Standing in my crimson dress, forcing myself to feel normal and excited for tonight's events is proving to be a great effort. Hiding my emotions and feelings from Brodie has been difficult, but somehow I've been successful.

Having been forced to skip out on last night's dinner and today's Alpha meetings. I'm determined not to be seen as a coward, my mind is made up, when the time comes, leaving with Zorrick to save those I love will be the only option.

There has to be another way. We need to tell our mate! Amber hates the idea of playing lamb to the slaughter. As do I.

Amber, we've gone over this. Zorrick is too strong; he will destroy our pack.

But what about us? What is Zorrick going to do with us once he has us?

I don't know, and to be honest, I don't want to be thinking about that right now. We'll figure that out.

I shut her out, slamming a wall up between us. Not having any idea when Zorrick will make his final move makes things worse. How long will I have to lie and pretend everything is ok for? My black hair falls slightly curled past my shoulders.

My makeup is light except for the striking red lipstick coating my lips. Riley and Lexi are feeling better today and will be joining the bonfire celebrations. I look forward to spending some more time with them. Sighing, I close my eyes, preparing to fake it till I make it.

This could be my last night to enjoy freedom and being with the man I love. Not taking the opportunity to be happy one last time would be stupidity.

I saunter out of my wardrobe, ready. Brodie stands waiting patiently by the door, looking like the Adonis he is. Similar to last time, our eyes promise to fulfill our longing for each other later. Hints of charging wood and smoke hit my senses as we make our way into the event room.

The bonfire is clearly already raging. Familiar tingles of power ripple across my skin, and I frown. Is it possible once discovered, my powers become stronger? Or am I just more aware of them? Brodie stops us before the doors; his concerned eyes look into mine.

"You ok little mate? You've been quiet all day and off your food." Seems I haven't been doing as good of a job as I thought.

"I'm ok, just ready for this to be over" I give him a weak smile.

"Almost there" he pulls me in for a hug, and I feel tears fill my eyes. Brodie pulls away noticing the treacherous wet streaks falling down my cheeks.

"Hey, hey, none of that. You've done so well, Stella. I'm so proud, you're my luna. Once this is over, we will find a way to take Zorrick down. You have my word." I nod, unable to respond. Closing my eyes and breathing in his forest scent, I force my emotions down and calm to overcome me.

We walk hand in hand to an already packed room. The dance floor is already humming. Brodie heads me straight to the buffet, and from his emotions, he's determined to see me eat and confirm I'm ok. Smiling, I fill a plate-like I usually would, satisfying him enough.

Next, I scan the room for Zorrick, feeling eyes on me, I spot him across the room, staring holes into me, he frowns and looks away. Not yet then that's a relief.

"Stella, Stella, please help" Lexi comes bounding over in a beautiful blue silk gown.

"What's wrong?" Both me and Brodie answer in unison, alarmed by her urgency. Several heads turn our way, curious to the commotion.

"It's Riley" I feel Brodie turn to stone and instinctively place a calming hand on him.

"She's having dress issues, and I can't get her out of the room!" Lexi whales. Breathing a sigh of relief, Brodie and I relax our postures.

"I'll go and get her. Don't worry, you two enjoy the party."

"Thanks, Stella. Your the best" Lexi huffs. I look to Brodie, and he gives me a hell no, I ain't coming look. Giggling, and planting a quick kiss on his cheek, I make my way to Riley and Lexi's suite.

Knocking three times, a tear-filled Riley opens the door, mascara streaking down her face.

"Hey, none of that", I repeat Brodie's words to me, from earlier and enter the suite closing the door behind me.

"I'm ruined. My first Alpha's party and look at me," she cries burying her face in her hands. My eyes land on the huge stain ruining her dress completely and I notice shes wearing a matching, but silver silk gown to her sisters. It's cute that they wore the same dress in different colors.

"We'll fix this. You must have another dress?" the following wail and shake of Riley's head confirm she believes she doesn't.

"Come with me" I state and Riley's eyes fill with hope. I take her hand and across the packhouse to mine and Brodies suite. We enter and her sniffles have settled as she hopes I have a solution for her and to her luck I do.

I walk Riley into my woredrobe full of unworn garments. I find the dress I never got to wear.

"This is the dress I was meant to wear last night, we can pin the back to fit your slender frame. Now sit down while I fix your hair and makeup," I command.

She complys and I start by brushing her hair out cleaning and re-applying her make up. I help her get the gown on and we pin it to fit in my long mirror.

"OH, MY, GOD! Thank you so much; you are the best big sister ever!" Riley stands before me, looking gorgeous in the dress. I've curled and pinned her hair to one side, applying generous conceler to cover her swollen eyes.

"Your welcome, come on, let's get to the festivities", I smile. Riley takes my hand once again and I reveal in the feel of having a younger sibling that I can help. I will cherish this memory through whats to become of my life.

