Copyright to VedaPettigrew

"Congratulations to everyone who took part, you did your packs proud and I was impressed to see so much power and talent in my wolves."

Applause at Dominic's compliment resounded around the clearing. After a few more messages he moved onto what interested me most, the new Alpha of Stone Mountain. "The competition was incredibly fierce, producing fights of an outstanding quality..." Dominic's thundering voice easily reached the whole audience who were waiting to find out if the favourite had actually won or whether there would be a chance winner.

I glanced to Marcus, no-one would know he had previously been assured of his victory. Stupid panic flashed through me, just in case Dominic had changed his mind. But of course he hadn't.

"The new Alpha of Stone Mountain will be... Marcus Rockford, already of Stone Mountain."

A roar rose through the crowd, especially from our quarter. I was ecstatic but had to content myself with generous applause while nodding my head seriously. I should win a freakin' Oscar.

"The official appointment will take place tomorrow Marcus, well done." Dominic nodded at him from the stage and Marcus nodded back in that time honoured male way. "Despite winning the alpha title you cannot receive an alpha ranking, so you will still be included in the warrior category."

Groans were heard as Marcus nodded. Dominic faced the crowd.

"Now we will move onto the individual warrior rankings. I will read the top ten, but the top one hundred will be posted on the boards." Everyone sat forward, eager to hear their name.

"Ten, Goliath Jones from Stoneridge Alp. Nine, Jenson Mitchel from Red Beech Mountain. Eight..." Each name was followed by a cheer which got louder and louder the closer Dominic reached the top spots. "Three, Franco Monin of Blue-Heather Volcano, soon to be of Black Lake Mountain." Stealer. "Two, Hammer of Black Lake Mountain..."

Did he not have a last name? I racked my brain and realised I'd never heard it. Weird, I'd have to do some digging.

"One, Marcus Rockford of Stone Mountain." Another roar rose up. See; my bloop blah blays were perfect, he was number one after all.

The top ten alphas came next, apparently Dominic was not counted in any of the rankings as he was so far above normal wolves, his position was clear. Not surprisingly Amos wasn't placed, but each named Alpha was rewarded with lengthy and ecstatic cheering from their pack. Alpha Theodore of Moss Hill Waterfall was number one.

I looked at Marcus, "Next time that will be you Alpha Rockford."

He turned his head and found me looking at him, "Thank you Luna, I still can't believe it."

"Now the Structures," Dominic continued. I already knew these results, I wasn't allowed to cast a vote but I was in on the discussion. Stone Mountain as host pack were omitted from this competition so they all sat back, satisfaction apparent as they cast glances to Marcus while the awards were announced.

The winner was the Moss Hill Waterfall Treehouse Village and I was happy enough for the result, though my personal favourite was the Black Lake barn. The members of Moss Hill looked jubilant about their winning streak.

"Are you ready for the pack rankings?" Dominic asked mockingly. The crowd were hyped up, waiting the news that affected them all. Everyone, even if they had no personal victory, would have an accolade to be proud of if their pack did well.

Dominic started at the bottom again, though this time every rank was included. Groans of discontent were heard as the first few names were announced, including Stone Mountain. Disappointment tore through me and I hardly considered myself pack, I hated to think how my friends were feeling. I sent encouragement to all the Starfish, including Marcus. This had been a reflection on their ex-alpha and all the upheaval the last few weeks had brought.

If I thought alpha rankings took a long time, this was almost painful. The cheering was getting longer and longer between names, but Dominic was unperturbed. "Third, Glacier River Pack... Second, Forest Frontier Pack... First, Black Lake Mountain Pack," he couldn't help the hint of pride in his voice.

"It's not going to be anyone else when you keep stealing all the good warriors," I teased. He growled back and eyed me grouchily. I blew a kiss through the link, "I'm still proud of you, well done Alpha."

The following day was a day of celebration and far more exciting to me. Marcus was very calm on the surface, but Fiona was bouncing around like a toddler. The ceremony took place in the morning, attended by all of Stone Mountain as well as the alpha couples from each pack.

