"I apologize in advance for my family" Brodie looks at me, concerned.

I giggle nervously. "What do you mean?"

"They're a little invasive and pushy" He gives me a sympathetic smile, obviously knowing I'm about to be turned inside out by his siblings. I think back to his Mothers visit, remembering when I was in the hospital. So yeah, this was going to be more of an interrogation than a dinner.

"I'll be fine", I smiled back, trying to convince both him and me.

"Of course you will, you got me" He squeezes my hand, sending bright sparks up my arm. We enter through big heavy double mahogany doors and into a formal dining room. Grand doesn't begin to describe the room before me. I feel although I've been reported to another time when lords and ladies existing. House staff flitter around the room, pouring wine and setting the long elegant table for dinner

We're still within the packhouse, and I've been informed this is where all formal meetings happen. The setting is like something from a historical fiction movie. I check my mouth worried it might be hanging open in awe.

Brodie's family Is seated and waiting for us to arrive. An elegant looking lady who I presume is Brodie's mother jumps from her seat, embracing her son. She's a tall, lean woman with dark hair to match his. I can see a resemblance between them, especially their green eyes.

I wait, feeling uncomfortable, not sure If I'm expected to embrace or shake her hand. Then, finally, the decision is made when she pulls me into a bear hug. Feelings of fluster evaporate from my body, but this is only short-lived as she starts talking.

"Stella darling, finally, we can see you. I'm Loranne, and my husband is Jasper. That son of mine should be ashamed hiding you away all this time." She gives Brodie a scowl then immediately turns her attention back to me.

"How are you doing, my love? I've been doing Luna duties for a while now, so I'm happy to continue this until you are settled and ready. This must all be so overwhelming for you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. We are so glad Brodie has finally found you. We were starting to think he was going to be mateless. Can you imagine an Alpha with no mate!"She just keeps going; I can't get a word in.

My mouth keeps opening and closing waiting for an opportunity to stop the verbal onslaught!

"Mum, stop!" three voices in unison yell at Brodie's mom, and I'm thankful. The walls were starting to close in around me, and I'm pretty sure I took an involuntary step towards the door. Immediately Loranne stops her assault of verbal diarrhea. Looking a little shocked and hurt from being told off by her siblings. Guilt seeps into me at the embarrassed look covering her features.

She recovers quickly, slapping a smile back on her face.

"Oh, sorry, just excited and got carried away" with a wave of her hand she brushes it of and gives me an apologetic look. I smile at her encouragingly; I did appreciate everything she was saying. It was just too much all at once. I can tell she's a sweet and caring lady. Taking a deep inhale I attempt to answer her statements as effectively as possible.

"Thank you Loranne, it's nice to meet all of you too. Yes, If you could continue with the Luna duties, that would be very much appreciated. I'm sure you are aware I have no werewolf background. This all-new to me and, yes, overwhelming" I look to Brodie, who's just watching me adoringly; I can tell he's excited to introduce me to his family. A warm sensation flood my belly, a feeling of acceptance and home starts to creep into my bones.

"Right, get away from her now, Mom" she moves aside and the other two voices that yelled for her to stop earlier approach us. Ah the twins, these must be Brodie's sisters. While Riley introduces herself and embraces me first. Lexi goes to her brother. They are identical twins and breathtakingly beautiful, dark shoulder-length hair, with bright green eyes to match their older brother and mothers. They must be 16, 17 years old, I pity the men or mates they will torture with twin tricks already.

"It's nice to meet you, sis, Me and lex are more easy-going than the old lady" Riley's smile is so warm, and I'm taken aback by my immediate acceptance into their family life. I return Riley's smile again feeling more and more comfortable around what could potentially be my family.

"It's nice to meet you too" I respond meaning it, I too have always dreamt of having a sister. Their easy embrace of my arrival into Brodie's life is again, another example of how the mate bond takes away any first date or first meet complications. I'm his mate, and that's that to his family; it's done and dusted, now we all just get on with it.

Brodie's father stands by his chair, and I'm taken aback by both Brodie's parents' youthful appearances, they look no older than 35. After embracing Lexi, we make our way to exchange handshakes. Jasper is an older version of Brodie right down to how they carry themselves, other than different coloured eyes. But, you can't deny they are father and son. Both speak with a similar tone and authority, maybe that's just an Alpha thing, though?

