Chapter 13 — Reluctant Reunion

The shrill of my alarm has cut my short amount of sleep off as my eyes glare at the machine beside me. Considering it’s been over two years and I still held onto the stupid alarm clock Blue gave me shows how valuable the object is at waking me up. With a groan, I get started on turning the machine off before getting ready for the rough day awaiting me. Today I would be facing the wolves of Forest Paw and Dominic wants us to leave exactly at six o’clock, exactly one hour from now. With a burning desire to skin my friend’s hide for agreeing to this request, I quickly shower and dress into my mother’s Tracker uniform. If they wanted the best of the best to train Forest Paw then I will dress as the best. Feeling as ready as I’ll ever be and needing maybe another ten hours of sleep I make my way downstairs, take the box of food to my car with my multiple suitcases and drive to the packhouse.

“Hey Fire sleep well?” Dominic’s cheery voice fills my ears as I exit my mustang and direct an Omega that was walking by to take the box of food into the kitchen. Stupid morning person.

“Why don’t you shove an icicle up your ass,” I grumble out, accepting the large travel mug of coffee from Miles, who tries and fails to stifle his laughter. He holds it out to me while adjusting his own uniform, the one he inherited from his father. Dominic just rolls his eyes at me knowing that unless I’ve had a good eight hours of sleep or three cups of coffee in my system to expect a grouchy version of myself. I liked my sleep, and nothing has changed with how much sleep means to me since teenage me first discovered her love of sleeping in. The rest of our wolves soon assemble ready in their own pack issued uniforms looking like a perfect squadron in our pack army. Some are blurry eyed still needing a few more hours of sleep like myself, while other bounce around energetically. I repeat: stupid morning people.

We decided to carpool, making sure at least two wolves were in the car together to save on the cost of gas this trip will cause as well as to relieve the boredom of the six-hour drive through the long Canadian winter roads. Dominic calls shotgun in my car getting a grumble from Lease who wanted some girl time and me to once again glare at my friend. If he is going to wake me up early and on the highway to hell the least, he could do is drive there.

“It’s only for a short time Amber. We train, we get out and we will be home again.” Christian says quietly handing me a new large travel mug of coffee while Miles piles into his own car. It felt weird to say that I spent months tormenting Christian back when I first became a rogue and now he is here comforting me as one of my closest friends.

“I know Chris. I just hate returning there. I made a vow the night I left that prevented Leo from finding his second chance mate. The pack probably hates me and it’s their hate that I fear will hurt our own pack.” My reply is quiet for only the two of us to hear. I can feel Dominic’s questioning gaze from the car, probably wondering what is taking us so long to head to our designated vehicles but I was reluctant to go. I knew that as part of my duty I would have to help ally packs, but Forest Paw is the one place that the thought of stepping into made my anxiety climb a few levels.

“Walk in like you own the place. You’re Fire Foot, the wolf who gave us hell. So use that hellfire and pay them back.” Chris playfully punches my shoulder getting a low chuckle from me. But Christian is right. I used to raid from Blood Moon like I owned the place and he reminded me that I needed to bring that confident wolf up now to conquer whatever waits for me from everyone I left behind. With a sigh, I reluctantly step towards my mustang and enter the driver’s seat. Driving away from the place I call my true home I sigh and give Dominic a small smile.

The drive towards Forest Paw is slow going on the slick roads but the wintery scenes of the forest bring a gleaming smile to my face. I always loved the winter and being able to run around in wolf form most days. Dominic and I joke with the others in our link playing random road trip games; currently, we are on ‘I Spy’

[I spy with my little eye something red.] Greg’s voice reverberates through our link causing everyone to groan.

[I swear to the Goddess Greg that if it is Amberle’s mustang I am kicking your ass.] Lease growls out causing Dominic and me to laugh. Lease and Greg have this love-hate relationship I have learned since they were pups. The two of them grew up together and from what I’ve been told she was the only one who put up with Greg’s shit growing up. The game ends with Greg’s crappy attempt when he confirms that the guess was my mustang and a unanimous vote to grab something to eat. We stop at a café just off the highway and all fifty-four of us file in. Many of the humans in the area send us questioning gazes but we just stay to ourselves. The waitress is kind enough to take down our orders including the ones we will be taking with us on our road trip while many of us refill our travel mugs with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. I am just sinking my teeth into a delicious turkey club BLT when Christian decides to join me at the small table hidden away.