It revolved around passing the baton from the old alpha to the new. Marcus had to make a set of vows, promising to faithfully and honestly lead the people, that he would protect them in times of trouble and keep them safe, that the pack would be his priority and he would do his best to bring it prosperity. He was serious and solemn, and all could see how reverently he was taking the ordination. He wanted to honour the position.

There was a large barbeque afterwards and the whole pack feasted together, chatting and gossiping. It was a time to say goodbye and thank you to Amos while welcoming Marcus and offering loyalty to him. Once all the visitors had left Stone Mountain there would be an official allegiance ritual that everyone would partake in, swapping blood oaths with the alpha.

Amos seemed cheerful on the outside, but I saw his resentment festering under the surface and stayed well away. Anything I said would be an insult, I was glad he was going. Elgatha followed him around, gripping onto his arm with a brittle smile.

I wished things were different, that they had been better grandparents and leaders. It hurt to hope for things that weren't, but I couldn't help longing that they had been loving and generous. I pictured being welcomed into their arms and hearts after the devastating loss of my parents instead of what my life had become.

I shook my head to rid myself of the image, it was nothing but a cruel, empty tease.

The barbeque turned into a bonfire that went on well into the night. I sat on a trunk by the flames, melancholy in my heart as well as hope. My own ceremony was taking place in three days and according to Dominic we would leave for Black Lake the following day. He said we would not be attending the party following our mating so I watched my friends celebrating with a pang. I was scared for another new start, sad that I would leave the only people on earth that I truly loved.

Joan was chatting with the other omegas, I was thankful that she was coming with me but I hadn't been able to dissuade Dominic from subjecting her to the traditional initiation. Guilt sat on my heart, no matter how much she protested.

"You seem glum Luna," Jasper sat on the log next to me.

I sighed, "I'm going to miss my friends."

"You'll make lots of new ones though. And you already have all of us."

"I'm not sure you want to let Alpha hear you say that," I teased. "He's not so happy with the idea that you can be both friend and protector."

"Yeah, well..." he puffed his chest.

"Hmmm? Well what Jasper?" My male sat in the space between us and I longed to curl up in his arms while he told me everything would be okay. But I also didn't want to upset him with my reluctance and fear. He might take it personally.

"Well," Jasper gulped, looking for something to say. Dominic raised an eyebrow, waiting in silence.

I took pity on him, "Hammer has shown that you can be both hasn't he Jazz?" He looked at me gratefully and nodded. Dominic turned his head and peered at me over his shoulder with a sceptical look.

"I thought you were on my side?" he accused.

"Always." He gave a satisfied smile until I added, "As long as I agree with you."

"That's not how it works," he grumbled.

I poked him, "I'm just kidding, I am on your side." Though I couldn't help adding, "It doesn't mean I always have to agree with you."

"Yes it does." He cocked his eyebrow seriously.

I changed the subject, "So I'm coming with you tomorrow am I?"

"Yes, I want you to understand my role more, as well as start to find yours."

"What will Amos think about that?" Not that I cared.

Jasper snorted, "I'm sure he'll be full of joy."

Dominic growled, "You go stand over there."

Jasper obeyed without question as Dominic turned back to me, expression unyielding. "His opinion is irrelevant. You will join us."

So the next day I found myself sat on one side of Dominic, Micah on his other, for the entire morning. Kurt and Wade stood ominously behind me as we faced Marcus and Amos on the other side of the desk. It had been dull, the whole time spent checking paperwork and signing official documents.

I stretched my back discreetly, glad we were about to head out to the secret stores that apparently every pack had. All the pack's holdings and financial investments were kept there. It would only be the four of us going, the location of the site was forbidden knowledge to anyone outside of the pack, my protectors and Micah included.

Dominic placed a firm hand on the base of my spine and started kneading my achy muscles. I dropped my head back for a brief moment, loving the instant relief and excitement his touch brought.

Poor Fiona was stuck with Elgatha, doing a handover on the Luna side of things. I had asked Dominic if I should be with them but he rejected the idea, saying he didn't want me to be improperly influenced by an inferior pack, he wanted me with him. I was meant to be oohing and aahing I think.

