you''re not his biggest fan,


    but I really need your help"~ I pleaded desperately.


    The level of worry I felt made me know that I''d do ANYTHING to have him back with me. It took a while


    for her to answer, and when she did, I was already at the Alpha house and making my way to our room.


    ~"Okay I''ll help you find him, but your mate''s pack has the strongest border patrol in the country. Even


    with my incredible discrete skills, the chances of me getting caught is high. You''ll have to call them off"~


    ~"No. Meet me ten miles of the pack border to the north at sunset"~ I decided. ~"I don''t want to put the


    pack in panic that their Alpha is in trouble when I don''t know the full situation as yet. Besides, I intend


    to be back with Niall before sunrise tomorrow"~


    ~"Noted."~


    I quickly cut the connection to her as I grabbed an overnight bag. I threw random essentials in it as fast


    as I could before pulling my hair in something that resembled a messy bun.


    I discarded Niall''s t-shirt and sweats from my body to rece them with a grey tank top with my ck


    thick leggings. I grabbed my old duty belt that Luka gave me for my fifteen birthday. I never thought I''d


    had use for it, but Luka always knew I was a fighter. I just never embraced that side of me.


    Swiftly making my way to Niall''s weapon room, I ensured to stay careful and out of sight. Thest thing


    I needed was questions being asked.


    I quickly equipped the belt with various knives, daggers and a single silver whip. I left space for a


    weapon I nned to grabter as I ran back to my room with nothing but determination in each step,


    focused on my one goal.


    Of course, finding out everything about my dad, his past and my blood was still a priority, but it all had


    to be put on hold until I found Niall. After all, if I know everything and still don''t have my mate, I''d be


    more iplete than ever. He was my number one priority.


    I snatched the bag from my bed, throwing it over my shoulder as I dragged on my ck trainers. I


    ensured theces were secure before sitting up; but I almost had a heart attack when I noticed there


    was another body in the room.


    "Roxy, my gosh you nearly killed me" I threw my hand over my heart as I recovered from the shock.


    She eyed my outfit carefully before meeting my eyes again. Her eyes shimmered in pride as she took


    me in entirely. She crossed her arms over her chest, blocking my way to the door as she got ready to


    question me.


    Just what I needed.


    "Going somewhere hun?" My mate''s mother questioned with a ghost smirk. I shifted ufortably on


    my feet and adjusted the strap on my shoulder whilst avoiding eye contact at all cost. If she knew her


    son was in trouble, I had no idea how she''d react.


    "Um yea. I''m just gonna head back to Brightwater to um- help a friend train" I lied terribly. Curse my


    inability to be untruthful.


    She raised an arched brow at me with a ''o'' shape taking over her lips. But what puzzled me was when


    she simply shrugged and stepped to the side as if she didn''t just see right through my lie. In all


    fairness, I really was nning to go back to Brightwater Pack.


    "I erm-I''m gonna go now" I mumbled as I tried to walk passed her, but a very forceful push to my chest


    sent my plummeting to the floor.


    My eyes widened as I winced from the sudden impact, but I quickly had to roll to the side when I saw


    her footing at my head. I jumped to my knees as fast as I could in shock and confusion, just trying


    to understand why Roxy was attacking me. I had no intention of fighting my mate''s mom for obvious


    reasons, but she wasn''t holding back and I still very much had to find Niall.


    So, I fought back.


    I blocked a kick that was aiming for my head while I collectively caught her foot with my other hand,


    sending her falling to the ground also. I granted her time to get up, hoping that she''d stop this madness


    and exin to me what was happening. But sadly for me, she only came charging at me again,


    throwing a punch as soon as she was close enough. I skillfully dodged and blocked her punches and


    kicks, trying really hard not to hit her back.


    We went on until I was literally back to back with the wall. She shoved me towards the hard concrete


    just before sending a next strike towards my face. I quickly sidestepped her, blocking her punch before


    driving my knee to her side which sent her crashing to the ground.


    I felt guilt rise in me when I hit her, but I had a feeling that''s what she wanted. I needed to leave and


    she wasn''t letting up. So, we fought like enemies-- hand to hand, foot to foot, knee to knee and elbow


    to elbow. I managed to block most of her attacks, so I didn''t get anything more than probably a bruise


    here and there. What shocked me though, was her fighting skill.


    Never in this lifetime would I expect Roxy to fight like this. It was obvious that she was at expert level.


    Just the way how she blocked, anticipated and attacked, told me that entirely.


    We spent probably ten whole minutes with this back to back thing, so I decided to end it once and for


    all. It was a challenge just fighting her, so I knew taking her down wouldn''t be simple either.


    But despite my doubts, I used the burning desire to go get Niall as my drive to end it. And so, I went for


    a move that I hadn''t tried in years, but I knew it would throw her off enough to take her down.


    Instead of charging towards her like she anticipated, I ran in the opposite direction towards the one of


    the walls. Luckily for me, she was right on my tail, just what I needed. Once I was close, I held my


    breath as I pumped my feet up the wall before pushing off with my right foot, sending me in a reverse


    backflip over her head.


    I ensured that I grabbed both her shoulders as I went over her head, which granted me the power to flip


    her over as Inded on my feet, sending her skidding across the tiled floor. She connected with Niall''s


    bedroom-work desk, sending a vase crashing to the floor beside her head. It surprised me how that


    was the only thing that managed to be broken despite the kombat we just had. I med it on the


    massive room.


    I quickly went to her and drove my knee to her stomach while I held both her hands over her head. I


    never meant for this to go so far, but I had to shake the guilt that climbed up my spine.


    "Quit it Roxy!" I ordered desperately, definitely out of breath. "What the hell was that for?"


    Instead of answering, she beamed brightly at me with her eyes dancing with pride.


    I cautiously eased myself off her as she wobbled to her feet. She grabbed a handkerchief that was


    laying on Niall''s desk and pressed it to the back of her head. I winced when I spotted the blood taking


    over the white cloth, but she lookedpletely unbothered.


    "Gosh Roxy I''m so sorry" I suddenly felt terrible as I saw the mess we caused. "But you attacked me. I-


    I d-didn''t -"


    "Did Niall ever tell you how I met his dad?" She asked casually, cutting off my stammering. I shook my


    head no, sensing a story time that I had no time for, but respected her enough to listen.


    "As you know, the neighbouring pack was my home. I lived right across the river for years believing that


    this pack took everything from my dad. So my brother and I were sent here on a mission to help ruin


    Truemoon. By then, I was around your age, and I discovered that Ace was my mate. " I gasped in


    shock as I suddenly got invested.


    That must''ve been so conflicting for her.


    "Imagine, I was sent here as a fully trained wolf, but ended up being a fully mated wolf instead. There''s


    a lot of detail in between that we can talk about at apletely different time, but my point in all this is


    that I knew too well that look on your face when I just stepped in here. I had that very same look when I


    was leaving my pack that day toe undercover in my mate''s pack. The look that says ''I''m gonna


    fight, I''m gonna win and I''m gonna do it my way''"


    I bit my lip, feeling a bit uneasy. She really hit the nail on the head.


    "Now, I have no clue what or who you''re going to fight for, but I had to know you weren''t going to get


    yourself killed. You are more than capable of taking care of yourself" She smiled victoriously as if she


    had just won the nobel prize.


    "You know you could''ve led with that? Or I don''t know, ask me" I took a check on my tone when I


    remembered who I was speaking to, but I would''ve appreciated knowing from the beginning that she


    was just concerned about if I''m going to get myself killed or not.


    She giggled cutely as she shook her head. "First lesson about fighting: be prepared to be taken by


    surprise. Many get killed simply because of the element of surprise."


    I bit my lip as I thought about it. She had a point, but a warning still would''ve been nice. Suddenly, her


    face fell as if she just saw or heard something terrible. She met my eyes with worried ones, and I knew


    that she had figured it out.


    "It''s Niall isn''t it? I came here to see him before I saw you and I totally forgot that he wasn''t anywhere in


    the house and apparently, nowhere in the pack either" I simply nodded, confirming her suspicions. She


    regarded me with an unreadable expression for a while, before giving me a short nod.


    "Go Zoey. I have faith that you''ll bring my baby home. Don''t worry, I''ll cover for you here" She said,


    automatically lifting a lot from my shoulders.


    "Thanks Roxy. I''ll bring him home, I promise"


    "I know you will. Be safe and smart okay?" I nodded curtly as she pulled me in for a quick hug.


    She whispered something in Italian that sounded very familiar to my ears. Luka and Victoria always


    said that very same thing whenever Levi and I were going away to Ennd, or about to take another


    dangerous step in our training. I think he said it was a parental locution of protection. It made me feel a


    lot better as I swiftly and discreetly made my way to my car.


    I took off as soon as the door was shut, driving as quickly as I could towards the trees. I phoned my


    next potential aplice that I needed for this mission, hoping dearly that he''d agree.


    "Hello. Zoey? What''s up?" Valero, Niall''s cousin from our neighbouring pack, answered.


    I figured that since he and Niall were so close, it would be an incentive to help. Plus having him with me


    would be better, since I had no idea of how big of a threat this''ll be.


    I haven''t seen him since my birthday, but we talked every now and then. Even though his pack was just


    across the border, he was always too busy to visit and likewise with Niall, hence why I was worried that


    he would give me an answer I didn''t want to hear.


    "Valero, I need your help. "


    "Sure, what''s up? Is everything okay?" I could hear the concern in his voice already which sparked


    hope in me.


    "It''s Niall. I think he might be in trouble and I need your help to get him back. He left yesterday for some


    unknown reason and hadn''t been back since. I felt a rush of panic through our bond, and it''s been


    lingering since, spiking at random times and it''s driving me crazy. I know you''re a busy man but I could


    really use your help to get him back. I have no idea how dangerous this could be." I took a breath as I


    ended my rambling. I opened my mouth again to deliver my second dose of reasoning, but he spoke


    before I could.


    "You had me at ''it''s Niall''. I''ll be there in about an hour" I could hear some shuffling in his background


    as if he was moving around, but I quickly stopped him.


    "Actually, I''m making a quick stop before I meet you. So instead, can you meet me ten miles of Niall''s


    pack border to the north at sunset?"


    "Sure that can work. I can get my Beta and Gamma ready for my absence. See you then" He ended


    quickly as I threw the phone on the passenger seat. I gripped the wheel tightly as I jammed my foot on


    the gas, sending me to 150 km/h through the trees.


    I''ming for you baby. I just need to make a quick stop at Brightwater Pack first.


    There''s something there that I''ll definitely need.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    I pulled up to my former home''s driveway faster than I ever have. I quickly shut the engine off and ran


    into the house.


    "Zoey?" Ashley called in confusion as I ran past her once I was inside. If it were any other


    circumstance, I would''ve stopped to talk to her, but I just needed to see Luka.


    I bolted to his office, where I knew he spent most of his time. I knew Victoria was out of the hospital,


    hence why I really hoped that he wasn''t in his bedroom with her. I didn''t want Victoria to know about


    what was going on.


    Luckily, Luka was in his office when I burst in without knocking. He was stunned by the intrusion as he


    quickly looked up from his work, but his features soon changed into confusion.


    "You left two days ago and you miss us already?" There was a hint of amusement in his tone as he


    rounded his desk, but I was still catching my breath after running through the huge ass house.


    "Luka..I-I need your...I need your silver bullet gun" I rushed out through breaths. His eyes widened a


    fraction at my request, and that''s when he took in my attire. He bit his lip in thought and questioning, so


    I quickly reassured him of my reasons.


    "Please Luka. Niall might be in trouble, and I need to be ready for anything. I''ll bring it back as soon as


    I find him" This seemed to have shocked him even more, but I saw understanding forming behind his


    eyes.


    He regarded me sternly, but I knew he had already made up his mind. "This is a very dangerous


    weapon Zoey, designed only forrge rogue attacks. This will kill any wolf with a single bullet"


    "I know. You''re the one who taught me all about weapons, remember? I promise to keep it safe, but the


    one at Niall''s pack is in a safe and only his or his dad''s fingerprint can open it. I wouldn''t havee


    this far if it wasn''t urgent. Please Luka, you of all people should know what''s it''s like to worry about


    losing your mate"


    I knew it was low bringing up what happened to his former mate and what nearly happened to Victoria,


    but I was running out of time and his paternal nature was clouding his judgement.


    To my delight, he nodded once and led me to his weapon room. He retrieved the weapon from his own


    safe, and helped me tuck it safely away in my duty belt. I mumbled a quick ''thanks, love you'' and got


    ready to leave, but he held onto my shoulder before I could go. I nced back at him, seeing his


    concern evidently clear.


    "If this is as dangerous as it sounds, do you want me toe with you? "


    "No Luka I don''t want Victoria knowing okay? She''s still recovering so thest thing I need is for her


    worry about me and Niall. If you leave now, you''ll have to tell her and I don''t want that" I insisted. "And I


    already have back-up. I have a Gamma blood wolf and Niall''s cousin who is also an Alpha helping me.


    I''m fine okay?" I purposely left out the part about rissa being a rogue. Gamma blood or not, Luka


    would spend a next hour lecturing me about trusting her.


    "Just be careful okay?" He pulled me to his chest, gently kissing my forehead before releasing me.


    I wasted no time in bolting up the staircase and towards the exit, but at my car door was my nephew,


    Levi. I sighed, not necessarily annoyed, but frustrated by all the time I was losing.


    "Levi you know I love you, but I have to be somewhere really urgent okay bud?" I said as I approached


    him.


    As a kid, he always had a look on his face that made me know something was bothering him and only


    wanted to talk to me about it. He had that exact same look on his face now.


    "I know. I overheard you talking to dad in his office"His voice came out softly, but still with a hint of


    masculine power to it. He was really growing up fast.


    "What''s bothering you?" I asked after realising that I couldn''t leave when I knew he needed me.


    He sighed, looking anywhere but me as he spoke."What does having a mate feel like?" I couldn''t help


    but chuckle at his question.


    "When you''re sixteen in two and a half years, you search for her and you''ll know. Besides, your dad will


    have this talk with you once you''re ready okay?"


    "No I know, it''s just... I don''t want you to get hurt. You seemed like you were in such a rush because


    you want to find your mate, but I think you should take a breather, think about what you''re feeling


    instead of what you think needs to be done. Because if you go head on like this, I think you might get


    hurt. And well...after almost losing mom.." For the first time since he was a toddler, I saw my nephew''s


    eyes water for something unrted to his parents.


    I grabbed him to my chest in a tight reassuring hug. I even pondered on what he said too, which made


    a lot of sense. He was right about going in head-on and not knowing the threat could get me hurt, or


    worse.


    But if I try harder to feel Niall rather than worrying, I might just get him back faster than I thought.


    Brightwater Pack indeed has a bright future knowing that Levi will be ruling it one day. He''s a wise one.


    "I wont get hurt okay? I promise to be safe so you don''t have to worry about me." I told him truthfully. "I


    think I needed that talk. You might have just saved me"


    "You sure you''lle back to us?"


    "I promise" I pulled away so that I was looking directly in his eyes. "But don''t tell your mom okay?" I


    smiled as I held up my pinky, at which he sealed it with our special pinky promise.


    "Love you Leaves" I called out as I hopped into my car.


    "Love you too" He waved as I backed out.


    I came to Brightwater for a weapon that I''m sure would''ve assured me sess, but I also left with more


    than a weapon, but understanding.


    My mate doesn''t just need a warrior to help him if he''s indeed in danger, but he needs his mate too. So


    while I kick whatever ass that wille between me and him, I''ll also use our bond to guarantee us


    that sess.


    Whatever it takes.


    ***


    "Tell me again why we have a rogue with us?" Valero asked in a not so subtle tone.


    The sun has just gone down, and I picked them up a few miles back where they were staring at each


    other as if they were about to tear each other''s heads off.


    That was another thing I didn''t think through. I never gave either of them warning about the other, and


    putting an Alpha and a rogue in the same ce to meet me was a bad idea. I could''ve shown up and


    see one of them dead.


    "She isn''t a threat. She is going to help me find Niall; she''s a great tracker" I told him loud enough for


    her to hear, since it was obvious she didn''t like him either. I wanted to help them stay focused on what


    the real goal was.


    "But you''re his mate. There isn''t another wolf on Earth that can find him" He tried to reason, still


    throwing daggers at her in the back seat with his eyes.


    I sighed, rubbing my hand over my face. "My mate-intuition can only do so much. Like how I knew to


    head north, and thinking to go any other direction gives me this bad feeling in my stomach. But apart


    from that, I''ve got nothing."


    "Maybe try focusing more and you-"


    "Valero!" I snapped a little too loudly and harshly. I took a breath to calm my nerves as I started again.


    "Valero, do you trust me?"


    "Of course I do. It''s her I don''t trust"


    "Well I do, so that is enough. I can''t get my mind any more focused and it might take days to sooth my


    anxiety, and I don''t have days. So, rissa is going to help me track him. If I take a turn that is not


    leading me to him, I''ll know in my gut and once we''re in linking range, rissa can go if you make each


    other ufortable. But for now, I need her okay? So please just let me drive" I was aware that my


    tone was a bit harsh, but I needed his co-operation.


    We fell into silence for a while, and we drove for an hour before rissa started to shuffle. We seemed


    to still be on the right path, so I tried to stay focused on the road.


    "Zoey?" rissa called, causing me to tilt my head as I listened. "I''m going to have to shift now. It''s


    easier to pick up faint scents, prints and trails in wolf form. I''ll run ahead of you guys okay?"


    "Okay" I mumbled as I pulled over.


    Valero kept his eyes out the window as she shrugged off her jacket and stripped from her clothes.


    Shifting in them would tear them to shreds, after all.


    In her ce stood arge ck wolf like her hair, with eyes more golden than any engagement ring,


    and teeth asrge as tree limbs. If I had any doubts about what she said about her origins, they were


    gone now. Even Valero seemed shocked. She wasn''t as big as an Alpha wolf, but she was quiterge.


    It sorta reminded me of my own wolf, confirming her theory even more.


    She offered me a short nod which I returned before gathering her clothes neatly on the back seat then


    returned to my seat in the front.


    "Where did you meet her?" Valero muttered, still in shock.


    "It''s a looong story" I drawled. In all honesty, it was.


    I followed closely behind her as she stopped to sniff trees, darted from road to road to track trails and


    dug past leaves for signs of tracks.


    I knew my car was muddy and covered in marks, since we had to leave the road to drive through


    forested areas now and then before re-emerging on a different road. My car was small, so I could fit


    through the small crevices, but it surely suffered a few blows.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My mate-intuition never faltered, indicating that we were going in the right direction, but my stomach felt


    uneasy as we drove.


    ''What was Niall even doing this far away from packnds?'', I thought as I watched the moon dance in


    the sky. We were surely driving for over three hours, and that was a far way from home.


    It made me want to find him even more. When he was leaving, he told me that he would be back soon.


    Why tell me that if he wasing this far?


    I was both annoyed and worried. He knew damn well how worried I''d be, yet he left on such a voyage


    without telling me. Now he was in whatever danger and I had no idea what.


    ~"Zoey"~ rissa pushed through our link, pulling me from my thoughts. ~"Zoey I know where we''re


    going. I know this ce. It''s where most rogues live"~


    ~"What?"~ I eximed both in our link and out loud, catching Valero''s attention.


    ~"We''re heading to Rogue Burg. Your mate was going there, it''s the only reason why he''d be going in


    this direction"~


    "But why would Nialle here?" I asked out loud as I eased my foot onto the brake.


    "Where is Niall? Who were you linking? Did you find him?" Valero asked, seeming even more


    confused.


    "He''s at Rogue Burg" I told him. "I don''t know if it was on his own will or by force, but that''s the direction


    rissa''s trail is leading, and my intuition isn''t opposing either " I bit my lip as I thought about it. Even


    way down in my gut, I felt that it was the right ce.


    But as soon as I sped up again, I felt a feeling too familiar causing me to gasp in delight, shock, relief


    and fear all at once.


    Our link was in range, which only meant he was close by.


    What on Earth were you thinking Niall Wilson?

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    ~"Niall where are you?"~ I asked through our link immediately as I felt it, but I was met with silence.


    ~"Niall?"~ I kept my foot on the brake just to go a little slower as I reached out again.


    I knew he heard me, because I could feel his panic rising at the sound of my voice. I didn''t know why,


    but I really didn''t want to either.


    ~"Niall!"~ I practically screamed this time in our link, growing very frustrated with his behaviour.


    I was hurt that he heard me and refused to answer, and that he also felt when I came into linking range


    but refused to acknowledge it.


    ~"Zoey, I''m so sorry for everything but it is not safe here. You need to go okay? I''ll be home soon"~ He


    finally decided to speak, but I felt anger rising in me as he did. It would''ve been better if he didn''t.


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ~"WHAT?! Are you freaking kidding me Niall? You''ve been gone for two days and you expect me to just


    go back home without you? And should I remind you that those were the exact same words you spoke


    when you were leaving? But look at that, you didn''te back"~


    ~"Babe I swear I''ll exin everything, but I need you to go. This is rogue territory."~ His voice was


    desperate and I felt his panic rising the closer I went. It made me realize that the new dose of panic I


    felt in the link was because he thought I was putting myself in danger.


    ~"You LEFT me Niall. You didn''te back and you''re here at Rogue Burg? And for what? Aren''t you


    in as much danger as me?"~


    ~"How did you know-"~


    ~"rissa is with me, and so is Valero. You know why? Because I felt the panic in our bond and I


    thought you were in trouble."~ I huffed as annoyance ate away at me. If Niall really wasn''t in danger,


    why did hee here and why did I feel him panicking every couple minutes?


    My mind was quiet for a while, but he was still very much awake in my link. I could feel the guilt,


    concern and regret from him as I waited for him to answer. I was still following behind rissa as she


    led us towards what I assumed would be the main entrance. I knew it wasn''t safe, but as much as I


    was upset with my mate, I was not leaving here without him.


    ~"Zoey I can feel youing closer and I am begging you, please go back home. I promise I''ll be


    home today and exin everything. That panic you felt in the bond? It was because I screwed up and I


    thought I was putting you in danger. It was never my intent for things to go this far, but I want to tell you


    at home where it''s safe okay?"~ He asked in desperation.


