Copyright to VedaPettigrew

Spring was clearing the air leaving the sky bluer than ever. Unusually there were no clouds today and I hoped it would stay like that for a while. I watched longingly as a lone bird swept overhead, following its flight with envy. What I would give to be that free.

I was sitting nervously in a boxed off section to the right of a large stage erected for the opening ceremony. Alpine Forest had been the last to arrive two days ago and all the packs were now dotted around Stone Mountain land.

I was about to be announced, hence my nervousness. Dominic had given the welcome and thanks to the host pack, and I was next.

"Wolf Packs of our noble land, before we continue I have news that affects you all," Dominic's voice thundered across the grand clearing. A wave of mutters swept through the crowd of five-and-a-half thousand.

Dominic indicated for me to join him. I shakily stood from my chair, Hammer and my new Second Protector Jasper came too, leaving three others surrounding my empty chair. I knew I also had another five guards on me somewhere. My own mini battalion of ten.

I didn't argue with Dominic when he told me, because, well, he was telling me. No more secret spying that I knew of.

Jasper waited at the bottom of the stairs, Hammer at the top, I walked across the platform trying to show a confidence I didn't feel. The crowd hushed expectantly.

"Wolves, this is Greta Thorne, soon to be Greta Griffin, your new Luna Luna." Dominic sounded proud as he grasped my hand, giving me support. A comforting warmth spread up my arm. The silence lasted only moments until my friends started cheering and whooping loudly.

As the crowd saw Dominic's gratified response to their reaction, the noise grew. Everyone hailed and applauded even if they didn't understand why the Alpha Alpha would make such a big deal out of his mate. I hid a satisfied smile, things were about to change and these guys had no idea.

I looked back to the women's section. Eight hundred mated women were watching me and only the forty from Stone Mountain had no curiosity in their gazes. I smiled widely at them all, hopeful that I would be able to affect a change in all their lives, just as I had begun to here.

As to be expected I got a mixed response, some women were so ingrained to their station it was hard to be anything other than sour-faced. I didn't care, I knew how to crack some of the toughest nuts. Unbelievably one of my new Starfish was Constance the Gamma's mate who had been previously been so difficult.

Three days ago we had been on a pack run and come across her in wolf form, with Higher Warrior's Mate Wallis. Constance had looked at us with a yearning I recognised immediately. She too was hungry for acceptance and pack companionship. Silver nudged them to join us, tossing her head to show they should come. Thankfully they accepted, then later joined us in The Ocean and the rest is history. Two new Starfish who newly understood they were loved and had value.

"These are her rules," Dominic started, and something happened that I never thought would; I appreciated them.

Without them, I would likely have to face more cavemen like Raoul. "Me Man, You Tiny Woman. You do As I Say." Eurgh! As much as I disagreed with the principle of them and would do everything in my power to eradicate them, in this current society the ones Dominic set actually freed me.

"... Rule seven, She is to eat three meals a day."

Oh yes, that got added when Dominic saw old pictures of me and realised how much weight I had lost through the stress.

"Males, do not make the mistake of thinking you have the right to command what is mine. Greta Thorne is mine."

I was irritated by what he didn't say, that he was mine as well. I gave up objecting to belonging to a man when I realised I was just as possessive of him. What bothered me was that I had no way to back up my feelings, no recourse, no claim of my own.

"...The last person to do that is currently resting in a hospital bed, trying to regain the use of his arms. Raoul Henderson will not be able to enter any competitions this Challenge."

I winced at the memory of sneaking to see him when I was with Jasper, it made me realise I was right to hold back when telling Dominic anything. I hadn't seen Raoul since I told Dominic about the grabbing but I found out from Hannah that he was in the hospital with two broken arms. I hadn't spoken to him, he was sleeping, but knowing my mate had put him there was a difficult pill to swallow.

Sure, he shouldn't have manhandled me, but a stern reprimand would have sufficed. However Dominic seemed to be ultra-serious about his no touching rule. Especially when it involved me getting hurt. I would have to be circumspect indeed when deciding what to tell him.

The crowd shifted uncomfortably, eyeing me with new fascination. I held a position of respect, whether they agreed with it or not.

Ha!