We left the office and I asked Hammer to check on Fiona, Marcus gave me a grateful look. We got in the car, Marcus and Amos in the front, and I sneakily reached for Dominic's hand which he didn't let go for the whole drive. I enjoyed the steady comfort his touch brought, the journey was uncomfortable to say the least, everybody except Dominic felt awkward and I was grateful when he sent me calming waves through the link.

Marcus parked the car when we reached a heavily wooded area and we all got out, climbing straight up a steep incline. I slipped on loose shingle and Dominic was instantly there to help me. I held onto his arm as we ascended, noticing multitudes of heavy boulders and clutches of rocks in the ground. Stone Mountain was aptly named.

Amos directed us towards a rock that seemed no different to any other until we got closer and I saw a small entrance low in the ground. We went down into a dark cave, the men all retrieved torches as I clung to Dominic so I wouldn't get lost in the pitch black.

Once we had made three sharp turns, Amos flipped a switch that illuminated the tunnel.

"Why didn't we put that on before?" I asked curiously.

"The light would be visible to others if I came at night," Amos said bluntly. "It's meant to be a secret place."

We followed the tunnels for a little while longer and I was glad for the proper lighting. Eventually we reached a vault door. Amos showed Marcus how to open it and then swung it wide. Through the archway was a cavernous space hewn out of the rock. I looked up as more lights came on, triggered by the motion of the door, but when I looked down I was hit with awestruck shock.

In front of us were piles and piles of silver. There was so much, I was sure it would be enough to last a thousand lifetimes for everyone in the pack. My mouth dropped open as I looked around.

I vaguely heard the men talking as I stepped forward walking towards the treasure. It must be worth millions, billions. I'd never seen so much wealth in one place.

"Of course we stick with the Origins and use what we have wisely," my so-called grandfather's admonishing voice caught my ear and a rage I didn't know could feel, rose up in me.

Before I even knew what I was doing I screamed in fury at the top of my voice, it reverberated around the expansive cave and encouraged me as I ran towards him with full intent to attack. I didn't have a plan, that much was obvious, otherwise I wouldn't be about to try and fight an alpha male still in his prime.

All I heard was his self-righteous command buzzing in my ears as I launched myself towards him, hands outstretched.

Whump. My flight was halted by a strong arm around my waist.

"No, let me go, let me get him," I screeched at Dominic who was easily holding firm against my writhing and scratching.

"What on earth has got into you Greta?" Amos thundered, anger fully evident on his face. "How dare you try and attack your alph..."

"YOU are NOT my alpha," I screamed. "You should NEVER HAVE BEEN anyone's."

He looked stunned, as did both the other males. I knew they were shocked at my reaction but right now I couldn't care less.

"How COULD you?" I continued my war-cry, "How could you stand there and DARE to say you use this wealth wisely?" I struggled against Dominic's firm arm, but to no avail. "You let people go HUNGRY, for DAYS. You left people living in AWFUL conditions, without anything resembling the basics of what they should have."

I flung my arms around the cave, "You had all THIS and STILL you let it happen. HOW COULD YOU?" I was screaming louder than I ever had in my life. I shocked even myself. "It was bad enough when I assumed you had enough money to count yourselves as merely well-off. But THIS," I flung my arms again, "This makes your actions REPREHENSIBLE."

Dominic pulled me against his chest. "Enough Etta," he whispered in my ear in a calm voice. "Shhhh."

I wrangled against him again, not ready to calm down. "I'm GLAD you were forced to step down," I screeched scornfully, "I'm glad you're LEAVING Stone Mountain. I'm glad my friends don't have to look at the face of the man who TORTURED them for YEARS."

Dominic wrapped me in both arms, not hurting me but holding me fast as he rocked me side to side making calming noises directly into my ear.

Amos was silent, astounded by my uncharacteristic outburst. Marcus watched me warily and Felix was upset, whining softly while straining towards me. I forced myself to calm for his sake. Despite the fact he was now a real alpha in his own right, he still considered me his and he didn't like seeing his alpha so distressed.