    A part of me wanted to believe him and follow his request, but the stubbornness that lived in my


    bloodline would not allow me to.


    ~"If you want me to go now, then I better see you in front of my car right now. If not, I''ming in"~ I


    sternly decided, pushing through my determination in full folds so he knew I wasn''t ying. However,


    he didn''t seem to be letting up.


    ~"Zoey-"~ I immediately cut him off from my link, knowing he''d only just try and convince me even


    more. If he wanted me to go that badly, he''d find me and we go together.


    I''m not about to y any games with him.


    "Heated argument huh?" I yelped in surprise when Valero talked. Ipletely forgot that he was there


    in my car too.


    I sighed as I ran my hand over my face in frustration. "Yea. He wants us to leave"


    "So not in trouble then?"


    "Nope" I said, popping the ''p'' with an exaggerated sigh at which he slowly nodded.


    I resumed my driving, simply following rissa''s lead. About a half a mile longer, she suddenly


    stopped and took a u-turn towards my car. She shifted mid way towards us, causing Valero to quickly


    throw his hands over his eyes. It was natural for wolves to see other wolves naked, so it honestly didn''t


    faze me.


    I grabbed my coat from the back seat and handed it to her through the window once I came to a stop. I


    eyed her confusedly, not sure why she stopped.


    "Did you get a chance to talk to your mate? If he is in Burg territory, you''d be close enough to link" She


    asked as she wrapped the thick fabric around her body.


    "I did actually. I don''t think he''s in trouble, but I do believe he''s in a sticky situation. Still, I wont leave


    without him."


    She nodded in understanding before turning to point towards some pine trees.


    "The entrance is just around there, I can get you in since I''m a rogue and I used to stay here


    sometimes. But this is rogue territory, and non-rogues like yourself and Mr. Alpha over there will not be


    weed."


    A frown took over my lips as I pursed them in thought. "So it''s like a pack for rogues," I concluded,


    seeing that it seemed exactly like that.


    She tilted her hand in a ''so-so'' gesture before speaking again."It''s more like a safe haven. As you


    know, rogues are always on the run if they aren''t settled in a human territory or something, and it can


    be really rough out there. This ce is mainly for wolves who are tired of running, or who need safety


    for a little while. They have a strict no-violence code, but if an outsider, or in other words a pack-wolf


    invades, it can get messy. They will only see you as a threat"


    "So how did Niall get in there? And how will we?" I questioned with a frown. I surely understood and


    respected their system here, but I needed to find Niall.


    "I think I know how he did." She smirked as she grabbed her pants, pulling out a herb I knew and hated


    too well. I scrunched my nose up as she held the wolfsbane in her hand as if it was nothing. Valero


    mimicked my expression as we just watched her in questioning.


    "Do you have water and a spray bottle?" She asked with the smirk still etched on her face.


    "It so happens that I am one of the only wolves who wears perfume, but I don''t see where you''re


    getting at with this. " I shuffled through mypartment for my old cologne and grabbed my bottle of


    water from the cup holder.


    She took them with a ''you''ll see'' nce, and I watched as she popped the head of the bottle off its


    body, emptying the remaining contents and reced it with water and the cursed nt.


    She ced the top back on the bottle before roughly shaking it together. The diluted scent of the


    perfume plus the now evident scent of the wolfsbane mixed in water made me gag in disgust. I eyed


    her and the bottle skeptically as she held it out to me.


    On the outside, it might''ve seemed hrious looking at Valero and I. We both had a repulsive look on


    our faces, and we were both leaning away from rissa as she held it out to us.


    "What am I supposed to d-do with t-that?" I finally questioned, momentarily gagging as I asked.


    "It will temporarily mask your scents until we find Niall. It will wear off in like an hour or two because it


    isn''t fermented and not mixed with the other binding agents, but it''ll do" She told us casually.


    "So let me get this straight.. This bottle of abomination will mask my scent until I find Niall, and it will


    only wear off long after I find him and we are on our way back?"


    "Assuming that all goes well, yes" She confirmed, and as much as I hated the wretched thing, I knew I


    needed it.


    Slowly, I collected the bottle from her, where I covered my mouth, eyes and nose with my hand, whilst


    using the other to spray it all over my body. Any wolf knew that wolfsbane to the skin wasn''t detrimental


    like silver, but once it got into our system, it was over.


    I held it out to Valero, but he just eyed it with even more contempt than when he looked at rissa.


    "For Niall" I urged him in hopes to strike a nerve. Eventually, he sighed and collected the bottle from me


    where he hesitantly sprayed it all over himself too.


    "In and out quickly okay?" She met my eyes in search of agreement, and I quickly agreed and re-


    started the car.


    She walked ahead of us until we arrived at a huge wall with surprisingly nice gates. I could see that the


    inside wasn''t forested like the outside, almost like a mini society of their own.


    rissa simply showed her face at the gate, mumbled a greeting, and we were home free. And Valero


    thought she wouldn''t be much help.


    To say I was impressed by the inside was an understatement. For outcasts and runaways, the rogues


    really outdid themselves with Rouge Burg.


    An odd primitive feeling came over me when I thought about all the ruthless Alpha''s who could find out


    about their little safe haven, and aim to exterminate them. No wonder it was kept a secret. I would''ve


    too kept it secret too.


    "If anyone here knows where your mate is, it will be whoever is around the desk today. But remember


    you can''t just blow your cover. Act a little...roguish." rissa smirked as she talked to me at my car


    window.


    "So I just go in there and ask?" I raised my eyebrow in confusion. That seemed oddly too easy.


    She simply nodded. "This is a safe haven after all. Even rogues have mates you know? And when they


    happen to lose them, this is the first ce they look. Same with split up families and friends..It''s sorta


    their job in there to help. But it''s not always effective. Depending on the day and person, sometimes


    you get nowhere. Some willingly help, some just don''t care. We''re rogues after all"


    I bit my lip as I felt unsurity rise in me. What if Niall got himself in some shit and the minute I ask for


    him, they take me too?

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    I took a deep breath as I thought deeply about What I was about to do. Thest thing I wanted to do


    was leave without my mate, but i didn''t want to get us both trapped here either.


    Still, I knew I had to. So I put on my big girl panties, just when I felt rissa''s reassuring hand on my


    shoulder.


    "You''ve got this okay? Just be tough and show them that you need to find him. Just don''t be sappy"


    She advised with a teasing smirk. I scoffed as I unbuckled my seatbelt and hopped from the car.


    "I am a lot of things, but I am not sappy" I adjusted my hair so that it looked a bit more messy and tore


    arge slit to the end of my tank top. If I was going to pass as a rogue, I might as well go all the way.


    The building was small but modern looking. It had a small door, gray paint and what seemed like two


    rooms.


    I pushed it open, seeing a single woman sitting around a table with some papers and a beat up


    computer. The rest of the room waspletely bare. Not even a bookshelf. I could see that there was


    another room connected to this one, maybe just a bathroom. I could feel Niall stronger than before, so I


    knew he''d find me, but I WANTED to find him.


    "Wee to Rogue Burg, my name is Stacey. Happy to be at your service. I don''t care how or when


    you do but there are plenty of houses here you can stay at. Thank you for stopping by, and have a


    terrific day" The woman stated in a not so friendly or weing voice at all as I stepped inside. I


    scrunched my nose up in disapproval, but kept my strides slow as I approached her.


    "I''m not-" I cleared my throat to start over again, just to put a bit more edge in my tone. "I''m not looking


    for somewhere to stay, I''m looking for someone" I stated loud enough for her to hear.


    She finally looked up from her paper to raise an eyebrow at me, but she lookedpletely


    uninterested.


    "He or she is not here. If they are, sniff them out yourself" she mumbled as she turned the page. My


    annoyance was getting greater as I stared at her. rissa wasn''t lying.


    "Did a tall male, messy brown hair, broad shoulders and charming eyese in here yesterday


    morning?" I finally questioned, gaining her attention. I was shocked to see that she actually smirked at


    me as if she just figured out my whole world.


    "So it''s a lost mate situation huh? I bet he had his reason for getting away from you. You should move


    on with your life" She chuckled dryly like a bratty teenager as she popped her stale gum over her lips.


    My anger and frustration boiled as I eyed the woman in contempt. With a huff, I pulled my phone from


    my waist band and waved the picture in front of her face.


    "Have you seen this man?" I snapped, baring my teeth at her in newly found anger. I didn''t even have


    to pretend.


    Her eyes widened a fraction for a while, before they softened a whole lot and she pulled her bottom lip


    between her teeth.


    "Oh yea I''ve seen him. This is your mate? Gosh I wished he wasn''t mated"


    She yelped in surprise when I overturned the chair she was sitting in and mmed my hands against


    the table, obviously taking her off guard.


    Good.


    They''re a lot ofyers to me that she doesn''t know about, and she''s about to see the worst since she


    was being unnecessarily difficult.Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Now I''m gonna ask you onest time Lacey or Macey-"


    "It''s Stacey."


    "I don''t care! Now, where is my mate? " I gritted out, growing real sick of her crap. She shot me a


    careful re before straightening her shoulders and leaning back again after repositioning herself back


    in her flimsy chair.


    "I don''t know," She retorted, obviously not knowing what I wanted to do to her at that very moment.


    "Wrong answer Lacey! " I pulled the dagger from my waist band and shoved it in the table beside her


    hand, causing her to flinch a little. I missed it on purpose, and I wont next time. "Now you just listen you


    little-"


    "Zoey?"


    My head snapped up at the sound of my mate''s voice, and my heart soared with relief when I saw that


    he was okay. Two days never felt this long. But I was immediately reminded of the frustration I felt from


    the conversation we had earlier, after seeing that he was not in any danger, but had me worried sick.


    "What the hell Niall? You had me out of my mind when you didn''te back!" I eximed dramatically,


    throwing my hands in the air for effect.


    I pushed Macey out of the way, watching her fall to her side once again while I stomped my way over to


    the man I called my mate.


    "Babe let me exin" He pleaded with careful eyes and his hands raised in surrender.


    "Don''t bother. We can do that on the way back. Let''s go"


    And with that, I turned and strutted out of that cursed ce like freaking Beyonc¨¦ walking away from


    Sasha Fierce explosion.


    "My f**king queen" I heard him mumble as he followed close behind me. I was still very much upset


    with him, but the small words had my tummy erupting in butterflies.


    I contained a smirk as I pushed the door open, but the light twitch that managed to pull on my lips


    dropped instantly when I took in the scene in front of me.


    "Damn" Niall mumbled from beside me, and I couldn''t help but agree. If it''s not one thing, it''s the other


    in this damn world.


    And quite frankly, I''m sick of this bullshit.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    "What the hell!" I screeched as I ran outside with Niall on my tail.


    I was left bbergasted as I took in the sight in front of me. My heart thumped against my chest like a


    beating drum, and the longer I looked at it, the more surreal it became.


    My car, that I nearly destroyed justing here, was in giant mes with a very flustered looking


    Valero, and a pissed rissa standing next to it.


    "I was literally inside the building for two minutes!" I pulled on my hair as I gazed between Valero and


    rissa, silently waiting for an answer.


    "It-it just erupted in mes! I-I.." Valero stuttered, still looking stunned by it all.


    I threw my head in my hands with a big huff, feeling rather annoyed and frustrated from this whole trip. I


    knew I smelled a little extra gas on my way here as if it had a leak, but I didn''t think it would''ve


    exploded!


    I felt as Niall rested his hand on my shoulder, at which I shocked us both by flinching away. My


    annoyance at what he did was still burning in me, but as I turned to look at him and saw the sadness in


    his eyes, I felt myself letting go as I stepped into his embrace.


    Warm tears soaked his shirt as they seeped from my eyes. I had no specific reason for crying, but from


    the overwhelming feeling of thinking my mate was in trouble, to finding out that he wasn''t, to emerging


    from the building to see my first car on fire--it was all too much.


    "Hey baby don''t cry" Niall coaxed as he pulled back my face to look into my eyes."I''ll get you a new car


    tomorrow if you want to"


    "It''s not about the car Niall" I semi shouted as I stepped away from him. He was taken aback by my


    movements and my tone, and I noticed that rissa and Valero looked slightly ufortable. "I


    missed you...I needed you and you were here doing God knows what with God knows who for


    whatever reason. I pulled an Alpha away from his pack to help me. I called on a rogue you obviously


    don''t like to help me. I put them and myself in danger because YOU decided to take a trip to rogue-


    town without thinking of informing YOUR MATE!"


    The silence sat between us like still water, and I was drowning in its thick, tense atmosphere. The only


    sound emerged from the cackling of the fire as it lit the open night. Niall gazed at me in thought for a


    while longer as I dried my eyes. Realising that he wasn''t going to say anything else, I simply turned to


    leave.


    "If we shift we''ll be able to be back by midnight" I cleared my throat as I spoke, not once gazing back


    as I headed for the exit. I heard all of them falling in, but I dared not to look back.


    "I''ll shift and you can ride my wolf" I heard Niall''s gentle and small voice as he spoke."You must be


    exhausted" The guilt and pain in his voice was evident, but I tried not to let it affect me.


    I simply nodded, appreciating the idea since I didn''t feel like running 300 miles in wolf form. rissa


    gave the gate guards a curt nod as we left. I was left confused knowing that Niall''s scent wasn''t


    masked, yet the guards as well as other rouges I passed didn''t seem bothered by it.


    It made me wonder, what business did he really have here?


    I decided, however, to leave the conversation forter. I was in no mood to discuss it.


    We walked for a while, just enough to put distance between us and thepound. The silence was


    deafening as we travelled, but I made no move to break it. Niall stayed closely behind me, and I could


    feel how on alert he was as we ventured through the woods. I too kept on high alert, pushing my wolf


    forward just enough to be more aware of my surroundings.


    "Um maybe we should camp out till dawn. I think we''re all a bit too exhausted to run all the way back


    tonight" Valero suggested at which surprisingly rissa agreed.


    I also nodded in agreement. Maybe I was being inconsiderate about travelling all the way home tonight.


    After all, it has been a long day.


    "There''s a small opening just about a mile from here that we could stay till morning. It''s rtively warm


    and secluded there" rissa informed us as she took the lead.


    Sleeping outdoors was never a problem for us wolves. In fact, it was better for us to connect to our


    animal side. But somehow the thought of sleeping right on the border of a rogue town didn''t sit right


    with me. Our scents were almost back to normal. Still, I made no move to protest. I was too tired.


    Valero and Niall both shrugged out of their clothes before shifting into their wolves. I purred in delight


    as I set eyes on my mate. His masculinity and dominance always had me swooning in delight.


    I tried as best as I could to hide it as I hopped onto his back. rissa did the same with Valero, though


    it was quite obvious how ufortable they both were.


    She guided him as we travelled at a steady pace. The night was rtively cool and calming. It almost


    made me forget the day I had. I almost fell asleep on Niall''s back as I let myself rx, even though I


    couldn''t shake the fact that he has yet to say something to me to make me understand what he was


    thinking.


    Sighing, I leaned my body against his massive fluffy fur, wrapped my arms around his neck and


    allowed myself to be set adrift.


    However, I wasn''t allowed to be pulled deeper into my slumber, because I was brought back to reality


    when a loud growling sound trembled the leaves Niall trotted on.


    Instantly, he stopped, and I was up and alert too. rissa and Valero perked up at the sound also, and


    Niall was already growling threateningly as he sniffed, snarled and eyed the forested trees.


    I ran my hand through his fur soothingly, simply because I needed him to stay calm until we identified


    the threat. With his mate this close by to ''danger'', his wolf''s only instinct was to protect me at all cost.


    Even if that meant killing whatever wolf had spotted us at first sight.


    "rissa? What was that?" I asked, as I made a move to hop from Niall''s back. But the minute I did, he


    was circling me in a protective manner as he continued to watch the trees.


    I didn''t stop him, since I understood his urge much too well. Valero was doing the same for the most


    part, except he was just in Alpha mode rather than mate mode.


    "They found us," was all she said as she too jumped from Valero''s back.


    We could smell the mutt, but he was not showing himself. His scent was also quite faint, telling us that


    he either masked it, or he was quite a distance away.


    "Who found us?" I tried my best to get away from Niall''s circling so I could get closer to her, but he


    simply wasn''t having it.


    Eventually, I just led rissa inside my personal bubble to converse with her. We were still very much


    on alert, but the way Niall and his cousin were acting, I was sure it was safe to talk without being hurt if


    a wolf should attack.


    ~"Remember when I told you about our scents being...special?"~ She poked in my head instead of


    saying it out loud. I nodded in response. ~"Well long story short, it was the reason why I was kidnapped


    from my pack as a child. Our blood can do wonders and-"~


    She stopped immediately as the growling came closer. I pushed my wolf forward as I scanned the trees


    and perked my ears. We couldn''t tell what direction he wasing from, but he was indeed closer. I


    quickly looked back to rissa for a quick answer; the urgency in my eyes told her to make it fast.


    ~"It can''t do much for a regr wolf now, but if a pregnant wolf should drink our blood, it would cause


    the pup to grow stronger than any regr wolf. Of course, he/she wouldn''t be as strong as a high


    ranking wolf, but he would be stronger than his peers. Way stronger. It also has special healing agents,


    but nothing miraculous. So you can imagine of other wolves should know about this, how dangerous it


    can be"~


    ~"And?"~ I urged, wanting to know where she was heading.


    ~"There once was a group of 15 special rogues called genesis rogues. They dedicated their whole lives


    into finding wolves like us so that they could build a pack of their own with their heirs being born with


    our blood. But they retired a few years back and settled at Rogue Burg. For generations they have


    failed, so they gave up their aimless mission. But this one in particr must''ve been out hunting and


    caught your scent, since the mask is wearing off. It won''t be long until he alerts the others"~


    ~"And you didn''t warn us!"~ I snapped unintentionally, but a group of blood thirsty rogues was


    something I would''ve liked to hear about.


    ~"I haven''t seen them in a decade, and your scent is still faint so I didn''t think..."~ She trailed off as she


    pinched the bridge of her nose before meeting my eyes again. ~"You have to understand Zoey, their


    tracking skills are a thousand times better than mine. Even with the light coat of wolfsbane, they


    scented you out"~


    I huffed in frustration as I continued to eye the trees. My mind swirled with various questions, but


    thinking about it all would surely give me a headache.


    Who would''ve thought that my bloodline that I didn''t even know was special until this morning, could


    get me in so much trouble?


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    ~"What about you? Aren''t they after you too? Weren''t they after dad?"~ I was utterly confused and


    slightly nervous. If my blood could do such things, why didn''t I know about it earlier from our chat?


    ~"I have been a rogue all my life, and your dad was a rogue for years. We had to stay safe from them,


    especially after they kidnapped me from my home. In order to stay safe, Reagan corrupted our blood


    with napellus ashes, making it deadly to the mother of the child who would drink it. They took my blood


    once, and when it killed the mother, they left us alone"~


    ~"And now they smell fresh blood and are after me"~ I concluded, running my hand through my hair in


    frustration. Niall was still sniffing and sneering at the trees, ready to pounce andpletely oblivious to


    my conversation with rissa.


    ~"If you and Niall run real fast, maybe Valero and I can keep them off until you''re in packnds-"~


    ~"No"~ I cut her off swiftly. ~"If they''re after me, then this is my fight"~ I stated confidently, ready to take


    them down.


    This wasn''t only about me anymore. If even one of them survived, I would always have a target on my


    back, meaning that people I cared about could get hurt. When Niall and I should have a child, he too


    would be in danger as long as they are aware of my existence.


    This had to end now.


    "Why isn''t he attacking" I mumbled out loud as I waited for him to emerge.


    Valero and Niall were in attack mode too, but the ''genesis'' rogue wasn''t showing himself. Instead, he


    seemed to be only circling the grounds a few yards away, growling every now and then to make us


    know that he was very much still present.


    "He wont attack alone. He knew he''d only die" rissa confirmed. "He''s waiting on the others"


    ~"What others?"~ This came from Niall as he pushed himself into my head.


    ~"I''ll tell youter"~ I quickly replied.~"Now let''s just stay focu-"~


    I wasn''t allowed to finish, because the rustling of leaves and the distinct sound of more wolves growling


    stole my attention.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Everyone got alert at the very sound of this.


    Niall lowered his upper body in a pouncing stance, while Valero mimicked his movement as he turned


    to the opposite direction.


    If rissa was correct about the number, this battle was four against fifteen. But the advantage is that


    we are all high ranking wolves against mere rogues. Special rogues or not, they didn''t stand a chance.


    The shredding of clothes alerted me that rissa shifted too, but I stayed in human form, simply


    because I never got to learn to fight in wolf form, and I was better with my weapons. I whipped my


    silver bullet gun from my belt, already aiming it at the trees as we circled slowly.


    ~Stay behind me"~ Niall instructed sharply in my head. I didn''t appreciate his tone, but I knew it was his


    sole protective nature.


    However, I didn''t listen, since the minute wolves both shifted and in human form came pouncing from


    every direction, I made my move.


    I wasted no time in firing at them immediately, taking down three of them in the split of a second. I


    contained a smirk, knowing this couldn''t be too hard. The others were already knocking over the shifted


    wolves, biting into their neck with no hesitation as their body went limp.


    I drove my elbow backwards as I heard a rogue approaching me, hitting him square it the face as he


    plummeted to the ground. I didn''t hesitate to end him, immediately turning to strike my right foot to


    another one who was running towards me, sending him flying. I didn''t even know that I had that much


    strength. Just like before, I delivered a shot to his chest the minute he fell to the ground.


    But to my utmost surprise, I was taken off guard as a ball of rough fur plunged me by my side, sending


    me smack against a tree. I winced as my hand immediately went to the back of my head, but I had no


    time to focus on that, because the same wolf who shoved me was walking threateningly slow towards


    me with her teeth bared and snarling.


    I knew that look too well. I was sure that one of the men I killed was her lover. Else, she wouldn''t have


    been approaching me this slowly, threateningly and intentional. She would''ve just killed me the minute


    she shoved me.


