4

Lana

"Lana!" I flinched. "Get your ass out here right now!"

I gulped and shivered with fear. "C-coming, Alpha..." I stood from my bed and slowly made my way out of my room. What could he want this time? I opened my door to see my Alpha standing before my door, and he looked pissed. I cringed.

"Do you need something, Alpha?" I asked hesitantly.

He glared down at me and I shuffled my feet a bit, not looking him directly in his eyes. "I have been calling you for the past five minutes! Why haven't you answered me?"

I swallowed hard. "I... I was listening to music... Do you need me for something?"

"Walk with me." He roughly grabbed my upper arm and dragged me down the hall. I whimpered and tried to keep up with his long strides. We entered his office and he locked the door. My back was shoved hard against the door. I hardly had any time to cry out in pain until his lips came crashing down onto mine. My eyes widened and I pushed him away.

He simply pulled me closer. His hands gripped my butt. I gasped through my nose and managed to kick him away from me. I slumped to the ground and wiped the feeling of his lips off mine. He stood over me.

"Lana, I have gone three years without a Luna," I looked up at him, my hand securely over my lips to keep him from doing it again. "I've given up looking for my mate, so I want you to be my Luna for this pack."

"But I'm not even your mate!" I protested. I carefully got to my feet. "I know she's out there! Just keep looking!"

"I'm tired of looking!" He took my wrist and pulled me closer to him. "Lana, I want you to be Luna of my pack! Isn't that every girl's dream is? To be Luna?"

I yanked my hand from his. "Not the Luna of your pack, Cardin!"

He growled and pushed me up on the door, pinning himself between my legs. "I am your alpha! You will do as I say! You, Lana Nilson, will be my mate and Luna! You don't have a choice in this. I will make the announcement tomorrow. I will be waiting for you in my room tonight."

I gasped and tried hard to get him to let me go. "Cardin, this is wrong! The Luna position is only supposed to be for your chosen mate! I'm not her!"

"But I want you to be!" He pressed closer to me, and I was glad I was wearing jeans. "I'm sick and tired of waiting for a mate that might not even come around! I don't care if my mate is out there, you have the perfect qualities to lead a pack, and you will do great in the Luna position. You will be my Luna and that's final!" He leaned in and I knew what he was going to do.

I screamed and wiggled my legs and managed to kick him right between his. He gasped in pain and I was released. I scrambled to my feet and ran from his office. He tried to mark me as his! I have a mate out there! I can't betray him like this!

I ran to my room and locked the door. I grabbed one of my back packs and began shoving clothes in it. The last thing I grabbed was a picture of me and my family. They're away on a family trip, and since I had school, they left me and said they'd take me for the next one. I placed it right on top and zipped the bag up.

I wrote a quick note telling my parents that I couldn't stay here and what Cardin tried doing to me. I told them that I was going Rogue. I took a deep breath then went for the door. I froze when it rattled.

"Lana, I swear, if you don't open this door right this instant, I will force it open and claim you where you stand!" I gasped silently and backed away. Taking the door is out of the question. I spun around and headed for the window. I got it open, then slung my bag over my back.

I glanced back and my breath got caught in my throat as the door was thrust open the wrong way. "Lana! Don't you dare leave!"

I screamed then jumped out the window. I landed on the balls of my feet from two stories up, shifted, then ran. I ran as fast as I could manage. Cardin howled behind me and I kept going. I have to keep running.

"I, Lana Nilson, break away from the Moon Shade pack and become Rogue!" I thought aloud as I ran. Soon, the connection I had with the pack faded away, then was gone. I felt empty without the pack connection holding me together, but I knew I would manage. I knew I could survive as a Rogue. Before Cardin had taken my family and I in, we were Rogues. I knew how to survive and avoid being mated to one who wasn't my mate.

~~

I knelt down before a stream of clear water and lapped it up with my tongue. I've been a Rogue for about three months now. I've stayed away from other packs and ran into a few other Rogues on the way, but we didn't bother each other with our presence. We were all running for a reason.

