Copyright to VedaPettigrew

"So, you see here," Joan pointed to the page, "in this one it says that the things of the earth are a gift and to be used wisely. It goes on to talk about what would be wise, things like medicines for the sick, buildings to provide shelter, education for children etc. etc." Joan had forgotten her nerves and was completely invested in the moment. Teaching Dominic everything she had taken weeks to put together.

"Then in this one, it adds certain codicils like, medicine for the sick, but limit the amount to save it for others in need," she looked up with a frown, "I don't know how they can make such a big leap in just one revision."

"They didn't," Dominic replied, eyes still on the pages. "Each revision had four additions before declaring a new one, A, B, C, and D. We're currently on Twelve C, but D is being written." He flicked his gaze to me and back to the books. "The additions were destroyed as each whole book came out, they weren't needed and wasted space."

"Ahh, that explains so much," Joan replied in satisfaction.

"He does that a lot," Lacy pointed out quietly. We were all sat on various tables and seats around the edge of the file-room, watching.

"What?" I asked.

"Looks at you," Bee whispered.

I sighed contentedly, "Yes. He does."

"You're happy," Sophie smiled.

"Yes."

"I'm glad." Fiona wiggled her eyebrows, "Who knew you two would end up together? Remember all that time ago when I was telling you about him? 'Alpha Alpha Griffin'," she added in a sonorous tone. 

"That feels a million lifetimes ago," I said fondly, remembering our walk in the woods at the Challenge. "I kinda knew then that he was going to be my mate though."

"What? How?"

"Silver for one. Also, feelings I got when you spoke about him. I just... knew."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Kat demanded.

I shrugged, "It was just a feeling."

"Hmmm. I guess, but I feel cheated. It surprised me when I found out, though not nearly as much as seeing you together now," Fiona grinned.

I raised my eyebrows, "Why?"

"He's not the same man I saw all those years ago. I can't impress that upon you enough. Even when I first saw him after he met you, he was already different."

I nodded. I believed her, but also knew that the real Dominic had been hidden from others because of the stupidity of his father. However, that wasn't my secret to divulge, he may be relaxing with more intimate acquaintances, but that didn't mean he was happy to share his past.

"What was he like back then?" Sophie asked eagerly.

"Scary," she said shortly. "Really scary. I'd-rather-be-anywhere-than-in-your-vicinity kind of scary. But also hot. Sooo hot."

"That hasn't changed," I eyed my male dreamily. "He's still the sexiest thing ever."

"Nope, my mate is," Kat argued light-heartedly.

"You're both wrong. I mean, have you seen Marcus?" Fiona winked.

"Sorry Fi, but remember that conversation you were talking about?" I teased.

"If you're going to tell me I drooled over your mate and maybe mentioned that he was more good-looking than Marcus then you're wrong. I never said that. I don't know why you would say I did," Fiona said with a straight face.

I burst out laughing, "Sure, you keep telling yourself that."

"I will. But anyway, back to the topic in hand..."

"Before that," Kat interrupted, "Did you see the look on his face just now when Greta laughed?"

"You mean the tender, I'm-so-in-love-with-you look?" Sophie piped up.

"The one that said clearly how much he adores seeing you laugh?" Bee added.

I looked at Dominic and found him watching me - the emotions spoken on their lips, still in his eyes. His obvious adoration knocked me for six. I hoped my eyes were telling him the same thing. Silver wagged her tail at Alarick who was watching us with pride.

"Seriously? Do you two ever stop?" Lacy moaned. "Greta, focus. There's more people here than just your drool-worthy man and his gorgeous warrior wolf." I stuck my tongue out at her, ignoring her chortle. Alarick's chest puffed out and I scrunched my nose at him, my male wolf. I was proud of him too.

"You're just jealous Lace," Fiona mocked. "Now, like I was saying..." she glared at us all to make sure we didn't interrupt again, "The pair of you have changed. It's not just Dominic, you seem different too. Not in a bad way though."

"Yeah," Kat said excitedly, "You are still you, you're not pretending to be something you're not, but you're just... different...ish."

I looked at them in surprise, I hadn't thought that I'd changed. But then again, I wasn't exactly the real me at Stone Mountain, the heartache of losing my parents and being plunged into an alien world had stripped me of a lot of joy.