    I searched for my gun, cursing lowly when I saw that it was a few feet away after I dropped it when she


    pushed me. I tried to stand, but my feet failed me. Slightly panicking, I grabbed two daggers from my


    belt and hurled them at her,nding them in both of her eyes.


    I winced as she howled in pain, but that only seemed to enrage her more, as she darted towards me


    blindly.


    With wide eyes, I rolled out of her way before quickly jumping to wobbly feet. I whipped my silver rope


    from my duty belt also, after which I swung it around her neck, pulling as hard as I could. But my


    strength failed me, and she trashed from its hold and aimlessly dashed towards me.


    I made a move to get away from her blind path again, but she was tackled to the ground by my mate''s


    large wolf. I sighed in relief as I watched her body go limp after he drove his teeth in her neck. I felt for


    her, but I kept reminding myself that this is for my future baby. They had to go, or else he would never


    be safe if they know I''m alive.


    Niall''s eyes quickly met mine, and a whimper rumbled from his chest when he saw that I was hurt, but I


    quickly told him to focus on the few rogues left. About twenty rogues attacked us, at which only six


    were still standing.


    I scanned the area for my gun, but panic rose in me when I saw that it was no longer sitting in the ce


    I saw it earlier. I knew the shifted wolves could''ve never taken it, and rissa, Niall and Valero couldn''t


    have taken it with their paws either, which only told me that one out of the two wolves that were still in


    human form had it.


    I wasted no time in running in the direction of one of them who was creeping up behind Valero, but a


    surge of panic in both my mate bond, and the bond I had with rissa took me by surprise.


    ~"Zoey look out!"~ Niall screamed in my head, just as the loud, deafening sound of a gunshot rippled


    through the air and shook the trees.


    It all seemed to have happened in slow motion as I spun on my heels, where I saw a body ofrge


    brown gloom leaping in front of me. Before I knew it, I watched as she tumbled to the ground in writhing


    pain--she saved my life.


    My eyes burnt with tears as my vision blurred. I could see from the side of my eyes when Niall attacked


    the rogue who had my gun. They all seemed to have stopped fighting as rissa shifted back to her


    human form, with her eyes barely drooping.


    I fell to my knees in front of her as a sob raked my body. I could feel the newly formed link between us


    already being broken, and it hurt more than I expected.


    "No!" I cried, as I tried to stop the blood seeping from her side. Her limb fingers stretched over my


    hand, gaining my attention as I met her pale eyes.


    "Go to Ennd Zoey. Remember to go to..." Her voice trailed as it cracked and went small. My heart


    broke as my tears continued to fall. "Your dad would be proud of the woman you''ve be" She


    whispered with a strained smile as her body wentpletely limp in my hand.


    My cries grew louder as I felt her bondpletely disappear. I didn''t know her for long, but as she said,


    we are bound by blood and I felt the loss dearly. A sound of a wolf whimpering caught my attention as I


    eyed the now ending battle.


    Three wolves were now standing, and after predicting their demise, they started to back away as if


    wanting to retreat. But the anger that rose in me forbade them from doing so. Because all I saw after


    that was red.


    in, raw red.


    I jumped from my former kneeling position, shifting mid way in the air and I wasted no time in charging


    towards them.


    I pounced on the one closest while his friends tried to escape. But I didn''t know how I moved so fast


    and where I got the strength from, as I caught and tackled them both in one go. I didn''t see what


    happened or how I did it, but my eyes only began to clear as I stared at their lifeless bodies beneath my


    feet.


    Niall''s wolf approached me, barely nudging me with his nose which brought me back to reality


    completely.


    I spun to look at rissa''s lifeless body a few feet away. She took a silver bullet for me. She died for


    me so that I could find out all I needed to know about myself.


    She was around Victoria''s age--she left too soon. She could''ve done so much more before her life was


    taken from her. But I was grateful for her sacrifice, and I promised myself that it wouldn''t be in vain.


    Niall rubbed his nozzle to mine as an act offort for us wolves. Yet somehow, it only granted me so


    littlefort as I ogled her in sorrow.


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    I threw my head back as my heart ached, and let out a long, sorrowful howl to the moon.


    Your death won''t be in vain rissa. I promise you.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Niall''s Pov


    She just sat there.


    She just sat there and she won''t talk. She won''t talk to me, she won''t talk to Valero, she blocked me


    from her mind andpletely put her barrier up--blocking me from whatever she might''ve been feeling.


    It killed me that I was the cause of her pain and the reason why she wouldn''t even look me in the eyes.


    She held onto me while we made it to the small river about three miles away from where the fight just


    ured, but after she was clean and wearing my shirt, she just sat in front of the water with her knees


    against her chest and her chin on them, staring at the water.


    The only time she spoke was to protest when Valero began to dig a hole to put rissa to rest, and so


    we brought her to where the river''s current was stronger, where she cleaned her off, ced leaves all


    around her and sent her down the rushing water.


    She said rissa wouldn''t want to be subjected to lying in the ground. Even after death she would


    want to be free. I never understood the rtionship she had with the rogue, but I havee to learn


    that they had a link. Shocker.


    I was gone for one day and my mate formed what should''ve been an impossible link with a wolf. I


    knew, however, that there was more behind their connection that I didn''t know. Also, from what I could


    detect from Zoey''s demeanour, she learnt something and was thinking hard about it. But all I knew was


    that whatever bond they had, it really did a number on her.


    And she seemed to be ming it on me.


    Sighing, I sat a few feet away from her, knowing well enough that she wouldn''t want to talk to me yet. I


    couldn''t feel her emotions, but I was hurting because she was hurting.


    My wolf whimpered loudly in my head, trying to get me to gofort her. It was only instinct for him to


    want and need tofort her, but he didn''t understand that when she doesn''t want to see me, I can''t


    change her mind. So, I simply watched as she stared in the dark abyss of the river.


    The moon shone down in all its glory, maybe even brighter than usual, as if celebrating the


    homing of one of its own.


    There were always strange stories being passed down from generation to generation, that when the


    moon''s purest children die, it shines brighter than usual.


    Surely we never believed it, but could it be true with this rissa rogue? Did I misjudge her for the


    person I never thought she could be? Was the only reason why she was so persistent in pursuing my


    mate was for her own good? Did she know something about Zoey''s true bloodline? Maybe that was the


    reason why they had a link. Could they have been rted?


    Valero mentioned something about them having a mindlink, and as far as my knowledge of mindlinks


    go, those can only ur between pack members who could only be ''one'' from the blood of an


    Alpha. The only possible bond that could initiate a mindlink is a mate bond. Otherwise, they shouldn''t


    have been able to form any kind of link--even if they are rted.


    This only led me to believe that there was a lot more to my mate that I needed to learn.


    The worst part was, that''s all I had been trying to do. It was never my intention to leave this long and


    have her worried.


    My initial n entailed me returning home the very day I left, but my cover got blown and I had to do


    my best to resolve the matter civilly. But instead of making it better, I led my mate, my cousin and a


    rogue that obviously meant something to her, into what could''ve been a death trap.


    I sighed deeply, hanging my head in shame as I thought about how much worse this could''ve gone.


    The only thing that gave me joy was the fact that she was okay. Physically at that.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Hey bro," I heard my cousin''s voice soft and steady as he sat beside me. He only wore his pants like I


    did, since his shirt got lost somewhere in the crossfire, and I gave mine to Zoey after she shifted and


    shredded her clothes.


    "Hey" I mumbled before burying my head between my chest and knees again. I didn''t feel like talking.


    "How are you holding up?" I knew what he really wanted to know was how Zoey was doing, but he


    didn''t want to ask directly.


    "She shut me out. I can''t link her or feel her and she won''t talk to me. I just think we should all get some


    sleep. It''s well past two in the morning now" I knew I was tired as hell, but I couldn''t dare bring myself


    to close my eyes knowing my sweet beautiful mate was hurting.


    The silence sat between us for a while, and I thought he decided to just get some rest. Instead, he


    spoke again after a while.


    "Remember when we were ten? You, Daniel and I were ying on the stairs that day?" I whipped my


    head towards him in shock that he dared mentioning Daniel. He never mentioned Daniel. Ever.


    Nheless, I nodded as he continued. "We were all on that staircase, and we knew we shouldn''t


    have been ying there... Yet, we did and-" I rubbed his shoulder infort, knowing that even after


    nine years it must''ve been hard for him.


    Daniel was Valero''s twin brother. He died when we were ten. We were ying on the staircase, and


    Valero slipped on one of his toys. But just as he tipped over and was about to fall, Daniel caught him


    and switched their bodies so that he was the one who took the blow. He died in Valero''s embrace, and I


    was watching in shock.


    Uncle Aiden never really got over the loss, hence why when Valero was old enough to take over the


    pack at eighteen, he didn''t hesitate to step down.


    I didn''t understand, however, why he was bringing the topic up. We hadn''t talked about him in so long,


    even after we epted his death.


    "I med myself for years for his death you know?" He turned to look at me through the darkness of


    the night."When I shifted for the first time, it didn''t feel right because he wasn''t shifting with me. If it


    hadn''t been for you, I don''t think I could''ve be the man I am today"


    "What''s your point Val?" I asked, not wanting to sound annoyed or snappy, just unsure why he''d bring


    up Daniel after so many years randomly on a night when my mate was blocking me out.


    He chuckled lightly as he fiddled with a stone between his fingers. "My point is, you were there all those


    years reminding me that I couldn''t have seen iting, and what Daniel did for me was far more than


    my ten year old mind could understand andprehend. He didn''t die in vain because I swore to be


    the man that I knew he would''ve been--the Alpha that he would''ve been...I think it''s my turn to remind


    you that"


    "But rissa didn''t die for me. And no matter what I tell myself, it will always be my fault why she died"


    I reasoned, feeling guilt rise in me once again.


    "Did you really just say she didn''t die for you?" He asked bbergasted, taking me by surprise. "Are


    you telling me that she didn''t jump in front of your mate to take a silver bullet? rissa didn''t die for the


    one woman that will determine your joy and peace forever?"


    I hung my head again, looking at it from that point of view. If she didn''t take that bullet, my Zoey


    would''ve been...


    I had been so caught up on how Zoey wasn''t talking to me, that I didn''t really stop to consider that if


    rissa was just a second toote...


    My heart clenched just thinking about it, and all I could do was pray a silent prayer to the moon for her


    soul, silently asking it to ry a thank you to her from me.


    "I-I didn''t.." I couldn''t find the words to say to him. But if his aim was to make me feel better, it didn''t


    help. The only relief I felt towards the whole situation was that she took it on herself to sacrifice herself


    for my mate. And I know that sounded wrong in every aspect, but it was how I felt.


    "I know. I know. But, instead of moping around down here, go stay with your mate. She might not show


    it, but she needs you. She is feeling that gratitude more than you are right now, and she feels terrible at


    the fact that she is grateful that another wolf died for her. She feels guilty for being happy about what


    rissa did for her. But you have to let her know that it''s okay to be grateful for a sacrifice that big. And


    before you ask me how I know what she''s feeling, just consider that I have been there."


    I pondered on his words for a while, realizing just how true they were.


    "When did you get so wise?" I ultimately asked.


    I saw now that I wouldn''t get through to Zoey if I just sat around and waited for her to let me in. She has


    lost her dad and her mom, almost lost her sister, and she thought she was going to lose me too. I was


    a terrible mate for even considering leaving her be for the night. She needed me, whether I admitted it


    or not.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Niall''s Pov


    I knew what I had to do, and I wasn''t going to let my mate fall asleep without me.


    Valero gave me an encouraging smile as I got up and brushed the dirt from my jeans. I sat beside her


    at the bank of the river, but she didn''t look at me once or acknowledge my presence.


    Sighing, I scooted a little closer to her, keeping just enough distance as not to startle her. From what


    I''ve witnessed growing up, women are very snappy when they are angry, frustrated or sad, and I didn''t


    even know which one Zoey was feeling--maybe all.


    "Why did you leave Niall?" I was shocked to hear her small sweet voice asking me the question. I was


    still recovering from the shock that she actually spoke to me, that I took a while to answer her question.


    "I-um..I came here to try and get more information about where your dad might''ve been from" I told her


    truthfully, totally unaware of how she would take it.


    She removed her chin from the gap between her knees and her chest as she peered at me. She wasn''t


    saying anything, and her face and eyes didn''t give away anything either. It made me anxious to know


    what was going on in that beautiful mind of hers.


    "Please say something Zoey" I sighed, feeling desperate for some sort of emotion from her.


    "What am I supposed to say Niall? Thank you? I''m ttered?" Her tone caught me by surprise, and it


    killed me even more that she was this upset with me. "You could''ve told me Niall! You SHOULD''VE told


    me!"


    It was then that I saw how much I really hurt her, but it was never my intention to do so. After I arrived, I


    learnt that they didn''t know anything about him. I knew it was a long shot, so I decided to just leave


    right away without looking back. But when I was about to leave that same day, the mask I used to hide


    my scent wore off, and they all got so defensive after knowing an Alpha was in their territory.


    I had no intention to fight them, so I let them know that I came in peace for simple information to help


    my mate. Of course, that was a mistake. They knew they could use her against me, and even with my


    strength and speed, I couldn''t fight the whole Rogue Burg poption, neither did I intend to.


    So, I did a simple favour that they asked so that I didn''t get caught up in a rogue war--especially


    against my Zoey. It took longer than I expected, so I decided to leave without helping them finish what


    they asked me to do, but somehow, someone knew who I was, meaning they knew my pack and knew


    my Zoey.


    My border patrol was one of the strongest in the country, but I performed treason going on their


    property, and when I didn''t want to hold up on my end or the bargain, that could potentially mean war


    that I was not ready for, nor intended for my mate to be caught in.


    I guess that''s when she felt my panic, and it never eased until Ipleted the favour for them. I


    should''ve considered that it would''ve led her to me, thinking I was in trouble.


    When I felt her close, I panicked again as I didn''t want her anywhere near that ce. If only she had


    waited a little longer for me to reach the border like I asked, and we''d all go home safe.


    But I wouldn''t dare try ming this on her. She was a worried wolf for her mate...I should''ve known not


    to try and get her to turn back. Now, her friend is dead and it was all because I didn''t tell her that I was


    leaving.


    "I know" I held my head down, too ashamed to look her in the eyes." I didn''t want to tell you and have


    your hopes, only to have them crushed if I didn''t learn anything. It wasn''t supposed tost this long but


    they figured out that I wasn''t a rogue and I might''ve mentioned that I just wanted information to help my


    mate and they threatened to go after you, so to show them that I had no intention of war, I-"


    "It doesn''t matter Niall" She mumbled without looking at me."It doesn''t matter anymore...Did you, did


    you learn anything?" She met my eyes again, but I couldn''t even hold on to that small hint of light in her


    eyes, since I had no good news to ry to her.


    She sighed and buried her head in her knees again after I shook my head. I wanted to hold her, I


    wanted to hold her so bad. But if I should so much as reach out for her, she would hiss at me like a


    kitten.


    "Zoey I''m so, so sorry. I know now that I should''ve never done something this big without informing you.


    In my mind, I was just trying to do what''s best for you. I wanted to protect you, and I thought that if I told


    you, you would''ve asked toe with me. When I didn''te home, it was all because I didn''t want to


    put you in harm''s way. I didn''t want to tell you what my aim was, because I didn''t want to see that


    disappointed look that you have right now. I just want you to be happy, that''s all I ever wanted. It''s why I


    do such preposterous things sometimes even if you don''t understand. Just... Just know I did it all for


    you."


    When she didn''t answer, I continued after letting out a deep sigh.


    " I don''t know, and won''t even try to understand the connection you had to the rog- I mean, rissa.


    But I am so deeply sorry for being the reason why she um-died" I perked up when she actually turned


    to look at me again. But my heart broke when I saw her eyes swimming with sadness.


    "It wasn''t your fault. I me myself for bringing her along. I could''ve killed Valero too. If only I listened


    to Asia and believe that you could take care of yourself."


    "Hey hey baby don''t do that to yourself" I didn''t yield to her protest anymore. I just knew I had to hold


    her in my arms to show her that I was there. "I know this is hard and you have every right to be upset


    with me. But this is not your fault Zoey. We are wolves. Our instincts are our sole driver of life next to


    love. Imagine having both instincts and love forcing you to go after your mate that you believed was in


    trouble? You didn''t do anything wrong, and I know rissa knows that. If anyone is to me here, it''s


    me okay? Don''t me yourself for caring"


    Her shoulders shook as she cried in my chest, causing my insides to plummet in grief, guilt and shame.


    All I ever wanted to do was make her happy. Now, I was the sole cause of her being so broken. It tore


    me apart.


    It all became so much worse when she let her walls down. If I thought she was hurting before, I didn''t


    know how to describe it now.


    I felt a tear roll down my cheek as her tears soaked my bare chest. I didn''t know what to say to her, nor


    did I know what to do. But I did know that even if I was her least favourite person in the world at that


    moment, I had to be there for her.


    And so, I tried to be strong as I let down my own walls and flooded her with all the love, care, adoration


    and warmth I could muster, just to show her that she meant the world to me.


    She wrapped her arms around me tighter as I whispered sweet nothings and apologies in her ear, and


    rubbed small circles on her arm. It took a while for her to settle down, but I never tried to stop her. She


    shuffled so that I was cradling her to my chest.


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    "I''m b-broken Niall" Her small, sweet voice broke me from my thoughts as her emotions continued to


    subside. "I always have been, but I never tried to acknowledge it. I just always epted that people die


    and life moves on." She huped over a lingering sob as she continued.


    I listened attentively, knowing she didn''t need me to butt in, but simply listened.


    "I epted that I didn''t know my dad. I epted that my mom was sickly and I epted that maybe I


    am a high ranking wolf. Even when I didn''t shift at 16 like normal wolves, I epted that I was different.


    But the load of all that eptance crumbled my foundation and I didn''t even notice until now." She


    gazed up at me, as if checking if I was still listening before bringing her hand to her mouth as she


    yawned.


    "I''ve-I''ve always looked on the positive side of things. But after seeing rissa sail away on that thing, I


    couldn''t get her words out of my head, telling me to go to Emerald Pack and learn theplete truth.


    But how much more epting can I bear Niall? What if what I learn isn''t what I want to know? What if it


    breaks me even more than helps me find out who I really am? rissa told me that when I learn


    everything, I''d have to make decision that I might not like--that you might not like"


    She shook her head twice, and it looked like she was on the brink of crying again, so I quickly rubbed


    her arm soothingly, providing as muchfort as possible.


    "I can''t do this Niall." She mumbled, sounding very much sleepy. "I can''t do this over and over again.


    I''m not going. I don''t need to know anything more. All I need to know is that I can find happiness here


    with you. I always thought that once I learn everything, I''d be able to move onpletely and be the


    best mate and Luna for you... But don''t you see Niall? I don''t need that. I only need you and I''ll be


    happy. I''m not going" She concluded firmly but quietly as her body grew heavier, showing me that she


    was falling asleep.


    I was left stunned into silence as I watched her sleepy and sad eyes droop. I gently ced a kiss on


    her forehead beforeying her beside me on the ground as she weed sleep. Iid beside her and


    pulled her to my chest again. I saw that Valero was also sleeping, leaving me alone to my thoughts.


    I didn''t even know that rissa told Zoey that her answers were at Emerald Pack in Ennd. In fact, I


    had no idea what she already knew after picking the rogue''s brain.


    But how do I tell my mate, who just cried her heart and soul out in my arms, simply because she had to


    ept painful truth after truth all her life, that she needed to go and ept just this one more, despite


    the risks?

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    Relief flooded me when I noticed that we were nearing the Alpha house. I was beyond exhausted,


    since I had no idea how I could run that far on only three hours of sleep.


    Niall woke up at five this morning, waking me too in the process since I found myselfying on top of


    him. I protested against the idea, but he insisted that we should leave before sunrise, since we were


    still very close to Rogue Burg, and I knew none of us were ready to be in another fight.


    We ran back in wolf form,pletely hungry, tired and clothes-less. In all honesty, I couldn''t wait to get


    home.


    Valero left once we were at the border of Niall''s pack, but we didn''t exchange any verbal departure


    words, since we don''t have a link with him. I did, however, make a mental note to call him and thank


    him againter.


    As we neared the house, Asia and Jared emerged from the entrance with worried looks on their faces. I


    could tell that they were mindlinking Niall, but I just kept quiet since I only had a link to Niall.


    We stopped once we were at the base of the steps that led to the door, and I watched as they


    communicated with focused looks on their faces.


    If anyone should see the encounter, they would''ve thought that they were having a strange staring


    contest. Being on the receiving end of watching people mindlink for once, it made me realise how weird


    we really looked. No wonder we couldn''t live with humans.


    Asia''s eyes momentarily darted to me for a second before she looked back to Niall, but they quickly


    found me again only a millisecond after, as she eyed my neck area with raised eyebrows and an ''o''


    shape forming on her lips.


    At first, I got a tad defensive, thinking she was nning on shifting and biting into my neck to kill me,


    but I then noticed that she wasn''t actually staring at my neck, but the chain around my neck.


    It was my shifter''s bracelet that Ciara gave to me on my 18th birthday. When I am in wolf form, instead


    of being destroyed like everything else, it transforms with me into a thin gold chain with the pendant still


    in ce. I am yet to understand the ''magic'' behind it, but if we could shift intorge wolves, who am I to


    question a shifting bracelet?


    She took two reluctant steps towards me as Niall and Jared continued their intense conversation. I


    didn''t even know why I was waiting for him to end. It''s not like I needed him to walk with me inside.


    Her eyes flickered from my amber ones to the ne, silently asking a question. I still didn''t like her


    and very much didn''t trust her, but I pushed the thought of her ripping it from around my neck to the


    back of my mind, as I gave her a short nod.


    She twisted it between her fingers for a while, momentarily pulling at my fur as she gazed at it in


    amazement. I was shocked that she didn''t look jealous, since that''s her speciality.


