I'm staring at the dress and I feel nervous. I wish I could just wear my skinny jeans and boots like before! Granted that was one of the few fancy events I was ever permitted to go to. Grandma made sure of that. 

I suddenly feel guilty, having left my pack all the sudden. I missed Blue River, and Natalie had told me they were facing problems with rogues on the borders. I hadn't heard much, for everyone and everything has been keeping me so busy. I put the dress on the bed, and sit down next to it.

I was their future Luna, and I just . . . left. I had no contact with them. My heart swelled up and I could feel myself missing the idea of being their Luna. Although I didn't have a choice when it came to Dalton's pack, and him just whisking me away, I still felt the guilt gnaw into my stomach. 

I frowned and rubbed my temples. 

I wanted to see them, my pack, my home. Away from this mess of things. Despite having the answers to everything now, I felt so lost when it came to what I should do next. How do I move forward now? I've been reincarnated so many times, Dalton is considerably older than me, and I have no idea where we stand now. Does his pack know anything about this? About what he is; who is and his story?

Then I thought of my Grandmother Helen. She hasn't even called me once since I have been here. I growl in my throat, frustrated. I'm torn between wanting to leave my old pack ignored due to my grandmother, but then my heartstrings tug and make me miss home. I miss being normal, and hell maybe I even miss fighting with Taylor Quinne, whom I haven't seen since that daring night. I then think of the Code. Why could I not read it? Why is it illegal? 

A knock sounds on the door.

"Yes?"

"You naked yet?" Gavin calls from the other side. I roll my eyes. 

"Nope!"

He then walks in, fake scowling. "Darn, am I early?" 

I laugh at him and shake my head. He looks at my dress.

"Don't girls need like, all day to get ready? The ball is at 8, and," he looks at his wrist, "it's 7."

I groan and fall backwards onto the bed. 

"I don't know if I'm cut out to go to this ball thing, Gavin," I huff. He falls back next to me. 

"I don't want to go any more than you do. But it's obligation to the packs we've made alliances with," he said. I look at him, and his eyes are hardened as he stares at the white ceiling.

"What's this ball for anyway?" 

He sighs and turns to look at me with those soft eyes that differentiate him from Dalton.

"Like I said, we go and 'celebrate' our alliances. Funny we call them that, when every other pack out there is trying to have our heads on spikes," He says with a dry, not so comedic laugh.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"We're a strong pack, voted the strongest in the nation. What makes us rare is that we didn't need a lot of bloodshed to get to the top. We gained more pack members, we're smart financially, everyone is fiercely loyal. Moonclaw pack, the pack that must watch its back."

I frown, and look at the ceiling. I suppose it made sense. Moonclaw is a very strong, smart and resourceful pack. Blue River, while mediocre, doesn't have to worry too much about outsider packs trying to trump us for territory or anything since we were small and kept to ourselves. Until those rogue attacks...

"Everyone okay?" Gavin asked. He turned on his side and propped his head up with his hand. I sighed melodramatically.

"It's just...now that things have calmed down a little, I have more time to think about Blue River pack - my home, and I just worry that they will struggle with the rogue attacks. They're not wimps, but... they don't have the numbers like how Moonclaw does," I said, imagining a bloodbath at the pack house in the woods. 

"Didn't Dalton tell you?"

I sat up. "Tell me what?"

Gavin sat up too, and rubbed a hand through his hair. "He sent some of Moonclaw to go back to Blue River. They're helping as much as they can."

My mouth opened. "I-I didn't know. When did they leave?" 

He quirked up an eyebrow. "Before you were taken by Vince. So they've been there for about three weeks."

I sighed in relief, glad to know Blue River had some help. I didn't doubt them, but I felt I should be there, fighting by their side. Mates aside, I had Blue River blood flowing through my veins. The strong urge to protect my pack augmented in that moment.

"Oh no, no no. I see that look, Carter, you're not going back to Blue River. It's too dangerous with how rogues band together nowadays," Gavin said, crossing his arms.

"You don't understand, they're my family. I was supposed to be their Luna."

"And now you're ours." I glared at him as he got off the bed and crossed his arms in defiance, looking like Dalton now. 

"Gavin, I need to see them. That's my home and I just abandoned them," I said, getting up and putting my hands on my hips.

"This is your home now, Carter. I get you miss them and feel bad, but you need to stay here where it's safest," He replied. I growled in my throat.

"I'm going to go back. I don't know when. But I will."