"Etta, hush, it's okay," Dominic lilted in my ear. He rubbed my arms softly and I sank into him, deflating as I suddenly became aware of what I had done.

The minute he caught sight of it, Amos called out furiously, "What are you going to do about that Alpha Alpha? This cannot be ignored."

I stiffened but Dominic turned us slightly and laid a few soft kisses to the side of my throat where the others couldn't see. Once I relaxed in his arms again he lifted his head.

"You're right Amos," his tone icy. He turned, "Marcus, I suggest you take my mate's comments on-board and do better than your predecessor."

Amos started spluttering but was ignored as Marcus assured us enthusiastically, "Yes Alpha Alpha, I fully intend to." He hesitated and flicked me a look before asking Dominic, "May I speak to your mate?"

At Dominic's nod he looked to me, "Please be assured Luna Luna, I will be making that change, and many more. I hope to create a pack you and Ori would be proud of."

I looked at him through tears that suddenly started filling my eyes. "Promise?"

He nodded gravely, "I promise Luna Luna."

Amos snorted, "You won't do well if you start cow-towing to a female."

"Don't judge against the man I have put into your position Amos," Dominic growled fiercely. "You have no right to do so."

Amos paled at the anger in Dominic's voice and wisely said no more. The tears ran out of room and started flowing down my cheek. "Thank you Ma-arrcus," I hiccoughed and turned in Dominic's arms.

"Leave us, wait right outside," he ordered. He let me cry into his shirt as I was overcome by both my furious outburst and Marcus' promise. Emotions ran riot through my body as I considered what I was leaving behind.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I chanted to Ori, unable to form any other words. The gratitude I felt was overwhelming, she had brought me here to start something beautiful and I was leaving just as things were changing. She had done what needed to be done and generously showed me the hopeful future of Stone Mountain.

Dominic rubbed my back soothingly, "I've never seen you so fired up Etta."

"Are you angry with me?" I sniffled.

"No, just promise you won't do it to a standing alpha, I could not save you from punishment should you behave like that towards one of them."

"I won't. I can't believe I actually did it, I don't know what came over me. It just became too much, you know? Hearing him say those things while standing in Aladdin's cave. I'm glad you're not cross," I rubbed my head against him.

"I saw plenty of things when I read his mind last month that warranted your response and more. I won't tell you, don't ask." He pre-empted my request and I humphed.

"Thank you for holding me back."

"I did it for your sake rather than his, he would have wiped the floor with you," he growled, "Don't ever attempt something so foolhardy again. We should get on, are you ready to continue?" I nodded against his chest. "Good, try to hold onto yourself should you feel the need to attack," he mocked.

By the end of the second day the handover was complete. Everyone now knew, to their surprise, that Amos and Elgatha would be leaving the pack. Most retiring alphas became council members. They refused to inform anyone of their plans, so gossip abounded as to where they would be going.

Eldra continually watched me with hatred in her eyes. Her world had disappeared around her and I was to be held accountable for the loss of her son, her husband's position, her leaders, her friends. I tried to ignore her but there was something in her eyes that scared me.

I hesitated to mention anything to Dominic, knowing his penchant for over-reaction. But I did tell Hammer, who of course promptly informed Dominic anyway and both Beta Leonard and Eldra were put under lock and key in their room until I left.

I returned from a farewell Starfish pack run to find him waiting for me in the hall. It had been a lovely way to say goodbye to my special people and had been emotional for all of us. Everything was bittersweet in these last few days and I found myself getting edgier as time went on.

"Hello Miss Thorne," he came to me with a smile. He'd been using my name like that all day.

"Last time you can say that," I mumbled nervously.

He brushed non-existent hair from my face, examining my face, "Aren't you happy about becoming Greta Griffin?"

I pushed down my nerves and forced a smile, "It's more that I'm nervous about what follows."

"It will be alright," he soothed with no understanding of my trepidation. I appreciated his efforts though, silly as they were. "Let me walk you to your room, I hear you're having another sleepover?"