    "Is this a shifter''s bracelet?" She asked, and I gave her another wolfy nod. This seemed to have


    sparked her interest even more as she eyed it. I cocked my head to the side in question, letting out a


    low bark in conversation.


    "I have heard stories about these from my dad. But he said only special wolves ever get them."


    ''What kind of special wolf?'', I wanted to ask, but of course, my human side was subdued.


    My attention was drawn from her when Niall seemed to have finished his conversation. He nudged me


    with his nose before giving me a wolfy kiss. My wolf, who obviously loved it, returned the gesture, and I


    noticed Asia''s eyes didn''t hold the usual malice like they used to. She just looked deep in thought and


    nk. However, I simply ignored her and followed Niall towards the back of the house.


    We shifted once we were out of the sight of anyone else, and he wrapped a nket around my bare


    body from his stash that he kept at his back door for situations like these.


    The minute I was through the backdoor and in the kitchen, I wasted no time in grabbing an apple from


    the fruit basket. I was ravished, and Niall did the same as heughed at me.


    "What?" I mumbled through a mouth full of the juicy fruit. "I haven''t eaten in over twelve hours."


    "I didn''t say anything, Love. Come on, let''s go get cleaned up and I''ll make breakfast for us," he offered


    and I happily obliged once I remembered how dirty I was.


    Once we were in our room, I grabbed clean clothes for us while he ran the water. I joined him in the


    bathroom afterwards, dropping the nket from my body in the process. His eyes trailed over my body


    hungrily, but once he met my eyes again, they went back to normal after he remembered that it wasn''t


    the best time.


    I stepped into the warm bath water, loving the feeling of home and vowing never to leave on an


    adventure like that again. Niall eased himself behind me, which I happily let him.


    I rxed against him, feeling sleep dawn on me at howfortable he felt. He trailed the bath sponge


    over my shoulders soothingly as he rid it from all the dirt. I hummed in approval as I rested my head on


    his shoulder.


    I liked having him this way. And after not seeing him for two days, I couldn''t help how much the relief


    and love overshadowed the annoyance and anger I held towards himst night. I was still grieving


    rissa, and she was all I thought about on the run home.


    My wolf felt the loss more though. She was the one that held the bond with rissa, and though I still


    didn''t understand how it was possible, I knew it was really hard to get over.


    I hated the void it left in me. It was like losing my dad all over again. After meeting and forming a bond


    with someone that he not only knew, but raised, then to have it stripped away not even 24 hourster--


    it was heart wrenching.


    I also felt terrible that her life was cut short because I asked her to follow me into a suicide mission that


    never had to happen. I knew Niall said I shouldn''t me myself, but how could I not?


    I just wished I had it in me to fulfil her dying wish and go to Emerald Pack to learn the truth. But I


    couldn''t. I won''t.


    "Hey what are you thinking about?" Niall''s voice broke me from my thoughts as he asked. I sighed,


    remembering that we had a link and he would feel my emotions if they got too intense.


    "I was just thinking about rissa, my dad and everything," I mumbled as I sshed the water gently. I


    held my head down as I heard him sighing.


    "Zoey I''m- I''m so sorry for everything I''ve caused. I don''t know what connection you had with rissa,


    but I''m sorry I was the cause of it breaking."


    I simply sighed, knowing I wasn''t upset with him anymore, just relieved that he was actually okay. I was


    also sad about the events ofst night, and tired as ever.


    "We... well- I am supposingly a ''special wolf''. We were able to form a bond by drinking each others''


    blood. I still don''t understand it fully, but she said I should- um- I should...It doesn''t matter."


    "Oh but it does Zoey. I think you should go to Ennd," he added carefully, causing me to turn slightly


    so that I was seeing his face. I gave him a stern look, which made him visibly gulp, obviously not


    wanting to upset me further.


    "Why?" I raised an eyebrow as I asked. "Didn''t you see what the truth always does to me? I can live


    without it," I ended firmly, my tone telling him that it wasn''t up for discussion.


    He sighed as he grabbed my shampoo in silence for a while. He gently squeezed some in his hands


    before rubbing it all over my scalp and hair. He massaged it for a while, and I knew he was only doing it


    to get me calm. I would be lying if I said it didn''t work.


    "Look baby, all I''m saying is that I think that you need to learn whatever rissa wanted you to know. I


    know I didn''t trust her at first, but my intuition is telling me that this is what you need."


    "What I need, Niall, is peace. I can finally get that here."


    "But you''ll never have rity," he argued back carefully, and I turned again so I could give him my best


    re.


    My voice rose a little louder as I argued back. "Do you want me to be hurt again Niall? Don''t you see


    that I''ve had enough? rissa told me yesterday that what I learn will require me to make a huge


    decision--one that YOU will probably not like. That alone gives me all the answers I need to know that


    whatever ''truth'' is lying in Ennd will only bring me heartache again. I''m not going and that''s Final"


    "But-"


    "And that''s final Niall!" I cut him off before he could continue, giving him the look that told him I was


    indeed done.


    He sighed in defeat after a while of staring at each other. I knew it was bold challenging an Alpha like


    that, but I needed him to know how serious I was.


    I turned around once I realised I won the argument, and I rxed against him once I didn''t hear him


    saying anything. I love him for wanting what he thought was best for me, but I knew what was best for


    me too.


    "I need you to know that I never want you to get hurt." I got defensive again, thinking he was going to


    prolonged the argument. "But despite what I think, I will one hundred percent support your decision. I


    don''t want to see you hurt, ever. But just for future''s sake, if something should evere up, just know


    that I will always be here for you. I won''t ever leave you alone Zoey. You won''t ever feel like you''re


    alone. " He ended, making my heart well up in love even more for him.


    I spun so that I was sitting on hisp in a straddling position as I smiled slightly at him in gratitude.


    "Thank you Niall. And it''s okay. I''m not mad at you anymore. I understand that whatever you did was for


    me, and I knew you had my best interest in heart. Though things didn''t go as any of us nned, your


    intentions were never to hurt me, but help me and that makes all the difference. I can''t possibly be


    upset with you about that. I do wish you would''ve told me though. That was where most of my anger


    stemmed from; but I know now that things happen and even though it might be hard, I''ll just have to


    move on."


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He wrapped his arms tighter around my waist as he gazed at me with those love filled eyes. They


    always did so much to me. "I promise I will never do something like that again. I don''t ever want to see


    you hurt again."


    Instead of answering, I dipped my head down to capture his lips with mine. Oh how I''ve missed this. It


    has been too long. I pulled him impossibly closer as I enjoyed the feeling of having his soft, sweet lips


    against mine once again. I rested my forehead on his once we broke apart, both of us breathing


    heavily. It wasn''t a kiss to ignite any sexual desire, but simply a kiss to show each other how we really


    felt, and sealing the promise that we''d always be with each other.


    "I love you my beautiful, sweet Zoey," he mumbled as he trailed his finger down my back, sending a


    shiver through my body.


    "I love you too Niall." I chuckled when my still very soapy hair fell in front of my eyes, as if reminding us


    that it still needed to be tended to.


    "Come on, let''s finish cleaning up and then we can go down for breakfast." He quickly pecked my lips


    as I nodded in agreement.


    This was all I needed to be happy. Just me and my mate. I didn''t need to know what ¡®truth¡¯ was in


    Ennd. This is my happiness.


    I just know it.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    Three days had passed, and everything was going back to normal.


    Niall arranged a special section in the pack cemetery for headstones of my dad and rissa, so that I


    could visit them anytime I wanted to. I loved it.


    Even though I visited my mom''s grave countless times back in Brightwater Pack, I never really had a


    talk with my dad like I had with her. Even though his physical body wouldn''t be there, it was sweet, and


    I loved him even more for doing it for me.


    We were scheduling a pack meeting, where Niall will officially introduce me to his pack and make me a


    member.


    With everything that had been going on, we never got the chance to do it, but now we can since


    everything is settled. And even though almost every pack member already knew me, I still had to be


    officially introduced as Luna. I was more than happy and ready to be just that.


    This is all I need.


    "Hey beautiful."


    I beamed at the very voice of the man I loved so much, and I threw my head over my shoulder to see


    him entering the small room.


    "Hey handsome," I mumbled as he leaned in to kiss me. I had paint all over my hands, and I didn''t want


    to ruin his shirt, so I settled with kissing him without wrapping my arms around him like I always do.


    "Aren''t you hungry? You''ve been painting all morning... Which is beautiful by the way," he added


    quickly when he saw my re.


    I had always been defensive of my paintings. People always loved them, but they rarely understood


    them.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "I''ll grab brunch in a bit. I just want to finish this first. "


    "What is it? " Niall asked as he cocked his head to the side, trying to figure out my swirls and contours.


    I ogled it myself, not really sure why I was making something so...vague.


    "I don''t know," I shrugged. "It just came from here." I pointed to my head, causing him tough, but he


    had a focused look on his face as he continued to eye my work.


    "I think...." he drawled, as I made my final stroke. "I think it''s what your mind looks like. "


    I scrunched my face up at how cheesy that sounded as I removed my apron.


    "No for real, " he insisted. "Just look at it. You don''t know what it is, meaning that you painted it


    subconsciously right?"


    "I guess but-"


    "And look at the others you''ve painted over the past three days. They''re all simr. As if they are saying


    something but... I can''t tell what."


    "Niall you''re being dramatic. It''s just paint on the canvases." I waved him off. He could always make the


    biggest deal out of the simplest of things sometimes.


    "Then why do they all look the same? "


    "What?" I snorted. "They do not," I defended, but one look at the five paintings I''ve recently made,


    including the now drying one, made me realise that they looked the same. The small room attached to


    our bedroom would soon be filled with vague paintings.


    "Honestly, they look like a cry for help." His eyes widened as I gaped at him, offended andpletely


    pissed at his audacity.


    "No baby I don''t mean like that," he quickly defended. "They''re beautiful and perfectly painted. Only the


    purest of talents could everpare to such art." I narrowed my eyes with a firm look as he continued.


    "What I meant was the meaning. Look here..." He pointed at the centre of each of them, and I watched


    attentively. "There''s just a gray, ck or white circle in the middle of all of them right? So in and dull,


    almost sad. But around it springs various colours and the most extravagant shapes, swirls or forms.


    Don''t you see? "


    "See what Niall? "


    "This is you. You''re painting your heart baby. Your mind has been trying to tell you through the one way


    it knows it can reach you--art. " I rolled my eyes as I perched my hand on my hip, giving him a pointed


    look.


    "Telling me what exactly? " I asked, even though I knew what he would say.


    "You''re hiding your true pain beneath all the smiles and ''I''m okays'' and-"


    "Ssshhh.." I slowly ced my fore finger over his lips as I wrapped my arms around his neck. "No more


    talking," I smirked wickedly, pulling him even closer to me.


    I knew what it did to him, and I really didn''t want to have the conversation he had been starting. He was


    probably right, but eventually that little gray, ck of white circle will disappear. It''ll be like it was never


    there.


    "When did you be an art whisperer?" I teased as I gently bit his lip. He growled sexily as his arms


    grew tighter around me.


    "Since I found out my mate was an art genius. I had to meet her somewhere in the middle right?" He


    teased back, not even caring that I was ruining his new polo shirt with paint.


    I pulled his bottom lippletely between my teeth, pushing down my canines to gently graze the


    area, since I knew how much he loved it. I received yet another husky groan from him as he lifted me


    by my butt and wrapped my feet around his waist.


    "Have I ever told you how incredible sexy you are with paint on your face with a paintbrush stuffed into


    your bun?" He asked between pecks as he knead me from behind.


    "Nope. But you can show me."


    And that was all he needed to hear, as he pushed all my supplies from my desk and grabbed my lips


    hungrily in his.


    ***


    A knock sounded at the front door, breaking my eyes from my phone and towards Asia who was sitting


    across from me.


    She too looked up from her phone before directing her gaze back to it, as if saying ''you can get it, you


    live here now too''.


    With an eye roll, I decided to get it for the sake of the peace. She had been oddly calm, non-snarky and


    polite today--she even told me good morning. And when my best friend, Emily, from Brightwater and I


    were speaking on the phone, she never grimaced,mented or threw me eye daggers when I


    mentioned Niall.


    I adjusted my hair just in case it was someone professional, and smooth my ruffled dress as much as


    possible from me and Niall''s session this morning. Once I was decent, I pulled the door open.


    My eyes widened in delight once I had a visual of our guest, and I almost jumped her before


    remembering she was recovering.


    "Victoria? What are you doing here?" I asked as I gently hugged her, not wanting to hurt her too much.


    She was still on crutches from the ident, so I had no clue why she was here, six hours away from


    home instead resting.


    "I wanted to see you. I heard what happened and thought you might need me."


    "How did you...Niall," I concluded, knowing he was the only one who could''ve told her. "I am gonna kill


    that mate of mine." I gritted out as I helped her inside. One minute I was fantasizing about the great sex


    we had, while in another I was thinking about ways to castrate him.


    "Oh leave him Zoey. He was just worried about you. He insisted I stayed home too. He''s not even


    aware I''m on hisnd."


    "Luna Victoria," Asia said, a bit surprised as she stood up. "It''s a pleasure to have you with us."


    "Why thank you Asia. Always a pleasure being here too. You''ve gotten so big." Asia blushed at that, but


    didn''tment on it.


    "How have you been? I heard about the ident. I''m terribly sorry." She sounded so sweet and


    sincere, and she even looked sincere.


    Okay who killed the real Asia?


    "I''m fine really," Victoria waved her off. "A little bruises never stopped me before"


    "Do you need anything? Water? Tea?" She asked out of politeness.


    "Actually, I think a soda will be nice. Coke maybe?" She beamed, causing me to roll my eyes at her


    obsession for the wretched thing.


    "Sure! Zoey?"


    "Hhmm?" I asked, not picking up on her offer.


    "Need anything from the kitchen?" .l


    "Oh..oh no thanks." I smiled awkwardly as I sat beside my sister.


    I frowned a little at Asia''s retreating form. I didn''t trust her new found kindness. Even before Victoria


    came and I couldbel it as respect, she had been different...Nice maybe.


    We still didn''t speak unless necessary, but something was different. It made me wonder if this was her


    true nature. If underneath all that hatred for me, was a decent human being that Jared adores and Niall


    speaks so highly of.


    But then again. It might just be a phase.


    "So real evil queen huh?" Victoria retorted sarcastically, and I didn''t get why I felt so annoyed.


    "She''s nice to you because she respects Luna," I defended stubbornly, remembering the numerous


    times Iined to my sister about what a prick Asia is.


    Sheughed a little as Asia returned with her drink before excusing herself--probably toin to


    Niall about why she wasn''t informed that Victoria wasing. Little did she know that it was a surprise


    to all of us.


    "So please tell me you didn''t drive all this way on your own. "


    She simply shook her head. "Lincoln actually drove me. Luka is gonna flip when he realises I''m gone."


    She threw her hand over her mouth as she stifled a giggle, and I merely gazed at her in awe but


    amusement.


    I knew Luka was too protective to actually be okay with Victoria ditching bed arrest toe here. But


    that''s our Victoria. Daring, strong and doesn''t give a shit.


    "You are going to give that man a heart attack one day." I chuckled lightly, shaking my head. She


    simply shrugged but said nothing.


    "So how is your healing? It must sucks to have human healing. So slow." I knew I was swaying


    conversation away from what she really came here to discuss--why Niall called her in the first ce.


    But of course, the woman who practically raised me knew me better than I knew myself. She gave me


    a pointed look before adjusting in the chair so that she was facing me.


    "So you''re a special wolf?" She asked, getting straight to it.


    I sighed with a nod. "Yup. Apparently I''m from some descendant of special wolves. My friend, rissa,


    didn''t tell me much. But I don''t wanna know."


    "Oh yes you do," she argued back in that ''I''m older and I know what''s best for you'' tone. I resisted the


    urge to roll my eyes.


    "Victoria I can''t okay? I don''t know what Niall thought calling you would do because I am firm on my


    decision. I''m an adult now I can do what''s right for me." My defenses were up, feeling like I was being


    attacked. "He said he respected my decision, which he obviously didn''t."


    "Give the man a break Zoey. He sees past this mask that you''re putting up and he just wants the best


    for you. Telling yourself you''re alright and being alright are different."


    "And what do you propose I do, sister? Be more fragile and hurt? Will the truth really set me free


    or set me on fire again? I can''t, okay? I... Cant." I sighed deeply when I spotted the torn look on her


    face.


    I knew more than anything that she hates to see me sad, but I''d be lying if I said I''d do what she


    wanted me to do.


    She looked torn for a while, and her brown eyes were swimming with uncertainty. Then she looked...


    Scared?


    This confused me more than ever, but I waited for her to speak. She held my hand firmly, and I knew


    that what she was about to tell me wasn''t anything good.


    "Zoey, I know how your dad died," she said softly, confusing me to the core.


    I furrowed my eyebrows as I pulled my hand away, and the torn look and reluctance on her face


    confirmed even more that it wasn''t good.


    "What? But you said-"


    "I know what I said, Zoey, and I wasn''t lying. I never knew your dad. But..." she trailed as my heart


    pounded against my chest.


    "But what Vic?"


    "But I know how he died, because it was my father who killed him."

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    I pulled away from her. The hurt in her eyes was evident after my actions, but it wasn''t because of her,


    it was because of what she said.


    "What?" I questioned out loud.


    Victoria told me she never knew her dad, and she only knew mom when she was an adult. She also


    said she didn''t know anything about our dads. So I was just confused as to what she actually knows


    from what she doesn''t know.


    This was big. This was a huge part of my questions from the moment I was old enough to understand


    that my dad was dead. Nobody ever cared to tell me how he died, so why now?


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    "If you will just listen please," she pleaded softly, and I simply nodded as I settled beside her again. My


    heart raced in anticipation. Victoria''s dad killed mine? For what? For mom maybe?


    The million of questions in my mind seemed endless as I waited for Victoria to start, and I could already


    feel myself getting a headache.


    "Remember when I always told you about our aunt Sophie? You never knew her, but she was the one


    who raised me," she started, and I nodded in response, remembering quite clear the numerous times


    she would tell me about ourte aunt. "Aunt Sophie was mom''s younger sister. When I was one-year-


    old or maybe two, my dad, Micheal, thought he saw a wolf change into a man."


    I knitted my brows in confusion. Victoria, mom and her dad were all human living in the human town.


    So the odds of seeing a wolf was zero to none. That wolf must''ve been careless.


    "When he saw this ''alleged'' wolf, he became obsessed, and one day he got up and moved to the


    woods to be ''closer'' and mom followed him. The ''n'', as mom told me twelve years ago, was for them


    to be back within a month of leaving. She didn''t want to let my dad go alone, she was his wife after all."


    "But you were her daughter. That counts for something," I argued. I loved my mom, but growing up and


    learning that she didn''t raise Victoria, never sat right with me.


    She shrugged, but she didn''t look hurt about it. "Well one month became two, and two became ten, and


    aunt Sophie knew they weren''ting back. The first time I saw mom was when I already met Luka,


    and was introduced to his crazy world, learning that he ''imprinted'' on me, a mere human, and all the


    wolfy stuff. Luka''s Gamma was actually the one to find her, since he had mad tracking skills, both wolf


    and inte.


    "I was skeptical at first, because I grew up hating my parents for leaving, but I needed answers too.


    And one of the answers I needed was who Micheal really was, because I learnt at Brightwater Pack


    that he used to be one of the most wanted men in thend, and he wasn''t even a wolf. He didn''t only


    kill your dad Zoey, he killed other innocent wolves because of his obsessions and crazy theories, trying


    to test them."


    "Oh my gosh that''s awful."


    "So when Lincoln found mom, I just had to know. But that''s the day I met you for the first time." She


    smiled at the memory, and even I remembered clearly the first time I saw ''sister VIctoria'', as I used to


    call her, when I was only six years old.


    Mom always told me that I had a sister, and that one day when I grow up, I should never stop looking


    for her. But fate brought us together.


    "Knowing about you changed everything. At first, my intentions were to meet mom for the first time in


    20 years, get my answers and walk out of her life like she did me without looking back. But when I


    found out about you, I knew I could never. When I introduced you to Luka, he told me that you were


    definitely a werewolf. To say I was shocked was an understatement, Zoey. How could my sister be a


    wolf when mom is human? But Luka rified that once one parent has the werewolf gene, then the


    child would be a wolf too, no doubt about it, no half breed or anything. Just a full bred wolf.


    "This, again, changed everything. This told me that mom knew about wolves too, since she had a child


    with one. So, Luka invited you and mom to live with us at Brightwater Pack, and we approached mom


    about it with caution. I mean, even if she didn''t know, she would''ve eventually, right?" She paused to


    meet my eyes. "And that''s when the whole truth came out."


    I nodded slowly as I braced myself for the truth. Just this morning, I was boasting about how I didn''t


    want to learn anything more.


    Now look at me.


    I could literally hear my heart thumping against my chest.


    "Mom told Luka and I about how the years being with Micheal were like. He got more and more


    obsessed with wolves, and she didn''t believe. Eventually his crazy got too much, and she tried to


    leave. But she saw a huge wolf in the woods that day.


    "He chased her all the way back to the cabin. So yes, she did try toe back home to me, even if it


    was a few yearster. But when that wolf chased her and she ran back to the cabin where she and


    Micheal had been living, Micheal convinced her that it wouldn''t be safe if she came back home to me,


    because the wolves are after her now too."


    "That''s... that''s.." I didn''t even know what to say. That was a sorry excuse.


    "I know," she agreed with a shrug. "The wolf was only giving them a warning, but Micheal didn''t heed to


    it, he only continued. Eventually, mom recognized ALL his crazy, and he would me his failed


    attempts on her, so she finally left. By then, I was well into my teenage years, so mom never came


    home to me. She moved on with her life. That''s when she met Reagan, your dad. "


    I shuffled closer to her, finally getting to hear this part.


    "Mom said Reagan was on a rush to get out of town. At first she wouldn''t know why, but you and I both


    know that because he was a rogue, he never stayed at one ce." I nodded in understanding.


    Rogues are always on the run. Some settle--like the ones at Rouge Burg, but most are always moving.


