LUKA'S POV

The news of Tyffany's pregnancy brought the pack a lot of excitement. Gone were the thoughts of exile and severe punishment and instead came plans for baby showers and renovations to their home. I was happy as well of course. Keegan is one of my best friends and even though he is a bit young I know he'll make an awesome dad. I hope that can be me one day.

Although everything had continued to be joyous we were still on alert with the lurking threat of Thomas and his rogues. By the end of September there were no sightings of rogues whatsoever but then November hit.

At first I thought the carcasses were from lone predators within the area of Rae's house. It's not uncommon for them to leave their spoils in a certain area before they finished it off. Maybe I shouldn't have overlooked that factor. But when the carcasses began to pile up and there was no other logical explanation I knew I had to step in.

It was a warning.

Clear as day.

Thomas was warning us of what he would do to the Dawson's. I had never noticed it before but the first carcass was of a buck. A large male deer strong and healthy but dead. The next carcass was a doe, beautiful little creature with a slender build and still dead. The next two were of fawns. Young little deer with their throats cut open and bodies all mangled up.

Thomas is a sick man.

After that it was a constant that followed that same pattern except different animals. There were rabbits, squirrels, foxes, coyotes and even moose all piled up and dead within half a mile from the Dawson's. He was showing me what he was going to do and who was going to die first. By December I had had enough.

"I want the Dawson's moved into the pack house." I tell the people meeting in my office. It's so odd ever since I became Alpha it's as if I live in this office more than I do my own bed. Naal and I didn't have time to overlook the training this morning because there was another lingering stench of rogues near Rae's home.

"Well it's not like we don't have the space." Father says from his position on the couch. I nod in agreement and meet everyone else's eye. All of the heads of my pack are here to discuss this threat. I could have held this meeting with just Naal, Yulia and I but I want to get as much advice on this as possible.

"Thomas has made his point clear and he wants to attack the Dawson family. He must have learned that Chris and Jerri are informants." My mother says worriedly.

"Exactly. While they didn't extract much information about his pack they were able to get in and out virtually undetected and that must be what's bothering him." Yulia responds.

"If everyone is agreed with this decision then I suggest we begin the move now. It's not going to be easy trekking through the snow with their belongings but it's necessary." Everyone nods with me and begins to stand up.

"Peter have your men move over their now and inform them of what's happening. Kyle scan the perimeter with two trackers to make sure there are no rogues within distance. Keegan and Artemis you will be guarding this move. I want them to get here safely but as soon as they're moved I'm going to need you to make sure the house is still in order. Everything has to look, seem and even smell like they're still living there. Thomas can't know that they were moved. Naal and Yulia you help the Dawson's pack everything up and I will stay behind with my family to set up the living arrangements." As everyone is leaving Willow walks in to my office with a solemn look on her face.

"So the Dawson's are moving in huh?" Sighing I walk past her and begin to scout out where the family is going to live.

"Yes Willow they're moving in. It's for their safety." If I can transfer the files from two of the rooms on the second level and rearrange the empty room near my parents room then they should fit –

"Raelynn should move in to the room closest to mine." It's a rare occasion for me to feel dumbstruck but it seems Willow is capable of doing it.

"What did you say?" I stop my walking so I can turn to my sister in shock.

"I said Raelynn should move into the room closest to mine." I analyze her body, her face and focus on her emotions to see if she is hiding something but she's just nonchalant about it.

"And why would you want that? What would you do to her?" My suspicion is higher than ever and for very good reason. Willow can never be trusted when it comes to Rae.

"I wouldn't do anything to her. Jeez Luka thanks for the vote of confidence. I just figure since we're going to school together it would be easier if we were closer to each other so we can work on assignments and stuff." I don't know if I believe her. Every signs is telling me that she isn't lying but I just can't except it.

"I don't know Willow... you two have a history." I say cautiously. She rolls her eyes and begins to climb the stairs.

"We had a history but all is forgiven. Besides Luka we're teenagers now... we've got to stick together." As she disappears upstairs I'm still stuck in my spot.

Since when did the two of them reconcile? Why didn't I notice it? Could Willow be lying? Can I even trust my own sister when it comes to Rae?

"Luka? Why are you standing there?" Blinking a few times to adjust my vision I see Rae staring up at me amused. How long was I just standing here? She's wearing the sweatshirt I bought for her birthday. It's a little oversized just as she likes it and is dark grey in shade. There's only a single yellow smiling face on it and she loved it like it was worth millions of dollars. Now I'm not a cheap person or anything like that but I know Rae well enough that when it comes to gifts, just as she has done for me, it's the sentimentality that matters.

