* * *

Grey's comment didn't make much sense at first, until they went through the underbrush of Oak Wood, the thick forest had been a surrounding barrier—But did not house any Nymphs for Sage or the witches to converse with.

Odd, but Sage hadn't the chance to make a proper note of the matter, not when the height of the trees was starting to strain her neck as she gazed to the top, curiosity getting the best of her. It was as though the forest was attempting to compete with the size of the mountains and goddess, she was tempted to climb one.

With the in-betweens starting to grow thin, the line of the pack had started to conjure into a single file—Worrying her as she couldn't see the end of the pack to where Grey was, nor the front off where Severin and Elena were.

We're almost there, Sage. Calm that heart of yours for me.

Andy whispered, and she huffed in response. Her breath joined into the air with a fog of white clouds.
It was strange enough to see the rest of the wolves panting along, but they ran for the majority of the way—Hoping they could make it before nightfall. And they were blessed with the warning howl that sounded off in the distance. This caused Sage to rise to sit up as Andy threw his own back in response.

It was the perfect clause for other wolves to start rummaging this way and that, but thankfully her advice of putting the witches in the middle and away from harm had been met.

Especially when Yaxel growled in warning the Coyote and Badger to stick to his side.

A few males had shifted all around, and those in fur weaved between them. "What business do you have, Rogues?" The question remained in the air, and sure, they looked like they were migrating for the winter.

But that was not the case.

"I'm Luna Hera of Half Crescent. This is Alpha Andy...We're here to speak with Alpha Julian." She decreed, and thus, the males turned rigid. Of course, they were warned of the possibility of housing refugees.
They didn't think it could become a reality so quickly.

"We'll take you to the pack house. Follow us." The male instructed, and Sage nodded and held tightly to Andy's thickening fur. He sent a warning growl to her, which she had snickered at—Knowing full well it was because she changed her name again on him without confirming it.

Not that either Julian or Alanna would know of Andy's Luna's name, which was never fully addressed in the letter. Instead, Sage smiled at seeing the onset of houses. She assumed the large ones were communal—Almost like the library in Crescent Moon, it was used for the school and the rest of the pack. However, the houses were small, perhaps just a room or two inside.

She knew what that meant, as Andy had explained it before—It allowed the pack to save supplies but also did not give so much space to heat up.

Realistically, all a wolf needed was a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.

As they grew further into the town's center, some bigger houses started to come through. All with the rustic edge of a cabin feel.
Just outside the house, mountains of firewood stacked each angle and then some, though Sage had a feeling that it wouldn't be enough for this winter.

"It's so pretty here." She whispered off to Andy, but one of the Oak Wood Males had huffed his appreciation to the comment. Yet it soon placed Andy at the forefront of strangers being too close to his Luna. His fur hiked up to warn them off, and if that didn't do the trick—His risen muzzle to reveal his sharp teeth was enough to scare the scout or warrior on the opposite end of this escorting party.

"Andy, please be nice...They're helping us." She softly spoke, running her hands through his fur, which earned her a ruffling shake of his head. He attempted to look up, though his efforts only ended with her hand returning to his temple.

"Almost." She said, and he found himself purring at the thought of an easy night and days from here. However, he bit himself back, knowing that Sage needed to be checked by a Healer before any sort of plans would be made.

But for right now, he had to turn off his survival mode and turn back into a compelling Alpha.

Especially if he needed to start pulling his weight and then some to make up for the fact they were going to use up so many supplies.

Both he and Severin had started with the plan in offering support to Oak Wood. The first was to offer the witches help in gaining shields around the territory, which in itself was valuable.

Or better yet, the necklaces that they wore to keep their clothing throughout their shift.

Yes, the list was starting to grow pretty well.

As they approached the largest building that Sage had scanned in the area, a small smile came up as she caught sight of a female with tanned skin. It was clear that this woman was Luna Alanna, and Sage certainly wasn't oblivious to the different types of people—Not when she kept up with her latest shows, and Remus was not about to harm her innocent mind with racist views.

Instead, she was told that people with different colored skin were not any different than him or her.

So she smiled underneath her bearskin as she waited for help to get off safely, Severin nudged her thigh with his nose and acted as another steady surface to hold onto. She held onto them both carefully, as the previous accident of having her leg falling asleep called her to fall with the leverage of snow pillowing her fall.