"Dalton wouldn't allow it," Gavin said with a victorious smirk. 

"Dalton cannot forbid what he doesn't know about," I replied, mirroring his expression. He growled again but I smiled. I didn't know when, exactly, I would go back to my home pack, but I would. 

"Why are you so difficult, Carter Blake?" He groaned, rubbing his hands down his face, dragging the skin down in exhaustion.

"It's more fun that way. Anyways, get out. I have to get ready now," I said, pushing against his chest. I moved back gradually until I slammed the door hard in his face. 

I was frustrated, hoping Gavin would have helped me. I knew Nat wouldn't, and there was no way in Hell that Dalton was going to...unless I could persuade him. 

A devious thought crept into my mind. I was going back to Blue River soon - and no one could stop me.

-

The dress was tight, a bit too tight if you ask me. It's a dark red and hugs me from chest to bottom where it flares out a little like a mermaid. The sleeves are lace, and go down to my wrists. 

I can still somewhat move at least. The neck line is a sweetheart but the lace goes over my exposed chest and continues down to the sleeves. The rest of the dress is satin and it gleams quite well. I decide to throw on some combat boots, only because no one can see them underneath. I grin, knowing I'll be way more comfortable than everyone else.

My makeup doesn't go too crazy. I have a red lip, and have a simple cat eye with some fake eyelashes, and a bit of highlight. My hair is in loose movie-star waves with one side pinned. After I'm done, I lather on some deodorant and douse myself in this nice perfume Gavin has. I asked him why he has lady perfume and he just smirked and told me he likes to have his "overnight guests smell nice when they leave the next morning". Pig.

Someone knocks, again. I'm apprehensive.

"Who is it?" I call, putting in some earrings. I don't hesitate to my industrial in again. 

"It's me," Natalie says, coming into the bathroom.

"You look so good!" She cheered, clasping her hands at her chest. I turned and smiled. Her dress looked gorgeous on her. It was all silver with a blue undertone, no sleeves, a straight cut on her chest, and it was lovely. She lifted the gown to show me her blue converse. I laugh, and show her my boots.

She covers her mouth and giggles, as do I, like children.  I then remember why it is that we're best friends despite my over the top shenanigans, and her shy-girl ways.

"Are you ready?" She asks. I shrug. "I mean, I guess. Do you think there'll be food there?" I asked. She shrugged. "I hope so, I haven't eaten much today and I'm already starving." I couldn't agree more with her.

"Ladies!" Someone calls. I turn, and it's Gavin. Still annoyed with him, I cross my arms as he stares at us up and down.

"Well aren't you both just a sight for sore eyes?" He asked with a faux country accent. Nat chuckled in response but I snorted.

He was wearing a tux, and his hair was jelled but also still messy.  It looked good on him, and made him look very professional and handsome.

"C'mon, sour puss. Let's just enjoy this night, okay?" He asked, with a smile. Nat looks at me with the raise of her brows, clearly wanting to be let in on what he was referring to.

"Fine. No use pouting about it anyway," I said with a groan. 

Gavin smiled. "Care to let me escort you two lovely she-wolves downstairs to the cars?" He asked. 

"Why thank you, good sir," Natalie said with a grin. She grabbed my hand and led us to Gavin. He held out his arm, and Nat took it with her dainty hand. He held the other to me. 

"If you roll your eyes one more time they'll stay in the back of your skull," Gavin teased with a shit-eating grin. I tried not to smile and took his arm, and out we went.

"You know, I feel bad for you girls," Gavin said as we got to the stairs. 

"Howcome?" Nat asked. We made our way down.

"With your heels. Must suck."

Me and Nat share a look and hide our smiles. 

When we get to the bottom, I see the back of Dalton's head, as he seems to be on the phone with someone near the double doors. 

I try to hear him.

"Well keep doing what you can. Don't leave until you have her trust."

I frown. Who's trust? Who is the "her"? I can feel my wolf grow with frustration, hearing a female pronoun come from Dalton's mouth that isn't directed at us. I shake it off, knowing I can't start acting like a love crazed puppy right now.

  Love. I wonder, if at some point, Dalton and I will love one another.

I wonder how hard that may be, considering the circumstances. He said he was willing to try, but would he stick to that? Would I?

Dalton turns around after hanging up. His eyes go to Gavin, then to me. As he scans me up and down, with unreadable eyes, I feel my face warm up. It's strange, he saw me without a bra on hours ago, and now I'm bashful?

