LUKA'S POV

It only took one month for the wolves from Blood Moon to gather the courage to flee again. They corresponded with Christopher the entire way through and plotted out every detail of the escape without letting any word get out.

Trivial things like Alina and finding my mate were put on the back burner compared to this. I had to make sure they crossed into our territory safely and unharmed and that is no easy feat. It had occurred to me that it would be so much easier for us to just march over there and demand them to give up and submit but I never truly realized just how powerful that pack had become because of this tyranny. Sure it is a dictatorship, but they have forced their members to fight harder and almost become fighting drones. It's almost as if they were brainwashed.

Right now father and I are waiting at the check point between the town nearby and our boundary line. We had to alter the route so they would sneak out of Blood Moon, take refuge in the human town close to us and then sneak into our pack during nightfall, instead of making the mad dash for our pack lines as the young family had done before.

"Luka keep focused for the trackers. I just received word from Naal, they're not too far away." Father says to me through the mindlink. I keep still and remain crouched as I scan through the trees for my Beta.

"How many are with him?" I ask allowing my wolf more control so he can focus my senses. He's silent for a few seconds before I feel him in my mind again.

"Six wolves. All one family." He responds curtly. I hear a low whistle and my mind goes to Rae. Every part of me is on edge already but the thought of any harm coming to that innocent little girl makes my wolf bristle. I will protect her and her family. I will protect as many people as I can.

I hear the low whistle two more times and I know it's Naal.

"Naal I am here. 200 yards ahead." I say moving closer to the sound.

"Understood." His reply is quick and soon I see him, two trackers and the family a few yards out. Reaching me within seconds I lead the way into our pack and straight to their new home. I usher them inside the small house and I am greeted with hugs and kisses.

"Thank you so much young Alpha for saving us. We weren't going to last much longer in that pack. Thomas is lethal if he doesn't get his way." A male says patting me on the back one more time.

"When we heard the harm he was causing we couldn't sit back any longer. I am glad to know you are all safe and that is how you will stay in Dark Moon. We treat each other equally. There will be someone to greet you and officially welcome you to the pack within the day." I give them one small smile and exit the house.

We are only able to escort a maximum of 12 people so it doesn't look so conspicuous. By the time we finish it is almost half past five in the morning and I am exhausted.

"Excellent job to everyone. What we have just accomplished... we have saved twelve lives from a monster of an Alpha. Get some rest and be with your families. Luka and I will speak with the new families that have arrived. We will continue this in two weeks time should Christopher find more willing wolves. Remember no one, not even your family is to know about what we've done. Not yet. Good night."

My father congratulates us as I run back home. My heart is still racing by the time I get home and I curse at the rising sun. There goes my sleep. Trudging into the house I see mom, Willow, Jerri, Rae and Abrielle waiting on the living room couches. Mom is the first to see me.

"Oh Luka! Thank the Goddess you are ok!" Mom rushes to my side and holds me tight, planting kisses on my forehead. I hug her just as tight enjoying her protective nature.

"I'm ok mom everyone is fine. It went smoothly and the new members are safe in their homes." Releasing me she holds on to my shoulders.

"You are making a strong Alpha. I couldn't be more proud of you. You go upstairs close the curtains and get some sleep. I will make sure there is a large brunch waiting for you when you wake up." She turns me towards the stairs but Willow stops me.

"You're really brave Luka." She says wrapping her arms around me. I smile and kiss the top of her head.

"Thanks Willow. Though it wasn't only me doing this. Everyone apart of this deserves great respect and honour." I say honestly but Willow rolls her eyes.

"Well you're my big brother and since daddy isn't here you come first. Just be careful ok? You're all I've got." She lets me go and goes to mom. Jerri walks up to me squeezes me tight.

"Is Chris ok? Is everyone unharmed?" I am happy to know her first concern is her husband. I nod my head and I can see the relief flood her blue eyes. She picks up Abrielle in her arms and sits on the couch again. Rae is the last to greet me but I'm getting more and more tired by the second so I take her by the hand and lead her upstairs.