Halfway back to the main event, Riley stops needing to use the bathroom. I carry on telling her to enjoy the turning heads alone as she walks into the room. I watch and hesitate as she disappears through the door feeling a foreboding sense of dread settle back into me. I heave a long breath into my lungs and force my legs to move forward.

I enter through a side door, not wanting to announce my presence obviously, the longer I can try to enjoy my last night of freedom the better.

"Ah, sneaking around, I see", a familiar chuckle.

"Alpha Regan, why aren't you and your gracefulness wooing potential ladies on the dance floor?"

"I'll get there soon; I was just burning our packs' token on the bonfire. I don't have a luna to do it, you see. Although perhaps Monday I will find my mate and watch blissfully as she does it for us," his smile is genuine and I feel a pang of sadness that he is still yet to find his mate.

"I'm sure you will find her Regan"
"One day I'm sure my betrothed will finally come to my side" he declares dramatically making me giggle.

"I'm sorry you'll have to excuse me, but what is a token, and why do the Luna's normally burn it?"

"It's tradition," he shrugs.
"A gift to the moon goddess or something. Each luna, or unmatted Alpha, throws them into the flames like some lame sacrifice to the gods" he raises both his hand's to the sky mockingly and I laugh.

"Guess I'd better do mine then," I grumble.

"Yes, Brodie was trying to do it earlier, and Loranne almost murderd him on the spot, Insisting he let you have your moment. Poor mans been unmated aslog as me I'm not surprised he forgot," Alpha Regan chuckles to himself.

I however know full well while Brodie didn't tell me and then tried to get past this little tradition.

"Come, I'll walk you there it if you like? Yours is the last one left." Regan announces steering us in the direction of the bonfire. Panic surfaces at going near flames again, but I can't be rude it would cause unnecessary attention.

"Sure, thanks." I loop my arms in his and mind-link Brodie.

You could have told me about the luna token thing!

Sorry, I tried to get away with doing it, but my mum. Where are you?

Stuck with Regan taking me out there like a lamb to the slaughter

I'm coming.

He shuts the mindlink off, and I relax a little, knowing he's coming to support me. Finally, we make it outside, and Regan hands me the small brown bag labeled 'Kaitai's Token'.

"The rest is self-explanatory" Regan gestures to the flames, and I throw him a thankful smile. I turn, facing the fire, trying desperately to control my emotions. Several flames leap out in my direction, and a quick look around tells me no one noticed.

"You scared of fire, little one?" Regan teases , making a few onlookers chuckle.

"No, no, just enjoying the moment is all", I lie. Finally a strong bicep wraps around my waist, and I lean into Brodie.

"Special moment, huh. Let's do it together, little mate" Brodie takes my hand and helps me launch the bag into the fire from a safe distance. The tingles from our mate bond calming me completely  Loranne starts clapping, and I hadn't realized she was watching us. Brodie moves us back from the flames, and I relax that it is all over.

A sudden commotion inside snaps all of our attentions toward it. Alpha Henry has just been slapped by Raven.

"Oh dear," Brodie mumbles, but Regan laughs, loving the little show playing before our eyes. I can't help but stifle my own giggle at the scene. Then, spotting Riley coming through the door, I smile, grabbing Brodie's attention and pointing her out.

"Doesn't she look stunning" I announce proudly.

"She's all grown up", he replies. A deep growl rumbles across the entire room, echoing out to us situated outside. Zorrick stands staring at Riley, she turns looking hazed in his direction, and then the words Mate rip from Zorricks throat. 

"No way!" Brodie roars, launching himself into the room to intercept Zorrick from getting to a now beaming Riley.

"Holy shit, their mates!?" I exclaim out loud, so confused. The look of pure joy on Zorrick's face sends me into a tailwind of emotions and thoughts.

If you are indeed the blue mountains infant daughter, I played no part in their demise. Those were his words from the ball. Confusion slams into me and panic comes next. He was telling the truth? is it possible I got it all wrong?

I stare as confusion forms over Zorrick's face. Brodie shoves Riley behind him, shouting accusations at the lovestruck Alpha. His face was not one of confusion or horror to find his mate that's ruined all his dark plans but one of pure delight to find the person he has been longing for. If Zorrick is not the one who is after me, then who is?

A dark laugh comes from beside me and my stomach plummets through the floor.

"Piecing the puzzle together, are we" Alpha Reagan's voice changes all traces of humor and amusement now gone. Out of the shadows, I see unfamiliar faces surround us and move to the packhouse doors, quietly closing them and standing guard. Nobody inside has even noticed with the convieniant commotion going on.

For a moment I stare at Brodies protected frame over his younger sibling wishing he'd never left my side leaving me so vulenerable.

It's not his fault like us he picked Zorrick but his outrage to protect Riley has clouded his clarity of Zorricks obvious elation to the discovery.

"You", I spin furiously.

"That's right, my dear. Me indeed! Now let's go!" He grabs my arm, and I sink my feet into the ground. Brodie said Regan had a small pack, and he needed Zorricks protection to help him keep a hold of it.  Brodie can take Regan and his pack on with no problem. If Zorrick is mated to Riley, then his alliances will surely be with us anyway.

