Teaghan groaned when she was shifted into a sitting position. She could see the apology in the young warriors face, and rather than make him feel bad for causing her necessary pain she gritted her teeth to keep herself quiet.

When he prodded her ribs, outlining each one to check for fractures or breaks her body stiffened on its own. "I'm sorry Luna."

The name threw Teaghan, she opened her mouth to correct Sean, but the only thing that came from her mouth was a surprised gasp when his hands moved to her stomach.

She knew she was bruised and thought her whole body ached she wasn't prepared for the sharpness.

"Some deep bruising but no breaks. With our quick healing you should be as good as new in the morning." Sean assured, moving back to give her space.

Teaghan nodded then stopped quickly when the movement made her head spin. "Thanks. Has Alpha Reeve returned yet? Gael?"

As soon as Teaghan had been handed off to Sean Gael had turned right around and left. She assumed he had gone back to help his Alpha.

"Not yet, but I'm sure you'll be seeing him the moment he's returned."

"Thank you for looking me over Sean," Teaghan smiled and watched as Sean nodded in acknowledgment and left the room.

Teaghan looked to Cecily who had until now been standing in a far corner, quiet as a mouse which wasn't normal for her sister. Her sister was outgoing and outspoken.

"Tea," Cecily's quiet voice made Teaghan frown, then when she saw the guilt-ridden expression she frowned harder, her eyes narrowing.

"Don't. Don't do that. This wasn't your fault. Cameron isn't your responsibility and you aren't responsible for his actions. He didn't really hurt me. He wanted to humiliate me, put me in my place but other than a few punches," she lied, "he didn't do anything else."

There was no reason to go into great detail with Cecily. She could see that even after what she had said her sister was still taking this on her shoulders as if it were her fault.

That alone made her want to go hurt Cameron again. However, now that she thought about it she wondered if Cameron was even alive. The way Reeve had looked when he saw her.

His eyes blazed as he stared at Cameron. She really worried that Reeve would kill him. She hoped he didn't but according to pack laws, it would have been his right to if he chose it.

"Alpha Reeve looked ready to murder Cameron. I wonder if-" Before she could even finish what she was about to say the door to her bedroom door opened.

Teaghan stared at Reeve as he stood in her doorway. The man was so large that he nearly took it up. The seriousness in his eyes and the way he looked her over made her feel nervous.

Reeve slowly made his way into the room. When he stopped at her bedside, she had no choice but to look up at him.

She had listened to her mothers talk about mates, but she had been young and uninterested so she fought to remember the words her mother spoke. "Cecily, would you mind giving your sister and I a moment?"

Thought he had phrased it as a question both Teaghan and Cecily knew it wasn't a request. Cecily turned to Teaghan and when she got a nod from her older sister she left the room.

As soon as the door closed behind Cecily, Reeve's kneeled one knee on the bed and buried his fingers into Teaghan's hair pulling her gently toward him so that his lips could seal over hers.

Surprised by not only his boldness but by the warmth and tingly sensation, Teaghan gasped which allowed Reeve to become bolder. His tongue teased and tasted while she could do nothing more than whimper and follow his lead.

Reeve hated that he couldn't control himself. He had been calm on the walk back, assured by Gael that Teaghan was fine other than some bruising and even that would be gone in a couple hours.

Unfortunately, the moment he opened the bedroom door and saw her laying in the bed saw the proof of what had happened and the reminder of what could have happened brought out the protective and possessive part of himself.

He had barely managed to contain himself so that Cecily could leave the room. The moment she had he had to taste Teaghan, to feel her against him. When he felt her own tongue stroke against his, he groaned in satisfaction.

Her taste was unique, wild. His skin erupted into goosebumps when he felt her fingertips against his forearm. Knowing he needed to stop before he couldn't anymore, he pulled away slowly savoring her.

They both breathed heavily, their eyes closed as they rested their foreheads together. Reeve wasn't sure what to say. Though she had kissed him back, should he apologize?

"Thank you," Teaghan whispered, "for coming to find me."

"You're my mate Teaghan. I'll always come for you." Reeve pulled away and sat down. "I didn't hurt you did I?" Her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of red at the reminder of their intimate moment.

"No. I'm a little achy but otherwise I'm perfectly fine. I'd rather be up doing what I need to do than laying in bed feeling like I'm being useless," she frowned. "What happened with Cameron? You didn't.."

Reeve shook his head, "I didn't kill him. I wanted to, so badly. I left Gael with him to... clean him up."

Teaghan sighed but nodded. What could she do? She knew that having a mate and an Alpha mate at that meant that she would have to leave the Reed pack, but by doing that she would be abandoning everyone else when they needed her.

"We have much to talk about. I have only so much time to get through to Steve before I either return to my territory or send someone back to let my acting Alpha know what's happened."

Reeve had to touch her. Gently he slid his fingers over her cheek, he played with her hair, loving the silkiness of it.

"When it's time for me to leave, will you come?" As much as he wished he could make her follow him, he couldn't. Though he was Alpha by birth and right which meant he could make her bend to his will, he wouldn't force a mating onto Teaghan.

"I want to. Of course, my sister must be welcome to come as well. I wouldn't leave her here."

"Of course, I didn't expect for her to ever stay here." Reeve could see the but in her eyes, "tell me."

"I can't leave them, Reeve. I know it isn't my responsibility to take care of the pack, but it's what I've been doing since Alpha Steve locked himself away. I can't abandon them."

Reeve smiled, "you will be a wonderful Luna. So warm, generous. Your heart is gentle and caring. I do not expect you to abandon them for me. I will do all that I can to wake Steve from whatever dark place he has buried himself. If my time runs out I will leave some of the warriors here with you."

"I don't expect you to leave anyone here. I-"

Reeve silenced her with a quick kiss, "you, my dear are my soul mate. I wouldn't leave you here unprotected and without warriors willing. Sean and Troy have already agreed if such a situation arrives."

Touched deeply, Teaghan sighed and nodded. "Alright then."