The next day greets me, and I'm feeling like my energetic self. Making a mental note to find a gym or exercise area around here, I bounce out of bed, excited to see Brodie again. Wondering what he might have planned for my first willing day in the land of the supernatural.

"Goodmorning," Casey greets me as I enter the kitchen. "Not who you were expecting?" she chuckles as I correct my fallen face back into something I hope resembles a smile. I sit on a stool in front of the kitchen island bench-top, casually looking around to see If I missed Brodie somewhere else in the room.

"He's left already; got up early to deal with pack business. He plans to spend some time with you this afternoon," Casey encourages.

"Oh, so he left again," I sound just as disappointed as I feel. Was it because of last night?

"Tea of coffee?" She asks. Trying to sound cheery.

"Coffee, black, no sugar, thanks" I smile at her. Hating how excited I let myself get. I won't be that girl who waits around. I need to do something with it today.

"He's arranged for you to have dinner with the family tonight" she looks at me, assessing my reaction.

"I'll do my best" I return a nervous smile. Casey hands me my coffee, and I start to eat breakfast. I could get used to someone cooking all my meals.

"You will be perfect," she encourages me. Although I highly doubt it.

"Thanks," I say in between bites. Flavour explodes on my taste buds, and I almost moaned at the mouth orgasm.

"These have to be some of the best eggs I've ever had. What did you do to them?" I shove another large mouthful in, suddenly ravenous.

She taps her nose, letting me know she won't give up her cooking secrets.

"So you have a morning, what would you like to do with it?" she asks me brightly.

"Is there a gym or exercise area?" I ask, figuring now's my time to release some of the energy bouncing inside me. Casey's smile widens.

"If you like to work out, your going to love what Katai has to offer."

An hour later and Casey walks me to the pack's main exercise area. She points at various shops and buildings along the way, letting me know what they are and who lives within them.

"Oh wow, you weren't kidding." I blurt. Looking at an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fully equipped gym, track, and sparing ground. Excitement bubbles up inside me; I can't wait to get stuck in and burn some calories.

"No, I wasn't. I hoped you'd like it" Casey claps happily. It's sweet that she wants me to like being in Kaitai.

"It's great, isn't it? Everything you can imagine is here," Casey informs me.

Immediately, fighting going on grabs my attention. I recognize Josh, Brodie's beta, sparing with a young male who reminds me of Daniel. His movements are too slow. He tries to put too much power behind his attacks.

Bouncing on my feet, vibrating with excess energy. Realizing It's been too long since I got my heart rate up. I always get anxious without exercise, add Brodie, and I'm fit to burst.

A blonde with huge breasts that needs more coverage approaches us. The woman is on a mission, and unfortunately, we're It. I see Casey's body tense, which confirms my assumption that this she-wolf is likely a bitch.

"Hi, I'm Kelci, and this must be our Alphas mistake, mate," she giggles. I stiffen, immediately hurt by the insult. Yeah, she's a bitch, all right. My annoyance with her grows, and I have to clench my fists to control my emotions.

"How dare you talk to our Luna like that? '' Casey spits. Taking a steady breath, I hold my hand up. As lovely as she is, I don't need Casey fighting my battles against every bitch who won't like me for being an outsider and Brodie's mate.

Jealousy ripples through me as Images of this woman and Brodie assault my eyes. She doesn't like me, and that's likely because she had her eyes on Brodie or has had him already. Kelci's gorgeous, even if she is a bitch. I loathe every exposed inch of her.

"Stupid mate bond," I mumble to myself, annoyed by my raging emotions once again.

Taking another deep lungful of air, I go to start my reply before being interrupted by Kelci. She reaches, grasping my t-shirt, revealing my neck and shoulders.

"Hey, get your hands off me!" I smack her hand away, feeling violated that she thought she could approach me with such hostility and rudeness. I'm shaking with anger like a crazed person, I can't even speak, and It's like I can feel Amber pressing on my mind wanting me to shift and let her rip her limb from limb.