    If they ended up in a Pack territory, even if the pack is miles away from the actual human town, they''d


    aim to get away.


    "I can''t tell you the details of their love because I don''t know. But somehow, our mom convinced your


    dad to stay. They fell in love "A small smile tugged on her lips as she retold the story as I imagined how


    mom told her years ago. "They moved in together at the house right out of town, that I''m sure you


    remember. He never told her about him being a wolf until she got pregnant with you, and so she


    flipped. She was so confused and scared, that she went back to Micheal." I gasped in disbelief.


    Mom went back to the psychopath when she was pregnant with me? It was all bing clear now. My


    mom....went back to Victoria''s dad who, by the way, had some crazy obsession with wolves...while she


    was very much pregnant with another man''s baby--another WOLF man''s baby.


    I pieced it all together in that moment.


    Crazy man unborn baby wolf wolf dad and unfaithful wife= my dad''s demise.


    Victoria only continued even though she saw realization on my face. "Mom knew it was a mistake, but


    she was scared. A wolf impregnated her, and only told her that he was a wolf after she was already


    pregnant. Going back to Micheal was just crazy, but I guess I could understand why she needed to be


    away from Reagan a while. When I first found out about Luka, I left for three days. " I nodded as I tried


    to understand.


    I guess since I was never abruptly introduced to a new world, I couldn''t see how abnormal they


    might''ve seen it.


    "Reagan stayed around, of course. You were now his main priority. He tried to get mom toe back


    to him, but she didn''t until she went intobour. Micheal was too blind to even realise that the


    pregnancy window was too off for it to be his, but mom allowed him to go to the hospital that day. She


    knew the risks, since Reagan was dark-skinned. She knew that-"


    "If I was born with dad''splexion, Micheal would''ve known I wasn''t his and his craziness would


    erupt in full folds." I concluded, and Victoria nodded in confirmation.


    "Exactly. And that is what happened. When he saw you, he flipped and threatened to kill you both.


    Luckily your dad was there too, and he threw Micheal out of that hospital. But-"


    "But?" I probed.


    "But Reagan was so pissed, that his eyes were his wolf eyes, and his fangs were lowered. So-"


    "Micheal knew he was a wolf. And so he knew I was a wolf!" I gasped in realisation.


    If Micheal was obsessed with werewolves as mom told Victoria, then he must''ve learnt somewhere that


    once my dad was a wolf, I''d be a wolf.


    "Yes, yes he did," she confirmed with a small sigh. "Mom said he wouldn''t stop calling her, wanting her


    to bring you to him. He thought he finally had what he always desired--a wolf baby of his own. But of


    course, mom wouldn''t have that, so Reagan moved you and mom to New York for two years."


    I lived in NEW YORK?


    "It was the safest ce for you at that time. Since Reagan was a rogue, he couldn''t risk moving to


    forested areas in anticipation of a pack being there or any other rouge attacks. So he thought the only


    ce where you''d be safe from other rogues or territorial pack wolves, was in the heart of the city.


    However, he couldn''t stay long. Wolves have to shift and run, and your dad couldn''t do that in the city,


    so he knew he had toe back. He also thought about you too. He didn''t want you to be damned


    either to a rogue life when you indeed reached the age to shift and decided to migrate from the city to


    the woonds. So, he made a choice"


    "He decided to get me into a pack," I mumbled to myself, remembering the letter.


    "Yes my sweet, sweet sister." She pulled me to her chest as she saw the tear streamed down my


    cheek. "He decided that he would try his very best to get you into a pack. He didn''t know how, because


    it''s not like he could''ve simply run into an Alpha house and ask. He knew the risks, and he knew it


    would be hard, but he also knew that he had to try. That''s when he wrote that letter, just in case he


    didn''t make it. He wrote it before he left New York with you and mom, and he gave it to mom to give to


    you when you shift for the first time, if something should happen to him.


    "He came back to Brightwater territory, because he knew Brightwater was a friendly Pack, and he


    believed that if they could just hear him out, then you''d be well on your way to a normal wolf life. But he


    also knew that in order for that to happen, he had to kill Micheal. For as long as Micheal lived, he would


    never stop looking for you. I guess it just never crossed his messed up mind to look for you in the city,


    which was also why Reagan chose there."


    "Did my dad kill Micheal?" I asked as I gazed up at her in blurry tears. Sadly, she just shook her head


    as she stroked mine.


    "Michealced Reagan with silver and wolfsbane, poisoning him from the inside out."


    A sob broke from my lips as I heard this. No matter if my dad was a ''special wolf'' or whatever, silver


    alone would''ve killed him. Then adding wolfsbane to the mix, that was just cruel.


    "I''m sorry sweetheart."


    "It-it''s okay. T-tell me the rest. How did M-micheal die?" I decided through sniffles.


    She sighed as she continued. "My dear, that is a whole other story, but I''ll sum it up for you. As you


    know, I wasn''t Luka''s first mate. His mate was killed a year before I met him."


    "Oh my gosh did Micheal--?" She nodded in confirmation, and I could feel the bile rising in my throat for


    that man.


    "The day Michealced your dad with silver and wolfsbane and left him in the woods to die, Luka''s


    mate found him barely alive, and she was so torn up about it, even though he was a rogue. She asked


    him if she wanted him to take him to the pack cemetery, but he asked her to take him home to you and


    mom instead. Mom was torn up, but he was buried in that very back yard."


    "Wait, so you knew where my dad was buried all along?" Tears stung my eyes again as my heart


    broke.


    There were so many times when I cried after going to my mom''s grave and wishing to go to my dad''s.


    And Victoria and Luka knew all along?


    "Yes sweetheart, I''m sorry. I knew if I told you, then you would''ve asked how I knew and I would''ve had


    to tell you what my dad did and..."


    With a sigh, I simply nodded in understanding. Victoria being Victoria and taking the world on her


    shoulders, would''ve believed that I would be upset with her for what a man, who she didn''t even know,


    did.


    "Just tell me the rest," I simply said, holding her hand in mine.


    At least I knew now where his real grave was. And though I''m still grateful for what Niall did, I can have


    the peace once I visit the real him soon.


    "Okay um..where was I? Oh yes." She took a deep breath before continuing. "You were probably too


    young to remember any of that. But apparently, Micheal saw when she took Reagan away, and so she


    became his new target. Somehow, he no longer wanted to bother you or mom. Maybe it was thest bit


    of humanity left in him after killing your dad and mom''s love. But his new n entailed catching a wolf,


    and using his or her blood to make a wolf child. He was going to kidnap a newborn baby and inject the


    baby with wolf blood, and if it worked, he would do it again and again and again until he had a ''pack'' of


    his own. "


    "That''s crazy!"


    "That it is. But he thought it would work. But of course, kidnapping a wolf would be hard and he knew


    this. So after seeing the woman''s kindness--helping a dying rogue, he kept an eye on her and be-


    friended her. Luka said he never liked the union, but Micheal seemed like a ''father figure'' to her, and


    since she loved interacting with humans-"


    "Micheal saw her as the best target." I ended for her in disbelief.


    I never knew what happened to Luka''s first mate and nobody ever talked about her, since Victoria


    seemed like the only woman he had ever loved. I was even shocked the first time when I learnt that he


    had a mate. Simply because of how much he loved Victoria.


    "He tricked them all, using her as his way in the pack. He was patient too, because it was a whole three


    yearster when they finally started warming up to the bastard, he poisoned her and kidnapped her.


    Everyday he would inject her with wolfsbane, but he had a mixing agent that made her dying slower, so


    he could use her as his test monkey. When his n failed time after time, he left her on the steps of the


    Alpha house, barely alive."


    "Oh my gosh." My eyes burnt again. I didn''t know her, but I''ll surely give Luka a long hug when I see


    him again.


    He doesn''t grieve her anymore, but I still felt like hugging him for what he must''ve been through. Niall


    went missing for 24 hours and I felt like I was going crazy. Imagine this.


    "In her dying breath, she told them where he held her captive, and that''s how they found him, burnt his


    lair and killed the son of a bitch. Of course, this was all before I met Luka, but the stories are all


    intertwined. The timeline for everything might seem confusing too, but if you sit and think about it, it''ll


    make sense. But, my sweet sister..." She held my face in her hands as she gazed at me. "Destiny was


    working all along. Because just a year after what Micheal did to that poor girl, I met Luka and I was


    introduced to this world that I didn''t know existed. It was a hard and rough time, but we made it


    through. And coincidentally, at the same time, I found my six year old baby sister, who was a wolf too."


    We both chuckled a little at the crazy logic.


    "And since a broken-hearted Alpha wolf imprinted on a mere human all those years ago which


    inevitably makes me a Luna, together, we were able to fulfill that very wish of your dad. That you''d


    grow up in a pack with people who love you. That day when mom told us the story of their love and


    your birth, she gave me that letter, telling me to give it to you if anything should happen to her. Maybe it


    was your dad as an angel working for your favour. But it all worked out, didn''t it?" She asked with a


    gentle smile as I agreed.


    "Why now, Vic? Why tell me now? You had so many years to tell me so why now?" I asked, actually


    really curious.


    Her face held a guilty look, but I never meant to make her feel guilty. "I didn''t tell you because I was


    scared that you''d hate me for what my dad did to yours."


    "Did Luka hate you for what Micheal did to his first mate?" I asked in a matter-of-fact voice.


    She chuckled a little. "No. He said that-"


    "I''m bet he said that you had nothing to do with that psychopath. You didn''t even know him! How could I


    hate the woman who helped raise me like I was her own daughter?" I smiled a little as I pulled her to


    me. "I''m a little pissed that you knew this all along and didn''t tell me, but I guess I can understand. I


    love you."


    "I love you too," she mumbled. "And that''s why I risked your love for me by telling you." She pulled


    aways just enough so she was looking me in the eyes. "I knew fate didn''t let allllll that craziness


    happen, just so you coulde this far and give up."


    "I''m not giving up. I just can''t with the constant hurt anymore," I reasoned.


    She gave me a pointed smile. "Did learning this truth weigh on your heart or make you feel better?" I


    pondered on the feeling for a while.


    I honestly felt...better. I thought knowing the truth would make me feel burdened, but learning this much


    about my dad answered so many questions in my head, and there was no doubt that I was feeling


    better.


    I felt like I had rity for a big part of what I''ve been asking myself all my life. Will the rest of the truth


    make me feel like this? This good?


    "That''s what I thought," she dismissed when I didn''t answer.


    Her lips pressed to my forehead once again as I rethought my whole decision.


    "Zoey, there is nothing wrong with being scared of the unknown. But you gotta go for it head on. And I


    know, oh how I know that Niall will be there with you every step of the way. That''s what soulmates are


    for, Zoey. It can''t be coincidence that all this is happening now, when you have him with you. He loves


    you. With love, you''ll get through anything together, and I''m speaking from experience."


    I nodded slowly as a small smile tugged on my lips. Just then, her phone lit up, and Luka''s name


    shed across the screen. Perfect timing Luka.


    "Speaking of lovers," she mumbled with a knowing look as she took the call.


    Luka''s angry voice immediately red through the phone, since Victoria took up her self--her


    recovering self, might I add-- and drove six hours away from home.


    I took that as a sign to leave as I processed all the new information.


    "Luka I am a grown woman and I can do whatever I w..." Her voice trailed off as I disappeared up the


    stairs with a light chuckle.


    Luka and Victoria. Such a pair.


    I was still very much shocked with all the information I learnt, and oddly, it re-sparked a me I tried to


    put out. I knew what I had to do.


    Victoria was right. So what if the unknown is scary and might be hard? It all happened that I only


    started searching for the truth after I found Niall. That only meant he was always meant to help me find


    my way.


    I pushed through his office without knocking, seeing Niall, Jared and Asia in what seemed like a


    meeting. It made me want to get this over with even more, so that I can finally get inducted and be


    Luna and help him with running the pack too.


    "Oh I cane back?" I suggested when they all turned to look at me.


    "No, we were just wrapping up." Jared waved off as they stood. "We''ll leave you be." I smiled in


    gratitude as they exited his office, and I wasted no time in running to Niall and crashing my lips to his


    like there was no tomorrow.


    "What was that for?" he mumbled against me as I pulled away.


    "That was for simply being you," I muttered before I kissed him again. He leant against his desk and


    positioned me between his legs as he smiled at me.


    "I thought you''d be mad at me. I swear I didn''t know Victoria was gonnae here. I thought she''d just


    call you... I was just worried, Zoey."


    "I know. I know that now. And I''m d she came," I told him truthfully.


    "I''m d. So how did it go?" he asked, rubbing circles in the small of my back.


    I smiled even brighter as I stared him right in the eyes. "I''m going to Ennd ."

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    I beamed at Niall as he watched me in disbelief. I knew I was a hard mate to keep up with. One minute


    I''m saying this, then the other I''m saying that.


    But Niall''s features then softened, and he looked content with my words. "Really. You changed your


    mind?"


    I nodded. "I had an eye opener. Vic told me something about my dad, and I realised that the truth didn''t


    hurt me like I thought it would. It actually made me feel better."


    He pecked my lips as he wrapped his arms around my waist tighter. I could see that this was a part of


    his n. He knew Victoria was the only one who could''ve gotten through to me. And even though at


    first it annoyed me, I''m d he did.


    "Besides, she reminded me that whatever I find out, however hard it will be, I have a mate that will stick


    by me throughout it all."


    "That''s what I''ve been trying to tell you," he pointed out with a small smirk. I quickly kissed the stupid


    smirk away from his face.


    "I know. I know. But she was right." I smiled at how much better I actually felt. I was still terrified of


    whatever truth was tucked away in Ennd, but I had faith that it will all be worth it.


    This was what I wanted from day one, after all. rissa''s death just scared me a bit. I was shaken up,


    still am actually. All the disappointment, hard choices and painful realities I''ve faced in my life became


    too much. I understood why I''d want a break from it all, telling myself that I didn''t need to know the rest.


    But it was just the pain and fear speaking. Zoey--the Zoey deep down--knew that sooner orter, I''d be


    back on my mission again. I''m just happy it''s sooner.


    I proceeded to tell Niall all that Victoria had just told me, making sure not to leave out any detail. He


    had a thoughtful expression on his face once I was done, before it transformed into concern.


    "How are you taking it? Are you sure you''re okay? This is a lot." I knew my mate would only be


    concerned about how I was feeling about it before telling me what he thought. That was just how Niall


    is.


    "I''m fine Niall. It hurts a little knowing that she and Luka knew this all along, but I have to consider that


    she had her reasons for keeping it from me. I just have to trust that she was going to tell me soon," I


    told him honestly, and he simply nodded in understanding.


    "So what now?" he asked. "We leave for London soon?"


    I fiddled with the hem of my shirt as I stepped back a little, shaking my head. "I leave for London soon."


    I told him, knowing he would protest.


    "No way am I letting you go alone Zoey. I know you''ve been visiting Emerald Pack since you were a


    child and they''re basically family, but-"


    "But I''ll be fine Niall." I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me. I needed to get


    him to agree. "Look Niall, you have left your pack three times already on my ount. I won''t take you


    away this time. You know it, I know it, the pack knows it. You need to stay here."


    "Zoey-"


    "I promise to call you every hour, and I won''t be gone for more than three days. Trust me, I want you to


    come with me. But you are an Alpha. You have a pack to run. Think about them. Think about all the


    work you have been catching up on because you were absent so much, and there are just some things


    Asia and Jared cant do here, because they aren''t the Alpha." I took a deep breath as I ended, pleading


    with my eyes for him to listen.


    "You''re my mate, Zoey. If you go out of linking range, I still won''t be able to work because I''ll be too


    worried," he mumbled, even though I could see that he was giving in. Deep down he knew I was right.


    I smiled at him, pulling his lips between mine as I kissed his worry away. "As I said, I''ll call you every


    hour, and I''ll call you when I''m going to sleep and we can fall asleep together. It''ll be like I never left."


    He didn''t reply, simply sighed and buried his nose in my neck, no doubt trying to soothe his wolf.


    "Besides. The wolves at Emerald''s Alpha house are basically family. Luka''s younger brother, Ty, is the


    Alpha, and Ty''s twin, Emma, is the Beta female. It''s so cute how both of them found their mates in the


    same pack, but that''s beyond the point. I''ve been going there since I was a child. I will be well taken


    care of there."


    "I know baby..It''s just my possessiveness," he admitted, and I knew this from the very beginning. "At


    least let Jared go with you. I''ll feel better."


    I shrugged. "Why not? We can go ask him right now."


    He agreed, and I made a move to leave, but then I saw his eyes zing over. I always forgot he had a


    mind-link with them.


    We talked about informing Ty as we waited for Jared toe to us, but it wasn''t Jared''s scent that I


    was met with before the door opened.


    "Um..I could go with her." The request came from the one wolf that I was not expecting. Asia.


    She looked sheepish and shy--somethingpletely odd for Asia. I scrunched my face into confusion


    as she entered and closed the door. Niall didn''t seem to mind, but I didn''t like the idea.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Where''s Jared?" I asked,pletely avoiding her suggestion.


    "Niall must''ve gotten so used to mindlinking us both at the same time, that I got the message too. I


    asked Jared to let me go instead."


    "Okay and why?" My attitude was probably a bit unnecessary. But Asia didn''t like a bone in my body.


    And even if she has been on her best behaviour nowadays, I didn''t understand why she would want to


    do this with me. I mean, we aren''t friends.


    "Zoey," Niall mumbled, silently asking me to be nice. I shot him a warning look before looking back at


    the woman.


    "Look I haven''t been the best house mate..."


    "No shit Sherlock," I mumbled very lowly.


    "But in all honesty, you intrigue me nowadays. There''s something about you that is different..." she


    trailed as she gazed at my hand. "And I want to help you know for sure."


    I eyed her oddly. I could see that she wasn''t necessarily doing it for me, she was just curious about


    something. "Asia do you know something?"


    She shrugged, but I could see that she did. "I have a hunch about something. Look, I can help you. We


    can learn to at least tolerate each other and Niall will be at peace with your departure because he trusts


    me. If you don''t want to, I can get Jared now. But I am offering mypany and help."


    "Well you aren''t really the best ofpany," I pointed out, and she actuallyughed.


    "I know. But hey I can try," she offered,ing in front of me and holding out her hand. I eyed it oddly,


    before reluctantly taking it.


    "Fine. But don''t start acting like my bodyguard or anything. I can protect myself."


    "From what?" Niall asked, and I regret opening my big mouth. If he believes there is even a speck of


    danger, this whole n of making him stay will be erased.


    "Nothing babe. Just saying." I smiled innocently at him with a quick peck before turning back to Asia.


    I stared her dead in the eyes before I spoke again." From the day you saw my shifter''s bracelet. You''ve


    been acting weird--nicer than usual. If you know something, tell me now."


    "I know nothing Zoey. I''m just a Beta wolf helping my Alpha''s mate."


    "You know I don''t trust you right?" I narrowed my eyes at her, but she didn''t look phased by my


    bluntness.


    "Come on Zoey. You really think I''ll hurt or plot against Niall''s mate? Have you seen him when he''s


    angry?" I couldn''t help but chuckle with a shake of my head, and I took a peek at Niall to see him


    looking at her warningly.


    "No, actually I haven''t. But I''ll take your word for it." I squeezed his shoulder, bringing his attention to


    me. "Niall? What do you think?"


    He smiled down at me as he brushed a couple curls from my face. "I trust Asia. And I feel much better


    knowing someone will be going with you."


    "Okay so it''s settled then." I pped once, feeling anxious and excited at the same time.


    "Great." Asia beamed. "We''re going to Ennd then."

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    Ennd.


    Thend of Queens and perfect pinkies, also known as the country that I''vee to love over all my


    years visiting.


    For some odd reason, I wasn''t even surprised when rissa told me that my answers were here,


    simply because since I was a child and wasing here, I''ve always acknowledged how much like


    home it felt. And it wasn''t about how hospitable the wolves here were. It was more of an inner peace


    that made me feel at home.


    What are the odds that ten yearster, I''m here searching for answers that may lie in the very walls of


    Emerald Pack''s Alpha house?


    Still, I should''ve known that my sense of belonging at Emerald Pack wasn''t just because I liked it there.


    Even though at that time, my wolf wasn''t awake in me as yet, she knew this was where our blood lies.


    If I was being honest, I was really eager yet anxious about what I''d learn. Will it be good? What if


    Vampires really do exist, and I''m part Vampire? Yuck. The thought alone gave me shivers.


    Deciding not to think about it anymore, I peered beside me to see what Asia was doing. She was just


    sitting there, staring out the window with a nk expression on her face. She had barely said a word to


    me after Niall dropped us off at the airport.


    We almost missed our flight, since Niall wouldn''t let go of me. He squeezed the life out of me, and left


    my lips tingling from the long kiss he gave me. I could tell that he was second guessing his decision


    about staying home, and it was Ace, his dad, who managed to get him away from me.


    Since then, the only words Asia uttered to me, were to ask me if I wanted biscuits or pretzels. She


    didn''t look annoyed, nor did she seem in a mood. She just wasn''t a good travel buddy. Then again, she


    wasn''t a good buddy at all.


    Why did I agree to this again?


    Nheless, I simply leaned my head against my own window and closed my eyes, knowing we had a


    very long way to go until we reached the forested areas of Ennd, where Emerald Pack sat.


    The driver that Ty sent to pick us up was driving at a moderate speed, so I was anticipating a two hour


    drive at least. Knowing I didn''t want to be awake through all of that, I simply snuggled into my spot and


    let my eyes droop.


    Thest thing I felt was a warm fuzzy nket being draped over my shoulders, before I weed the


    sleeppletely.


    ***


    "Zoey? Zoey, wake up."


    "Five minutes Victoria," I mumbled, snuggling more into my warm seat and make-shift bed.


    "We''re here silly. And I''m not your sister" The voice became much clearer, and I realized that it was


    Asia. It then urred to me that we were in Ennd, and I fell asleep on the way to the pack.


    I bolted up as if fire was in my chair, as I whipped my head towards the grand Alpha house I hadn''t


    seen in three years. Myst visit was when I was fifteen.


