💔💔Half-breed like me could only be enslaved and tasted by Alphas.

"Now be a good girl and take all of me, pet.”

A moan escaped my mouth at my Alpha's words.

"I hate you!" I said as he took me for a wild ride.

But before he pushed into me, a resounding "MATE" was heard in a deep and husky voice.

The command in Alpha King's tone came to my ear, "Give my MATE back!”

Abigail's POV

Pack warriors surrounded me. The pack was gathered, and the energy was tense. "Galaxy, what is it?" I asked my wolf. 'Something is wrong.' She became restless in my mind., but she didn't say what was wrong. The men grabbed me and then dragged me to the pack house. Alpha Fenrir stepped out with an evil glint in his eyes.

"Oh Abigail, I was made aware that you are turning 18 today, so I have made a little surprise for you." His voice was sickly sweet, and it gave me a bad feeling. "Black Moon pack. Today Beta Henrik's daughter turns 18. This means she has her full witch powers, but she still lacks her wolf." Huh? I didn't lack my wolf. She was right here.

'I am blocking my aura for now, doll,' Galaxy told me, and I knew it was important to keep my mouth shut for the time being.

"This can only mean one thing." Alpha Fenrir continued, "she is a danger to us all. As is her whore mother, who invaded our pack lands and forcibly mated with our beloved Beta. For this, she must pay." At his words, my mother was dragged in front of everyone. A pack warrior kept his hands on my head and made sure my eyes were open at all times. Alpha Fenrir clearly didn't want me to miss a thing. "Mallory Goldmoon, you are sentenced to death by execution. Let this be a warning to all enemies of the werewolves! We will tolerate no one who tries to come and taint our blood, and we will not tolerate their offspring, either. I am sparing your daughter only because I respect my Beta, and he has promised me she is of no threat. She will be excluded from the pack, living in a small cottage on the border of the pack lands, and is prohibited from going too far inside our lands ever again. Whether or not, this will remain forever is up to my son Daemon; when he becomes Alpha in a few years' time, he will decide her future fate."

My mother was forced to the ground, but before they could kill her, she spoke to me in my mind; "Darling girl. Remember what I told you about the darkness? Never let it take over your heart! This pack is so ignorant, it will be their demise one day. But you, my daughter, are a light to the world. Follow Galaxy and she will guide you. Keep your heart pure, and love will someday find you! You are the next Witch Queen; the girl of the prophecy. I am so proud of you, but my time is done. I foresaw this long before this day, and I chose to come, anyway. This is not your fault, and I will not let you blame yourself! Keep loving those who show you hate and ignorance. Love will always prevail."

She looked me in the eye, "I love you my darling, to the moon and back!" She said out loud, and then Alpha Fenrir ripped out her heart.

I didn't utter a word or a tear. But I felt like my insides were on fire, and then someone just switched off my emotions. Galaxy had been pacing ever since we arrived at the pack house, and suddenly she yipped.

'Mate, mate, mate.' That couldn't be! I couldn't have a mate from this pack, or would someone really go against the Alpha? My heart clenched when I saw Daemon stride towards me with disgust all over his face.

"You can't be my mate? Why would the Moon Goddess pair me with the pack abomination? You disgust me!" His words hurt, but I was numb from the execution of my mom.

"I, Daemon Fenrirson, future Alpha of Black Moon, reject you Abigail Stone—Goldmoon as my mate and Luna."

Galaxy whimpered in my mind from the lash of the rejection, but I would not let any of them see my hurt! I stood up straight and looked into Daemon's hateful eyes.

"And I, Abigail Stone—Goldmoon, hereby accept your rejection and withstand from ever being the Luna of this pack." I kept my face straight through the acceptance, turned, and walked away. I could hear Daemon fall to the ground from the impact of our bond fully breaking, but I kept walking.

Abigail's POV

The memories of that fateful day were still all too clear in my mind.

But I had kept my silent promise to my mom. I had never let the darkness take me, and I had grown even closer to Galaxy as time went on. We would go on daily runs together, practice our magic, and do our daily chores. Every day, I became stronger, and I noticed Galaxy was definitely bigger and stronger than any other wolf I'd ever seen. She is an old soul, but it suits me very well. We kept to ourselves and were content with our own company.

Every day, we went to the wildflower field where my Mom and I would meet, and where we had that fateful lunch together. In the middle, I had built a memorial for her; just a small token to remember her by — but something the pack would never recognize. It was really important for me to not forget her and make sure she was always near. Even though it has been three years since she was killed, I still miss her every day.

—So this is me; the shunned half—witch/half—she—wolf.—

The abomination and big secret of the Black Moon pack; the girl who will never fit in.

Tomorrow is Daemon's Alpha ceremony, and I am sure he is going to be looking for a reason to kill me on sight or banish me. Neither are options I will take, so I have packed all my belongings into two suitcases, a backpack, and a duffel bag. It's not much, but it's everything I have.

'Are you ready, Galaxy? I only need to say goodbye to my mom on the field.'

She hummed, 'Yeah, as ready as I'll ever be. I don't like how we are practically being forced to turn rogue, but I also know we can't stay here.'

I knew what she meant and not for the first time; I felt sorry for her to be stuck with a human such as me.

'Don't you dare doll! I am honored to be your counterpart, and I love you very much. This is not your fault, and I will not have you take it on your shoulders again.' She huffed.

