When I woke up in the morning, I found Killian in the tent but I told him to stay away from me. He did what I told him and I half hated and appreciate that. I was still angry when he came in and wanted to keep distance but I also wanted him to hold me and comfort me, telling me everything alright.

When I woke up, the top of the tent hadn't seem so blurry. I lazily lifted myself up and peeked out of the tent. I looked around and noticed how things were becoming clearer. Relief washed through me, realizing my eye site was finally repairing. I ran my fingers through my hair, "Finally something good happening."

Pack members greeted me when I left the tent with good mornings and didn't talk about the crazy outburst I had last night. I was happy about that and grabbed some bread. I made some toast near a small fire made for cooking and at the picnic table. Killian came out of the tent soon and made his way over towards the table. He sat across from me and it was silent for a moment.

"Go ahead." I said, picking at my toast. "Say it, I know I acted crazy last night."

"You're Alpha, you can say whatever you want." he said.

I placed the piece of bread down, "Killian, come on. Don't do that. Look, I'm sorry I know I was crazy last night. I'll admit it, I didn't mean to take my frustration out on you."

He stared at me for a moment, "You got to learn how to talk to me. Open up."

"Trying to open me up is like trying to open a suitcase that needs a code. Devin right, I have spent allot of time on my own and don't know how to communicate." I said, looking down at the table. "Wanna come with me to go see Nate. He supposed to be getting answers from the high pack members about letting the rogue families who Talaus kicked out and others."

"I should stay, watch the pack." he said. "Give Nate my best."

*

I watched at the end of the table as Nate and the older respected men in the pack talked about the new law he wants to create to let Rogue who he feels deserve a second chance to come live here. Texas is a big pack and with so many leaving they can be filled in.

"We could risk safety of the pack members." a man said to Nate. "Alpha Nathan with all respect, I just want to remind you."

"I understand why you're concern but I'm not just going to let them in. I'm going to have them investigated and have people come check up on them for at least six months. You all read my proposals, I'm not just going to freely let them back in. After it seems like they are trusted, they will be clear and free to live their lives. Most of them that already came have families and want to give their children a good life." he said. "Allot of them also use to be pack members. Talaus abused his role as Alpha but I won't."

They continued to talk and I leaned against the table. A year ago I hardly knew Nate and didn't know he was cousin. I thought he was some weird quiet kid who hung out with Marco Hanigan. When I believed Blue to be the best cousin I earn—and she still close to my heart—Nate would always have my back I come to learn.

He has done so much to help me with my pack. My pack I didn't have a home to let them go to. We were pretty much a bunch of strays but he let us stay. I respect and will always owe Nate for his kindness since most Alpha would throw us away. He has given us food and supplies we needed. I know once Oregon becomes mind, first thing I will do is payback everything I owe Nate.

"Time to change history." a man said, signing on a piece of paper Nate lawyer has written. The four other men written their names down and shook Nate hand. He had just gotten the approval—he could have just done it without them but Nate wanted the respects of his Beta and the high members. Something Talaus would never do—to let rogues come back into the packs.

"Also, congratulations on your engagement to Melinda Hanigan." another said.

All the men in the room left and Nate poured us a drink. There were no drinking age for Alphas—or that's at least my excuse. He sat down next to me and handed me the gold color drink. I took a sip, scrunching my nose, "Yes Alpha Nathan, congrates. Cheers." I said, making my glass hit his and there was a ting. "Have you talked to her?"

He nodded, "She's excited to my surprise. She's been showing off her friend and saying how happy she is. She wants a garden wedding and reception." he said, trying to fake showing interest and I chuckled. "And she wants it all in seven weeks."

My eyes widen, "So quick!"

"Well she doesn't want a big wedding, she's want a small one with just close family and friends. Thank God." he said, rolling his eyes. "Her mother excited and once she found out they both started planning."

I stared at him for a moment and he was quiet, "Are you excited, Nate?"

He nodded, "I am. I may not show it on my face but I am on the inside." he said.

I took another sip and rolled my eyes, "Something we share in common." I said. He gave me a confused look and I huffed heavily, "Don't ask. Anyways, I'm sure there's something else bothering you. What's up?"

He shrugged, "I don't have a big family. My parents aren't going to be there to watch their only child get married. Mostly over half of the guest will be her family."

I stared at him for a moment before nodding, "I understand. I'm don't doubt one bit you're parents very proud of wherever we go when we pass away. Look at how well your life is, what you're doing. The family you have that are still here will be here for you to celebrate with. Nate, you got to remember this is a happy occasion and you are going to be an awesome husband. Maybe an annoying one at times but you are a good man. Something your parents would be proud of."

Two Weeks Later

Aeriela

I stepped into the lake and stared out into the water. My red hair whipped around as the breeze picked up. I haven't gotten in the water since a few weeks ago when I almost drowned. I could feel my heart beat start to beat a little quicker but I wanted to face this. I stepped a few more steps in until the water reached mid-way of my thighs.