    Since then, I haven''t been back, and I just realized how much I missed here. I also realized that my


    wolf, who was active in me for the first time ever since I''ve been visiting the pack, was so tranquil and


    purring. Almost like a purr that rumbled from my chest when I was around Niall.


    "Whoa" Asia gawked as we hopped from the car, and the driver retrieved our bags, since they were just


    two duffle bags.


    "I know" I chuckled at her reaction. Emerald Pack was indeed an ''Emerald''. Being thergest Pack in


    Ennd, the Alpha house was something to behold. Niall''s Alpha house was massive, but this was


    something else. It almost looked like a castle. Yet, it was so warm and homelike inside.


    The doors burst open, and a familiar figure dashed through, running full speed towards us. I braced for


    impact as I met her half way, and we threw ourselves at each other in a fit ofughter and squeals. I


    missed her so much, and I haven''t really been talking to her much like one time.


    "Oh my gosh you''re here!" She giggled as she hugged me impossibly tighter.


    "I''m here" I confirmed. "I missed you Jody"


    "I missed you too, Love. Oh my gosh you''re gorgeous." She pulled away so that she was gazing at my


    face, and I couldn''t help but beam brightly at her.


    "So are you. I love you hair." I gawked as I twirled my finger around one of her curls. She had hair and


    skin like mine, but her hair was always something to behold. Whenever she had it loose, she looked


    like a beautiful lioness goddess. Her hair volume was probably twice asrge as mine, but it suited her


    perfectly.


    Her eyes then travelled to my neck as she threw her hands over her lips with a squeal and a mini


    jumping spree. "Oh my gosh you''re marked! I envy you"


    I knew she didn''t exactly mean she ''envied'' me, so I blushed under words when my mind went to my


    mate.


    "Yep. Niall and I are fully mated."


    Her eyes then widened as if she just realized something else. "Bloody hell that means you''ve...How


    does it feel?" Her eyes held a teenager-like interest gleam, and I suddenly realized that out of all my


    close friends, I''m the only one who is mated. That makes me the only one who knew what being


    marked and having sex felt like. My eyes darted to Asia who was still standing off to the side looking


    awkward.


    "I''ll tell you everythingter. Can we go in now?"


    "Of course" she pped once as her eyes finallynded on Asia. "Oh forgive my manners. Hi I''m Jody


    Conley. I''m a part of the Beta family. My older brother, Alex, is the Beta" She greeted sweetly.


    Asia''s eyes widened a bit for some reason. "Conley? Wow" For the first time since we were left alone,


    Asia beamed. Like genuinely. "That''s wow.. Um Asia Beth. I''m-"


    "The Beta of Truemoon Pack. I know" Jody smiled. "I take pride in knowing all the high ranking wolf


    families across the world. Pleasure"


    "Pleasure indeed" Asia mumbled, still looking awestruck. I didn''t understand why.


    We followed Jody towards the entrance, and I felt when Asia nudged me. "You guys look alike" She


    whispered, though I knew Jody could hear.


    I shrugged, since I already knew this. All my life knowing Jody, we''ve always acknowledged our strange


    resemnce. We were the same age too, so it never went unnoticed. It then urred to me that if


    Emerald Pack is actually where my blood lies, Jody and I could actually be rted. In fact, the whole


    Beta family of Emerald Pack could be my family too.


    It made sense. When I was growing up, I always felt drawn to not just the pack, but them too. And from


    what rissa told me, My dad could''ve been a part of this very Beta family. But, why were ourst


    names different then?


    "Zoey I know now why-" Asia was cut off when the huge doubled doors flew open, and we were


    weed with the beautiful foyer that seemed a little different from how I remembered it.


    She stiffened, but I didn''t get why. I simply followed Jody towards the grand living room area, where we


    used to sit and y or watch TV as kids.


    My eyes immediatelynded on Ty and Emma first, as they came to engulf me in hugs. These were


    Luka''s siblings, who are twins, who, coincidentally, found their mates in the same pack some years


    ago. Ty became Alpha since his mate, Laura, was the only Alpha blood heir. And Emma became the


    Beta female, since Alex, her mate, was the Beta.


    Theodore, the gamma gave me a short hug too. We were never the closest, but I loved him


    nheless. And finally, Alex, my favorite Beta ever, grabbed me in a hug and spun me around.


    Being Jody''s older brother, he always seemed like an older brother to me too. Even though Luka was


    the one who taught me basically everything, Alex taught me quite a few things too, like tracking scents


    in human form. Something happened to his wolf years ago, so he couldn''t shift anymore. He had to


    learn how to do everything in human form. Yet, he was still a great Beta and great person overall.


    It actually made me excited to know if they were indeed my blood. That would be so great.


    "Wee Beta Asia," Ty greeted with a huge smile after I exchanged long needed greetings with


    everyone. But instead of acknowledging Ty, her eyes were trained across the room. We all ogled her in


    confusion, and I was about to scold her for being this rude, but then we all slowly followed her gaze


    across the room.


    I was met with a foreign face. I knew he wasn''t from here, since he didn''t look familiar at all. But what I


    did notice though, was how he was looking at her the exact same way. A cup of what looked like milk


    was spilled beside him, as it seemed he wasing from the kitchen. My eyes widened in surprise and


    excitement when I recognized the momentpletely.


    This man, whoever he is, was Asia''s mate. She found her mate!


    A smile spread across my lips as everyone else took notice too. I gripped Jody''s arm as we both had


    an internal party as we watched the beautiful exchange.


    I loved to see when two mates found their other half for the first time. It was beautiful. Like the whole


    world had stopped around you, and only the two of you are existing. As much as Asia and I have never


    gotten along, I was genuinely happy and excited for her.


    "James? Are you okay?" Gamma Theodore asked, finally breaking the silence in the room.


    He shook his head as if clearing his thoughts, as his face broke out in a huge grin. In what seemed like


    two steps, he was across the room and holding her against his chest, with his nose buried in her neck.


    She seemed shocked at first, but I was relieved when I saw her lips tilt into a smile as she hugged him


    back.


    "Awwe." Jody and I gushed in unison as a single tear rolled down her cheek.


    "You don''t know how long I''ve been searching for you" He spoke for the first time, and I noticed he had


    an ent. It wasn''t British like everyone else from Emerald Pack, it sounded more Australian.


    "That''s Theodore''s cousin. He came to visit for the weekend. He was going to leave tomorrow" Jody


    whispered from beside me.


    "Is he from Australia?" I asked just to be sure. She nodded.


    Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "He''s the youngest of his two brothers in Fullmoon Pack in Australia. He''s gamma blood like Theodore.


    He just turned twenty-five too. I''m actually jealous that he''s not my mate."


    "Well no wonder they couldn''t find each other" I whispered back. "They were literally across the world


    from each other"


    "Well if you look at it on a globe, they were actually pretty close-"


    "You get the point!" I whispered shouted, watching as Asia giggled at something he said. For the first


    time since I knew her, her eyes held so much light. I always knew that all she needed was to find her


    own mate instead of obsessing over mine.


    What are the odds that she happened toe with me on this trip, and James just happened to visit


    his cousin''s Pack for the weekend?


    "I can''t wait to tell Niall," I told Jody as new found excitement erupted in me. But then, her face fell.


    "Oh my gosh. Am I the only one in this room that hasn''t found their mate?" She asked, and a series of


    chuckles went around the room. "Once Zoey leaves, I am travelling the world!" She drew dramatically.


    "I''m not getting any younger....Congrats by the way you two. So happy for you" She added quickly with


    a genuine smile at them as she made for the stairs.


    "Where are my manners" Asia giggled shyly as James held her against his side. "I''m Beta Asia from


    the Truemoon Pack. Thank you for weing me into your pack and home" James gazed at her in


    admiration at that, and I just knew they both were already whipped.


    The mate bond. It does that to you.


    "Oh that''spletely fine Beta Asia. We understand" Ty dismissed as he shook her hand. "Wee to


    Emerald Pack. If you need anything, ask any of us or even Zoey. She knows the ce well"


    That led her eyes to me, as if she just remembered that I was here. But what shocked me, was how


    happy she looked at me as she bit her lip and pointed at James.


    "I found my mate" She mouthed to me in excitement.


    I giggled a little with a nod. "I know" I mouthed back, actually weing the ''girl'' moment we just sorta


    had. Maybe this trip was for the best after all. I didn''t need to be besties with the woman, but getting


    along would be nice.


    So far, the start of our trip has been good. I wouldn''t start asking anything or searching for anything


    until tomorrow for sure. Jody promised she''d help me, and Ty assured me that he''d help anywhere he


    can too. But for now, I''m sure we all could ept that the moment needed to be preserved.


    Asia found her mate. How magnificent.


    ***


    "No way" My mate gasped on my IPad screen. I beamed at his expression as I nodded.


    "Yes way!" She found him. He''s from Australia and he was visiting Gamma Theodore for the weekend.


    Isn''t that great?"


    "That''s really great," he agreed, looking genuinely happy for his friend. "Jared is happy for her too"


    I rolled my eyes, knowing that he must''ve mindlinked Jared as soon as I told him. As if right on time,


    Jared busted through Niall''s door, looking excited as he sat beside Niall.


    "She found him for real?" He asked, and I nodded with augh. I guess she had been too busy with her


    mate to call them.


    "But you guys have to act surprised when she tells you. I just couldn''t hold it in!"


    "That''s really great," Jared sighed in content. "Damn I need to find my mate" He then mumbled,


    causing Niall and I tough.


    Just then, a knock sounded on my door and her scent filled my senses. "Shit she''s outside" I threw the


    IPad under my pillow as my door opened, and I acted like I was on my phone as she walked in.


    "Asia. What''s up" I asked in my ''act natural'' voice. She chuckled a little as she closed the distance and


    sat on my bed.


    "You told Niall didn''t you" She asked, though her eyes were swimming in amusement.


    I scoffed." Whaaaat no" I lied, even though I was a terrible liar.


    "Zoey are you there? Is that Asia?" My pillow asked in Jared''s voice, and I mentally face palmed as


    Asia just stared at where I threw the device under the pillow. Knowing the jig was up, I retrieved it and


    held it up so that they could see her.


    "Congrats Asia!" Jared beamed, before looking back to me. "Sorry Zoey."


    I simply rolled my eyes as they exchanged greetings and congrats.


    "Okay I''ll talk to youter Niall."


    He pouted, but he simply nodded in understanding. I missed him too. "Okay baby. Call me before you


    go to bed. I love you."


    "I love you too," I blew him a kiss before hanging up, not before I heard Jared mumble ''I am so single''


    first.


    I turned all my attention to the woman in front of me, and for the first time ever, she looked shy. She


    fiddled with her hands a bit before meeting my eyes with her big blue ones.


    "I um. I had a lot of time to think, and not only after I discovered that James was my mate. But on the


    ne and the drive here. I realize now that I wasn''t fair with you from the very beginning, and I''m


    sorry."


    To say I was shocked was an understatement. I knew something was different about her for a few


    days, but this? Asia apologized to ME?


    "And I know now what you must''ve been feeling all those days when you just arrived. I was a bitch."


    Sheughed a little, causing me to join in.


    "You kinda were" Yep. Blunt Zoey. However, she didn''t look insulted as she continued.


    "Anyways. I just wanted to apologize. And I know it''s probably a bit hypocritical to be doing this now


    when I actually found my mate, but I understand now what it feels like. What I thought I felt for Niall is


    nothing like this. Oh my gosh Zoey James is so awesome" Her voice rose a little as she beamed at me


    and gripped my hand. I could understand, so I simply chuckled with a nod.


    "I told you that the mate bond is special. I''m sure it took everything in you to step away from him for a


    minute to talk to me. And I appreciate that. I''m sure we can put it all behind us"


    She nodded, looking relieved. "I would like that. Thanks for understanding."


    "Anytime" It was still a bit strained between us, but I believed that overtime it would be easier.


    Maybe we could even be friends. "Go back to him," Iughed. "I can see that you''re itching to"


    In fact, I could smell his scent a few feet away from my door, as if he couldn''t wait either. She giggled


    as she jumped from the bed.


    "See you. And oh Zoey, whatever you''re searching for, it is here. Trust me" She looked like she knew


    something that I didn''t, and I then remembered that she was about to tell me something before we


    entered the house earlier today. But before I could ask her, she was gone.


    With a sigh and a simple shrug, I decided to call Niall back and talk to him until I fell asleep. Whatever


    truth that I will discover, had to wait until morning.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    This chapter and the following chapter are very important guys! We''re finally learning about who Zoey


    really is! Yay.


    Happy reading and Enjoy!


    ***


    The next day rolled around quite quickly, but to say I had a good night''s sleep would be a lie. I could


    always sleep on my own growing up, even after my mom died. But I had gotten so used to sleeping


    with Niall, that I didn''t even remember how to sleep alone.


    I knew I''d have a challenge sleeping without him. I learnt that from the day when he left. But it seemed


    like the extra distance away from him made it even worse. The minute I woke up twenty minutes ago,


    my phone was already ringing with a call from him. Turns out, he was even awake before me.


    We spoke a while, but then he had to leave to do some early work. Everyone here was still asleep. It


    was five thirty in the morning after all. I didn¡¯t want to wake anyone, and I knew I couldn¡¯t go back to


    bed. So, I simply roamed around the house I''vee to know from all my trips here.


    I pushed through the backdoor, contemting whether or not I should take a run. The sun wasn¡¯t out


    as yet, but the aura of the morning was pulling me to shift and run. My wolf definitely loved the idea too.


    I stepped further into the huge backyard, not wanting to shred my clothes, so I went to the shifting


    shack. I was so eager to finally use it.


    Ty had it built for the wolves in the house who wanted to shift on any random day. There were random


    pieces of clothes in there, just in case an unexpected shift urred and they ripped their clothes.


    There were also towels and nkets, as well as racks for anyone who might want to leave their clothes


    ande back after a run.


    "Zoey?"


    "Aaahhh!" I screamed as the voice frightened me, sending me running to the other side of the


    backyard. I probably woke the whole house with my scream.


    I wasn¡¯t scared but the person just shocked me, since I didn''t expect anyone to be awake. When I


    turned around, I saw the familiar face of Beta Edward. He was Jody and Alex''s dad and was the Beta


    before Alex took over. I never really saw him much when I came here, since he doesn¡¯t live at the


    Alpha house, but I''ve seen him around.


    "Edward. Oh it''s you. What are you doing here?" Now a little more calm, I closed the distance between


    us and gave him a short hug.


    "I came to get some herbs for tea. Theses old bones ain¡¯t the same anymore" Heughed, showing me


    the nts behind him. I nodded with a shortugh of my own.


    "I was just about to go take a run. I couldn¡¯t sleep"


    "Ah you''re mated now huh?" He beamed. "Congrats."


    I blushed a little, something that always happened when I thought of Niall. "Thank you. I came to


    Ennd to see if I could learn some things. But I actually regret telling my mate to stay home"


    He joined in on myugh as he gently patted my shoulder. "It gets easier trust me. When he leaves on


    Pack business trips, overtime you will be ustomed to sleeping alone"


    "Was that supposed to make me feel better?"


    "I suppose..." He trailed, looking unsure. Nheless, I brushed it off and prepped for a goodbye.


    "Well maybe I''ll be here a few days so see you around?" I waved, but his eyes were stuck on my


    bracelet the minute I raised my hand. He pointed at it with his eyes narrowed and his expression void


    of all humour.


    "Where''d you get that?"


    I eyed the chain on my hand as my fingers involuntarily yed with the wolf pendant. I gazed at him in


    confusion, not really sure why he seemed so serious.


    "I got it for my 18th birthday. Why?"


    He shook his head, reaching for it. However, I was swift and quickly dodged him. "Give that to me. It''s a


    shifter''s bracelet"


    "I know!" I defended, protecting my wrist from his grabby hands. "It was a gift."


    "You can''t shift in that. You''ll destroy it"


    My brows knitted further in confusion. "Actually, I''ve shifted in it more than once, and it doesn¡¯t burst. It


    changes into a chain cor around my wolf"


    The look on his face had me scared. His mouth was wide open as he gazed at me in what seemed like


    utter shock.


    "What?" I demanded. "What is it?"


    "That''s...that''s impossible!"


    "What''s impossible?"


    "You...You can''t be." He tilted his head to the side as if trying to analyze me from the inside out. "Your


    mother was a human am I correct?"


    I didn¡¯t know where he was going with this, but I nodded nheless. "Yes."


    "And who was your father" He stepped closer, staring at me crazily as if he NEEDED to know.


    "I-I didn¡¯t really know my dad. His name was Reagan Boysen. Why?"


    "Reagan? No that''s not right" He mumbled to himself, rubbing his chin as he thought.


    "Is there something about my bracelet that you know about? Something about me?" I asked in


    frustration. It then urred to me that this could be it. This could be the answer I''ve been waiting on.


    "Have you ever heard the story of the first werewolves?" He asked, and I shook my head in response.


    "Only fragments. Nobody really knew the whole story. So every story was sorta watered down or


    messed with. Why?"


    "Come child" He led me to the patio area where he pulled a chair for me to sit. I becamefortable as


    my heart beat in anticipation. My wolf was trying to tell me something, but I couldn¡¯t focus on her just


    yet.


    "Over two hundred years ago, the earth was at war with itself. Humans, in particr were corrupt with


    evil and mischief, killing each other and the slowly"


    "Nothing new" I mumbled, but he heard.


    "Not like this Zoey. There was war everywhere. There was nothing but chaos in all thends." He


    shifted a little as he turned to me. "The sun hated what the humans had be. The moon did too.


    So, on a certain night, they joined forces and made what we now call an eclipse"


    "What does that have to do with-"


    "Patience child" He interrupted, and indeed I kept my mouth shut. ¡°On the first night at midnight, the


    sun sat in front of the moon, making a lunar eclipse. On this night, all the humans who were exposed to


    the light were transformed intorge wolf-like beasts called lycans"


    I gasped at this. That was literally so cool and so scary at the same time.


    "The purpose of the lycans was to stop the chaos that the humans were creating, by ughtering the


    evil and sparing the good. They got direct instructions from the moon itself. But just like any supreme


    being, the sun wanted power just like the moon. After all, it did help make the creatures. So they had a


    deal. On the next full moon, the moon sat in front of the sun, making what history knows as a sr


    eclipse. The humans who were exposed to the darkness directly at midnight, were transformed into


    what we know as-"


    "Vampires?" I asked with my face scrunched into confusion. He nodded and I actually scoffed. "So


    Vampires exist?" It was hard to believe. We''ve never seen or heard of them, ever.


    "Yes. But when we reach that bridge we cross it"


    "Okay fair enough" I agreed. I was really enticed by the story anyways.


    "The vampires had the same instructions as the lycans. They were to rid the earth of all evil, so a new


    day could arise. And they did. Vampires and lycans saved mankind"


    "That''s dope" I beamed, but the look on his face told me there was about to be a twist to it. "Not dope?"


    "The sun and the moon didn¡¯t consider what would be of the lycans and vampires AFTER the


    deed was done. They were made as killing beings after all. So after their mission wasplete, they


    continued to kill. The moon and the sun were very displeased with their creation. The earth now had


    more Vampires and lycans than humans themselves! What do you think they had to resort to?"


    "I don¡¯t know," I admitted, simply just wanting to hear the rest.


    "They punished them of course." He stated. "The lycans were subjected to human bodies, thus making


    us werewolves. They looked like their old selves again, but would shift into huge wolves instead of


    being in lycan form always. They got a taste of humanity again, and the same urred for the


    vampires. Though they don¡¯t shift, they had the ability to suppress their killer side and look and behave


    like humans again"


    "But that still doesn¡¯t exin packs," I pointed out. "High ranking wolves?"


    "The story has just begun Zoey. This is a whole evolution we''re talking about."


    "Oh"


    "Anyways. The moon and sun felt like they had done something good. Vampires, werewolves and good


    humans now lived among one another. But you know what happened?"


    "Diversity" I said. It was quite obvious. Even today it''s still a problem.


    "Exactly. Humans feared werewolves and vampires. Vampires saw werewolves as a threat to their


    species, and vise versa."


    "More war" I concluded.


    "More war" He confirmed. "The Great War of Mythos"


    I gasped. "I thought that was a myth. It''s right there in the name"


    "That''s because the war was so big and so....horrible, that no one ever believed it was true. But oh it


    was. Vampires struck first, and the werewolves fought back. The humans were caught in the crossfire,


    and they fought back too. Imagine, war over all thends, simply because of fear"


    "They could''ve all lived in unity if they weren''t afraid or threatened by each other." I sighed.


    "I know. But this led the sun and the moon to find a better alternative. The vampires and werewolves


    had already killed half their poption, so in the middle of the war, the sun and the moon stood side by


    side, bathing their creation with their wrath. This was called the Lumen. This has only happened one


    time in history, because it killed almost all the werewolves and vampires. Only the strongest remained


    alive."


    "Was that how high ranking wolves came around?" It made sense after all.


    He nodded. "When the Lumen ended it all, three wolves were blessed by the moon, giving them


    immense power and authority to lead the wolves the right way. The strongest was called the Alpha, the


    second strongest called the Beta, and the third strongest the Gamma. The Vampires received the same


    treatment. The strongest was called the Elder, second strongest the Ancie and the third strongest the


    Neonate. They were instructed to lead their species in peace and harmony. The Elder and the Alpha


    made a truce that they would never cross paths and never rage war on the other again.


    "And so, the Vampires lived among the humans, since they needed them to sustain life, and


    werewolves lived in the woods where they could let their wolves free. I can''t tell you much about the


    Vampires and how they went along with their lives. But as for the werewolves, they found it hard to lead


    all the wolves left across the world. So the Alpha found 49 trusting and strong wolves, fed them his


    blood, and so the Alpha bloods were born"


    For the umpteenth time, I gasped.