She's wearing her favourite ripped jeans and has her hair tied up in a bun on her head with curls bouncing out from every direction. She's my Rae. She's perfect. And I will protect her. It's the least I can do.

"Rae? Oh good you've made it. I apologize that this was all done in such short notice but it was important." She smiles up at me and hugs me tightly.

Why does it feel like I haven't felt her embrace in years? I hold her as well and take in her scent. She smells soothing and majestic if that makes any sense. It's like holding onto a memory that you love too dearly to ever let go. So when we do let go of each other I'm left wanting to shelter her from the world all over again.

"Yeah Naal and Yulia briefed us on our way here. Has it seriously gotten that bad?" The worry in her tone gives me all the confidence I needed in making this decision.

"I wasn't going to take any chances. Not when it comes to your well-being." I tell her confidently.

Something almost sparkles in her eyes but she looks down before I can decipher it. But with her getting older it is starting to get a little harder to read her. She's usually an open book, especially around me but as of late she's been trying to shut me out. It's probably in fear of Thomas. The bastard has her too scared to turn to me. I will kill him.

"So where am I staying?"

"Your room is right over–"

"Up here Lynn." We both look up to see Willow leaning on the banister. I watch Rae's reaction but nothing registers on her face. It takes a few seconds before a small, ok no, a miniscule smile touches her lips.

"Ok sure." She grabs her bag and begins her ascent towards Willow as if she hasn't hated her for years. As if she wasn't brutally attacked by her. As if they are the best of friends.

"Wait Rae you don't have to stay in that room." I tell her grabbing her arm but she laughs it off, shrugging me off in the process, and meets Willow at the top of the stairs.

"Oh relax Luka we will behave." The two giggle amongst each other and disappear down the hallway.

"Hi Luka where am I going to sleep?" I feel Abrielle pull on the back of my shirt and force a smile.

"Hey kiddo your room is right up here. Just follow me." Taking her hand I lead her upstairs.

This pack house has twelve rooms and seven bathrooms so adding the Dawson's to the mix wasn't hard at all. My only concern is whether they will be comfortable living here. The majority of the rooms are upstairs but a lot of them are filled with files from years back and furniture. It won't be hard to clear it out it'll just be annoying. But there's nothing like having your own space and your own home to do as you like. I really do hope they can adjust.

For Abrielle's room I choose the one closest to my parents. Its right beside the room I'm going to place Christopher and Jerri in so they can protect her at all times. It makes the most sense. If Rae is really ok with living so close to Willow then that means she's in the wing closer to me and I prefer it that way. But I'm still suspicious.

When Abrielle sees her room her eyes widen and she runs in. Right now there's nothing in it but she seems to like it regardless.

"It's so big! I love it! Thank you Luka!" Giving her a quick hug I spot some of the warriors with her bed and signal them up here. Leaving her to her room I head towards where Rae will be sleeping just to be sure everything is ok.

"Are you sure about this Willow?"

"Of course I am!"

"But what about–"

"It won't interfere with your sport thing. I've already looked into it. Besides we're in high school now and we need to step it up."

I have no idea what the girls are talking about but I still continue to listen. It may give me a clue as to why they are acting to cordial all of a sudden.

"Alright..." Rae says hesistantly.

"Good because they start auditions next week. It won't be hard you're a natural." I can hear Willow moving about as she says this. What are they doing in there?

"Am I really?" They both laugh and I knock on the door before opening it completely.

Seems the warriors were able to get Rae's bed in just fine and a dressing table. There's also a bookcase and a side table already in here as well. Both her and Willow are on her bed sorting clothes. They're acting so normal... it's freaking me out.

"And what are you such a natural at?" I ask teasingly. Rae blushes but Willow rolls her eyes. She seems to be doing that a lot lately.

"Don't you worry about it big brother." Willow gets up to close the door and I growl.

"What are you hiding?" I ask in annoyance. I don't know why she's trying to block me out but I don't like it. This is normal for Willow but not for Rae.

"Nothing!" Rae says rushing in-between my sister and I. "We're not hiding anything trust me Luka. We're just talking and unpacking. We're totally cool... and normal." Rae says putting a hand on my chest. As soon as she touches me I feel the vibrations from my growling wolf cease. She's calm which allows me to calm down a little. I look down at her in question. WHY ARE THEY ACTING SO NORMAL?

"Yeah and we want a little privacy if you don't mind." Willow removes Rae's hand and pushes at my chest to close the door.

