Most if not all of you should know why I've been absent for so long. I've had this chapter finished but it just wasn't ready in my eyes. But I hope you enjoy it. I won't give a timeline for the next chapter only because I just don't know when it will come out but know that if you see a sneak peek on my page then the next chapter will follow it shortly. Hope you enjoy and I love you all so so so much. Thank you for everything.

LUKA'S POV

The pup and Rae leave the kitchen as I continue to scrub the dishes clean. It would be much easier to place them in the dish washer but that would mean that I would be finished this task much sooner than I'd like and right now I want to be alone.

The thought of Rae dating someone sets me on edge but I can't complain Colin is a good kid. I can trust that he won't pressure her into anything like that human boy. And even if he does I can handle that situation much easier than before. But now with Willow completely gone for this new Alpha I don't know how to deal with all of this change. It's too much to handle at once. I hear her footsteps nearing the kitchen and slow down my rapid scrubbing.

"Luka I know you've been a little off lately but I really want you to give Tobias a chance. It took me seconds to realize that he was different and I know if you try you'll see it to. Ok?" Dropping the dish and sponge I wipe my hands on my jeans and smile at my sister. She's always been strong willed but it's different with this boy it seems.

"For you I will." She smiles and hugs me tightly. Now that she's been training with her wolf she's learning how to control her strength and emotions and I couldn't be more proud. Though there are the occasions when she lets that training slip and ends up squeezing me harder than normal. Thankfully it doesn't bother me in the least.

"And what about for Raelynn? Will you try for her? Everyone knows Colin is a great guy. I mean just listen to him out there. The Dawson's love him." Doing as she says I focus my hearing to the living room and all I can hear is laughter and snorting. I can smell that he's near Rae and her parents are somewhere in front of them. Obviously he's charming them quite well.

"Yes I can hear it." I say pulling back. A frown falls onto my face and I turn away from my sister. Willow is right behind me as I continue to wash the dishes.

"Yes but are you listening? When's the last time you heard Lynn laugh like that?" When we were playing Mario Kart, I say to myself. It's a rare occasion that Rae would ever truly laugh hard. That was always my job, making her happy was what I did for her and now she has Colin to do that.

"It just bothers me." I feel a hand rub my back and I laugh to myself. Willow can be mature when she either wants something or wants to prove a point, I wonder which it is now.

"I know it must be hard watching Lynn and I grow up so quickly. Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday that I met her and wanted her to fall down a set of stairs." My head turns to her but she just shrugs.

"But now those feelings have almost completely left me. I've learned to grow and adjust with the world around me no matter how hard it is. You should too. Not just for my happiness but for your own. If you keep trying to hold on to the past you'll lose sight of the future. And from what I'm seeing, the future looks glorious." Her hand stops rubbing and I grip at the sponge to restrain my frustration.

"Why does everyone think it is so necessary to tell me how to feel about Rae?" The question was merely rhetorical but Willow tsks anyways.

"Because you treat her like a damn child! She is the same age you were when you lost your virginity and did anyone scold you for that? No! Everyone was so proud of you for maturing. But when she is finally able to have her first kiss you wanna jump down her throat for being more respectful than you? What the hell is that?" I snarl out and tear the sponge in half.

"That was different." I strain out. Willow rolls her eyes and scoffs.

"Why? Is it because we live in a patriarchy that applauds boys for sex and reprimands girls for ever thinking of it? What kind of double standard is that?"

"It's not the same!" I tell her trying to figure out why I'm so tense.

"Oh yeah? Then prove it. Go out there and tell Raelynn that you're happy she's found such an admirable wolf to date." She's mocking me as she says this but I won't take the bait.

"No."

"Why not? You said it's not the same."

"Stop baiting me Willow."

"Why should I–"

"What's going on in here?" My ears focus on Rae standing in the doorway but my body is still tense. Willow shakes her head and walks towards her. I turn just in time to see the confused look on my little angel's face.

"Nothing Lynn. Let's just go to bed." She takes Rae by the arm and pulls her to the door but I can see her reluctance clear as day. 

She wants to come to me and I want the same.

 I practically will her to do it. 

But Willow seems to be stronger today as Rae turns slowly and leaves the kitchen.

***

The weeks that pass are filled with pleasure from Zuri and constant doting on young Alpha Tobias from Willow and still not a word on Thomas' whereabouts. 

I still haven't been able to speak to Rae alone because either Willow is guarding her or Colin is hanging off of her. It drives me crazy to think I can't get a second alone with my own best friend... Again.

