Copyright to VedaPettigrew

The Challenge had been going for about a week and I hadn't yet had a chance to have a proper chat with Joan. Everyone was so busy and all over the place, but we were on kitchen duty together today so finally we would be able to discuss her future.

I had spent the week contemplating Fiona's reaction to the news that had spun me off my axis. She had been so matter of fact about the initiation, that in a way it redeemed Dominic. I still couldn't bear the thought that he wanted to do something so awful to me, but at least now I had some added context.

"Hello Luna Luna," Joan came in the kitchen and I immediately went to give her a hug which she returned happily. I had been making up for lost time with all my Starfish and rarely saw them without hugging them, squeezing their hand or arm, stroking their hair or just patting their shoulder as they went past. Silver and I were hungry for physical affection and saw no sign that it would abate.

Sophie, Letty, Kitty and I had gone to the children's compound yesterday to allow the rearers an opportunity to all go and watch a match between a warrior from Forest Frontier and Jack. Jack was the brother and cousin to two of them, and a regular visitor to the compound, so all the rearers and children loved him and wanted to support him.

It had been like immersion therapy in affection. We cuddled, chased, laughed and played silly games, inside and outside, showing them our wolves. Silver had been in seventh heaven, surrounded by children even though they hadn't got their wolf-pups yet. She was so patient with the younger ones tugging at her fur, or kicking her as they clambered on her. She just gently nudged them with her snout, helping them up.

It had been a wonderful afternoon and the rearers had been very thankful, Jack had got through to the next round so they were buzzing with excitement.

As good as it had been, I still hated the compound. Children belonged in real homes with their families.

"So what are we cooking for tonight?" Joan asked.

"Hmm, the menu saayys..." I checked the calendar, I'd organised a plan and written out instructions for each meal, "Baked potatoes, salad and creamy chicken."

"That's fairly easy," Joan rubbed her hands together, "Hurray to not peeling hundreds of potatoes." She went to the walk-in fridge to pull out the chickens while I grabbed the deboning knife and some cleavers.

A short while later, we were making good progress and I was brave enough to begin, "Joan, I have a proposition for you. You can absolutely say no, and you definitely shouldn't say yes before you've heard everything."

She looked at me curiously and I laughed at the piece of hair stuck to her face that she couldn't remove with her chicken fingers. "Okay, you've successfully caught my interest."

"Well, Dom...." I flicked my eyes to Kurt and Harry my protectors for the afternoon to see if they caught my mistake, they were stone-faced as usual. They weren't friendly or unfriendly, they just took their post seriously.

I continued, "Alpha Alpha has suggested to me that you would be a good person to join me when I go to Black Lake..."

There was as clatter as she dropped the cleaver, looking at me with her mouth open.

I smiled, "I told him how you helped with organising the forms that time, and that you pointed out some things to improve my Nursing Tent schedule for the Challenge. He thought your methodical mind would be an asset to my new role."

I wouldn't mention the 'personal omega' part, she probably wouldn't think of it as odd, but every word counted in trying to re-educate the image they held of themselves and I wouldn't ever use derogatory terms like that.

She was still frozen in shock, "I suggested you could be my Companion and he agreed with the title. I'd love for you to come but it's a big change and we have to go through their traditional initiation," I pulled a face, slipping in, "Though I'm trying to get us out of it," before quickly finishing, "Of being tied to a training post for a week."

Her eyes got wider and wider as I spoke. "Don't worry, I don't want an answer now, you really have to think it through. I'll let you do that now, feel free to ask any questions."

I started chopping the chicken and carried on privately, "I have to tell you something though." I frowned at what I had to say, "I think Hammer has a mate called Beth. He calls her every night."

Her face dropped and my heart did too, this was why I hadn't said anything yet, she could have enjoyed the fantasy without it hurting anyone. But she had to know so she came prepared.

"That's not surprising, I mean it's unusual to be unmated at our age," she said bravely and if I wasn't covered in chicken bits I would have hugged her tight.

"I'm still sorry though. You definitely have something tangible between you, but it can't go anywhere and it breaks my heart too."

"He's a good mate if he calls her every night," her head tilted determinedly as she tried to ignore that another dream had been ripped from her. I was impressed with her fortitude.

"In terms of coming with me, you need to decide what's right for you. There are definitely some things in the negative column; the initiation, Hammer's mate, parting with our Starfish family. It's a lot of change and I would completely understand if you want to stay."

"What would you like?"