"Luka?" She says still holding my hand behind me. I squeeze her hand lightly and throw her a smile over my shoulder.

"I'm tired Rae do you mind if we could talk after I shower? You can wait on my bed." She frowns but nods her head and continues to follow behind me.

I take a long shower to soothe my achy muscles and almost fall asleep in the bathroom. Once I reach Rae I see her sitting up, wide awake on my bed. When she gets at look me she bursts into tears. My heart skips a beat at seeing her so distraught and I rush to her side to comfort her.

"Rae? Raelynn what's wrong? Did someone hurt you?" I ask already getting on the defensive. She shakes her head and takes slow breaths. Opening her eyes they look crystalline, almost sparkling and I actually want to freeze this moment to merely stare into those eyes.

"Luka did you know my mom never told me about this mission you're doing?" I shake my head no and she continues.

"Do you know why she didn't tell me?" Again I shake my head but she doesn't seem to be paying me any attention anymore. "She didn't tell me because I practically worship you and if I knew you were doing such a dangerous mission I would flip." Her lip trembles and I run a hand through her unimaginably soft curls turning her head to face me. Cupping her cheek I smile softly she cares so much for me it's quite humbling.

"Luka if anything were to happen to you I would be devastated. I don't know what I would do if I lost you. Even in the simplest past times I worry about you. About your wolf and your never ending struggle for control with him. My heart hurts when you're hurt and it races when you're in danger." I stroke her cheek softly with my thumb and pull her in for a hug.

"Rae look at me. I am here. I am unharmed. I am alive, though extremely tired. It makes me so happy to know how much you care about me because it proves to show that we both care for each other strongly. Don't worry your beautiful heart over me ok? I can take care of myself. I promise." She leans into me and I kiss the top of her head and hold her in my arms. We fall asleep in that position.

***

For the next few weeks the rescue team and I continue escorting wolves into our territory. We execute it from a multitude of separate areas so it isn't consistently one place. I escort around four to six people while father will escort around ten people at times and each night I find Rae waiting in my room for me so she can sleep properly. Now don't get me wrong it really only is sleeping. Rae will curl up in a ball on one side of my bed and I fall asleep face first on the other side and all the while Ralph is sleeping close to her for her safety. I find it calms both me and my wolf to have her near and I want to reassure her that I am safe.

By the time September comes we have over thirty new pack members, all very nice and very grateful wolves that have been closely monitored to make sure their allegiance with Thomas is gone. With school starting up again and wolves getting back to their jobs everything was getting back to normal.

Tomorrow we are having the official welcome ceremony in which the new wolves will share blood with my father to mix their scents into our pack's scent. I've never seen it happen before so I am very excited.

"Yo Luka!" Opening my locker I see some of the seniors on the football team calling my name. Ever since the fight last year I've been getting a lot of respect. Apparently the guy I fought was a wrestler that's never been beaten... humans and their pride. I give them a quick nod and put away my jacket. I don't have swim practice today so I can leave fairly early. Maybe I can go to Rae's school and see how she's doing. Slamming the locker closed I catch Naal and Keegan's scent down the hall and catch up with them.

"What's up Alpha?" Keegan asks hitting my shoulder. Naal smiles and continues walking.

"Hey I have no practice today and coach said I'm already on the team. Wanna meet up at my place and play some XBOX?" Keegan high fives me and Naal nods.

"I'm going to be a bit late though." Naal says taking a textbook from his bag.

"Oh and what will you be up to?" Keegan says voicing my thoughts.

"I've been asked by the office to show this new girl around. She's some human with a high paying father." Shrugging he stops outside his class.

"Why you?" I ask. Again he shrugs but this time he smirks also.

"Because everybody loves me." Naal winks and walks into his class. Keegan and I laugh and head to our gym class.

An hour and a half later and I am on my way to my AP English class, my best subject. I mindlinked Naal to know if he would be there but he said he was beginning his tour with the human girl. I walk into class and greet my English teacher with a smile. Ms. Pena is a young Spanish human with a love and major in literature. This is her first time teaching and for the past two weeks she's been perfect.