It doesn't help that Rae spent days alone with the pup planning and celebrating his birthday last week. It was a nice event held outdoors with lanterns hanging and music blaring. Many of the pups were coupled up and having a good time leaving Willow to mope about not being allowed to have Tobias over early. Colin's parents, brothers and family attended along with some of Rae and Willow's friends from school. When it came time for gifts he made sure anything depicting our true nature was left for when he was properly alone. Even my grandmother came to wish him a blessed birthday and he was humble as always except when he made it adamant that he and Rae were going to share a slow dance together. Watching him hold her like that was both inappropriate and annoying... I'm sure I would have enjoyed the party better under different circumstances.

"Is everything ok Luka? You've been really tense lately." Zuri runs her hand up my bare chest and nips at my shoulder. She looks so beautiful draped across my bed with her hair tousled and skin still flushed from our session. Most times after we finish having sex I find myself too busy with the pack to actually take the time to admire her but right now she looks perfect.

"Yes everything is fine." I sit up and Zuri follows still watching me cautiously.

"Does this mood have anything to do with you meeting the young Alpha Tobias today?" Actually that thought slipped my mind. I didn't realize time had gone by so fast.

I'm turning nineteen in a month.

"No I forgot about that." A strange rumbling sound erupts from her mouth but she breathes deeply and puts a hand on my shoulder.

"Does this have to do with Raelynn? Again?" The sound of disgust is so potent in her question that I begin to get upset.

"I'm worried is all." Zuri moves away from me and stands to get dressed. Obviously I've upset her.

"What is there to be worried about? She has that pup wrapped around her finger and if I wasn't mistaken I'd say she's got you too." Following her lead I also get off the bed to put on my underwear.

"It's more than that. We should be talking but I've never gotten the chance to be alone with her." Zuri ties her hair up in a messy ponytail and crosses her arms in annoyance.

"Why must you always be alone with her? Why must you always seek her attention? You are the Alpha! Act like it!" Closing my eyes briefly a small smile touches my lips before I speak.

"You're jealousy would be a turn on if I didn't have other things to attend to. I find no need to further explain my relationship with Rae to you. It's no different than how I have acted with Naal. She is important to me and I care for her wellbeing."

"Or you're jealous." If possible it's as though the entire world shifts at her stupid comment.

"Excuse me?" Zuri makes her way over to me slowly before repeating herself.

"Or you are jealous. I mean it would make sense." I shake my head at those words and step back.

"There's nothing to be jealous of! She's a child!" I tell her still not processing what she said. Zuri just shakes her head and giggles.

"Sure you may not want her in that way but you do crave her attention and now it's focused solely on that pup. You're jealous. You like having control over her in ways no one else can but now that this boy has come along you've been put to the side. You are jealous Luka." She says snidely.

I try to form the words to rebut what she said but nothing comes out. Can it be that she's right? But it can't be. I mean... it does make sense. But that would be so childish of me. Wouldn't it?

"That's what I thought. Anyways I'm off to visit some friends. Enjoy the meeting tonight and be nice to the young Alpha he could become your brother in law." She laughs some more as she leaves the room. Getting dressed slowly I try to digest what just happened but it's still confusing me.

Without the shadow of a doubt I am upset that Rae is dating. It feels so soon to me... too soon, but my feelings of comfort towards her staying permanently single does not equal jealousy. All I want is to have our time back. I want for us to be together without disturbances like we used to. And I don't want Colin anywhere near us when that happens.

"Luka you're needed downstairs." 

Naal's voice fills my thoughts making me realize I've left my mindlink open. Clearing my head of Zuri and that conversation I head down to my office unknowingly being pulled by Rae's scent.

Meeting Naal halfway I try to smile but he can see through it easily.

"I'm guessing your alone time with Zuri ended in another argument?" Shaking my head I lean against the wall and sigh.

"Is it that obvious?" I ask annoyed already. Naal laughs lightly and hits my shoulder.

"The only reason I mentioned it is because I just saw her storming out of the pack house. What happened?" His light mood helps to lift my own so I relax a little more.

"She said I'm jealous of Colin. How ridiculous does that sound?" I say more to myself than him but I still pause for him to answer the question. But as seconds pass and he still doesn't say a word the annoyance comes back. "Oh not you too." I say exhausted.