I couldn't help but chuckle at my sometimes stubborn—ass wolf. She was magnificent and my biggest supporter. I don't know where we will go, but anywhere away from here would be a pleasant change. Maybe in the human realm; where, maybe, I could hide what I am?

I dismissed the thought instantly. I am not willing to put either my magic or Galaxy away. Neither deserves that!

As I draw nearer to the field, I could hear talk and laughter. This is weird; no one from the pack ever came here because of the possibility of running into me. But never the less, I can hear people. I sniff the air but don't recognize their scent. There are children, but they could be from anywhere. I would not know before I saw them because of their lack of wolves. So they were not from my pack. This explains a lot. Galaxy started growling in my mind, and I immediately get a whiff of a rich stench.

Rouges!

I stop dead in my tracks and keep to the tree lines for now. The rouges crossed our border with no care in the world, and there are about fifteen of them. Their leader strode towards an older woman, who stood protecting a younger version of herself and a bunch of children.

Some of them were from my pack. I can tell because they looked just like their parents...

"Well, well. What do we have here, boys?" The leader yells to his mates. They grin in response. "If it isn't Luna Ornata in the flesh. What is the Luna of the Silver Mist pack doing here? And unprotected at that." He licks his lips and takes a step toward the group. Luna of Silver Mist? They are the absolute strongest pack in our realm, and that is saying something.

"Selwyn. What are you and your mutts doing here?" The Luna asked. Did she know him? Maybe he was an enemy and had followed them here.

"Luna Ornata, I would not let a chance of killing you and taking your daughter for my own go amiss." He smiled evilly at her. She narrows her eyes.

"You are not taking my daughter today, or any other day!" He raises an eyebrow at her.

Just when he was about to answer, I stepped out from the trees.

"You are not welcome here, rouge. Leave, and I will spare your lives." The men spun around and then burst into laughter.

"Go away, little girl. I am not after you." He simply stated.

But I was not going to let anything happen to our guests. I created a protective barrier around the women and children, now that I had created some space between the leader and Luna, by getting his attention.

"Yeah, you are not touching any of them," I said with a shrug. He looked confused, and then turned to grab the Luna, but was met with my barrier.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?" He roared. I smiled.

"Made sure you and your comrades here don't do something you'll regret. Leave and live, or stay and die. I don't care either way." Then I mind—link the pack and warn them of the threat before I shift into Galaxy. To say they were stunned was an understatement.

Abigail's POV

'Galaxy, we need to get to the leader. He is the key to stopping this nonsense, and I am not sure our pack is coming to help us.' Galaxy hummed in response and tore the two rouges apart in one swift motion, as they charged at us.

She keeps sprinting towards the leader, but the other rouges shifted as well, and Galaxy is surrounded. I can hear the leader trying to break through the barrier, but no one with ill will towards the persons inside could ever enter. 'We need to get this over with Galaxy.' She sneers at the rouges and keeps up the pace; death is all around us.

Suddenly I can hear wolves coming near, and by the scent of them, they are allies. They smell like packs, not only my pack but others as well. The sound of growling and paws on the ground distracts the rouges enough for Galaxy to get an opening. She leaps over the surrounding rouges and goes straight for the leader. He shifted into a small brownish wolf but didn't have time to react before Galaxy pounded into him and ripped his throat out. The field was now swimming with pack warriors and various leaders. They were here at Black Moon because of the Alpha ceremony tonight, but they came to help me and rescue the women and children.

Galaxy howls in the sky, and the fight is over.

I let the barrier fall and go to the women. I stay in wolf form because I know the punishment will fall as soon as I shift back. The Luna from Silver Mist comes over to me and Galaxy lays down to get into eyesight.

"Thank you for saving us and fighting for us." She says and then reaches out to Galaxy and pets her head.

The Luna smells so good; it is a masculine and yet refreshing scent. Galaxy kept smelling her, and she laughs at her antics.

"You are an eager one, aren't you?" She asks. But she doesn't move one inch.

Then I see an understanding in her eyes, but she doesn't elaborate on it before Alpha Fenrir walks over only in shorts.

"Abigail, what are you doing? You know, you may not show yourself near any pure werewolves. You will taint them!" He sneers at me.

"SHIFT!" He uses his Alpha voice on me, and I choose to obey; seeing as I hadn't rejected the pack and their Alpha yet, this would make me submit, but I am different and can choose whether I want to do as he says or not, which has given me many problems in the past.

I shift back and stand there in my birthday suit. I summon a blanket and put it around my shoulders.

Alpha Fenrir scowls, and the look in his eyes promises nothing good. He then slaps me across the face.

"I have told you time and time again to NOT do that in public!"

The second slap sends me to the ground, but I don't even flinch.

"And I have told you, time and time again, that if you don't want to share cloth with me, I'll have to summon at least a blanket to cover my body after a surprise shift," I state as I stand back up, not even phased by the slaps. Luna Ornata stands in between me and the Alpha.

"What do you think you are doing? She saved our lives, and you treat her like that?" She all but yells at Alpha Fenrir. He doesn't look pleased to be talked to like that, but he says nothing back. Luna Ornata turns around.

"Sweet girl, please come with me to the pack house and we will get you some clothes and some attention to those wounds." She says kindly and offers me a hand. I stare at her, not knowing what to do.

This wakes up Alpha Fenrir.

"You are not going anywhere, girl! Go back to where you came from and stay there. I will take care of you later." He sneers. Luna Ornata looks livid. She was not used to people talking like that, either.