"Are you kidding?" I asked incredulously, "I would LOVE for you to come with me. You're one of my favourite people in the world. My only worries are the things I've just told you, I would never make anyone go through the training post. It's hideous."

She looked at me compassionately like Fiona had, "It doesn't sound as bad to me as it would to you. Honestly the thing that worries me the most is Beth. I can't understand why it hit me so hard, it's not like anything has actually happened between us. Just looks and the occasional smile."

"You weren't the only one that noticed something, it's deeper than just looks and smiling," I stated flatly, knowing that as ridiculous as it sounded, she had every right to feel hurt. "I still maintain we just need to introduce him to Ori, get him a real wolf, then badda bing – you two will be true mates."

"Even if that happens, I can't rip a family apart. They've become a mated pair, that's family."

"You have a kind and beautiful heart, you deserve someone wonderful," I sighed before attempting to lighten the atmosphere, "It's fine, we'll just have to get her a wolf too, then search for her true mate. Then boom two happy couples."

"And some unhappy children."

Poopnuts, I hadn't even thought of that. "Hammer has only mentioned Beth, I don't think there's anyone else, although I suppose any children would be in the compound. But I can't deny it could just be a whole lot of pain waiting for you. You've got to think it though properly." I nudged her shoulder with mine, "Especially because if Marcus does become Alpha, please Ori, then things might just be getting good here. Or at least better than they were. And I know it isn't set in stone but I can feel it, he will win the title."

"I think so too, and if he does it will be wonderful for Stone Mountain, but that wouldn't compel me to stay over leaving with you." She tucked her head down, focussing on her task as she continued, "You were the one that started the whole process, if it wasn't for you I would still feel like I had no value, instead of knowing my place in Ori's life, in her creation."

She finally looked at me, her expression earnest, "If she hadn't brought you here, I would still be lonely and unhappy instead of having a loving family around me. Marcus wouldn't be bringing the hope he now does. Everything would still be awful. You did this Greta. You. I would choose to go with you anywhere."

"Stupid onions making me cry," I said, prickles of emotions filling me up.

"Greta," she intoned dryly, "You're not cutting onions."

"I know," I bawled, "I blame you."

She smiled then turned back to her task, "Don't you dare start calling me onions, I've noticed your odd penchant for assigning weird nicknames to everything."

"WHAT? Me? How dare you Onions? I have no idea of what you mean," I sobbed.

"I know I'm worried about Beth..."

"So we're just ignoring the whole Onions thing?" I interrupted and she cast me a flat look.

"And honestly, it's the thing that concerns me most, but Greta, don't you understand what an opportunity you've given me? Not only will I have a title other than omega, but you're giving me the chance to join the beginning of the revolution outside Stone Mountain."

"Well, revolution might be a bit over-dramatic..."

It was her turn to interrupt me, "No it isn't. You have changed lives and I just know you'll do it again, and honestly I want to do it too. I want to see the Black Lake Mountain females understanding they're loved, that they have value beyond their imagination," her hands waved wildly in her passionate explanation. "It would be amazing. And for the cost of a sore heart," she paused, "It's worth it. I want to come with you."

My heart bounced in joy, "Are you sure? I told you to think on it."

"I'm one hundred percent sure. I don't need to think any more."

"I will accept an official answer no sooner than tomorrow," I insisted trying to maintain a level of composure.

"Fine, but it will be the same. I WANT to help you enlarge the Starfish Pack. I want this Greta."

I grinned at her, "You do understand that although your official title will be Companion to the Luna Luna, you'll always be Onions to me."

"NO!" She laughed and splashed me with the water we were using to wash our hands.

"Oh yes. Sorry Onions, but it was your idea."

I saw confused looks between my two protectors, "We were having a psychic conversation, don't worry," I giggled.

They frowned, unsure how to respond so I left them to it and turned back to Joan, "Don't worry, I was only teasing. I won't make you suffer such a ridiculous name..." I paused with a grin, "All the time."

"Fine, I'll just think of something ridiculous to call you then," she retorted.

"You will only use the address Luna Luna, Omega," a surly Harry said.

"Her name is Joan, not omega. Besides being an omega is a wonderful thing, don't make it a dirty word."

He looked contemptuous, "How is an omega a wonderful thing? They're the lowest of the low."

"No, they hold the lowest rank, but they are still very important in a pack. Do you think any of this," I waved my hand towards the window, "Would have gone as well if we didn't have omegas? The rank isn't a bad thing, people who are derogatory about it are though."

