Sitting outside in the busy cafe, Miranda had to laugh at Abby as she started to sulk about not meeting Braydon. "I mean, he has looked after my little girl how many times? I'm a bad mother for not meeting him on that alone!"

"I'll see if he can come to work tomorrow after school rather than him meeting Jason at the tailors. Besides, Grant has met Braydon so you know he really does exist and he seems to like him right?And Rory would tell you if he wasn't someone to keep around. God knows you two love to gossip about my life enough!" Miranda pointed out, pausing as the waiter arrived with their lunch.

"I'm off tomorrow and I'm ignoring that. We don't gossip! We discuss, because we care." Abby defended, "Emmy is in love with him. Look out Andy, you might have some competition. All she talks about is Baydon this, Baydon that!"

Again Miranda laughed, yet Abby saw the slight frown that followed. "What was that for?"

"What?"

"The sad face." She pointed out.

"I don't really need any more competition for him. I kind of have enough as it is!" Miranda admitted.

She then proceeded to tell her friend what she had told Jason, with a few more juicier details she wasn't going to share with her boss. All she really wanted to do was tell her about the mate fiasco, but that was even more impossible than sharing the fact her boyfriend is a werewolf, well wolf-shifter.

"We really need to have lunch more often. You've got more drama in your life than a Kardashian!" Abby declared, soon going quiet as she thought it all over.

By the time Miranda got back to the office, she didn't exactly feel any better after sharing her issues with her friend. Still lost in thought, Miranda was startled as she went to go into her office thanks to Rory springing up from his chair to stop her. "Gray is in there. Jason doesn't know, he's asked for it to stay off the radar." 

"Really? Why?" Miranda didn't any more drama in her life, especially not at work now things were back to normal with her and Jason.

"No idea. Feel free to put speaker on your phone so I can find out!" Rory winked before taking his seat.

Straightening her skirt, Miranda checked her breath and walked in trying to look as professional as possible. "I almost didn't believe Rory when he said who was waiting in my office!"

"Ah Miranda! Did you have a nice lunch? I didn't think you left this desk once you got in! I was almost positive you lived here." He joked, ignoring the more formal approach of a handshake and giving her a light hug, complete with a kiss on the cheek.

"Well, I'm finally starting to see there is a whole wide world away from this place!" She answered grinning, before moving around the desk and returning to her seat. "As good as it's good to see you, I'm guessing this isn't just a social visit?"

"Still right to business I see!" The older man smirked, "but first, how are you? I heard the truth behind your "vacation" from Jace. I have to say, you look radiant. A bit of time outdoors has given you a nice glow! Maybe we all need to get back to nature every now and then?"

Miranda blushed slightly, not used to compliments coming from her old mentor. "As bad as it all was, I'm actually thankful. It really put a lot of things in perspective for me. Between us, I kind of miss the serenity of it all."

"You have no idea how much I can relate to that. I took the wife camping a couple of months ago. She hated it, but you know, going back to basics was great!" He paused for a second, studying Miranda before carrying on. "I've heard some other things about the new you along the grapevine and I'm glad to see it wasn't all lies. It's part of why I am here today." Now it was down to business.

"Oh?" Miranda asked genuinly curious.

"I've seen you move up in this place, hell I trained you for that first year. I am fully aware of all your credentials and what you're capable of and I'm just going to come out and say it. Miranda, I want you to come work for me."

For some reason Miranda had a flicker of doubt about where this could have been going, almost expecting to be fired or something horrible even though she knew Jason wouldn't let that happen. His offer confused her and after a couple of seconds, she rather stupidly replied. "What?"

"Jason and I haven't been on good terms for a few years now. I'm getting older and don't need to keep putting up with his bullshit and I don't think you've been beaten in submission by this place either. I'm heading home, my daughter is expecting her first child, my wife keeps on at me to retire, but we both know I'll die working. I at least want to be doing something worth my time and I want you to come with me." He was serious, no jokes, no teasing. He was actually asking her to leave Jason and start again with him.

Reaching over to his briefcase at the side of the chair, he pulled out a cream folder and put it down in front of her. "Guard that with your life until I see you next. I've everything worked out, I just need to build my team and if that involves poaching you from Jace, so be it. He plays dirty and I can too."

"Mr Gray, I don't-" Miranda started, looking at the folder like it was poison.

"Please, call me Roger or Gray. Drop the Mr. I've know you too long for that. This could be a good move for your Andy or do you really think this place is for ever for you?"

"I don't know what to say." Fear of change, of hurting Jason, of everything had Miranda feeling dizzy and Gray got up to leave, knowing Jason was due back by two.

"Say nothing. Read it over, I'm open to any suggestions and will I be seeing you at the dinner in a couple of weeks?" He asked, clearly not bothered by her stunned reaction.

"Yes."

