The next two weeks are a mix of torture and bliss. Brodie has been avoiding me. Leaving before I wake and crawling to bed after I've fallen asleep.

If it wasn't for the brief moments when I wake enveloped in his arms, I'd say we were through.

To say I have served my punishment for running away would be an understatement.

His absence isn't all my doing. Rogue attacks have increased since my arrival and he has had to join some of the night patrols to increase the pack's security.

Apparently, word got out into the werewolf community. Because of my packless status when Brodie found me. I was technically what's known as a rogue whether I knew it or not.

We assume that because I am still unmarked and not officially Luna of this pack. That the rouges think I'm being kept here by force and actually want to be free.

Not wanting anyone to get hurt because of me, I told Brodie to mark me.

He refused, saying, I wasn't ready yet, and we needed more time. He Is right, I would have preferred more time before taking on pack responsibilities, and becoming the official Luna.

My decision to stay with him has been made and so Luna duties are just a part of what come with the package.

Each night I beg Brodie to just get it over with, heck I even tried to seduce him into it. Now he just doesn't come home until he's sure I'm asleep.

The one thing keeping me from breaking is training the she-wolves.

I've got to know so many pack members and word of my skills and abilities has spread.

People have respect for me and It's not just because I'm their future Luna.

I have earned their trust and it feels good. I'm ready to step up into my Luna role. That's if Brodie ever forgives me enough to want me again.

My Alpha's distance is a problem. Feelings of rejection and failure have crept into me, changing my
Behaviors.

I fear once again I have another ruined relationship on my hands.

This time I know what I did wrong. Brodie refuses to mark me and its starting to feel like it's about more than just me needing to be ready.

It feels like he doesn't want me.

I shake my head clearing my self-loathing thoughts, hating that I seem to be having more and more of them with every passing day.

Let us focus on tonight Stella, this is going to be fun! Amber coaxes me back to the now.

Ambers right. Tonight the tracking team wants to use me for a training exercise. Travis has been trying to organize it for weeks but Brodie kept saying no. Finally Travis came and asked me directly and to say I'm excited is definitely underplaying it.

I'm buzzing. It's winter so It's easy to layer up, which will also help mask my scent. My competitive side can not wait to take on the challenge of getting away from Kaitais most potential trackers in training.

Travis, is head of training the tracking wolves, and wants to use me as bait. He hasn't given me many specifics which means I can only prepare to the best of my knowledge.

I wear tight heavy material black pants with thick stockings underneath, a brown turtle neck on top to match my eyes, and blend me into the forest floor. Black walking boots and my hair swished up high.

I'm ready to take them on. Amber is bursting even though we won't be using her form tonight. I'm bound to my human form alone.

Making my way down to the agreed meeting spot, no more than nine very attractive wolf-men stand before me.

Why is every man so damn hot in this pack.

Not as hot as mate, Amber whines. She's really been struggling with the distance from Leo, but she's forgiven me.

I'm surprised to see Brodie's sisters here. There practically bouncing on the spot with energy.

"We came to watch!" they burst excitedly as I get closer. I give them both a warm smile happy they're here. Maybe I could spend some time with them to keep me busy in the evenings it would be better than wallowing around the suite by myself.

"Don't get in the way" a familiar growly tone comes from behind us and my whole being buzzes yearning for my mate. I turn to see Brodie approaching us and he looks fantastic as always. Even though we sleep in the same bed it feels like I haven't seen him in days.

His eyes rake over me and I can't help but smile feeling a little hot under the collar, that he appreciates my outfit. It is like a second skin, not leaving much to the imagination.

"Are you joining us Alpha?" Travis asks a little caught off guard by his presence.

"I'll be watching and keeping these two out of your way" Brodie informs him, eyeing his sisters.
I'm a little disappointed, a part of me was excited about him coming just to want to see me, but it's clear he's here for his sisters and Travis.

Feelings of rejection and hurt roll through me again and I involuntarily shrink in on myself losing my confident posture. I hug my chest trying to ease the ache.

I sense Brodie's eyes on me but I don't look at him just hold myself protectively.

It's ok Stella focus on how much fun getting away from these other wolves will be Amber purrs cockily. I smile weakly thankful for her attempt to lift me up once again.