"Drop the higher than thou act Luka. You're jealous of the pup. So am I. For years next to Christopher we were the most important guys in Raelynn's life and then all of a sudden some pup comes into the picture and changes the dynamic. Now she wants to spend more time with him. Every time you see them he's touching her and leaving his f**king scent all over her. And if that's not bad enough now he wants to be involved in every aspect of her life including softball, taking away my time with her and video games taking away your time with her. So yes you're jealous of this Colin and so am I."

Hearing Naal swear shocks me. It's a rare occasion that's for sure and it only happens if he's really upset. As odd as it seems it makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one bothered by this anymore.

"Alright fine. I can suck up my pride and admit that I am a little jealous. I'll admit that it's great that Rae's found someone that cares about her but I never truly realized how consumed you can be when you have a partner. Is it so wrong that I want him to leave her alone for a little bit?" Naal sighs at my simple question and I already know the answer

"Yes it is. And it's also selfish. I'm beginning to learn that the hard way. When I spend time with Mara it's solely Mara and I and we want no disruptions and I'm sure it's the same for you and Zuri. How could we show such hypocrisy towards someone we supposedly love?"

"I suppose you're right."

"Of course I'm right. Now you should head to your office I have to check on the training and do a run with the trackers. Good luck tonight and be nice to the young Alpha. Willow really likes him and that should count for something since she hates everyone." Naal grips my shoulder in parting before he heads behind me towards the field. Sighing again I walk into my office.

I shouldn't be surprised to find her sitting on the couch but I am. It's been so long since we've spent any real time together. And now it seems the only reason she is here is because something is bothering her. The tension in her posture and faraway look on her delicate face are easy signs of her distraught.

"Rae? What's wrong?" I ask closing the door quietly.

"Everything is wrong and yet everything is perfectly fine." Raising an eyebrow I opt to sit beside her than at my desk.

"That made absolutely no sense." Taking her hand in mine I smile softly but Rae only grows more frustrated.

"No. What makes absolutely no sense is you." She snatches her hand from my grasp and moves to the edge of the couch.

"You're going to have to explain please." I tell her softly. It's better that I am the level headed one right now so I can diffuse the situation faster. Rae turns her back to me causing me to think something bad really has happened.

"Luka, Colin and I have been together for a while now and he makes me happy." She pauses for some reason and I have nothing to say in response. What does she expect me to say to that?

"Does it bother you to know that I'm happy?" I listen closely to her breathing and heartbeat as she asks me this and I realize she's asking me a serious question. I'm quick to respond.

"Why would that bother me? Your happiness means everything to me." I say in earnest. She turns back to face me slowly and takes a deep breath.

"Then I will repeat what I just said. Colin and I have been together for a while now and he makes me happy." My left eye twitches involuntarily and I know she catches the movement.

"That's good. As long as you're happy." The words seem so much easier to say in my mind than out loud.

"Is there something wrong with me being in a relationship Luka?" Why is she speaking to me as if I were a child?

"No... not exactly. I am more than happy that you are content with the pup–"

"Colin. Say his name Luka." Again my eye twitches but I oblige her.

"I am more than happy that you are content with... Colin." I end my speech there because I have nothing more to say and Rae tenses at that. Moving a little closer she takes my hand again and interlocks our fingers.

"Luka please. You don't understand how much it hurts me both physically and emotionally to be away from you. I hate that a part of me wants your approval but I can't help it. Please. I don't know why you're acting like this but for me please just try." She says sounding so desperate

We've both leaned in closer to each other but I barely take notice. Everything about her is pleading with me and everything inside me wants to obey.

"Try what?" My voice sounds strained and hoarse as if we weren't just speaking a few seconds ago.

"Try to be happy for me. Try to like him. Try for me." My head is already nodding in agreement as Rae rests her head against my chest.

"With everything that has happened from the day that I first met you till now the one thing I was never prepared for was you growing up. I know it's selfish of me to want to keep you young and in a sense devoted to me but it helps to remind me that there is still good in this world. That you're still pure." She giggles into my chest and hits my leg.

"If you're asking if I'm still a virgin then don't worry because I am. I don't plan on changing that part of me for a long time." Rae murmurs into my shirt. In hind sight that was exactly what I was asking her but I choose to act differently.

"That wasn't what I was thinking but that's also good to know." I tell her softly.

"Luka just because I'm getting older doesn't mean I'm going to drift away from you or turn my back on you. I'm still the same girl I was before just a little more mature. I'm still your angel... right?" The hesitancy in her voice forces me to pull her hand to my heart.

"You will always be my angel. Always. Nothing will nor ever could change that. As long as I am still your hero." I know she can feel how hard my heart is pounding when I tell her the truth. It's not something I can help.