"Good morning Ms. Pena." I say heading to my seat in the second row. I love sitting next to the window, the warmth of the sun, the smell of the trees, the invitation to the outdoors, it's all so relaxing.

"Good morning Luka. I suspect you will be more than eager to participate today?" She stands up to write on the board and my eyes catch the sway of her hips and I enjoy the show. She's got a very nice and round butt that compliments her full hips. She's a very attractive woman and she's practically shaking it right in front of me. I wonder if this is what it will be like for me from now on. No sex just constant visualizing of the opposite sex and the various positions I now want to take them in.

Ugh. Half of me, the physical half, is more than happy that I finally lost my virginity and to a beautiful girl nonetheless, but the other half of me curses the day I allowed this to happen. Now I get hard ten times faster than if I was still a virgin. I'm always thinking about girls naked and wondering how they would be in bed. It's annoying and arousing all at once.

"Hey Luka." I look over to the door to see Yulia walking towards me. She and I are the only ones to take this class besides Naal and she is of great help so far.

"Hey Yuli. Where's your boyfriend?" She blushes and places her books beside mine. Even Yulia has become a beautiful young she-wolf with her long brown hair and big green eyes. She's begun to develop in areas as well and her legs though short are perfection.

"He's not my boyfriend Luka you know that." I put my hands up in defense and smile.

"I know, I know. But I mean come on. You really like him and he's desperately in love with you. You might as well try to make it work." I say nudging her side. She blushes and hides in her hair.

"But he's a human." She says biting her nails, a new habit she has picked up whenever she's anxious.

"So what? If I was interested in a human female that I liked I would pursue her. I've dated a human before you know." I tell her rubbing her back.

"You were what twelve when you dated her? That doesn't matter. It all doesn't matter. My father wouldn't approve." I scowl at her confession.

"And why not?" I say trying to get control on my wolf's sudden burst of animosity towards her father. She can feel the presence of my wolf and she does something I haven't seen before but I know exactly what she's doing. She reveals her neck to me as a sign of submission.

"I'm not angry at you Yuli you know that right?" I say touching her arm. She looks at me through her curtain of hair and I can see tears building up in her eyes.

"I know that I just felt your wolf wanting me to submit so I obeyed... but my father... I don't think he hates humans, I just think he believes them to be weak and therefore not worth the time. But with Tristan... I don't know he's just different." Resting my hand on top of hers I'm about to speak but am stopped when Ms. Pena addresses the class. So I mindlink her instead.

"Do you want me to speak with your father about this?" I can feel the anxiety build in her mind and I worry she might have a breakdown.

"Could you? He really respects you and he would listen to you or your father faster than me." I squeeze her hand again in agreement.

"You've got it. One human boyfriend coming up!" Yulia giggles out loud and the class turns to us. I smile while Yuli blushes.

"Eyes up here class." Ms. Pena says purposely swaying her hips... again.

I pay attention to the lesson and force myself to focus, regardless of what my body maybe saying to me. Traitorous body. See this is why I love spending time with Rae. I don't have to worry about imagining her in any way because she is young and pure. When I see her I see an innocence that I once had and I guess I want to cling on to that for as long as I can. She makes me feel almost like a super hero. As if she is the Lois Lane to my Superman... if Lois and Superman were merely friends... hmm then maybe she is the Lois Lane to my Clark Kent in the matter of friendship and then when she needs me most I can be her Superman. Yeah that works much better. I wonder what she's doing right now. She's probably in an easy class enjoying her youth and freedom. Or maybe she is having recess. I remember recess and being so carefree, how much I miss being carefree.

"Luka!"

I jerk my head up to see the class all staring at me.

"What did she say Yuli?"

"She asked whether Shakespeare in Love was an act of himself or a promotional device."

"Thanks Yuli." I clear my throat and sit up straighter.

"Shakespeare in Love was a movie sourced merely as a promotional device. It helped to launch the career of Gwyneth Paltrow and won many Academy Awards including Best Picture." Ms. Pena raises an eyebrow but continues with the lesson. Thank the Goddess for the mindlink.

Class ends early because we have an assignment we have to start on so Yuli and I head to our math class while discussing what we plan to do.

