"Wake up sweetheart. We're here."

I slowly open my eyes. I yawn and raise my arms to stretch,
"Where are we?" I say sleepily.

I look at Xander and he just smiles mischievously, "Why don't you look outside and see."

I look out the window and my eyes widened in shock. All residue of sleep left my system as I saw the beautiful scenery. No. Freaking. Way! There's a big sign that says.

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND: SOUTH ISLAND

I squeal in excitement. I jump on Xander and leave kisses all over his face.
He just laughs, "Okay okay!"

I jump up and down, "OH MY GOSH! We're in NEW ZEALAND!" I shout.

"Surprise sweetheart!" Xander says laughing.

"I can't believe this! This whole country is practically a forest! We can run all we want!" I squealed. I haven't let my wolf out for a run in so long! She'll love to stretch her legs out and let loose! Being in a place like this, a country known for its beautiful nature is freedom for a werewolf's soul. All troubled thoughts had never came across my mind. I left those thoughts back home and right now I'm not there, I'm here. 

We get all of our stuff and make our way out of the plane. My gaze hits a white van. That must be our ride.
"Hey Izzy?" My mate asks in curiosity.

"Yeah?"

"What was wrong with you on the plane?" He said with a small amused grin.

"What'd you mean?" I asked nervously.

"You pretty much attacked me? I mean it was great, I loved it. I'm not complaining. It's just that, you've never done that before. It was very...spontaneous." He said.

I feel rise on my cheeks as I remembered what I did. I mentally slapped myself in the face! It was in the heat of the moment! I wasn't thinking straight! I groan.  I can't believe I did that to him! It was pretty much forced pleasure! I didn't mean to do it! I don't even know what came over me! I just suddenly got really...horny. It was so sudden. I was shocked at myself for doing something so unlike me.

I laugh nervously and avoided eye contact, I did not want to have this conversation, "I don't know what came over me. Maybe it was the residue of my heat or something?"

He looks confused, "So you were horny?"

I cover my ears as I felt the feeling of a deep cringe crawl over my skin, "Ewww gross! Don't say that word out loud!"

He laughs, "What? You were horny when we had sex?"

I scream in disgust, "When you put it that way we sound like animals mating."

"We kinda are Sweetheart."

"Shut up! shut up! Shut up!"

He takes my hands off of my ears and shouts, "Horny! Sex! Vagina! Penis!"

I screamed then dropped my things and ran away from him. I get myself in the van and leave Xander for the luggage.

Once he gets everything all set and ready, he climbs into his seat.
"You're so immature!" I yelled.

He laugh, "I'm immature?! You cant even say Horny! I bet you can't even say penis either."

"I so can! I grew up with 2 brothers!" I said defiantly.

Xander starts the engine and begins to drive to our secret destination,
"Prove it."

I look at him straight in the eye and say,
"Pe-nish." The word leaves a disgusting taste in my mouth.

"What's wrong with you? Do you have an S problem? Say it properly."

I sigh, "PE---Nersh."

He bellows out a laugh, "You can't say it! You can't say PENIS!"

I scream, "Stop it! It's gross!"

Xander and I have been driving for a couple of hours now. I've been enjoying myself with the view. All of the trees are grouped together. It's so green. And the mountains are beautiful. They are a shade of blacks and whites. My mother would've liked it here. She would've thought this was the perfect place to run and be a wolf. I wonder if she can see me? Would she be happy for me?

Of course she'd be happy for you!

Well haven't heard from you little miss I'm not talking for a couple of weeks!

It's not my fault! You blocked me.

What do you mean I blocked you? You're the one that blocked me?

Something's wrong. Something doesn't feel right. Why do you think we haven't been contacting each other?

I don't know. I've been pretty occupied with everything that's going on in my life so, I haven't really thought about it.

Someone has been messing with your wolf link.

Why do you think?

To make you vulnerable. And without me, your senses aren't as sharpe and you're not as strong.

No...

"What're you thinking about?"

Xander's sexy voice, snaps me out of my wolf link. I look at him innocently.
"Nothing. Just enjoying the view. I could imagine my mother liking this."

"I'm sure she would have. Maybe she can enjoy it by watching you enjoy it with your mate."

I smile at the thought, "Maybe she will," I whisper.

A giant lake comes into view, along with giant mountains behind it. I never thought the mountains could be so close.
Then a giant cabin joins into my gaze as well.

I feel my heart beating with excitement. It's just going to be me and my mate. I'm suddenly nervous. I have to act sexy! I've gotta get his engine going. I need for him to be like 'I'm so lucky I got such a beautiful mate.' 