We meet him and Kaz, as well as others at the bottom of the stairs. Kaz is wearing a white dress with long, drooping sleeves. It's plain, and simple, and it suits her so well. Her hair is in a bun and her unwavering eyes lack emotion as well. 

"Is everyone ready to go?" Gavin asks.

"Don't suppose we have a choice," I said with a forced, dry laugh. Dalton is staring at me; burning holes through my head, or chest, or body, maybe all of the above. I don't know, I refuse to look at him, although I want to. His hair is like Gavins'. It is like he put jell on his fingers and then rubbed them through his hair. His suit fits like a glove, and he reeks of authority. 

"Let's move," Dalton said, grabbing my wrist and dragging me alongside him. I growl in defiance as we go outside, but Nat and Gavin just laugh behind us.

"Um, ouch!" I hiss. 

"Would you stop your incessant whining and be a grown up for tonight?" Dalton growls. I'm taken aback at his attitude. It's like when I first came here, and not the Dalton a few hours ago.

"Only if you're not a dick," I replied, yanking my wrist from him and walking ahead of him. I stop at the edge of the street and see three limousines. I frown, really? Limos? What is this, homecoming?

He growls from behind me as he comes to my side. "Get in."

I scowl and grab the door, throwing myself inside, him following suit. 

"What about Natalie and Gavin?" I asked as he sat next to me.

"They're behind us, Kaz and some others are in the third."

I realize this is the order of a pack. The Alpha and Luna in front, with his second as well as who I consider mine, behind us. Kaz, the fighter with others in the back. 

White, pale lights dim the back of the limo, and the silence is quite uncomfortable as we begin to drive.  Dalton senses this but says nothing, hands on his  legs. I frown, and search for something to do that will entertain me.

I look to see if there's anything interesting, and I then see a champagne bottle hidden in a compartment with ice. I grin, and reach over, the seats squeaking as I do so. I grab the bottle and return to my seat. 

"What do you think you're doing?" He asked with an unamused frown. 

"Know where any glasses are?" I asked, completely ignoring him.

He sighed. "You don't need to be drinking before this Walker Ball," He said, pinching the bridge of his nose like I was stressing him out. Ha! As if.

"Dalton, I could snort cocaine, smoke weed and chug three full handles and it wouldn't be enough to handle this life I'm now living in. Now then, the glasses," I say, raising my eyebrows. I sighs again, and leans to his other side and grabs not one, but two. 

I grin. I try to open the bottle with my fingers, and then give up when it hurts.

"Give me that," He commands. I growl, but he takes it from me. He grabs the top, and twists slightly. 

"How'd you do that?" I asked, watching a small bit of smoke rise from the top. 

He doesn't answer, but just pours it in a glass, handing it to me, and for himself. He then puts the  bottle in another ice compartment.

I lift the drink to my lips and the taste is strong and has a bubbly feeling going down my throat. I rest the glass at my lap to see Dalton staring at me.

"Don't just sit there, drink it," I say with a huff. He growls in his throat, telling me to "back off", but I stay glaring.

He lifts it to his lips and drinks.

I frown and fiddle with my fingers.

Dalton

She looks delectable, and radiates innocence that I want to snatch into my claws and tear apart. Her persistence, though annoying and undermining to my authority, reminds me of how she survived not so long ago when we all believed her to be on the brink of death.

I want to do whatever I want to her, but she is different than the versions before. She is stronger now, and she's a werewolf in this life. A Luna. Before, she was a meek human, something that I knew if I touched, would crumble in my hands. And so she did all those other times. 

I swore, that last time, I had it figured out. She wouldn't die on me, not again.  But fate took her away. I'd done my best, keeping myself from her. But when she discovered I was a werewolf, she took off, ran. The drunk driver that night became my worst enemy.  But then I realized, I was my own worst enemy. I did this.

I tried so hard last time to keep away from her, but I couldn't make that happen. She sucked me in, like a hurricane she took all of me, and afterwards when she faded away, I was left destroyed. It was exhausting, all those years of surviving the hurricane. And yet when I was in the eye of the storm, life was blissful. The best it had ever been. But I knew I would be left to pick up the pieces of myself when it was over.

I looked over at her, her eyes focused on the outside as the trees whizzed by.

I reached my hand out towards her, but retracted it. I was confused. I didn't know how to handle the situation anymore. It seemed that no matter what I did or said, the same outcome would appear each and every time. But now she was like me, a werewolf. Perhaps, somehow, just somehow, she would survive this life. 