I snap my arm back. Taking a step towards the flames of the bonfire.

"You and whose army is going to make me go with you!" I sneer at the man before me.

Regan chuckles amused. "You're smart I'll give you that but right now your being stupid Stella lets go" he growls. Out of the shadows, more men and wolves appear. They're scraggly looking, like the one who attacked me in the forest.

"Rogues", I frown, now understanding all the increase in Rogue attacks.. The rogues are aligned with Regan. How many Rogues could he have under his command?

"Enough to destroy those you love!" He answers my unspoke question.

"Now come willingly, and things will be much easier!" He snaps angrily at my unwillingness to go to him. I rake my brain, wanting to figure a way out of this. Looking at the flames, an idea flares. Maybe I could burn him to death.

"Times up", he growls, and I'm shoved into the bonfire with brutal force. A scream is ripped from me as I land in amongst the flames. My clothes are burnt from my body, and I stand naked unharmed amongst the fire.

"And there's my confirmation!" Regan sings happily getting his confirmation.

I welcome the flames and power from them to me, they wrap themselves around me, as power surging its way through my limbs. Now covered by a raging blaze my confidence grows, Regan has underestimated me, I'd rather burn everyone here than go with him. I growl loudly causing the flames around me to climb higher and lash out towards my enemy.

"Brad, be a dear and put her out now. Both the flames and her. She's much feistier than I anticipated," Regan chuckles calmly, too calm for my liking.

Who's Brad?

 I raise my arm, trying to shoot a flame or anything at Regan, but nothing happens. Despair floods me, and he laughs. Anger fills me, and I let it fuel my power growing it.

 I try again letting the energy absorb then release the power from my hand, this time a fireball shoots out of me and straight into Regan's abdomen. He has no time to move and it causes him to stagger back, cradling his mid-section.

Suddenly water slams into me throwing me backwards. I rise surging my power and growing the remaining flames around me once more. I blast another larger fire ball out hitting a group of rogues who all cry out diving into the pond nearby to extinguish themselves.

 I spot a black-haired man with brown eyes matching my own. He's wielding the water from the large pond. It circles around him just like the flames are to me—another element wolf.

Holy crap he's an element wolf and who looks like he knows what he's doing Stella.

He has a pained look on his face as we stare at each other. Regan laughs again and it makes me want to throw up.

"Stella, my lovely. Meet your brother Brad." He chuckles amused by the whole scenario.

I growl loudly and my flames burn higher and hotter around me. I will not be taken easily If my brother has sided with the enemy then so be it.

I watch Brad, as he easily wields the water growing it into a vast floating mass above him—so much water. Droplets and small streams snake across the ground towards him, climbing his body and filling the giant ball of liquid. He's so in control of his power, unlike me.

His eyes are filled with sorrow confusing my hostile glare back at him. Suddenly a ball of water surges towards me landing close by me feet, all flames extinguishing where it lands.

Well shit.

I blast a fireball at him, he tries to dodge it but it singes his shoulder, the smell of cooked flesh fills the air and he hisses.

"Brad, no games make this quick" Regan snarls.

I waste no time sending ball after burning ball Brads way, but he ups his game dodging them all. The man doesn't strike me back at all and my inexperience hits me like a tonne of bricks.

He's just letting me wear myself out then he's going to strike.

You've done all you can Stella which is create time.

I search the windows to see the drama inside still unfolding while my situation goes completely unnoticed. Dread fills me andI tremble on my legs feeling weakened.

"I'm so sorry, Stella" Brad calls. My attention immediately snapped back to my supposed sibling.

A wall of water shoots my way. I scream blasting fires out towards it, they meet in a spectacular blast of power. My knees shake but I desperately hold my ground. I hear windows shattering behind me, finally the attention of the party goers has been directed our way.

I see the water breach my flames leeching there way around my efforts towards me.

Wrapping around my legs like vines the water starts climbing my body in rapid succession. The vines thicken growing and wrapping themself around all of me. I scream and my fire blast wavers.

Slowley a ball of water forms around me swallowing my collar bones and the bubble of dangerous liquid climbs towards my neck.

He's going to drown me unconscious. Frantically I scramble, trying to get away, but It's no use. I see Leo lunging for Reagan, who shifts into a large brown wolf. One last whimper leaves me as water engulfs my airway entirely. I'm in a bubble of water frantically clawing for a way out. My lungs burn, and I scream when Regan rips a chunk from Brodie and Leo's flank. Automatically I try to breathe and water fills my lungs. I grab at my chest and throat desperate to end my agony. Fear consumes me as dark spots grow in my vision. Green eyes meet my terror-filled brown orbs and I scream as everything goes black...

*******************Authors note****************

Do we want a Brodie's POV??? That was my idea for the next chapter. Or do we want to jump straight to what's happening with Stella, Regan, and her Brother!!!
Did anyone Guess it was Regan the whole time or did I manage to sneak it upon you??