“How are you holding up Fire Foot?” His question causes me to laugh around a mouthful of food leading to me trying to gulp down hot chocolate in hopes of getting the stuck food down my throat.

“Better, but still unwilling,” I grumble out once I managed to clear my throat out. Glad for the company, Christian and I start talking about training ideas for Forest Paw. We wave over Miles and Dominic to join us once those two have procured food and drinks and I begin explaining the training that Forest Paw used to be drilled in; this included the torturous tasks that Abby used to have me perform under the suggestions of Mia and Zack. Speaking of Abby, Dominic informed us last night that she had stepped down to raise her pups causing the hope and curiosity of Zack having more children and me having more nieces and nephews. Maybe I could meet them this trip and try to talk to my brother about patching things up if we could. Abby stepping down also explained why the trackers were out of shape considering that that she-wolf is tougher than any Alpha I know. She would have every tracker in the pack running laps around the territory daily to keep up our speed and stamina.

After coming up with a few ideas, some namely being the ways I first trained the Blood Moon wolves, Dominic motions for everyone to grab their final orders of food and drinks before we all climb into our respective vehicles. We still have another hour of traveling before reaching Forest Paw territory “You okay Amberle?” Dominic asks the closer my mustang nears the territory line of Forest Paw.

“Not really. I never thought I would step foot into this pack ever again if I am being honest.” I reply with, my gaze focused on the snow-covered forests. Dominic reaches one hand off the steering wheel to give my own a reassuring squeeze as silence covers the air between us. Not much can be said about how much I still dread this trip, but I had to do my job.

Taking a turn off the highway and onto a small dirt road we finally reach the Forest Paw pack line where a group of Hunters waits for our arrival.

“Alpha Dominic DeValorse I presume?” A wolf asks, his face coming into view just as Dominic finishes rolling down the window.

“Yes as well as my Head Tracker,” Dominic answers, motioning to where I sit beside him. The wolf at the window just nods, his eyes glazing over for a few moments before he allows us to enter. Chills run up my spine as the power of the magic border caresses my skin, reminding me that this was the place I was born. The thought of seeing wolves from my past has my mood dampening as I direct Dominic to the guest cabin that we will be staying in for the next few weeks. The three-story wood cabin soon comes into view after another hour of driving and each car parks in the lot beside it. Everyone soon rushes into the house getting ready to claim their ideal room with the rule of the third floor being left to Dominic, Miles, Christian, and me. I chuckle with my packmates’ pup-like antics while I haul my suitcases up the stairs and claim a room where the windows face the forest. I remember when this cabin was built. The old one had succumbed to a brutal snowstorm when I was eight. Blue had to wait until spring when all the snow melted away to bulldoze and rebuild a new guest cabin for visiting packs. It took the pack from March until October for this building to be completed, and I remember spending hours in the pack kitchen helping the Omegas and the other she-wolves make meals for those who volunteered to help build this cabin.

A knock on my door has me turning to see Dominic leaning against the frame with a grin on his face as I bustle about the room putting clothes away in the dressers and closet provided.

“All the wolves are settled in. Some of the mated pairs are taking the time in their own rooms to get a little closer if you know what I mean.” Dominic informs, causing me to chuckle as my friend walks into my room and throws himself onto my bed.

“They spent six hours, almost seven in a car together. There is going to be either a high sexual tension or high murder rate when mates are left alone in the cars to annoy each other.” I point out taking a seat next to Dominic and running my fingers through his hair. My friend sighs at my words knowing I am right. His eyes closing and a small growl of pleasure escapes his lips while my hands continue to play with his locks and my thoughts wander to the plans for the next few days. For the next three weeks, I would have to train the new Head Tracker as well as the wolves while Miles trains the Head Hunter of Forest Paw. We would have to touch base and teach the two how to train and work together like the wolves at Blood Moon do if Forest Paw ever wants to be a formidable pack again. With a sigh, I decide to check out the supplies left in the cabin for my pack and leave Dominic to relax on my bed for a moment.