"Ok well, pressure is on" Travis announces to the men and continues to bark the rules at them.

A warm hand brushing a lose strand of hair behind me ear causes me to startle with surprise. The tingles from the bond spread and for a moment they take away some of my anxiety.

"You ready?" My wolf-man speaks to me for the first time in days.

I look up with pain filled eyes and give him a soft nod unable to speak Incase it comes out as a sob.

I see concern and guilt wash over his features and before he can say anything else I walk away not wanting to hear or see his anger with me next.

If he's going to reject me I wish he'd just get it over with rather than torture me further.

I listen into Travis description of the event shaking off my emotions and forcing myself into lethal Stella mode.

"Tonight! The aim is to find or force Stella to the agreed clearing where we will surround her, effectively pinning her to the spot." The men chuckle cockily and Travis ignores them and continues. "Stella's aim is to get to the marked spot, which none of you is aware of except me and her. Then back down here without any of you finding or forcing her to the clearing we have agreed on."

Fair is fair, they don't know my spot and I don't know where theirs is positioned either. Travis looks at me and I give him the nod to go ahead.

"Ok head to the starting spot and get shifting boys. Once you're there shift and start your search. They all chuckle as they make their way. They are cocky that I won't be able to outdo them In my human form and I am confident that I will.  I don't know where they start from, but I'm not waiting around to find out. By the time Travis and the others turn to give me the go-ahead I'm already gone and out of their sights. The girls chuckle happily pleased with my disappearing act.

"How the hell does she do that?" Travis complains before I slip into the line of trees covered by the darkness of night.

I made it to my marker with ease, tying the discreetly hidden ribbon under my pants and tucking it out of sight. I knew getting it was going to be the simple part. Now deep in the forest and most likely surrounded by the trackers. I have to get back to Travis undetected. An idea springs to mind and I remove my jacket.

Climbing the tree, deciding to play the waiting game and get a better view at the same time. I make sure my movements are swift and with carefully faced footwork. A simple slip could cost me this game. It would be silly to try and make a point by being fast and then getting caught in the process.

I sit on a high leafy branch and catch my breath.

Spotting two of the boy's wolves already on a trail to my marker. I'm surprised by how proud of them I am. These are now my trackers and as much as I want to win, losing would mean the pack is safer. As covered up as I am, I'm leaving a trail, it is minimal, so they're having to concentrate to follow it.

I leap from one branch of a tree to another with silent and balanced precision. Snapping my attention below. I'm relieved when the wolves don't move from their busy sniffing. I note that they're too unaware of their surroundings while they're trailing a smell. I was vulnerable and uncamouflaged during that leap If they'd been more aware they would have found me.

I'm assuming and hoping they have mind linked with the others. Having me surrounded me by now. Whether they know I'm here or not surrounding my trail and the ones tracking is smart.

I do another survey of the area from my new vantage point. I spy four more wolves pacing a perimeter around the two focused on finding me. My pride in them swells.

"Good boys!" I whisper so low no one but me can hear. It's only now I realise how unfair nine to one really is.

I guess in front of his Alpha, Travis Is wanting to win. Too bad because I am feeling very competitive tonight.

Getting away means I might get to help in training them too. Which would fill my schedule even more.

I leap successfully through several more tree's far enough away from my original trail and behind the wolves stationed outside of it.

There are no more leapable branches so my luck here has run out. There are only six wolves here which still leaves three scouting out elsewhere. Again smart, these guys are good.

I move down the tree keeping my eyes sharp for movement, this Is my most vulnerable moment exposed bare by the bark of the tree. Even in black, I will be easily visible to a werewolf.

When my feet hit the ground I roll into some bushes away from it, barely snapping a twig. I sit for 5 minutes to ensure I have not been spotted. The boys will find my maker soon and then all hell will break loose when they realise they haven't found me there.

I need to get as close to my goal as possible before that. Moving fast, soundlessly, and dropping under a rotting log when spotting the seventh wolf pacing in front of me. Taking slow steady breaths under my top to muffle the sound and waiting for him to move.

Painful seconds tick by and then he bolts towards my marked tree. Wasting no time, I sprint, knowing every wolf Is headed to that spot, thinking that they're closing in on me.