"Alpha Fenrir, with all due respect, this girl saved your children, me, my daughter, and two of my pack's children. And you say that she is not welcome to the pack house? What kind of pack is this?" She asks, her eyes blazing with anger.

"I have mind—linked my husband and son. They have been scouring the forest for more rouges and are on their way back here. It will do you right to not disobey me on this! This girl, Abigail, is coming with me and getting those wounds attended to. I will not tolerate you treating her like this." She then crosses her arms and sends Alpha Fenrir a look that said to not get in her way.

We wait for about 10 minutes before the sound of feet can be heard coming toward us. Everyone else had kept their distance from the fuming Alpha and Luna. Their auras fill the air with tension, but neither would budge from the other.

Galaxy, who until now had been quietly observing in the back of my head, paces around in circles.

'Galaxy, what is it?' She keeps pacing until a young man comes into sight.

He is easily 6 feet tall, with muscles everywhere. He is only in shorts, so his eight pack is clearly visible. Galaxy is practically drooling in my mind and jumps around like a little pup.

'Mate, mate, mate.' She squeals.

'What are you talking about? Our mate rejected us, remember?' But Galaxy keeps howling in delight. There is no way this hunk of a wolf is my mate. Do I really get to have a second chance? Or is the moon goddess playing some cruel prank on me?

It can't be?

I keep telling myself that as he walks closer.

Abigail's POV

As soon as our eyes meet, something clicks inside of me, and I know Galaxy is right.

Then, his scent hits me, and he smells like pine and fresh rain. It is so refreshing and soothing at the same time. He keeps his eyes on me the whole time, and I feel like he can look right through me.

"Ah. Greyson and Matthew! I'm sorry I had to disturb you both, but Alpha Fenrir is refusing me to tend to this young woman." The two Alphas look at me, then Luna Ornata, and finally Alpha Fenrir. "What is the meaning of this?" The elder version of the two men asks. But before anyone can answer, a growl rips through the air. I am swooped up into muscular arms that send tingles through the blanket all over my body.

"How did she sustain these injuries?" The man called Matthew asks, even though his eyes clearly show he knows the answer to his own question.

Alpha Fenrir looks livid and sends me a death glare to get me to keep my mouth shut. He can't mind—link me, because I always keep a block up. This would usually not keep the Alpha out, but I have put some of my magic in it to hold everyone, him included, out.

"Alpha Fenrir, I demand to know why this young lady is still out here, and only in a blanket at that!" Matthew inquires.

Alpha Fenrir doesn't answer. But turns around and walks away.

"If you want the girl tented too, I will not stand in the way, and you can take her to the pack house. But I will force none of my true pack members to associate with her kind." He then gives me an evil smirk and walks away.

The two men look utterly confused by the statement of my Alpha.

"What in the world of vague statements was that?" Alpha Greyson asks. Luna Ornata rolls her eyes. "That was the terrible Alpha's way to tell you that this wonderful young woman is very special. She not only saved us all, but she has magic. I am guessing she is half witch and half werewolf?" They directed the question at me, and I blush.

The Luna has been defending me, but that would surely change now that she knows my secret.

"Yes, Luna. I am indeed a half—witch and half—werewolf. My mother was a witch, and my father is the Beta of this pack. But no one wants to be near me, so it really doesn't matter. Besides, even my father's mate hates me — so between her and the Alpha, I keep to myself." They all look at me like I'm crazy.

"Matthew, please put that poor girl down now?" The Luna says instead of answering my statement. They all act like I didn't just drop a giant bombshell. Matthew puts me to my feet but keeps his hands on the small of my back.

"I am sorry Alphas, I have not introduced myself. My name is Abigail Stone—Goldmoon, and if you would please excuse me, I will go home and clean up. Luna, I am sorry for the trouble I have caused you but, I really would like to go back to my cottage now. I don't like to go to the pack house." I say as politely as I can, but Matthew shakes his head at me.

"My mate will not be tending to her own wounds and be shunned away like a freak. You are not a freak, and I will tolerate no one disrespecting you!" He states sternly, while still holding on to my waist.

There is something in his eyes, a possessiveness, and something else? Something tender and unfamiliar. Hope? Love? No, I must not jump to conclusions. He will eventually reject me, as my first mate did.

'Doll, you need to stay positive. He will not reject us! He is different from everyone here, and I believe they can accept us just as we are.' Galaxy, the eternal optimist says to me.

"I am not sure you want me as your mate, Alpha Matthew. No one here likes me, and you will soon grow tired of me. My first mate even rejected me right away." My hands fly to my mouth when the last part slips out.

"Your first mate? Young lady, what do you mean 'first mate'?" Alpha Greyson asked me, and I could have slapped myself. We were walking towards the pack house despite my protests.

"Uhm... Well... My first mate, he rejected me on my 18th birthday." I say in a low voice.

"So, he is in this pack?" Luna Ornata asks curiously.

"Yes, Luna. He, uh... He actually is the Alpha's son." I whisper the last part, and they all stop dead in their tracks.

"He is who?" Matthew growls.

"Are you telling me that dimwit, Daemon, was mated to you, and he rejected you on your birthday?" Matthew continues in a dark voice.

I could practically feel the deadly aura coming from Matthew. Instead of answering, I just nod. Another growl rips through Matthew, but his mother smacks him upside the head.

"Will you stop that? You are scarring poor Abigail." Then she rolls her eyes at her son and takes my hand in hers.

