Copyright to VedaPettigrew

Bubbles popped in my chest as adrenaline rushed through my body. Silver took a bounding leap off a crop of boulders onto a soft grassy path and kept running. The yowls and playful barking of all my Starfish behind caused us to howl back as she saw a stream and jumped in, running along the rocky base, water splashing and soaking her coat.

The moon was shining brightly enough that it was nearly clear as daytime.

We had been gathered in The Ocean when we felt it calling to us, luring us outside. Letty had voiced her longing to shift first, her grey wolf Malira was quietly howling with yearning at the beautiful orb in the sky, and there had been a unanimous agreement it was time to go on a pack run.

Hammer's big grey-brown wolf was with us, easily keeping pace. After trying to lead the run and realising we were not going to follow, he did the next best thing and stuck to Silver's side like glue.

Before we left for our run, he had stood outside The Ocean like a very severe doorman, verifying and searching everyone who came in. He'd been a bit disgruntled when I'd asked him to let me have some time alone with my friends but after some cajoling and promises that we wouldn't go anywhere without telling him, he ended up allowing it. Though only after locking the external door and windows, and removing all the keys.

"So Joan," I said in a playful voice, "How's the view from back there?"

"Quiet you," she retorted.

"She can't seem to keep her eyes off a certain male wolf. She's tripped over three times," Sophie teased.

Laughter ran throughout the link.

"He's got a nice gait," Joan said defensively, "I'm just watching for tips."

"Sure you are," Kat joined in.

"A nice gait, that's what we're calling it is it?" Lacy giggled lightly.

"I should tell you," Clara ribbed, "It isn't improving your running. You just keep running into things."

"Leave me alone you lot. He's a Warrior Protector, nothing will ever happen between us. I just think he has an attractive wolf, his colouring is unique and he's very muscular," Joan huffed. I heard the blue undertone in her thoughts though and sympathised with her.

It had been obvious earlier in the kitchen while preparing dinner, that they noticed each other. When Hammer had shown an interest I had wondered if he would be man enough to ignore the fact that she was an omega.

I hoped so, I had a feeling they might be true mates. Honey certainly perked up when she was with him, her eyes following his movements longingly, even though he could not see her.

"Joan," I said privately, "Don't worry, we'll get him real wolf too, then he'll have no choice but to see how perfect and beautiful you are."

"What do you mean no choice?"

"Isn't Honey indicating anything about him to you?"

"I'm trying not to notice, I don't want to let her down when she discovers he won't see us as anything other than an omega," she mumbled glumly.

"You don't know that for sure, let's hope for the best. Any man would be lucky to have you."

"That isn't the case though," she blurted. "I've been let down before. A potential mate that Alpha put forward rejected the idea, I wasn't good enough for some reason."

"WHAT?" I was furious, "How dare that stupid male not see how utterly perfect and amazing, gorgeous, kind, fantastic and wonderful you are? Don't let his stupidity stop you from going after a mate."

"It won't, Alpha Anderson did that. But thank you for your lovely words."

I felt anger pushing out my ribcage and Silver jumped out of the stream and went to Honey, rubbing her sides as they ran side by side.

"What do you mean?"

"He said that as I had been rejected already, he wouldn't ask another man to take me on, I am to remain single for the rest of my life."

Silver growled furiously and everyone jumped, stopping to look at my compassionate wolf who was fuming. She slowed to a stop and immediately set to comforting Joan physically, grooming Honey with loving licks.

All the other wolves cocked their heads, not understanding why Silver was fiercely tending to an appreciative Honey. She rubbed her scent all over her, declaring a claim.

I now had the answer as to why the older wolf was unmated. It was usual to be mated by your mid-thirties and Joan was probably nearing forty. She was the oldest omega female serving in the Higher House, though there were much older ones in the lower houses, and I had wondered why she had not been claimed but hadn't wanted to ask.

"No, that will not happen. You deserve a mate Joan. And now you might have a chance with Alpha Anderson going."

I had been right about a big change coming.

At the pack meeting Alpha had informed everyone that he was stepping down and offering his title at the upcoming Challenge. The news was met with shock even after last night's mess, and when everyone filed away in dead silence their faces were pale.

The men were more visibly shaken by the news, holding more of the negative emotions. To them he had been a great leader, powerful and wise. One who had prospered the pack and the land; the silver-mines and land agreements thriving under his management. He brought in strong alliances with those around us and forged us ahead through hard times and good.

The women seemed less aggrieved. To them he had just been a figurehead. One that represented rules, punishment and the knowledge he was only loyal to the men.

