POV Joann Thomas pushed a connection with Aiden and I. “You’re going to want to see this.” He said before cutting the connection. A few minutes later we could hear Thomas pull up. Aiden and I waited in the kitchen, Thomas was never really one for surprises so we weren’t sure what to expect. The caravan of Black Moon pack should arrive any time now. I was hopeful that he had finally found his mate, he is so dedicated and devoted to this pack. He deserves to find his own happiness. With Paula’s family coming we had wanted to set up a dinner or casual party in case any of them or the warriors escorting them had mates here. Hopefully as Paula got better we could arrange something but as of now it would be in poor taste. The front door opened and I could hear Thomas tell someone we were in the kitchen. A deep gravely voice replied. “I know the way.” Aiden and I looked at each other before a massive figure appeared in the doorway. He had to crouch down to avoid hitting his head

POV Thea We didn’t make it to the gate before Jason wanted answers. “So what are we really up to?” He asked. “If I tell you do you promise not to make fun of me?” I asked. “Absolutely not, that would be against my nature.” He held his hand up to his heart. “I promise to relentlessly make fun of you any chance I get until the day I die!” “I have grown to expect nothing less.” I told him. “I want to get Eric some clothes. I know it’s stupid but he saved me. I’ve been living with his pack and his family this whole time while he went through…” My mind drifted off as I looked out the window thinking of the deep scars that covered his body. “We don’t know what happened to him but he could be my mate. At least he’s sure he is and I know it’s nothing compared to what he’s done for me but it’s something.” Jason didn’t say anything just continued to look at the road as we passed the gates. “You think it’s dumb don’t you?” I asked. For once he didn’t have a smart ass comment. His fac

POV Thea When we got back to the car my phone was blinking. I had missed a call from Luna Joann. I sent her a quick text message. “On our way back now. Sorry I left my phone in the car.” My phone instantly buzzed. “Glad you’re ok. I was getting worried. Dinner is at seven.” She messaged back. Looking at the time, we had over an hour to get back. Returning just before dark, it was obvious that Paula’s family had arrived by the four cars parked in front of the pack house with out of state plates. Although I was happy for Paula to have her family here I had to admit I didn’t want to stay in a house filled with strangers. Jason sensing my hesitation. “Do you want to go home first?” “That would be great. I really like to shower and change clothes before we have to meet all these people.” Pulling up to the house Brent and Candice were home. I left the bags in the car and went inside. Candice greater me with a smile and a hug. “How is sleeping at the pack house?” She asked.

POV Aiden Joann was nervous about having to decide Paula’s fate. I squeezed her hand hoping to sooth her but it didn’t seem to help. Eric watched over Paula. My heart filled with pride watching him look after her. Reassuring her through every part of her confession. He was going to be a better Alpha then I ever could have dreamt. My head filling with thoughts of starting his Alpha training. Soon I would get to see him fight, could he beat Miss Evens and Zandra. They had remained undefeated despite Thea and Selova’s many attempts. I had tuned out the conversation completely until Eric handed Paula a tissue and said something about her family. Shortly afterwards Joann left the room. Paula wrapped her tiny arms around Eric’s waistline before quickly following after her. Eric walked over to me, a full head taller, I had to look up at him. Placing his hand on my shoulder. “Paula and Iris will be fine now. I spoke with Iris and she understands the consequences of such behavior.”

POV Thea I lay in the darkness, the floor stripping the heat down to my bones. Sleep is a distant memory from another place. I dare not fall asleep. Every time I drift off I’m back in that cave. Listen to the screams of what I now know is my family. Trapped in endless darkness when I’m awake and unending suffering if I dare sleep. I beg Sel not to heal me, let the darkness and cold swallow me. If this is my life now then let it end. My mind drifts to Eric. How could he do this to me? If I am his mate, how could he want this for me? Was this his life all those years? My heart hurts just thinking of what happened before I ended up here. Walking through the trees in the moonlight. Holding my hand, Eric stopped me with a gentle pull. Turning me to face him, it felt like he looked at me forever. I could see his wolf in his eyes. It felt like his soul touched mine when he kissed me. Then everything went dark. A click and hum signals the lights have come on somewhere in the giant roo