I left my jacket hanging on a suspiciously shaped branch hoping it would buy me some time as a distraction, although it will make me easier to smell without it on. It was worth it... Nearing close to my goal, I decide to go unnoticed by Travis, Brodie and the girls. Just for a little while.

Breaking free of the tree's with speed I win the game. Nobody but me knows it yet but hey victory moment whoop!

Instead of announcing my presence, I move closer, smiling when Travis's frustrated growl snaps Brodie's attention to the tree line, he's searching for me.

I bet the mind link is going crazy, quietly chuckling to myself amused by the thought.

Riley spots me first and I bring a finger to my lips to keep her quiet. She nods and mouths Badass to me, to which I roll my eyes. She elbows Lexi, who also stifles a squeal.

"What's happening?" Brodie asks. I decide to stay leaned up against the packhouse and listen to their exchange for a while or until they sense I'm here. Wolf hearing certainly has its advantages.

"She's already gone from the marker, they took too long to pin her in" Travis grumbles.

Riley and Lexi stifle a giggle but stop short when Brodie glares at them.

I position myself under an outside light to make myself easier to see. Brodie's eyes finally land on me, pinning me, with his piercing green gaze. Plastered against the packhouse wall I get a feeling he's pleased.

He smirks and his eyes flicker with black as he stalks towards me looking sexy as hell. My legs turn to jelly and my anxiety sky rockets causing me to hug myself once again.

Is he mad?

Not at us I hope. He should be proud of our skills Amber huffs a little pissy with Brodie today.

My wolf-man reaches me and I use the wall for support holding my breath hoping for anything other than anger or annoyance from him.

His eyes flick to my arms encircling my chest and he moves fast pulling on them and squeezing me into his chest.

I squeezed back and bury my face hoping the tears don't escape.

"I'm sorry I've hurt you" he mumble so only I can hear. He rubs my back affectionately and I melt.

" Me too" I whisper and my voice sounds so broken. The distance from him has reduced me to this.

In a matter of seconds I'm in a vice like grip and Brodies lips crash onto mine.

Every part of me comes alive and filling with joy removing the ache from my chest.

He does still want me

I return his kiss just as passionately as he gives it holding onto him with the same almost painful grip.

Travis eventually coughs causing Brodie to release me.

"Congratulations little mate" he smile down at me with almost black eyes.

"You like it when I get away" I drawl, smirking up at him triumphantly.

"I do, but only when I know about it" he grumbles.

I Sigh, now deflated that he still hasn't forgiven me for running away. The familiar feelings of doubt creep in.

Noticing my disappointment at his words, he kisses me again quickly and roughly this time.

Is this forgiveness?

"Well talk soon" he whispers in my ear and I shiver. This is the most attention I've had from him in over a week.

"But now we just proved our trackers aren't as good as we had hoped"  I fill with joy at his word 'our, & we.'

Thank the stars for that Even Ambers relieved.

We were both starting to doubt if we held Brodie's interest anymore.

I hear the grumbling of defeated men exiting the tree line. I avert my eyes as they get closer realising they are all stark naked.

Holy crap they're hot! Amber exclaims. My cheeks would be on fire by now If I could feel it. I feel Brodie stiffen next to me.

"I'll be taking Stella home now Travis, we can discuss this in my office later.' Brodie's tone is off.

Riley and Lexi leave on a wave completely unfazed by all the nudity around them.

I wave at them weakly a little flushed by this whole scenario. Travis nods and Brodie thankfully steers me away from the nine attractive and very naked men.

I can't help but look back one last time, one of the naked wolf-men winks at me clearly eyeballing all of them. Brodie's chest rumbles and he picks me up. Actually, full caveman style throws me over his shoulder.

"Stop looking Stella" he growls knowing that I now have an even better vantage point.

"Sorry, I'm female and they're all naked" I shrug my shoulders amused by his jealousy. It's nice to see some action from him. I yelp, then giggle as he gives me a firm slap on the behind.

"Calm down Alpha they've got nothing on you" I run my hands down his solid back taking a good chunckful of each of his cheeks in my hands. Now It's his turn to chuckle.

Carrying me all the way to the suite I fantasize that he'll take me straight to the bedroom.

Once again I'm filled with disappointment when he puts me on my feet and heads for the kitchen instead.