"Good. We'll talk then and if it's a no, I'll see what I can do to change your mind." With that he left and as Rory came in, Miranda quickly moved some other paperwork over the file.

"What was that about? Did someone die?" Rory took the seat Gray had been in moments before, noticing how pale she looked and Miranda needed a second to collect her thoughts.

"No, nothing like that. Just um, he asked about the accident and I got a little flustered by talk of aeroplanes." She lied.

"Okay, well let me know if you need anything. I've done up that budget report ready for next month and also paid the caterers for last weeks conference." Rory offered her a smile before going to leave, yet he stopped in the doorway. "Are you guys free tonight? I tried to catch up with Bray over the weekend, but he always seems to be busy."

"Sorry Rory, busy tonight and probably tomorrow too. Jason is going to take him to his tailor to get a suit ready for the ball." Miranda sighed, not exactly thrilled with his schedule suddenly revolving around Carolina and 'the pack". She also knew how much Braydon didn't want to go with Jason tomorrow so may have just found a way to make it easier.

"Actually, if I gave you tomorrow arvo off, think you could go with them? Maybe take him to a pub or something for dinner after." Or anything that keeps him busy and not with Carolina, she thought to herself. 

"Yeah no worries! Paid afternoon off right?"

"Of course." She shooed him away with a laugh and forgetting the things she had to do, started looking over Gray's offer instead.

-x-

Rory and Braydon walked into the clothing store in rather good spirits. Taking Miranda's suggestion of taking Braydon out to a bar or something, he left a little earlier than necassary and met Braydon as he finished class. With his books left in Rory's car, the pair had gone to a local pub for lunch and a couple of beers. Braydon forgot how much he enjoyed the other mans company and just hanging out with him.

It didn't help make his double life any easier to deal with. With Carolina and the others, he could truly be himself, not having to watch what he said about shifting or dealing with the voice in your subconcious. So many times he nearly told Rory about something shifter related, and the couple of beers in him didn't help with how chatty he had become.

"So how much do you think I can away with around Jason? Am I still just Miranda's bitch to him or do ya reckon he'll be cool?" Rory asked, doing a once over the exclusive store for any sign of Jason.

"Who cares. You're not at work, he doesn't own you." Braydon mumbled, his good mood falling away as he caught Jasons' scent. "Let's get this over with."

Braydon moved through the store like he'd been there a hundred times, thanks to being able to follow his nose and navigate around the racks the same way Jason went. The found him on a small pedastal, surrounded by mirrors as an older man carefully watched a woman of his same grey haired age, pin and fuss over the sleeves of the suit jacket.

"Braydon, Rory! Nice of you to join us. I did say two o'clock didn't I?" Jason greeted coldly, the assistants not even looking at the newcomers.

"Yeah you did, it's only five past." Rory spoke up while Braydon just stood there uncomfortably.

"My point exactly." He retorted.

"Do you know what you'd like to wear underneath this Mr Carpe?" The old man asked, still oblivious to Braydon and Rory standing nearby.

"What was it I had last year Wilfred? Was it Armani? It had the pearl buttons. I know my date was quite impressed with it." Jason adjusted the lapel and admired himself in the tuxedo as the woman stepped back.

"That's right Mr. Carpe. How is Miranda? Shame she isn't here with you today" Braydon didn't think Wilfred was disappointed by that at all. "We did get a call from your office earlier setting up an account under a Mr Winters name."

Braydon only glared at Jason as he implied Miranda was his date, and as Rory elbowed him for the second time he finally looked at him. "What ever you hear, Miranda isn't the same person anymore."

"What?" Braydon asked cluelessly, speaking int he same hushed tone.

"I meant what I said before, Miranda used to be a total bitch. She was so stressed and wrapped up in work, it was insane. I don't know how she didn't have a mental breakdown. Last year these guys sent Jason the wrong suit and she went on a rampage to get the correct one in time for the dinner."

"Oh!" He answered, not sure about the whole situation.

"Yes, of course you did." Jason answered dryly getting Braydons attention back. "That is him there, the long haired one."

"Come with me." Wilfred commanded and as he started to show Braydon suit after suit, Braydon felt completely over whelmed. Luckily Rory came to the rescue since Jason wasn't.

"It's a black tie, formal so you're kind of limited with your choices. You have to have to a tux and make sure it's black." Rory made a few quick selections with Wilfred and satisfied they got Braydons shoe size as well. 

From there he was ushered into the change room and already hating collared shirts, the suit was like putting on a straight jacket to Braydon. Suits were not going to be his prefered choice in attire any time soon and the whole time he thought of Miranda and how excited she had been talking about the ball. It wasn't as if he was going to let her go with Jason alone anyway and even from behind the curtain he could hear the other man talking about Miranda to Wilfred as if they were together.