    "The Beta and Gamma did the same thing with 98 more wolves. So in all, there were 50 Alpha bloods,


    50 Beta bloods and 50 gamma bloods in the world"


    "Oh my gosh there are 50 packs in the world!" I pointed out when it became clearer. "So the 50


    different Alpha, Betas and Gammas dispersed across the world to form packs of their own"


    "Indeed they did" Edward rified. "The very first Alpha migrated to Australia with his own Beta and


    Gamma, and formed the Imperial Pack. The very first Gamma went to South America in the Amazon


    with his own Alpha and Beta and formed the Roseum Pack. And the first Beta-"


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    "Was here" I realized in excitement. "The first Beta wolf was here in Ennd! In the Emerald Pack. Y-


    You-You are a descendant of the very first Beta wolf made by the moon aren¡¯t you? So that means Alex


    and Jody are descendants too and-"


    "You" He added. "You Zoey are a descendant of the first Beta wolf made by the moon itself."


    I was speechless as I stared at him in utter shock. What?


    "You see Zoey. After the very first Alpha, Beta and Gamma dealt with everything so well, the moon


    granted them two gifts. The first gift were mates. On the next full moon, werewolves got a whole month


    to discover mates. This was called the mating season. Since then, mates came naturally, made for


    each other"


    "So mates really are a gift from the moon" I smiled. Countless times, mates tell each other that they are


    their ''gifts'' from the moon. Little did we know that mates were literally a gift from the moon.


    "Yes they indeed were...They got a second gift though. The three wolves were each given a gold chain


    from the heart of the moon to be worn as a sign of pride for who they are and what they did. However,


    only them and descendants of them were able to shift in these chains without it being destroyed. Over


    the years, fragments of each were collected and made into small chain rings or bracelets, just like


    yours"


    I gasped as I eyed the bracelet.


    "People say they always find their way back to their blood tied master, and I guess it found you" My


    eyes welled in tears as I processed it all.


    I''m a descendant of the very first Beta wolf? Me? Zoey Boysen?


    "So-so when I had symptoms of my heat early, and when I shifted at 18...it was because I''m.."


    Something came to my mind at that which didn¡¯t make sense. "But Jody shifted when she was 16, and


    Jody is a descendant of the first Beta wolf too"


    Edward''s eyes widened in what seemed like realization at this. "That''s because only the first born wolf


    ever shifted at 18. Just like Kavan"


    "Who''s Kavan?" I asked, scrunching my face further in confusion.


    "My older brother, and apparently, your dad."

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Kavan? My dad''s real name is Kavan Conley?


    If my dad was the first born of a descendant of the very first Beta wolf, then why on earth was a rogue


    in the first ce? Wasn''t he supposed to be here? Being Beta of the Emerald Pack?


    "It makes so much sense now!" He practically screamed. "Since the very first time I saw you when you


    were six, there was something about you that I just couldn''t understand. The more you grew and the


    more you came to Emerald Pack, I knew it! I just knew you were my blood!"


    I shook my head as I jumped from the seat. "So let me get this straight. My dad, who I know as


    Reagan, is actually Kavan and is your older brother?"


    "Yes"


    "When was thest time you saw him?"


    "Years ago. After his mate died, he lost it and ran away from home" Edward sighed, but something


    about that didn''t add up.


    "My dad didn''t run away from home." I stated firmly.


    I didn''t know my dad, but I knew he wouldn''t run away from his responsibility of being Beta, no matter


    how much pain he was in at the loss of his mate. I knew a lot of wolves, especially high ranking wolves,


    can lose it when they lose their mates. But the man my mom described didn''t seem like a man to run


    away from home.


    "Well he did" Edward snapped with a slight edge to his tone. "It broke our hearts. Our dad had no


    choice but to make me Beta, though I couldn''t be half the Beta Kavan would''ve been. Such a shame"


    He actually looked sad about the loss. "But I know he''s dead" He mumbled with his head down. "I know


    both your parents are. And there is no doubt that you''re Kavan''s child, so my brother is.."


    "I''m sorry" I hushed him, reaching over the table to hold his hand. Despite everything, Edward actually


    knew my dad. So the loss for him must''ve been hard.


    "It''s okay. I''m just happy his legacy still lives in you" He beamed at me, staring at me in admiration.


    "Gosh I have a niece! I have a niece!"


    I couldn''t help but giggle at his sudden excitement, and I couldn''t help mine either. This meant Jody


    and I were actually cousins. Gosh I knew all my life that she was more than just a friend. Wait till she


    hears this.


    After the war and the creation of the very first Alpha, Beta and Gamma, they ruled the werewolves in


    harmony. Overtime, the job got too heavy for just three of them, so they appointed strong wolves,


    giving them their blood, which automatically made them Alpha, Beta and Gamma bloods. These same


    Alpha, Beta and Gamma wolves that we know now, like Luka, Niall, Asia and Jared, were all made high


    ranking wolves by the very first Alpha Beta and Gamma.


    Wait till they hear this.


    "Wait so is that why our blood has special healing power to regr wolves? I had a friend, she was


    apparently a descendant of the first Gamma wolf" I involuntarily smiled at the thought of rissa. She


    was the one who told me I was a ''special wolf'' just like her. If only she had told me I was a descendant


    of the very first Beta wolf.


    "Yes. There are some wolves who know about the power in our blood. But there are others who don''t


    even know that such events happened in the past."


    "So just like the first Beta, if I give my blood to a regr wolf, will he be a Beta blood?"


    Edward chuckled at my question with a shake of his head.


    "No. Even though our blood is pure--meaning we are heirs of the very first pure blood, we don''t hold


    such power. You see, every Alpha, Beta and Gamma has the power of the pure bloods, because their


    blood runs through their veins and it will be like that forever, no matter how many generations. That is


    why you can never kill an Alpha, Beta or Gamma bloodline. There is no ''watering it down''. But us, we


    are the DIRECT heirs of these wolves, which makes us pure bloods ourselves. Alpha Ty is an Alpha


    blood, but Kavan, you and I, are pureblood Betas. Get the difference?"


    I shook my head.


    "Okay look at it this way. If you and your mate should have a child, the child will be Alpha blood. There


    is no changing it because the very first Alpha of Truemoon Pack two hundred years ago, drank the


    blood of the very first Alpha pure blood created by the moon. So that makes him an Alpha blood and


    not a pure blood. Only descendants of the first pure blood Alpha will be pure blood. But all Alphas are


    Alpha bloods."


    I took a while to grasp that one.


    "But, your child who is still Alpha blood from your mate, WILL be a Beta pure blood by GENES."


    "Oooooohhhh..." I drawled as the lightbulb lit. "It''s all about the hereditary of it all. So even though Niall


    has the Alpha blood of the first pure blood, he wouldn''t be considered pure blood because he isn''t a


    descendant."


    So the pure blood Alpha family was in a pack in Australia, the pure blood Gamma family was in South


    America where rissa is from, and the pure blood Beta family was right here. And I was a part of it.


    That''s why rissa said we were ''bound by blood''. We weren''t rted, nor were we of the same rank.


    But we were both pure bloods--bound by blood.


    ''It''s not what we are Zoey, it''s WHO we are'', she had said when we talked for the very first time. This


    was what she meant. We are pure bloods.


    And she knew all along.


    She just wanted me to find out on my own, as she was sure it would grant me greater satisfaction. She


    was right.


    The moon shone so bright that night when rissa died. If only I knew that it was simply because the


    moon was weing home one of her very first creations. It was indeed beautiful.


    "That''s right."


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    "So we really are special wolves." I beamed. "We''re pure bloods."


    "That''s correct. But don''t make no mistake Zoey. This doesn''t mean you are invincible."


    I hung my head, remembering how my dad died. "I know. My dad died from silver and wolfsbane


    poisoning. Not even his blood could save him. I know my limits, and I now know my power. Still, I will


    not abuse it or make it go to my head. I''m strong, my blood is unique and I''m a pure blood. But you


    know what? I''m still in ol'' Zoey Boysen. And that won''t change"


    "You will make a great Luna Zoey. Your dad would be proud"


    I smiled at Edward, and I realized that the house was now awake. "I sure do hope so." I sighed in


    content, but still, I felt like there was more to know.


    Not about who I am. I finally got that rity, and I can''t wait to tell Niall and Victoria. But there was


    something about my dad''s disappearance that wasn''t adding up. And Beta Edward knew it.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    "I knew it!"


    "Iing..." I squealed as I braced for impact as Jodyunched herself at me. I had to gasp for air as


    she squeezed the life from me.


    "I knew you were a Conley! I just knew it!" She beamed as she pulled away to gaze at me.


    The smile that lit her face had me so excited. I was as happy as her to know that we were rted. If


    only we could''ve been sisters. But cousins were close enough.


    "It''s Boysen and always will be. But I am proud to be a part of this family" I admitted. I knew I''d never


    disregard my birth-name. I didn''t want to. If my dad saw that he needed to take that name, then I wont


    change it. I''m his daughter after all.


    All the questions were still hanging over my head about what happened to him, and I really really


    wanted to learn what it was because I wanted to go home. I missed my mate too much. I called him


    again and filled him in about what I learnt. I couldn''t wait until I was home to tell him more.


    As expected, he was exhrated. I loved how supportive he was. He didn''t feel threatened by me or


    anything. Even though it took a while for him to fully grasp the pureblood thing, he eventually did and


    admired it.


    Luckily for me, Jody already knew the story. So all I had to tell her was that I was rted to her. That


    meant Emma and Alex''s daughter was my cousin too. What a small world.


    "We can tell everyone that we''re sisters! And you can live here too. Well we''ll have to train you into a


    British ent but-"


    "Um Jody" I cut her off with a chuckle. She was getting a bit carried away. "I have a mate back home."


    She slouched. "Oh right" She pouted as I rubbed her back. "Well we can make it work long distance


    then"


    "Haven''t we been doing that all along?" I pointed out. This wasn''t anything new.


    "You''re right. I''m just a bit excited that''s all"


    "I know" I chuckled as her tummy made a howl of desperation. We both giggled at that, seeing that I


    went straight to her room to wake her after talking to Niall.


    "I''m going to go get breakfast. Coming?"


    I shook my head. "I already ate. I''ll see youter"


    I gave her a quick hug as I left her room. Niall was busy, so I didn''t want to call him again. I walked past


    Asia''s room, deciding that it would be nice to fill her in. However, she sounded a bit...busy.


    I quickly made my way down the hall as I roamed the house yet again. It was a huge one after all. I


    then decided that I''d go on the third floor. I never really went up there as a child, simply because


    everyone stayed on the first two stories of the house.


    However, seeing that I had nothing else to do just yet, I let my curiosity get the best of me. Slowly, I


    mounted the stairs at the end of the hall that led to the third floor. I walked past numerous rooms as I


    gazed at portraits neatly ced on the walls.


    I recognized a few of them being the former Alpha of Emerald Pack, Beta Edward, who''s my uncle, and


    the former Gamma too.


    Across from them were three females who I recognized as their mates. I smiled at the pictures as I


    walked further down and gazed at different portraits, some of people I didn''t recognize.


    But then my eyes caught a certain one and my heart stopped. I just knew it was him. It had to be.


    Even though I had a lot of my mom''s features, I only thought I resembled her because I''ve never seen


    a picture of my dad, and I was too young when he died to remember how he looked. But as I gazed at


    the picture, I knew I''ve seen this man before. Who else could it be but my dad?


    My eyes watered at the very image. His features were easy as he gazed at the person who was taking


    the picture. But as I eyed it longer, I realized that it didn''t seem like he was staring at the camera at all.


    The angle of his eyes suggested that his gaze was fixated at something close by the camera. Someone


    maybe?


    He looked so happy despite the fact that he was not sporting a full smile. I suddenly had the urge to


    ask Ty for the picture, or better yet, paint a portrait of my own from the picture.


    I reached out to brush my finger over the image, and I even avoided the dust that attached themselves


    to my fingertips. My lips curled into a smile as a single tear rolled down my cheek. For some this was


    minor, but for me it was a milestone. Especially after what I learnt this morning.


    It was heart-warming.


    "Hi dad," I greeted softly, seeing him for the first time. If only I had known him. He looked like such a


    great person.


    Beside his picture sat a door, and I felt like I needed to enter it. I frowned when I realized that it was


    locked. I turned the handle harshly, not knowing my own strength as it broke under the sudden impact.


    The scent in the room when I pushed through was too faint to recognize, indicating that it hadn''t been


    used in years, probably over a decade. But the moment I walked further into the room, I knew whose it


    was exactly.


    More pictures like the one I had just finished ogling filled the walls, this time capturing his radiant smile.


    His smile.


    I had his smile.


    A happy sob-likeugh escaped my lips as my heart warmed at the familiarity in the room. I proceeded


    to look at each of them specifically, and I noticed that most of them had a woman in them.


    His mate.


    She was beautiful. Gorgeous. It was obvious that they made each other happy. They looked pretty


    young too in each picture. They didn''t look a day over twenty-five, and it was obvious that they were


    madly in love.


    Could Edward be right? Did he really run away after she died? Now looking at the pictures, I began to


    consider it. He was young after all.


    Maybe after years of being a rogue and growing, he became a different man--stronger and wiser before


    he met my mom. Because the stories my mom told me about him didn''t describe a man who would''ve


    ran away from home and be a rogue. Then again, I didn''t know him at this age, so it was a


    possibility.


    Besides, what motive would Edward have to lie? As wolves, we all know how hard losing a mate can


    be. Even Luka went through a long depressive state before he met Victoria. Ty had to take over


    Brightwater Pack for him because he became unfit to lead. So grief leading a man to run away wasn''t


    far fetched.


    I frowned as I sat on his bed. It was obvious that no one had been here in years. There were cobwebs


    in the ceilings and dust everywhere. There was also a vase shattered near a door across the room.


    Maybe someone came in here and broke it, or it was shattered by my dad before he left.


    I made my way over to the vase, seeing that it now peaked my interest. Just like everything else, it was


    dusty. So whoever broke it didn''t do it recently. I rose to my feet as I eyed the door it was broken in


    front of.


    Oddly, there were no desks or tables near the door; a broken vase directly in front of the door seemed


    odd. Even the angle of the door from the bed didn''t make sense. If it is that he sat on the bed and threw


    it from there, the door was in no range for the vase to be thrown at.


    Maybe it was my overthinking nature, but it felt odd.


    In addition, the vase had no flowers in it on the ground. No one has an empty vase lying around in their


    room. Right?


    It was as if he purposely took the flowers from the vase, brought it to this door and broke it. But, why? It


    didn''t make sense.


    However, my intuition was confirmed when I spotted a bunch of flowers sitting on a desk near the


    window at the other end of the room. The ce where the flowers sat seemed like a perfect ce for a


    vase to be positioned. Plus, the desk was in no throwing range to the door either.


    That did it. He purposely broke this vase in front of this door. I made no hesitation in opening it, and I


    was met with a library.


    A library attached to a bedroom. Either my dad or his mate was a reader.


    I stepped further into the room slowly as I eyed everything, looking for any hint of a message. After the


    whole vase thing, I knew that it was a message. I had a gut feeling.


    The library was small, but it had a lot of books. I didn''t think that whatever he left was inside a book.


    That would''ve taken days to find. And then again, who was he leaving a message for?


    The questions made my head pound as I eyed everything in concentration.


    But then I saw it.


    I saw what I was looking for.


    Everything in the small library was neatly positioned, not a book out of ce. But in the corner sat a


    shelf with a section that had nothing but encyclopedias. However, stuffed between a book was a small


    book--a novel maybe.


    It could''ve been overlooked by anyone, but since I was so observant, I didn''t miss it.


    I retrieved the novel in anticipation as I quickly brushed the dust from it. The novel looked used, as if it


    was read numerous times. A favourite, maybe?


    ''30 Days As A Substitute Prince'' The title was huge and bold on the cover, and I found myself


    skimming through the book for notes or anything, but I stopped when something caught my eyes.


    Reagan Boysen.


    The name. It was the name of the male protagonist of the book.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I skipped through it even more seeing that indeed, it was the name of the male lead. My dad''s favourite


    book. It must''ve been. Why else would he take the name of the male protagonist?


    Knowing for sure that it was his doing, I eagerly shook the book to see if there was a note hid between


    its pages. I yipped in delight when I saw a hint of white hitting the ground after a few shakes. I quickly


    unraveled it, seeing handwriting I recognized from a certain letter I read on my 18th birthday.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    My hands shook in anticipation as I eyed the letter. I knew what ever was written, would change my life


    forever.


    ~~~


    If someone is reading this, it means the moon heard my prayer, recognized my endless nights of grief


    and agony and hearkened to my will.


    I don''t know who you are, but you were sent by her to set things straight, since I couldn''t even after


    trying desperately so many times.


    Hopefully, whoever saw my sign at the door and realized that this book was misced wasn''t the


    wrong person. Edward, if you''re the one reading this letter, then I regret ever writing it. But I know


    someone will reveal the truth one day.


    However, if you are not my conniving brother, please believe everything that I say, as no one ever did.


    My brother, Edward, killed my mate when our father stepped down to give me the Beta position. He


    was so driven by power that he wanted my birthright. I told him no on many asions, and I told him


    that I am the one to be Beta, and he grew jealous. So in order for him to get my ce, he murdered


    her. As I write this I am in tears because it is myst resort.


    Edward and I were the only one who knew how allergic she was to tree-nuts. It was a very unnatural


    thing for a wolf, but it was real.


    She had a reaction after he made her breakfast one morning, because they were always the first to rise


    in the mornings. I found her in the kitchen gasping for air and it was toote when I brought her to the


    hospital.


    He knew I''d be too drowned on grief to take my position as Beta, and he was right.


    What made it worse, was that no one believed me. They acknowledged that she died from the reaction,


    but when I told everyone that he did it, they''d say I was suffering from a broken heart and trying to shed


    my grief by using Edward.


    He convinced EVERYONE that I was simply too unstable from the loss of my mate, and I was going


    crazy.


    ''Why would I ever kill my own brother''s mate? I adored Julia'' he would say all the time. And he was


    right, he did adore her, which made it harder for me to convince them.


    But he adored the title even more. She told me in herst breath that it hadn''t been her mistake, but


    Edward was the one who made them breakfast that morning. It was when she had taken a couple bites


    she realized that he had blended walnuts in her shake and sprinkled grains in her pancakes.


    I have no solid proof, and so I could never convince anyone. I was only the crazy brother who went


    mad after losing his mate. As wolves, we know too well that it isn''t unlikely. But I''m not crazy. I am only


    grieving, heartbroken and betrayed.


    My brother killed my mate to get my spot, and he did.


    But I can''t stay here. I can''t look at him everyday knowing what he did. I can''t stay here knowing that no


    one ever believed me, even my own parents. And so, I cried to the moonst night and asked her for


    justice. Justice for Julia.


    It wille in the name of love.


    So, whoever you are, thank you for finding this letter. I will probably be across the world by the time


    someone sees this. And if it''s mom, dad, anyone from Emerald Pack, please believe me. I''m not crazy


    and driven by grief to use my brother of such a thing. It happened. He even came to my roomst


    night to gloat about getting my position, and that if he knew Julia would do the trick, he would''ve


    eliminated her from the minute I found her.


    I couldn''t believe that this was a man I called a brother. He is no brother. If he indeed rules as Beta for


    years, I hope he''s a good one-- for the sake of the Pack.


    But as for me, I will not stand by and watch him for the rest of my life.


    So after a long night of weeping, I made my decision. I will leave today. I don''t know where I am going,


    but I hope they will be good ces with healing.


    This is Kavan Conley. I was the rightful heir of the Beta position at Emerald Pack, but my younger


    brother stole it from me.


    No one believed me when I tried to tell the truth, they thought I was crazy. Maybe my running away will


    confirm their beliefs even more. But you, whoever you are, the fact that you found this letter meant you


    were supposed to. I need you to set it straight. Even if it''s generationter, I ask this of you:


    Tell my story, bring truth to the wolves of Emerald Pack, even if they don''t know me. Because that will


    bring justice for my Julia.


    I will never return to Emerald Pack, nor will no one ever know where I''m truly from. I will change my


    name and lead a new life. But I hope that one day, wherever I am, I will hear news abroad that justice


    was indeed gained for Julia.


    If you cannot do this, I understand. Someone else will. But if you will do this for me, the moon surely


    blesses you.


    -Kavan


    ~~~


    My fresh tears stained the paper as my heart broke in a thousand pieces. The dried runny ink here and


    there on the paper told me that my dad was in tears when he wrote this letter too.


    My heart broke for him knowing what he went through. My heart broke knowing what Edward-- his


    brother-- did to him for power. My heart broke knowing that he didn''t live to see the day when justice


    would be made for Julia.


    I''m sure he had hoped that he would be in America, and hear that a big revtion of the lost son''s


    mate had been brought to light.


    Well he didn''t live to say that day. And that hurt.


    But I will grant his wish. I will bring justice for his lost mate, and I will set his legacy right. The people of


    Emerald pack shouldn''t see him as a weak, crazy man who lost his mate and ran away in grief. No,


    they will know the truth.


    I will tell the truth.


    "What are you doing here?"


    I yelped in surprise as I spun on my heels. My eyes widened when I saw the one person who didn''t


    want to see, standing in front of me.


    Edward.


    I quickly shoved the note in my pocket, since I knew he was nothing but a lying, sneaky viin.


    However my movements were caught by his eyes, and he saw that I had a paper. His eyes narrowed at


    the book that I held in my hand, as he took slow threatening steps towards me.


    "This is Kavan''s room" He said slowly before pointing at my book. "And that is his favourite book"


    "It''s-it''s mine too" I lied. "I love 30 Days .." I trailed as I nced at the book''s title quickly, since I forgot


    it. "As A Substitute Prince"


    However, he saw straight through my lie as he inched closer towards me. His friendly demeanour that I


    grew up knowing was nowhere to be found. His eyes were threatening and cold as he backed me


    against a shelf.


    "I''ve never been in here since the day that brother of mine left. No one has. So why have you? He sent


    you here didn''t you?"


    "No he died when I was little. I don''t remember him. He didn''t leave any messages for me toe


    here" I snapped as I tried to get away, but he held me against the shelf.