"Don't mind him. He is not angry with you! He is just a typical Alpha, and besides, he is just like his father." Greyson laughs and shrugs his shoulders.

Matthew, who still has a hand on my lower back, looks shameful.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I just don't like the thought that the moon goddess paired you with him, and made you go through such a rough time — alone." He then gives me a small smile, and I can't help but smile back at him.

We arrive at the pack infirmary, but no matter what Matthew and his parents say, the pack doctors keep refusing to look at my wounds. It isn't until my dad arrives and threatens to banish the lot of them, one quickly looks me over. He tells me I'm fine, and I will heal. Then he is gone.

I know my dad will hear about this later, but at least he tried to help me.

"Dad, this is the Luna and Alpha from the Silver Mist pack, and their son, Matthew." I try to introduce them and ease the awkward silence.

"Actually, my dear, I am the former Alpha as my son took my place as Alpha last year," Greyson tells me in a mild tone. I blush. And curse me for mixing it up.

"My apologies, former Alpha Blue. I didn't know you had given the position to the next generation." I answer, my cheeks heated from embarrassment. He smiles.

"Everything is fine, my dear. This is an honest mistake. And you can call me Greyson. This is my wife, Nata, and we already introduced my son." He answers with a wink.

My dad clears his throat, his eyes on the way Matthew holds my hand and looks at me.

"I am sorry Alpha, but I must ask you what your intentions are with my daughter?" Matthew looks like he wants to punch my dad for asking that question.

"My intentions are obvious. Your daughter, Beta Stone, is my mate and from what I gather, I am her second chance. I intend to court her and treat her like the princess and queen she is. I intend to show her how special she is, and that not everyone is like this pack of ignorant and snobby mutts." Matthew answers in an annoyed tone.

My dad sighs and then nods. He knows Matthew is right in all his accusations and has nothing to defend the pack with.

"Well, I will give you both my blessing. Abby, I have retrieved your belongings and will have them brought to your mate's room. I'm sorry, sweet girl, but the Alpha threw a fit when he came back, and ordered your home burned to the ground. I'm afraid it is gone." My dad says in a voice filled with sorrow and regret.

When he said those words, my world come crashing down. I sob. It was gone. My home for the last three years, was my only free space during my childhood; whenever Druella was too much or I needed some peace or someone who would listen. It was gone. Again, I am scooped up into muscular arms that give me tingles all over my body. Matthew holds me close and starts rubbing circles on my arms.

"Mom, could Helena please get some clothes to my room, then we are leaving. My mate is not staying here a minute longer than necessary." Ornata nods and leaves the hospital room with my dad and Greyson. My dad promises to get by belongings to us as fast as possible.

"Abby, I am taking you to my room, where you can have a nice warm bath. Then we get your things and we are going to leave." My head is spinning from all the excitement. The next thing I know, the darkness surrounds me, and all noises disappear.

Abigail's POV

I suddenly find myself in a black space. Everything feels heavy, but also light. It's a weird feeling.

In the distance, I feel a presence, but it is so familiar.

"Who is there?" I ask into the dark.

'Don't worry, little one, it's just me — Galaxy. You are unconscious because I had to pull you back into your mind,' she explains.

'I did it because I really need to talk to you, but also because I could feel your stress level rising rapidly.' I walk as she talks to me, and my surroundings change with every step. Galaxy feels more present than ever, and then I spot her. She is lying under a gigantic tree, and besides her is.. "Mom?" The tears immediately make themselves to my eyes at the sight of my mother. She smiles.

"Hey, sweetheart." She says.

I run to her, and she throws her arms around me. We are both crying and laughing at the same time.

"Mom, what are you doing here? Eh, how are you here?" I ask, both confused and more happy than I have been in a long while.

"The Wicca and Moon Goddess recognized you need me, and I have some things to explain to you." My mom says with tears in her eyes. I look up at her, feeling very confused and so extremely happy that she is actually here.

"Mom, are you not dead?" The question keeps swirling in my head, and I have to know. Was there a possibility of my mom coming back with me?

"Yes, my darling, I am still dead. But this does not mean that I am not here with you." She points to my chest.

"I rest in here, and I have been looking over you for the last three years. I'm so sorry that you had to witness my death like that, but my time had come. You have remembered my words and lived by them. For that, I am very proud!" She tells me with a radiant smile.

We sit down next to Galaxy, who starts sniffing our mother. She laughs and lets Galaxy do her thing.

"What I am here to tell you must stay between you and me for the time being. You will know when the time is here to explain everything to your mate. He is very handsome, by the way." She gets that teasing glint in her eyes, and I can't help but laugh.

"Yes, he is quite handsome. But I don't know if I trust him yet? He seems different, but how do I know who he truly is?" Mom smiles.

"To be cautious is not a bad thing, but trust my words; Matthew is as true as they come. He already adores you and Galaxy. When he rejected you, it was the meaning that you should have left the pack, but as things happened, your heart is too big for you own good and you stayed put."

"The Moon Goddess then had to come up with some other way for you two to meet." Mom laughs at that.

So they always meant Matthew to be my mate? This gives me something to consider.

"Darling, we don't have long now. I need to tell you some important things; first, I was your father's fated mate. We kept it a secret because of the perceptions of the pack; on non werewolf beings. When I got pregnant, he actually told the Alpha that he was leaving, so we could be together. The Alpha went crazy and captured me. He threatened to kill me if your father didn't reject me and take a chosen werewolf's mate instead. Your father did what the Alpha said. He made the conditions; I was not to be harmed and our child was to live among the pack and not be harmed as well. When you were born, your witch powers were prominent. We had a special healer look at you, and there laid your dormant wolf. The Alpha was furious. He knew you would be powerful, maybe even more so than anyone knew."