"She bears no mark, meaning she's not our Luna yet," Kelci practically sings happily. I hug my temples, not understanding what's happening to me.

"I suggest you back off now before I put some marks on you!" Casey yells. I growl loudly, turning heads in our direction—this time, when my chest rumbles threateningly, I don't jump with surprise. Instead, I welcome the warning forward, using it as a threat.

"Your eyes are creepy, and you need to get better control of yourself." Keltic huffs giving me a once-over with her gaze. "Nice to meet you stray," she huffs, walking away, dismissing me. It takes me a good minute to get my anger under control. Casey glares at anyone watching us, and they quickly avert their eyes from the scene.

"You okay?" Casey looks concerned.

"What's happening to me?" Suddenly letting the fear underneath the anger rise.

"I feel like I'm a different person," tears fill my eyes, and I take deep, steadying breaths. Girls like Kelci have approached me before, and I never got this wound up. Watching Derek screw Sandy's brains out caused less of a reaction.

"You're still getting used to your wolf Stella. Normally it takes months to gain control over your wolf. You're doing amazing, considering your first shift was mere days ago. You'll need to let your wolf out for a run more often. It helps keep her calm, at least until you establish a balance" She rubs my arm caringly, noticing the tears threatening to leave my eyes.

"I am sorry, Stella, word gets around this pack fast. There are no secrets" Casey apologizes for Kelci's behavior.

"One of many to come then," I say, rolling my neck, finally feeling more in control. I'm definitely ready to release some energy now.

"I'm going to hit the treadmill for a warm-up first," I announce and make my way over to the line of abandoned gym equipment.

"I'll join you," she smiles, but I can tell it's unenthusiastic.

I frown. "Take it you're my bodyguard today too?"

"Sorry Stella, Alphas orders are that I stay with you" she at least looks apologetic.

I shrug, not caring anymore; I like Casey's company anyway. I step onto the treadmill and, after 10minutes, hit my average pace enjoying the chance to release some pent-up frustration into the track.

I let my mind wander, processing all the information I've learned. My mind wanders to Brodie. Our kiss last night was hot, the hottest I've experienced. I increase my speed on the treadmill, feeling faster and more powerful than my usual self. Another wolf thing, no doubt.

I slow down into a power walk. I notice several pack-members in the gym staring at me. Turning to look at Casey next to me. Her red and sweaty face lets me know she's not as fit as me. I should have asked her if she usually uses a treadmill; guilt swallows me.

"Casey, you don't have to run as long as me. Sorry, I didn't even think to ask." I should know better being a personal trainer.

"I don't normally run a lot in human form, but that's okay" she smiles at me.

"You didn't need to run. I wouldn't have minded. You can do your normal workouts. I'm sure Brodie didn't mean for you to shadow me. Just stay close in case I freak out or something."

"Thanks, because if you're going to continue to torture yourself with this stuff, I'll be dead by the end of this session," she giggles, and I join her.

"Why is everyone staring at us?' I ask, noticing people look away, now chatting amongst themselves again.

"I don't think they expected you to be so fit," she giggles. "And they want to get a look at our new Luna," she continues.

I ignore the new Luna comment and focus on my next workout.

"I'm going to spar next. You're welcome to join me. Only if you want to?" I give her a stern look making sure she doesn't agree to this out of obligation.

"I'm good at combat, but after watching you run like an Olympian, you'd better take it easy on me," she giggles.

"I've never spared with another wolf before. You'll probably kick my butt," I admit laughing. I am indeed a little nervous about getting my own arse handed to me.

We make our way over to an available mat near the group of pack members training. I notice that once pinned in an unbreakable hold, that determines the winner.

Casey takes the space opposite me and gives me a slight nod to indicate she's ready whenever I am. I crack my neck and nod back. We circle each other, and Casey's entire look and posture turn hostile. It freaks me out as it's so animalistic. She usually's so lovely; seeing her in fight mode feels strange.

