Several hours pass by and after three doctors' examinations. I'm starting to realize that Brodie clearly cares more than I thought. I've never been so thoroughly cared for in a hospital. It's more than unnecessary.

After crying it out, anger is all that's left. My Wolf-man left me here like a prisoner. If I'm supposed to be his mate and mean so much to him, he shouldn't have left me here. I have every reason to be pissed about it.

By the time Josh walks in, I assume to collect me? Brodie said someone would. I am ready to fling myself at him. I don't do it, but I'm happy to see a semi-familiar face.

I'm over this hospital room. Josh finally unlocks my restraint, rubbing my sore wrist brings little relief. The hours spent trying to get the damn cuff off were futile and pointless. They made sure to make it inescapable.

Josh notices the welts and cringes. I glare at him, even though it's my fault. He hands me a bag of clothes.

"Change," He instructs, walking out and leaving me to do just that.

I look longingly at the door considering an escape plan. It's a stupid idea, but I can't help myself. Running and hiding is what I do best.

"You won't get far, Luna," I hear Josh call out from the hallway, clearly watching the door. Damn, Brodie's really making sure I don't run off again.

What does he mean by Luna? I ask Amber through our mental exchange.

We probably don't want to know the answer to that just yet. Amber offers, and I agree with her.

Sighing, resigned to my fate, I get dressed. The clothes fit perfectly, even the underwear. It's like they were chosen out for me specifically? A longing for a shower and to brush my teeth grows, adding to my frustrations. Traces of dirt and blood still stick to my skin. My hair has large clumps of what I presume are also large clots.

The black dress with heavy winter material and long sleeves is decorated with delicate white embroidery patterns. They dip and weave throughout the black fabrics. It finishes just above my knee and hugs every curve of my strong body and ample breasts.

Thick skin-toned stockings and black flats finish it off. It's stunning and feels luxurious. It will keep me warm in the winter chill. How did they know my size exactly?

Picking up the empty bag, I fill it with the hospital gown and garments I was wearing. I'm ready to leave and see the light of day. Cabin fever has well and truly set in, making me aggravated.

I walk out of the room and tap my foot to get Josh's attention.

"Follow me, Luna," Josh announces, standing and walking past me.

'Stella!" I reply firmly.

"Whatever you say," Josh chuckles again, obviously amused by my behavior.

I see the familiar sign for a toilet and stop coughing to get Josh's attention. He's several feet in front of me. I try not to dance on the spot, but my bladder is screaming at me.

"Uh, don't suppose I'm allowed to use the bathroom unsupervised?" I look at Josh, daring him to say he's coming in the ladies with me. Surely not.

"No, Stella, you're free to use the bathroom as you please." He cocks his head, clearly enjoying my attitude.

"That's great because being tied to that bed for hours. Meant that unless I wanted to use a bedpan, I was holding" I continue to use my pissy tone. I'm being treated like a hostage.

'Who gets nice clothes" Amber pipes up, and I mentally tell her to stuff it! As I enter the ladies' room on a run.

After finally relieving myself and using the bathroom mirror, I'm not surprised to find I look like hell. I shove my hair up in a high ponytail using a hair tie left on the bathroom's countertop. Then I scrub my face and gargle some water.

Desperation to make myself more respectable before seeing Brodie again. I look a little better, no longer covered in blood, with my face surrounded by small dreadlocks of bloodied and crusted hair. I admire the dress. It looks good on and is indeed warm.

I follow Josh out and into the darkness of night. A cool breeze on my face calms me, peeling away the stressed and caged-up feeling looming over me. I climb into the back of the SUV.

No surprise, I'm no longer in Cleardale, but some strange village. I have no idea where I have been taken to. I've basically been kidnapped?

And they saved your life, Stella! Amber reminds me.

Okay fine! So maybe I'm not a hostage, but I'm still pissed about the handcuffs, okay.

Fair enough, just helping with perspective. Amber chuckles

The SUV starts to move to our unknown destination. The feeling of not knowing where I am or where I am going doesn't sit well with me.

"Where am I?" My voice sounds as anxious as I feel.

"You're in Kaitai's pack territory now. We are about an hour and a half north of your village, Cleardale," Josh answers, not withholding our location as I expected.

I wasn't expecting him to be so forthcoming. Still, my anxiety lessens slightly with what I can only hope is transparency.

"Thank you," I say softly.

"You're welcome, Lu... Stella. You will be well cared for while In Kaitai" He smiles at me through the rear vision mirror. I'm pleased he refrained from calling me luna again. I also appreciate the 'while,' meaning they don't intend to force me to stay.