What the hell is going on?

***

RAELYNN'S POV

"You shouldn't have done that?" I tell her still watching the door. Somehow I know Luka hasn't moved from his spot yet and the thought comforts me. He's worried about me. It's so obvious. He just doesn't want me to get hurt... he makes my heart flutter.

"Can you stop staring at the door like a weirdo and come on?" Breathing slowly I force myself to turn away and walk back to the bed.

"So there's a routine that you have to memorize I'll teach it to you in the morning. And then on Monday we will be ready for tryouts no sweat."

"Why are these tryouts so late in the semester?" I ask still apprehensive to the whole idea. Willow shrugs and folds another one of my shirts.

"I heard that two of the girls got expelled for something so the team needs alternates." Sitting beside her I begin to fold my clothes as well.

"Why are you really doing this?" I ask her carefully. Her eyes cut to me and she shrugs again.

"I don't like the stupid boys at our school. By doing this we will be able to visit other schools and see new guys. It's a win win for me." I can't help laughing at her explanation.

Ever since the bullying started at our school Willow and I fought hard to keep sane.

For three months we've been tormented by this annoying group of girls that we hardly know. There was no true cause for the bullying except that we were associated with Luka Garretson. Most of the time it was catty girls that didn't like us because of that simple fact. Maybe they never had the chance to sleep with him? Maybe they love him like I do and don't know what to do to get his attention. Maybe the hate him because he's so amazing and it can't be helped. Maybe they have bitter older sisters who were scorned by him and in turn they choose to bully us because of it?

It was rare that a guy would bully us let alone talk to us, instead they would ignore us at the stupid girls' request but thankfully it's only the older guys that ignore us which is fine by me. It bothers Willow to end though. She loves attention. Recently some of the guys around our age have started to warm up to us. I'm sure it's only because they're forced to by the teachers or the enforcers we have planted at our school. Either way it's nice to talk to someone other than Willow every once and a while. Especially now that exams are coming up.

It still confuses me as to why knowing Luka is such a bad thing. He's an amazing person, so who could ever really hate him? All I know is the only real friend I have in that school is Willow and that is a stretch in itself.

" –Now first things first you need to get over my brother." The clothes drop from my hands and I stare at Willow completely red in the face. Where the hell did this come from? Has she been talking all this time?

"Wha–What" She rolls her eyes, her way of showing the world that she doesn't care, and purses her lips.

"Anyone with eyes can see that you live for my brother. At first it was the reason I hated you but now it's why I pity you."

"Pi–Pity me?" She nods her head and stops folding my clothes.

"Listen girl you are four years younger than Luka. We have all grown up together and he sees you as nothing more than a sister. Truth be told he will probably never see you as anything else. This means you are going to spend your days pining after a man who doesn't want you. And it's not even like that situation where the man is oblivious to how you feel because you've had the balls to tell him you love him time and time again but that doesn't change a thing. You need to realize that it's not going to work." I can see the sympathy in her eyes as she says this to me but it's hard to process. I know that Luka is a little hard headed about his feelings for me but... I just figured... maybe in time...

"No. NO! You're doing it! You're trying to find a way to compromise your feelings for him until he figures it out for himself. WAKE UP LYNN! He doesn't want you!

The sound permeates throughout the room and I'm shocked to learn it's come from me. I slapped Willow. I didn't mean to but I did. I watch her touch her cheek softly before she narrow her eyes and takes a deep breath.

"I'm going to let that slide because I know you're in denial but you will not do that again. Remember I have a wolf that's been itching to come out."

"And remember I've been trained on how to kill any wolf that attacks me." I retort in anger. Staring at my hand I hold it to my chest and hang my head in defeat.

"I–I can't just stop loving him. I mean... I don't know if I can. He's everything to me." I tell her hating how weak I sound. I hear her shuffle close to me but thankfully she doesn't hug me.

"I can't tell you I know how you feel because I don't. But I kinda like you now and I hate seeing you want something that you may never have." A stupid tear slips from my eye at her confession. I don't think I like this new honest Willow. I prefer her attitude to this.

"Hey think of it this way there's plenty of fish in the sea or in your case wolves in the pack. I'm sure there's someone else you're interested in. Hey, wait... Doesn't that warrior in training have a thing for you? The one you told me about?"

"By accident." I add. She huffs and continues to talk.

"Yeah, yeah. You know the one with the sexy brown eyes and the wild untamed curls."

"I did not describe him that way." I tell her. This time I do look up and I see a mischevious look in her eyes. "You didn't." I say in hopes that I'm reading her wrong.