"Go now Etta," he murmured squeezing my hand. "I'll see you after, wait in your seat."

I saw Hammer nod as Dominic told him through a mind-link. As Alpha Alpha, he had the power to speak in anyone's mind. They could answer in their head and he would hear, but they couldn't initiate contact. So far only I could do that.

Being mates had certain advantages. For instance, I could only see the others' wolves while in human form, but I could have a tactile relationship with Alarick. Which was amazing, I loved that wolf. He was so soft with me, even more so than Dominic.

I sat back down in the "royal box". Only members of Dominic's household were allowed to use it and as I was the only one present, I was in it with just my protectors. The row of alphas in front of the stage observed me curiously. It was daunting, but being surrounded by half my battalion I felt safe. Nobody was getting to me.

The announcement of my grandfather's retirement shocked everyone yet again. By the reactions of the alphas I understood how well respected he was. Whether they knew and supported his habit of allowing men to take advantage of women or not was debatable, but there was no denying that he was esteemed among his colleagues.

However, it didn't stop the excited buzz that filled the clearing the moment Dominic announced that his title was up for grabs. I scrunched my face determinedly, Marcus was getting that title, I would do anything I could to ensure it. I couldn't leave the pack without knowing they would be in good hands.

As I had requested, Dominic had been watching him and was definitely impressed. He had secretly arranged some lessons for him on multiple aspects of being an alpha. Nobody knew but me, he couldn't be seen to have favourites, but I was grateful.

When Marcus had come back to The Ocean this week and confessed that he was amazed by the things Fiona had told him about Ori, I was ecstatic. His mind had been transformed to realise that women were just as important, as were omegas.

It was sensational and we had another dance party in celebration.

We continued to meet most evenings and I was fortunate that neither Hammer nor Jasper pushed their way in, allowing me time with my Starfish while they waited outside. In fact, my relationship with Hammer had been strained since I discovered his deceit. He had been spying on me and I found it difficult to trust him now.

Dominic was finishing up with rules of the Challenge, inspiring everyone to compete honourably.

"Now every warrior has registered and no-one is missing, all packs will receive the timetable of events as you leave. If you run late you forfeit your fight, no exceptions." Nods all round showed that everyone was happy with this.

He continued, "The walkabout will take place straight after this and again on the last day of competitions, the structures will be judged as usual by nominated members of each pack. If that is you, wait by the Silvered Oak until I and your Luna Luna join you."

My stomach skipped with joy, now everyone knew about me, there was nothing holding me back from spending time with him in public. What a relief.

After Dominic dismissed the crowd wishing them luck, the alphas all crowded around my grandfather. He was putting on a brave front but I knew the whole thing had been devastating for him. Unfortunately I couldn't bring myself to care. He had been cruel to ignore what was right in front of him.

"Greta," Hammer said softly. I looked at him blankly and his shoulders dropped slightly. Guilt gnawed at me, reason telling me that he had no control over the situation and had just been following orders.

Silver nudged me with the same thought, she liked him and didn't care for the distance I had created.

"It hurt me Hammer," I mumbled. "I know you had to do what you were told, but we were friends. Or at least I thought we were."

He looked regretful, "We were. I've never had a female friend before, but we were. I'm sorry I hurt you, of all the people I know, you're one that really didn't deserve it."

I smiled at his apology, "I guess I have to forgive you now you've actually asked. I know I'm being unreasonable."

"Friends again?" he asked hopefully and I nodded.

"Yes."

He grinned and I was taken aback having never seen it before. It shocked me to realise how much our falling out had affected him. Silver's tail was wagging happily and I had to agree, it felt right.

"So," I smiled evilly, "Now we're friends again, 'fess up."

"About what Luna?" he asked puzzled.

"How come you never told me you and Raoul are brothers?"

He grimaced, "I don't think of him that way. I was raised by my mother while my father took Raoul because he's the eldest..."

"Whoa, he's older? But you're so much stronger, and wiser actually."

Pride gleamed in his eye, "Yep, my father chose wrong there, but twins are a more complex issue that way. We were raised in different packs, my father belonged to another pack and was only visiting when he used my mother the way Jeremy behaved with women..."