With a sigh, I laid down by the stream after I got my drink. I lightly closed my eyes for a quick nap. My ear twitched at the sound of a twig snapping. In an instant, I leaped to my feet and growled threateningly in the direction of the one approaching me.

A large, russet colored wolf stepped out from the bushes. It stared at me, it's head cocked to the side a bit. I took a small step towards him, indicating that I meant business. He seemed to smirk at me before crouching down into a playful, but offensive stance. I removed my bag from my back and faced him again.

His tongue rolled out of his mouth, as if taunting me. He wants me to make the first move. I growled low in my throat, but it didn't phase him. It just made him taunt me even more.

Stupid male Rogues... I barked at him, took my bag up in my mouth, then took off running. If I can get away from him, then he'll leave me alone. I glanced back to see him following me. My eyes narrowed and I picked my pace up a bit, but he seemed to sense this and did the same.

He came to my left side and yipped. I showed my teeth, then quickly changed directions to throw him off. I heard him skid to a stop to try and catch up with me.

I gasped in surprise as I was suddenly tackled to the ground. I let go of my bag to avoid having my picture broken. We shifted back after the second roll and I quickly covered myself as he pinned me down.

His smile fell into a sad one. "I- oh... I... I'm sorry. I thought you were somebody else... My mistake..." He got off me and I crawled over to my bag for clothes. "I should've known better..."

I slipped on my clothes and faced him. He had a pair of shorts on now. "Who did you think I was?"

He sighed heavily. "I thought you were my mate... but that's impossible..."

"How?" I asked cautiously as I inched closer to him.

"She's been dead for three years..." He sighed and flopped onto the ground. "Your wolf looks just like hers..."

"O-oh..." I bit my lip and awkwardly patted his shoulder. "I'm sorry..."

"It's not your fault." He looked up at me. "I shouldn't have let my heart and wolf get the better of me. I'm sorry for mistaking you as her and scaring you."

I rolled my eyes. "I wasn't scared. I just didn't want any confrontation with another Rogue, since most of them are, no offense, sex crazed pigs."

He shrugged. "None taken. Because I had my mate, I'm immune to the sex cravings most male Rogues get. Say, you're a Rogue. Why don't you have the cravings? I know females get them too and they launch themselves at any male they come across."

I sat back and crossed my arms. "I've only been out here for three months. Plus, I know how to control myself and defend myself. It helps that I've been a Rogue before now."

"Wait," He sat up. "You've already been a Rogue, and now you're one again? What happened?"

I bit my lip. "Well, most of my life, I was a Rogue before Cardin took us in, the alpha of the Moon Shade pack. We were there for a few years, and not once did he find his mate. Hell, I don't think he was even looking. Three months ago, he tried to forcefully claim me as his so I could be the Luna of his pack. But I have a mate out there! I can't betray him!"

"I know what you mean," He said, lightly taking up my hand. "Having a mate is supposed to make you feel special and wanted. You can't just going around and being with whatever male seems to throw himself at you."

"Agreed." I smiled and took my hand from his. I walked over to my bag and picked it up. "Well, I gotta get going."

"Wait!"

I looked over my shoulder at him. "Yes?"

He stood. "Join me. I've got my own little band of Rogues. We look out for each other and travel together. We could always use another member. Besides, a lady like you shouldn't be out her by herself. I mean, I think you can handle yourself, but what if several unmated males gang up on you? Then what would you do?"

I held up a finger and was about to tell him off, but no sound came out of my mouth. What would I do? My finger flopped over. "I guess you have a point... Alright, I guess I'll join you."

He smiled. "Great! My group is this way. By the way, I'm Mario."

I couldn't help but smile back. "Lana." Soon, we came across a small camp of roughly twenty people. About half were males, and half were women. I shied away a bit and went behind Mario.

"Hey, it's alright, Lana," He cleared his throat and the group looked up. "Hello, everyone. I'm back, and I bring a new friend! I'd like you to meet Lana. She will be joining our group." I peeked around him and saw a few men giving me lust filled gazes. I shrunk back.