"Of course I did! If a guy is interested in you then it's my job to make sure he's the right fit. And man is he fit. I could only see his face at the time but I heard he's completely ripped. What was his name again?" She says still murmuring to herself.

"Colin." We both look up to see him in my doorway with boxes in his arms. How he opened the door without us hearing I will never know.

"My name is Colin, young Alpha Willow." He pauses and his eyes cast over to mine. They look like pools of melted chocolate right now. Delicious. "Hi." He says to me as a light blush hits his cheeks. He adjusts the boxes of books in his arms and walks forward a little more. "Where would you like these to go?"

His arms are rippling with the effort he's putting in to hold my books and there a thin sheen of sweat on his brow and down the front of his body. He looks good. I haven't seen him since that dinner at my old house. I point to the floor next to the bookcase and he places them there with a huff.

"Well now 'My name is Colin', were you eavesdropping on our conversation?" Willow asks standing up and looking in the box. My head falls back to the floor so I don't see his expression but I do see his feet in my line of vision.

"I wasn't eavesdropping per se. I'm delivering Raelynn's belongings." His hand comes into view and cups my chin bringing my head up to see his now hazel eyes. They just keep changing it seems. "Hey Rae."

"Don't call me that please." I say trying to look away. No one is allowed to call me that but Luka. It was a rule I had made as a child and it's stuck ever since.

"Alright then how about Lynn?" He asks with a grin claiming his face. He still hasn't let go of my chin yet. I blush under his gaze and lick my lips. His eyes catch that movement and seem to almost intensify in colour.

"Yeah that's fine." I pull my chin from his grasp and touch it faintly. It's still warm.

I look up to him and watch him watching me. There's a look of desire in his eyes. I recognize it from the way Keegan looks at Tyffany. It's like he really wants something and he can only get it from her. Of course I'm not stupid enough to think Colin hasn't thought about... that... when it comes to me. I haven't but I know he has. His hands slowly slide into his pockets and I can see the shape of his fists bulging from hear. I can tell that he forced them there so he wouldn't touch me again. But I wouldn't mind it if he did. I'm about to tell him that when we jump at the sound of his name.

"Colin!" Some man's voice calls out for him and he groans. The tension in his body seems to release and he looks back to my door reluctantly.

"Well hopefully I get another box of your things... wait no that sounded weird. I just meant I hope I can carry your stuff and see you again... yeah that's a little better. I guess." He stares down at me again and makes his way to my door. Unbeknownst to me I'm already up and grabbing his hand to stop him from leaving.

"I don't remember that being our a way of saying goodbye." My voice sounds lower than usual and a little sultry. But I swear I'm not doing this on purpose. 

Again Colin's eyes seem to ignite and his hands spring out of his pockets and lock around my waist. This is a different hug than last time but I don't mind it. I wrap my arms around his neck, like I've seen many she-wolves do and his face goes into my neck and he inhales my scent. In this position I've learned it to be an intimacy between mates. Interesting that he would make that statement so clear already. I pull back from the hug and he looks so refreshed.

"I'll see you later Lynn." His hand slides up my waist tracing the right side of my body till it reaches my face. He cups my cheek softly and kisses the other side. I get a tingly feeling in my stomach. But a nagging voice in my mind tells me that this isn't Luka. And it's right. It isn't Luka. His touch sets my skin on fire. His smell makes me wanting to sigh. His hugs are heaven. Colin isn't Luka.

"Goodbye Colin." I say stepping back. He leaves the room with that weird dance in his step and I close the door.

"Ok so I was wrong he doesn't have a thing for you at all?" My head snaps to Willow in surprise. I forgot she was even here.

"He doesn't?" I ask pushing my hair back from my face.

"Nope... this man has the HOTS for you! Did you see him? This guy is like head over heels for you! And the way he touched you? Acting so gentle yet demanding your attention? SO HOT! And then he KISSED YOU? Holy Goddess Lynn we have so much to discuss." Willow continues to gush over my odd interaction with Colin while I process the fact that I may have to stop loving Luka... because anything is possible right?

***

"Tonight we officially welcome the Dawson family into our home." Luka's mom Jerri says standing at the dinner table. After Willow calmed down with talk of Colin we were able to finish unpacking my room and help my sister unpack just in time for dinner. Luckily Colin didn't get any more of my boxes to deliver my room, though I'm sure he protested.