My heart dropped, poor Hammer to think that he was the result of such a union.

"... and he had no intention of officially mating with her. Fortunately her father was the Lead Warrior so she was able to keep a certain level of respect. He was also the one to suggest splitting us up so each parent had a child. Both of them wanted both of us."

"That's why you're so different, your poor mother," I felt sorry for her. "And poor Raoul, just think how different he would have turned out in your mother's household."

He jerked and looked at me in surprise, "I've never thought of it like that, I was just irritated with him, angry that he was such a d...," he glanced at me and grinned, "...poopnut."

I laughed.

"I'm sorry he's in hospital," I added soberly.

He shrugged carelessly, "I'm not, he shouldn't have hurt you. I told him that Alpha was protective of you but he refused to believe it. His loss now," he grinned meanly.

"Etta," Dominic's deep voice made wiggles in my insides. He stood by the gate, leaning his hip on the barrier, arms folded. A frown marred the image. "I see you two are on speaking terms again."

I opened my mind to him, showing him how innocent it was, there was no part of me that was attracted to Hammer and I didn't want to have my friend taken away because of misplaced jealousy.

"Hammer, I need to check your memories for the last few minutes," he demanded. Hammer winced but nodded.

A few painful moments later Dominic nodded, obviously satisfied with what he saw. "I'm impressed with your vigilance. Even through all the conversation with my mate, you didn't let your guard down for a second."

He looked at me and smiled when he saw my pleased expression, "Very well, you may continue this 'friendship' of sorts," he turned to Hammer, "but if your Luna gets hurt and I feel you are in any way to blame..." he left the threat hanging but it was enough, Hammer swallowed dryly and nodded.

"Let's go," he held out his arm for me. As I stood, my Protectors stood with me. "Only Jasper with us, the rest of you out of sight," he ordered. "Hammer, you're off until later. You better call Beth early, you're on tonight."

Hammer nodded to us and left. I took Dominic's arm and we headed to the Silvered Oak, Jasper tailed me while the others shrunk out of sight. The journey took a few minutes and when we got there, over thirty representatives stood milling about. I was the only female and as I approached I heard a few mutters along the lines of, "I thought he was joking."

His jaw ticked and I squeezed his arm reassuringly. It did nothing to appease his anger and his waves of raw power threw them all to the ground. His satisfied expression made me shake my head in amusement, he was like a little boy getting his own back.

"Do not disrespect me by judging my choices," he roared. "If I choose to bring a dancing emu, it will not be a mistake. Everything I do has a purpose and is right."

I frowned at the comparison as mumbled apologies came from the prostrate men before us. His power forced them further into the ground, pressing his point home. Silver was watching him with awe, silly wolf was impressed by her mate's authority.

She growled and nipped my fingers, I giggled while massaging her beautiful snoofer and she nipped me again, more lovingly this time. Alarick was on guard next to Dominic, also annoyed with the men's attitude. His stance was dominant, threatening, and I watched him, thoroughly impressed with the way his powerful muscles bulged, showing his immeasurable strength.

He huffed and threw me a look, so like the one Dominic gave when I was distracting him with my admiration that I couldn't help the bubble of laughter on my lips. Silver went to him and started licking his chin before rubbing her sides along his front legs.

He huffed at her too before giving the tip of her ear a quick nibble, but didn't relax his stance or flowing authority. I sighed, surely the men had had enough now? "Come on Dominic, let's get on. I think they understand your feelings on the matter."

He glanced at me with a curt nod and withdrew the crippling power. Slowly the men stood, sneaking cautious glances at my male. Each pack drew two representatives at random so there was a mixed crowd of alphas, betas, higher and lower warriors. But no gammas, whose duty was to stay behind to run their home pack in the alpha's absence.

Without another word Dominic dragged me forward expecting they would all follow and we made our way to a row of off-road vehicles set to take us around the vast area of land. Dominic opened a door for me and strapped me in the harness.

It was a bit overkill, but nothing I said would make a difference so I just smiled at his stern expression and bravely lifted my hand to stroke his stubbly cheek. Startled, he looked at me and fought a smile mouthing "Trouble," with a wink.

