---Ryan's POV---

"I can't even believe that father would so much as listen to any rogue, let alone give them a second chance." I snarled, feeling my wolf pace in agreement.

The deeply rooted anger, bordering on hatred, made me want to turn back towards the direction of the holding cells, even if that meant disobeying a direct order from my Father.

"Calm down Ryan, you're starting to lose control." Jason grasped me by the shoulders, spinning me away from the general direction of the holding cells and stared me in the eyes. "Relax, take a few deep breaths and remember our order."

Nodding, I took a few deep breaths before scowling as I realized that the rogue's scent was still clinging to my nostrils. Frustrated, I stalked away from the vicinity of the holding cells, hoping to calm down if I could get rid of her scent.

As we were approaching the hallways, I heard Eric mumble behind me "She doesn't seem that bad for a rogue."

Anger flared to life and I was barely able to contain my wolf, merely grabbing Eric by the front of his shirt and shoving him against the wall.

"What did you say? You'd accept a fucking rogue among us?" I hissed, wolf snarling and snapping its teeth at the very idea of accepting a rogue, any rogue, as one of us.

Eric didn't answer, pushing against my forearm that was pinning him against the wall. Jason huffed before I was shoved away from the pair of them, only succeeding in angering me further.

Before we could actually come to blows, a firm hand landed on my shoulder, making me look back straight into the stony cold expression of my mother.

Our Luna.

One raised eyebrow and all three of us fell in line, knowing that my lighthearted and carefree mother was never really quiet, unless on serious occasions.

Or if you pissed her off.

"Why on earth are the three of you fighting at this time of night? Or should I say morning?" She asked, eyes flitting to the brightening horizon visible through the windows.

I remained silent, biting on my cheek as I was still too angry, too riled up by Eric's words. Jason glanced at the pair of us before sighing.

"Eric mentioned that the rogue under out custody doesn't seem nearly as bad as some of the rogues from our past." His eyes flitted towards me. "While I can understand Ryan's anger, with all due respect Luna, we cannot treat every rogue as if they had a hand in your daughter's murder."

Blood dripped from between my clenched fingers at the very mention of Sam. A young twelve year old, carefree and joyful. Killed by rogues.

She had been out with friends, riding on horseback when Father had gotten an alert that rogues had crossed the border.

Sam had kept her friends safe, distracting the rogues so the two girls could get help. By the time the patrol had arrived, the rogues had dragged her off the horse, using her as leverage to get off of pack land without being harmed.

We demanded Sam's return, allowing the group to leave, as long as they gave her back. And they did.

In pieces.

A soft sigh sounded before I was wrapped in a gentle hug. My mother's scent clung to my nostrils as I struggled for control, for the guilt that still flooded through my system.

Because I was the elder brother. I should have been there, should have protected Sam and her friends, instead of being at home.

Nobody had expected the rogue breech, nor the coldblooded murder at their hands. Ever since, I simply saw them for the animals they are.

"I know it hurts." Mother whispered, resting her forehead against mine with a sad smile. "But there are good people, nomadic people out there, that don't deserve your hatred, darling." She brushed a kiss against my forehead and patted me on the cheek.

"Killing any trespassing rogue won't bring Samantha back, nor will it make you feel any better. It will only tarnish the memory of her sweetness and gentle heart."

I slowly nodded, sniffing and averting my gaze to the starlit sky in an attempt to hold the tears at bay. What my mom said was true, but it was so hard to be rational when each rogue encounter was only a vivid reminder of what happened.

"We'll talk more later sweetheart. For now, I need to start meal preparations and you have a task to complete."

I nodded, watching her move towards the kitchen before sighing and motioning my head. "Come on, let's get Erica and be done with this." I growled at the others.

---Lyra's POV---

"And that's basically my whole story." I finished quietly, clearing my aching throat while watching Blake closely. Looking for any sign, any clue on how he reacted to the events of the past few years.