"I don't want to act." Yuli says placing some hair behind her ear softly. I've noticed she prefers to keep her head down when walking in the hallways, almost as if to avoid being seen. I'll have to talk to her about that.

"Yeah neither do I but we have to." I say shrugging. A guy from the swim team fists bumps me as I pass and wiggles his eyebrows when he sees how close Yulia and I are.

"Well let's not do a romantic scene people are already getting ideas about us." Yuli says sighing. I laugh and throw my arm over her shoulder.

"What you don't want Tristan to know about us Yuli." Laughing she slaps at my chest and lifts my arm off her shoulder.

"Yes because I am so afraid of him learning that you are like a brother to me."

"It could break his fragile heart." We both laugh as we round the corner to the next class and guess who is standing at the doorway looking ever so anxious? Tristan! I nudge Yulia towards him and waltz into class by myself. When I get to my seat I see they're still talking and I know I have to convince Yulia's father otherwise towards humans. Yuli just looks so happy with the guy.

"Hi there Luka." My eyes catch a girl named Marianne as she saunters into class. She's a pretty girl with shoulder length brownish black hair and bright blue eyes. They're a gorgeous almost sea blue and they compliment her fair skin very well. With full lips and light freckles she has an almost angelic face. She seems to be another human female that puberty has blessed with her larger than usual breast size and a curvaceous waist. She's been a good friend to me since the beginning of freshman year. Did I mention she knows what I am? As in she knows about werewolves and kind of loves us. She wants to go into wildlife biology and live among wolves. She's a cool girl.

"Hey Mari I saved you a seat." She rolls her eyes and places her bag down.

"More like Yulia got caught up with Tristan again so you have an open seat." I throw my hand against my heart.

"How can you judge me so harshly?" She giggles and takes out her textbook.

"Because I know you so well. Anyways can you believe we have a test in a week already? We've been in school what two weeks? It's just mean." Now it's my turn to roll my eyes. Science is Marianne's second nature.

"Oh please as if you're actually worried." I tell her taking out my own textbook. Her nose wrinkles at my comment before she smiles.

"Oh I'm not worried. I was just complaining like all teenagers do." Our teacher Mr. Poppy walks in and places his coffee mug on the table.

"Alright class I know half of you hate me right now and the other half are either too tired or too hungry to hear me. Regardless I have to follow the rules. So let's finish with this chapter and on Monday I will go through the test review. Test is on Friday. It won't be hard it's all in the textbook." We all open to the chapter as he continues to teach. He, next to Ms. Pena, is probably my favourite teacher. He's honest, funny and very chill. It takes the stress off of the confusion that science can create.

Sadly class ends early so Marianne and I wait for Yulia to finish drooling over Tristan so we can go to lunch. Both Yulia and Marianne have become my morning routines this semester. I love spending time with them and learning from them. The three of us are almost always together. Maybe that is why people think I'm a ladies man. Tristan hands Yulia a piece of paper before he waves at me and leaves. Both Mari and my eyebrows are raised into our hairline by the time Yuli gets to us.

"What?" She asks stuffing the paper into her bag. Mari laughs and ties her hair into a ponytail while I throw my arm over her shoulder.

"Oh Yulia, Yulia, Yulia. You're such a heartthrob. The boys just throw themselves at your feet don't they?" She pushes past me and walks ahead. Naal is outside the classroom with the human girl he's showing around and I almost laugh at how she's desperately trying to keep his attention. He always seems so aloof to the affect he has on girls.

"Sup Luka?" I gesture to the girl and he discreetly shakes his head.

"Not my type". Is his answer.

"And what is your type exactly?" I ask as I greet the girl.

"Hi I'm Tyffany, with two Y's and no I." I smile at her.

"I'm Luka, Naal's best friend." She nods her head quickly and bites her lower lip.

"Oh I know who you are. I saw you at the swim meet last year. You were amazing. Is this your last year at this school?" Naal chuckles and pulls her along with us to the cafeteria.

"I'm a sophomore. We all are." I say as my sense of smell picks up the delicious aroma of french fries and burgers. Man I'm hungry. Tyffany looks between all of us and shakes her head.