"Let us eat", Brodie announces, and the room is suddenly filled with people and plates of food. Once everything is laid out, we are left to dine. Brodie pours us a red wine from a decant and I Intake a large sip trying to calm my nerves. If I was a sweater, I know I'd be fanning myself by now, but, lucky for me, I don't get hot ever. In fact, I have to watch myself carefully, making sure I don't overheat my body by accident.

"Thanks," I say quietly as I set the wine glass back down on the table. An almost awkward silence has fallen over the room as everybody plates up their dinner. Brodie winks at me, placing a reassuring hand on my thigh under the table.

Sounding resigned, he sighs. "Ok, Mom, off you go again."

"Oh, so now I have permission to speak," she huffs.

"Mom, don't be childish; your onslaught from earlier was too much for Stella" I see a mix of annoyance but also pride at her son's protective behaviour towards me. Even my heart swoons at how much he cares for me to feel comfortable.

Guilt for Loranne makes me want to resolve the awkwardness between them though. I don't want my first meal with them to be so tense.

"Perhaps we could get coffee one day soon, and I could get an idea of what being a Luna is all about?" I suggest trying to brighten Loranne's mood. She seems lovely, and picking her brain will give me an idea if I can handle a role like Luna.

Of course, we can don't be stupid. We were born for this. Amber seems permanently pissed off with me these days.

'Keep quiet, and I will arrange for us to have a run later."

Deal! I'm relieved when she settles in the back of my head no longer bristling. Flicking my eyes back to Loranne, I'm relieved to see a smug smile settle on her features.

Loranne straightens her shoulders, clearly pleased and nods her agreement. Turning back to her son with a determined look on her face. An internal sigh of relief that we can now move onto another topic.

"So Brodie, please enlighten us of your plans to find out Stella's heritage" Loranne still sounds a little pissy with him, but at least she's talking. Her words sink in and I stiffen at her question, not wanting to hear about the probable slaughter of my parents again. The food is delicious and I'd really like to keep this meal down. Brodie speaks in a neutral tone, an attempt to draw his mother away from this topic, I imagine.

"The Alphas meeting is here in a month. I'm planning on asking the Alphas and narrowing it down from the three-pack territory exchanges that happened around the time Stella was born. Blue mountain is likely, but I want confirmation before we go further into the details.'

My attention snaps to Jasper, who decides to speak on this topic. "Ahh, Zorrick. The exchange of that pack was so sudden and violent. None of us ever really truly understood his motives for tearing it apart so. Perhaps Stella being your mate will convince him to enlighten us" Jaspers eyes land on me, and I can see the suspicion flicker over his face.

He doesn't understand or trust me yet... Great, unease creeps back into me and I hold my now rigid posture, not able to take another mouthful.

Brodies mother replies, and I try to zone out, not wanting to hear anymore. Until we know for sure, speculating just hurts my chest. A whisper in my left ear draws my attention to Riley next to me.

"Blah, blah, blah, they're all so boring", Riley mumbles quietly into my ear. Both her and her sister giggle. I join them in a quiet chuckle; they have a certain aura about them, a combination of innocence and mischief.

"So what do you girls get up to around here for fun?" I ask in a hushed tone.

"All sorts, you should have a girl's night with us," they both say in unison, looking excited.

"I'd love to" I'm genuinely looking forward to some time with them, I've never had a sibling and the idea of two sisters continues to thrill me. Brodie elbows me pulling me back to the main conversation at the table.

It's finally moved on, Brodie and his Dad seem to be discussing pack business which fascinates me. The rest of us eat and sip our wine why they talk about rogues, finances, and various issues in other packs. I learn that the pack makes money from several key businesses that sell to other packs and the human world.

They have also invested in large companies that operate elsewhere and provide a solid income for the pack. They continue on their business like topics, while I listen in learning as much as I can from it. After several minutes, when I raise my brain is foggy and I can't absorb any new information; I notice that for once, I haven't cleared my plate. In fact, I feel a little off. I take a sip of some water, avoiding the wine.

"So I hear you're a talented fighter" Jasper turns the conversation back to me. Oh no, I'll need to suck it up for a bit longer. We likely still have dessert to go also.