Twenty minutes later, and although good, Casey is no match for me in hand-to-hand combat. I'm delighted by my new strength, combined with my already trained skills. I feel in control of this and like I've finally found some part of this wolf thing I'm good at.

My confidence grows, and we join the group swapping partners and training. Josh, who's running this training, smiles, gesturing with his hands for us to join the circle.

"They won't go easy on you," he chuckles, amused. My annoyance flares. He assumes I'm some flower of a woman.

We'll show them. Amber snickers.

"I'll sit this out, Stella. I'm going to go for a swim instead," Casey pats my shoulder. I smile, giving her a nod.

I'm paired up with the blonde boy I saw earlier. Josh is clearly pairing me with the weaker, more inexperienced pack members. Internally I groan but welcome the opportunity to prove myself.

The whistle blows. The boy smirks confidently, thinking I'm going to be easy.

This should be good. Amber purrs happily.

Two minutes later and I have him pinned in an armlock. Loudly he begs me to let him go, and I do. Sensing Josh's eyes watching. The satisfaction of proving him wrong about me is going to be great.

Slowly, I make my way up the ranks to the more experienced fighters. By the time the fourth one goes down, Josh himself stands in front of me. I smile triumphantly.

"Impressive little Luna, clearly you're hiding some great skill in that small frame of yours, but now It's my turn," he smiles.

"Stella," I say, taking a fighting stance, ready for the whistle.

All eyes are on us now; everyone In the gym Is watching. The whistle blows, and Josh immediately lunges for me with speed and accuracy. I dodge, rolling away, avoiding his grasp, but only just.

He's good.

We're going to need to be clever with this one. Amber mirrors my thoughts.

I get to my feet, and Josh is almost on me again. Damn, he's fast.

Managing for a second time to get away, Josh scratches my arm, nearly getting a grip. The marks of his fingers burn painfully. If I let him get his hands on me, I'm done for.

Changing tactic as he lunges for me again. I don't dive away. Instead, jumping and rolling over the top of his back. Landing on the other side, I waste no time, crouching, and taking his legs out from under him with a firm swipe of my own.

Josh thumps to the ground and curses. I pounce on top, trying to get him into a locked hold. He throws me off with ease, confirming my strength is no match for his own. If I can't pin him, all I can hope for Is a draw.

We dance, unable to get a hold of one another. It takes every ounce of my concentration to avoid Josh's lunges and attempts to get hold of me. Time runs out, and Josh reluctantly stops lunging for me as the whistle blows.

"Looks like it's a draw," Josh claps, surprised he couldn't take me down.

A deep rumbling laugh vibrates through me. We both turn to see Brodie leaning against the wall looking more like a god than a man. My heart flutters at the sight of him. How long was he watching us?

Our eyes lock, and I feel self-conscious about my sweaty state. Brodie walks towards us with an amused expression on his face. My chest puffs, It feels good to show my skills to him and the rest of the pack members.

Proving not only to them but to myself that I can handle this has boosted my confidence. I'm discovering a piece of myself that has been hiding all my life.

Reaching us, Brodie takes me into his waist, and I'm happy he's shown his affection towards me so publically. He's a lot taller and bigger than me, but I seem to fit into him like we were structurally made that way.

"After hearing my little mate was kicking some serious ass down here. I had to come and see it for myself" He grins at me proudly, and I swoon. Josh coughs, and my embarrassment grows. I didn't really think I was kicking ass, but I was definitely enjoying myself.

"She'll make a fine Luna, that's for sure; she could take over training the other she-wolves. That would take a load off me," Josh announces, finally smiling at me again. All traces of annoyance are gone.

"I'd like that," I announce, surprising myself, Brodie, and his Beta. They exchange a look. Brodie squeezes me, and I'm enveloped in his addictive smell. Leaning into him, suddenly feeling the effects of all my exertions, I let him take some of my weight.

"Come, I want to give you a tour of Kaitai."