Suddenly the back door opened and Jasper jumped in the back with another of my protectors, behind them three more jumped in. I rolled my eyes at Dominic who ignored it, finishing the buckling. Once he was happy I was secure, he shut the door and went to the driver's side.

We headed to Moss Hill Waterfall Pack first. They were the furthest away and we drove along a bumpy twisty path through the forest that made me glad for my harness after all.

"This forest is so beautiful, coming from near the city, I'd never seen anything like it when I got here," I murmured through our link, looking at the trees surrounding us.

"Wait until you get to Black Lake Mountain, this is stunning I agree, but nowhere near the beauty of our pack," he sounded proud.

"I'm nervous," I admitted and he threw me a glance.

"Why?"

I sighed, "Another new start in such a short time, more people I don't know, leaving my friends behind, being Luna Luna when I have no idea how to even be a pack-wolf. You pick."

His hand landed on my knee, rubbing me softly. "I know it's been hard on you recently. I was thinking that we could bring Joan with us so you wouldn't be too lonely. She could be your personal omega."

Yuk, that sounded too close to slavery for my liking. "Can't we call her my 'Companion'? I don't like the idea of a personal omega."

"Fine, she'll be performing the same job," he stated dismissively.

"Why Joan?" I was curious.

"She's unmated..."

"So are all the omegas..." I interrupted. He squeezed my leg gently and I bit my lip, "Sorry."

"I know they are, but Joan has skills which I know will help you as Luna Luna. When you told me how she had conglomerated and organised the data on the forms to help you, I realised she would be an asset for your new role."

I was glad he had taken notice of the things I had been saying about my friends, especially now they would actually benefit from it. The only thing that concerned me was the whole Hammer and Beth thing. It would be much harder for Joan to see them in person rather than getting left behind. I would leave the final decision up to her whether she wanted to come.

"Thank you Dominic, having someone I love there will be easier on me. I'm grateful to you for thinking of it." I put my hand on his, tangling our fingers together.

He glanced at me with a smile, "You'll see the beauty of the land when you get there, but I know you'll love it. Black Lake itself is stunning, surrounded by trees and the sun rises just over the edge of it. The water is cold, but Alarick loves swimming in it..."

"Swimming! I've never done that," I bounced excitedly as much as my harness would allow, which wasn't much. "Can you teach me?"

He chuckled, "Of course, Silver will love it too I bet. Once you are freed from the post it will be the first thing we do."

An unpleasant whoosh of adrenaline rushed through my veins. "Freed from the post?"

"Yes, traditionally all female newcomers are tied to the training post for a week. It's meant to encourage loyalty to their new pack and instil the desire to behave. It also gives the pack time to recognise them as a new member." He sounded so matter of fact, I was shocked.

"You're going to tie me to a post for a week?" I asked incredulously.

"Of course, you have to follow our ways, you're to be the Luna Luna, they need to see you as a role model," he frowned as if bothered by my reticence.

"No." I removed my hand from his and clasped it between my thighs. "That sounds awful. It's a terrible tradition. What of the new men? What happens to them?"

"It's expected that they will already be loyal to the pack. They face a day of challenges so they can prove their worth, either fights or tasks set to fit their rank. What do you mean no?"

"I mean, I will not do it willingly. I will not show agreement to such an unfair and heinous thing. I don't care if I am the Luna Luna," I retorted.

He opened his mouth as the banner for Moss Hill Waterfall appeared. "You will do it Etta, you have no choice. It's tradition and you will show us respect by following it," he declared sternly.

My heart started pounding, I had been lulled into a false sense of security by his gentleness towards me. I grabbed Silver with shaky hands and pulled her onto my lap, burying my face into her fur and asking her to help me when we got out of the car. I couldn't start my first public appearance with tears in my eyes.

She licked me comfortingly reminding me I wore no collar. That was one monstrous tradition he had already bent for me, and maybe I could be released from this one too. With this thought resounding through my mind, I would be able to face the task in front of me.

I cut off our mind-link, ensuring my Orange Puff was firmly in place. I had to hold onto hope that he would change his mind, and any conversation could ruin the fantasy.