"Do humans come here too?" I frown, wondering how a whole civilization and town can go undetected?

"Yes, but they are encouraged to move on quickly" this time, he doesn't meet my gaze in the mirror.

"I see, " I mumble, knowing he can hear me anyway. I've noticed my hearing has improved, my sense of smell is better too. I heal faster, and I bet if I could try it out, I'd be more robust and faster.

More perks of fully connecting with Amber, I guess.

We pull up in front of a vast mansion centered in the middle of the small town that I now know is Kaitai. It's enormous and looks like a smaller version of a university I once visited. Only the green vines covering the white exterior make it feel less out of place. The forest surrounding us is a stark contrast to the enormous white building.

"This is what's known as a Packhouse; it's where the Alpha, Alphas family, and the Betas live. Also, visiting pack members stay in the packhouse." Joshua informs me.

"Beta, like second in command?" I ask though, It's more of a statement.

"Yes, that's me, and see you're getting this" his smile is warm and friendly.

"Two choices: Stella, front door and face the family? Or back door and up to the Alphas wing?"

"I think the back door is for the best, don't you?" he nods his agreement and steers the SUV behind the packhouse instead of pulling up in front.

I wonder, If I was a normal she-wolf, and this wasn't all new to me. I probably would burst through the front doors upon what was meant to be a happy day.

I follow out of the car and through the back door. We creep up what Josh tells me are the service stairs. Josh Informs me that the main house has staff who attend to the needs of the packhouse's residents.

I roll my eyes behind his back, pinching myself for the thirteenth time today, disappointed when I don't just wake up already.

I'm taken to the Alpha's wing, and butterflies dance In my stomach.

"Am I expected to stay here?" I sound anxious again.

"Stella, this is your new home. If you want to be." Josh answers me growing concerned with my nervousness.

Holy shit! I'm expected to move in with Brodie. I barely know him, and what about my life and job?

One step at a time, Stella. Amber tries to keep me from losing it.

The wing is massive. Closing the big wooden door behind us, Josh proceeds to enter and beckons me to look around while he sits on the plush couch.

The ample open-plan living space is overwhelming in its extravagance.

One end, Is the most significant kitchen I have ever seen. The other morphs into a comfortable seating area with bookshelves and a large fireplace. It is beautifully decorated, neutral shades with antique furniture, and despite the size, it has a cozy feeling, almost homey.

I think back to my glass of wine and my couch. Home, a sense of longing to go back to that moment fills me. I look at the double doors leading out to a balcony. It would be easy to run as soon as I'm alone.

"Where's Brodie?"I ask, feeling the urge to sort this whole moving-in misunderstanding out with him. I can't move in with a man I don't know. Mates or not.

"Dealing with pack business, he'll be back later on'', Josh answers monotone, letting me know I'll get no more information about Brodie's whereabouts.

I sigh, resigning myself to the temporary situation. The wing consists of two master suites, side by side. One Is more extensive than the other. I assume the larger is Brodie's room.

I walk around his space, not able to help the deep breaths I swallow. His scent is everywhere in here, and it makes me ache to see him again. Do I miss him already? How is that even possible?

Carefully I look around, trying not to pry into his personal space too much. White walls, black curtains, and crimson sheets make the room a very fitting bachelor pad.

Curiosity wins out a few times, and I can't help but notice little details like how tidy he is and photos of what I hope are sisters and not girlfriends.

One side of the bed looks unused enough to satisfy me that he has indeed been sleeping alone in here, at least recently. Thoughts of other women in his bed cause me to walk away, wanting out of his personal space.

Walking into the room next door. I'm relieved to discover it's another almost identical bedroom, instead of black and reds. I'm greeted with whites and greys, keeping the space neutral. The huge four-posted, super king-sized bed feels swallowed by the generously sized room.

I could have my own room then. Could I stay for a few days? Get to know Brodie and this lifestyle. Spend time with people like me. It would be nice to figure this all out more.

I walk out of the room to find Josh still sitting on the couch, looking towards the ceiling. He looks bored. When he notices me, he stands almost relieved.

"I'll leave you to it, Luna," Josh bows. Yes, he actually bows to me, and I almost die on the spot, seeing blood flush to my cheeks in the reflection of the windows.

"Stella, please!" I groan, feeling like I want the floor to swallow me. What am I, a princess?

"As you wish, but you will get it a lot around here, especially once Brodie finishes the bond."

"Bond?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, he will mate and mark you." He frowns when he notices my face pale. Feeling awkward, he rubs the back of his neck and laughs nervously.