"You're more than my hero and we both know that. But Colin is allowed to be cared for by me as well. He's a great guy and doesn't overstep my boundaries nor does he rush me to be more intimate with him. He's patient and caring and devoted. It's only the beginning and yet I know that he is really good for me."

"Yes I've noticed it myself." Sighing I throw my head back and bite back the growl my wolf wants to let out. "I will... try. For you. I will try because you mean everything to me and this separation is both unnecessary and brutal. Just don't forget that I like spending time with you too ok?"

"I miss you too Luka."

I take in the smell of her hair and bury my face in it. Letting go of her hand I pull her closer to me until she is sitting in my lap. Years ago she was so small and easy to maneuver but even so she still fits perfectly.

We stay in this position for Goddess knows how long but neither of us moves to separate or even adjust. We stay exactly how we are for as long as we need to.

Because we need to.

But time doesn't stand still as I'd like it to and too quickly I feel someone trying to contact me through the mindlink and by the urgency in this person emotions something must be important. Reluctantly I adjust myself to a better sitting position and sigh. At least we were able to resolve this rift between us before it became worse.

"Rae we're ok right?" I ask her gently but she doesn't respond. I would have expected her to pipe up this time but she's completely silent and that has me worried. She can't still be upset can she?

"Rae?" I shake her and she makes a gurgled sound before pushing her head back into my chest. She's fallen asleep on me. I smile at the thought and carry her from my office to her room as tender as I can.

The hallways aren't as clear as they used to be. People gather around in rooms to talk about Goddess knows what as if this were a mall. I don't mind it really, it shows that they feel safe in the pack house but at a time like this when I want silence to allow Rae a peaceful sleep I feel myself getting annoyed.

"There you are!" I'm almost halfway to her room when Willow stops me. She looks... crazed. I think that's the most appropriate way to say it. Her hair has some odd looking plastic things in them, her face is blotchy and red, and she looks like she was recently crying.

"Willow what's going on with you? Is everything alright?" I ask quietly as to not stir Rae. Willow's eyes narrow at the sleeping angel in my arms and she growls. Pulling my arm that is wrapped under Rae's legs, she's forced to fall down on her feet. I try to catch her but Willow seems determined to harm her. I knew this fake friendship wasn't going to last.

"Get up you lazy lazy butt! Get up!" Rae is still partially in my arms and on the floor and Willow pushes me back with amazing strength so Rae can lose my support. Fortunately Rae is already waking up when I lose my grip and if possible Willow looks crazier than before.

"How dare you fall asleep! HOW DARE YOU! Do you know how long I've been waiting for you! Do you know what day it is today! Wake the hell up!" At that final shout Rae's eyes snap open and she looks around disoriented. Willow grabs her arm and starts to pull her to her room but I race in front of her to stop them.

"What's wrong with you? She was sleeping and you treat her like that?" I reach for Rae's hand but she just shakes her head.

"It's fine Luka. This is really my fault. I didn't think I was going to fall asleep on you. I was supposed to help Willow get ready to see Tobias tonight." Realization dawns on me and my hand drops to my side.

"Oh..." Willow huffs and tugs Rae closer.

"That's right. Now if you'll excuse us I only have 2 hours, 43 minutes and 16 seconds until he arrives and I need to look perfect."

The two girls disappear into her room with a slam and I'm left scratching my head. They really have become closer than anyone would have expected.

***

It is literally impossible in trying to dislike Tobias. He has manners. He is kind. He very clearly is devoted to my sister and he has amazing leadership qualities already; besides, his pack is strong, though small and they are fiercely loyal to their head. He's going to make one hell of an Alpha that's for sure.

"When I learned about what Thomas had done I was both shocked and jealous. I mean who would have thought to just over throw your own father and the elders? It's brilliant in a maniacal sense." Tobias comments as we slowly eat dessert.

"He didn't overthrow his father. He died from some unknown illness. It's still to be determined whether it really was Thomas that poisoned Joshua or if he did become ill on his own. With the shock of their Alpha's death the pack was left in a state of disarray and Thomas took it upon himself to take over." I tell him sadly. A look of disbelief crosses his face before he shakes his head.

"That is such a shame. Although Blood Moon was an unconventional pack Alpha Joshua was a good leader." Tobias relays. Father nods in agreement.

"May he rest with the Goddess." We all silently agree before returning to eating.

"So Tobias have you dated many girls?" Mom asks breaking the silence. Willow groans and hides her face in her hands.