"Secondly; there is a prophecy about a child born between species. A girl who will either be the one to unite the fractions of the realm, or destroy them. I thought, only your father, and I knew about this, but it seems someone else knows, and seeks for you to turn towards the darkness. You have shown tremendous strength; both you and Galaxy. And I am confidant this will not happen. But one day you will have to choose a path."

"Third, and last; it was a dark witch who killed the Alpha's sister, but the Alpha hired her to do so. The goddesses mated her to a Dragon kin, and even though dragons are powerful, he would not accept this. I don't know if you've noticed, but the Alpha is stubbornly set in his ways." I giggle, because boy was she right. Alpha Fenrir was the epitome of stubborn and hotheaded, other than his son.

"But why did dad choose Druella? Couldn't he at least have picked someone nice?" I ask.

Mom laughs.

"This is what you focus on? Not the fate of you and your wolf, or the growth of your powers. You are truly amazing, my sweet girl!"

She gives me a big smile.

"Your father didn't really have a choice in the way of picking a new mate. Fenrir's father, who found her a soothing match for the young Beta, brought Druella in. She was pure—blooded and had been groomed all her life to be a high—ranking female; snobby, snotty and self entitled."

She rolls her eyes. I think about everything she has said to me and then turn to Galaxy, who has been quietly listening so far.

"What do you make of all this Galaxy?" I ask my quiet wolf, who takes a minute to answer.

'As far as being special, I already know that. You are so kindhearted, and the magic side of your half co—exists along with me in harmony. As long as your magic stays pure, it will be fine. I didn't know about the prophecy, but I am sure you and I will make the right decision when the time comes. We are one little one — human, magic and wolf. We exist because of, and for, the others.' Galaxy resonates.

I nodded. Everything she said made sense.

"What about our mate situation?" I ask.

"Blade and Matthew already love us. They don't care about us being a hybrid, neither do they care we are probably more powerful than them. No. scratch that, we are definitely more powerful than them. Have you not noticed how we can choose to not follow Fenrir and or his wolf Loke's, commands?" Galaxy asks with amusement in her eyes.

Now that she mentioned it, I really only followed their Alpha command when I wanted to. And I always used my magic openly, even though he had forbidden me from doing so.

My mouth drop open, and mom close it for me.

"So what Galaxy says is true? You can choose which commands you follow, and which you don't?" I nod and watch her eyes get thoughtful.

"What are you thinking, mom?" She doesn't answer me, but looks at Galaxy instead.

"How old are you, Galaxy?" She asks.

Galaxy gives a wolf laugh.

'As old as the moon and stars. I am the first of the star wolfs, the Galaxy wolf, and I have been here since the mother came to be.' She answers vaguely. Now it is my mother's turn to sit with an open mouth.

"But what does that even mean?" I ask, confused and sad to be left out of the conversation.

Before any of them have the chance to explain, there is a bright purple light.

Abigail's POV

"It is time, my child. They need to get back. Selene will explain everything to her in due time, and you will have another chance to be with her." A beautiful, melodic female voice rings out from the light.

Her voice is soft, but the power from it is not to be mistaken. This is a voice from a goddess, but who? And who is this Selene she mentioned? Mom stands up and so do I. We hug, tearfully, and say our goodbyes. Again.

I can feel how I wake up and there are voices around me. Two of them I recognize, but the third is unfamiliar.

My eyes flutter open, and I'm met with the green orbs of my mate.

"How are you feeling, baby?" He asks, concern clear in his voice.

"I'm fine. Galaxy needed to talk to me, and I met my mom." Matthew furrow his brows, but doesn't ask what I mean. Thank the Goddess.

I stretched my arms and then look around the big room. My eyes fall upon Matthew's mother and the unfamiliar female I heard talking before.

"Hello. My name is Helena, but please call me Lena. I am Matthew's youngest sister, and I brought you some clothes to wear." She rambles all in a hurry, as if she fears I will scratch her eyes out or something similar.

"Hi. I'm Abigail and I don't know what you heard, but I will not hurt you or anything." Lena smiles at me.

"Oh uhm.. I just wanted to clarify that I am not some random she—wolf Matthew brought here." She said with a small smile, and I appreciate her attempt to explain and make me comfortable.

"Baby, would you like to take a bath before we leave?" Matthew asks. What is it with him and per names? Not that I'm complaining, but it feels weird. Good, but weird.

I'm suddenly highly aware of him sitting on the bed beside me and holding me to him. The tingles are everywhere, and so nice and relaxing I didn't pay notice before.

"Yes, I think that would be nice." He let me go, and I feel my face heat with shyness. I am still very naked under the covers of the bed and the long t—shirt they handed me in the hospital. Luna Ornata chuckles.

"Don't be embarrassed or shy sweetie, it is normal for a male wolf to be very possessive; Alpha wolfs especially. I would have given my son hell if he didn't already treat you like a Queen."

My eyes widened, and I can see how serious she is. This is a very weird family.

The Luna of this pack can't leave the Alpha floor without the explicit approval of the Alpha himself, and if she had to like tonight, the pack warriors would surround her. I guess every pack is different. But for the Luna to have so much freedom as Ornata, is something I'll have to get used to.