"I see." He muttered, looking troubled as he scowled at the table, looking lost in thought. "And would you know why your brothers have sent out teams that are looking specifically for you?"

I shook my head tiredly, giving Blake a wary smile. "With all due respect Alpha, but if I knew why they wanted to find me after they blamed me for the murder, perhaps I'd understand why they murdered our parents in the first place."

My hands shook within my lap from the vast amount of stress and adrenaline coursing through my veins. This had been the first time in five long years since I've told anyone the full story.

There had been a few nomads here and there, who heeded my warning and stayed away from my birth pack.

But to be heard for the first time since the murder of my parents, to be listened to.

To not be looked at as if I was filth underneath their boot. Something to be erased from the earth.

"So you have had to awaken your Alpha by yourself." Blake sighed, seemingly growing more exhausted by the minute. "While your parents might have taught you the basics of what you are, what to expect, there was nobody there to guide you on the path."

I nodded, tilting my head before adding, "Well, nobody besides my wolf. She urged me to set out and attempt to find out mate for instance, but neither of us have a clue on how to find them."

Blake chuckled, scratching through his beard. "Ah child, there is so much that wasn't told..." He stayed quiet for a few moment, glancing between the snoozing Emilia in my lap and myself.

His eyes sparked for a moment, smile spreading on his lips before he pushed himself on his feet.

"My son and his friends have informed Erica, who is waiting to meet her niece." I smiled at that, gently rousing Emilia from her slumber to tell her the good news.

"Auntie is here?" She asked with excitement, sleep forgotten as Blake chuckled, observing the child with kindness in his eyes. "Can we go see her?" Emilia inquired wide-eyed and bouncing on her toes.

Blake grinned at that, "But of course. She is waiting upstairs to meet you. Speaking of meeting..." He turned towards me with a contemplative look.

For a moment, I feared I would have to remain here and let Emilia off on her own. Instead, Blake's softly spoken words seemed even worse.

"I'll have to inform the pack of who, and what, you are." Opening my mouth to object, he calmy raised his hand in a request for silence. "Honesty is a virtue but an absolute need within packs."

Blake motioned upwards , where the pack was still slumbering. "If I do not inform them that you are the daughter of Jake and Cassandra, former leaders of the Moonrise pack, fights are bound to break out."

I rose a brow at that, "Your pack members are that aggressive with outsiders?" I questioned aloud, frowning when Blake shook his head with a gentle smile.

"No. But Alphas, True Alphas, are dominant in nature. They won't take kindly to being disrespected and being treated as a lower rank." His smile only gentled, eyes soft and warm.

While I wanted to state that he was lying, that I never cared for rank or power, I realized that would be a partial lie.

Because I could sense it from my wolf. The ease in which she made difficult decisions in mere seconds, how she pushed the wellbeing of those considered pack before herself.

And how she absolutely despised the filthy look that Ryan had given here, as if she was beneath him.

"My pack needs to be informed so they can show the respect that your bloodline deserves." Blake inclined his head before sheepishly scratching at his nose. "If not, your wolf will only start acting up in a rightful defense for its claim."

"I understand that, Alpha Blake, but I am not here to take over the Alpha position. Hell, I never wanted to become an Alpha in the first place." I spat in anger, shaking my head. "If I hadn't been born as Alpha, my parents would still be alive!"

My hands shook as I struggled to take deep, calming breaths, feeling slightly ashamed for my outburst. I didn't blame my wolf, never blamed her.

But the fact remained that if one of my siblings had been Alpha instead of myself, my parents would still be alive.

"And how can you be certain of that?" Blake crossed his arms, a gentle frown working its way on his expression. "For all you know, your parents could've seen through your siblings and deny them the title. The same events would have transpired, still leading up to this point."

He slowly approached, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder when I made no intention of shying away. "Your brothers are the cause of this mess, Lyra. Not you."

I blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears that desperately wanted to escape. Because hearing that from someone else besides my wolf, was liberating.