Just as she was holding onto either of their backs, Andy and Severin had landed to shift to hold her steady. Yet this time, she was at least decently prepared to use her feet and walk forward.

The majority of the pack remained in fur, surrounded by the escorts ever so often.

"Luna Alanna, it's been a long time." The woman's eyes flickered over towards the male and hummed. Instead, her attention had gone down to Sage. The height difference wasn't hard to see; Sage stood just under Andy's shoulder blades. Yet this woman had just a decent head taller than her.

"Luna Hera, it's a pleasure to finally meet the she-wolf that's decided to deal with this one...I noticed you traveling on your mate's back. Is everything alright?" Sage realized that perhaps they weren't informed that Andy wasn't her true mate, or mated at all, but she soon moved aside her bear skin and revealed the layers of bandaging they had wrapped it in.

Alanna soon turned over to another she-wolf, one of the same origins. "Pegue o curandeiro!" [Get the Healer]
Sage smiled and rose up to give Luna a quick rub to her cheek, and it startled Alanna for a moment. The woman caved in quite quickly.

"I haven't met a young wolf with old customs. You couldn't be a day over twenty." Again, her accent was thick, but Sage wasn't bothered.

The trust she felt for Alanna came off in waves, but Andy's eyes still followed after the woman Sage had spoken to. And Sage nudged her uninjured to his stomach. "She's going to get Healer, thank you."

"Ah, Falante nativo, sim?" It earned her a set of perked lips as Sage shook her head. "I'm learning Latin. I only know some words."

The amused look on Alanna's face caused Sage to turn away from Andy's hold. Shy wasn't an easy trait to come by, but part of Sage hadn't realized that Alanna was a different generation Luna.

Well into double her age.

"My mate is finishing up a meeting, come...Let's get you all warmed up." Alanna had continued to call out orders to those surrounding her, but as the numbers of Half Crescent began to shift, the need for a quick cover-up was unnecessary.

Which earned the Alpha couple a raised brow from the Luna.

"My female is full of surprises. We'll talk more about it once everyone is settled."
"Of course, come...There'll be food and drinks in a bit." Upon entering the large pack house, Sage realized that every square foot of space was not at all wasted. However, in seeing some more of Oak Wood's females, she smiled.

With the harsh climates, they would surely need thicker fur than most. And the prime example was sitting there in front of them, as the females weren't as skinny as Sage or the rest of Black Crescents.

No, they held an extra layer to prepare them for winter.

Judging by the glares, Sage realized that perhaps Alanna's warming words would be the only ones she'd be receiving.

Ignore them. They smell the Alpha on you.

They smell you on me, or they smell me?

We've been riding together for days, our scents are intertwined. Probably more now that you drank my blood. Just keep your head up high and ignore them. We're not looking for a petty fight.

And if they start a petty fight?

Oh, then I give you full permission to prove to them that you're a badass.

Her smile hadn't faltered, only when she was introduced to the strong chemical smell of sterilization and the quick sight of needles that she squeezed tighter her hold on Andy.

"Luna Alanna...Has the Alpha let you start training again?" The male ushered, and the bright laugh caused Sage to feel slightly better. But only for his eyes to look behind his Luna to the new-smelling male and female.

"Newcomers! Oh, goddess, welcome!" The male hurried to his feet and came over with his hand extended out. Of course, he meant to greet the female first, as it was the polite action to do, but Andy intercepted him.

"Don't mind this one. He's finally understanding the mate pull. I'm so proud of you." Alanna cooed, reaching up to pinch his cheeks, which caused Andy to groan.

"Luna Alanna found me first after the Underground threw me out," Andy explained, and Sage's eyes widened as she looked between the two, so her instinct of them being closer than he let on was right!

"And he had the damn audacity to run away in the middle of the night!... Anyway, we'll talk about this after lunch. This is Luna Hera. She has an injury that's not healing. And I'm sure a few others should be looked at, too?"
"If you have enough hands, my Healer, Brian, survived the attack." Sage had turned to sit down, her head feeling fuzzy as she had to catch and stabilize herself—Earning Andy's attention to steady her from falling further.

"How long were you traveling?" Alanna gasped, which caused Andy to lean down and kiss Sage's temple. "A little over a week, we're exhausted—I'm sure she'll bounce back soon...But she recently escaped from the Underground as well.
"I'd be happy to check over your Luna, Alpha Andy. Would you like to stay in the room while I perform the evaluation?" There wasn't a moment of hesitation as he let out a nod.