Nodding to Miles who cuddles in bed with his mate through his open door I make my way down the two flights of stairs and into the large kitchen where I spot Lease taking inventory of the food in the pantry and fridge. I help the she-wolf out, jotting down what was given to us and deciding on what meals to make that my pack members will enjoy while the other wolves come and go, taking some form of snack with them as they explore the cabin.

With inventory jotted down and everything planned for the next three weeks, I grab a protein bar from the basket Lease placed on the kitchen island and take a bite of the chewy goodness.

[Training in ten, everyone be outside in the field and ready to go.] I link the fifty-three wolves that are a part of our training group hearing a few groans. I chuckle at Lease who sticks her tongue out at me and mouths the words “you suck” as the blonde bounds out the door. I catch sight of Chris ushering wolves down the stairs and hear Dominic going room to room making sure to grab the stragglers from their rooms.

With the cabin now empty and all wolves outside I make my way out into the cold winter air and turn to look at my pack who are in the middle of stretching their muscles in preparation for training. They may hate my strict training, but they all had to be honest and agree that every one of them has grown stronger in the last year and a half since I joined the pack. Joining the group, I lead a few into the stretches I prefer to perform, watching the younger wolves who were picked to gain experience on this trip come to follow me when the crunch of approaching footsteps in the snow catches my attention. There go my plans for a quick sparring session.

"Stand." I signal, watching my wolves leap to their feet and quickly form into five even lines behind Dominic, Christian, Miles, and me. The cold wind silently blows towards us, making us all shiver slightly. The scent of the winter forest surrounds us as well as carries the newcomer’s scent to where we all stand.

"It can't be, mom?" It's been years since I last heard her voice. But that high pitched, nails on a chalkboard could only belong to the main culprit of my torture that I went through for seven years of my life. I nod to Dominic who sends me a questioning glance, reassuring him that I could face the wolves whose scents are carried in on the wind towards me. I turn to face the group of wolves, a collection of gasps coming from each of their mouths as Dominic and Christian tense beside me.

“Hello sis, it's been a while, hasn’t it?” I state, nodding towards Blue who shakes his head with a grin in my direction. Dominic steps forward, moving to stand just in front of me, protecting me as he takes in each wolf before us.

“Hi, I’m Alpha Dominic DeValorse. Behind me are my Beta Christian, my Head Hunter Miles, and my Head Tracker Amberle whom you all already know.” I see the shock in Mia and Leo’s eyes as they openly stare at me.

“Amberle will be the one in charge of the training for the next three weeks and Miles will assist her.” Dominic continues, motioning for me to step forward. I remember Christian’s words and sashay towards Dominic like I own the lands of Forest Paw. I was no longer the wolf who left rejected from this pack. I am a leader, and I shouldn’t have to cower before the wolves before me. My eyes scan Axel, Blue, Leo, Zack, and Mia for a moment and I realize that Mia and Zack Stand as far as possible from each other. Curiosity fills me but I quickly store the questions away to deal with for another time. I catch the look of parental pride emanating from Blue who gives me a wink. I rarely speak to him and all he knows is that I joined Blood Moon. I guess I have some explaining to do to my adoptive father.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Dominic. I am Leo Bloodsbain Alpha of Forest Paw.” Leo steps forward handing a manila folder to Dominic, his eyes never leaving my face as if expecting some form of reaction from me. A tinge of pain shoots through my heart but I keep the mask of indifference on my face. I refused to let the bastard who rejected me see any form of weakness. Dominic hands me the folder, his fingers grazing my own as I flip through the signed paperwork that we had faxed over last night for everyone before us to sign.

