Graysons POV

All I felt was anger. My wolf was enraged and I was pretty pissed myself. The thought of losing Taylor was...no. I shook my head. I couldn't even imagine it.

We have to protect her.

I know, I know. I agreed with my wolf. I sagged against my new office chair. I rubbed my hands over my face and my head dropped, causing my hair to fall over my eyes. I groaned. But she's so, so...independent. How do I protect someone who doesn't want protection?

My wolf agreed, but I could feel that he was proud that our mate was strong.

Mate.

"Shit," I muttered. I still haven't told Taylor that I'm her mate.

Grayson, my father began speaking through the pack mind link. You have to come over: the rogues attacked sooner than expected. They've stationed themselves along the border of our pack and the Silver Moon's pack.

I'll be there soon. I started towards the door, but my wolf's next thought stopped me.

What about Taylor?

My eyes widened as my wolf sent me a plan. It was gonna be tough to pull it off, but it would keep Taylor safe.

Damion? I sighed.

Yes, Alpha?

I need you to come over.

~

"So what do I have to do?" Taylor asked peering into the dungeon in our basement. Her pale eyes acted like a flashlight, lighting up the room. What the hell? How's that even possible? I scratched the back of my neck, hating myself for what I was gonna do.

"I need you to fix the bars," I lied. "It's a good place to hold captured rogues, but the bars are kind of loose on the inside."

Her full, pink mouth formed the shape of an "o" and I looked away from the damned tempting thing.

"Alright," Taylor shrugged. She was about to enter but then halted. "Wait," she asked with an adorably confused face. "How come you don't do it?"

Crap. I hadn't thought of a reason for that. My wolf sensed I was about to back out, so he took control of my body and shoved Taylor in the dungeon, slamming it shut.

Taylor's eyes went wide as she stumbled to regain her balance and she stared at me through the bars. Realization dawned on her and she glared daggers at me.

"Grayson," she said slowly, coming closer. "Let. Me. Out." I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, Taylor, but I need to keep you safe." Before I could change my mind, I left.

"Grayson!" She shouted. I shut my eyes as I climbed up the stairs. "Grayson! Come back and open the damn door!" With each step I took away from her, I felt a piece of my heart breaking.

It's for her, my wolf weakly argued.

"Grayson!" Damn super senses. I was already upstairs, but I could still hear her. "I hate you, Grayson Collins! I hate you! And when the hell did we get a dungeon?! I don't remember this in the blueprints!" I shut the basement door and her protests were no longer heard.

She hates me. I felt like someone had just stabbed my heart. I opened my eyes and saw Damion standing in front of me.

"Gray," he whispered, looking at the door. "Are you sure you're doing the right thing?" I shook my head and took a deep breath, trying to calm my anxious wolf down.

"J-Just make sure she doesn't escape. And wear sound-proof headphones so she can't command you to unlock it," I ordered weakly. Even though Damion wasn't the Beta anymore, I couldn't let Jason take this job. He was too loyal to Taylor. Everyone else was at the pack house, getting ready for the attack.

Damion nodded and went down into the basements. When he did, I heard Taylor yelling, "FUCK YOU, COLLINS!" Her unbridled fury made me want to crumple to the floor and I grabbed my chest, feeling her feelings of vexation and treachery. I gritted my teeth and it took all of my willpower to continue with my plan and leave.

~

Taylor's POV

I swear, when I get out of this cage, I'm killing Grayson Collins.

~

Grayson's POV

"Gray," my dad said once I entered the meeting room. The Delta and Jason were already there, along with a few other male werewolves. "what do you think we should do?"

I sighed, weak from being away from Taylor, but stood up straight for them. "Just...prepare yourselves men. The rogues deliberately positioned themselves on the border to cut off all contact with the Silver Moon pack. We were supposed to join our packs this week, but they came earlier than we thought they would. Stay with at least two other people and alert us at any sign of danger." Everyone nodded and I sent them off. Once they were all gone, I slumped against a nearby chair and rubbed my temples.

What's wrong with you? I questioned my wolf. His non-stop whimpering was beginning to annoy me and had grown very loud since we entered the pack house.

Taylor, he quietly sniffled. I can feel her betrayal and hurt. Her wolf's betrayal and hurt.

Why's it so strong?

Her birthday's next week.

Are you saying she's gonna find out next week? My eyes went big and I sprung out of the chair.

Yes.

FUC--

~

Taylor's POV

For what felt like the hundredth time, I slammed my shoulder into the bars of the dungeon, the once dull throb now a thundering pain. Damion looked up but averted his gaze when I scowled at him. I had only met him a few times, but I still couldn't believe he would agree to do this.