Ori first, next the Starfish, and then Dominic, had helped bring me back. Though there was still a fair way to go before I would feel normal again.

"Yes, and what an articulate way to put it," Lacy said dryly to Kat who just stuck out her tongue at her.

Fiona scratched her knee absentmindedly."Though I will admit, Dominic's change is more dramatic." She shuddered at a memory, "You have no idea how much. I mean, I remember when one of the warriors tried smart-mouthing him, you know, rattling him before a fight. Oh my flickerty-doodles! It was a bloodbath. Dominic took great pleasure in breaking his jaw and several teeth."

"He definitely goes with making the punishment fit the crime. That's why he damaged the hands of everyone who used them to hurt you," Kat bragged unrepentantly. She always enjoyed those moments on my behalf.

I nodded. He certainly was extreme, but never unjust. He didn't lash out unfairly or without a valid reason. "He makes me feel safe," I said proudly. "Like I can be exactly who I am, without fear of repercussion. I haven't been truly myself since my parents, there was no way I could be through grief and being in my grandparent's pack. If I'm different, that's why. That and natural compromise between two people in love." I looked at Fiona and Kat, "You know what I mean?"

They nodded. "Yup," Kat said. "Pav doesn't make me go to bed earlier, but I do because he's an early riser and we can start the morning together that way. We often have a mini date, watching the sun rise."

"Yeah, that'll change once you're fully mated and sleeping in the same bed," Fiona laughed.

Kat snorted, "Probably, yeah."

We fell silent, turning our attention back to the pair bowed over the books that were laid out along a long table. I stifled a yawn, it was late.

When I saw my friends discreetly yawning as well I made a decision.

"You guys go. This will probably take hours, no point in us all being exhausted tomorrow." I hopped off the table, "Your bags are all upstairs in your rooms. We can have breakfast together." I looked at the studious pair with an affectionate smile. "We'll eat here, who knows, we might be here all night anyway."

"Why don't you sleep upstairs too?" Fiona asked.

Dominic's head shot up and eyed me warily. I winked at him and gave her half a shrug, "I can't. I need Dominic to be able to sleep properly at the moment. We both feel safer that way. Illogical I know, it's not like anyone is going to attack me in my sleep with a thousand guards around, but we're just going with it anyway." With a satisfied smirk, he returned his attention to the books.

She put her hand on my shoulder and pulled me in. "Fair enough. Though I didn't realise you were so protected, I haven't seen more than three or four protectors."

"Haha, obviously there's not actually a thousand, that's just me being hyperbolic. But there are a lot, you can't see them, but they're there."

I took them upstairs and showed them to the rooms we assigned them, hugging each one joyfully. "I'm so glad you're here. Goodnight, see you at breakfast."

I made my way back to the basement and smiled at the way Dominic saw me and visibly relaxed. I went up to the table and tucked myself in beside him. "How's it going?"

"Good, I think I've shown him about half," Joan said, discreetly yawning behind her hand. Hammer came behind her and started massaging her shoulders, making her groan in gratitude.

"I'm looking forward to that in a couple of days," Dominic whispered cheekily in my ear.

"Hey, I'm holding out for a miracle. I could still win you know," I elbowed his side.

"It would take a miracle baby." He kissed me on my neck and I shuddered appreciatively.

"What do you think about all this?" I waved my hand over the table and heard him sigh.

"It's certainly something to think about. I don't want to say anything just yet. I'll let Joan show me the rest, then I'll study it myself. I need to spend some time on it, analyse it properly. If I say something from a gut reaction then change my mind, you might be upset."

I grinned up at him, "So you think I'm right about some stuff huh?"

He kissed the tip of my nose, "You are incorrigible."

"You love me that way."

"I love you every way."

An hour later they were still nowhere near finished. I sat on a chair and lay my head in my arms on a table, I was so tired, but the thought of going to bed without Dominic was unpalatable to say the least. I still needed to be near him most of the time. This afternoon had been both wonderful and torturous. So many people coming to know Ori and joining our Starfish Pack was utterly amazing. But it was stupidly hard being away from Dominic.