"They're staring..." I whispered to Mario. "Some of them with lust..."

He chuckled. "Guys, stop scaring her. She's gonna be with us from now on and if you so much as harm her, you'll have to answer to me."

The men who were giving me the lustful looks laughed and tipped their heads back. "Sorry, Mario. We couldn't help ourselves. So, what's a pretty girl like you doing out here and a Rogue?"

I rolled my eyes and stepped out from behind Mario. "Left my pack because I was being forced to be a Luna by someone who wasn't my mate."

"Jeez, that's harsh..." He patted a seat beside him. "C'mere. Sit by the fire and warm up. I promise nothing will happen."

"Okay." I sat beside him and Mario followed behind me and we sat near the fire. I gave a soft moan and held my hands up to the warmth.

"Hey, we have some stew." I looked up to one of the women. "Would you like a bowl?"

I smiled. "I'd love one. I haven't had anything in a while. Thank you." She gave me a bowl and I sipped from it. "Ooh, rabbit stew. Mm, tastes like game hen." We laughed and I ate a bit more. I've never been around other Rogues who can control themselves. I always thought my family was the only one that could do that.

After we had all eaten and I got to know the group, I volunteered for first watch. I sat at the edge of the tree line and watched as the group settled in for the night. My eyes scanned the scene, looking for activity that could be suspicious.

"Hey, can I join you?" I looked up and saw Mario standing behind me.

I shrugged. "Yeah, sure." He sat beside me. "What brings you out here? You're supposed to take watch after me. You need to rest."

He rolled his eyes. "Lana, I don't want you to be alone. Besides, I'm not tired. I'll stay up with you."

I sighed. "Alright... You can stay. But don't start complaining when you can't stay awake."

He laughed. "I'll stay up with you, and even take my watch. I'm used to staying up all night. Some one's gotta watch the group."

"I guess so..." I stared at the dying fire. "I never had anyone watching over me. I always had to stay half awake and half asleep. It made up a lot of missed sleep."

A hand was placed on my shoulder. "Get some rest. I'll watch over the group."

"But-"

"No excuses. Go sleep."

I sighed. "Fine." I got up and got close to the fire for warmth. I laid down and closed my eyes, and soon fell fast asleep.

~~

After a month of being with Mario's group, we had to pack up and leave to a new location. A Beta from a nearby pack said we were close to the pack boundaries and had a message from the Alpha saying we had to leave, or we would be taken care of.

So, here we are, getting our things packed away so we can leave to find another neutral spot. I sighed and brushed my hair out of my face. "Man, I was starting to like this spot..."

A hand was placed on my shoulder. "Don't worry, Lana. I know of another good spot for us to stay for a while." Mario assured me.

"Okay..." I slung my bag over my shoulder and followed him and the rest of the group to this new place for us to stay. I took up the rear to ensure no one would be left behind. We walked for hours before we found a place between two packs. We stayed close to the center so we wouldn't be spotted.

As I was unpacking my things, Mario came up beside me and sat. "You look like you have a ton of questions running through your mind."

I shrugged as I laid out my sleeping bag. "Is it that obvious?"

"Well, yeah." I peeked up at him as I straightened it out. "It's written all over your face." He grinned and I rolled my eyes.

"My pack always told me that being a Rogue means you're a reject," I started out with. "Yet my parents basically told me the exact opposite. But still, I find it odd that we Rogues still have morals and rules. Like the one for pregnant women." I looked up to a couple of our members. "Also those who have children." I focused on a small family of three as the parents played with their daughter.

"That's a universal rule for all Rogues," Mario said. "No matter what, if that woman was mated, even if she was rejected and left with a child, we won't harm a hair on them. They are, in a way, sacred, because we know that at any point the mate could end up coming back for them, and we don't want any confrontations with the possibility of death. Does that make sense?"

I nodded. "It does. I just never had it explained to me that way." I met his gaze. "I'm not mated. Does that mean something could happen to me while I'm out here?"