During the announcement I had watched Dominic, his expression was shuttered but I saw his empathy for the pack at the blow. A change of leadership was always a scary time, not knowing what was coming and wondering who would be affected the most.

I knew it was his decree that forced Alpha's hand, whatever he had seen in the mind-reading interrogation was enough for him to dismiss Alpha without pause. I wondered what it was, it had to be more than just the Jeremy thing.

"It won't make a difference. Apparently he put it into my file," Joan said sadly, bringing me back to the moment.

"But it still might, you have no idea what a new alpha could bring. You should go and petition him if you want a mate. Though..." I took on a teasing tone, "I'm still holding out for a certain male wolf currently watching you with what looks like worry."

Joan's eyes went straight to Hammer who was indeed concerned. He was watching us tend to Joan with uncertainty as if he wanted to join us but couldn't.

"Oh Greta, teasing aside, do you think he would ever want me?"

"I don't know Joan, but I really hope so. You are worthy of an excellent mate. I'll ask Ori for her help."

"Thanks. I hope so too, but don't tell the others. It's embarrassing."

"Putting your heart out there isn't embarrassing, it's brave. Like everything else about you." Silver was running her sides along Honey's fur, still soaking her in our scent. She wanted Joan to know she was accepted and loved.

"What's going on guys?" Bee asked tentatively.

"Just realising how good it will be to have a new alpha having found out about another of my grandfather's awful decisions," I fumed furiously.

"Ahh. You mean the one where he stole Joan's hope of a family from her without a second thought," Kat asked intuitively.

Silver growled again. "Yes, that would be the one."

A nudge made me turn to see Hammer watching with his head cocked, uneasiness in his eyes. He had no idea of what was going on and I had no way to tell him. Silver wrapped her head over Joan's neck, letting him know it was about her, not me. Though he must have already realised that from watching the obsessive grooming.

Relief showed in his face, obviously glad his ward wasn't the one suffering. But I could still see he was bothered by Joan's condition, Honey stood with her ears and tail drooping. He came to stand closer, seeming at a loss what to do, but Honey perked up at the gesture and he seemed gratified by her reaction.

He barked playfully at her and pounced on her tail, biting it spiritedly. Honey barked back and turned to try and catch his tail but he kept wagging it from side to side, watching her with amusement as her head followed it mouth open, ready to get it.

I couldn't fathom the mystery of Hammer, he wasn't like other males, it was almost as if he had a real wolf. I hadn't seen any other male frolicking the way he was now with Joan. But it was all Hammer. How did he get to be so different?

I suppose Marcus had been too. Even before Felix came along he showed extra concern for Fiona. But he had been reserved towards the other women, always serious and not taking much notice of them. Hammer could be deadly, yet he was nothing but kind to me, even though he was gruff. And now he was dancing around like a puppy.

Please help them Ori. Don't let him reject the idea because of her status, I pleaded.

We carried on with our run, teasing Joan for the flirting going on between her and Hammer. She skilfully ignored us, choosing instead to point out the beauty around us. Which I had to admit, was magnificent.

The forest was alive tonight. Owls were swooping overhead, foxes and badgers snuffling in the damp underground, and even a pack of natural wolves were out hunting some hapless rabbits. Our large pack sent them all scurrying away, frightened at the sight of over a hundred large animals howling, barking and playing as they ran though the moonlit trees.

It was glorious as always.

Running together unified us, creating deeper intimacy as a pack. We had talked about everything that was happening, offering thoughts and comfort while in The Ocean. But out here? We were just running. Free. Together.

Eventually we had to turn back to the house, I was hoping I might be able to catch up with Dominic, I'd seen him so briefly today. I hadn't got a chance to speak with him at the meeting, I had been seated with the other women though Hammer had remained by my side. I merely gave him a wave as I left and got on with the usual afternoon's activities.

It had been hard to hear myself being called Luna Luna by all my friends, I wanted to stop them, but the worry that they would get into trouble made me hold my tongue. Fortunately they teased me enough through the link to make up for the ridiculous formality.

Hammer had not left me all day. When we were preparing dinner, he had stuck to the kitchen wall, moving only when I went to check the door for the third time. I guessed that habit would be harder to break than I thought.

"Luna," he'd said softly, worry behind his eyes. "I will stand by the door, nobody will come in without your permission."

"Thank you Hammer," I'd given him a rueful smile and moved back to the food production.

The furtive looks between him and Joan had made Fiona and me hide our smiles, and I kept sending Joan to the store-cupboard right by him. Every time she passed he took a deep breath and his eyes followed her path.

At dinner, Dominic had sat at the head of the table and I had to serve him first. I ladled it out with a shaking hand, feeling awkward to say the least. I didn't look at Alpha or Luna, it would have been impossible to meet their eyes. I didn't even look at Dominic, but I was super aware of his presence.

