I lay, curled up on Emily's bed. Justin and Jean's words continued to plague my mind.

A day has passed since I moved in with Emily and Jean. I couldn't fathom the thought of never seeing Connor and Xain again. I know what they did was wrong and that maybe the past couldn't be forgiven.

But they were my werewolves now. They were my lovers, my family, and my mates. I couldn't just overlook that. They suffer in their own minds with what they did to anyone they've killed, any female they've hurt, and me.

I was their walking guilt, a constant reminder that they went too far on possibly the youngest victim they've come across.

It will forever eat them that I was snatched away from home and put through hell.

And for that, I don't think I could ever get angry at them. In the end, we all suffered.

"Yoo hoo!" Emily called out, opening the door. "Hey, don't look so down in the dumps," she said cheerfully, bringing me in a plate of crackers and grapes. "If you're worried about the boys, I'm sure they'll be fine."

I smiled weakly, sitting up and watching Emily as she settled down beside me. She wasn't told of the info I had found out, nor did Garry and Katrina know.

And so I couldn't talk about it. I had to add up my sadness to just missing them. Emily smiled at me and passed me a cracker. "Eat up, Lyra. You'll need your strength, right?" I grabbed the cracker and nibbled on it, humming in response.

Emily looked at me for a few minutes before saying, "I know it's hard for you right now, but it'll get better, I promise. For now, let's eat!" I smiled at her and ate a few more crackers, her presence helping me feel better.

A few minutes passed when I heard a knock at the door. Emily started to get up before she sniffed. She then frowned and whispered, "Lyra, I smell Miles."

I tensed up but smiled a little. "It's okay. We can just send him away. He has no business here regardless."

Her eyes widened as she shook her head. "We're not supposed to see the gang for a while. Even my brother will be absent for a minute. And what if he doesn't leave?" I got out of bed and patted down my red dress, thankful that it covered me like a bundle of drapes would.

"Let's go see what he has to say, alright? Besides..." I lowered my voice to where I was sure she could barely hear it. "He might let himself in if we don't..."

She gulped but gave a weary smile. "R-right. Then I guess we should." She got out of bed as well, having been dressed in a large shirt and her brother's pants.

We both slowly made our way to the door, practically jumping when Miles opened the door. Emily took a step back but I did my best not to flinch. Instead, I smiled nervously. "Miles. What brings you here?"

He smiled warmly at me and spoke. "Just checking on the neighborhood human is all. I know it must be hard for you for your wolves to be away."

I forced an even wider smile as I said, "I'm sure they'll be alright. You know what they say, quick feet leads to an adventurous life." "I'm sure," was all he said. He stared at me for a moment before taking a step forward. Emily immediately said, "Oh, we're not ready for any guests right now. In fact, we were just getting ready to sleep."

He stopped and chuckled. "That is all and well with me. May I speak to you for just a moment, Lyra?"

The way he looked at me screamed hunger; I saw it in Connor and Xain's eyes. I smiled a little and asked, "Is it important? Is it about my mates?"

His jaw ticked a little. "Yes, actually. If you mind..." He took a step outside and I followed, feeling terrified and unsure. He was the Alpha male, the chief. I was just a simple human girl.

When I stepped outside, I shut the door behind me and asked, "What's the problem, Sir?"

Miles sighed for a moment, turning around and gazing up at the sky. "I never thought in a long time that the Wilson brothers would return. I had thought them dead, but it seems you have brought them back to life. You truly are a remarkable young girl."

I couldn't bring myself to smile, but I did say, "Thank you, Miles."

He turned around and smiled genuinely, approaching me. I immediately took a step back, but felt my back press up against the wall of Jean's house.

Miles chuckled. "You have no reason to fear me, Lyra. I understand that your first... introduction to our kind was far from friendly, but not all of us are wild dogs."

I wanted to speak up, but I bit back a retort and asked, "What did you want to tell me about the brothers?" "That they're lying to you," he said, his voice suddenly lowering. "I did not want to say anything, but I fear what they are doing is unspeakable."

I raised an eyebrow. "Unspeakable? What do you mean?"

"I mean to say that Xain and Connor are out with other women. That is why they left. That and I know what they're trying to do. They want to overthrow me."

I blinked before laughing a little. "Sir, I think you don't have to worry about that. Bonds are strong and I doubt they left just to sleep with other women."

He shook his head slightly and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I've heard of the boys' reputation. In fact, that very reputation caused you to become their mate." I merely shrugged and smiled at him.

"I worry not, Miles. They haven't grown bored of me just yet. And as for overthrowing?"

I giggled even more. "I don't think they're planning that either. You're an amazing leader who makes sure your pack has what they need to survive. You even let me in, and I'm nothing compared to your beautiful wives."

His smile almost disappeared.

I gently placed my hand over his, removing it from my shoulder and sliding away from him. "Worry not, Miles, I firmly believe my men will bring no harm to your title." I turned to walk back inside, but he gripped my dress, yanking me to him. I tensed up in his arms as he gave a deep chuckle. "I don't think it is I who needs to worry, my dear."

Shaken, I shoved myself off of him, staring at him in surprise when I knew damned well what he was playing at. "Sir?"

He approached me slowly, gripping my chin and tilting my head up. "You are a jewel," he muttered, pushing me up against a tree. "What have those boys ever done to deserve such a fine human girl as yourself?"

I gulped and stuttered out, "T-they bonded to me and t-treated m-me right."

He smirked, placing his free hand on my hip. "I do not trust those boys to be loyal to you. Why stay with them? They play with you like a toy, hurt you, and leave you in the dark. You're so sure that you fully trust them without stopping to think. You really are but a child."

