" We all do things we desperately wish we could undo. Those regrets just become a part of who we are, along with everything else. To spend time trying to change that, well, it's like chasing clouds."

---Libba Bray
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3 years later.....

It had been the same for almost three years. The same loving family I met when I had stumbled upon them, heartbroken and lost.

Ashton trained me harder than anyone I'd seen him train. Every morning at three o' clock, he woke me up and made me run eight miles as warm up, and then push ups, boxing and many other things.

After a year of having me train my ass off, we clicked and he asked me out one day.

I said yes without hesitation.

Ashton was only a year older than me, he was seventeen and I was sixteen, but he never treated me like a baby. He treated me like a girlfriend and loved me more than Cael or anyone ever would— and that included my biological family. If I ever had a nightmare about a beating I'd received at the Moonstone back, he was there to comfort me as I blubbered and sobbed into his chest. The nightmares had long since disappeared.

Ashton's mate had died before they met. He'd told me he had felt the most excruciating pinch in his chest when she passed away, but I guess the mating bond wasn't as strong when you hadn't met them yet. Though, some days I caught him sitting out in the front porch of the pack house, staring off into the starlit sky. I couldn't blame him.

The twins were — well the twins, and they always argued with each other over the smallest things ever. Like who got the last pancake, or how much closet space they were taking up.

Sometimes it made me wonder what would've happened if Cassie and I had that kind of a bond. If she'd stepped up and protected me like an older sibling was supposed to. My blood boiled in my stomach every time I thought of her, though it had begun to dissipate as the years passed.

Alpha Tyler was pretty ridiculous at times, and he horsed around more than he used his authority.

Ava and I became friends immediately after Tyler introduced us and since then, she'd been there for me whenever I needed a good rant, or worse — whenever I felt Cael forgetting his morals with someone at night.

At first, I'd felt an agonizing pinch in my heart, and my stomach had twisted into a dozen knots that had left me a sobbing, blubbering mess. Not even Ashton or Ava could stop my tears. But now, it was normal to feel it almost every Saturday the pain faded into a dull ache. The mating bond was fading away between us. I didn't know if I felt sorrow or joy.

I couldn't have asked for a better family, and I could really care less how my old pack reacted when I left. They probably never even minded, unless their new housemaid was unable to fulfill her chores.

The three years had done me well, puberty coupled with the immense amount of training I did everyday. I appeared to be a completely different person, though my dark hair and facial features stayed the same. My body was just more toned.

I was happy now and that was all that mattered to me. I still cooked for the The Nightshade Pack now and it was not because I was forced to. I'd realized early in that after all those years, cooking had become a big part of my life and a hobby of mine. I couldn't bear to lose that part of myself.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning when I opened my eyes that day. The sunlight seeped through the closed curtains in my room, illuminating it to be brighter than I would've liked, stinging my eyes.

I lazily sauntered into the kitchen, my eyes drooping as I was still half asleep even though it was almost noon. Everyone from the pack was already down, digging into to their instant pancakes, a ridiculous amount of toppings layered on top of them.

I glanced around as I took a seat at the table, next to Ava. Ashton was still nowhere to be seen, not that I was surprised. Him and I stayed up to ungodly hours last night, binge watching a new Netflix series. Everyone else was present except for Tyler, who was probably getting the mail. Every Sunday we received mail, from other packs or sometimes from the Werewolf Council.

I piled some pancakes on and empty plate and loaded it with syrup and some fruits rather than Nutella and a ridiculous amount of powdered sugar — which happened to be the twins' favourite. They were currently shoving their faces full of that.

The door swung open with a thud as it smacked against the wall — denting it from the force. Tyler stood on the other side of the threshold, his face flushed as he panted heavily. There was a golden envelope that he waved frantically in his hand.

"Guys, we got a letter from the council!" Tyler rushed over towards us as he fumbled to rip open the letter without a letter opener. Needless to say, the envelope became shards of ripped paper.

The council consisted of elderly werewolves — who were former Alphas — that did their best to keep the peace between all packs, as well, they tried to keep the peace between us and werewolf hunters. They had the power to force packs to form alliances and they kept track of any werewolf hunters in the area.

Ashton appeared next to me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. His dark hair was ruffled over his head, and he sported his plain pyjama shirt and sweats.

Ava, Trace, Dyson, Ashton and I all gathered around Tyler. I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding as I rubbed my clammy palms against my pants. From the look of Tyler's anxious expression, I knew he felt the same as me.

Most of the time, we were required to assist the other packs in their training because we were one of the strongest werewolf packs in the region now — thanks to Tyler's obsessive training schedule. I had become one of the strongest females in the whole region these past three years. The six of us crowded around the letter, ignoring the curious glances of the others at the table.

Dear Nightshade Pack,

The werewolf hunters are closing into our territory, this time displaying signs of homicide towards werewolves. They come in great numbers, greater than one werewolf pack.

Tonight the Moonstone Pack will be moving in with the Nightshade, this will be a start of a new alliance. We need the Nightshade Pack to help the Moonstones, to train them and prepare them for what is to come.