"Are you calling me bad?" he asked furiously.

"If the shoe fits," I retorted more confidently than I felt at his angry tone.

"Why you..." he took a sudden menacing lurch towards me and my heartbeat exploded frantically. Fortunately my other protector did his job, reacting quickly and slamming him to the floor before he reached me, wrenching his arm behind his back.

"Don't threaten the Luna Luna you idiot. Did you not see Raoul?"

Instantly all the fight went out of Harry so Kurt tentatively relaxed his hold, still primed to react, and took out his phone. Joan had her arm round my shoulder while I tried to calm myself. It was so ridiculous that I had such a visceral reaction to one step, but we were in the very place that started my nightmares.

"I'm sorry Luna Luna," Harry said in an anxious voice from the floor. I nodded quickly but was interrupted by a banging on the door.

I was still frozen in place, Joan wouldn't let me go and Kurt didn't want to get off Harry's back so the banging just got louder.

"Open this door or I will break it down. You have less than five seconds," Dominic's voiced roared, I couldn't believe how fast he got here. I let out a shaky breath and quickly started edging around the room with Joan. Harry looked terrified, which I didn't think was possible for one of my ferocious protectors.

As soon as I unlocked the door I was bundled into strong arms, poor Joan pushed to the side. I sank into him, tucking my arms between our bodies and laying my head on his heaving chest.

I was glad he was here. Even though he didn't really need to, and most men here wouldn't, he'd rushed to my side. I gripped his shirt with my fingers.

"What happened?" His demand was cold steel.

I tried to answer, lifting my head to look at him, "Nothing really, just..."

"Not you angel," he clamped my head back to his chest and added, "You're too lenient."

"Hey," I argued, though my voice was muffled by being pressed into him.

"You started the answer with 'nothing', despite your racing heart and the fact that I received a text at all. Your opinion is, at this point in time, unnecessary," he bit angrily, though I knew it was not aimed at me.

Before I could lodge another complaint he pulled me closer encompassing me in a warm steel cage and turned his attention to the two protectors on the floor. "Kurt?" his tone hardened.

"Luna and Harry were having a difference of opinion, Luna argued with him over the way he spoke to her omega friend, Joan. Then it digressed to defence of all omegas, and she basically said Harry was a bad person for being so derogatory about them. Harry took offence and stepped towards her angrily, I took him down and gave him a verbal warning, he immediately calmed and apologised to Luna."

Wow, that was succinct.

"What was your plan of action Harry?" Dominic asked coldly, "When you stepped towards my mate, causing me to feel her fear all the way from the forest."

Harry paled. "I'm sorry boss, I shou..."

"I didn't ask whether you were sorry," he interrupted icily, "I asked what your plan was."

"I didn't really have one," Harry stuttered, "I was just angry."

"I'm angry now, does that mean I should come at you with no plan?" The calmer his voice got, the scarier it was. Harry's blanch showed that he agreed. "There must have been something in your head, some vague thought," Dominic continued, commanding, "Tell me. Don't lie or I will know."

Harry started quaking, even with Kurt atop him. "I was going to shake her, or..."

"Or?" Dominic sounded deadly.

Harry whispered so quietly even I could hardly hear him, "... punch her." I sucked in a sharp breath, pressing myself closer to my male, that would have hurt a lot. Dominic's arms tightened around me which I didn't think was possible at this stage.

"Well done Kurt, you saved two things," he started, surprising me. "First my mate," he pressed a gentle but lingering kiss to the top of my head, "... and also your pack-mate's hand. Because Harry, let me assure you of this, if you had punched my mate," he paused lethally, "I would have cut it off."

I heard Harry stop breathing at the threat, but Dominic carried on in a menacingly light voice, "The last person to do so merely had all his hand-bones broken, but I also turned him into a eunuch that day so I let him off lightly."

Dominic's slow but sub-zero warning was scaring poor Joan and she wasn't even on the receiving end. I was about to disentangle my hand to reach out to her when Hammer came running through the door. He'd been with Dominic watching their warriors but was obviously unable to match his speed. His quick flick round the room gave him enough detail to choose to stand by her side.

Joan had a mixed reaction, his presence calmed her fears, but I saw the pain in her eyes flare up. Her loving wolf Honey leant into her legs as I sent her comfort through the link.

"As it stands you have obviously lost your position, Kurt you are Fourth Protector now." Kurt looked proud at his praise and promotion.