I stand up, take the clothes Lena is handing me and go to the door Matthew points at as the bathroom. The bathroom is enormous and spacious, but right now my focus is on getting my first warm shower in three years.

Yes, I had a shower in my cottage, but the water heater was broken, and I never got to fix it. If I wanted warm water, I would warm it the old fashion way, in a pot on the stove or over open fire. The shower is delicious when I finally get it turned on, and I take my time scrubbing every inch more than once. My hair gets a good clean as well and as I am massaging my scalp, the things that happened today catch up and I realise I'm leaving this place. I sigh in contempt as my body feels refreshed and clean for the first time in a long time.

Afterwards, I towel dry my body and hair, put on the clothes Lena got me, and braid my hair to keep it out of the way

'I need a haircut, maybe take a few inches off so it doesn't reach my bum anymore,' I tell Galaxy. She hum in response like she uses too, and I know she agrees. I will speak to Matt about it when we get to his pack.

When I come out of the bathroom, my dad is there. I remember what mom had told me, and to everyone's surprise, my own included, I walk over to him and give him a big hug.

"Mom visited me and told me everything. I owe you my life, and I'm so, so sorry for what the Alpha made you go through." I whisper in his ears.

It was like a dam broke, and dad cries. He breaks down in my arms and it's like he can finally show me the real him. No pretending.

"I miss her so much every day. I died inside the day they killed her. But I promised her I would protect you, and make sure no one ever harmed you. I know I didn't keep all my promises, but I'll be dammed if anyone here lays a finger on you!" He says fiercely. He takes my face in his hands and looks me in the eye. His own swirling with love and pride. No walls, no blankness. Only love and pride.

"Leave with Matthew. I will stay here and monitor everything. If Alpha Fenrir plans anything, makes a move or even talks about you, I will phone you. Your safety is my top priority. Always have been and always will be. I love you, my little angel." My eyes sting, and I feel Matthew put his arms around me.

"I will keep Abby safe. She is going to be treated right with me, our family, and our pack." The way he talks about it being our pack and family makes my heart flutter and everything go warm.

Dad gives me a phone, my old one being destroyed with the cottage.

"My number is in there. Never answer a text, and always keep this on you. We will call a lot and I will keep you up to date. I know I haven't been close for years, but I thought by keeping my distance, I was protecting you." I nod in understanding. Even though I didn't agree with his actions, I knew in my heart he had tried his best.

Matthew takes my hand. His mother walks out and then comes back in with three unfamiliar men.

"This is your new Luna. Her name is Abigail, and we are escorting her home right now." The men bow their heads in respect and take my luggage downstairs. We all walk out together.

Outside, two cars are waiting, and I can see Greyson standing by the second one. Ornata goes over to him, along with Lena. Matthew leads me to the one in front and opens the door. Inside in the driver's seat is a handsome young man.

"Hello Luna. My name is Kaiden. I am Matthews Beta and I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself before, but I needed to arrange for the cars and security for the trip home. It is truly an honor meeting you." I can't help but smile at him.

"Hello to you too. Please call me Abby or Abs. I'm pleased to meet you, too."

Matthew slid inside beside me, and Kaiden starts the car. The Silver Mist pack is about six hours away, so we will probably be there around dinner time.

"Oh, before I forget again. Abby, we are not leaving and you still be tied to this place. So, I, Matthew Blue, Alpha of the Silver Mist pack, invite you, Abigail Stone—Goldmoon, future Luna and my sweet mate to join my pack." He gives me a dazzling smile.

"And I, Abigail Stone—Goldmoon, accept your invitation. I swear to protect the pack, respect you as my Alpha and mate and do everything I can to help the pack grow until my dying breath."

I feel the old weak pack link break, and a power lurched through my body. A new pack link is opened, and the power of being the future Luna course through me.

'Welcome to our pack, baby. Let's go home.' Matthew says in my mind.

With that welcoming mind—link from Matthew, the care moves.

I am going home.

We aren't long into the drive to Silver Mist before the movements of the car makes me tired. I try to stay awake and listen to the conversation between Matthew and Kaiden, but the car's rhythmic motions, the humming, and the actions today are too much, and I soon drift off. My head falls on Matthew, and I am soon sleeping soundly on his lap. The tingles and his intoxicating scent soothing my stressed body and mind.

Abigail's POV

A gentle kiss to my face wakes me. Tingles erupt everywhere, and I know it's Matthew.

"Sweetheart, wake up. We are nearly home, and I have something to prepare you for." I'm wide awake now, and Galaxy paces in my head, not liking the sound of our mate's tone of voice.

"Our neighboring pack's former Alpha has a daughter named Maria. She has been obsessing over me for years. I thought it was just a small innocent crush, but it developed into something bigger. I have never encouraged her and told her multiple times I was waiting.. Well, for you! But she wouldn't listen. She told me if I didn't make her my Luna, she would make her father and brother wage war against us." Kaiden growls at this revelation, not liking at all that his Alpha and brother have been going through this alone.

"I kept my distance in the hopes she would forget it. She didn't. Right before I left to go to your old pack, she let me know she was to become Luna when I returned. She wanted me as her mate, and that was final. I never gave an answer, which she clearly took as a yes. My gamma just called, and she is at the pack house now. Trying to make people believe she is the next Luna. I have corrected this over the phone. But she will be there when we arrive, which is now." Matt looks ashamed, but he had nothing to be ashamed about. It was not his fault that this girl was infatuated with him, nor that she couldn't take a hint.