He frowned and stood as I laid on my stomach on my sleeping bag. "I'll see to it that nothing happens to you. You're a good woman and I know you don't want to be a Rogue forever. You want your mate. I get that. You want to save yourself for him. So, you have my word you will find your mate with your virginity in tact." He left me without another word.

I sighed through my nose and stared out into the forest. I've been a Rogue for about four months now. Of course, total, it's longer, but I'm not counting then. I'm counting now. Four months is actually quite a bit of time to be out cast from a pack. Usually, someone who's gone this long go insane without a pack to keep their wolf in shape. I guess it's the fact that we are, in a way, a pack of our own that isn't official. I wonder if Mario would make this an official pack?

I pushed that thought aside. I doubt there is a pack in this area that would give us enough land to start a small pack. Alpha's usually don't like giving up their land their Alpha's before them fought to get.

I shut my eyes and listened to the sound of the forest around us. Birds chirped, squirrels skittered about, and bugs buzzed in the branches. Our group was talking in hushed whispers a ways away from me, but I could tell they were arguing over something. I tried to listen in, but they were too quiet and too far away. I peeked my eye open and found Mario trying to discuss something with the group. I shrugged and let it go.

"Lana, wake up," Someone was shaking my shoulder.

I weakly pushed them away. "I'm not asleep... Give me five more minutes..." I snuggled farther into my sleeping bag.

"Lana, we don't have five minutes!" I looked up to see a worried look on Mario's face.

I sat up and yawned. "What's wrong?" I rubbed my eyes.

"I hadn't realized the two packs had gone and redrew the borders! We're in their land and they'll kill us if we don't get off soon!"

I perked up wide away after that and shoved my bag roughly in my back pack. I slung it over my back, loosened the straps, then proceeded to change out of my clothes so I could carry them. Mario looked away and I shifted into my wolf. I barked, then picked up my clothes. He shifted after me, then went to get his things. He gave a single command for us to follow him so we could get out of here.

I took up the rear again and made sure no one was left behind. One of the women was starting to fall behind. I nudged her hind flank to urge her to continue. She whined and I had to run along side her so she wouldn't lose us. She was panting heavily and she swayed. I bumped her with my nose to help her along.

Her paw caught on something and she went tumbling. I quickly shifted back and dropped my things so I could catch her and keep her from bashing her head on the rock she was heading for. I gently laid her down and put my clothes on in case someone saw us. I pulled my sleeping bag out and covered her.

My ears caught the sound of someone approaching, and I knew it wasn't from our group. I scowled and tried to find out why this happened to her. Then I noticed her stomach had a small bump on it. Pregnancy must take a lot out of you...

I looked up as two, huge wolves burst through the brush and skidded to a stop before us, snarling viciously. I stood protectively over her and growled back. "Leave her alone! She's pregnant! The second she's able to move again, we'll be going; I promise. I'm certain the others are already off your land. Just leave us be. We'll leave."

They glanced between each other and one nodded slightly. While one stayed behind, another trotted off into the trees. I watched after him before I turned my gaze back to the one before me. My eyes narrowed at him. He simply rolled his.

My head snapped back to the guy who left and saw him come out in shorts. Wait... "Lana, I can't believe you forgot about me." He smirked and opened his arms.

I still didn't trust him. "Alvin, never thought I'd see you again. How's Cardin doing?"

His arms dropped awkwardly by his side. "He's... uh... okay, I guess? He's been looking for you."

"So?" I snorted. "I'm a Rogue again. I don't have to be tied down to a pack anymore."

"Right, right..." He glanced around and avoided my gaze. "Forgot you were once a Rogue... So, why did you leave?"

"Simple," I relaxed a bit. "He tried to force his mark upon me and make him the Luna of the pack. I refused, kicked him between his legs, since he trapped me against the door, then packed up and left. Best decision I've ever made."

He raised an eyebrow at me. "You do realize your parents are worried sick about you, right?"

I nodded sadly and hung my head. "I know... But I couldn't wait another week for them to return. I had to leave that night."