We are aware about your past history with the Moonstones but this must to be put aside, it is the best for our kind.

The Werewolf Council

I blinked at the letter, my mouth hanging open agape. Dread immediately coursed through me, all the way to form a nasty pit in my gut.

This had got to be a dream, a nightmare.

There was no way was I going to have an alliance with my former pack. I wasn't going to help them survive. Not when they'd barely excepted me into their pack — even though I was their own.

Their Alpha, Cael wasn't one bit capable of running a pack. He'd rejected me as his mate because I wasn't... good enough for him.

They seemed to know what I was thinking but it was Ava that spoke first. "I'm so sorry Lila, I never thought that they would make us work with them. Now you'll have to---"

"Ava, don't bring it up, it's the past. Lila is different now, she's not weak. She'll be able to suck it up. Our revenge and wars we have been planning for the Moonstone will be put on hold, for now, we are a team. And we will help them." Tyler interrupted him, his voice demanding and and authoritative that immediately got everyone following his directions.

"I can't help them, not after they did what they did to me. They don't deserve it." I shook my head furiously, training my hard gaze to the floor. It didn't matter what I said, Tyler wasn't in charge of this decision. He was the Alpha of The Nightshade Pack, but even Alphas had to take commands from the Werewolf Council.

"Martha, go get all the guest rooms ready for tonight." He stated sternly to one of the pack members.

She nodded and quickly scurried away to clean up the guest rooms. In a way, it was telling me we didn't have a choice. The twins looked at each other and shrugged, both at the same time.

It made me smile from the fact that they always did things at the same time unintentionally, but sometimes, it was kind of creepy how they mirrored each other. Ava nudged me and nodded her head towards our bedrooms, above the kitchen.

I sighed, returning her nod. Ava headed for the stairs and as I followed, Ashton tugged on my hand.

I turned to face his torn expression, contorted with sympathy and confusion. He didn't know how to react to this.

"Will you be okay?" His eyebrows furrowed in concern.

I sighed. "I have to be, don't I?" Ashton didn't say another word as he wrapped his arms around me, engulfing me in a tight embrace. He pressed a light kiss on my forehead.

"You'll be alright. It's just the Moonstones." He chuckled slightly and I returned it. "Now go." He released me and I gave him one last nervous smile before I turned to the stairs — joining Ava.

We both left the kitchen to prepare for the Moonstones training. Tyler began informing the rest of the pack of the Council's demands. The voices in the kitchen faded away as we bolted up the stairs, taking two at a time.

This was gonna be easy, a piece of cake.

I just had to remember that I wasn't there to help because I wanted to, it was because this was a mission that The Council assigned me to. Strictly professional.

That was what I told myself as we approached my bedroom.

I stepped into the closet that I shared with Ava. I know, de ja vu right there, but Ava was different, she had her half and I had mine and she never took up more than what was her space. I dug deep underneath and found my best weapons, my spear, bow and knives. I fought well both in my human and werewolf form since it was necessary to know both well. I twirled my knife in my fingers.

"The Moonstones are up for a bit of a shock." Ava chuckled, an eyebrow raised at my fingers swirling the knife around. She turned around and began digging her own weapons from her side of the closet.

This was it, it was time to show the Moonstones that I wasn't Lila that they knew three years ago. I was stronger, not weak.

The rest of the day passed by smoothly. I watched TV, talked with Ava and the twins for the rest of the day to get my mind of what was about to happen. Tyler and Ashton were both busy getting the house set up for the Moonstone's arrival. I just wanted to feel Ashton's arm around me, then my nerves would finally subside.

Before I knew it, my nightmare was turned into reality. I stood on the front porch of the pack house, waiting to greet our rival pack. It was a large, flat field in front of us. But not even the blazing sunset in all shades of orange, yellow and lilac could calm my rapid heart beat, or the knots that twisted uncomfortably in my stomach.

Ashton next to me, squeezed my hand in a futile attempt to comfort me. The gesture spread warmth in my stomach, temporarily loosening the knots.

Not long after, a number of huge mini vans stopped in front of me, this was it, time to show them who I was.

From the first car, of course the Alpha, Beta and Luna and the Omegas sat in the other cars. The van pulled to a stop in front of our house, the engine dying down. The doors swung open not a moment later and my eyes widened.

My sister came out of the first car, sporting a dress that was deemed classy but formal. Her long blonde hair ironed straight, rather than curled like it used to be. Other than that, she looked the exact same. The same large chest and backside, the same annoyingly plump lips. Beside her, the one and only Alpha Cael Rodriguez — in all his glory.

I inhaled sharply at the sight of him, my heart skipping a beat. My insides buzzed immediately from the sight of his dark hair and piercing blue eyes that darted from side to side as he admired our pack house. He wore a simple flannel that couldn't hide his toned body and a pair of dark jeans.

My wolf howled joyfully. I gritted my teeth, adverting my gaze to the ground as my brain reminded my heart that he rejected me, that he was the one who hurt me.