Casey's left us dinner waiting and this time it's still warm. After all the action I am famished so tucking into stuffed chicken breasts and potatoes is my stomach's version of heaven.

"Soo, how was your week?" I start him being heat with me for a meal is already a massive improvement, baby steps.

"Busy and you?" Brodie keeps to his agonising straight to the point answers.

"Busy as well are you ever going to forgive me?" I'm over it, I can't take this anymore. Pausing he wipes his face with a napkin.

"How can I forgive you when you haven't even said your sorry?" I said I was sorry, didn't I? Thinking back I realise I didn't. Was I sorry? Maybe not then, but I am now!

"I'm sorry" I don't say it with an attitude. I say it with meaning, really trying to show him how much I regret not just talking with him before taking off.

"I thought you had left me for good" He doesn't look at me and the words slice through me like a blade.

"I didn't think you'd even know I'd left ok" I defend myself stupidly.

"That was your plan to just go and never tell me you even left?"

"Yes I didn't think it was a big deal"

"Not a  big deal! Do you have any idea Stella!" He raises his voice at me for the first time and I flinch away from him.

"I didn't know if you'd left by choice, gone for a walk, been kidnapped by rogues, or thought to hell with everything and joined the fucking rogues! He's visibly shaking, fighting with his inner wolf. Two weeks and he's finally letting it all out.

We need to submit to him Stella Amber advises.

Rage fills me with the accusation that I'd actually join the rogues attacking, and hurting this pack. Screw bloody submitting when he's being such a prick!

"Are you fucking serious! I'd join the rogues? I didn't tell you because I didn't want you tearing poor Derek apart.

I just needed to tie up a few loose ends of my life alone!"

"Poor Derek!? The husband who left you for another lover. He deserves to be torn apart!" he growls.

"Of course he doesn't! It was my fault. It happened! I couldn't give him what he wanted. A damn baby!" Tears stream down my face now finally admitting it out loud that I do indeed blame myself for Derek leaving me.

"You never would have been able to Stella" his voice softens.
"What are you talking about?" I scoff still pissed!

"He's not a werewolf. We can't easily breed with humans Stella, and you didn't know so It's not anyone's fault" His tone is still deadly, but he looks at me sympathetically.

"It doesn't change that Derek Is still a useless man, and not worthy to have ever been called your husband!" He raises his voice again, the momentary soft spot gone.

This information sends me into a whirlwind of internal turmoil.
It wasn't my fault? I'm not broken? I shake my head as new emotions fill the space where the old ones had been.

Anger at someone unknown! Whoever forced my parents to dump me on a doorstep at six months old. Caused me the added pain of not knowing anything about myself and a life I should never have lived!

Determination to figure out my heritage and seek some sort of vengeance grows, scaring me.

Brodie stares at me concerned, but still annoyed.

"It doesn't change the fact that you left and didn't trust me. You should have talked to me" Brodie's words pull me from the fault lines in my brain shifting with the bombshell news he just threw at me.

"I will, next time!" I huff, sick of going around in circles. His eyes suddenly go unfocused, and I know he's being mind-linked.

"I have to go" he stands abruptly.
"Travis?" I ask assuming he's ready to debrief earlier with Brodie. He nods confirming my assumptions.

"Can I come seeing as I am the person who can most likely help the trackers realise their weak points"

"No sorry, I need some time" he walks out closing the door firmly behind him. The urge to launch something at the door he shut behind him feels all too familiar.

I stay in the damn suite feeling sorry for myself and waiting. It's in the shower I  think to hell with this crap, I've come too far into this and I'm going to that damn meeting.

I won't be pushed aside any longer. He's had enough time to get over it and move on. I said I was sorry. If he can't figure it out from here then I'll move out and reject the stupid mate bond.

Strong words that you will not follow through with Amber warns me. I ignore her. I get dressed quickly and open the suite door determined. I make my way to the meeting room first.

When I get there it's empty, walking back out into the hallway I hear voices. I follow the direction of heated words and decipher Travis's defensive tone.

"Alpha she's not a normal she-wolf she's exceptionally skilled and will be a very useful tool for our training. I'm confident we can work with her and improve our skills"

I huff, exactly what I was thinking.