“Behind me are my Beta Zack, My Head Hunter Axel, and my Head Tracker Mia as well as my father Blue, the former Alpha.” His eyes are off me as Leo continues to speak to Dominic giving me a chance to breathe. I hated being scrutinized by those I consider my enemy and take the time to look for the one part of the contract that states the Head Tracker will be under my command as I train said wolf to fulfill their duty. I couldn’t wait to get back at Mia and train her the way she had Abby train me. My eyes turn to take in the four wolves behind Leo, giving Blue a questioning glance as I motion to the paperwork. He mouths the word “Later” to me and I nod in reply. I know Blue will explain to me what happened since I left better than Axel or Serena could.

Dominic and Leo continue their conversation about training with my name being slipped in every now and then. It is clear that Dominic put much emphasis on me training my old pack, it is his way of getting me some justice for what I went through and I would be lying if I said that it didn’t make the butterflies in my stomach flutter with his gesture.

[How you holding up?] Christian’s voice fills the link meant for Dominic, Christian, Miles, and me and I turn to smile at my friend.

[Better than I thought I would. Kind of excited to kick their asses tomorrow.] I catch Dominic trying to hold in his laughter and Miles cough to disguise his own amusement. It was clear my friends were ready to make bets on who would get sent to the pack hospital first between Mia, Zack, and Leo. I go back to giving the paperwork a final check before passing it to Christian to look through before turning to look at the wolves still standing at attention behind us to make sure they are okay. Getting a subtle nod from Lease I turn my attention back to Dominic and Leo, catching the latter with his eyes trained on me once again and causing me to suppress a shudder of discomfort. As if sensing my discomfort, Dominic ends the conversation with Leo and makes his way towards me, wrapping me in a hug and resting his head on top of mine. I smile with the feeling of safety that Dominic brings and relaxes into his chest.

“Since everything seems to be in order we will be heading back into the cabin. Fire here said she would teach some of us how to make her famous cheesecake.” Dominic states, his arms pulling me closer against him causing a slight growl to come from Leo at our proximity. Too bad, he had his chance and rejected me for not being “good enough” for him. Blue and Axel send daggers at Dominic and a questioning glance at me and I just chuckle before turning to look up at Dominic and poking his cheek.

“Of course. Just remember that you aren’t getting any chocolate until it's done baking Ice.” I laugh, going along with the diversion Dominic created. But I knew he would want the actual cheesecake and would have to bake the dessert the moment we return to the guest cabin.

“Okay, guys you heard Amber, get inside and get warmed up. We’re having cheesecakes tonight.” The group of wolves behind us soon break formation hooting and cheering at the realization that training is canceled due to the arrival of the five Forest Paw wolves as well as the prospect of cheesecake tonight. My pack is hopeless when it comes to food, but they are loyal to each other. They are my family, and I couldn’t have asked for better wolves to count on. The group of Blood Moon wolves’ race towards the cabin as Dominic and I walk past the five from Forest Paw. Eyes burn into my skin and I know that Leo is watching my every move. I snuggle closer to Dominic’s side letting his calm presence wash over me.

“Thanks for helping me out,” I whisper to Dominic, feeling the wolf beside me press a kiss on my forehead.

“Always Amberle.” He whispers back, leading me into the cabin and up the stairs. You can hear the excited chatter coming from everyone in the cabin about the prospect of cake and the chance to explore another pack’s territory. I couldn’t help but to helplessly shake my head as the chatter continues to many making bets on who I would send to the pack hospital first. Separating into our individual rooms I quickly change out of my gear and into a warm cashmere sweater and a pair of leggings and a warm pair of boots. I head back into the kitchen where Dominic and five other pack members are waiting placing ingredients out on the counter. Accepting my fate, I grab the apron Lease holds out to me and begin to teach the six wolves how to mix the ingredients for the cheesecake. Laughter fills the warm kitchen where the scent of chocolate and cream fills the air. The sound of the doors to the three ovens opening rings out as the impatient Miles checks to see if the desserts we just placed inside are done yet.