Anxiety and pressure starts to build inside me. What if I can't get him aroused, or worse, what if he can't get me aroused and he feels stink about himself? What then? Or what if I did something embarrassing during our love making? Like fart? Blood drains from my face. What if I fart!? Okay, I'm going to look up foods that prevent gas and the foods that cause gas. And I'll drink lots and lots of water! Okay I am prepared. I will be fine. Everything will be fine. Nothing bad is going to happen. All you gotta do is act perfect.

I internally groan. I hate everything!

A hand grabs me by the shoulder firmly. I yelp and turn, only to see my mate's face with a strange expression on his face.
"Are you okay Izzy? You seem tense?"

I nod, "I'm totally fine. I'm okay. I'm just excited to finally spend time with you alone is all."

He smiles sweetley. It's strange. His hard face instantly transforms into a little boy smile.
"I'm exited too. No more interruptions."

He climbs out of the car, runs around to my side to open my door. He stands back as I climb out and bows. "My lady," he says in an English accent, "May I please escort you inside my Queen?"

My face lights up. Yes! I want to see what it looks like inside!

"Yes you may."

I take his arms an he leads me to the cabin. The grass is so soft. I feel it bed my feet as we walk.

We climb the little stairs up to the door.
When we enter, my jaw drops, literally. I am actually in shock at how luxurious it is.

I jump up and down and squeal!
"This is the best! I've never been to a place so...rich looking! And I bet it has hot water. It's got hot water right?"

Xander looks at me like I'm crazy, "Of course it does. Why wouldn't it?"

I wonder around the big entrance and shrug.
"I never really got hot water at home. My step mother would cut off the hot water from my shower. But, Eddie would let me use his now and then."

Xander growls in anger, "I'm gonna hunt them down and make them beg in front of you for forgiveness."

I turn to my fiancé and wrap my arms around his thick neck, making him calm down.
"It's in the past. I've practically forgotten about it."

He frowns, "How? How can you not be so angry by them? How can you not let what they did effect you?"

I peck his lips, "because if I did become angry, they would have won. They did those horrible things to break me. What better revenge is there than to not be broken and be whole instead. They would feel like they failed. So I try to not let them hinder the good things in my life. That is my revenge on them Xander." I whisper. I peck his lips and walk outside.
"While you get the bags, I'm going to go take a wonder around the area." I shouted.

Xander still has a frown on his face as he leaves to get our luggage.
I smile. I guess my version of revenge is different to revenge of the notorious alpha.

I look out at the big lake and see there was a big long dock.

I slowly make my way down there, taking my time to soak in the scenery and area.
As I walk on the long dock, I look at the waters rippling. It kinda reminded me of my life.
Xander started a ripple in my lfe just by coming into my life. And then a chain reaction of ripples slowly followed. I wonder why the moon goddess paired me with Xander. I mean, I'm not complaining or anything, but there's gotta be a reason right? What was the purpose?

Strong and loving arms hug me from behind. I'd know those arms anywhere.
I feel Xander's lips press against my neck. And then whispered,
"What are you thinking about?"

I turn around and fold my arms over his waist.
"Just thinking about how much trouble you've caused in my life," I teased.

His eyes squint with laughter, "Yeah, but I'm totally worth it."

"Yeah," I peck his lips and whisper,
"You are."

He lifts me up in his arms.
"Shall we go roam the market place? I hear it's pretty cool."

"Okay. Just let me get my bag and jacket."

"It'll be pretty warm sweetheart. No need for a jacket. AND if you are cold, I'm like a living heater, all you gotta do is cuddle up to me."

I laugh, "Yes, you're MY personal living heater."

He winks at me, "Always yours baby."

I turn and walk down the dock to get my things.

The market place is amazing. And so cute! The people are lovely as well.

My eyes roam over all the different kinds of products the people were selling. Jewellery, food, clothes and some cultural items from the native race here, the Maori.

I walk towards this little stand. It is filled with shell jewellery.
It's beautiful. One of them caught my eye.
A necklace. It was a wolf pendant. It's looked so...Xander. I look at my mate who was too distracted looking at the grilled meat. He gave me his necklace, maybe I should get him one?

An old man picks up the pendant and hands it to me, "Beautiful medallion for a beautiful lady."

"Thank you," I smile.
"I'm not sure if I can afford it though."

He shakes his hand, "no no, free! Give it to a person you love."

I shift the necklace around in my palm,
"I'm not sure. It may not be right?"