He tried to catch my eye as he undid the harness but I couldn't meet it, afraid I would cry. "Etta," he muttered and I closed my eyes as if it would shut him out. My harness was undone but he stood looming over me, his presence oppressing.

"Etta, we are not going anywhere until you look at me," he said firmly.

I looked up and immediately my eyes sparkled with tears, I gritted my teeth trying to hold them back. "I can't do this now, we have a pack waiting on us and if we discuss this further, I won't be giving a good first impression."

He frowned but nodded and stood back. I took a second, swallowing my tears and wiping any remnants on Silver's fur. When I got out of the car, his arm was crooked in front of me and I took it reluctantly. Despite how I felt towards him at this moment, our issues would always remain private. It was important to me that we always put on a united front. We were a team.

The alpha stepped forward, his Luna in tow. "Good afternoon Alpha Alpha Griffin," he welcomed and nodded to me without addressing me verbally. He didn't introduce his mate either, so I smiled and took it upon myself.

"Hello Luna of Moss Hill Waterfall, it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Luna Luna Greta Thorne." I didn't hold out my hand to shake, choosing a head bob instead.

She cast a timid look at her mate who looked to Dominic, when he didn't object he gave her a terse nod.

"Hello Luna Luna Thorne, I'm Luna Nessa Marks."

That precedent set, I turned towards the magnificent structure that was their temporary home. The other judges made their greetings while I admired what could only be described as a tree-house village.

Dominic followed my gaze and led me along the path. The whole thing was made with a mixture of wood, ropes and canvas, spread out in a circular pattern with each area connected by bridges, walkways and tunnels.

As I explored it further, I was really glad Dominic had allowed me to come along for this competition, despite the horrid discovery on the way. I had never seen such ingenuity or splendour as I had in the all the structures I had seen so far and I was eager to have the opportunity to examine them fully.

I ignored the slightly sick feeling dwelling in the pit of my stomach and focused on the task ahead. I wasn't sure if I was able to contribute my opinion or make a vote, but just in case, I wanted to be prepared.

And so the rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of spectacular craftsmanship. With every pack I pressed my welcome to the lunas, determined to include women as equals even if no-one else did. Fortunately Dominic had taken me at my word and had not ventured beyond mindless chit-chat, and though my emotions were relentlessly rolling beneath the surface, I was able to ignore them for the most part.

It was dark as we drove back to the Stone Mountain Pack House having seen homes made from brick, metal, canvas, wood and stone. One was even dug underground, I had no idea how so much work could have been undertaken in such a short time, but to say I was impressed would be an understatement.

Silver leant against my chest and we watched out the window mindlessly, both exhausted. The lengthy judging process and constant forcing down of emotions had taken its toll. I was ready to drop into bed, my appetite was non-existent and I hoped they had not delayed dinner for us.

I took no notice of what I was looking at as I finally let myself contemplate what lay ahead. My welcome to the new pack would be challenging to say the least. As if I wasn't nervous enough. And not only that, but I'd be involving one of my friends as well. There was no way I would ask anybody to spend a week outside, tied to a post. I would be honest about what awaited them and give them the right to refuse without any repercussions.

But what hurt the most was losing the sense of security I felt with Dominic. The ground underneath me had dropped away, yet again leaving me to deal with the prospect of a lifetime spent under male misogyny. How could he bear to let me be tied up like a dog? How could he go and sleep in what would be our bed, knowing I was sleeping outside on the ground?

I sighed audibly. I knew he cared for me, he had proven it with his actions, but he was still far away from being the good mate my father was. Silver whined softly and nuzzled into my neck, thoroughly bathing the area where my collar had been, holding onto the hope that he could change his mind. That he would change it.

"Etta." My mate's voice brought me out of my reverie. I realised we were parked outside the Higher House and all five protectors that had been in the car were now standing around the outside, facing outward.

I turned to see Dominic watching me with concern. "You've been very quiet," he said, searching my face.

"Well finding out your mate was planning on chaining you outside like a dog would do that to you," I snapped.

"It's trad..."

"Tradition. Yes I know," I retorted, "It doesn't make me any less annoyed that yet again because I am a woman I'm to be treated as less than human."