“You have another hour and thirty minutes before the cake is done, you moron,” I call out to him placing steaming mugs of hot chocolate in front of Dominic who snakes his arms around my waist and pulls me onto his lap. With a blush creeping along my cheeks, I sip on the hot chocolate, letting the creamy chocolate drink distract me from the circles being drawn on my skin from Dominic’s fingers that have “slipped” under my sweater. Miles walks over to his mate, Concra, Lease’s twin, pulling her in for a kiss as they settle onto a barstool around the kitchen island.

“So, I was wondering... if it's okay with you and Amberle, Concra and I would like to take a vacation when we all return to the pack. We sort of found out today that she is pregnant.” Miles says out of the blue directing his statement to Dominic as his arms hold Concra closer to him. My eyes widen for a moment as I turn to look at the she-wolf who is one of the top Hunters in the pack and back to Miles.

“Why are you asking me for permission?” I ask bewildered for a moment as Dominic tightens his hold on me, chuckling at my question.

“Isn’t it obvious? Sooner or later you’ll be our Luna. The Moon Goddess has to be blind not to pair the two of you together.” Concra states, the blush on my cheeks darkening a few shades.

"Seriously! The two of you are always together. Like Dominic even pulled you into his lap and you just allow it!” Bill, Lease’s mate, points out getting a chuckle from Dominic who pulls me closer to his chest and envelopes me in his arms. I sigh at their teasing, focusing my attention on the hot chocolate in my grasp to hide the blush on my cheeks. The scent of the baking cheesecake grows stronger and I take this moment to slip out of Dominic’s grasp to check on the seven cakes. Hearing the chuckle from Dominic at my escape, I ignore everyone’s knowing looks and slowly open the steaming hot oven doors, careful to use the handles and avoid the hot metal.

“So Amberle when are you and Dominic getting married?” Christian calls out with a laugh. I know my face probably looks as red as a tomato by now with their teasing and I sigh, ignoring their laughs.

“How does spring sound Fire?” Dominic calls out. I wrinkle my nose at the suggestion and turn to look at my friend with a roll of my eyes.

“I prefer fall. It’s prettier and the weather is a lot more friendly for us she-wolves to wear dresses.” I state getting a chuckle from Dominic and knowing smirks from everyone else. I realize I answered without thinking, my tomato red blush returning as everyone else starts to laugh. The timer for the cheesecake’s dings, relieving me from their stares as I busy about getting the cakes out of the oven and onto the counters to cool.

“Is Forest Paw doing any events to welcome us?” Miles asks as Lease and Bill help me cut and distribute the slices of the white chocolate chip New York cheesecake to everyone in the cabin.

“Yes. Leo planned a bonfire for us to mingle with the Forest Paw wolves and to get to know the ones we will be training. All of the Hunters and Trackers will be there tonight.” Christian answers as I dig into a piece of the cheesecake.

“Also yes, the two of you can have a vacation when we are done here,” Dominic adds, answering the question that Miles asked a while ago. Everyone laughs as Miles shouts with joy, excited for a break from his duties and be able to get away with his mate. I am happy for the two of them. The chance to enjoy each other's company before their pup comes into the world is something I wished I had. A small ache throbs in my heart at the thought of the lack of my mate. The rejection process is almost done, just another six months left to wait, but still, the pain remains, even if it's only a dull throb every now and then. Taking a deep breath and another bite of cheesecake I push these thoughts aside. If I start thinking about it then the mate bond will revive and I refuse to allow it to happen.

“Anyways Miles because you are going on vacation, you now have to tell everyone to go get ready for the bonfire. I want everyone outside ready to go in twenty.” I state, chuckling at my friend who quickly salutes me and rushes off to gather our packmates. Dominic and I head back upstairs as I grab my jacket from the closet and wait for Dominic to change his outfit.

“You know sometimes I question if you are a guy or not,” I state to my friend, watching him roll his eyes at me.

“You don’t know. I might have been born a girl named Darcy and realized I identified as a boy.” Dominic retorts with and I smile.

“Well even if you were Darcy, I will still love you as you are Dominic.” I laugh out, pushing off the door frame and heading downstairs. The Bonfire is a tradition that welcomes visitors to the pack. It's something I remember attending growing up because Blue insisted that I be there. Everyone is ready and waiting in front of the cabin, the excited energy bouncing off the fifty-two wolves bringing a helpless smile to my face. Their breath fog in the cold winter night air as they chatter amongst themselves.