"Aargh!" I groaned in frustration and sunk to the floor, pulling my knees up to my chest.

Why would he do this? Why would Grayson do this?

The question repeated over and over in my mind, but I couldn't find an answer. I dropped my head onto my knees and my bangs covered my face.

Maybe it's because he was mad when I ran off. I thought. Maybe it's because I asked Michael and Jason to come and live with us. Maybe it's because I brought a gun to our first date. Maybe it's because I called him "Blondie" when we first met. My head shot up when my wolf spoke up for the first time, voicing her opinion.

Maybe it's because he's trying to protect us.

I snorted. Yeah, because nothing screams safety like locking someone up in a cage.

Taylor! My wolf sharply reprimanded me. I rolled my eyes and chose to ignore her.

Whatever. I'm busting out. I can't believe I hadn't done this first.

I glanced over to Damion, who kept nervously watching me every few seconds and I grinned when I caught his eye.

Come over here, I demanded in his mind.

His eyes widened. How are y-you able to speak to me?

I'm a fucking magician, I sarcastically said. Now, come. Over. Here.

Unable to disobey me, he unwillingly walked over.

I smiled. Open the door.

Bu-but Grayson said--

I don't care what he said! Open the door! I seethed, clenching my fists. he gulped and unlocked it. Within a blink of an eye, I knocked him out and placed him gently on the floor of the dungeon. Then I locked it for good measure.

I grimaced. Let's go kill a Collins.

~

Grayson's POV

I lunged at the rogue in front of me, my claws extended and my face in a snarl. In less than a second, he was dead. Grimacing at the metallic taste of blood in my mouth, I spit to the side before racing off to help some of my other pack members.

Alpha! My dad telepathically shouted. Watch out! More rogues are coming!

In my head, a panicked Jason stuttered, Uh, Gray, can I a little help over here?

Alpha! The Delta, Richard, called. I need some assistance!

Alpha! Another person yelled.

Alpha! Jason cried. Kind of getting mauled here!

Alpha!

Alpha!

Alpha!

Overwhelmed by the voices, I froze in the middle of the battlefield. It was too much. Dead wolf bodies were scattered all around the clearing, and the powerful stench of sweat and blood stained the once crisp air. All I could focus on were how many people, my people, were injured.

Grayson, my wolf barked. Get up and start DOING something! You're an Alpha, and you have responsibilities--get used to it!

I-I...can't. There are so many people hurt...

YOU CAN AND YOU WILL! He took control of my body and started killing rogues again. I stayed back and watched it all happen.

There's too many, Alpha! Jason croaked, sounding hurt. Without the Silver Moon's pack, we'll all get chickened! Fried chicken!

What the hell is that supposed to mean, Jay? When I heard that voice, when I heard her voice, I took over my body and stopped again. Scanning the clearing, I looked for any signs of her familiar pure black wolf.

Taylor, I tentatively called out. I didn't expect to hear anything, so after a few minutes, I gave up and let my wolf take over.

Grayson? Her sweet, musical voice had my wolf halt mid-kill.

You've finally lost it, Gray.

Taylor?! Is that you? H-How are you in my mind? I asked, bewildered.

I always mess with the person I'm going to kill.

Like a dark, avenging angel, she swooped down from the sky, landing on the ground. She had one knee on the floor and her head was bent, causing her bangs to cover her face. When she looked up, her face was one of pure anger, her eyes glowing even though they were black. She slowly rose and began walking. The crowd seemed to unconsciously part away for her. Her long hair (still in its usual ponytail) whipped around her due to the wind.

Dumbfounded by her presence, I stupidly gaped and stood still while she stalked in my direction. Her eyes seemed to burn a hole in my mind and for the first time ever, I shied away.

"Grayson," she purred once she was in front of me. Her eyes softened. "come here." She motioned with her pointer finger and I found myself walking to her.

"Tay-Taylor? Is, is that really you?" She nodded and gestured for me to come closer. I took a step towards her and unable to help myself, I threw my arms around her and pulled her against me. I inhaled her delicious, chocolate scent and all stress and pain I felt washed away. The fact that I was butt-naked didn't cross my mind. All I knew was that she was here. She was with me.

"Gray?" She softly called.

"Hmm?" I murmured against her silky hair. Suddenly, I felt razor sharp claws around my neck and I was pushed away from Taylor by...Taylor.