'Oh, she better keep her filthy paws off our mate, or I will raise hell!' Galaxy threatens in my mind. I giggle and tell the guys what she said.

"I will pay money to watch you put her in her place Luna... Uh, I mean Abby." Kaiden says with a chuckle.

"She has never gotten a 'no' in her life. Her father and brother have spoiled her rotten, and not healthily; the way we all should with our children and mate. No, she thinks she can have everything she sets her eyes upon. She clearly expects Matthew to reject his fated mate for her, which everyone knows would never happen, especially said mate is absolutely badass. But I didn't know she had promised war on us?" He looks at Matt, who looks really uncomfortable.

"It doesn't matter, Kaiden. She is not getting anyway near my mate! If she wants him and the pack, she can fight for it." I tell him sternly. Kaiden bows his head.

"Of course Luna." He answers nervously. I didn't even realize I used my Luna voice on him.

"I'm sorry Kaiden, I didn't mean to use my.." He shakes his head.

"No need. I understand where you are coming from. It's not only the males who are possessive, with mates. I'm not angry at you Luna. I'm proud." Kaiden reassures me.

We arrive at the pack house and all of us climb out of the cars. There are many people here to greet their Alpha and Beta and welcome them home. Pack members look at me in curiosity while a tall, beautiful woman smile at me. The likeness between her and Matthew is striking, and I conclude she must be another sister. She opens her mouth to speak when another woman elbows her way through the waiting pack members, not taking the notice of the irritated glares and growls.

"Let me through, dammit. AAAAH Mattie! I missed you sooooo much." Her shrill voice cut through everything, and her persona screamed 'brat' loud and clear.

I take a step in front of Matt, and she stops dead in her tracks.

"Would you mind? I am trying to get to my mate." She says in an obnoxious tone.

"Well, seeing as you are trying to get to MY mate, then yeah, I actually mind. A lot." I said loud and clear. She sneers at me.

"That is not possible! Mattie, tell her." She whines at my Matt. Instead of answering her, Matthew embraces me in his muscular arms.

"Abby is my fated mate, and the future Luna to the Silver Mist pack." He tells the waiting and curious pack members, not even sparing the angry—looking she—wolf a second glance.

"I have told you many times, Maria. I want my fated mate and you are not it. Never have and never will be." He continues, finally looking at Maria. Maria is now seething with both anger and jealousy.

"I challenge her for the right to be Luna and your mate." Maria screams at Matthew. Before he can object, I answer.

"I accept the challenge." The crowd erupts in murmurs.

"I demand it to be issued now!" Maria yells frantically. I don't care when, where or why, she will not win anyway, so I nod with a smirk. But the warriors, Matthew, Kaiden, Matthew's parents and sisters, shake their heads. They all witnessed or have been told how I fought the rouges in the meadow.

"Maria, she fought off over ten rouges, not including the leader. In the rogue attack on Black Moon, she is not to be underestimated. Are you sure about this?" Helena asks her kindly. Maria doesn't seem impressed, and that was her first mistake. Second mistake; she's trying to take away the first person, besides my mom, to ever accept me whole heartedly.

Galaxy, who was already sizing her up and was not impressed, either, which I found very ironic.

"Her? She doesn't have a wolf?! How can they fool you like that? I am the rightful Luna of this pack, and it will be mine! Not some wolfless mutt girl who thinks she can just come at take it away." Maria spits as I shrug at her.

"Just know this Maria, we are fighting to the death, and my wolf, because I assure you, she is there, will kill you without hesitation for trying to impose on her mate." I answer, my voice dripping with ice.

We walk to the borders of Silver Mist and White Moon, where they have a mutual training ground. Her family, who looks utterly confused, meets us there. Maria has clearly summoned them, probably in a mind—link.

"Maria, what is going on? Why are you not planning your Luna ceremony in the Silver Mist pack house?" Who, I would assume to be her father, asks.

"Leo, your daughter has challenged my fated mate for the Luna position and the right to be my mate." Matt answers angrily, his wolf coming forward, making his eyes almost black as the night sky. I take his hand in mine, squeezing it to get him to calm down. He smiles at me, appreciating the effort.

"You are saying my daughter is not your fated mate, Alpha Matthew?" Leo asks bewildered.

"That is exactly what I am saying." Matthew retorts. Leo, whom I now assume to be the former Alpha, frowns.

"Maria, what is the meaning of this? You told us they fated you to Alpha Matthew, and he finally accepted you?" I frown at this. She has even lied to her own family. Wow, just wow. She didn't look embarrassed at all, and only kept glaring at me.

"Oh, shut up, you old fart. If I had told you the truth, you would never have supported me." She rolls her eyes. I glance at her father and I can see how he was seething in anger at her tone.

My momentary absence of mind is her cue. She shifts into a dark brown wolf and charge at me. But she underestimates how quick I am.

Galaxy and I dodge her attack, ignoring the roars of indignation on my behalf from both her —and my pack members who have gathered here, and concentrate on Maria's wolf.

"I'm sorry Alpha Leo, but she is trying to take what is mine, and this is to the death. Neither I nor my wolf will show mercy to someone who lies to her own family to get her way." I bow my head and shift into Galaxy.

We hear the awes and surprised gasps at how large and unique Galaxy looks.

Galaxy towers over Maria's wolf, and she wastes no time in charging at her, relishing her full aura on the wolf. The crowd grows silent when Galaxy's aura hits them. Some look confused, some impressed and some again with a hint of realisation in their eyes.