"Sure, I just need to freshen up first," I laugh, genuinely excited about exploring more of this place.

"I'll meet you at the suite in 45minutes?" he smiles down at me.

"Sounds good." We lock eyes, and it feels like the rest of the room disappears. This time when Josh coughs, even Brodie's face looks a little flushed from embarrassment.

"Geez, you two seriously need to get a room," Josh laughs, but the smile on his face shows he's delighted to see us getting along.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Kelci the Blonde from earlier approaching us. She flicks her hair and sticks her breasts out further as she sets her sights on Brodie. I can't help the little rumble that escapes my lips as my emotions burn once again. Brodie, clearly sensing my discomfort, snaps his attention to her and then back to me. A slight smirk forming on the corner of his mouth.

I shove my temper down in an attempt not to make a scene like earlier. Squeezing impossibly closer to Brodie and standing tall. I brace myself for the next verbal onslaught.

Kelci reaches us. Brodie gives me a reassuring squeeze, sensing my distress.

"Alpha, it's so good to see you down here. I was delighted to see our potential new Luna making an appearance," Kelci purrs. I stiffen at her obvious fake-ness and manage to stop another growl from bubbling up and out of my mouth. Casey appears beside me, squeezing my arm reassuringly. She's giving Kelci such a heated look I almost laugh.

"Yes, Kelci, It appears Stella has impressed many today. She will make Kaitai and me a much stronger pack," Brodie responds. I swell with pride.

The crazy urge to stick my tongue out while rubbing myself all over Brodie in front of her frightens me. Once again, overwhelmed by how intense my emotions are.

Panic threatens me next, thinking about how easily I forgot about my past life and how sure everyone Is that I'm staying here to become their Luna.

I like it here so far, and a large part of me feels a longing to stay, but I still need more time to fully make that decision. It's been one day.

I see Kelci clench her fists, clearly annoyed by Brodie's compliments of me.

"Will you be staying and sparing today, Alpha? I could use some tips on holds if you're free?" Kelci pipes up. Involuntarily I grip Brodie's side so hard he takes my hand, pulling it from his rib cage. He rubs it soothingly, hiding the movements from everybody's vision, for which I'm grateful.

"No, Kelci, I'm taking Stella for lunch and a tour of the pack territory. I'm sure Josh or one of the other trainers can help you," Brodie replies with a hard edge to his tone. He knows what Kelci is doing and obviously disapproves.

"Shame, no one can quite get a grip on me like you to do," she licks her lips.

Great, so they have been together, and that confirms it.

I lose it lunging for her. The growl I'd been suppressing rips out of me. Brodie grabs me before I reach her, spinning me around and back into his chest. He holds me there firmly and rubs my back. The sparks of the bond soothe my anger. I could get out of his hold if I really wanted to. Still, the embarrassment of my out-of-control behavior causes me to bury my heated face further into him.

"I know you didn't really want to do that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have stopped you," Brodie whispers into my ear. I nod my thanks into his chest but don't look up at him. Shame is threatening to swallow me whole.

"Kelci, if you think upsetting my mate and your new Luna will score you any points with me. You are wrong! You're on patrol duty for the rest of the week," Brodie growls, clearly pissed.

"I am sorry, Alpha, I meant no offense to our Potential! New Luna. My apologies" she emphasizes the word potential, and it makes me want to punch her stupid face all over again.

She's right. I haven't decided to stay and be a Luna yet. Still, I want her to piss off.

"Enough leave us" Brodie uses his Alpha tone, and Kelci presumably walks away immediately, having to follow his Alpha command.

"Are you okay?" He continues to rub my back caringly. Coxing me away from his chest.

"Just embarrassed," I reply, pushing away and gathering my things from the floor.

"Please don't be. To be honest, it's nice to see you use your wolf side" he smiles. My returning smile is weak. He grasps my arm, pulling me in close to him once again.

"Also, you're hot when you're angry," he whispers so only I can hear. Holy crap, did he really just say that.