I was beginning to feel lonely. Mat was always busy—busier then she was before. She was under stress and I don't want to be a burden on her anymore. Will tries his best to keep himself busy but I guess because he wants to avoid me. Ulric is spending more and more time with Harley. It think they might actually be a couple now because they hold hands in front of Ian now.

"What on Earth on you doing?" I heard behind me. I turned my head around and speaking of the devil—a phrase I just learned about which describes him perfectly—Ulric was there.

I turned my head back around and let my fingertips touch the water, "Facing my fears." I started to the splashes he made when he walked in the water and I quickly turn my head around. "Go away, I want to be alone."

He huffed heavily out his nose, "You always want to be alone. Or with Will." he said, rolling his eyes.

I turned around, "Come to bother me again? Where's Harley?"

"In town with Luna." he said, walking over. "I see you walk in the water and thought maybe you were going to kill yourself." he sarcastically said. "Might have to save you again."

"I don't need you saving me." I said coldly. "I can do this myself."

"Just get out of the water, you don't know how to swim." he said.

"I spent most of the things I can learning how to do them myself. I can teach myself how to swim." I said. "Just leave me alone. My life been fine without you talking to me." I turned back around, waiting for him to leave. It took a moment but he finally left me alone to my own peace.

I don't know how long it was until I finally stepped a few more steps in. I dunked my head under the water and took baby steps in. I took baby steps doing everything even though Uncle Ramses says just being thrown into the situation was best. You learn quicker.

But I was already thrown into the deep end of the lake and I almost died. I spent hours in the water learning how to swim. The sun was finally going down and I was able to stay above the water. I wouldn't dare go out to deep yet but I finally wasn't scared. My body was tired from being in the water but I didn't want to get out. It felt so good to be weightless and just float there.

It wasn't until dinner was ready that I got out and I was very hungry. I ate a big meal and I was a little sad to not see Mat hadn't returned yet today. Killian sadly sat next to me, hardly touching his food. They been arguing allot lately and I could see the sadness in Killian eyes.

When I finished eating, I went back to the water towards the water.

"Aeriela." I heard Harley and I paused, turning around to see Harley and Luna walking over. They walked over towards me with nice smiles, "We see you learn how to swims, that's real good. Real proud of you."

"Oh thanks." I said.

"Wanna give the swing another try?" she asked. I looked over towards the swing and opened my mouth to say not tonight but Harley spoke, "Oh come on, you're an expert swimmer now. We'll be here to help if anything goes wrong. Trust us." she said. She stepped towards me, lowering her voice, "Look I know maybe you and I haven't gotten on the right foot before. With your crush on Ulric."

"I never had a crus—"

"We're still a pack and we need to stick together." she said, a big smile on her face. "Come on, we'll all go in. We should really be friends, Aeriela. For Alpha Matilda sakes. Don't you agree?"

I stared at her for a moment. Mat does want that, for me to be friends with allot of the teenagers. And maybe I could give trying to be Harley friend a try. I didn't want to be a burden on Mat anymore and I should start to try to give the others a try again. "Alright, yes. I agree." I said.

"Great. Come on." she said. I followed her over towards the large boulder rock and climbed on top of it. Harley turned to Luna with a grin, "Skinny dippin again?" she asked.

"What's skinny dippin?" I asked, curious since I didn't know what it means.

They both giggled and the both started taking off their clothes. Luna was the first to swing off the rope and into the water. Harley shrugged at me and grabbed the rope, swinging off the boulder. Both girls giggled in the water.

"Come on!" Harley said up to her. "Don't be a chicken, you can do this Aeriela."

Feeling the pressure, I slid off my shirt and shorts. I took off my bra and underwear. I grabbed the rope and swung off the boulder. I went into the water more smoothly than the last time and made it up to the top until before. I was confused when I didn't see Harley or Luna around.

"Harley? Luna?" I questioned as I looked around. I heard giggling then and I looked up at the boulder to see both the girls. They grabbed their clothes—and mine.

"Enjoy your night swim, bestie." Harley sarcastically said, running off with my clothes.

My nose scrunched up with anger and I breathed heavily out my nose. I watched them run off towards the camp sight and I swam over to the bank of the lake. I stepped out of the water as nude as the day I was born—did they really think that making me walk back naked would embarrass me? Lots of the women in the pack are naked when they return from a run. Sure they don't prance around naked but it's not like our bodies is something to be ashamed about.

I walked back over towards the camp site. Even though it's not uncommon, some of them looked surprised when I walked over. Mostly the younger ones but I ignored them. Luna and Harley was giggling even when I walked over towards them.

Harley giggled as she looked down at my breast for a second before looking up, "Nice mosquito bites, honey."

I lounged at her but someone pulled me back. I looked up to see Ulric and he shook his head down at me. Already pissed, I scoffed and pushed him away from me because he was defending Harley who is embarrassing me. He held a t-shirt out to me and I smacked it out his hand. It fell to the ground and I slapped him across the face. "Both of you can go to hell." I coldly said before walking over to my tent.