"There will be no official punishment, other than losing the prestige of being the Luna Luna's protector, as there was no actual contact. However, I think you need to feel what it's like to face someone much bigger and stronger threatening you. I will be your next fight."

That felt pretty punishing to me and by Harry's fearful face, he agreed.

"Kurt, get him out of here. You do not need to return to your post, the Luna will be staying with me. Harry, I do not want to see you near Luna Luna again. If she enters a place where you are for the rest of the tournament, you are the one to leave."

They got off the floor and I tried to push Dominic away from the door but he stood immoveable. He looked at me curiously.

"I don't want him near me, what if he lashes out?" I explained.

"Then he dies. You are safe in my arms."

"Fine, but I don't want to be the one getting his blood out of your shirt."

"If I said the omegas would be doing it, would you be angry with me?" he arched his brow.

"No, because the way you say omega, and the way he says it are entirely different. When you say it it doesn't sound like a swearword. I know you think they are below you, but you still treat them decently."

A smile played softly on the corners of his mouth but concern was in his eye, "Are you okay? When I felt your heart jump, it was so wild it almost made me sick."

"Yes, it was just a shock that's all. And obviously it was worse because we're in the kitchen." He looked around distastefully. "But he didn't actually touch me like you said, so I'm okay. Thank you for coming so quickly, I'm sorry if you missed the fight."

"It was nearly over anyway, Kent was winning easily," he said dismissively. His eyes softened, "I will always come for you. Even when you are on the training post I won't abandon you."

I stiffened at the reminder and he frowned, it was an on-going tussle, but I didn't want to think about it now. I changed the subject.

"You do realise you've confined yourself and Hammer to the kitchen?" I asked raising my eyebrow humorously. He frowned so I explained, "Joan and I are on dinner duty, if we leave, there will be no dinner."

"Oh," he said dismissively waving his hand, "We'll just pull someone else in."

"But then you won't get to taste my cooking," I teased. Hammer hid a smile behind his hand, rubbing his cheek.

A gleam appeared in Dominic's eye, "I do like yours the best."

"Stay, it will be fun. We'll get the music going and you can watch the magic happen," I wiggled my fingers against his chest.

"I don't think an Alpha Alpha has ever been involved in kitchen duty," he ridiculed.

"Good thing you're a trendsetter not a follower then." I flashed him my cheesiest grin and he laughed.

"I can't believe I'm agreeing to this."

"It's not like I'm going to make you roll up your sleeves or anything."

He frowned, "You'd better not try."

"Don't worry, I have no plans to," I said innocently, "I want everyone to live."

His chest rumbled with laughter, vibrating against me, "Remind me again why I said you were allowed to tease me?"

"Come on, let's get the music." I pulled myself from his arms, despite his reluctance to let me go, grabbed his hand and pulled him to The Ocean.

"Why do you spend so much time in here?" he asked curiously. "Your protectors say you're here most evenings. What is so exciting about a laundry room?"

"It's where the Starfish meet because it's soundproof. Better for private conversations and dance parties." I grabbed the vase containing the iPod.

"What are the Starfish?"

"They're a group of women I told about Ori. Who she is and how desperately she loves them. They're the ones with the real wolves. Well, Marcus too, though Fiona did more than I did, he saw such a big change in her and was curious why." I spoke rapidly, allowing myself to go off-topic, "I actually think there are a few more men who haven't come to me yet, I've seen some extra male wolves about. Marcus or their mates must have told them about Ori."

Which was very exciting and I couldn't help clapping my hands together at the thought, clasping them to my chest as I continued, "Well, you know that she values them, that's why she told you to look after all her wolves. Anyway," I rattled on, "When they believe in her they start talking to her and ask for a real wolf like Alarick and Silver, and she gives them one. Everytime. Isn't that amazing. And..." suddenly my lips were held closed by his finger and thumb, his eyes dancing with humour.

"You're doing that wild talking thing again," he explained, trying not to laugh at my duck lips but I saw him glancing at them, eyes twinkling.

"Wll, y, arrgghh." I attempted to talk, much to his amusement.

"What was that?" he asked innocently, still holding my lips.

I narrowed my gaze at him, "I, nnnwww yy ddnnn."

He laughed out loud and let go of my lips. I poked him, "I said well you asked."

"Ahhh, that's what it was?" he mocked.