"You guys look way older!" She says in disbelief.

"We get that a lot." Yuli says smiling softly. Even Marianne joins in.

"It's like they have super good looks am I right?" I nudge her side but Marianne is having too much fun. Tyffany nods her head.

"Definitely." The doors to the cafeteria are already wide open when we get there and I spot my group of friends in line for food. Keegan and Kyle wave while Jason stares at Art while is speaking to Mara. Cate and Connor are holding hands as usual. When Tyffany steps out from behind me I hear the sudden palpitation of two strong heartbeats. Looking behind me to Tyffany and then ahead, I see two sets of darkening eyes gazing towards the helpless little human.

"Tyff these are our friends. I've shown you the cafeteria already so let's meet up with them and get some food. We usually eat outside, it's much more peaceful." Naal says placing his hand on the small of her back. The growls, though low, could be heard from where I'm standing and I know today is about to get very interesting.

"Hi I'm Tyffany, two Y's and no I please." I hear now that she has a bit of a southern accent... Keegan's weakness. Kyle goes red in the face while Keegan looks like he's going to past out.

"This is Keegan and his twin Kyle. They're idiots. Over here is Jason, Artemis, Mara, Connor and Catherine." She smiles at everyone and her eyes linger on Keegan longer than the rest.

"Oh by the way I'm Marianne and this is Yulia." Mari says cutting in front of Jason. He growls but she puts a finger to his lips to shut him up, effectively causing a growl to come from Art. Are they dating? Nope but they still act as if they own each other. It's weird.

"It's so nice to meet you all. I love this school." She saddles closer to Keegan and Kyle sandwiches her other side.

"Well let's get some food and get out of here. It's getting crowded." I say and everyone agrees. I watch Keegan and Kyle from behind and decide to keep them in check.

"Don't do anything stupid. She's a nice girl. Respect her and her boundaries." I say to both of them. I watch their backs stiffen and they both nod their heads. The poor girl won't last.

By the end of the day Keegan has made Tyffany laugh so hard I was worried she was going to pass out. They two of them seemed to just click leaving poor Kyle sulking behind them. I've never seen Keegan so loose and yet uptight before. The way he monitors her reactions to his words, to the way his body will adjust to her presence I already know what's going through his head. 

"And so my daddy says 'You better get off my lawn boy before I blow off your head and mount it on a pike' and I just couldn't stop laughing." We all stop and stare as Tyffany continues to laugh at her... interesting memory. When she notices we're confused she stops and shrugs her shoulders.

"My daddy is super protective. If the guys can still face him after a threat like that then he's cool." Keegan nods eagerly absorbing every word she says while Kyle looks like he wants to explode.

"Honestly I prefer a father to be over-protective of his child, it shows just how much he truly cares for them." Keegan says stretching not noticing the admiration Tyffany shows him because of his comment. 

"I'm glad to know that Keegan." A car honks and we all watch as a large burly man gets out of his car frowning as he searches for someone. Tyffany turns to the sound and jumps in excitement.

"Hi daddy! I'll see you guys later!" She hugs all of us and leaves Keegan for last holding him longer and closing than the rest. Her dad nods towards us and gets back in the car and again I watch as Keegan stares after Tyffany with hearts in his eyes. This guy is a goner.

***

"I want to welcome these thirty-five new members to Dark Moon pack. They have come with bravery and we accept them wholeheartedly." The crowd cheers as the new members are lined up across the makeshift stage we set up a few hours ago. The entire pack is here to celebrate our new members and I am so glad to see that they are being treated so nicely.

"With the blood of myself and my ancestors I will combine our scents to become one." Father slices his wrist with his claw and holds his arm up high for everyone to see.

The first wolf steps up and slices his wrist as well. Father lays his wrist on top of the man's and both penetrate their claws into the others skin to complete the bonding process. The man hisses in pain but holds strong. For the next thirty-four wolves, children included, the process repeats itself and even though the kids don't have claws father still combines the blood to mix in the Dark Moon scent. Once every person is bonded they hold up their arms to the audience and wait for the Alpha's howl. We all join in the howl signifying our growing pack.