“So, you love me?” A deep voice whispers in my ear and I blush, hiding my face from Dominic’s view as he wraps an arm around my waist.

“We should probably make our way to the clearing where the bonfire is being held,” I say, changing the subject and motioning for the rest to follow me. Dominic switches his arm from around my waist to holding my hand as I lead the group around the large cabin and head in the direction of the trees. The night sky is lit up with the stars above illuminating the light snow-covered path that leads to the destination where music, laughter, and the mouth-watering scent of food are carried in on the wind. My packmates continue their happy conversations as Dominic and I silently walk beside each other.

The trees soon give way to reveal the clearing where my rejection took place two and a half years ago. That day still deeply embedded into my mind is the reason why I worked hard to be stronger. But the man who takes my hand in his and gives it a slight squeeze reminds me that it's okay to be weak because I know Dominic is there beside me. I smile up at my friend whose ice-blue eyes look into my own for a brief moment then towards the stage where tables loaded with steaming hot food and hot drink containers set up to help battle the cold. A large bonfire crackles about five meters away from the stage, the scent of wood-burning with the crackling sound of the flames fill the clearing air. My packmates begin to disperse to mingle with the Forest Paw wolves and Dominic and I make our way to a lounge chair where we settle in, the warmth from the fire caressing our bodies and protecting the two of us from the cold wind.

Deciding that we would stay in this spot, I sit in Dominic’s lap roasting marshmallows and making smores for us to enjoy. Every now and then a member from Forest Paw will come to chat for a bit and see how I am doing. The wolves that went to school with me surprised me as some apologize for how they treated me growing up. You could see the remorse in their eyes as their heads are lowered with each word of apology they speak, and I couldn’t help but forgive them. I would never forget what each wolf put me through, but that doesn’t mean I want to continue holding a grudge against wolves who have clearly learned their wrongdoing. Dominic introduces himself to the few elders that came to meet the Blood Moon wolves including Elder Sylvia who chatters away to Dominic about the antics I performed when I was still a juvenile. Luckily, her mate, Elder James, whisks her away as the night grows dark before she could tell any more embarrassing stories.

Dominic and I are left to ourselves after the departure of the two Elders and we take this opportunity to survey the wolves we will be training starting tomorrow. A scent of cheap perfume wafts in on the wind and I sneeze, my eyes looking for the telltale sign of danger that normally comes with this scent.

"Why are you sitting on him? What are you, his little lap whore?" I bristle with these words as my eyes instantly see’s Mia standing a few feet from where Dominic and I sit. Her clothes still as scarcely as usual as her eyes stare at me with disgust and hatred. Her orbs flicker briefly to Dominic, a trace of lust flickering causing my own disgust to surface at the woman who shares my blood. If she thinks she has a chance with Dominic, she is dead wrong.

“What Amberle does doesn’t concern you.” Power radiates off of Dominic who pulls me closer to his chest, his arms wrapping protectively around me as he growls menacingly at Mia. I see the fear in her eyes while I allow my own glare to dig into her. I had no reason to fear this pack whore even if she is “supposed” to be my sister. Before Mia could retaliate, three young pups brush past her, causing Mia to fall into the lap of some drunk wolf who promptly carries her away.

“Why do you look like Nana? Daddy has a picture of her and Papa and you look like Nana but you have fire hair.” My eyes focus on a little girl who looks about five years old. Her big doe-brown eyes stare up at me while the two younger wolves, who look to be about two, wait on either side of her. It takes me a moment to figure out that the two little ones are twins and that the five-year-old is their older sister with how similar they all look. I smile at the three pups, Dominic scooting over to allow the three to join us on our lounge chair while I offer them a roasted marshmallow each. After looking at the little girl for a few more minutes I realize why these pups seem familiar to me, they are Zack and Abby’s children.

“Are you Aunty Amber?” The little girl asks, her lips holding remnants of the sticky marshmallow.