I clench my thighs and smile up at him, definitely feeling better. Brodie takes a long inhale and stiffens, letting me go. The sudden shift from being embraced to being pushed away confuses me. Did I do something wrong?

I'm about to ask him, but when I look up, and into his eyes, they've changed from their usual green to almost entirely black. I see a tremor roll over him like he's fighting something. I want to help, so I move forward again, but he takes a step back from me.

"Casey, take Stella to get ready for our tour of the pack" his words are strained.

"Are you okay?" I ask him. He nods but looks away from me, still with almost black eyes. What is going on? What the hell just happened?

Casey hurriedly makes her way over to me and hooks my arm gently.

"What's going on" I mumble in her ear.

"Later," She whispers back, leading me away and out of the gym. Once outside the gym, I ask her again.

"Okay, explain, please" I look at her expectantly as we walk. She moves her eyes around us, making sure no one is in hearing distance.

"Okay, so you know how werewolves have a perfect sense of smell, yea?"

"Yes, that's something I actually do know" I laugh

"Well, that means we can sometimes smell how someone is feeling"

"Okay, and what does that have to do with Brodie weirding out on me back there."

"Well, whatever he said to you made you feel a certain way, yea?" she's blushing and talking around what I now realize just happened.

"OMG! Casey! Are you telling me Brodie can smell me when I'm horny!" I forget to keep my voice down, but thankfully no one is around.

"Yes, Stella, it's normal, so don't be embarrassed. Brodie is an Alpha, his bond and urges to mark you are more robust than other male wolves. My mind goes back to last night and him slamming the bedroom door on me.

"He was battling with control of his wolf back there." Casey continues. I should be dying of embarrassment, but now knowing Brodie was fighting to resist his urges towards me makes me feel a little hot again.

"Can other male wolves smell it too?" I ask quickly.

"Not normally unless it's really potent, but an unmarked female that's aroused. Let us just say It makes it easier to smell than a marked one. Think of it like nature's calling. Your body wants to be mated, and the more time you two spend with each other, the more that bond and desire will grow."

"Okay, I think I get the picture now," I mumble, feeling a bit queasy with all this talk about mating and marking. Unfortunately, Casey doesn't pick up on my comment and continues.

"It's really unusual for an Alphas mate to go unmarked for long. The bond will literally drive him crazy until he has you claimed as his. Whether you want it or not, the longer you stay here, the harder it's going to get for him," She finishes.

It's not a question of want because, gosh, do I want Brodie to do whatever the hell he wants with my body. It's more about what comes with it. Being Luna and living here away from life as I know it. Casey looks at my pale face and changes the subject.

"Okay, let's get you ready for a tour. Everyone in town is so excited to meet you" she smiles at me encouragingly. The thought of running crosses my mind, things are moving fast, and that's the way this goes typically for an educated she-wolf, which I am not.

Still, with everything I've learned and experienced, the idea of staying and being a part of the Brodie and Kaitai pack has grown on me considerably. The thought of disappointing them and hurting Brodie is painful now that I'm getting to experience this world first hand.

Plus, I want answers about my birth parents, and leaving this place won't help me figure out what happened to them. I feel a headache coming on, but I smile back at Casey, and we walk back to the Alpha's suite.

30 minutes later, I'm showered and scanning my clothing choices in a black set of plain cotton underwear. Finally, I decide on a long-sleeved, earth-green winter dress that finishes just above the knee.

Thick stockings and some brown ankle boots make my outfit complete. Running the blow dryer over my black hair, letting it fall naturally down my back, its long length reaching my waist. A little mascara because I am out to impress after all, and I'm done. One last look in the mirror and I like what I see. I hope Brodie does too.

Mate will always like us. Amber assures me.

"I think I'm starting to get this whole thing now," I tell her.

Took your time, but glad you're coming round. This is where we belong, Amber encourages.