Maria's wolf recognizes Galaxy and cowers low, not wanting to fight us.

'Galaxy, what is happening?' I ask her.

Abigail's POV

'We are special, little one, like I've told you before. I am the Galaxy wolf, made as the first true Luna under the first silver moon by Selene and therefore the rightful Luna of this pack and the Queen of the star wolves and every wolf kind created after me,' Galaxy answers proudly.

'The Moon Goddess also blessed us herself, as I was the first Luna wolf to ever be created. I have walked this earth many times before, and always been paired with a powerful second half. But no one as special and powerful as you! You are a genuine leader, and will rise above the masses; we are the Witch Luna Queen because of your heritage and mine.' Galaxy continues with a definite tone.

I didn't know what to expect, but it was definitely not this.

'So, what are you saying, exactly?' I ask her.

'What I am saying is that we are special, and her wolf recognizes us as a true Luna, and not only that. THE true Luna! I have a feeling her wolf is not so bad,' Galaxy answers, as I mentally shrug, but also wondered if we could know for sure.

Galaxy answered my unspoken question.

'Yes, little one, we can. I can create a mind—link with whoever I choose to, because they have paired me with a true Queen this time around. And I can choose only the wolf or human part of their consciousness is included in the mind—link.' This takes me aback. My wolf is the coolest ever!

'What is your name, young wolf?' Galaxy asks kindly.

'My name is Kiera, Luna.' Maria's wolf answers. It must be weird looking from the outside. They can't see we are talking over mind—link, but only Kiera cowering low, and Galaxy towering directly over her, staring at her.

'I will say this one time, Kiera. Matthew and Blade are mine and my counterpart's mate. We will tolerate no one trying to take them away from us,' Galaxy huffs.

'I am sorry, Luna. I have tried for years to tell Maria so, but she will not listen to me. She is very stubborn and wants her way always. I am ashamed to be her other half, and would wish I could go to her sister instead,' Kiera says with sadness in her voice. This intrigues Galaxy and me a lot. Why would she want to switch human? Galaxy asks as much, and her answer makes me sick to my stomach.

'Well, Maria was convinced they fated her sister to Alpha Matthew. She got consumed with jealousy, and had a dark witch kill her sister's wolf. No wolf, no mate. She mentally locked me inside her mind, and I couldn't prevent it. Her sister is a gentle soul, and a sweet girl.' Kiera whimpers in sorrow.

'Kiera, we can help you. I see in your heart (the one apart from her human half) that you are a kind soul. You deserve a second chance at life and love. And Maria's sister deserves a second chance at those things as well. I will have to shift back, but you will stay in wolf form. We are magic, as well as ancient, so this will be done,' Galaxy promises to her. Kiera nods obediently and stays in a lying position. I wasn't sure what was happening, but we shift back never the less.

Matthew comes over with a robe.

"What is the name of Maria's pack and her sister?" I ask Matt in a low voice.

"They are the White Moon pack, and her sister is Laurel." He answered with confused eyes.

"Silver Mist and White Moon. My wolf has talked to Kiera, the wolf of Maria, and we have come to an agreement. She has revealed to us that Maria had her own sister poisoned, so her wolf part died. She thought Laurel to be the mate of Matthew and was so jealous she teamed up with a dark witch." I say in a loud voice, so everyone in the crowd can hear me.

"Her wolf pleaded to be given a second chance with Laurel as her human. We have agreed to this, if and only if Laurel agrees as well." I finish my speech and look around. The words seem to ring through the crowd, and suddenly the air erupts with clapping. Silver Mist is cheering for me.

This is a new feeling, but they seem to accept me and Galaxy.

"Will Laurel of White Moon please step forward?" I ask and a shy—looking girl approach me, looking down as she went.

Behind her came Leo, and who I assumed to be his mate and his son.

"With all due respect Luna, but how will this be possible?" Leo asks. I gave him a kind smile.

"I am half witch and half wolf. We have the magic to do this, or at least my wolf says we have." His eyes widen. He looks at his mate, who gives a slight nod and backs out.

"Laurel, are you willing to take Kiera as your second chance at werewolf life with a counterpart? You will get a chance at a mate, and love." She looks me in the eye, and her own filled with hope.

"Yes Luna, I have dreamt of this since the day my sister killed my wolf." She answers in a soft voice.

She knew Maria was behind it. Why hadn't she said anything, but before I can ask, she shakes her head.

"No one believed me. I tried to tell my parents, but they believed Maria's act over me." She shrugs, but both her parents look ashamed and rightfully so.

"When this is over, Laurel, I'm inviting you to join Silver Mist instead, if you wish." Matt nods in agreement and shoots her family a look of disgust.

"Laurel, if you will stand over here besides Kiera." She does as I say, and I place a hand on both the human girl and she—wolf. Galaxy guides me, and I feel the surge of change when the wolf spirit leave one girl and enters the other.

It forces Maria to shift back to human, now void of a wolf companion. Laurel shifts into a light chocolate brown wolf, who bows her head at me. I am incredibly proud of myself and Galaxy. We have been here mere hours, but already done something good, and won over many people doing so. I can feel the respect and love from the Silver Mist pack members through the pack—link, and I can't help but swell in it for a bit.

Suddenly things happen all in a blur, my pack surrounding me, Maria trying to attack me, a growl ripping through the air, and the clear ringing of a possessive "MINE!"