Braydon knew that had been his plan all along and coming out fully dressed, just like when he met Carolina's father, he wasn't going to let any weakness show to his opponent. If Jason wanted to play like that, Braydon was all for it. The woman was instantly there, turning over cuffs and pinning hems. 

"Such a handsome boy. You are kind too, not like that man or his horrid girlfriend." The woman mumbled to Braydon as she straightened his collar before stepping back. "Very nice."

"She isn't his girlfriend. She is mine." Braydon growled, sick of hearing about Jason and Miranda like they were an actual thing.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Braydon knew to compete with Jason and truly adapt to Miranda's world, this was merely a ripple in the pond of what would be required of him. 

"Looking good bro, now I get the whole 'suit up' thing!" Rory put his fist out and Braydon hit it with his own.

"Suit up?"

"Oh! You don't know Barney do you?" He laughed.

"Barney?" Miranda hadn't mentioned a Barney. Was he one of Rory's friends? "No."

"Tonight I will get you guys introduced. It's going to be Legen.. wait for it .. dary!" Rory laughed again and Braydon had no idea what he was talking about. "Sorry, you'll understand later."

The rest of the time was spent listening to Jason try to get a reaction out of Braydon. He talked about Miranda; a lot. When it came to organise pick up he spoke to Braydon like a child, implying he wasn't capable of pickup so delivery to Miranda's apartment was the safest bet and if he wasn't leaving snide comments over Braydon's hair, beard or general clothing choices, Jason was picking at the fact Miranda was the one paying for the suit.

Jason made some good points. What could Braydon offer Miranda. She was the was one looking after him; changing her life to fit him in, spending her money to keep him looked after. He didn't have his own business or millions of dollars and couldn't take her on holidays to places Braydon didn't know existed and buy her nice things. When they stopped at a rather impressive bar, unable to loose Jason, Rory pounced on Braydon the second Jason went to order them a round of drinks.

"You're not listening to his bullshit are you?" Frowning, Rory looked at his friend and knew exactly what Jasons' good intentions were all about today.

"He's right. What can I really offer Miranda?" Braydon sighed, feeling defeated. 

"Obviously something. She had her chance to be with him, but she chose you. She is finally being herself, because of you. He could offer her a million dollars and she'll turn it down." The belief Rory held his words helped Braydon. He was right.

"Thanks Rory, you're a great friend." How could Manuel say humans turn on each other? The humans had shown him more loyalty than any wolf in whole life.

By the time Jason returned, Braydon as back to normal and so Jason decided now was to pull out the big guns. "So Braydon, how are things with you and Miranda? From what she was saying the other day, you met someone you used to know?"

Braydon instantly tensed as Rory turned to look at him curiously. "Someone you used to know? Before the amnesia?"

"What?" Braydon wasn't sure if this was another one of Jason's tricks or not. What could Miranda have said to him? Why would she talk to him about that?

"What's her name, Caroline I think it was. Don't be shy, we're all friends here." Sitting back in the chair, Jason smiled rather smugly as Braydon was torn between ripping his throat out now and rushing off to see Miranda.

"What's he talking about Braydon?" Rory asked a little defensively. If something big had happened, why hadn't Braydon told him. Miranda had been quiet about it too.

"Ah," he started, trying to work out how Carolina could have been mentioned to Jason.

"Sorry, I don't mean to intrude. She was just so upset the other morning and we've been friends for a long time so of course she told me. What bad luck, an ex girlfriend of all people to run into!" Jason sipped his drink, meeting Braydons gaze.

"She isn't an ex girlfriend."

'So if that's the case, and I've been meaning to ask this since I saw you with her the other day at your school, what is going on between you two? Don't get me wrong, she is hot, but is that fair on Miranda after everything she has done for you?" 

"Why were you at the school?" Braydon snapped, clenching his fists as he tried to focus on anything other than sendong one into Jasons' face.

"Does it matter? I care about Miranda. That's no secret and if you hurt her, I will make you regret ever leaving that forest." Jason threatened.

"Woah! Time out. What the fuck is going on? You've been an asshole all day and now you're what? Accusing him of cheating on Andy?" Rory was completely lost as to what was going on, but judging by the war about to break out between the duo, it was serious.

"Carolina is a friend. Miranda knows her and I'm sure you're turning what she said into something it is not. What ever this is Jason, what ever today was - I don't care. You know why? Because when I leave here, I am going home. To Miranda. When I go to sleep tonight, it will be with her at my side. If you threaten me or her; you will be the one wishing I never left the wild!"

The pair eyeballed each other, the scene like two starving wolves unwilling to share the kill. It was a mexican stand off as no one moved, breathed - blinked. Being a smart human, Jason knew when to fight and when to retreat so taking a sip of his drink, he moved first. Flashing Braydon a rather toothy grin, the move was primitive and something Jason probably didn't even know he did, but Braydon knew body language. Jason had bowed out semi-gracefully now, he'd be back. 