Alanna had given her final parting words before rubbing her cheek to either of them and setting course to make the preparations for the guests.

It wasn't often that they hosted for anyone, but neither she nor her mate could turn away Andy.

Speaking of the male, he was having the hardest time remaining still at the other end of the room. He had been banned by his female's side, considering all he was doing was growling and snarling after every little touch or gasp Sage would produce.

He knew she was fine as the bond didn't suggest pain. "Well, everything seems to be healing, her arm, I mean. My best guess is that her time in the facility or the harsh traveling conditions has slowed down her healing factor, and that's why it's taking its time. But this paste should speed up the process. I'd like you to come in after breakfast tomorrow and before you turn in for the night so I can change and redress it. I'll make a few calls if it doesn't heal by Friday." Sage nodded, liking the feel of the medical-grade wrappings as she attempted to move her arm to get used to the added texture.

"What happens after Friday?" She questioned, and the male hurried over to his binder and read through it. "I've only dealt with a few Underground survivors. Our real healer is over at Arctic Crest. They've got a little situation that we wanted to help with. He should be back in a few days." Sage's eyes went wide as the male started to follow the instructions and listened for him.

"What kind of situation?" Andy questioned, seeing the worry cross Sage's face.
"Oh, nothing they can't handle—My bad, I forgot you're considered a Rogue, Andy. The last time I saw you, you were as skinny as your female over here." It caused Sage to hide her panic with a slight laugh, especially considering Samuel was starting to apply the past onto her wounds.

"When did you say the attack was?"
"Just over a week ago, I had to give her some of my blood the other day after losing so much from her arm..."
"This is nothing to worry yourself over, Luna Hera. There is more than one option to get your body up and running again."

Sage smiled up to the Healer but started to pout when he prescribed bed rest, plenty of food, and fluids to help her regain her strength.

Andy mentally made a list knowing that Sage's stubbornness was going to reign in once she was required to sleep in. Realistically, even he could sleep for a week right about now.

Sage followed after him back towards the main room to see the majority of their pack mingling around others. However, in a moment's notice, a female had thrown herself into Andy—Her arms wrapped around him instantly.

"Andy! When they told me you were here, I couldn't believe it! You're back!" Sage knew right then and there what this was, a reunion with a female who was involved with him prior.

It wasn't hard to notice, not when she had to deal with Kelly and other jealous females all in the same room.

No, Sage was used to having a target on her head and being picked apart by people who wanted her dead. This was just something she wasn't all too familiar with.

"Lucy...I'd like you to meet my Luna, Hera." The shock was written all over the woman's face. Though Sage wasn't all that surprised. Not only did she feel pathetic with a wrap binding her arm, but she didn't look as put together as Lucy.

Sage's braids were days old, or the fact she smelled awful—Like sweat and blood. And the better part of her was dying for any sort of warm cooked meal, so she smiled up to the female and nodded.

"Nice to meet you, Lucy." She said as politely as she could manage, though it ended when the stranger disregarded the greeting, and Sage looked back up at Andy. "I'm going to sit with Grey and Elena. Find me later?" He was about to protest, but she already had her back toward him, and Lucy had swooped in to wrap herself around his arms.

"And? What'd the Healer say?" She shrugged her shoulder and curled further into the pillow. The couches were beyond comfortable, and Cassandra didn't hesitate to massage her shoulders.
"Luna Alanna said we can all take baths in the hot springs. Will you join us after dinner, Luna?" Her eyes sparkled up within the moment, and she hummed, especially when Grey and Chase were joking about the idea of a jacuzzi—And she knew exactly what that was, after having listened to Jackson try and convince Aurora of purchasing one all Fall and Winter.

Looking out the window, it seemed like their hot springs would have to wait another day as the snow began to pile up against the window.

Soft arms began to wrap around her, and a head locked onto her shoulder. "You're thinking loudly, little wolf...What troubles you?" She leaned her head instantly into Alanna's and sighed.

"Everything...Dinner was good, thank you."

"Oh please, who do you think taught your male how to cook?... And who do you think is going to punish him for disregarding his injured mate."