The woman behind me suddenly groaned. "Wh-what happened?" I whirled around and kept the bag over her.

"Hey, stay down." I glanced over my shoulder to the guys. "You aren't exactly dressed at the moment." Her eyes bugged wide and she pulled the bag closer to her.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?!" She growled at me.

"I was getting there! Oh, stop growling at me, Alvin!" I snapped at him. Then I noticed he was staring hungrily at her. "Wait, is that your mate's baby?" I asked as I pointed at her stomach.

She shook her head. "No, I was raped in my old pack, so I ran..." She met Alvin's gaze and her breath hitched in her throat.

He knelt down in front of her. "Hey,"

She blushed a bright red. "H-hi..."

He smirked. "I'm Alvin. And you are?" She was about to speak, but our attention was suddenly focused on a face I thought I'd never see again.

I glared and bared my teeth at him. "Cardin. What a surprise." Alvin stood protectively in front of us, and the wolf he came with stood on our other side.

His eyes met mine. "My, my, Lana. Becoming a Rogue sure has changed you."

I got to my feet. "I'm not afraid of you. I've looked death in the eyes several times. You don't scare me. Just leave us be."

The corners of his lips turned down. "Well, I see you've gained some confidence. Shall I break it out of you as I take you back to be my Luna?"

I bared my teeth at him. Alvin had to hold me back. "Why don't I rip off your tongue and-"

"Lana! Alison!" I looked back to see Mario running up to us.

An idea formed in my head. "Besides, I've already found my mate, and he's leagues better than you!" I sprinted to Mario and whispered quickly for him to follow along with me. He was about to ask what I meant, but I quickly smashed my lips into his. He was stunned at first, but soon played along.

We pulled back and I started rubbing myself on him. "We were set to mate later tonight, but then we find out that you're kicking us off the land. We didn't know the lines had been redrawn. We'll be leaving now." I went back to Alison and helped her up as I wrapped the bag around her.

"Wait!" She pulled from my hold. "I wanna be with my mate..." Alvin slung an arm around her waist.

I shrugged. "Fine by me. Cardin, you now have a new member within your pack. Good luck, and good day." I tipped my head a bit, then gathered my things before I walked hand in hand with Mario. Once I was certain we were out of their line of vision, I swiped my hand across my lips.

"Blech... you need to shower and shave..." I wiped the salt from his lips off mine and spat out some spit.

He chuckled. "You're the one who came on to me."

"Hey, I was protecting myself from Cardin." I defended. "Had I not done that, he'd have tried to claim me right then and there. I didn't want that."

"Alright, alright." He sighed. "You make a valid point. Anyway, let's meet up with the rest of the group." I pulled my hand from his and we walked in silence. I kept my gaze forward, but I could see from my peripheral vision that Mario kept glancing at me. If our gazes did happen to meet, he'd quickly look away and pretend it didn't happen. I found his behavior odd, but didn't question it.

Back with the group, I set up a small section for me, then realized I gave my bag to Alison. I sighed and settled for laying on just the ground. I jumped and squeaked when something was tossed on me.

"A woman like you shouldn't be sleeping on the ground." I peeked out from under the sleeping back to see Mario smiling down at me. "Use my sleeping bag."

"But-"

"No objections." He cut me off. "Use it. I don't mind." With that, he walked away from me. I shrugged and laid his bag out for me.

~~

I took a deep breath of the beautiful new area. It's nothing but forests here, very few clearings, an it's not so jam packed with different packs. There are several unclaimed lands. I smiled and danced in place. More place to run.

Mario chuckled beside me. "I told you we'd get to Oregon." He draped an arm over my shoulders. "Did I tell you it'd be beautiful?"

I nodded like a bobble-head toy. "It has more room to run in!" I glanced back the roughly fifteen members we had traveling behind us. "Plus, we'll actually be able to spread out more and not be stacked on top of each other! Oh, I'm so excited!" I squealed like a little girl and ran into the middle of the clearing and danced in a tight circle. I giggled and dropped my bag before flopping back first into the soft, dew covered grass.