"Maybe you'll take it if I told the story behind it. There is a legend behind that pendant miss."

"Is there? What kind?" A spark of curiosity bursting through me.

"An old Maori one. Come come. Let old Mr Pereka tell it to you."

I come sit next to him. He has a Maori tattoo on his face that's called a Ta Moko.

"This is a story set back in my tribe. My tribe valued all life in the forest, especially the wolves. They were strong and powerful, something we aspire to be. They were our constant reminder to stay strong, especially for the ones we loved.
70 years ago, there was a woman named, Aroha with a great calling set upon her life. She was to become a great female warrior. She was betrothed to the top warrior of her tribe, Kingii. It was a great honour. As the day came to prepare for her marriage, a visiting tribe came to set business with her father, the chief. The visiting tribe's chief, named Mana, laid his eyes on the female warrior. And he had to have her. However, they could not be together.
Aroha's father threatened to kill her one love if she does not go through with her marriage because if she didn't, it would bring great dishonour to the family, So, she did the one thing she knew had to be done. Aroha fell...to death. She'd rather take her own life than be without her beloved. But before she died, she gave her pendant to her love. A wolf pendant. It contained a secret that could be the key to have Mana's beloved back. It came in the form of a writing at the back of the pendant.
It said: What you see isn't what you see, but what you wish to see is your reality. Nose, eyes, ears cannot be, cannot save, sight given by the child like faith.

Mana never ever figured it out, and so he never ever got the chance to be with his beloved Aroha...ever again."

Tears grew in my eyes.
"So, what happened to him?"

He shrugs, "No one knows. He just became an ordinary...blending into the background."

I look down at the pendant in my hand. I flip it over and see it. The writing. It was true.

"So, how would this pendant bring her back?"

He smiles, "This necklace may seem like a mere trinket, but this was hand crafted by the moon goddess herself. It possesses an ancient authority that can break any chain...even the chains of death."

"Why would you give something so precious to me?"

He looks into my eyes warmly, like how a grandfather would do.
"Because you remind me of her. I don't want you to lose your opportunity. Love is a rare thing in now days. Everyone confuses attraction for love, lust for love, or a mere crush for love. But it is deeper and I see that depth in your eyes. Something I only saw once in my own reflection once upon a time. Keep it."

I give the old man a smile and place a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you." I whisper.

I walk towards my mate, but then turn around,
"I didn't catch your name!" I shouted.

"Mana!" He shouted back.

I turn back towards Xander but stop.
MANA??!?

I look back over my shoulder, but he's gone. Actually the whole desk is gone. Did I just imagine him? I feel the weight of the pendant in my hand, proving that I'm not going mad and imagining things.

"Hey, you okay baby?" Xander asks from behind.

I turn to face him.
"I'm great. I'm good. Just a little fidgety."

Xander frowns in concern. He wraps his arm around my waist,
"Maybe you're hungry. Do you want to go to a café?"

I nod, "Sure. I am pretty hungry."

We walk towards a cafe called,
Rendezvous. We enter inside with a bell ringing. But, Xander stops, he pats his front pocket and back pocket, "Damn it," he curses quietly.

"What is it?"

"I left my wallet in the car."

"Just quickly go get it."

He looks hesitant to leave, "Are you sure? Do you want to come with me?"

I shake my head,"no I'm okay. Just go Xander. The car isn't even far."

"Fine," he moans. He leaves running, actually sprinting. Hurrying to get back to me. Even though I am totally fine.

I take a seat near the window. I want to look at the view.
I feel the pendant in my pocket. I hope he likes it.

"Is anyone sitting here miss?"

I look up only to meet ice blue eyes.
Whoa. A guy stands right beside me smiling. He's hot! But nothing compared to Xander. My mate is like a god!

"Ummm yes. My boyfriend."

The blonde guy looks everywhere,
"Well I don't see anyone."
He goes and sits right in front of me.
What's with this guy?

"You are one sexy woman." He says.
I look at him with a frown. All he does is wink at me. Arrogant asshole.
I'd just easily push him away, but I don't want to show off my wolf strength.
I just don't look at him. Instead I try to admire the cute little cafe.
"You're not from here are you? Let me guess...Spain? Italy?"

I roll my eyes, "No, why would you even think that Id be from there?"

His eyes roam my face,
"Sorry it's jus your face looks like it's got a pinch of Latin."

"What are trying to do exactly?" I'm just getting pissed off at this guy.

"So you got any New Zealand in you?" He brushes my question off.

"Obviously not!" I snap.

He leans forward and says, "Would you like some in you?"