"Oh wow, you really don't know a lot about this, do you?" he tilts his head curiously.

My stomach flips on itself entirely. Images of Brodie naked and other things assault my vision. I can't help the clenching in my loins.

"No, I don't know anything, really. Thanks, I think I'll take a shower now and wash off the blood." I scramble, trying to move my mind and conversation away to something, anything else.

Josh walks out with a nod. The door clicks shut behind him, and I search the kitchen to find something to help calm me down. Gin that'll do it.

I mix up a strong gin and drain it. Pouring another with a bit more tonic water than the last, I realize I haven't eaten, so I search the cupboards for something to eat. They're stocked full of food. I find a granola bar and inhale it while sipping more gin. I wander the suit, my feet taking me to the large bookshelf by the couch.

"He has some great books," I mumble. I am disappointed there isn't a quick and complete guide to being a werewolf manual on the shelf.

What are we going to do then? Amber asks.

"Well, we either run, or we stay and see what happens?" I talk out loud to her, knowing I'm alone.

I vote we stay and get more answers.

"No surprises there."

We need to figure this out more Stella, I know you agree. We can't just walk away now without knowing the possibilities.

"I know, I'm just scared. I've been hurt, betrayed, and humiliated. I don't know if I'm ready to jump into something new."

The mate bond doesn't give us a lot of choices, Stella. You want him, whether you are ready for it or not.

"Thanks, so comforting, Amber." I push her to the back of my head.

Heading to the bedroom, I'm yet to decide If I will occupy longer term or not. I walk straight into the bathroom.

I need to take a shower. Entering through a frosted glass door reveals the most extensive bathroom I've ever been in.

A tiled walk-in shower, deep claw bath, fluffy white towels, and washcloths are stacked neatly on beautifully crafted wooden shelves. The mirror expands along and above a sizable bathroom vanity; it consumes an entire wall of the bathroom.

I use my hand to close my mouth and wipe away any potential drool. Thankfully there's none.

This space is more like a spa than a bathroom, and it's stocked to the hilt with every product a woman could desire.

Is this how it always is? Or is this just for me? Do all of Brodie's female companions get to live in such luxury while there here with him?

He's an attractive man. An Alpha. I doubt he's short of options when it comes to women.

Sighing, I rub my temples, annoyed at myself for giving the visual of other women here and with Brodie.

I'm already jealous enough, and I know it's the mate bonds doing. Still, I can't help but feel un-natural about all these feelings. It's so intense and sudden.

Showering feels fantastic. The water flows crimson for the first few minutes as dried blood runs off my soiled body. A coppery smell threatens a re-appearance of the granola bar I just ate.

I wash my hair twice and scrub my skin raw with multiple different shampoos and body wash options that litter the inbuilt shower shelf. All are brand new and never used. Settling my unwelcomed possessiveness slightly.

Alcohol runs through my veins, causing my muscles to finally relax and let go of some tension.

I find a hairdryer, toothbrush, and moisturizer. After an hour of scrubbing and powdering myself, I feel a lot better. Standing wrapped in a towel, drying my hair. I allow myself to think about what I am going to do.

Massaging my now welted wrist with moisturizer helps eliminate some discomfort. My annoyance at being treated like some sort of unstable rogue flares.

I'm still pissed about it, but I can understand why Brodie felt he had to do it. I mean, I probably would have rerun if he hadn't. It's my nature to bolt.

Ambers right, my body, wants Brodie, and a large majority of my mind does too. I'm his destined soul mate, as he put it.

Fears aside, I'd be an idiot for not at least trying this out for a while. Even to get some answers about myself and being a werewolf.

It's not like I have much to go back to. A lonely spinster lifestyle and Daniel at the gym. A few days here won't hurt. Do I really want to be alone for the rest of my life? No, maybe this is sooner than I expected. Eventually, I would have dated again.

My next shift isn't until Monday, as long as today's still Friday? I have two whole days before anyone will miss me anyway.

Searching what Is now meant to be my bedroom. I find a small bag of my belongings, containing my house keys and phone. Unfortunately, my phone is dead, but I appreciate that Brodie decided to lock my house and grab my cell phone.

I turn to where I left my clothes and stop dead. My clothes are gone? I took them off in the bedroom, leaving them by the bed, and now they are gone. Heading into the wardrobe, hugging the towel around me tightly. Hoping to find another alternative. I'd completely let my guard down, assuming I was alone.