"You," she snarled, her eyes narrowed and pure black. "put me in a cage. That's the worst thing you could ever do to a wolf and you did it anyways." Her voice never hitched, never rose from its hushed, anger laced, sound. Her hand tightened around my neck and I gasped for air as her claws pierced my skin.

"I-I can explain," I choked out, gripping her arm.

Damion! How did she escape? I called to him, but there was no answer. I tried pulling her off, but damn, she was strong.

That's not something you should be proud of, stupid! I admonished my wolf.

Oh, kill me for noticing our mate, he snapped.

I won't kill you, but she will! That seemed to knock some sense into him, for he took control once more and managed to get out of her death grip.

She growled and slashed at me with her somehow extended claws. I furrowed my brows at them. How was she able to have claws without completely shifting?

Not important right now! My wolf's strained voice brought me back and I barely managed to avoid her next attack.

"Taylor," I held up my hands, the universal sign for surrender. She growled at me, a loud, animalistic sound that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. "I know you're mad right now, but we've got bigger problems right now, baby." She bared her teeth at my endearment and I before I could stop it, hurt flashed on my face.

"I'll kill you later, Collins." I winced at her harsh tone, but either she didn't notice or she didn't care. Probably the latter. In a flash, she let out a loud, long howl and hundreds of wolves appeared around us.

"I brought some back-up."

"No kidding," I breathed. She stepped away from me, facing the newcomers.

"Members of the Silver Moon pack!" Her voiced boomed through the clearing and every wolf howled and stomped their paws at the sound of her voice. She grimaced before commanding in a whisper, "Attack." They sprung into action, jumping past her and killing every rogue in sight. I knew, with that one command, she was going to be a great Luna.

Feeling the need to help, I shifted and began killing rogues with renewed vigor. Jason appeared next to me, a slash across his side, but otherwise fine. With my pack, my mate's pack, and my mater herself by my side, we fought until near dawn.

As the first few rays of light broke over the horizon, the last of the straggling rogues were either put down or running with their tail between their legs.

I shifted back and pulled on the shorts that were tied to my leg. I was breathing heavily and I took a quick survey. I couldn't tell if anyone from my pack and died, but many were definitely hurt. I saw Jason helping his father up, the two inspecting each other for any serious wounds. My dad was taking care of one of the more seriously injured people, along with the Delta and my mom.

"Michael?" Taylors scared voice had me shaking on my knees. I've never heard her so, so...weak.

"Michael!" She yelled. I ran over to her, taking in her alarmed state. Taylor raced around the place, whizzing past me and I caught her hand. Her eyes were wide with trepidation and I felt my heart clench. I wanted--no, I needed to help her.

"Where. Is. Michael?" I heard her heart rate increase and I held her closer, trying to calm her. She ripped away from me, her eyes black and glaring at me.

"Where is he?" She screamed, pushing me.

I took her hands. "Ssh, I'm sure he's fine, sweetheart--"

Her head shot up and she growled, pulling her hands away. "Don't call me that. I have to find Michael!" Her chest rose rapidly up and down and she was losing control.

Why is she reacting like this? I asked.

"MICHAEL?" She shouted, running deeper into the woods. I felt like someone had stabbed my heart with a silver knife when I looked at her crumpling expression.

"I-I can't hear him." I tried to hold her again, but she shoved me away, causing my wolf to howl in pain.

"Taylor," I tried to reason with her. "we'll find him, okay? Just calm down." She shook her head and started to run off, but I seized her arm. She snarled and slashed at me with her claw. This time, I wasn't fast enough and she managed to catch my cheek.

I hissed at the pain and grabbed my cheek with my free hand. My pack members snarled at her and she bared her canines at them. My grip had loosened and she wiggled out of my hold.

"Taylor!" But she was already gone.

~Author's Note~

Happy LATE Halloween! This is your treat! Comment and tell me what you think, please! This chapter was..I dunno...

Type Kit Kat before you comment to let me know you read my author's note!

Pic to the side is the actress who I thought should play Rachael!

Vote! I'd like...is 2,000 too much? If I get that many votes, I'll update on Wednesday! Yeah, WEDNESDAY!!!!

And..500, yep, 500 comments! I'm crazy, but that's what I want! :D Pllllleeeeeeaaaaasssssseeeeee?

Dedicated to @Perks_of_flowers 'cause she made me an AWESOME cover! Thank you!!!!!

Song to the side is "My Heart is Open" by Maroon 5 (I LOVE THEM SO FRIGGIN' MUCH!!!!) ft. Gwen Stefani. It's such a beautiful song and is kind of related to Graylor. Just listen to it!

Love you lots,

4everAloneAnAwkward