I roll in the bed feeling very well dealt with. Brodie is an exceptional lover, and I wake to want for nothing but more time with his body. My sensually satisfied smile is gone when my hand reaches out and comes up empty. Lifting my head confirms no running shower or noises of Brodie in our bedroom. I learnt that the suite is noise proofed. Makes sense that no one heard my intruder from the other night except me. The idea of my screams never being discovered if things had gone the other way sends an uncomfortable shiver down my spine.

Last night, however, I was thankful that no one would be getting an ear full of our lovemaking.

After using the bathroom, I leave, hoping to find Cassey waiting for me in the kitchen. Instead, I'm disappointed again; I am alone.

Looks like you'll have to make your meal yourself for a change. Amber mocks.

"Suppose so", I reply out loud and head into my wardrobe. The meetings with the Alpha's don't start until 10:30 am. A look at the clock confirms it is only 9:45 am. As far as I know, there is no communal breakfast planned.

Instead, everyone was being served in their rooms, Brodie had said. I chose a smart-casual outfit of jeans and a blouse. No need to go over the top. The evening's sit down meal will again be formal wear, and I smile at the red gown I have chosen out for tonight's dinner. Walking back into the kitchen, I open the fridge, trying to decide on some food.

A knock on the suite door startles me, and I'm unsure if I should open it. What if the packs were attacked and an attacker waits for me on the other side.

Brodie, where are you? Someone is at the suite door.

I'm on my way. Leo needed a run after last night. He's pissed and wants more time with Amber.

The person at the door will be breakfast, Stella.

Oh, I'd better answer it then.

I cut the mind link feeling silly.

I am on Leo's side. When do I get a run with Mate? Amber whines.

I'll talk to Brodie about it when he's back.

Fine! Oh dear, not 'fine' again.

Amber! I promise, ok. Soon.

Ok, go get breakfast. Mrs Paranoid. Her emphasis on 'Mrs' almost makes me falter a step. Guess I am kind of a werewolf married woman now. I'm also still married to Derek, technically speaking. Opening the door and making a mental note to call a lawyer about divorce papers. I smile, relieved to see Casey as she wanders in with a makeshift hotel-style food trolly.

"So, congratulations", Casey squeals, bouncing on her feet with energy.

"For what?" I frown, confused.

"So maybe I heard some of the guards gossiping about how Brodie is sporting a new set of scars above his collarbone this morning!" She says, frustrated I didn't click on it immediately.

"Oh yeah," I'm sure I'm blushing. I'd forgotten that during our many sexual escapades last night. Amber and I had marked our mate.

"Why is that big news?"

"Well, now it's official. The mate bond is fully complete, and now you are our new Luna."

"I thought it was complete before, though?"

"It was, but the Luna ceremony can't happen until both marks are finalised. So now we get to plan your party!" she starts clapping and jumping up and down again.

"Right, ok, that makes sense, I guess" I push my further questions about the ceremony aside. Casey is hurriedly placing trays of food out, and I realise she's obviously helping serve breakfast to all the guests today. I can't keep her here answering my questions all morning. Brodie walks into the suite, the door still unlocked from Casey's entrance.

She bows her head avoiding eye contact with him like usual. Strange how I've just gotten so used to the ways of the supernatural.

This is what we were born for, Stella. We finally fit in here. Amber's words mirror my emotions.

I squeal as Brodie lifts me off my feet with an enthusiastic embrace. I kiss him enjoying his excellent mood, and give Casey a small apologetic wave as she leaves the room trolly in tow behind her. She winks at me before closing the door.

"Your chirpy", I remark as Brodie sets me to my feet again. He grabs a plate and starts loading it with pancakes and fruit. I follow suit, suddenly feeling ravenous.

"Enjoy it while it lasts, little mate. These meetings are known to be an intense mood killer." Now with a full plate, he takes a seat at the breakfast bar. I overload my plate like usual. My new appetite requires more food. Not only did I increase my physical activity, but uniting with Amber means I eat like a human male now.

"Great a whole day of talking wolf issues with grumpy Alphas", I grumble, and Brodie chuckles at my despairing.

"I know what I'll be thinking about to get me through" the look he gives me floods my mind with images of last night. His happy smirk confirms I'm once again blushing.

"So uh, what exactly do I do at these meetings?"

"Lunas are just as much involved as Alphas, Stella. Running packs is a team effort. All minds united as one is what's best."

"Cool. The idea of sitting next to you. As some sort of werewolf, trophy wife wasn't sitting well with me. None of that changes the fact that I have no idea what to talk about."

"It'll come naturally. If you don't have any topics to present. You can just comment and help with the ones that the other packs bring forward." He shrugs like it's no big deal. My stomach churns, and suddenly I'm not as hungry as I once was. Brodie notices me playing with my food and sighs.

"Stella, I feel your nervousness?"

"You can?"

"Yes, our completed mate bond. Means we can feel each other's strong emotions."