"Luka is it over?" Rae asks as she sits on my shoulders. I look up to her and nod.

"Yup that's everything." She pets my hair and laughs.

"I can totally see up your nose Luka." I flare my nostrils as wide as I can and she laughs even harder.

"Does it look good?" I help her off my shoulders and keep her at my side as everyone begins to mingle and eat food.

"Luka there you are!" I hear my mom's voice and bring Rae with me.

"Hey mom." She stops walking towards me and literally freezes. Her eyes widen before the biggest smile I've ever seen her make stretches onto her face.

"Sweetheart there you are and with Raelynn no less. How are you two?" The way she keeps staring at us makes me feel awkward so I let go of Rae's hand.

"We're fine mom. Are you ok?" I ask quickly becoming concerned.

"Oh I'm fine sweetie. I'm fine. I was just calling you to let you know that the Dawson's will be staying over tonight." She looks at Rae and smiles.

"Maybe you and Willow can have a sleepover." Rae's smile becomes tight but she's polite regardless.

"I'm sure we can try." Mom prances through the crowd and straight into the waiting arms of my father. She whispers something into his ear and the both nuzzle each other before speaking to the new members. Their love is so strong, it gives me such great hope.

"Come on Rae let's get some food." Rae smiles in agreement but stops moving. She turns in a circle three times before closing her eyes and whistling low. She almost looks insane but still cute in a way. A few seconds later Ralph shows up at her side and I understand what she did.

"Where has this guy been? I haven't seen him around much." I say placing my hand on his head in respect. His ears flicker and he bows his head before nudging Rae's leg.

"Oh he likes to spend his time in the forest more now than ever. I give him his space and he comes back when he's ready." She scratches behind his ears and he encircles her happily.

"Do you still want to get some food?" I ask walking towards the buffet station anyways. Rae laughs.

"Do I have much of a choice?" I smirk and caress her face again. It's becoming a habit for me, that and touching her hair.

"Of course you have a choice Rae! Like a choice between a hot dog or hamburger." Rolling her eyes she snatches her plate from me and serves herself. She goes to the enforcer happily barbecuing and asks for a stack of raw steaks. I laugh when he looks down at her in confusion before she points to Ralph. He gives her, her request and she packs on a hamburger and fries for herself on a separate plate.

Ralph follows loyally behind as we try to find somewhere a little more private to eat. Rae sneezes and I begin to take off my leather jacket for her to wear. It was a gift from my father on my birthday earlier this year. He said and I quote "It's a chick magnet. Trust me on it pup." Rae accepts the jacket and we sit on the outskirts of the party and begin to eat.

"Are we going to be in danger?" Rae asks as she tosses a steak towards Ralph.

"What do you mean?" I say biting into my juicy burger. She picks at her fries before answering.

"My family. Are we going to be in danger because of what daddy did?" I gulp down the food and sigh.

"Yes you will be but I will always protect you Rae. I'll protect your entire family."

"How? You're only one person."

"Yes but this is a large pack filled with people that want to protect you as well. Don't worry ok?"

"Alright." She tosses another steak for Ralph and begins to smile.

"Why are you smiling like that?" I ask as I begin to dig into my second burger.

"Because you love me." And it chokes me mid swallow. Rae laughs hard as I swig down my water.

"What? What do you mean?" She turns in her chair and smiles.

"I mean you love me. You may not want to see it but I do. And it makes me happy to know that." I stare at her confused.

"Ok..." I say going back to my food.

"Glad to hear you've stopped denying it." Rae bites into her burger and moans in pleasure. I'm about to object to her little comment but I hear Naal and the group making their way to us.

"There he is!" Keegan says falling down beside me. Naal sits on Rae's other side and everyone begins to sit nearby. We all eat and talk throughout the evening enjoying the peace and laughter shared. I make sure to mindlink father to talk to Yulia's dad about the humans and I smile when I see him make his way over to the man immediately. Everything about today is so peaceful and harmonious.

But that peace wasn't going to last for long.

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