Brodie will come around; he's just a typical Alpha struggling to deal with all the challenges lying before him. Amber defends our mate as usual.

"I know, but I can't keep putting up with this"

Agreed let's start being the damn Luna we were born to be!

Approaching Brodie's office with a mix of determination and nervousness coursing through me.
I stop dead realising I'm watching my life fall down the same rabbit hole all over again.

Brodie Is sitting at his desk with none other than Kelci sitting on top of it, right next to him.

She's practically naked Amber growls.

My heart stops and a little whimper escapes my chest. Kelci's looks up seeing me staring and smiles. She leans forward towards Brodie and places and hand on his shoulder, squeezing it affectionately.

"Alpha" she coo's, fluttering her eyelashes at him. He turns to her surprise on his face as he looks at her hand on his shoulder.

"Kelci Whats the matter?" he looks concerned at her now worried expression.

"I'm such a fucking Idiot" My voice Is low, but everyone's head  I can see snaps in my direction. Including Josh who looks at Kelci and Brodie's obvious position from my view. My eyes  lock with Brodie's confused stare, then finally I see it click in his head.

He stands and Kelci almost topples off the desk, satisfying Amber briefly. Josh is  the first to speak as I take a step back.

"Stella, wait It's not what you think. Don't run Stella! Shit!" Josh takes a step forward as I turn but Brodie pushes past him lunging for the door.

The same as the night I discovered Derek and Sandy I bolt, running from my problems rather than facing them head on.

"Stella No!" I hear Brodie bellow as the office door crashes fully open. I'm already out the door at the end of the hallway.

I leap over furniture and put everything into my legs, pounding my way out of the mansion.

I can't handle this right now I can't even breathe I just need to get out.

'Stella turn left here, two more doors and were out. We can figure this out once we're in the forest. Amber instructs then whines, hurt, and confused the same as me.

The walls are closing in on me as I feel a panic attack rising to the surface. Finally, I burst through a door that leads me outside. Fresh forest air helps me fight off the panic.

The woods are at least 200m from the pack-house. I break back into a sprint knowing Brodie and the others won't be far behind me.

Why doesn't he just let me go then he can have her and forget about me!

Amber continues to whimper not liking that we're running away from what we thought was our opportunity for happily ever after.

  I'm not even halfway there when I hear Brodie's footsteps closing in on me. Shit, he's faster than before, normally I can outrun him in human form. Despair hits me as I realise I'm never going to make it to the trees. If I could get to the forest I'd be able to get away. I push myself more trying to make it.

HIs weight slams into me and I'm tackled to the ground. I uselessly pound my fists and try to wriggle myself free.

"Get off me, get off me!" I scream at him. He doesn't budge pinning my wrists in a death grip and sitting on top of me. Brodie looks at me and panic slowly morphs into relief.

"Thank god, for once, I actually caught you" he breathes. "Stella, It's not, I'm not with Kelci. You didn't see what you thought you saw, I'm loyal to you I promise. You have to believe me baby" he begs.

Trying to rub soothing circles into my wrists. The sparks of our bond shoot down my arm and treacherously make my muscles give in and relax under his touch.

"Just let me go" I sob, hating what the last two weeks have turned me into.

Travis, Josh, and Kelci catch up to us.
"It's true" Kelci huffs dramatically.

I'm surprised her tits haven't fallen out of the piece of fabric she's claiming is a shirt! Ambers growls, just as angry with her as I am.

"We're not, well we haven't been together since your arrival" she continues.

Let us just get rid of her now, she's pissed us off more than once. That's enough to warrant her death! Amber growls.

Homicidal as usual I see, I try to settle Ambers murderous urges. Then turn my attention back to the conversation at hand. Hating Kelci's choice of words, and by the look on Brodie's face, so does he. I'm still not convinced.

"Why do you care what I think? Shouldn't you be happy If I take off!" I throw at her from my currently horizontally pinned position. I do my best to give her a fierce glare.

"Of course I care! I'm sorry about that day in the gym. I was just jealous, you've proven yourself to be very capable Stella, and I'm sure you make our Alpha happy so please don't let a misassumption ruin that" she seems genuine, but I still don't trust her.

Neither do I she's a snake! Amber snarls clearly, still wanting her head.