It snaked around me like a scarf of soft woollen pompoms trailing over my skin whenever I was with him.

When I'd melted back to the wall, I'd tried unsuccessfully to fight the irritation that we weren't eating together, but still accidentally huffed out loud a couple of times. He'd frowned at me but I pretended not to see.

"So who's the new chef?" he'd asked, his plate empty.

"Greta," Alpha had grunted unwillingly. "Went to culinary school before she came here."

Dominic had looked at me with pride, "Well, compliments to the chef. This is by far the most superb meal I have eaten, here or anywhere."

His praise dimmed my anger and I'd had to bite my lip to stop the self-satisfactory smile threatening to break out, dipping my head to acknowledge his commendation. The memory of his astonished face when the cheesecakes came out, made me laugh to myself.

We ran to the cabin and plans started whirring as to how I could eat by my mate's side instead of after him. It made me feel small, I didn't like it. Maybe I could just tell him, he cared enough to come to me after dinner to ask what was wrong.

I hadn't been able to answer because there was a shriek for help from the kitchen and I called for a rain-check and went to deal with the situation. He and Alpha had headed towards the Alpha's Study and had been holed up since.

Coming out of the cabins, we went back to the central area, where we all headed to our own houses. Usually I would have given out hugs or cheek rubs to say goodbye, but I was forced to just watch as we dispersed, calling out goodbyes and sending love through the link.

"Come on then Hooray Hammer, let's go," I called to the hulk.

I heard an indignant, "Hooray Hammer?"

"No, you don't like it?" I asked innocently.

We bickered good-naturedly the whole way back to the pack house. I was exceptionally glad that it was easy between us and that I actually liked him, and counted my blessings that I didn't have a standard male.

"Why are you so nice to me? And the other women? You're not like the other men I know."

"You're Alpha Alpha's, he's already shown his affection and protection towards you. I follow his lead," he grunted. "It is a great honour to be your protector, though a lot of men wouldn't see it that way. I know I've been trusted with something precious to Alpha Alpha."

"Oh ok, thanks I guess?"

I headed to the study and knocked on the door, looking at the discipline box in disgust. I'd like to rip it off the wall.

The door opened to reveal a disgruntled Alpha, "What?"

"I've come to see Alpha Alpha Griffin, is he still here?"

"Yes Etta, come in," his deep voice called from behind my ex-grandfather. I hid a smile at the fact that he'd been sent to open the door like an errand boy and went through the space he widened for us, Hammer following behind.

"Alpha Alpha, it's time I call Beth," Hammer stated. What? Who was Beth? My heart fell at the thought that he already had a mate. How could I have ignored the possibility? Stupid, stupid.

"That's fine, go and Luna will stay with me. Come collect her when you are finished." His head didn't even raise from his work.

I gritted my teeth. I was right here and perfectly capable of making my way around, just like I had been doing since I got here. Alpha shut the door behind Hammer and saw my irritation. He smirked as he went back to sit at the desk.

"I was wondering if you had time to talk?" I asked, "We haven't managed to spend any time getting to know each other, and I know it's my fault, I can't believe I spent so long sleeping. Actually it's your fault, if you hadn't been here, I wouldn't have slept that long. But then again if you weren't here then it would be impossible spending time getting to know each other so we're back to it being my fault. So I'm sorry about that but is there any way we could find some time to..."

I trailed off when I noticed he was watching me incredulously. Okay, so maybe I was rambling, but I was nervous. I hummed, rocking on the soles of my feet and smoothing a strand of my hair.

"Leave us, I will call you back when I require you," Dominic barked at Alpha, who hurried out the door. He waited until the door shut and turned to me, "What made you so cross at dinner?"

Right, so straight into it then. "I wanted to sit and eat with you," I admitted.

He looked surprised, "That's not the way it's done."

"I know, but that's what I felt," I shrugged my shoulders.

He frowned at me and my heart sank. "Nothing in this pack will change, there'll be enough of that once there is a new Alpha and Luna."

That was true enough, upheaval was imminent and it wouldn't be fair to change things for such a short time. "What about when we go back to your pack?"

He shook his head, "It's not the way things are done Etta."

I sighed, but decided I would deal with things in Black Lake Mountain when I got there. There was still hope. He didn't say he didn't want to eat with me.

Silver pushed an image in my head and I felt stupid for not thinking of it before. "Dominic, have you had any thought of who will take over as alpha?"

He shook his head, "I've mostly been looking through Amos' computer, I'll be glad when my secretary gets here tomorrow." Images of a pretty she-wolf popped in my head and I scowled. He caught it and smiled, guessing my train of thought. "His name is Micah."