"You've got to be fucking kidding me." I growl.

The blondie laughs, "What? A guy can try?"

"Well you've tried and you've failed. Leave."

"That's rude. The Alpha Rogue wouldn't like that tone."

I still in my seat, no.
Go get our mate!

"What'd you say?" I whisper.

He smiles evily, "My father was an old friend of his. The rogue Alpha heard you and your...mate, were coming here for a get away. So he gave me a call and asked for me to talk to you. He's given you one last chance to surrender yourself. Or people you love will have bad things happened to them."

"Leave me alone." I whisper harshly.

Xander! Come back!

The Blondie's hand slowly comes up my skirt. I shoo him off.
"What're you doing?" I ask harshly.

He smiles sexily. Well he tries,
"What? I'm just trying to get to know you."

"Well I don't want to get to know you. Now can you please go fuck off?"

"OHHH feisty. I like that."

This guy suddenly grabs by ankle from under the table.
"Let go!" I whisper.
A pang of fear slowly makes it's way in my chest.
But I try not to show it. What is with the people today!?
He grasp on my ankle squeezes tighter and tighter.
I try to yank away but it only makes it more painful.
I grab the table.
"What're you doing? GET OFF!"

He leans forward, pulling my ankle and making my quietly yelp in pain.
I feel my wolf at the front of my consciousness, wanting to rip out to defend ourself.
"You're going to be coming with me." He whispers ragingly.

"No I'm not!"

"Yes you are."

"No I'm not!" I push

"Yes. You. Are!!" He snarls.

"No she's not." A deep voice says that makes people tremble in fear.
My mate.

Blondie's eyes shine with fear at the sight of Xander.

"Let go of her." He commands.

Blondie's eyes flash to me angrily.
"I told you you took my boyfriend's seat." I said.
He tightens his hold on my ankle. I yelp more loudly.
Xander grabs the guy by his collar.
"Let her the fuck go asshole. I'm on the verge of control. Trust me you don't want to experience me going wild."

The guy let's go of my ankle.

Xander turns to me, still holding the Blondie's collar.
"I'll be right back sweetheart."

Xander drags the guy out if the cafe and out if my sight.
But, with my me wolf hearing, I listen to what my mate is doing.

Punch, "Don't you ever touch my fucking girl ever again! You worthless piece if shit."
Punch punch punch.
"If you even look at her I'll make you blind."
I hear him dumb the blondie.
"You better remember that you pussy."

Xander comes back in a moment later.
"Come on, we should go."
I get up quickly from my seat. I take one step forward, but my ankle gives out. Xander is there instantly. His arms come around me, not letting me fall.
"Put your arms around me." He says quietly. I can tell that he's  still angry, not at me, but what happened to me.

I wrap my arms around his neck and he lifts me into his arms closely.

"Are you okay Izzy?" He asks .

I nod, "I'm okay. What about you?"

He turns to me, still having an angry face.
"I'm fine."

I sigh, "he's one of them. He's one of the rogues."

Xander stays silent.

He carries me in silence all the way to the car. He sits me inside then goes around to his side.
As soon as he sits own, he drags me onto his lap. He buries his face in my neck and takes in a deep breath of my scent.

"Don't worry." He whispers.

"It's hard not to. Maybe...maybe I should give myself to-"

"Don't finish that sentence. Don't you dare."

"It'd be easier."

"That's true. But, something's worth fighting for isn't ever easy though."

I nod. "Why can't they just leave us alone." My voice cracks.

Xander cups my face and brings me close until he rests his forehead against mine, "Shhh it's okay baby. You're a Luna now, that means the pack will do anything for you. That includes protecting you."

I take a deep breathe and nod,
"I have to be strong. I can't always expect others to fight my own battles. That'd make me seem like a bad Luna."

My mate smiles, "They're not fighting for you, they're fighting with you Izzy."

"When did you become the wise one?"

I weave my fingers through his hair.

"Well I can't expect you to always give me wise council. Being in a relationship means co-dependency which also means giving to each other. So I shall give you my wisdom now and then when you seem worthy of it."

I peck his lips, "Your arrogance is showing again. Better cover up."

Xander smiles, but his eyes slowly fade into the distance along with his grin, settling back to reality.

He rests his forehead on my collarbone to process his mind. Then he slowly leaves kisses around my shoulder.
"Xander we can't." I said panting.

"Who says?" He whispers as he kisses up my neck.

"I said. What's gotten into you?"

"I just want to reassure myself that you're mine after what happened."

"If you want to reassure yourself go jerk off."