This was a phase, I wouldn't have this debilitating need forever, so most of the time I allowed myself to give in to it. The problem earlier was that being so far away from him made fear gnaw in my heart. Especially with so many new faces.

I'd asked Ori for courage and she'd blown around me in a warm breeze that reminded me she was always there when I needed her.

It was good to push myself sometimes, but at the same time, I hadn't objected when Dominic insisted on even more of the extra guards when he wasn't around. When I hadn't, he looked worried, pulling me in for a fierce hug and telling me it would get better, that he'd always keep me safe.

I couldn't stop thinking about how fortunate I was to have him. Sure, our relationship had some rocky patches, but without them we'd be miles behind where we were now, so I was truly thankful for them. I stroked my brand, it was awful when it happened, but knowing everything that happened as a result, I wouldn't change it.

A large hand stroked the back of my head and Dominic's lovely face appeared as he crouched beside me, "Come on, bedtime."

"Are you finished?" I asked sitting up and glancing at Joan, wrapped in Hammer's arms.

"We can do the rest tomorrow, I can't work while watching you falling asleep on the table," he swept his thumb across my cheek as I tried not to yawn.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to. I can wait, honest."

He smiled, "I know, but I'd rather be in bed with you in my arms. This will still be here tomorrow, I'll have to be a rude host and leave you to entertain the guests so I can study it. Come on."

I stood, stretching lightly and groaning at the thought of the long distance to our bed, until I remembered my newly-favourite thing about Dominic. I grinned slyly at him, lifting my arms and ordering, "Warp-speed me home."

"With pleasure," he said, mouth twitching at the corners.

I looked to Joan, "Want a lift? Or is Hammer walking you home?"

"You better believe it pet. See you tomorrow," Hammer spoke and waved.

"Night," I called just in time before I was swept into Dominic's arms and carried home at a speed that shouldn't be possible.

Dominic wasn't kidding about leaving me to entertain the guests. He sequestered himself in his study the minute we got back from breakfast. He brought all the books back with him and had a long table set up so he could spread them out and view them simultaneously, like Joan had.

I let him be, what he was doing was important, and we were in the same building, so it was easier than yesterday. Plus, it was a dream having my friends back, we gossiped and sat in the sun. There was a never ending stream of things to tell each other and discuss. Hammer, Marcus and Pav watched in amusement as we laughed and giggled the day away.

After lunch, Hammer took the men away to watch and take part in some training sessions while I took the women to the lake so we could have a dip. It was hilarious to watch my poor protectors trying to keep me safe while not being allowed to actually look at me.

I wish I could say I didn't shriek more than necessary while being splashed, just to see their reactions as they ran to the edge with their eyes shut, yelling for me to tell them I was okay. Which I always did straight away, I didn't want to be stupid about it; for a start they were doing their jobs and I appreciated them, plus they needed to stay alive after they told Dominic they saw me in a swimming costume for no reason.

A niggle in the back of my mind was present all day, there was something I was meant to be doing but I couldn't remember what it was. It was frustrating, but I didn't focus on it, I was too busy having fun.

We separated for a short while to shower after our swim and I was waiting for them to return to my house when I remembered what it was. The prisoner. Dominic said he was going to bring him over, I was finally going to find out who it was.

I made Dominic a drink and took it to him. As I opened the door he looked up at me from his position behind the table.

"How's it going?" I asked, passing him the drink. He took it and put it straight on the table, reaching for me instead and pulling me into his arms.

"It's very interesting. One of the major things I've realised is how good Joan is, she's done wonders here, it's not as easy as you might think, some amendments and rules got completely moved and are impossible to find. I don't know how she did it."

"Dedication," I answered, looking at his messy notes and marvelling at the amount he'd managed to do. "It's something she believes in."

"I can see that. Just be warned, I might be stealing her from you if Micah ever leaves his job."

"Hmmmm, nope," I declared.

"Have you had a good day?" he asked turning me to face him, "Ahh, there, that's by far my favourite sight, much better than staring at books all day," he added with a smile.

I grinned, "Same to you."

He bent to kiss me and I revelled in the short but sweet moment before giving him a brief rundown of our day.

"They saw nothing? You're sure?" he asked gruffly for the third time.