"Then can I make a request, sir?" Blake nodded, so I continued, "I understand that the pack needs to know to avoid infighting. Is it possible to only tell the adults?"

Blake blinked in surprise at that. "Why would you-" He stammered, knowing about the rough start I had with his son and his friends.

"Because I don't want to be suddenly treated differently because of bloodlines. I want to be respected for who I am, not what I am."

He eyed me with astonishment before inclining his head. "That is very commendable of you, Lyra. I will let the adults know and inform them of your decision."

I smiled at him before nearly jumping out of my skin when the doors slammed open, revealing an annoyed Ryan. "Dad, Erica is waiting on you and growing tense, as I'm not allowed to tell her what transpired."

He shot me a glare filled with anger and barely hidden contempt, making me scowl and bite on my cheek to keep my wolf in check.

What the hell is his problem? I haven't offended him in any shape or form to deserve this kind of treatment!

My wolf silently agreed, though felt placated when Blake gave a warning scowl to his son, warning him to not cross the line. "Like I said, Lyra, I will heed to your request until you're willing to tell the others."

I nodded, biting my cheek this time to prevent from grinning at Ryan's confused gaze, who eyed his father with shock as the man opened the cell door and motioned me out.

"Oh and Ryan?" Blake called, gaining his son's full attention as he had been in the process of heading back up the stairs. "Get Jason and Eric to provide Lyra with a room of her own. They will remain outside her door." He inclined his head respectfully towards me. "As a safety precaution."

I smiled, knowing he was indirectly referring to my siblings sudden intent to find me. However, Ryan seemed to believe his Father insinuated he needed to be kept away from my room and reddened in anger, stomping up the stairs.

Blake chuckled tiredly, giving his head a shake as he followed his son, albeit a lot calmer, up the stairs. Only a few moments passed before a smiling Jason and Eric arrived.

"We heard we were sent to guard you, 'for as long as needed' according to the Alpha." Jason spoke, grinning roguishly as he flexed his muscles. "As it is, I know how my looks can affect the ladies, so I won't be angry if you can't contain yourself." He teased, winking at the blatant suggestion.

I didn't resist rolling my eyes, wondering why most men I have encountered seemed to lack the ability to think with the correct head.

"But of course, "I replied as I walked out of the cell, making sure that Emilia was resting comfortably on my hip. "And I'm certain you wouldn't mind either if I kept to the promise I made not too long ago?"

Jason's cocky smirk instantly dropped along with his hands, which reached to protectively cup his groin.

Eric chuckled at that, pushing the door open and allowing me to bask into the soft light of the rising sun. it made me blink a few times against the sudden light before I groaned, realizing that night had passed without having a proper rest.

Though hopefully, I would be allowed to have a decent amount of sleep before being fully introduced to the pack.

A gasp resounded through the room before I was engulfed in a surprising hug. Instinct had me bare my teeth, as it had been quite a while that any pack wolf had been near me without bad intentions before I relaxed.

The familiar yet strange scent that wafted up my nose made me sigh, halfheartedly returning the hug of Erica. It had been years since we've last encountered one another.

She left the pack after finding her mate within the Black Ridge pack, something that was rather traditional, as mated pairs couldn't bare being separated from one another.

The last time we've seen one another, I had still been a child. I hadn't lost my innocent view of the world, nor gained the burden of becoming an unwanted Alpha.

"Lyra! By the Moons, I thought I'd never see you again!" Erica muttered, squeezing me uncomfortably tight as she shivered against me. "I'm so sorry about your parents, I wanted to visit earlier but I couldn't leave without Michael, and then word reached out about your brother- Of all the people-"

"Ahum!" Erica jolted, both of us turning at the sharply cleared throat before Erica realized she was overstepping at Blake's very pointed look.

I grinned, shaking my head at the nostalgic feeling that threatened to overwhelm me. Erica and Sarah had been twins, who could effortlessly talk your ears off if you gave them the chance.