"Mmm..." I curled up into the grass. "What they say really is true; the grass is much greener on the other side."

Someone flopped down beside me. "Meh, I've felt better grass." I giggled and rolled away from Mario.

"I can't believe it took us eight months to get here." I said to the sky as thick clouds rolled over head. "You said it would take a maximum of two."

He sat up and leaned over me. "Hey, it's not my fault we ran into trouble a while back."

I rolled my eyes. "Right, so, provoking an actual wolf wasn't your fault?"

"Hey, he stole our food." He said as he hovered over me. I bit my lip at his closeness. "How was I supposed to know he was going to call the whole pack?"

"Well, jee!" I shoved him away. "Considering how us Wolves will do the same thing, I think it should have been common sense to tell you that." I sat up and began unpacking some of my things. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going out for a short run. I'll be back within the hour."

"Be safe!" He called after me.

I laughed. "If I'm not back within an hour and a half, send a search party. I was probably eaten by a bear or something." I said jokingly.

"Not funny, Lana!" He shouted after me.

I smirked and stuck my tongue out at him. "Is too! It's funny, right?" I asked someone beside me and they gave me a half smile. "Glad to see you're on my side." I patted his head, then left to strip and shift. The second I shifted, I rolled around in the dirt a bit before I took off running.

It felt good to let my wolf out again. Sure, we spent most of our time in wolf form, but it was nice to just let her out for no apparent reason. She seemed giddy as we ran and tumbled over rocks and logs that were in our path. I let out a throaty laugh and rounded a bend.

Only to run into three wolves. I scrambled to my feet and ran off in a different direction, not knowing what they do to Rogues. They barked and followed after me. I can't lead them back to the group, because then they'll know where we are, and will report back to the Alpha.

I looked back over my shoulder to see them gaining on me. I whimpered and tried to speed up, but each change I made, they made, too. I was beginning to panic. They were practically right on my heels. I risked another glance over my shoulder, which was a big mistake. I crashed hard into someone and rolled over them.

Within an instant, I was pinned down. They weren't chasing me; they were herding me like sheep. I'm such a fool...

The wolf on top of me shifted and I met the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. My heart rate sped up and my breath came out faster.

"Mate..." My wolf purred.

"Shift back." He ordered. The three that were chasing me made it to us, then quickly ran off.

I gulped and looked away from him. If I shift, he'll see me naked...

"I said shift." I flinched a bit, but did as he said. The instant I shifted, I covered myself with my arms and legs. He made a low, hungry sounding moan in the back of his throat. "So beautiful... And you're a Rogue..."

I avoided his gaze and remained silent. "Does my mate have a name?"

I bit my lip. "Lana..."

"Lana..." The way he said my name sent shivers up my back. "I'm Nyl, the Alpha of the Lynspack. We're actually not that far from the border right now."

My blood froze in my veins. My mate is an Alpha... Is he like Cardin? Oh God, what if he's like Cardin?!

"Lana?" I slowly met his gaze. "Breathe... Relax... What's wrong?"

"Y-you're an alpha..." I whispered. "I... I left my previous pack because of my Alpha..."

"What did he do?" His eyes darkened a bit and I shrunk back.

"He... he tried to force me to be his Luna..." I said just barely above a whisper. He growled in his throat and I shrunk back and curled up tighter on myself.

"Well, it doesn't matter now." I flinched as he lightly placed his hand on my shoulder, the sparks of the Connection flying across our bare skin. "What matters now is that I have finally found you, and you can join my pack."

"I... I can't..." I met his eyes.

Hurt flashed across his eyes. "Are you... rejecting me?"

I quickly shook my head, my eyes flying open. "No! No, nothing like that! It's just, I have to return to my group. We travel together and-"

"Then they can come with us," He cut in. "They can join the pack."

I bit my lip. "I don't know... I'd have to talk with Mario..."