"Nothing," I repeated patiently as he gathered me to him, muttering 'mine' over and over. It didn't bother me, some things were hard to combat, and an alpha-male's possessiveness and protectiveness was instinctive. At the right time, things would evolve, I wouldn't expect him to change overnight. "What about you? How is your search going? Made any decisions?" I asked hopefully.

He frowned at me and I knew it wasn't going be something I wanted to hear.

"It's clear that the laws and rules have developed from their original meaning," he noted, "but that doesn't change anything. Laws are meant to grow and change. People are not going to be persuaded by this."

"But it's obvious that the Origins would be wildly different from the nonsense they keep spouting as such," I argued.

"The 'Origins'," he air-quoted, "are just a word people use to describe the laws. Nobody knows about the existence of the actual Origins. So to them, these laws are all good and just," he replied softly.

"But what do you think?" I pushed.

He sighed and rifled a hand through his hair. "That you will be disappointed if you're expecting pack-life to change. These are our laws and while I understand what you're trying to achieve by examining how they've digressed, ultimately I think laws are meant to grow and develop. Of course there are things I don't like, and disagree with, but that's life. If I try to change all our laws using these findings and not the Origins themselves, there'll be war."

Weariness flooded through me as I came crashing down from the hope I was floating on. I genuinely thought this would make a difference. I couldn't look him in the eye, not that I blamed him exactly - though unfairly, a part of me did - I just didn't want him to see the pain his words caused me.

I frowned as a thought struck me, "The likelihood is war, even if we do find them. Men don't want change."

He lifted my face and stroked my cheek lovingly, trying to get me to look at him. "No Angel, a lot of them don't."

I blew out my breath in frustration, "It's not right."

"I'll use this to try and make a few changes," he pointed at the books, "including trying to sort out the situation with Gertie and Marvin Stein, but you need to be prepared for the fact that this world isn't due for change."

I drooped inside.

Silver whined and nibbled my fingers, not liking the sorrow she sensed inside me. I buried my fingers in the soft fur at her ruff as I tried not to let the thought of failure knock me down. She rubbed me lovingly and I felt her pushing the memory of Ori telling me about my mission.

The minute she did, hope filled me again. Ori, the creator or the universe, the holder of all knowledge, the greatest power in existence, told me I was going to do this. Dominic was wrong. The world was due for a dramatic change.

I looked up at him with a grin, "You, my gorgeous male whom I love and adore, couldn't be more wrong."

Confusion flooded his face at my turnabout. "Really?" he asked sardonically.

"Yup, and you," I poked his chest, "are going to see that Ori makes impossible things possible."

He raised an amused eyebrow, "I am?"

"Yup," I repeated, leaning into his chest as Silver yipped at Alarick in smug pride. He growled lovingly and lifted a paw to splat her. She jumped out of the way and they started prancing about the room, teasing each other in a game of tag. "When the Origins are discovered, everything will change."

A wicked gleam appeared in his eye. "Maybe," he grinned, "It's just such a shame they won't be here by midnight."

I poked him with a harrumph. I was so sure I would win the bet but the reality was the Origins were not going to be found in the next six hours. It was irritating, because I really wanted him as my slave.

"I have another reason I came to see you," I sulked lightly as he chuckled and kissed my head.

"Don't worry baby, I'll make sure you enjoy your forfeits," he said salaciously, managing to get a giggle out of me. "What was the other reason?"

"I wondered if you'd arranged the prisoner to come today?" I asked.

He groaned, "I hoped you'd forgotten about that."

"Nope," I teased exuberantly.

He scowled and I laughed at his childishness, pressing the wrinkles on his forehead out with my fingers. He refused to crack a smile, so I put my thumbs on the corners of his mouth and pulled upwards, shrieking as he nipped at them with a wicked grin.

He sighed when I repeated my request.

"I found out his name so there might be no need," he said hopefully. "It's Markus Markham." He eyed me to see my reaction but the name didn't ring any bells so I shook my head and the hope clouded over as he muttered an imprecation under his breath. "He'll be here in fifteen minutes."

Excitement caught my heart, I couldn't wait to find out who he was, his lack of identity had been an annoying tick in my brain since I was in the prison. I yipped in Dominic's arms, ignoring his grumpiness.