Even back at home, my parents had to scold them several times, interrupting their rambling when they had been about to reveal unnecessary information. It seemed old habits die hard after all.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do anything more for Sarah." I said, genuinely saddened, lowering my hold on Erica to take her hands. "When I found her, she was already barely clinging on and her mate..."

Erica nodded slowly, not needing any further information. A shiver coursed over her body as she undoubtedly could imagine how Sarah had felt, feeling her mate perish and bound to follow soon

"You did what you could." She murmured, voice damp as she choked back tears. "And without you, I would never get to meet and foster this lovely young lady." She added, smiling warmly at the rather shy Emilia.

Kneeling on the floor, she grinned at Emilia. "Hi honey, this must be so confusing for you. I'm Erica, your mom's twin sister." She let her eyes wander over Emilia, holding a hand out.

Emilia gave me a hesitant look before grinning and walking up to Erica. Her aunt wasted no time pulling her in a gentle hug, smiling down at the child. "You look so much like Sarah. Except for that cute lil button nose and that dimple, that has to be Luke's." She added, poking Emilia in said dimple.

The girl giggled happily before turning when Jason pointedly cleared his throat. I only now realized both he and Eric had been patiently waiting for me to follow them to my new room.

"Lyra? Can I come visit you?" Emilia asked, a smile slipping on my face as I tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"I don't know Em. Perhaps you should ask the one who's in charge here." I whispered loudly, making her squirm in Erica's hands until she was put back on the floor.

As soon as her little feet touched the ground, she rushed to Blake, who was wrapped in a deep conversation with Ryan. Emilia ignored that though, running up to the Alpha before tugging at his pants leg.

"Uhm, Mister Alpha Sir? Excuse me?" She squeaked as Blake slowly turned her way, a surprised yet gentle smile on his lips while even Ryan seemed amused. "Can I pretty please visit Lyra from time to time? I promise I'll be good."

Blake looked at the little girl, who was wriggling her hands together nervously, rocking back and forth on her feet before smiling, crouching down to her level.

"Hmmm, I don't know. Will you eat your veggies when you're asked to?" Blake asked teasingly, chuckling as Emilia's face instantly crunched up, hesitation flooding on her face.

"Even peas?"

Blake watched her for a moment, looking around before motioning her closer so he could stage whisper in her ear, "Don't ever eat peas, they're disgusting! Even I don't eat them."

Emilia crowed with laughter and I smiled, knowing that this gentle Alpha has won her heart easily. When Blake confirmed that she could visit whenever she wanted, I waved my goodbye before following Eric and Jason up the stairs to a room on the southern side of the house.

"Here you are, a closet with some clothes has already been provided. That door leads to the bathroom with all the necessary toiletries." Eric pointed out, allowing me to explore the room before motioning over his shoulder, "My room is next door-"

"And mine is across the hall, so if you ever need anything, don't be afraid to come knocking." Jason interrupted with a smirk.

Eric huffed, both guys turning their attention back to me as I inspected the closet before nodding, closing the doors and turned their way. Eric muttered a quiet welcome under his breath before darting out the room, which left Jason smirking at me.

"Don't mind Eric, he tends to be shy around any pretty lady he sees." Jason added with a wink. "The Luna will probably come to you in a few hours, so if you need your beauty sleep, now's the time baby."

He leaned against the doorframe, giving me a once over with a tilted head, allowing his blonde hair to spill over his shoulder. "Let me know if you need anything babe, and I promise to take good care of you."

I raised an eyebrow at that before slowly walking towards him. "Actually, there is this one little thing..." I murmured, smelling his excitement in the air as I approached.

His hazel eyes grew a hint darker when I stopped a breath away from his face, could feel him shiver before he leaned in.

"I'm not your baby." I snapped, quickly backstepping and flicking the door shut, allowing it to smack in his face with a satisfying thud.