I head for my bedroom. No need for perfumes because, like me, all the other werewolves and their heightened sense of smells do not appreciate the assault on their sinuses

Walking out of my room into the living area, I am alone. Casey left already and went home to her mate. As we are having dinner with Brodie's family tonight, she doesn't need to cook for us, so I dismissed her for the rest of the day.

Moving myself to the balcony, I look out over the view below in daylight. About 50 acres of established farmland and township lie before me. The woods provide a magnificent backdrop making the actually large village seem small compared to its density.

Eagerness to explore it with Brodie courses through me, I'm impatient to spend more time with him.

My phone vibrates in my back pocket. Pulling it out and reading Derek's name on the screen makes me groan out loud. My stomach plummets; I've been trying to forget about my life back home. Becoming fully immersed in all things Kaitai and Brodie.

Answering the call dreading the sound of his voice, I decide I have no choice.

"Hey Derek, what's up"

"Stella, thanks for answering."

"What do you want, Derek" my tone is cold, remembering what he said when I last saw him. I'm worthless; what an arsehole.

"I have some things I need to collect from your place." Relief at the words 'your place' washes over me. I assumed Derek might try to claim half my house. But, considering he's screwed me over in every other way, he's finally found his conscience.

He left all his keys behind so he can't get in without me. I do some calculations in my head on when I might possibly be able to sneak away to sort this out. I don't really want to tell Brodie about it, but I know I probably should.

"Stella?" Derek asks when I don't respond.

"Sure, when were you thinking?" I'm scrambling for a way to make this work without causing drama.

"Either tomorrow or Monday evening?"

"Monday 8:30 pm it is" I commit to a time, knowing I can figure the rest out later.

"Sure, why so late?"

"None of your business. If you want your stuff, then be there to collect it" I hang up.

I have no idea how I will achieve it, but I have a feeling Brodie's not going to let me just run off to see my ex-husband un-marked, mated, or whatever.

Plus, I don't want the drama of explaining it all to everyone. Sure he'd let me go, If he came with me, which is far from ideal. I'll just sneak off Monday night and meet Derek there; I'll be back by morning. Know-one has to know I'm gone. I can fake a headache or sore tummy and go to bed early. It'll all be okay.

Leaning heavily on the balcony, sighing, I look up at the sky fighting off the wave of depression that Is my life back home. It's only been 2 days, but I feel like weeks have gone by with how fast everything is moving here. The familiar feeling of Brodie entering the suit crawls over my skin. Casey's right, this bond between us continues to grow, making everything feel effortless. I'm resisting it less and less too.

"Hey, you okay?" Brodie asks while settling himself against the balcony ledge next to me.

"Yea, just a lot buzzing around in my head" I smile. I'll figure Derek out later.

"Okay, you let's go on tour" he kisses the back of my head and lets me go.

I follow behind him and out the door to explore the village of Kaitai.

Kaitai and its people are lovely. The quaint town has captured me immediately, and it feels like this is where I am meant to be. So many pack members approach us on our tour of the town with gifts and welcoming embraces. I'm overwhelmed with how many people are so pleased to meet and see me.

They have just accepted me into their world, and I'm starting to understand what Brodie meant about the mate bond removing the 'first date' like complications.

Everyone here understands the bond we share and how we already feel about each other. They also know that because of this, I am likely, if not definitely, going to be there, Luna. The more time I spend with Brodie, the more the bond pulls us closer, only growing stronger. It's basically impossible for me not to like him. He was made for me.

Our physical affections increase touches here and there. Sex is inevitable unless I run away, but I don't want to run. So instead, the urge to progress to my wolf-man bed grows. However, the mark thing still intimidates me.

I see she-wolfs wearing their mates' marks on show proudly as we walk around the village. Being marked and growing their bond is part of their commitment and happiness together. Sort of like a werewolf marriage. Am I ready for that yet? I've known Brodie less than a week.