Did Brodie come back already and take my clothes? Or was it Josh? The Idea of either of them handling my laundry weirds me out. Dwelling won't help me, so I focus on finding something else to wear.

Entering the wardrobe, I stifle a scream. Beautiful expensive clothes fill the racks. I drop my towel, frantically grabbing at the fabrics that are hanging from their hooks. Immediately inspecting the labels, confirming they too are all brand new and In my exact size.

For a minute, I panicked they would belong to someone else, but they appear to be here for me once again. Does Brodie really expect me to just live here? He's so confident that he's already moved me in without my consent?

Don't turn this into something it isn't Stella. Maybe he was just trying to be nice. He hasn't said he expects or will force you to do anything yet, so calm down.

Okay, your right. Don't overthink it just one step at a time.

At a girl! Amber cheers.

Sportswear, evening dresses, and casual clothes. Surround me in a room that's bigger than my entire bedroom back home.

"Is that Lingerie!" I squeal, grabbing some lacy numbers out from a draw.

Okay, maybe that's a bit presumptuous, but would wearing it for him be so bad? I ignore the smitten wolf in my head, shoving the racy-looking outfits back in the draw and slamming it shut.

I find underwear, neatly folded pajamas, and shoes, so many shoes. I just stare at it all, mouth hanging open, again! Then I start to laugh hysterically until I realize. I'm still standing butt naked.

Taking another long swig of my now warm gin and tonic. I pick out some garments to wear.

I decide on red lace underwear, liking the contrast between my black hair, creamy skin, and the striking crimson color. I can't help the thought that crosses my mind. I'd blend in perfectly with Brodie's bedsheets.

The soft fabric beneath my skin while he hovered himself over me, devouring me.

Shit! I shake my head. Banishing the images. Trying to calm my racing heartbeat.

I find some black camo-patterned sports leggings and a matching singlet. A thin grey hooded jacket and my outfit complete. Heading back out, grab my phone, determined to charge it and figure out what day it is. I take a cautious approach remembering that someone else is here with me.

Once back in the kitchen, everything is the way I left it. Nothing appears to be out of place or like anyone has come and gone again.

I search the draws, finding a charger that fits my phone. A few minutes pass by. Then the screen lights up to reveal it's 7:30 pm Saturday night. I was out for an entire day and a half.

I rub my temples, coming to terms with how close to death I came. Another uneasy feeling settles in my gut.

"Hi, I'm Casey" A small voice from behind makes me jump out of my skin. I lean back, grabbing a wooden spoon from a container on the bench, ready to use it as a defensive weapon.

I'm a self-defense master, but even under stress. I can clearly be caught off guard. As funny I must look. I could also do a lot of damage with a wooden spoon.

"I'm sorry, Luna, I didn't mean to frighten you" The small fair-haired woman holds her hands up in a surrender position. Her posture screams that she means me no harm, and so I relax, placing my wooden spoon down on the counter.

"S'ok, I'm a bit jumpy these days" I put a shaky smile on my face. Great, another Luna accusor. I'm not there, Luna. Whatever a Luna is.

"Yes, they said to be cautious, and I am sorry. I'm Casey, your assistant. Let me know if there Is anything you need, and I will help you to the best of my abilities." she beams.

"Did you take my clothes earlier?" I just blurt the question at her, desperate for answers.

"Yes, perhaps I should have introduced myself first." She looks apologetic, like I've scolded her for being too efficient.

"All the clothes and stuff in my room?" I continue. Brodie can't have done it himself, and this would make more sense.

"Yes, Brodie had me come to the hospital to take measurements and gauge your size; you were unconscious while they gave you a transfusion. Otherwise, I would have introduced myself then." She looks even more guilty for invading my personal space. Another wave of unease rolls through me at the thought of being handled while so vulnerable.

"I had a blood transfusion?" Even the doctors here weren't very forthcoming with information then. No one told me that.

"Okay, well, that explains that at least," I mumble. "I'm Stella, Brodie's, uh."

"Mate," Casey offers with a bright smile holding her hand out to shake. I take it giving her the warmest smile I can muster right now. She seems nice, but I'm not really ready to trust anyone here yet.

"Can I uh ask, if you're also, you know, a werewolf?" I whisper the werewolf part, worried in case not everyone here is actually of the supernatural species. Casey laughs and nods.

"Yes, I am a she-wolf. Now, are you hungry?" can I make you something to eat? Brodie is having dinner on the go and has instructed me to make sure you eat something substantial.

"Oh, you're going to cook for me?" I sound as awkward as I feel.