His hand moved up my side, eyes capturing mine. "Children need to be taken care of properly. Why... don't you let me take the reins?"

I smiled as sweetly as possible, touching his hands and removing them from my body. "That is a kind gesture, but they aren't fathering me. They are my lovers and my men. And I hope that one day, we will marry and have offspring."

I moved away from him, heading towards the door as smoothly as possible. "This time I will not lose another," I added in as an afterthought.

He chuckled once more, but this time it was dark. "Let us hope you don't lose your men as well."

I paused and turned around, looking at him in partial surprise. "What are you saying, Miles?" He smirked at me and responded, "I think you know very well what I'm doing. For a young girl, you are quite clever. I've met a many your age, and all have been halfwits. But not you... And it makes it worth all the more."

I frowned and said, "You can't have me, Miles. I'm with two werewolves I love and they won't sleep with others, I assure you."

He growled, standing in front of me before I could think. He gripped the mid-section of my dress, yanking me to him; his lips dangerously close to mine as he leaned down.

He then whispered, "If I desire you, then I will have you, Lyra. The bond does not scare me, for a bond is just like an arm, or say this dress... It is... well..." He yanked at the collar, tearing it and exposing my shoulder and upper chest. I held back a gasp, but my fear was now obvious.

He smiled. "Well, I think you get it now. Don't you, my dear?"

I glared at him, fighting back at the fear. "Leave me and my wolves alone."

"I don't even have to lift a finger to separate you two, with the way things are going," he said casually, ripping the dress until it exposed more of my right breast. I whimpered, causing him to growl.

"You're so responsive. One way or another Lyra, you'll be mine. And no werewolf is going to stand in my way."

He then backed off, already a hundred feet from where I was standing.

Then, as he walked away casually, he called out, "I would behave if you want your men to survive! We wouldn't want them getting hurt or killed!" I gulped, holding up the ripped pieces of my dress. I didn't turn my back until he was out of sight, running in and slamming the door behind me.

Emily looked terrified. "Lyra?" She whispered, approaching me carefully.

I couldn't think right, not completely. But I knew very well that Miles would return if we gave him the chance. And I wasn't about to let that happen.

"Emily, run. Run for your brother and please hurry."

~*~

Katrina rubbed my back, looking furious but more concerned for my current state.

Justin and Jean had been speaking to each other outside for a long minute, and all Garry could do was try and lighten the mood. When it didn't work after the first hour, he just went quiet, gently petting Emily, who had shifted into a wolf to feel more secure.

After a long time of silence, Justin and Jean finally came in. While Jean immediately went to his sister to check up on her, Justin stood over me. "Lyra, I need to speak with you for a moment."

I got up and followed him outside, unable to look behind me, or anywhere aside from the ground. When we made it outside, I shivered and bundled up in the black coat that was given to me.

Justin sighed, placing his hand on top of my head. "I wasn't expecting him to outright approach you. And he called you out for it as well. We have a problem." I didn't look up at him as I muttered, "We always have a problem."

I finally looked up at Justin only to find him scowling at me. "Do you think this is a joke?"

"No!" I exclaimed, "I don't think any of this is a joke! But ever since we came back, all that's been thrown at me has been nothing but hatred because I'm human or because I'm with Xain and Connor! Need I remind you, I didn't ask to come here! But they wanted to come home and I was already exiled from my own home. So what choice did I have?"

When he didn't speak, I sighed and smiled sadly. "That's what I thought. I may be young, but I know when it isn't looking good. I've always known."

Tears pricked at my eyes. "The brothers still don't trust me. I lost their baby. Add that with the constant hatred spewing out of Michelle and Charlie's mouths, as well as Miles wanting me now, and you get a cornered human. I didn't ask for any of this, Justin. I didn't ask to get imprinted or lose my parents or lose my brother's love and trust, or get that young man killed, even if he was bad. I didn't... I didn't..."

Justin pulled me close when I started sniffing, the world becoming blurry to me. "I didn't ask to be hated or be different. I just wanted to be loved. I wanted to explore, I was curious. And look where that's gotten me."

He held me tight, refusing to let go when I budged. "Justin..."

My words fell on me. I couldn't say more. I didn't know what else to say.

After a minute of silence, Justin spoke. "I know a lot has been placed on your shoulders. You have... experienced a lot more pain than you have love. I don't mean the physical kind either. You aren't meant for this world, Lyra. Not this lifestyle, this tribe. You need to be back with your own. But I know that's difficult. But... I can promise you something."

I looked up at him, tears leaking down my face. "W-what?"

Justin wiped my eyes and smiled. He smiled.

"We're family now. Come Hell or high waters, you won't suffer alone. You won't be left alone again. You already know that we won't let you get hurt again, not by him or anyone else. But whatever happens next, I need you to trust me, trust us."

I nodded, lips trembling before I pressed them into a tight smile. "I trust you and everyone else. And...even though I hate it... I trust Xain and Connor, even though they hide things from me constantly."

Justin nodded, holding me to him, letting me feed from his warmth. "Good, because I'm about to share with you that not even Miles knows about yet."

I looked up at him again, confused but wary regardless. "What is it?"

Justin sighed, although it was more of a growl. I could see his fangs and already knew he was almost irritated. "That young man you mentioned before... His family is seeking revenge. They're out for you and the brothers, Lyra."

My heart sank.

~*~

SURPRISE, I AM ALIVE. Jeez, I forgot all about this account for a while. Sorry! ^ ^"