"Come outside in the sun for a break, you've been holed up all day."

In reply, he turned around and crouched down. I eagerly jumped on his back and he carried me outside. Once in the garden, I slid off and smacked his bottom before running away. He turned with a predatory grace and stalked towards me.

I ran, but he never increased his pace as he hunted me methodically. I found it hard to run from laughing but tried to get out of his sight so I could try and throw him off the trail. This was one of our favourite games, I could do it all day.

Instead, we played until we heard the crunch of gravel. In seconds, I found myself in Dominic's arms, which indicated that any success I had was due to him going easy on me. I really had no hope against him.

We made our way to the driveway and as the car door opened, the familiar scent flooded over me. The feelings evoked were positive, happy. Whoever it was, wasn't an enemy.

A guard came out of the car first, then a man hunched over, so I couldn't see his head. The chains that held him were strong, binding his ankles and wrists as well as pinning his arms to his sides. He was obviously strong, the guards were being super precautious.

Dominic gave a long low growl and I realised there was another reason for the over the top security. I put my head on his shoulder in an attempt to reassure him.

Another guard came out of the car behind him, then the driver and another guard from the passenger seat. Four of them surrounded him as he was shuffled towards me. Dominic's grip tightened with each step.

I gazed at the man, desperate for a glimpse of his face. Once he was in front of us Dominic nodded to the man on the right of him and his head was wrenched up by his hair.

A gasp escaped me as I suddenly realised who it was. His eyes found mine and widened in shock.

"Uncle John," I called urgently, trying to run forward. Dominic's hold stopped me from moving an inch. "Let go of his hair," I ordered the guard, who dropped it after a nod from Dominic.

"Princess Gogo," he whispered in disbelief.

"Princess Gogo?" Repeated Dominic in amusement.

"Just a nickname," I murmured, unable to take my eyes of the long-lost man I thought died many years ago. I looked up beseechingly, "Please, let me go to him. Please. He won't hurt me."

He scowled and looked at the man in chains. "Markus Markham?" he asked scathingly.

"An alias, didn't want to give my real name," Uncle John admitted carelessly, eyes glued on me.

"Please Dominic," I whispered desperately.

His jaw ticked as he walked forward with me, closer to my parents' best friend who disappeared from our lives when I was a teenager. When he stopped, still too far for my liking, I struggled to get away from his hold, eventually turning to beg again. "He's not going to hurt me. You need to let me go to him, get him out of these chains."

"That's not happening," he growled fiercely.

I didn't argue, it would be hopeless. Instead I turned my attention back to the male who'd been a part of my life from the moment I was born. "Uncle John, I missed you. We all missed you so much. Is this where you have been all this time?"

He nodded affirmatively, eyes constantly on mine. "I missed you too Princess. And your parents too. Are they here?" he looked around as if they might appear.

My heart sunk as I realised what I was going to have to do. I tried to take a step forward, but found myself unable to move. "Dominic," I whispered in exasperation. He growled lowly and stepped forward with me, huffing crossly with each step.

When I was in almost touching distance, he stopped us.

Uncle John looked weak from being imprisoned for so long, but I was pleased to see him well kept. I didn't know how to tell him news that would cause him pain, but I had to do it, there was no one better.

"Mumma got sick," I whispered.

To my shock he nodded, "I know sweetheart, just before I left." His face became chalky as he guessed what I was about to say. "She didn't... get better?"

"No," my voice broke, "I'm so sorry Uncle John. She died this winter just gone."

He looked devastated, "What about your father?"

Dominic squeezed me, giving me silent strength. "Amos, my grandfather, murdered him." My voice was hoarse as I forced the awful words out. "Sorry to be so blunt, I only just found out recently. I have no idea how to say it gently, it isn't a gentle thing."

He looked broken at the news of losing two people dear to him. "Princess, you must have been so lost. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."

I wriggled and Dominic reluctantly loosened his grip, allowing me to step forward. As I took one step, Uncle John groaned in pain, scrunching up his eyes. I turned to Dominic accusingly, he looked unrepentant as he continued looking for any threats.