"It isn't like that Greta," he said sternly. "Traditions are wonderful things, they keep a pack grounded, respecting the past leads to a stronger future. It's an opportunity for you to show your mettle, to show you are strong in body and mind."

"I thought it was a warning against misbehaving," I argued. "It's also another way to keep us downtrodden."

"I will not be changing the traditions we've held for hundreds of years. There are many of them and if we start disrupting the process, everything could be ground away and we would be thrown into chaos." There was no compromise in his tone and I turned back to the window.

"I'd like to get out now. I'm tired and need to go to bed."

He got out the car, came round to my door and started undoing my harness. "You need to eat something, Rule Seven."

"I'm not hungry, I just want to go to bed." What I really wanted was privacy so I could let go of the tears I was gripping onto with all my strength.

"That is exactly why the rule is in place, to take care of you when you do not." The last strap came off and he helped me out of the car. I stumbled and he gripped me tighter, holding me upright. He didn't let go as we walked into the house and towards the dining hall.

Bee and Kat saw us and ran into the kitchen, there was no-one else about and I surmised that they had remained to provide us stragglers with dinner. As we walked through the hall my other five protectors came into sight. They were obviously on Luna detail now.

"Your Luna Luna is tired, you need to eat quickly," he barked at the five protectors going off-duty. I nearly fell again. I was still expected to wait until after they had finished.

He took me to the wall, eyes probing into mine. I set my face like stone, refusing a single emotion to show and he sighed but went to sit at the table. Hot tears built up behind my eyes as I looked at all the space I could sit in.

Bee and Kat came in with six dinners and placed them in front of the waiting men. As they walked past me I saw the concern on their faces but I offered them a wan smile. "Don't worry, I'm just tired, it's been a long day."

They totally didn't buy it but chose to say nothing, just giving me loving looks as they left. I watched the men scarfing food down under Dominic's strict order. I gritted my teeth, longing for solitude. Alarick trotted over and curled himself around Silver and I, I was glad of his presence but it just spiked my desire to cry.

I took some deep breaths and looked to the ceiling, counting the number of beams, then the number of lights. Anything to fill my mind so I could withhold the threatening tears.

"Enough men. Leave the table. Omega, bring your Luna's food." Dominic yelled. The five protectors stood and headed towards the door. I was glad to see their plates were mostly empty.

"Thanks for your hard work today," I called and they all nodded cheerfully to me as they left. My new protectors including Hammer stayed, arranging themselves around the room. Dominic stood and led me to my seat. He sat at the head again, at a right angle to me.

Bee put a plate of lasagne in front of me, "Eat as much as you can, you look like you need the energy. Will you be skipping The Ocean tonight?"

"Yes, I'm headed to bed as soon as possible. Thanks for the food Bee, give my love to everyone."

"Night Grets."

"Night."

I looked at the plate in front of me with a heavy heart. My stomach churned discontentedly, I wasn't going to manage it.

"Eat," Dominic urged. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before picking up my fork. As my eyes opened I could no longer hold the tears back, they streamed down my cheek unchecked as I selected a portion of food.

"Everybody out," Dominic commanded my protectors, "Cover all exits." They obeyed immediately and Dominic took the fork from my trembling hand.

"Etta," he implored quietly. His thumb swiped my cheeks and he tilted my head to look at him. His face was a mixture of impatience, sorrow and frustration. His gaze flicked between my eyes, left, right, left, right. He was obviously searching for something but right now I had nothing to give him.

Alarick came and lay by my seat, putting his head in my lap. Silver lay next to him, putting her head over his back, looking up at me sorrowfully.

Dominic sighed, "There's nothing I can do, you have to follow the traditions."

"I don't want to talk about it." My throat was clogged and it was hard to speak.

"Fine, but you must eat," he sounded unsatisfied but didn't push. Instead he scooped some lasagne onto my fork and held it to my lips. Too tired to argue, I opened my mouth and let him feed me. Moments like this were what gave me hope that the future could be better. It was obvious that he cared for me, but he just couldn't look past tradition. It would be my job to show him a way.

Even though I was unhappy with him, the feeling of being cared for was wonderful. I shut out everything else and just let myself enjoy being nurtured in a way I hadn't been for a long time.

Tomorrow was another day.