I grinned. My jealousy may have only come from insecurity at our new relationship, but it was still good to know. "I never said anything," I declared innocently. "But the reason I ask is because I'd like you to consider the Lead Warrior we have here, Marcus."

He stood up from the desk chair and came to perch on the front of the desk, arms crossed. I stepped closer instinctively, making his lips curve slightly. "It's not up to me, but even if it was, Amos told me about his insubordination," he folded his arms across his broad chest.

"Didn't you see what happened when you read his mind earlier? He has always been exemplary, until last night..."

"Even once is enough," he interrupted sternly, adding cryptically, "And no. I was looking for other things."

"Well you should know he was defending me. Alpha had just said that I would be mated to Jeremy and Marcus disagreed."

"Hmmm, I see," he said thoughtfully, "Well, I guess I can't hold that against him, though there are better ways he should have done it, rather than arguing with his alpha in a public forum."

"But his wolf Felix doesn't acknowledge him as Alpha."

"What do you mean?"

"Since Felix came, his allegiance has been to another."

"He has a real wolf? I thought it was just you, because you were my mate," he looked confused.

"Quite a few of us do, Silver was the first in the pack but there are over a hundred now."

His jaw dropped, "Over a hundred? That's incredible, I'll have to go and see them all on the training field tomorrow."

I bit my lip, "You'll only see Felix there."

"Why, where are the others?"

"All the other wolves belong to the women." I hid a satisfied grin at his incredulous expression.

"Women?"

"Uh-huh. Ori blessed women with wolves before men. What do you think that means huh?" I teased gently.

"Who is Ori?"

"The Original, the creator of wolves."

"The Original? I met her the night I took the Alpha Alpha title."

I plonked down on the chair in front of the desk and gazed up at him, it was my turn to look shocked. I gulped, "You met her?"

He smiled at my obvious fan-girling, "Yes. She brought me Alarick and showed me how to access both his werewolf and Lycan form..."

"Alarick is both?" I interrupted. Wow, this was too cool.

"Yes," he plunked my nose, "Alarick is both." I looked to the great wolf watching from the side, with a new level of respect.

"This is incredible, will you tell me more about her?" I begged.

"I will, and I want you to tell me about what you know of her. And all the real wolves. But not now, I've got so much work to do. More than I expected when I came." He frowned, glancing at the door, "I had not expected to be deposing an Alpha."

"I'm glad he's going," I blurted out. "I know he's my grandfather, but he made my life so hard, and I think he had even worse plans," my face blanched.

His eyes hardened, "I know. I'm glad I came early. Even thinking that Amos was trying to force you to mate Jeremy has me fighting the urge to beat him into the ground. I haven't because I think the pack is already suffering enough with the whole situation, but having to work so closely with him," he growled fiercely, leaving me in no doubt as to his feelings.

"Maybe having Micah will help," I offered. "He can do the close work with Alpha and..."

Alarick growled too and Dominic snarled, "Don't call him Alpha. Only us." He took a breath, "I don't like hearing it from your lips. I'll watch out for Marcus tomorrow on the field. And perhaps I won't listen to Amos' advice."

Silver started rubbing along Alarick's side, calming him down. I nodded to her, "She stopped acknowledging him as alph..." Alarick growled and I quickly amended my words. "... As that... a long time ago."

He looked affectionately at my girl, "She's a wise wolf." Her ears cocked as her tail wagged across Alarick's face. He started trying to grab it lazily, catching it with a proud look in his eye. I giggled and stroked his back, massaging my fingers into his thick fur.

"She is indeed. What should I call him then?"

"Grandfather?" I scowled, shaking my head and he laughed lightly, "Amos then, maybe Alpha Amos when you're in public. That's how you should address every alpha, with their title followed by their name. The only one you call just 'Alpha', is me."

I grinned at him, "Okay Alpha."

He pinched the bridge of his nose mumbling, "Yes, that works."

Alarick started grumbling contentedly as I worked over his back, leaning into my fingers with Silver's tail still in his mouth. She was happily watching us all over her shoulder.

"Maybe I could give you a tour tomorrow. It would count as work still right?" I offered buoyantly.

He patted Silver who had twisted round to be near him and was rubbing her nose against his leg, "I'm doing that with Amos."

"Well, as you now know he isn't to be trusted, maybe I could do a follow-on and give my own spin on the place?" I said hopefully. "You know, the down-low, the inner gossip and all that?"

He laughed, making my heart tingle, "Etta, what am I going to do with you? I had no idea a mate could be so..."

I waited.