"Ha, I don't know about here, but back home, I was sought out by many to train them in self-defence", I respond, shifting uncomfortably in my seat.

"Impressive; Josh has mentioned you will train the she-wolves." he brings his wine to his lips in a casual manner but his eyes assess my every move over the glass of the red liquid swishing within it.

"Naturally, I specialize in women's self-defence, but I do also train men" I smirk thinking back to Daniel and how easily I trained him, but still I was able to take him down with ease. I'm not sure why but the more questions Jasper asks me, the more uncomfortable and annoyed I seem to be getting. I'm normally a calm and collected person, even with the new heightened wolf emotions alarm bells start ringing in my head, some things not right with me.

"The she-wolves also need to learn to attack" Jasper looks at me pointedly, exchanging a concerned look with his wife. But then, Loranne snaps her attention to me assessing, and although her feature show concern. I feel like I'm now being interrogated, which increases my aggravation levels.

"Of course, I have no experience fighting as a wolf, so I can only teach them what I know. I will learn to transfer it into wolf form, given the time" like everything else, I need time to adjust. They both frown giving each other a look.

Crap, did I say that too harshly? I shuffle again, trying to shake off this uneasy feeling.

I rub the back of my neck, feeling worse; I shift straightening in my seat, trying to focus on Jaspers probing questions. A sudden wave of aggravation and discomfort washes over me, but I push it aside with difficulty.

"I'm sure whatever you can provide will be useful Stella, it's lovely to see my son finally find his mate" His smile is broad, and I return it half-heartedly, feeling like I might puke.

Suddenly Lorainne is out of her seat and by my side, feeling my head and cheeks. I frown at her odd behaviour and invasion of my personal space.

"Brodie, she's going into heat; she's on fire, the poor thing. But, dear, why didn't you say anything? You must be In pain by now?" she frowns at me, confused.

I see Brodie stiffen, and then he too touches my head. His touch oddly makes me feel a little better temporarily. It's like his hand is emitting some sort of calming drug through my skin and into my head.

"How is it even possible she's still talking to us? She's not even sweating?" He frowns, exchanging confused looks at his parents, who seem just as baffled. The last thing I want to do is cause a scene at dinner. Panic sets in, and I want them to focus on something else.

"I never sweat, never have. I don't really feel the heat either." I announce, brushing over the topic lightly. The truth Is I have never felt heat like ordinary people do, but I don't want to alarm them. They're all exchanging looks, and I can tell Brodie Is mind-linking, someone. Sighing, I realize I'll have to clarify more; there clearly not going to leave me alone about this.

"Honestly, I'm ok; I went to the doctor when I was younger. They called it some sort of polyneuropathy or something. They put it down to a trauma at birth or during the time before I was with my adopted parents" I'm looking between them hoping that they will stop over-reacting; it's starting to piss me off again. Brodie's removed his hand and the harsh feelings have started to build again. What the hell is happening to me?

"What's a heat?" I ask, frowning. Suddenly remembering what Loranne said was going on with me.

She looks at her son, alarmed and then back to me sympathetically.

"Oh dear, you really don't know much, do you?"

"So everyone keeps telling me," I say through gritted teeth, my annoyance is growing, and I'm feeling extremely agitated. It's like I need something, but I'm not quite sure what it is yet. A foreboding sense that this urge will only grow and get more intense is concerned by Brodie's paled and strained face when he looks at me. This isn't going to be good, whatever this heat thing is it's bad.

"You'd better get her upstairs, son; she's already hot and agitated; you know what comes next," Lorraine warns her son. If possible my wolf-man pales further, raking a stressed hand through his hair.

"Next? What are you talking about!?" I'm almost yelling. This is going to get worse, and what's with the cryptic conversation and withholding of necessary information! Why won't anyone just explain what the hell is happening to me? The doors burst open, and a man with a medical bag walks in. You got to be kidding me; they called a professional, for goodness sake! I can't help the eye roll and annoyed groan that escapes my lips.

"You called a doctor; geez, I'm fine; you're all over-reacting" I know I'm not fine, but my frazzled brain isn't being rational anymore, now standing, and backing away from them all. Feeling overwhelmed and aggravated, I look longingly towards the door, tempted to run as claustrophobia seeps in, and my panic rises. I don't want to cause a scene, but if I stay here, I know I will. Just as I'm about to bolt to anywhere but here, Loranne shouts at Brodie.