Hell no! I might want to jump his bones, but committing myself to Luna and basically a werewolf's version of marriage. No, I'm not even divorced from my first husband yet. I need more time, and I hope Brodie can understand that.

We'll need to take things a lot slower than the average werewolf couple. Still, my desire to stay has grown considerably in such a short amount of time. For the first time in my life, I desire to determine who my real birth parents were and what happened to them? Are they alive, or are they dead?

Looking at how loving these werewolves couples are with their young makes me think they're indeed dead. I think something in me has always felt that way. Still, confirmation about them and what happened is now something I find I need.

We enter a cute cafe called 'Cosy Canines", and I almost laugh, the name is clever. They advertise that dogs are welcome, which I know is a cover-up from the real meaning. Josh said humans do visit Kaitai but are encouraged to move on. I guess this means precautions to hide the discovery of werewolves must be adhered to.

The cafe is gorgeous; it's a moderate size with an exposed brick interior, funky artwork, and industrial-style seating complete the artistic theme. The cabinet's selection is to die for pulled pork buns, chicken caesar wraps, and a salad buffet which would impress any person who's averse to eating meat. So naturally, I order a salad and coffee; Brodie informs me that packhouse members eat free wherever they go within the village. Thus, I can visit the town and purchase what I want or need whenever questions are asked.

It feels weird, but the pack members here work and live for nothing, everyone doing their job to keep things running. It leaves me wondering how the village earns money, though?

I sip my coffee while we wait for our food, and Brodie starts talking first.

"So tell me what you think?" He's ordered a meal from the menu and sips on his coffee. We have a love for dark liquid in common.

"It's amazing; I can't lie, I love it here" I smile at him warmly, and his returning grin is dazzling. This news makes him happy, and hopefully, I'll stay with him.

"Except for Kelci, today has been perfect," I continue because I like seeing him happy. Still, I want to confirm my suspicions about Kelci.

"She's just jealous; unfortunately, Kelci was one of my many" he admits no prying needed. I breathe to calm the wave of intense jealousy.

"Thought so" Is all I manage to reply.

He's about to say something, but we are interrupted by our food arriving. I'm starving as usual since awakening Amber and shifting. My appetite has increased massively, I dig in, and Brodie does the same.

"So who taught you to fight Stella" I see suspicion in his eyes and can tell we still have some trust issues; I thought we were passed; obviously, I was wrong.

"I did; whether you believe that or not is up to you. I'm a personal trainer by profession, and my specialty or passion, as you could call it, is women's self-defense" I watch as he ponders this for a moment considering. Then, once satisfied, I see him visibly relax again.

"Sorry, this is all just so unusual to come across. I have a gathering of pack leaders here in about a month. I think Alpha Zorrick might be able to give us some answers as to where you may have originally been born."

"Oh, and why would this Alpha Zorrick know?" I don't quite understand how another Alpha could solve the mystery.

"Because he has claimed several packs and their territories over the years. Often killing the current Alpha and Luna in the process".

"And you think I might be from one of those packs."

"Yes, all we need to do is ask him if he can remember a pack with a young infant 28years. If not himself, then he may have heard or known something that could help us".

"Can't we figure it out on our own? Look back to what changeovers happened around the time I was born" I frown, not really liking the sound of this other Alpha; he sounds nasty.

"I already have Stella." He says so nonchalantly as though he did it days ago.

"I've narrowed it down to three territories. Two were taken by Alpha Wyatt, and only minimal lives were lost. However, one was taken by Alpha Zorrick. It was a bloodbath; he slaughtered most of the packhouse during the takeover.'

"What was the pack called" I murmur, feeling a wave of horror wash over me at the thought of all those slaughtered.

"It was the blue mountain pack. I'm sure Zorrick will remember, although unpleasant, you'll have answers." I nod, not expecting how painful these answers might feel.

He stands with his hand stretched out to me. "Come, let's finish this tour and get dinner out of the way. Then we can continue getting to know each other" He gives me a dirty smile, and I blush, taking his hand.