"Daddy says that Aunty Amber left because Aunty Mia made him treat her badly. He said one day we might meet her." I smile at the little girl who has Zack’s eyes and nose as she stares back at me, her doe eyes holding curiosity and hope. I remembered the last time I saw her. It was three days before my eighteenth birthday, and I was leaving for school. Zack had refused to let me watch her grow up or be in her life and for three years I never had the chance of being an aunt to her. But I knew this little girl’s name.

“Yes Lilly-Ann, I am Aunty Amber,” I answer, smiling happily at the three pups. I know pups have a hard time telling a lie and if Lilly-Ann was any indication, Zack regretted the way he treated me. I smile at how accepting the three pups are of me, the twins sharing their names, Maxwell and Mathew, before asking excitedly about my wolf form and if it's true that I look like living fire. When I mention the fact that Dominic’s wolf is like living ice, the excitement of all three pups grow as they beg for us to shift so that they could play with our fur.

“Hey punks. Your mother is looking for you since it's time for bed.” Zack’s voice rings clear as his figure soon appears before all of us.

“But dad we want to stay with Aunty Amber!” Maxwell protests, his words slightly muffled by the big yawn he tries to fight. I smile at the toddler, pulling him close for a hug before giving Lilly-Ann and Mathew a hug as well.

“Your Aunt will be here for a few weeks, you can play with her during her stay.” The fatherly love is evident in Zack’s voice as his eyes soften at the sleepy children who comply with their father’s words and toddle off towards their mother who, with the help of Blue, carries the twins and Lilly-Ann away from the bonfire.

Being left in the chair with Zack in front of me, unease grows inside causing my stomach to ache slightly. Sensing my discomfort, Dominic pulls me closer letting out a low warning growl to Zack who steps back and raises his hands in surrender.

“I won’t harm Amberle, I just want to apologize.” He states, his eyes going from Dominic who holds me protectively, to me as his gaze holds a pleading look. I see the exhaustion in his eyes as a flicker of hope flashes behind his doe brown eyes. I could sense all fight and disgust for me gone, leaving a lonely shell before me.

"What makes you think I will accept it?" I ask, my words sharp like a knife as my so-called brother flinches. I spent seven years in hell because he listened to Mia and abandoned me. He promised to take care of what was left of our family but instead, he threw me to the curb like I was trash.

“I was an idiot, and I don’t expect you to accept me ever again. I let Mia and the others torture you and was the worst big brother ever.” Zack answers, running his hand through his messy hair as he plops down in a chair next to Dominic and me. I wait for Zack to continue, watching his eyes stare off into the bonfire before us as a long sigh escapes his lips and his shoulders droop down.

“Abby and I want our kids to grow up with an Aunt that actually cares for our pups. We’re tired of Mia and don’t want the pups to grow up around that bitch.”

"Excuse me? Who are you calling a bitch?" Zack bolts from his seat, standing between Mia and Dominic and me as his gaze turns into a glare of hatred. Speak of the devil and she shall come "You of course. You and Leo are the reason this pack went downhill, all because you would rather have the trackers chase you so you can be fucked like a bitch in heat. If it weren't for Blue keeping track of how much is spent, this pack would be broke with how Leo likes to flaunt the pack's cash. Do you understand how in debt this place is?" The once-close siblings who made my life hell for seven years now square off, the tension so thick hangs in the air that silence soon settles in the clearing. Forest Paw and Blood Moon wolves all stop to stare at the two who continue to argue. If looks could kill, my sibling would have killed each other by now.

"Until you stop being a slut I don't want you anywhere near my pups," Zack growls out before storming away from everyone. I had to give him points for being a good father as I sit and snuggle into the dumfounded Dominic, my mind wandering to reconsider forgiving Zack.

[I thought you said they were close?] Dominic’s voice enters our link, his fingers playing with a lock of my hair.

[I thought so too. Guess you miss a lot after two and a half years.] This reply gains me a deep chuckle from Dominic. With a sigh I take a look at the time on my phone and stand, motioning for my pack to follow.