I look to Josh who I have bonded with on a trust worthy level. He knows my back story of betrayal and heartbreak.

"I swear to you Luna he's been nothing but loyal" Josh puts a hand on his heart. I sigh, a weight lifting off me, and I believe it to be the truth.

Travis speaks next.

"Plus I'd be seriously annoyed If the Alpha was moving in on my girlfriend." I watch him place an affectionate arm around Kelci, and she smiles warmly at him snuggling into his side.

Ew, Is all I can think. Then I feel guilty, Travis is a nice guy and if he's happy. I should be happy for him. I nod at them not wanting to talk with her any longer than necessary.

Looking up into Brodie's desperate eyes. He searches mine intently. Tears threaten again, and I see my vision blur slightly. I feel bad for assuming the worst of him.

It's happened to us before and miss slut didn't help make the situation look any better until now! She let you run Stella, and touched our mate! She knew we were watching! I don't like or trust her, and we should eliminate her now! Amber is pushing to come forward in my head, she really wants to go through with taking Kelci out of the picture for good.

" leave now" Brodie uses his Alpha command and our audience turns immediately leaving us.

Pushing Amber back with a not now control yourself! I feel her settle slightly. I've never killed anyone and this is the first time Amber has pushed herself forward trying to force me to shift into our wolf form.

'Calm down or I'm shutting you out' I warn her through our mind link.
Fine! She grumbles and I feel her bristling in the back of my head.

I blink away the wetness in my vision, and look up into pools of green.

"Sorry, I, just, you've just" My voice cracks.

"Shhh" Brodie attempts to soothe me.

My internal organs are screaming for more room under Brodies heavy weight.

He's really pinned me. The way he's holding on so tight makes me think he doesn't want me gone for good. If I'd made the tree's I don't know if I would have ever come back, yet again feeling betrayed by a love in my life.

Love in your life eh? I knew you loved him, you just needed to admit it! Amber sounds so triumphant and a lot calmer at my admission.

" I know I've been gone a lot and avoiding you. I regret that now." Brodie admits looking at me honestly.

" You can just reject me already. I can't do this back and forth anymore I sob.

" Reject you, never!" Brodie growls furiously. " that's where you think I'm at?"

I nod looking away.

"Stella I will never reject you. I've waited so long to find you and your everything to me. It's just been hard lately, I'm busy trying to keep up with the rogues and you running off. I thought you'd chosen to leave me for good."

" I choose the opposite I finally realized how much I wanted to stay." Tears roll down my face.

Brodie softens " I'm sorry I'll make sure I have more time. No more running away from each other deal?"

"Deal" I sob feeling so vulnerable but elated that Brodie is finally forgiving me.

He bends kissing me on the grass both of us pouring our emotions into it rather than using words.

"Ok, can you get off me now" I wheeze under Brodie, Ignoring my wolf happily purring in the back of my head.

He takes some of his weight off me but doesn't remove himself. I frown confused. Wriggling again I realise he's got a huge hard on and I gasp at the intensity of my desire for him.

Noticing that I've noticed his predicament he gives me a smirk.

Brodie claims my mouth and lets go of my wrists tangling them in my loose hair.

I kiss him back matching his ferocity, the joy of being wrong slams into me and suddenly I just want and need him more than ever.

Brodie breaks the kiss, smirking.
"Lets see you get away from me now, reeking of your lust for me."
He's right my arousal is probably filling the woods by now.

Standing me up, daring me to bolt with his eyes. A mix of emotions roll through me, adrenaline for the chance to play my favourite game with my Alpha, and a longing just to be in his arms safe and cared for.

I'm tempted to run knowing he would catch me.

'But only because we would let him' Amber chuckles.

I smile but eventually the longing just to be with him wins, I don't want to run tonight or anymore. I just want to be here with him.

"I don't want to run." I walk the short distance between us looping my arms over his shoulders, Hoisting myself up to straddling his waist with my leg. He catches me easily, surprise, and longing flashing through his features.

I look into his half green, half black eyes and tell him what I know, I really want, and have wanted for a long time.

"I just want you to take me to bed already" putting a little feigned annoyance to emphasise my impatience. My desire for him only grows as I watch his eyes turn completely black and he turns us back towards the packhouse..