"Yes and that I knew what you were doing," I scrunched my nose at him and he placed a kiss on the tip, completely disarming me, which was probably his intent.

Suddenly, without warning, overwhelming affection for him flooded my body.

I gazed at him, realising how he was so patient with me. He hadn't once pushed me for more than I was ready for, half kisses had been all we'd experienced and even then only a few times. He was always explaining his reasoning and point of view to me, rather than his caveman 'Me Alpha Alpha, you do as I say' attitude he had with everyone else.

Despite his teasing, I knew he liked my crazy talking thing, as well as my other quirks. Amazingly he had a sense of humour that complemented mine and was happy to use it.

He always came to my rescue - a tad violently perhaps, but hey, no-one's perfect - and defended me more than once. He was obsessive with my protection, using my rules as a tool to keep me safe as well as promoting my position amongst all wolves. No-one else had ever a rule which stated they weren't answerable to males in general, just one.

He was openly affectionate towards me, even though he wouldn't let us be as free as I would like, it certainly beat every other male's attitude.

In fact he was remarkably progressive.

Except for his obsession with adhering to tradition.

Which sounded like a complete misnomer but who was I to judge? I was weird like that too sometimes.

I searched deep into his eyes, warm emotions flooding though me as I thought on all these things and more, getting lost in the wave of yearning that emerged. A deep breath juddered through my lips and his expression flipped. Gone was the humour and sparkle, to be replaced with something darker. My longing was mirrored in his eyes and caught me firmly in its hold.

I took another breath and stepped closer to him without breaking the gaze that was a magnetic force between us. He caught the movement and raised his eyebrow questioningly. In answer I took another step, swallowing my nerves and offering him a shy smile.

The muscles in his jaw flexed repeatedly as he searched my face with desire and hope, before closing the gap. In a flash I was lifted onto the side, putting us at a more level height. I grinned at him but he was lost in tenderness as he traced my cheek with the back of his fingers.

The sight brought a hitch to my chest as I regarded him, slightly turning my head to press a kiss to the centre of his palm. He took a deep breath, the caressing hand never ceasing its exploration of my cheek, my neck, my lips.

The intensity of the moment was charged by our silence. I put a trembling hand on his chest and he grasped it, holding it tight against his heart. The fingers on my cheek suddenly delved into my hair, scooping the back of my head. I bit my lip with a shaky breath as I put my other hand on his shoulder and slid it around the back of his neck.

Slowly, without his eyes leaving mine, he leant in. My fingers played with his hair and his  hand twitched in response.

Slowly.

Slowly.

His warm lips met mine, fully covering them with a gentle firmness. My insides whooshed with a burst of tingles and heated as a torrent of fire spread through me. I grasped the back of his head, desperately attempting to push us closer and was suddenly wrapped tightly in one arm as the other continued massaging my scalp.

Our lips opened and embraced as we repeatedly covered each other in soft kisses. He travelled from one side of my mouth to the other, setting off a trail of tingles that continued to spread over my whole body.

I slid my hand from his heart to his jawbone, stroking my fingers along the strong line, making his muscles twitch. He growled lowly and increased his fervour, the kisses becoming deeper, rougher. I clung to him and responded as best I could, not afraid of the change of pace.

Suddenly I felt the tip of his tongue gently prod my lip and groaned. I felt him smile against my lips, pleased he had produced such a response. Without really knowing it, I did the same, gently stroking his lips with my tongue.

To my surprise he opened his mouth and I found my tongue meeting his. I shuddered with desire and he softly pushed my tongue back, entering my mouth. A mini firework show exploded inside my heart, mouth, head and belly.

Wow.

I never knew kissing could be so pleasurable. I mean I knew it in theory, but practice was a whole new level of sensational.

I squirmed against him and gripped his hair tightly, overcome with a desperate need to be closer. But there was no closer. Every part of our bodies were touching, torsos pressed so tightly not even an atom could fit between us.

He grumbled and squashed me tighter, obviously reciprocating my desire. Both my arms wound around his neck as our tongues danced, teasing each other to madness.

Suddenly a loud BEEPING from the washing machine startled us apart. It had obviously finished its cycle.

I laughed crazily as I held my hand to my racing heart, happily Dominic seemed thoroughly amused as well. We looked at each other, apparently equally stunned by what had just happened. His lips curved lovingly and he gently laid one last chaste kiss to my lips. I hummed appreciatively, stroking his hair.

He hugged me to and growled lowly in my ear, "Definitely more than worth the wait."