All the members of the Moonstone Pack unloaded from the numerous vans within minutes, one by one. Cael approached me and the rest of my pack all positioned perfectly on the front porch from the Alpha all the way to the Omegas. I stood in the front, facing The Moonstones with my friends. Tyler and Ava next to each other, followed by Ashton and I, and then Dyson and Trace.

I eyed Cael, my eyes unintentionally following him wherever he walked. I stood up straighter to make myself look taller, after all being five foot three didn't help with that. My lips twitched upwards at the fact that Cael looked the exact same as I remembered.

Both Alphas looked stiff as if they were refraining from attacking one another, which they probably were. Cael was the first to stick out his hand, eyeing Tyler with a smug smirk, Tyler respectfully took it and shook Cael's hand, his own hard gaze unwavering.

"I'm Alpha Cael and this is our Luna, Cassie." My breath stopped short in my throat, my heart dropping to the earth.

My own sister was with my mate.

I understood that she didn't care about me, but it was at a new low to be with the one and only person that was supposed to love me. That was meant to love me.

It took all of me not to lurch forward and strangle her on the spot. That would be the end of the alliance that didn't even start.

Although my body stiffened, I kept a flat expression. I could feel Ava's eyes burning into me, but I avoided her gaze. Ashton's body also grew taut, but he didn't reach for my hand, as much as I ached for it. We were expected to remain professional.

Cael continued. "My Beta and best most trustable friend, Alex, second in command after Alex, Ryder." He motioned to the group formed behind him and my sister. I remembered Alex. He wasn't always so bad, he never hit me or ordered me around to do anything. Ryder was a different story. Ryder was always the one who'd start something.

He'd demand that I'd wash his clothes and fold them, but then criticize the way I folded them. And because I'd done something that wasn't to their liking, I'd be punished. Sometimes with more chores, other times I'd get punched — mostly in my abdomen, sometimes in the face.

I shivered slightly from the memory.

"I'm Alpha Tyler and my Luna Ava, my second in command, Ashton, my best friends Trace and Dyson, and my strongest fighter in both human and werewolf form, Lila Connors." Ava, Ashton and the twins all took their turns greeting Cael, all with darkened and hard eyes that portrayed no emotion.

I felt a sense of pride at that. They stood by me.

The Omegas behind Cael and Cassie murmured and whispered at the sound of my name, I knew what they were saying. I couldn't help the smug smile that appeared over my face as I stepped forward at Tyler's introduction. Cael took my hand in his, the familiar tingle and sparks surrounded us. I knew Cael had felt it too when his eyes widened and he immediately stepped back shoving his hands in his pockets.

My sister scrutinized me intensly, narrowing her eyes to slits when it finally dawned on her that it really was me. Her only sister. She sucked in a sharp breath turned away, her eyes never meeting mine after that. I kept my head held up high, the same flat expression plastered on my face.

"Here, let me show you to the guest rooms." Tyler motioned to the house and The Moonstone Pack followed his lead, to the rooms. They all glanced at me as they brushed past, some of them scowling, others offering me a nervous smile as they stepped into the house. To my disappointment, Ashton had gone with Tyler as the Beta, leaving my side where he'd stood cold and empty. I let out a heavy sigh that was immediately caught in my throat at the sight of Cael.

He stood rooted to where he was on the porch, his piercing blue eyes staring deeply into my dark ones.

"What are you doing here?" Cael questioned, his eyes narrowed slightly. I gasped when he stepped forward, grabbing ahold of my arm roughly, jerking my body towards his. My body knocked against his, and I hated the tingles that spread over me from the contact. "Why are you with the Nightshade? You could've gone away to any other pack but you ran to our sworn enemy?"

He scowled at me, his expression was cold, though his icy blue eyes were clouded with an emotion I couldn't decipher.

"You mean your sworn enemy? I don't belong to the Moonstone Pack anymore, I thought made that clear when I left." I pressed my lips to a thin line. "And don't touch me!" I growled, snatching my hand away from Cael's tight grip.

My wolf cried for me not to stop fighting with him but I've grown accustomed to her whining about Cael.

He chose my sister over his own mate, to me, he deserved to die at the hands of hunters. A flash of hurt flitted across his eyes, before they turned hard, his jaw clenching.

"You think I wanted Cassie to be my Luna? My parents made me choose her when you left, they said it was the next closest thing to you. Cassie's too weak to be Luna." Cael growled, running a hand over his hair.

I smirked, looking up at him smugly. "As weak as I was when you rejected me?" He gritted his teeth at my words. "I'm only speaking with you now because I respect The Council. You will never be a true Alpha. An Alpha is supposed to be there for the pack, to be a leader. Which you are incapable of both."

I pushed my index finger into his chest, shoving him back slightly in my anger.

He blinked at me, his mouth opening before it shut again. I shook my head at his speechlessness, spinning around in my heel.

Everything that I'd felt the last time I saw him still existed in my heart. I had buried it all deep inside, I just had to be strong enough to keep it there.

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A/N: hello readers, it was quite fun to write some beef between Cael and Lila and theres a song on the side in caels point of view so look at it from caels point. please comment and vote if you liked this chapter thankyou for reading!

EDITED