I've had time to think about what Willow said about me needing to get over Luka and it's never going to happen. I mean sure I will try to do it and move on but it's even harder to do so now! I'M LIVING IN HIS HOUSE! When we lived alone it was easier to avoid him any time I wanted but with us living together I'm probably going to see him all the time. He'll be eating in the kitchen and I will see him. He'll be training the pack outside and I will see him. He'll be leaving the bathroom freshly showered... and thank God I will see him.

"Lynn?" Snapping out of my Luka filled thoughts my eyes scan the table to see everyone staring at me.

"I'm sorry what?" I respond as politely as possible. Willow and Elle snicker beside me and I throw those witches a glare.

"I was just making sure everyone in your family was ok with this drastic change." It's Gannon speaking and I can actually hear the unease in his voice. How sweet of him.

"Oh of course! I trust any decision Luka makes." I say gladly. Willow nudges my side and coughs a little. Oh! Right I'm supposed to stop loving him. Let's try this again.

"And if the territory that we were living in was as dangerous as presumed well the smell alone was reason enough to get out." Everyone laughs at my joke and begins to eat their dinner. Naal isn't eating with us today and I miss him. He'd make a good distraction from Luka right now.

"Rae?" Without looking up I know it's Luka calling me and I can't stop the race of my heart or the excitement that flows through me at the sound of my name on his tongue. I can only imagine what it would sound like when we finally have se–

"Rae? Are you doing ok? You've been spacing out a lot today." I love and hate the concern in his voice. I love and hate that I can already see the look in his eye waiting for me to acknowledge him. I love and hate that I love him. Mustering the best smile I can I look up and to my right where Luka is sitting just two seats away from me.

"Yeah I'm fine. It's just been a long day I guess." I tell him honestly because it has been a long day. But it will be an even longer night when I have to tie myself to my bed so I don't sneak into his room and stare at him while he sleeps. Actually if I really wanted to I could just sleep with him. We've done it plenty times before.

"Do you want to play some Mario Kart after to help take your mind off things?" He asks timidly because I can make him timid. Did I mention my heart is swooning? Now answer him Raelynn. Yes. Yes. YES! Any minute I have alone with you is fine with me!

"No Lynn and I were going to practice a few things for school on Monday right Lynn?" Willow says snidely. I know she's trying to help but WHY NOW?

"Oh yeah. Right. Sorry Luka." He nods and goes back to eating but I don't miss the hint of disappointment and sadness that hits his eyes. Ever since he was first attacked by that rogue boy all those years ago Luka worked hard to mask his emotions from others so he wouldn't seem weak. But I can see it in his eyes. I just know each and every emotion so well. Probably because I mirror them myself.

"Remember what I said Lynn." Willow whispers in my ear. I catch the twitch of Luka's hand indicating that he's listening in on our conversation.

"I know. I know. I'm trying." I tell her exasperatedly. And I honestly am trying. Things just come naturally with Luka. He's like breathing.

"Try harder!" I nod and continue to eat with my head down. This is not going well.

Finishing my food I help clear up the table as I always have and wash the dishes. It's a task that I can do on my own thankfully so no one bothers me. I need the peace anyways.

Every way I look at this situation makes the solution that much easier to see. I don't have to stop loving Luka I just need to stop making it so obvious. Maybe if I were to stop giving him attention and focus on other boys like Willow was saying then maybe he will realize how he feels for me. Sure it's a long shot but it's worth a try.

"You almost done in there?" Elle asks from the door. I look down to the empty sink and shake my head. I really have been spacing out a little too much.

"Coming Elle." Leaving the kitchen I walk past the living room where the parents are all watching a movie. It must be nice for Jerri and Gannon to actually have time to themselves now that Luka is the Alpha. It was rare that I'd ever see the two of them earnestly relax before.

"Lynn hurry up so I can get some sleep." I say good night to the parents and catch up to the girls by the stairs. They already half way up when I hear that iconic music.

He's playing Mario Kart.

Alone.

I can't stop myself as I run to the games room just before Luka starts his race. He's in his usual position right in front of the couch. It's been years since we've played any games together but everything is still so familiar. There's a controller plugged in beside him and I now notice that the game is split screen allowing me to join the match.

He knew I was coming.

I know I shouldn't walk in the room and close the door. I know I should wordlessly sit beside him and take up the controller. I know I shouldn't un-pause the game and start the race. I know I shouldn't be doing this.

But I don't stop myself. Instead I enjoy every moment I spend alone with him. We laugh and joke and push each other. We race and do our victory dance and special handshake. We enjoy each other.

With him loving me like a sister.

And me loving him likethe man of my dreams.   

PICTURE OF RAELYNN ABOVE!!