"Huh, that's kind of cool." I try to suppress the jitters in my stomach, but it's no use.

"Stella, your ideas for this pack so far. Have been exceptional. You have already helped increase this pack's security in the short amount of time you have been here. I have no doubt. That you can similarly help the other packs." Relief at his confidence in me soothes the queasy feeling in my stomach.

"Thanks," I reply shyly. We finish our breakfast in silence, and I start to feel more confident about Brodie's words. I wash our dishes while Brodie gets dressed. When he emerges In a semi-smart outfit of jeans and a shirt. I can't help but appreciate how good he looks, wanting to take his clothes off his body again. We had each other multiple times last night but still, I burn with desire for him.

Brodie moves like a predator sizing up its prey. Letting him embrace me from behind, he pulls me until I'm plastered to him. Using my bound hair to leverage my head whatever way my wolf-man pleases. Ravaging my sensitive neck, he leaves me a panting mess before releasing me from his grip.

"Let's go, little mate." I hold the countertop for support, my legs now jelly.

"You like reducing me to a hormone-filled mess, don't you" his returning grin confirms.

"Let's hope all the other Alpha's don't pick up on it then."

Good one, Stell wiped the smug grin right off his face! Amber chuckles. Brodies smile has turned into a concerned frown. There's no way I would continue to be a wanting mess in front of the Alphas. I just said it to get back at him for teasing.

"Don't think too hard; you'll hurt yourself", I giggle. Brodie looks at his watch, and It's my turn to frown. His smile is wicked when he looks back up at me. The bond tells me precisely what he is feeling. Stepping back from him, I shake my head.

"No wolf-man! I'm all dressed and ready to go. Don't you mess me up! We'll be late!"

It's no use; my shirt is the first thing torn from my body...

The Alpha meeting is just as soul-destroying as Brodie promised. We've sat here for hours, and the biggest challenge has been to keep an interested and caring look on my face as some of the pack members speak. Brodie rubs soothing circles on my inner thigh.

Brodie positioned us in the middle of the table, Opposite Alpha Regan, Alpha Jessie and his Luna Maryanne. All his safe choices were chosen out for me yet again. The more threatening options are positioned on the other end of the long table. Josh is seated next to Brodie's left, and on my right sits Luna Cherrie, followed by her Alpha David. Currently, Alpha Henry, one of Josh's assignments, is dribbling on about trade agreements for his sheep's wool.

Looking across from me out of sheer boredom, I notice Alpha Regan fake falling asleep. One eye opens as he sees me watching him. He quickly closes it with a smirk. I stifle a giggle and kick him under the table. Eyes snapping open, he fakes immense pain, and I can't help a silent childish snicker.

Brodies hand on my thigh turns to stone, and even though his eyes aren't on mine, I know he saw our little immature exchange. I turn to Luna Cherrie; she gives me a warm smile and a dramatic eye roll. I relax knowing everyone is feeling as uninterested in Alpha Henry's problems as me.

Next Alphas up, and this time it's Regan's pack. Again, he straightens and starts rolling off his topics with lightning precision, accepting or declining new trade agreements with ease.

"Now, is anyone else having trouble with Rogues? Attacks on my pack have tripled in the last month" He continues chatting, and Brodie starts telling him of our own troubles with Rogues. I notice the piece of paper outlining his patrols and the layout of his pack territory. He's highlighted where he thinks the rogues are getting in, but he's wrong.

"I think I know how you can Improve your packs patrols, Regan. Ugh, sorry, Alpha Regan."

"Quite alright little one. I've heard stories of your exceptional skill in this area. I would love to sit down and go through this with you" Regan's smile is bright and encouraging.

Jesus, can everyone tell how nervous we are? Amber voices my concern about how obviously inexperienced I am with these meetings.

"No need, can I" I held out my hand for his paperwork. He hands it over, frowning, and the room goes deathly silent, everyone's attention on me. Oh gosh, why didn't I take his offer to do this privately? Then, thanking Brodie with my eyes when he hands me a pen, swiftly, I get to work. Two painful minutes later and I've shakily outline Regan's issues and solutions.

Turning the paper around, I explain.

"Your assumption of where they are invading is mistaken. Your patrol lines timings are good, and the formation is solid. However, this valley will provide great cover. Your patrols go around it rather than through it. This will be an easy spot for a rogue to hide until they have passed. Once inside it, they have a clear access way into your lands and pass your patrols." I hand him the paperwork, and he studies it with a deep frown. A surprised smile forms on his face, and he nods appreciatively.

"Thank you, Luna Stella. Your suggestion is excellent and so obvious now you have pointed it out. I believe this will help me a lot."

"It will, your welcome" I beam so proud of myself. Alpha Henry rises from his seat and moves to peer at the paperwork over Regan's shoulder. I jump, surprised when he throws his pack territory and patrol paperwork at me.

"Would you mind assessing mine also" I smile and nod back, lost for words? Several other Alphas hand over their private pack documents. The meeting continues as I get to work, thrilled to have something fun to do!