Carter

"How is Blue River pack doing now?" I asked, keeping my eyes focused on the window. I watched him in the reflection.

"Okay now, I think. I haven't heard much."

"I see," I whispered, feeling my heart clench. 

"What is it?" He asked through his teeth.

I looked at him.

"Doesn't matter. You wouldn't give me what I wanted even if I asked. Just forget it," I said, already exhausted. He growled.

"Growl all you want, Dalton Valerio. We both know it's true. You're too predictable."

He grabbed my wrist, and I dropped the glass on the floor.

"Don't," He warned. I hid my smile. "Or what?" I challenged, coming closer, keeping my scowl on my face.

His eyes looked at my lips. I stilled and heard my own heartbeat in this moment.

"Don't presume to tell me what I am," He said with a deep and gruff voice.

I frowned.  "Then stop being predictable."

"Carter," He growled, very much as a caution. He wanted me to stop, to backdown. He was warning me. He looked down, and you could see the faintest amount of my cleavage through the lace. 

"Dalton," I replied, in a voice that felt weak, but I tried my best for it to sound confident.

"Stop, Carter," He commanded.

"What if I don't?"

"Carter," he warned, staring at me with ferocity and anger.

"I won't stop, I won't, Dalton." I remained headstrong, knowing this made him angrier. I was challenging him. But I had to. I had to be seen as an equal. I was not going to be his little play thing that he could talk to or touch however. 

"You should," He said, his breath fanning my nose. I blinked, and felt a stir in my core. Was he...was I...turned on?

"I won't," I told him.

"Carter-"

"I won't," I repeated. He growled, and I matched his. As his grew louder, mine did as well.

I reached my hand up to his tie, wrapping his around my fingers in a closed fist.

I looked up at him, through my lashes, where his eyes were near black. I challenged him with my eyes.

He then lost it, and went for my neck like that of a predator to prey. Despite his aggressive and fierce movement, his lips kissed up my neck, sending angry sparks of pleasure throughout my body.

I wrapped my fingers around his tie, making my skin turn white.  He began to suck and nip, and I lean my head back on the leather seats. I stop holding myself up with my free hand and fall back on the seat. I writhe my fingers through his hair and tug hard. He lets out another growl, and I find myself relishing in the deep, dark sound it provides. 

Suddenly, his hand reaches for something under the seat, and I'm nervous for a second until I hear music start to drown out all sound. He finds my lips and I pull at his locks even harder, and bites my lip, hard. I realize, there is a bit of blood from his bite, but it doesn't hurt, it only feels good. I'm surprised, with what's happening, but my head is spinning again. It's like every since the truth came out, we can't deny the tension in the air between us.

I lean back for air  and lifts the bottom of my dress, before stopping, he looks at me with plain eyes. I look at him, and I realize he sees my boots. I cover my mouth with my hand to stop from giggling. 

For a moment, a small, tiny little moment, a ghost of a smile appears on his face, as though he's genuinely amused. It kind of makes my heart skip a beat, seeing him smile even if it's short lived.

He puts my dress back down and I reach across. It's my turn now. He growls but lets me push him down on the seat with one hand. 

I kiss his neck as well, hoping I'm not being a fool. My hand trails down his stomach and to his crotch. He sucks in a short, sharp breath, before I begin palming his groin.

I grin to myself, relieved and thrilled that he responds to me. 

"Carter, stop."

And with those words, I freeze up, and wish I had never been born.

"What?" is all I can say. I take a second to come to my senses, and see what's just happened. 

He comes up and I lean away from him as he fixes his tie.  I look at the ground, and I feel tears welling up in my eyes. I feel like a fool, an idiot, an absolute idiot. I bite my lip.

"We're here," He says. I nod, looking at my fingers.

"Carter-"

"Don't!" I snarl, and  grab the door handle before he grabs it.

"Stop overreacting, Carter," He growls. His insensitivity towards me makes me feel cold, and everything that just happened almost disappears. 

"I can't do this, not like this, not right now," He says as though he's struggling to find the right words.

I don't look at him.

"I won't be able to stop, is what I'm trying to say. And I know you're not ready. If we keep going, I will not stop, or hesitate and you will hate me for it," He says, his voice fading into the music. I reach down and turn it off, for it annoys me.

"What do you fucking want, Dalton?" I say, growling in my throat. 

He shakes his head and looks away with cold and uncaring eyes. "I want you Carter. It's always you," he mumbles with bitterness. He opens the door immediately after and gets out, leaving me confused and angry.

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