    "So why did youe here? I knew after telling you that story, that you would''ve been snooping


    around. You had that same look in your eyes that Kavan had when he was determined. I didn''t want


    you to go snooping around and see something you shouldn''t have." I pushed at him but he still held me


    put. "Like this!" He eximed as he grabbed the note that I pushed in my pocket.


    I tried desperately to get it back from him, but he managed to keep me down with one hand as he held


    the letter with the other.


    Wasn''t this the same man who was talking about not being ''as strong as he used to'', this morning?


    I guess it was the rush of adrenaline, because even with my strength I couldn''t get away.


    He didn''t read it all, but he skimmed through it quickly as far as I could see. "Why aren''t I surprised that


    this has been here for over two decades, and you were the one who ended up finding it? You are his


    daughter after all. The only one who would''ve recognized his clever little clues."Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    "Give that back to me you monster" I spat as I reached for the letter, but instead he dropped it to the


    floor and wrapped both his calloused hands around my neck.


    He lifted me from my feet as he squeezed my neck, stopping air from reaching my lungs. I writhed and


    kicked at him so hard, but all he did was wince and held me put. I scratched at his face, I even


    emerged my ws and sank them into his face, but he was determined about killing me.


    "I''m sorry Zoey. I really was looking forward to knowing you as my niece. You were my shot at


    redemption with my brother. But I can''t have you ruining me and my kids."


    My eyes began to droop as my head grew light. I couldn''t believe it would end like this. My dad didn''t


    get his happy ending. I didn''t get my happy ending.


    My mate. Gosh Niall will be so broken. He''ll me himself for noting with me and-


    My fuzzy thoughts were cut off when the man''s hands fell from around my neck. I blinked rapidly as I


    went in a coughing fit, and as my eyes focused, I saw Edward lying on the ground unconscious. I then


    lifted my gaze to Asia who had wide eyes and a huge ass book in her hands.


    I recovered from my coughing and I couldn''t help but throw myself at her in a hug.


    "What just happened?" She asked, seeming still shocked from the man she just saved me from.


    I took a breath of air as my throat still stung, but I was indeed happy to be alive.


    "The truth happened, Asia. The truth happened."

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    "This is Kavan Conley. I was the rightful heir of the Beta position at Emerald Pack, but my younger


    brother stole it from me. No one believed me when I tried to tell the truth, they thought I was crazy.


    Maybe my running away will confirm their beliefs even more. But you, whoever you are, the fact that


    you found this letter meant you were supposed to. I need you to set it straight. Even if it''s generations


    later, I ask this of you: Tell my story, bring truth to the wolves of Emerald Pack, even if they don''t know


    me. Because that will bring justice for my Julia."


    I took a deep breath as I nced over the words scribbled on the paper for the hundredth time, before I


    lifted my head to the wolves of Emerald Pack who were looking at me expectantly.


    I was finally able to do it. I finally learnt everything about myself, my bloodline and my dad. Even


    though the man who rified most of my heritage turned out to be a back-stabbing, power hungry


    murderer, it was good to know everything for once.


    My missing pieces were finally filled in. I''mplete.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    I knew now what rissa meant when she said I''d have to make a big decision that my mate probably


    wont like. She assumed I would''ve reimed my rightful ce as Beta wolf, since what Edward did


    was a vition of one of the biggest wolfws, and so his and his kids'' ces would''ve been revoked


    immediately. However, Alex shouldn''t pay for his crimes. Alex was a great Beta.


    So, to set things straight for my dad, Julia and my ce, I asked Ty to call a Pack meeting where I


    would do it all. And that''s exactly what I was about to do.


    It was a shocker to everyone in the house, especially Jody and Alex. They couldn''t believe that their


    dad did that, but they were understanding and epted it quite earlier than I anticipated. They were all


    willing to stand by me while I did this, and I was grateful.


    It has been two days since I''ve learnt everything and since Asia saved my life. It was a good thing that


    she hade looking for me that morning and followed my scent to my dad''s old room. I can''t begin to


    imagine what would''ve happened if she wasn''t there.


    I found her gaze at the side of the stage with the other high ranking wolves, where I offered her a small


    smile. I hated her at first, and we still weren''t the closest. But I was d that this could be the start of a


    new partnership and friendship. She was the Beta of my mate''s pack after all.


    My mate.


    Beside Asia, stood my mate, Niall. After what happened, I knew I had to tell him. Of course, he just


    couldn''t stay away. I didn''t mind either. I missed him like crazy, and I felt like I needed him to do this. He


    arrived this morning, and we would leave today, so he wouldn''t be away from his pack any longer.


    It took a lot for me to keep him under control. Every time he looked at Edward, he growled and bared


    his teeth with a look that said ''I''m going to kill you for touching my mate''. Ty had the same reaction


    when he learnt what happened, but he was more paternal.


    He concluded that he wouldn''t banish Edward, solely for Alex and Jody''s sakes. It''s not like they


    wanted anything to do with him anymore. Alex was even more upset than Jody, simply by the level of


    betrayal and lies.


    However, Ty decided to strip Edward of any title in Emerald Pack, and so he will live in the deste


    part of the Pack by himself, onlying out for meetings and gatherings. He would be shunned by


    every member as soon as I was finished with my speech. If his mate so desired, she was permitted to


    stay with him. But as for everyone else, he would stay alone.


    For the past two days he had been locked in my dad''s old room, chained by silver so he had no way of


    escaping. He was specifically put in that room for punishment. I had to admit, when he came out, I


    could see that his conscience did its best to him.


    He stood a few feet away from me on the stage with his head hung low. Shame on him for all he did.


    "These were the words written by my dad over twenty years ago, when Edward Conley, his own


    brother, killed his mate" I continued, receiving gasps and hushed whispers from pack members. Niall


    gave me an encouraging smile which was enough to have me spilling the truth like it was nobody''s


    business.


    "For those who are seeing me for the first time, my name is Zoey Boysen, or Conley if you may say."


    More gasps-- that''s all I heard. "If you are confused, you have all right to be. But I am here to tell you


    the truth, and nothing but the truth. My dad, as some might remember, was Kavan Conley, but I only


    knew him as Reagan Boysen. Kavan was forced to run away from home because of the betrayal and


    heartbreak caused upon him by this man" I paused to turn to Edward, and everyone''s gaze shifted to


    him in suit.


    "Edward wanted the Beta position more than anything, so he killed my dad''s mate so that he''d be unfit


    to lead. Nobody believed my dad when he said it, which led him to leave Emerald pack. Some of you


    might not know who I am talking about, because this would''ve happened years before you were born.


    But for those who remember him, he wasn''t crazy. He wasn''t weak. He was hurt, but not only by the


    loss of his mate. His own brother led him to grief. And so, he led life as a rogue for years. However,


    before he left, he wrote and left this letter in his old room, hoping that someone would find it and shed


    light on what really happened."


    A single tear rolled down my cheek as I chuckled humorlessly.


    "Destiny" I concluded. "That''s the only logical exnation I could have for all this. Coincidence upon


    coincidence? Only destiny" More mumbles went around as I continued. "After leaving Emerald Pack,


    Kavan, as you know him, changed his name to Reagan Boysen and he lived as a rogue in the US for


    years. It so happened that fate caused him to fall in love with a human from a small town in Brightwater


    territory. He bore me, and he died trying to get me in a pack. I was too young to remember him"


    Ty came beside me and rested aforting hand on my shoulder. I smiled in gratitude as I prepped to


    continue. This was all a bitter-sweet experience.


    "I didn''t know him, but I heard wonderful stories about who he really was. I grew up in Brightwater Pack


    with wonderful people, but I always felt the absence of my dad. Soon after, my mom died too, and I was


    cut off from every connection I had with my dad, as she was the only one who knew him. However, he


    didn''t tell her where he was from or why he became a rogue in the first ce. So, on my eighteenth


    birthday just months ago, I was given a letter that was written by him before he died. It was then that I


    knew that I had to know everything. And I am happy that I went on this journey to know the truth"


    I smiled to myself when I thought about what an experience it had been.


    "It wasn''t easy, but I did it. You don''t have to believe me. But I just wanted to see my dad''s legacy


    straight. He was a good man. He would''ve been a good Beta too if Edward didn''t force him to act


    otherwise. It''s just so odd how I was the very same one who found this letter in his room. Don''t you


    see? From the minute it happened, the moon has been working it all out in my dad''s favor. It took


    years, but it happened. My dad was wronged, he ran away and became a rogue for years. Within those


    years, he met my mom who he fell in love with and had me. In that very same time, my sister was


    imprinted on by the Alpha of Brightwater Pack, who took me in and raised me into the wolf I am today.


    After all that, I grew up and found my mate, who is the Alpha of Truemoon Pack, and has been helping


    me with my quest from the minute I told him about it.


    "I then met a rogue who was raised by my dad years before he met my mom, and she led me here.


    This is the very pack that I had been visiting since I was a child, yet I didn''t know that this was where


    my bloodline was. Nheless, I learnt the truth, and I performed my father''s request by making it


    known to you all." I sighed contently as I leaned against the podium.


    I met eyes with Alex and Jody from across the stage, and I offered them a quick smile, telling them I


    hadn''t forgotten about them.


    "I know this is a lot to process, and I know most of you know the repercussions of this. But I am not


    here to reim the Beta position" I actuallyughed at the thought. "I have no intentions to. Alex has


    been a great Beta--the best. There is no way I would even consider taking that position from him. He


    isn''t his dad, and my goal today wasn''t for you to look at him or Jody in a different light. I don''t even


    have to ask that you show him the same respect and love like always, because I know you all will"


    A series or approvals and agreeing mumbles went around as they gazed at him lovingly.


    It was all true. Since I was a child, Alex had been the BEST Beta for Emerald Pack, and even if I didn''t


    have Niall, I wouldn''t have taken that away.


    "Besides" I beamed as I looked at Niall. "My mate is the Alpha of the Truemoon Pack back in America,


    and I wouldn''t want anything else but to be his Luna." He returned my smile as he mouthed'' I love you'',


    and a number of cheers and ''awes'' sounded from pack members.


    If the case was different, for instance, if Emerald Pack didn''t have a fitting Beta, it would''ve gone


    differently. But they do, so I have nothing to worry about, and my job was done.


    "So, thank you all for listening. I hope now that we can all move on secret free and happily. I love this


    pack and always will, and I know that what the future has in store is nothing but joy and prosperity" I


    took a deep breath as I collected the letter and handed the mic back to Ty.


    He proceeded to tell the pack what will happen to Edward and closing remarks as I made my way to


    Niall. He collected me in his arms immediately when I was only inches away from him and pulled me to


    his chest.


    "I''m so proud of you Zoey. You did great" He mumbled as he squeezed me tighter. I looked up to meet


    his eyes with a smile.


    "I did?"


    "You really did" He confirmed before cing a lingering kiss to my lips. I was happy andplete. It


    felt awesome.


    "Now we can go home and finally be happy forever" I told him with a beaming smile as if I was a five-


    year-old beginning a happily ever after story. He couldn''t imagine how wonderful I felt.


    I knew my truth; I knew what happened with my dad and I even managed to set a whole misleading


    incident in ce after so many years. It was a wonderful feeling to have the truth out and open. I knew


    there was nothing else that could hold me back now.


    I no longer had questions lingering over my head, and fragments in my heart. I was whole. I was


    content and free. It felt wonderful. And having my mate with me throughout it all was a great plus.


    "Forever, Zoey," he agreed both out loud and through our mate bond.


    "Happy forever."

 Chapter 37-Final

    Chapter 37-Final


    Song for final chapter:


    Love Someone by Lukas Graham


    ***


    The day had finallye. I was finally home and being introduced to Niall''s Pack officially. I''d finally


    be the Luna I was always destined to be, and lead with my mate.


    After everything was settled in Ennd, I promised not to be a stranger, but I knew I had to return


    home. The minute we were home, Niall and I started getting ready for the Pack meeting. It wasn¡¯t just


    me who was being introduced, but our new Beta as well, Asia''s mate.


    It was a very exciting day, and though I''ll surely miss my link with Brightwater Pack, I was more than


    happy that I''d finally be free to live happily with Niall, now that everything was out and had been


    resolved.


    My heart felt like it was soaring on the clouds on its way to a bright future, and I couldn¡¯t wait to see


    what that future was.


    "All ready?" a voice from the door called, and I immediately smiled up at Niall as I nodded once.


    "More than you could ever know." I met him halfway as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I


    immediately reached up to connect my lips to his, loving the instant feeling that took over my whole


    body.


    This was happiness. This was peace.


    "If we don¡¯t stop, we might end up beingte for that induction and pack meeting," Niall mumbled


    breathlessly against my lips after our very long kiss.


    I grinned against him, and as much as the idea of being a few minuteste to endorse in a few minutes


    of him sounded appealing, I was simply itching to get through with this induction.


    I allowed him to lead me to the living room where everyone was waiting. Jared was sharply dressed,


    despite the fact that we all wore casual clothing, and I realized that Asia and James looked the same. I


    suddenly didn¡¯t feel self-conscious about actually dressing up. I did my hair surprisingly neat in a low


    bun, and my attire was quite different from my usual leggings and tank top.


    I shot James a thumbs up across the room as I continued for the door, knowing he must''ve been a bit


    nervous.


    After today, he was going to take the roll as Beta, with Asia as the female Beta at his side. I knew he


    was a natural though, and Asia would show him the ropes, so he had nothing to worry about.


    The Pack meeting was being held at the Pack House, since it had a backyard big enough to hold the


    hold Pack, and as Niall said, it was where they held all their meetings.


    The backyard was already full by the time we arrived, and I felt a little hint of nerves when I eyed the


    crowd. However, it immediately subsided when I received adoring smiles the second a few eyes caught


    mine.


    Niall''s Pack members were absolutely golden, and that''s why I adored them as much as they adored


    me.


    I grew even more excited when I saw my family from Brightwater Pack waiting at the side of the stage.


    All ten of them really drove all the way down here to see me, including Emily.


    I wasted no time in engulfing each and everyone of them in hugs, epting congrattions and


    expressing my gratitude and love. I was especially grateful for Luka and Victoria. If it hadn¡¯t been for


    them, I had no idea where I''d be.


    Niall, Asia and Jared mounted the stairs to the stage, and the mumbling around the crowd immediately


    stopped as they gave their attention to their leaders. As Niall did his formal greetings and some quick


    updates about the pack, I took the time to greet Roxy and Ace too. They too had been a huge help,


    especially Roxy, and I wanted to show my appreciation.


    Roxy even took a liking to James, and would always tease him about ing to Asia¡¯s rescue'' sooner.


    I became alert when Niall started speaking about the inductions, and I couldn¡¯t help the warmness in


    my tummy as they cheered loudly when Niall spoke about introducing the Luna. He called for James


    and I , and I shed my family and friends a quick smile as we joined Niall on the stage.


    I don¡¯t think I''ve ever smiled this much in my whole life, but I wasn¡¯tining. If you have something


    to be happy for, then be happy.


    "It is myplete pleasure to introduce James Simon, our new Beta wolf of Truemoon Pack," Niall said


    as James stepped forward.


    Asia beamed brightly as James shared a few words and a formal introduction. The pack already


    seemed to have loved him, so I knew we all would get along quite well.


    Niall then drew for a dagger, and I recognized this as the part where he would officially make him a


    member. They stared at each other as they joined the right forearms.


    "I Niall Wilson, Alpha of True moon Pack, wee you , James Ross, into our pack to lead by my side


    as Beta. You are to love, cherish and rule these people with dignity, wisdom, and perseverance until


    your heir is fit to take over your position."


    James nodded once, since every wolf knew what to say after an Alpha weed them into his pack. "I


    ept," he said simply, and Niall then drew a line in both of their hands with the pointy dagger, before


    mixing their blood.


    James looked sad for a while as if he was in pain, but almost immediately, his eyes lit up when the new


    pack bond, as I assumed, was formed. He beamed brightly as he joined an excited Asia and proud


    Jared a few feet away.


    Niall then turned to me, and I knew it was my turn. I gulped, not feeling necessarily nervous, but


    anxious.


    "As most of you already know, this is my mate, Zoey Boysen." He smiled proudly as he turned towards


    me. "Zoey?"


    As always, it was our duty to give a formal introduction of ourselves, and so I did.


    I didn¡¯t bore them with my life story, and I didn¡¯t try to make myself seem all high and mighty in their


    eyes. I simply told them a little about myself, and I also told them that I was from Brightwater Pack.


    Content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I told them that I won''t promise to be a perfect Luna, but I''ll be the best one that I can. They are my


    people now, and I cherish each and everyone of them. From the babies, to the elders, they are my


    people.


    I stood before Niall with a never falling smile, and I could see that he was trying his best to stay serious.


    My eyes quickly darted to my old pack members from Brightwater, and I knew this was thest time I''d


    have the opportunity to mindlink them.


    I shouted in their minds, obviously taking some of them by surprise. I stifled a giggle as they smiled at


    me.


    this came from Ashley as she blew me a kiss, and a series of simr ones came from the others. I


    didn¡¯t have a link to Victoria, since she''s human, but I surely had one with Luka.


    I actually felt sad when I realized he wouldn¡¯t be my Alpha anymore. When I''m sad, he won''t be in my


    room to ask me why, because he felt it and knew that I was.


    But he smiled nheless, and he held tightly onto Victoria''s hand as he said, ,


    And just like that, I felt okay. I pushed through a final ''I love you'' as I directed my attention back to Niall.


    I then knew that the absence of my old pack wouldn¡¯t be felt. I won''t only have a new pack bond, but I''ll


    always have my mate bond.


    So whenever I''m having those sad days, I know, just know, that Niall will be right there to make it better.


    This is my family now. This is my home.


    "I, Niall Wilson, Alpha of Truemoon Pack, wee you , Zoey Boysen, into our pack to lead by my side


    as Luna. You are to love, cherish and rule these people with dignity, wisdom, and perseverance until


    our heir is fit to take over as leader of this pack."


    I gazed straight in his eyes with a bright smile as I nodded. "I ept."


    He returned my smile as he grabbed a clean dagger. He made a fresh slit in his palm and did the same


    with mine before joining both the wounds to mix our bloods.


    I gasped as I felt the bond to Brightwater Pack break, and I suddenly felt empty and void. But almost


    immediately, I was met with a new, just as strong bond, and my mind was immediately flooded with


    hundreds of greetings and love messages from Niall''s pack member. Or should I say, our pack


    members.


    It drew tears to my eyes as the voices finally subsided, and I knew for sure that I was officially a


    Truemoon Pack wolf.


    "Luna Zoey," Niall announced, looking proud as ever as the crowd cheered and whistled in pure glee.


    Yep. Definitely home.


    ***


    "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" Niall asked as he dragged the damp bath sponge over


    my shoulder. I shrugged with a giggle.


    "Maybe just about everyday," I admitted as I spun around in the tub so that I was facing him. I climbed


    onto hisp in a straddling position as I sank my wet fingers in his silky hair.


    He smiled up at me as he rubbed small circles in my back. He never knew what he did to me with


    those.


    "I do?" He smirked, knowing damn well that he does. "Well maybe I do it because the words are so


    true. You''re just so beautiful. Inside and out. Exquisitely perfect."


    My stomach erupted in butterflies as I bent down to quickly capture his lips. "Speak about yourself. You


    are a hundred percent perfect. What have I ever done to deserve a mate like you?" I mumbled against


    his lips, not giving him a moment to reply, since I instantly reconnected our lips.


    I really had to wonder at times. Was the moon that good? To mate me with the perfect man for me? I


    knew there was absolutely no one who could''ve been a better match.


    Throughout everything that happened since my 18th birthday, Niall had been my rock, my strength, my


    peace and my happiness. Despite the few bumps along the way, he was the only factor that drove me


    toplete sess and content.


    Surely, there isn¡¯t any other bond like a mate bond, because it is truly the strongest bond of all. He''s my


    heart, my joy and my life, and I will never stop showing and telling him that, for as long as we live.


    "Niall?" I mumbled breathlessly against him as I pulled away from the kiss.


    "Yea?"


    "Thank you."


    "For what baby?" His voice sounded confused as he opened his eyes to gaze at me. I smiled down at


    him as I ran my thumb over his cheek.


    He wouldn''t even begin toprehend.


    "For being there for me. For helping me and being my mate. I know it''s an odd thing for a mate to say,


    but I wanted to."


    His lips pulled into a gentle simper as he gazed at me with those love filled eyes, and stroked my back


    so delicately with his teasing fingertips.


    "You don¡¯t have to say thank you, Zoey. You''re my mate. I''d go to the moon and back for you," he


    whispered, holding me impossibly closer. "Remember the very first promise I made to you?"


    I nodded. I remembered it clearly. "You said you''ll always make me happy." I blushed so greatly at the


    memory of when I saw him that night at my birthday party. He sealed the deal with those very words.


    "And I still mean it. Even though you know everything your heart desires and we can finally move on, I''ll


    always make you happy, Zoey. Always."


    I resisted the urge to cry as I buried my nose in the base of his neck, taking in arge whiff of his


    intoxicating, calming scent. I couldn¡¯t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I can''t wait to bear his


    pups, and wake up everyday for the rest of my life in his arms.


    I can''t wait to spend forever with my wonderful mate, who not just helped me find myself, but


    completed me too.


    "I love you Niall Wilson." I didn¡¯t have to say or do anything else, because I let my walls down


    completely, and showed him just how much I really adored him.


    His arms snaked tighter around my waist as he ced a lingering kiss to my shoulder.


    "I love you too, Zoey. Forever."


    The END.


    .


    .


    .


    That is a wrap guys! Yup it''s over!


    I still cantprehend that all my werewolf books arepleted. I am sooooo proud! This was my


    final book in the Alpha''s Mate series, and I love it! I hope you did too.


    If you haven''t read the other two, you can go ahead and read them now. You''ll love them! And don''t


    worry, they are all stand alone books.


    So I would really like to thank everyone who made this book your choice. My heart goes out to you and


    I''m so happy you gave us a chance.


    I hope to see you soon in the future my lovely readers! You are the BEST!


    -ANNA


    Instagram: annawriter_muffinbasket


    I''ll Miss you!


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!