"It's okay. He can sleep in the snow if he wants to...Is it okay if I go to bed?" The two were soon joined in by a she-wolf named Juno, as Sage had finally learned. Juno would be the next reigning Alpha once she had passed a few trials that her parents had set out, and goddess Sage couldn't contain her smile.

The idea of a strong female leading this pack was a beautiful sight, and by the way the female held herself, she didn't doubt it would be all that long. Though Alanna certainly had a few golden years left in her to lead.

No doubt Julian did as well.

"Not rude that I go to sleep before meeting Alpha Julian?" The Mother and Daughter duo had claimed that tonight was done with, that nothing productive would come without rest. So being escorted into a small double-sized bed, Sage began to feel the sense of aloneness—For the first time in Goddess knows how long.

The room really only held enough room for the bed itself and the closet in the corner, the bathroom was communal and just down the hall, but all Sage could think about was stripping down the bare nothing and wiping the warmed cloth against her skin.

After doing so, she dressed into her comfortable set of nightwear, Sage found herself snuggled underneath the warm covers with her bear fur on top of her. Tomorrow she'd be productive, as Juno claimed. And better yet, she was going to find a sowing kit to fix the small gap that was starting to come undone again.

Just as she was about to join the world of her subconscious, the door opened with an abrupt creek that demanded to be heard. Causing her to peek one eye open to see a rather guilty-looking Andy as he tried to push it closed silently.

"Sorry, forgot this house is ancient," Andy grumbled, and she hummed while he continued to whisper a few things about settling in the remainder of their pack members in the bunks downstairs—All of which could've been discussed tomorrow, however when he finally did join her underneath the blanket, he grinned, almost delirious when he caught just how plush the mattress felt underneath him.

"It's going to be hard leaving the pack when it feels this good." He moaned, paired with a small growl right beside her ear, and while she gently pushed herself away, only for her face to fall flat as she flinched.

"What—what's wrong?" She covered her nose and huffed, knowing full well that she had never smelled something so sour in her life.

"You smell different..." Was all she said, and an instant flame rose in both her glare, yet her instinct was pushing for a possessive twist. And Andy didn't have time to think before she turned fitfully around and used the extra pillow to block him from touching her.

"Sage?... I can get Sam if—"
"No. He won't help you stop smelling like a she-wolf." Sage smiled when she heard him curse, she might hold her tongue before, but she wouldn't be able to hold back.

Not when Lucy was clearly obsessed. But there was no telling why the female smelled sour.

It only spoke of mistrust to not only her actions, but her person as well.

"Sage, I—"
"I deal with crazy she-wolves before that love my mate and want me dead. I am not doing that again. Last time, almost killed me and my pups."
"What? No, Lucy would never do that. Honestly, Sage, if you meet her tomorrow, she's—" She turned over her shoulder to look at him, to really look at him for a moment.

Then another.

And then another before she turned back around. "Jealous she-wolves are dangerous."

"If she does something, tell me. I won't tolerate—"
"Mate says the same thing, but nothing happens until it is too late. Now go to sleep or go somewhere else." She deemed, and Andy remained silent as he watched the back of Sage's head. The female had every right to be untrustworthy, especially when he realized that he had been mingling with everyone but his supposedly Luna.

Nor did he correct anyone when they said they were mates, but his idea of a mate meant that they would greet strangers together. To be introduced as a set couple, and while it didn't feel like Lucy dragged him away, Sage's hands had been clean the entire time.

If anything, Luna Alanna had given him reprimand for not knowing that she had gone to bed early. He expected it, of course. Most of his packs were trickling away and were only staying up to show respect.

He had only managed to get a few words into Julian, who was quick to see how exhausted he was and decided to settle all matters tomorrow morning.

______

Date: 06/22/24

Time: 3:40 PM

Words: 3679

Author's Note:

Meant to post last night, but of course, I ended up coming home too late last night!

That's the beauty of an evening shift, everyone's asleep, and I can either get some work done OR head straight to bed!

In some fun news, I've commissioned new covers for both Mystic Grimm AND The Brave Human Mate and they're looking great, just a few more tweaks!

I don't think I'll be removing the original covers, that way it can be seen as a first draft and enjoyed as a first draft.

And since The Brave Human Mate won't be eligible for the Wattys, I might as well start getting it ready for self-publishing!

Anywhooo, I hope you're all doing well! Only about 13 more chapters to get through, and there are a few new scenes to enjoy while we're in Oak Wood!

I'll see you in the next update!