"Where do you think you're going?" Mia asks, her voice holding contempt and anger that she directs at me.

"Bed. I want everyone outside by eight in the morning in full work out clothing. Track pants, long sleeve shirts, and a track jacket made for winter. If you are late or refuse to do what I tell you to do, I will make you pay for it by doing more." My voice rings loud and clear through the silent crowd that eyes my pack and me.

"Furthermore, since I was requested to train you all, you will treat me like I am an Alpha. All of those sixteen to forty-five will train with us as well, that is if you are a hunter or a tracker. If you have other pack duties you will not have to join us. Anyone in a high rank will be trained by me also, including the top four and the alpha and beta. Any objection?" Mia goes to say something, but Axel gives her a warning glare. I watch as every wolf present nods their head in understanding as I wait for anyone to refuse. After a few minutes, I smile.

"No questions or concerns? Good. I have a list of those who are Trackers and Hunters as well as a list of those eligible to be trackers and hunters. If you are on the list and do not show up, I will come and question you and you will be punished. Your alpha already agreed to it when he signed the contract I faxed to him last night." The crowd is still silent, but the pack link is buzzing as many of my wolves start to place bets on who will get their ass kicked first by me. Of course, the leading bet is Mia being the wolf who gets sent to the pack hospital first.

"Now many of you should head to bed and be ready for tomorrow. Good night." With these words, I head back to the guest house, my pack taking its cue to leave for bed as well. Dominic keeps his arms wrapped around my shoulder reassuring me that everything will be fine and that once we are done here we can head home. Home, a word I never thought would mean anything to me ever again, but Blood moon is home for me, and I missed it. After reminding everyone to turn in for the night for training tomorrow morning, we all say our goodnights then head to our respective rooms. Changing into my pajama’s I have a hard time falling asleep, my body alert and on edge inside Forest Paw territory. I felt confined in a place that held too many bad memories, making it impossible to sleep. Climbing out of bed, I decide to make my way to the kitchen for some leftover cheesecake that is definitely needed after this stressful day of dealing with the tormentors from my past giving up on the idea of sleep, for now, catching Dominic already there with his fork full of cheesecake already being shoved into his mouth.

"Any left?" I ask, leaning against the entrance to the kitchen.

"Yes, want some?" I smile and make my way towards my friend, hopping up on the counter in front of him and taking his fork from his hand before digging into the cheesecake and taking a bite of the gooey goodness.

"Hey, save some for me." He chuckles, grabbing a new fork as he takes a large fork full of the cheesecake and shoving it into his mouth. His cheeks resemble that of a chip monk with how stuffed they are, a large chunk now missing from the cheesecake and causing me to glare at my friend. I regret getting him addicted to the treat.

"You already ate half of it," I state in annoyance, hopping off my perch, picking up the plate that is between us on the counter, and promptly walking away with my treasure held tightly in my hands. The sound of Dominic’s pursuit has my walk turning into a run while I race up the stairs and into my room where I promptly slam and lock the door.

"Amberle, open the door!’ Dominic yells, his voice holding an Alpha command. All I do is giggle knowing full well that his command never affects me "Nuh-uh." I retort back, making my way towards the bed that beckons me. I sit on my bed as Dominic continues to pound on the door, my senses reaching out while I enjoy my stolen treat. I could hear wolves stir because of the commotion after a while knowing they were all both amused and irritated at Dominic’s and my antics. Finally gave in, opening the door and holding out the plate that had about three bites left of the cake.

"Here you go," I say innocently, getting an exasperated growl.

"That’s cruel." He sighs out and I smile, poking his nose.

"How about when we get home I make more?" I say, chuckling at his pouting face.

"Deal." Dominic agrees, finishing the last of the cheesecake and placing the plate on the dresser by the door. Letting a squeak of surprise out, I find myself being carried by Dominic to my temporary bed where he promptly situates us under the covers.

"Now bedtime." He orders and I smile, letting him turn the lights off before I feel myself being pulled closer to him with strong arms wrapped around me as we fall asleep. Tomorrow would be a long day.