"Seriously mom you don't need to ask that question." Tobias laughs and takes Willow's hand.

"Willow your parents allowed to question me for as long as they like. I have nothing to hide." He turns to my mother with a small grin still on his face. "I have only ever dated she-wolves Mrs. Garretson. I have nothing against humans," he smiles at Rae when he says this, "But I've learned I am better acquainted with wolves...due to obvious reasons. Willow would be my sixth girlfriend, and if I am to continue in being honest, I am hoping she will be my last girlfriend." He says honestly.

I watch in interest as my family examines what Tobias just said. He just indirectly made a claim on my sister. He's bold I'll give him that.

"And why would you say that Tobias?" Father asks trying, and failing, to keep the hint of annoyance from his voice. Again Tobias smiles and squeezes Willow's hand.

"Because Willow is everything I never realized I needed. It's not a matter of want, because that is a fleeting feeling, she is what I need. She is strong, fierce, determined, caring, passionate and fragile. She will never admit it out loud, let alone to me, but she is still a young girl who has so much to learn and so little people to learn it with. She's strong because she doesn't want to seem weak. She's fierce because she's had to fight for her life and what she believes in. She's fragile because she is still a beautiful young girl who doesn't want to be hurt. She is an amazing leader and knows how to talk and who to talk to, to get what she wants. She is an amazing dancer that can make anyone notice her with the simplest moves. She's brazen at times yes but it is mainly warranted anyways. She's being raised into a female Alpha that I would admire and desire to have at my side, if I were granted permission."

The entire room goes silent.

I never pegged Tobias to be a romantic either but he's already weaving us into his desire for my sister and I can't help admiring him more because of it. It's nothing lustful and pretentious like I expected. It's merely honest and open.

Willow hasn't said a word yet but her face is doing all of the talking and so are the tears welling up in her eyes. Mom's face is mirroring Willow's and dad looks downright impressed.

"Are you asking if you can mate with my daughter?" Dad asks slowly. Even I can answer the question but I remain silent and let him speak.

"No I am not Mr. Garretson. I would never ask such a thing from someone still so young. Willow has a lot more to experience in life before I could ever ask for her in that way. I only wanted you to know how I felt about her and what my intentions were for whenever she would have me." He admits pointedly.

"Now. Now is fine with me!" Willow says giggling. Rae laughs with her. But both stop when they see Tobias's expression.

"It won't be now Willow. Even if I were to get permission from your parents, which I doubt I will, I wasn't joking when I said there is still much more for you to experience. Whether or not those experiences are shared with me is up to you but I will not bond you to me until you are fulfilled with life and all of its joys and mysteries. You're still so young." Tobias tells her softly.

"Oh Tobias." Willow purrs into his shoulder and I can tell my father has had enough.

"We appreciate you coming over to meet with us young Alpha Tobias. It was a pleasure to meet you. You have mine and our Alpha's permission to visit our pack anytime you wish. I was sceptical of you at first but now I can very clearly see that you are good for my daughter. Willow will walk you to the door and Luka will make sure there are enforcers with you to escort you back towards your pack. Good night." Father and mother stand from the table and hug Tobias goodbye.

"I like you kid. And I do believe you will make a great Alpha next year should you be ready. But be forewarned Willow is my only sister and I love her too much to ever see her get hurt. So if you ever do her wrong, if you ever feel yourself swaying in this relationship end it quickly and painlessly so I don't have to do it for you. Is that understood?" I take pleasure in the fear that dances in his eyes before he masks it and nods.

"I wouldn't have it any other way Alpha Luka. It was an honour to meet you in person. I've heard so many stories of your heroics and wonders. You're even more amazing in person." We shake hands and Willow pulls him to the door.

Turning away from them I help Rae with clearing up the table. She's quiet tonight. I didn't have much time to take in her posture or her attitude because of Tobias but I'm noticing it now.

"Rae is everything alright with you?" I watch as she pauses picking up cutlery and turns to me with shiny eyes.

"Everything that Tobias said to Willow... It was like hearing every word spoken from my heart... except... it was said by the wrong person." Her shoulder falls lower and she tries to calm herself but a tear still falls.

"Rae you can't expect Colin to say those things so early on in your relationship." I tell her reaching to touch her shoulder but she tenses up and steps away from me grinding against her molars.

"I didn't want to hear those words from Colin in the first place Luka. God! Why don't you get it? Why!" She slams the cutlery to the table and storms past me and up the stairs.

PICTURE OF TOBIAS ABOVE!!