"Mario?" He said the name with a growl. "What are your standings with him?" Jealousy dripped out through his words.

"Nothing..." I had to look away again. "We're just friends..."

He stood and I covered my eyes. "Why do you hide your eyes from me?" He asked with a chuckle.

I shook my head and shifted. I took off in the direction of the group, and I could hear Nyl following after me. He bumped his shoulder into mine, and gave a throaty laugh. I side-stepped him and tried to put distance between us.

Why does my mate have to be an Alpha? I thought to myself. As if I didn't have my fair share of Alphas from my old pack...

We got to where I left my clothes and I quickly shifted back and got them on before Nyl could see too much of me. I sighed heavily, fluffed my hair, then strode into the clearing.

"Lana!" I was suddenly tackled into a bone crushing embrace. "We were about to send a search party and-" He was cut off by a low, threatening growl. He stepped back and his eyes bugged wide. "L-Lana... Who-who is this?" He stepped back a bit.

I shivered at the dominance in the air given off by Nyl. "Mario... everyone, this is Nyl, my mate... I met him while on my run, and... he wants to take me back to his pack..."

Mario's eyes narrowed a bit while the group awe'd at Nyl and I. "He's an Alpha. Have you forgotten what an Alpha nearly did to you before?"

I glared. "Yes, I am well aware, Mario. I lived it!" I pushed past him and faced the group. "Nyl is willing to take you in to his pack, if you want to. It's completely up to you." I glanced around and saw two people stand. It was the couple with the little girl that I was observing a while ago. They walked up beside me and waved to the group.

"Anyone else?" I asked one last time. They glanced around, and no one else moved. "Okay..." I met Mario's blank eyes. "I'm sorry, Mario... but... but I have to go..."

"No you don't." He took a step closer to me. "You can decide to stay here. You don't have to go with him."

"But he's my mate..." I met his eyes, and they held so much sadness. "I... You know I wanted to find my mate. And now I have... Even if he is an Alpha, I have to learn to deal with it... Goodbye, Mario." I brought him in to one last, quick hug before I pulled away to gather my things.

As we left, I looked back to see Mario staring after me, not once letting his gaze leave me. I watched his lips move. "I swear I feel like I'm losing my mate again..." I'm not sure if I read that right; I'm no expert at lip reading, but that's what it looked like. I faced forward again and let Nyl lead me to his pack house.

Within three weeks of me joining his pack, I was able to get my parents and sister, Cally, transferred from my old pack to Nyl's.

~~~~

"Lana?" I slowly looked up to see Nyl knelt down in front of me. I'd hidden myself away in our closet. I must have dozed off. "Lana, baby, wake up. I'm sorry I over reacted back there... I was just so worried that you were taken again when I found you missing. Had Asher not been there..." He fell silent and I whisked away the stray tear that fell.

"Hey, shhh..." I pulled him into a hug. "It's alright... I'm here... Shhh... Those Rogues aren't going to get me again... I promise... I'll stay within the pack house and not make a step towards the door without you knowing."

"Thank you..." He whispered, his voice thick with the threat of tears spilling over. "I just don't know what I would do if either you, or our child got hurt... I'd just-" He broke off with a violent shake as he clutched me tighter to him.

I lightly rubbed my hands over his back. "You won't have to worry, because I'm right here... Forever."

"Forever..." He gave a light chuckle. "I like the sound of that."

As we hugged, I thought back on the dream I'd had. It was all about before I met Nyl. Could Carmon, Asher's Wolf, be right? Could Mario be behind this?

I'll just take this all one step at a time and try to figure this out.

--------

Hey guys. Sorry for the late update on all this. Been stressing about college, getting a job, and trying to find a way to pay for college. Plus, I no longer have a laptop because, according to my step mom, I stole it from her, even though my dad gave it to me as a gift 5 years ago.

I will try and update as much as I can.

But I did get a job, I'm paying for college, and a friend is willing to let me borrow his laptop for college! How cool is that?

I start college on August 24, so updates may be even more sporadic. As I said, I will try my best.

-M12