"So...?" I prompted when it became obvious he wasn't about to finish his sentence. He smiled mysteriously and crooked his finger telling me to stand. I did so unthinkingly and he turned me around, putting both his hands on my shoulders, and started steering me towards the door.

We stopped walking and he leant his head down to my ear, "...Alluring."

There was a knock and he called to come in, making frustration rise in me as I wanted more. He obviously knew Hammer was coming, the timing was impeccable. But he just gently pushed me towards Hammer and I was left to stew.

"Etta," he called and I turned hopefully, meeting his warm gaze. "I will try to find some time to spend with you, I might even take you up on your offer. But I need you to understand, I have to do this work. I can't leave the new Alpha with a mess on his hands. The transition needs to be as smooth as possible."

I nodded, "I do understand really. It's just bad timing. After really really good timing," I smiled and his eyebrow rose humorously. "But I need you to understand that I'm happy to help. If there's anything I can do, let me know, please?"

"We'll see. After Micah gets here, things will be easier to organise and I might be able to give you some things to do. What you can do in the meantime, is obey your protectors. I need to know you're safe otherwise I find I can't concentrate," his forehead wrinkled. "Which is most frustrating. It hasn't happened before."

I felt a little bubble of glee popping in my chest. But then realised, "Protectors? As in more than one?"

"Yes, Hammer needs some sleep," he said seriously as Hammer grunted. "Raoul will coming with Micah to take on his new role as Second Protector."

Hammer's expression twitched at the name and I wondered why. It didn't seem like a good thing.

"How was Beth?" my mate asked him. I'd forgotten to ask about her and cringed internally, wondering again who she was.

"Good. Happy to speak to me, she misses me," Hammer stated. "I miss her too though, so I can't judge."

My heart broke for Joan. How could I have encouraged her so rashly? I should have thought it through.

"The Challenge will fly by, it always does. You'll see her soon enough." As Dominic tried his hand at comforting, I wondered why she wasn't coming. Hammer was certainly a higher and their mates were allowed.

As if it went from my mouth to his ear Hammer said, "It's harder this time because she was hurt in that stupid car accident." He growled. "Reckless drivers shouldn't be allowed on the road."

"Yes," my mate said dryly, "And after the way you dealt with him, I'd be surprised if he ever drives again."

"Good."

"She'll mend. At least it was only her leg, it could have been a lot worse."

"I know," Hammer grimaced, "She just hates being stuck hobbling around. You know how active she is."

Dominic smiled warmly, "True, and by the time we get back, she'll be good as new. Her aunt and grandmother will take good care of her while you're here."

"Yeah I know."

I yawned discreetly but Dominic noticed, "Bedtime for you. Hammer will be posted outside your door all night, you will be safe."

"But he must be so tired," I complained.

"He will do what he has to to protect his Luna. You don't need to concern yourself with that," he ordered. He came closer to me and I stepped into him, wrapping my arms around his waist. After a low chuckle he did the same, resting his chin on top of my head.

I buried my nose into his shirt, his scent was intoxicatingly good. My plan was to imprint it into my brain, never to forget. His embrace tightened as I did so and his thumbs stroked me repetitively, sending my skin into rippling, tingling bliss.

We stood like that for a minute before he kissed my hair and I untangled myself. "Goodnight Dominic," I yawned through the link. "I'm glad you're here."

"Me too," he stroked my cheek.

I turned to Hammer who was looking away to give us an illusion of privacy. "Come on then HH."

"HH?" Dominic sounded confused as Hammer groaned.

"Hooray Hammer," I explained, "I think it suits him."

"You want to call one of my fiercest warriors Hooray Hammer?" Dominic questioned.

"Yup."

"You know he is in the top ten ranked warriors worldwide?"

I looked at Hammer with admiration, "Wow HH, that's impressive."

He sighed in frustration, shaking his head and Dominic held back a smile that threatened to come out.

"Why don't you mind Alpha?" Hammer asked accusingly, "You didn't like us even having a conversation this morning."

"No, I didn't like the flirting. My mate calling you Hooray isn't on that list. It's not exactly a compliment is it?"

"Hey, I think it is," I said through a yawn making Dominic push me to the door again.

"Bed," he said firmly, "Goodnight Etta, sleep well."

"Night Alpha," I said drowsily and made my way to my room. My bed was definitely calling me, and although I felt guilty that HH would be awake all night, I was glad he would be outside my door protecting me.

I went to sleep with thoughts of Dominic floating in my mind. He was a confusing combination, making me simultaneously frustrated and happy with a few tingles thrown in for good measure. Even though I had mixed feelings, I didn't lie when I told him I was glad he was here.

I was.