"Brodie! Take her to the suite now. The doctor can see her there. Everyone else dinners over!' Loranne commands. Snapping me from my panic. I'm momentarily in awe of her ability to take control of the situation. I notice Jasper hurrying the twins and staff out of the room.

My wolf-man finally takes action scooping me up in his arms; I'm ready to protest and demand I can walk. When I notice a peaceful calm come over my frazzled state. Instead of arguing, I just let him carry me, enjoying a reprieve from the jumbled aggravation.

I find myself leaning my head against his chest and closing my eyes. By the time we get to our suite, I've all but plastered myself to Brodie; the urge to just pull my clothes off and get closer to him is growing and terrifying the crap out of me.

"What the hell is going on with me!" I sound scared, unable to hide the tremor in my voice.

"I'm sorry Stella, I should have warned you, I just forgot" he looks horrified, and I don't want him to put me down; why is he putting me down? And now stepping back from me? Why can't he see I need him! I growl, moving closer to him. Brodie's worried expression grows and he puts his hands up to stop me. I stop myself horrified that I was about to throw myself at him and do what? What is it I need from him?

"What is a heat" I sound feral, so inhuman, and so unlike me... Finally, the doctor arrives and answers for Brodie. At last, I will get some answers.

"A heat is what happens not long after a she-wolf meets their mate. You will keep getting them more intense each time until you are mated and marked. It's the wolf's way of ensuring procreation." the doctor states it so casually as he sets his bag on a table and gestures for me to sit in the nearby chair.

Rage fills me, how can Brodie have conveniently forgotten this!

"You bastard", I growl at Brodie. Shock replaces my rage when he physically winces, He looks like he's in pain just witnessing my current state. I can now tell he honestly forgot about this part of the mate bond.

The doctor chuckles. "Now, Now Stella. The heat first causes your body temperature to rise to a painful level, rendering you useless. Normally'. He looks at me like I'm a fascinating science experiment as he pokes a thermometer in my ear.

"Go on," I say, trying really hard not to growl at him too. At least I'm not rendered to a writhing mess begging Brodie to sort me out on the floor then.

"Next is the aggravation or anger you're currently feeling. Then finally, the lust for your mate takes over." He gives me a knowing wiggle of his eyebrows suggestively. How inappropriate of him, isn't he meant to be a fucking professional! Anger surges again as I launch myself upright out of the chair.

"Mother fucker! That's one hell of a period," I yell back at the doctor, who continues to chuckle, but smartly takes a cautious step back from me. Brodie takes a step closer ready to restrain me if necessary to protect the doctor.

The doctor continues to merrily seal my fate as I try to calm myself, breathing, sitting back in the chair with a death grip on the armrests. My knuckles have gone white and the chair groans, creaking in protest.

"Yes, sorry dear, not good news for you, I take it. Anyway, given where we're at in the stages, I'll leave you now Alpha, all her vitals are fine; it is indeed just a heat. Her underlying condition, as you say, blocks her from feeling the painful part of the heat at least." Nodding at us both, he leaves moving faster than he had earlier.

"Stella, I'm sorry, but, at least you're not in pain," Brodie starts, and It takes everything in me not to slap him, then makes out with his gorgeous face.

I suck in a deep breath, determined, I will now beat this heat thing.

"It's fine, I'm fine; obviously, this is all going to pass. I just need to ride it out," I huff, forcing myself to be calm and rational.

"Ugh yeah, that's right" Brodie sounds unsure, and I ignore him. If he thinks telling me the only option is sex to stop this, then he's right to keep that to himself.

"I'm going to take a shower, and hopefully, that'll help calm me down," I say, walking towards my room; every step away from him almost hurts.

"Stupid bloody werewolf period", I mutter furiously under my breath. I let the wall between me and Amber drop.

Take us back to him. He can help us feel better!! She almost screams at me. Great! she's as good as useless, I slam that wall straight back up groaning out loud.