It was the exact reason why the pack chased out the challenging wolf or killed it. Some wouldn't give up until they had nothing left and now Jason would be buying his time until he was ready to make his next move. 

"We'll see." Jason answered, seemingly unphased by what just happened.

"Good bye Jason." Braydon got up and left, forgetting Rory until his friend came running out behind him.

"What the fuck was that? I thought security was going to have to come and break you two up!"

"I'm not cheating on Miranda." Braydon wanted to make sure Rory wasn't buying Jasons' lies.

"Of course not man, but just so you know. I can't go back to working under the old Miranda, so please don't fuck it up for me!" 

Just like with the lady in the store, Braydon ignored that comment and focused only on getting home. Thanks to the mood Braydon was in, Rory didn't stay and when Miranda got in, she could practically feel the air boiling the second she stepped into the apartment.

Rather than finding Braydon, it was his wolf that greeted her. It moved swiftly off the bed and circled her like a hungry cat as his head nudged her hand, demanding attention. "What's going on Wolfy?"

Something had clearly upset him and Miranda dreaded thinking what could have happened. At least Rory was there, but then why this?

"I can't speak wolf Braydon. Want to help me out here and shift back?"

Getting no response, Miranda sighed and headed into her wardrobe to change. Coming out she was glad Braydon was there and went over to sit beside him on her bed. "What happened?"

"He knows about Carolina Miranda. Why and how does he know about her?" Braydon didn't hide the rumbing growl to his words. The betrayal he felt only growing as a number of scenes ran through his mind, the worst one involving Jason and Miranda sitting at her desk laughing about him.

"Oh. I'm sorry Braydon, but he is my friend. I know you don't like him, but-"

"But what? I trust you and you tell him about her?" He argued, standing up.

"Why is that such a bad thing? What did he say?"

"That I was cheating on you with her. He said he saw me with her at school. Why would he follow us? Do you know how bad that could end up being for her, for the pups, for me? I thought you understood that!" He didn't mean to yell, but he did. The protective flair he felt for the young ones and to an extend Carolina igniting.

"I do. Do you really think I would do endanger you? What he is talking about happened on Friday after Chad was here. I was exhausted and he was there, being a friend when I needed someone to offload some of my issues. Do you know how hard this hard for me?" Miranda stood up too, not wiling to let him attack her.

"I try and keep it all about you, because I know it's got to be even harder on your side of the fence, but this is a lot to deal with! So I took one tiny aspect of my problems and shared it with him, I'm sorry. It was her stupid story I went along with and  I should have known he'd do something to try and upset you today. It was also why I got Rory to go along, hoping everyone could act like adults, but no." She threw her hands up frustrated and then somewhere in all of that, Braydon picked up on something.

"Her stupid story?"

"Yeah, I figured if we were all going to go along with the same story there was less chance of fuck ups. I only said it because I wasnt going to keep denying that there is something between us and it just came up!" Miranda sighed.

"Miranda, what story?"

"Of how you two met, you know? The whole one night stand thing before you got amnesia. It's why you're friends now because she knew-" Braydon looked at her like she had three heads, "You don't know this story?"

"No. When did she tell you this?" Braydon felt himself calming down as he seemed to get a feel for the whole situation. No wonder Miranda was so against Carolina. It was the exact same reason why he found himself instantly hating Jason; competition. He was so used to Miranda always being so calm and patient, her feelings were as deep and as complicated as his own.

"At the park that day when we had Emmy."

"Miranda, you don't believe her do you? That we, well I-" He stuttered, blushing slightly.

"No, unless you were lying about how long you've been wolf man for?"

"No!"

The pair of them fell silent, the awkwardness only growing until they both gave in at the same time. "I'm sorry."

"I over reacted. I'm sorry!" Braydon was quick to speak again.

"I'm sorry too, but Braydon. I would never do anything to put you all in danger. I'll find out from Jason what is going on, especially if he is following you." Suddenly Grays job offer didn't seem like such a bad idea; so much for her thinking they really could go back to being friends and how they were before all of this.

"I know, I've just had a lot on my mind lately and was quick to jump to conclusions." He admitted, hating that Jason and Manuel had managed to get so deep under his skin.

"Truce?" Miranda extended her hand and they shook on it, until Braydon used the contact to pull her closer against him.

"Truce."

Miranda was positive she'd get a bruise from the rough way his lips slammed against hers. His skin trembled at her touch as she ran her hands up his arms and down his chest. They may not be mates like Braydon told her about, but she knew they had some kind of connection that pulled them together. She had never felt anything like it with another person, it was more than love, it was more than caring for someone. It was unexplainable really and Miranda was starting to ache for the day when Braydon wouldn't blush at the mention of anything to do with taking things further...