Grudgingly satisfied that Uncle John had no intention to hurt me, he let me go. I stepped right up to the man I lost for so long and wrapped my arms around him as he dropped his head on mine. Dominic pulled me back but before I could get cross, he snapped at the guards to release the manacles.

With his arms free, I found myself embracing a man I had mourned for long ago.

I don't know how long we just stood comforting each other, but the sound of footsteps in the gravel shook us from our private zone. I looked up to see the Starfish staring, obviously curious beyond belief.

"You'll never guess who this is," I called with a grin. "It's Uncle John."

"The rogue beta who married your parents," Sophie uttered in shock.

"I thought he was dead," Lacy blurted out.

"Apparently a common thought," Uncle John said dryly.

"This is my adopted family," I said. "They helped me and kept me sane after..." I couldn't finish.

"I'm pleased to meet you then," John said formally.

"But I should introduce you to my true mate," I said hesitantly, not feeling at all sure about introducing the prisoner to the reason he was in there.

"Your true mate?" John looked at Dominic in shock.

"Yes her true mate, Alpha Alpha Dominic Griffin," Dominic said sharply.

John went whiter than ever, "Alpha Alpha?"

"He's a good mate Uncle John, you don't need to worry. He cherishes me," I babbled. "I'm sure he'll get you out, whatever you're imprisoned for."

In my mind he'd served a long enough sentence for what I knew in my heart was no real crime. Dominic's unhappy growl made me realise I'd probably not thought my promise through. I turned to him, "At least find out why he was imprisoned. Please?"

"I did. He was a spy for the rogues. Ivan Preston, the alpha alpha before me, didn't know what information he gathered, he isn't a mind reader like me, so he was jailed until he decided to cooperate but thus far he's refused. He didn't come to my attention when I came to power and honestly I would have left him in there anyway."

"Uncle John is not a spy," I argued indignantly. "He lived near us my whole life and had no plans against Black Lake or any other pack, he was just happy to be free from pack tyranny." I used the phrase I'd heard him say all the time without thinking of the effect it would have on Dominic.

A vicious growl preceded his angry words. "See. He's not safe, he could be planning a rebellion."

"No. He just wasn't fond of pack life, that doesn't make him a rebel. We both know someone else who fits that description," I said in code, not wanting to usurp my already tenuous position as Luna further. "You could just do your mind thingy and find out he's no threat. Or at least let him come in and share his story."

I turned to John hopefully, "You can trust my mate. I know who he is and what it seems like to you, but I promise, he's a good man and a good alpha. He's doing his best for the wolves, even if..." I stopped talking. I wouldn't degrade the efforts Dominic was making. He may not have it all right, but he was doing his best with what he had, and he deserved my support. "Please Uncle John."

He looked at me in shock, as some kind of realisation slammed into him. His eyes widened in shock and excitement. He looked at my surly mate earnestly, "Alpha Alpha Griffin, if you allow it, I will tell you and Gogo my story."

Ten minutes later we sat in Dominic's study, the guards had been dismissed from his side and were waiting outside. Joan and Hammer were in with us, but the Stone Mountain crew weren't. I'd set them up on the terrace with promises we'd be as quick as we could. They'd reassured me they were happy to wait and wished me luck.

"I don't know where to start," John said, staring unseeingly at me as he thought. I was glad Dominic had removed his chains, he'd been reluctant but he knew absolutely that Uncle John loved me and meant no harm.

"When I married your parents as they escaped from Stone Mountain, I never knew how much they'd change my life. I hadn't planned on going with them, but I'd been alone for a long time and they had something about them that called to me."

"Ori," I grinned, I'd heard this before.

"Yes, I didn't know that then though," he smiled fondly at me. "What I didn't know for a long time, was how they knew of Ori, it's not like she's taught in pack."

I shook my head sadly.

"Then one day, when you were about three, they showed me something miraculous..."

He stopped as Hammer, Joan and I gasped in hope. Dominic's grip tightened around my waist as John asked, "What?"

I gulped, "Just carry on for now."

"It was beautiful, it glowed and shone like nothing I'd ever seen before. Made out of something that doesn't exist on Earth."

"The Origins," Joan breathed out and John looked at her curiously, obviously wondering how she guessed.

"Yes."