It's while I'm in the shower, I change the temperature between cold and hot. Desperate to try anything to take this heat shit away! After ten minutes of attempting to use several methods at my disposal, I sigh and consider my options as rationally as possible, either suffer or have sex with Brodie, it's simple really.

The more I think about sex with Brodie, the more I don't understand why I'm fighting it. I'm no virgin; what the hell am I holding onto. It's just sex; it doesn't mean I'm committing to this life or anything, right?

Images of his hard and naked torso, his contracting muscles as he thrusts into me giving me what I need, force a real moan from my lips. Oh my fucking lord! A decision partially made, I exit the shower, now burning with intense desire.

"Ahh, here's the last part" I laugh at my reflection. At Least this is better than the rage I was dealing with before. All I feel is a burning need to be dealt with, I look like a crazed stripper ready to pounce. How I ever thought I had a chance against this rips another crazed laugh from my chest.

The still sane part of me says I should just stay locked in this bathroom until it passes. Maybe just maybe that will work. A knock on the door snaps my attention away from the mirror I was using to control my focus.

"Stella, are you ok in there?" Brodie asks. A shiver of pleasure runs through me, building and staying in my now burning core just at the sound of his voice, I'm a whimpering mess of hormones. Ah, perfect timing, I smile to myself no longer in control of the heat. Wrapped only in a towel, I open the door, almost ripping it off its hinges.

As soon as my eyes land on him, I lose any hope of self-control, entirely driven by the intensity of the heat. Launching myself at him, he catches me startled. My kiss is urgent and full of pure need to end this agony of want. He can't help but return it, and he presses my back up against the wall. I barely let him breathe, practically sucking his face off, not caring about anything else but having him inside me.

I reach for what I want and can feel he's rock hard for me already. My wolf-man breaks my assault of grinding and groping him. Pinning my hands to the wall and I growl frustrated. My towel opens slightly, and he can't help but look. I smile as I hear him curse before closing his eyes, shuddering.

"Stella, there's only so much a man, mate, and alpha can take before we cross a line" he's trying to stop this, but I wish he'd just get on with it and take his pants off already.

"Then cross the dam line!' I roar, wriggling. Finally, my towel opens a bit more; bingo!

"Stella, stop! You didn't want this before, and I don't want you regretting it later," he tries using his Alpha command. I wriggle some more, freeing my breasts from the towel. Surely once I'm naked before him, he'll just give me what I need.

"Stop fighting me and fuck me already", I hiss, annoyed with him.

"Jesus Christ, just stay still, ok!" his voice is full of panic. He won't hold out on me much longer. Brodie releases my hand and attempts to pull the towel up to cover me. It's all the freedom I need to make my move. Using my legs and the wall behind me, I use my new strength to propel me and temporarily distracted Brodie from the wall and onto the bed.

"Oh, crap", Is all Brodie says when he lands with his back on the bed and me naked on top of him.

This time I take my time claiming his mouth while grinding furiously on his erection. Finally, his control snaps like an audible pop. In a moment, I am flipped onto my back, and his bulge hits my sweet spot, making me cry out. I watch delightedly as He takes his belt off and then surprises me by wrapping it around my wrists, restraining them. I don't care what kind of kinky stuff he's into as long as he gives me what I need!

"I want you to remember I tried to resist in the morning, ok!" he says as he kisses my neck, trailing his hands down my body. The feeling is so good, and I arch my back into him on a moan.

He keeps trailing his mouth, licking and sucking as he goes; once he gets to my navel, I wriggle, trying to free my arms.

"Hey, no! fuck me now!" I growl angrily that he's wasting time.

He groans almost in pain but continues his path down my body. I continue to beg him to just get inside me, but he's not listening; my body just needs, need, need.

The first lick of my core rips a noise out of me I've never heard before, but I don't care. My wolf-man holds me down firmly to stop my attempts to shift lower and get to what I really want. The more Brodie licks, sucks, and nibbles on me, the more I lose myself forgetting anything but this moment.

The pleasure is indescribably good; my screams are sure to leave my throat raspy tomorrow. My restrained hands are all but ripping his hair out, and Brodie's grip on my legs is so firm it should be painful if I could feel anything other than his mouth.

I hit my release on a loud scream that seems to go on and on. Delicious waves continue to roll through my every nerve ending, and then finally, I blackout into nothing...