Nothing went unknown by him, my protectors still presented reports on me after their shifts, but it ceased to bother me. Perhaps because all my nerves were used up with the stress of becoming his official mate so soon. I nodded and as we walked along I tried to work out why I had a ball in the pit of my churning stomach.

I worried about the fact that Dominic and I had not spent any real time together. Our month had been either only short private meetings, or days spent with other people. The only decent chunk of time we spent alone together was the morning we spent in the glade. And then we didn't even talk most of the time.

It wasn't that I had no knowledge of who he was, I was comforted that he had been good to me. It was more that I didn't know what he was like in his own habitat. I hadn't met his family and nor would I until we returned. They had been unable to come for the ceremony, illness had prevented his father from travelling and none of the others would come without him.

I would like to have seen where Dominic came from, see his model for family life. I had no idea of what he would be like back in Black Lake, how much would he listen to me then? How much time would he make for us?

"I trust alcohol will not be involved tonight?" he asked sternly as we reached my room.

I shook my head, "No. I still remember Dodgy-Bod Day."

He frowned, "And your rule."

"Sure," I replied flippantly, "Let's say that."

"Miss Thorne," he warned and I leant into his chest with a grin.

"Uh-huh?"

"You are too cheeky," he muttered, brushing the tip of his finger down my nose.

"You are talking when you should be kissing me," I retorted.

He grinned and lowered his head, I lifted my face to him and enjoyed the way his embrace made me relax instantly. Everything was going to be okay.

He buried his fingers in my hair as his lips met mine, softly pressing me with hundreds of little kisses, to which I eagerly responded. He slid his tongue along my lips groaning, "You taste so sweet," just before he delved his tongue into my mouth. I grasped his biceps, needing to hold onto something to keep me grounded.

The way he explored my mouth made everything sparkle and it was my turn to groan, I eagerly met his tongue with my own. It was making my head spin in delight. I was lost in sensation.

"I could kiss you all night," he mumbled against my mouth as he finally drew back.

I sighed happily, "Tomorrow, you can."

"Now there's a beautiful promise, but it will depend on..."

My door flew open and Lacy dashed out, not looking where she was going, "I'll see if I can find her."

"She's right here," Dominic said drolly and Lacy froze.

"I know we've been a while. We ambled a bit," I confessed with a grimace.

"Oh, of course. Sorry Alpha Alpha," she bobbed her head, "Luna Luna."

"I'll meet you in the clearing tomorrow," Dominic promised after she backed into my room. "I can't wait."

"Goodnight Dominic," I smiled softly.

"Goodnight Miss Thorne."

The night was spent trying to ignore the fact that I was leaving. We forced ourselves to laugh and have a good time. It was right to spend our last night together, together.

Rows of benches, carved by the now departed packs, ran chaotically all around the clearing. They were packed with people all watching us making our union permanent. The trees were hung with beautiful paper lanterns and silks blowing in the breeze. Bubbles floated around catching the sun's rays, transforming them into sparkling orbs.

I was standing barefoot in a beautiful silk, blush-pink dress. Dominic was wearing a very appealing dark grey suit that made me want to grab him and kiss him thoroughly.

The ceremony went by in a blur as we made our vows to each other, promising fidelity and love. I offered my obedience and he vowed to act with honour as the head of our family. We assured each other of our support and respect, and exchanged our blood to solidify the union.

It was beautiful and I hated the gnawing sensation in my heart. Something was wrong, but I didn't know what.

As we neared the end, still no jewellery appeared and I was confused when we would get onto that part. He would surely make it part of the public ceremony, he was all about claiming me after all.

While I was wondering, we accepted two glasses of wine to ceremonially toast our mateship. As I sipped on mine, Dominic tipped the bottom, telling me to drain it all.

I started feeling woozy. "I shouldn't have any more," I mumbled to Dominic.

"You must," his voice echoed around my head. I tried to concentrate, working out why. Before I could ask, the glass tumbled from my hand and I swooned into Dominic's arms, barely awake long enough to hear him say in a quiet but heartfelt voice, "I can't bear for you to feel the pain."