See, I told you, little mate. So proud to call you mine. Brodie squeezes my thigh, and I can't help but look up at him, fighting back the tears from my eyes.

Nobody has ever said that to me before... Indeed, Derek was never proud of my many achievements and talents. We only ever celebrated his own successes. I watch anger flash across Brodie's eyes as he puts the pieces together. How had I not realised how wrong for me Derek was until now?

He leans down and places a small delicate kiss on my forehead, and I lean into him, closing my eyes. Fists slam onto the solid rimu table, making it vibrate under my hands. I jump, shocked.

"What is this an Alpha's meeting or a fucking dinner date" Zorrick booms standing and glaring at us. It's a total overreaction to the small intimate moment shared between us.

"Alpha Brodie, do you think you can keep your paws off her until the end of this meeting" He continues to yell, glaring at my mate. I shove my trembling hands in my lap, and Cherrie takes hold of them, giving me an encouraging squeeze.

"You're ok Stella, he's just angry he hasn't found his mate", She whispers so low only I can hear. Then, taking a steadying breath, I will myself to relax.

"I will put my paws wherever I want when It comes to my mate", Brodie booms, standing. Violent shudders rack through him, and I know Leo is fighting for control. But, oh, dear, Brodies only reacting so strongly because he feels Zorrick is the man behind the note and my parent's death.

"Boys, boys, let's calm this down before it gets a bit too overcrowded in here, yeah" Regan stands, and I'm thankful for his interjection. Josh pulls Brodie to be seated.

"Newly mated mates make me sick. Just keep it in your pants until the end of this shit!" Zorrick grumbles unhappily, sitting down. He clears his throat and continues speaking about trade agreements. I hadn't realised it was his turn to talk about his pack issues. Eyes down, I set to work on my task at hand, not looking at any other Alpha or Lunas for the rest of the meeting.

At lunch, I hand back the private paperwork entrusted to me by the other Alpha's. They all appreciate my suggestions, and I have definitely over-promised on visits to their packs to help with security. Feeling accomplished, I load my pate with delicious-looking rolls and savoury bites.

"For a little person, you sure can yet" Regan's familiar teasing tone mocks me.

"She's feisty if she doesn't eat", Brodie chuckles, also loading his plateful behind Regan and me.

"I'll bet", Regan comments, walking away to take a seat at one of the arranged lunch tables. He takes a seat next to Zorricka, and I frown, confused. Regans seems like the complete opposite of that monster; why would he sit with him.

Regan needs to keep friendly with him. Remember, he only has a small territory that's protected by Zorrick as well. Brodie reminds me through our link. I take a seat next to Brodie's mum. They weren't in the meeting today, but she and Jasper have come down to join us for lunch.

"Oh dear, I've heard all about your outstanding performance helping the other packs. Well done," Loranne gushes quietly, so only I can hear.

"Thank you, Loranne, we must meet so you can educate me with your wisdom" This needs to be made a priority now I am to take on the Luna duties. She chuckles.

"Plenty of time, dear, we can arrange it for next week after the Alphas meeting has finished."

I eat my food, clearing my plate.

"I'm going to head up and get a sweater," I tell Brodie. He searches the room, and once he spots Zorrick still in his chair, he nods, agreeing I will be fine.

Satisfied, I'll be warm enough to sit through another hour or so of tedious pack problems. I move to leave when I notice an envelope pinned to my dress for tonight's dinner. My heart rate increases, and it's hard to stop my hands from trembling as I tear them open. Screaming, I drop the note staring at the gory photograph in my hand. A sob escapes my lips as I turn the photo of what I know is my parents' torn up bodies. My mother had black hair and brown eyes, just like me. Even with all the blood splattered on her face, I could recognise the resemblance. I pick up the note, fighting my lunch back down in my throat.

This is what happens when someone breaks their promise.

When the time comes, you will go with me willingly to spare the lives of those you love! You are mine!

Images of Lorraine, Jasper, Riley, and Lexi murdered and bloody flash through my mind. Again, I run to the toilet, and this time, the contents of my stomach are expelled. The threat has been made. Go with Zorrick, or he will slaughter my new family just like he did my birth parents.

Stella, are you ok? We're about to get started.

I think I have what Riley and Lexi have. Excuse me for the rest of the meeting, please.

Ok, are you sure you're ok?

I'll be fine. I'll mindlink you if I need anything.

Ok, go to bed; hopefully, you'll feel better for dinner.

The mindlink with Brodie ends. Guilt wracks me for lying to him. Riley and Lexi have been unwell for several days missing their eighteenth birthday celebrations we had planned as a family. The fact Brodie thinks I'll be ok for dinner means he knows something else is up with me. Obviously, our bond only works if we are near each other because if he had truly felt my emotions, he would be here by now.

Always learning, aren't we. So now, what are we going to do? Amber projects despair at our situation.

"I have no bloody idea."