"Yes, Stella, It's my job" She smiles brightly. "How about pasta? I can keep answering your questions while I make it too. You can ask me anything. I have been made aware of your lack of background with our kind."

I move from the kitchen and sit at the island, watching while Casey pulls ingredients out from the various cupboards and fridge. I decide to get some answers from her while she's here.

"Whats a Luna?"

"Luna is the Alpha's mate. She helps run the pack alongside the Alpha."

"Oh, so that's why everyone keeps calling me Luna instead of Stella?"

"Yes."

"Do you mind calling me Stella for the time being" I smile sheepishly, hoping I don't offend her. she seems really lovely, and I want to ask her more questions. Not piss her off.

"Of course, Stella" she starts putting water in a pot and turning the gas stove on to full heat.

"Where am I?"

"Have they not told you where you are" She drops the knife, and it clatters to the counter. Her eyes dart to the welts on my wrist, and I see her features stiffen. "Oh my gosh, did they tie you up or something? No wonder you're trying to run away. What the hell is wrong with them!" She turns, opening a cupboard and rummaging through it, pulling out a first aid kit.

"It's okay. It's not that bad. The wounds probably need air to dry out anyway." She ignores me but places the first aid kit on the counter. The water in the pot boils over, and she dashes to rescue it and put the pasta in. My stomach cramps telling me I am indeed hungry.

While she's distracted, I pull my sleeves down to cover the marks on my left wrist.

"You're in Kaitai, and we are normally a very friendly and welcoming pack, I promise."

"Josh did tell me where I was, but I was just checking, you know" I shrug, giving her a sorry, but not sorry look.

"That's okay. I'm not surprised you're checking information. I have a mind to slap those boys. Tieing up our Luna once we've finally found her. I'll give them an ear full, that's for sure!" she continues to rant while chopping up vegetables. I smile, feeling like finally, someone is on my side.

I continue to barrage Casey with questions about my exact location and the packhouse layout. I check with her that the mate bond thing isn't some sort of spell or hoax. My questions end when she places a plate full of pasta in front of me.

It smells and tastes so good. I'm sure I look like a ravenous animal, but I don't care; I'm starved.

"Did they not feed you either?" she asked, staring at me in horror. I shake my head in response. Casey rubs her temples, clearly annoyed by this news.

"I found a granola bar and ate that earlier," I offer in between bites. I don't want her to think I am incapable. I could have eaten more if I really wanted to.

"Tell me what this whole mark thing is about," trying to get more questions out while I stuff my face.

"It's the mark of your mate, Brodie will give you one, and you will give him one," she states matter of factly like it's not a big deal.

"What with our teeth?" I cringe, and she giggles at me. I swallow my mouth suddenly dry.

"Sorry, I'm just not used to talking to a wolf who knows nothing. Yes, with your canines." She flashes me wolf canines, and I gasp.

"Don't worry, Stella, you will want him to do it to you, trust me." She pulls back her top revealing marks in the muscle above her collar bone. Two scared bumps stare back at me.

"You're marked?"

"Yes, by my mate, who is perfect" she smiles lovingly, obviously thinking of her mate.

"Okay," I say, feeling a headache coming on.

"Here, it looks like you need it. You've gone white as a sheet." She hands me another gin, and I accepted it willingly. Taking a long swig. I welcome the buzz from the alcohol.

"It's going to be okay; Brodie is a good man and an exceptional Alpha." Her compliments of him make me smile. It's nice to know that she thinks he is a good man. I might not trust her completely, but so far, she seems like a nice genuine she-wolf.

"Where did you say he was?" I ask, bringing the gin back to my lips for another sip.

"Hunting that rogue who attacked you last night."

"What? Why?"

"We can't have rogues getting away with hurting our new luna; it will make us look weak," she states matter of factly.

"Guess that makes sense. What do they do to the Rogues? Do they have a legal system and a werewolf version of prison?"

"Something like that"

Casey stiffens and avoids eye contact as she speaks, letting me know she's uncomfortable and probably lying. Then suddenly, like a switch flicking, she snaps to action, clearing my dishes for me.

"I can do that."

"It's my job to look after you, Luna."

"Stella," I growl, and my whole chest vibrates, scaring me. I physically fling my hands to my chest; I have never done that before.

I stare at Casey, hands still on my chest, shocked that noise came from me.

We both burst into a fit of giggles at my reaction. At least we can both laugh at my inexperience.

"What's so funny?" A familiar voice causes us to stop laughing and our attention to snap towards the occupied suite door.

"Alpha, " Casey replies stiffly but bows her head with respect.

I do no bowing