Xander tilts his head a bit. Pondering in what I had said.

"Let me rephrase that. I want you to reassure me that you're still mine."

I laugh, "If you're lucky I might, but not right now."

He gives me a pout. Like how a little boy would.

I smirk at him, "Nice try, but it ain't working."

Xander shakes his head and puts me back on my own seat.
"You're a cold woman missy."

I wink at him, "You know it."

We drive back to the forest cabin in a comfortable silence.

Once we pull up, I get out of the car. I see my mate walk down the dock and picking up a jacket. He must've left it there before we left.
He doesn't leave for a while. He just stands there with his eyes closed. He stays there for a while, taking deep breaths.
He's standing awfully close to the edge. Would be a shame if he fell over.

I quietly walk down the dock behind him. Against the sunset, I only see his black figure.
I creep closer behind him, trying with all my strength to stifle my laugh.

With everything I have, I push Xander.
But it does nothing. It results in me falling backwards on my ass.
I grunt. Xander bellows out in laughter. He turns around and faces me with a big smile.
I just scowl at him, "Why do you have to be SO freaking BIG!?"

He shrugs, "It's in my genes baby!"

I get back up on my feet. Brushing my knees.

"You're the hardest person to play around with!"

"Oh come on baby, don't be that way."

He walks near me with his arms open.
I duck under them.
"Izzy, don't act all angry because you feel embarrassed."

I point to myself, "I am not embarrassed!"

Xander starts walking near me, but I back away, "Don't come near me you, you BEAST!"

I step back another step, but I miss the dock. I fall backwards into the water. But my mates arms come around me and twists us so than he hits the water first.

We are both enveloped in lake water.
We both surface the water. I look around for Xander frantically.

I see him floating on his back laughing.
"XANDER!" I jump on his stomach, making him drown.
Then I grab his head and dunk it in the water.
"I!" Dunk

"Styled!" Dunk

"My hair!" Dunk

"And you RUINED IT!" I scream. Dunk!

"Damn woman! You're vicious!" He exclaims.

He takes hold of my arms and forces them behind my back so than I couldn't move them. Our faces become incredibly close. Our noses touching.
"Calm down sweetheart. Your mood swings are getting out of hand."

I frown, "Hey-"

Xander kisses the rest of my sentence out of me.

After we separate I am totally dazed.
"What was I talking about again?"

Xander grins, "Exactly."

I see what he did,
"Sneaky Mr Nightwalker. Very sneaky."

We both play and swim around for a bit until I start to get a chill.

Xander carries me inside, up the stairs and into the bathroom.

"I gotta call Noah and ask for an update on the pack. You go ahead and have a hot shower." He kisses me on the forehead and shuts the door softly as he leaves.

I quickly strip away my cold and heavy clothes. As I step into the hot shower, my whole body instantly have goosebumps. I moan at how the heat is slowly penetrating my cold skin. It feels so good!

I grabbed the shampoo and start to work it into my scalp. After I rinse it off I grab the conditioner. While I let it soak in my hair I get the scrubby loofa and wash my body with foam.
I've always loved this part. Even when I was a kid, I've always loved to wash my body.

Strong arms that I recognise circle around my waist.
"Mmmm," my mate growls in approval,
"You're so beautiful," he whispers.

I turn around and meet a very naked Xander. The sight of him in this state makes me and my wolf go wild. I just want to pounce on him.

He pulls me close until our hot and soapy bodies are flush against each other.
He plants his lips on mine. Xander kisses me softly...at first. He slowly gets frantically hungry for more, his hands roam my body. His touch leaves a hot trail of fire on my skin
As much as I want to push on towards where we're going, I feel the pull of exhaustion that the day had left on me. And my ankle is aching as well.
I push a little against Xander,
"I'm sorry, I wish we could do this tonight, but I am honestly ready to just sleep."

His eyes squint as he grins slightly,
"I figured, but it was worth a shot though."

We both washed each other until we were squeaky clean.
I just changed into some panties and one of Xander's T-shirts. I am clean,'I am comfortable, I have a soft bed and I have my mate. I am so ready to sleep.

I climb into the soft bed. I cuddle into the blanket and release a sigh of total and utter peace.

I feel the bed dip with Xander's weight on top.
He turns off the light and pulls the blanket over us.
When I am just about to fall asleep, Xander pulls me into his arms,
"I can't sleep without you close to me."
He mummbled.

I smile and snuggle closer to him.
"Good Night Xander." I whisper.
I turn a little and kiss him on the cheek. Then I let sleep take me...FINALLY!