The day I was diagnosed with Juvenile Huntington's Disease at thirteen was the worst day of my family's lives. Being an only child and then you find out you're in the late stages of the disease was devastating to me. Probably more so to me than my parents themselves.

At least that's what I used to think but come to find out it was just my depression and mental state being altered. Before I got sick we were just your ordinary happy family, we had family time after my parents got home from work, I tried my best to be a straight A student but math and English were never my strong suit.

When I found out about the severity of my disease I was barely just starting to live life. My family life was like a perfect picture that most would probably consider fake but it was all real.

The day I met Gary, it was the happiest day of my life. It truly was, but also the worst. The day he told me I was his mate I couldn't allow him to be burdened with the memories of seeing me on my death bed so I did what I thought was best and rejected him. I loved him of course but I rather reject him and he move on then mourn me then have to find his second chance mate. Which in hindsight happened anyway.

People always told me that supernaturals can make new bonds or find another chance mate so I had hoped the man I longed to be with would find happiness and he did in the guy anyone would kill to be with, me included. Altan Colleen Blackstone.

God he could make your knees weak with one look. Not like Gary of course, I'm a sucker for his personality than I am for anything else so when Gary tried to get me to notice him, I already have. Those two together were the perfect match which is why I told Gary to go for it.

The day I personally met Altan was honestly scary, to say the least. I remember him and his tiger Amar coming into my dreams the night before like an angel coming to warn you. That night he tried all his might to heal me but it wasn't enough.

The day I died I remember looking at my own funeral, all the people mourning for me, wishing I'd come back. Whoever prayed the loudest for me to come back, it worked.

The day I came to, I remember being on a stone slab surrounded by five angelic beings. They told me how after my funeral, Altan had called them in hopes their combined powers would save and cure me. At first, I thought it was insanity, that my mind was still playing tricks on me, then I remembered back to when Altan and Amar visited me, they told me I would join them by any means but I never knew what they meant until that moment.

Now here I stand at thirty years old, in a new city living a brand new life under a new name. Well, not exactly new. I just switched my first and middle name so now I'm just Kingsley Joseph Eckhart.

When I returned from the realm where I spent several years, maybe thirteen or so given I died at seventeen. I already had a house, car but ironically no job.

I guess that was their way of saying 'they can't do everything for me'. Which I honestly laughed at cause my mom always said that exact same thing. However, I did have a degree in architecture and design. So I guess that was my start. Good thing I loved art and working with my hands before my mental state was affected and thankfully my memories were restored to their rightful state before I got sick like nothing happened.

"Are you going to go look for your family and mate?" My best friend Kate asked.

"This weekend, you know I have that presentation for the boss." I said in a duh tone.

"What crawled up your ass and died?" She snickered.

"I'm stressed with this presentation and I'm nervous as hell to see everyone. For the last thirteen or so years they thought I've been dead which is technically true but I'm worried my parents won't accept it's really me and then there's Altan and Gary, they probably have several kids by now and I'm no homewrecker so I'm slowly losing my shit." I said and took a deep breath.

"I know what you mean, I mean as far as seeing people who thought you died. After I was rescued by New Moon Pack, I was a nervous wreck because hunters held me captive for five years. Maybe you should talk to Zander, he's pretty chill and he and Altan are related so he's your best shot. He and I are best friends, practically brother, and sister." She said.

"I'm not sure Kate, I'll ask his opinion first. How much of that is exaggerated by the way?" I chuckled.

"Ok so we're not that close but he did rescue me from a cellar I was being kept in...but it was only a month ago." She blushed.

"Why are we friends again?" I chuckled.

"Because I'm a bad ass bitch and I was your teacher on controlling your powers which I'm completely jealous of." She huffed.

"It's not a power. It's just simple visions and foresight, nothing more. I'm still human." I sighed.

"Still, it's pretty damn cool especially in a fight, you can see your attacker coming before he even comes at you." She buffs.

"It's just a parting gift from the goddesses." I said and groaned.

"Let's go out somewhere, it's obvious this presentation is stressing you the hell out." She said practically dragging me out of my office chair.

"Can you wait a minute?" I sighed.

"Ok fine, do what you need to." She said walking downstairs. Damn woman.

After I locked my office door I walked downstairs.

"So where are we going?" I asked.

"A club duh, you're too tense and a simple dinner won't do. You need to let loose, get freaky, I know you have it in you as I've seen all the dirty shit you write about on your off days. You sir, need Jesus in your life with that mind of yours always in the gutter." She said and I couldn't help but blush.

"My fantasies are off-limits." I grumbled.

"If you say so." She smirked as we left.

"How is your mate? Is he still being an overprotective daddy?" I asked.

"That's an understatement, he won't even let the doctor check on our pup because his wolf takes over and snaps at everyone. Then again he is a hybrid and has his dad's temper." She sighed.

"Felan (Collen and Callahan's son) is a wild card." I nodded.

As we got to the club I felt so out of place, this wasn't my cup of tea and if we stayed long I'll never finish my presentation for Mr. Collen. He wants to rebuild the corporate office and he chose me of all people to come up with a blueprint and 3-D model. I'm scared shitless.

"You're thinking about it again, stop it, you know dang well you're a bombass architect, you got this." Kate said and I groaned. I always have to overthink, it's a curse.

"Sorry, You're right." I said and followed her to the bar.

"How's that Brent guy? He's an ex hunter right?" I asked.

"You mean the bastard who's parents kept me locked up for five years, he's fine, slowly dying. I can't blame the Alpha for working him to death." She said, shrugging.

"True, what his parents did was unforgivable but remember he's a victim too, he may have killed thousands of people but he was conditioned to, it's all he knew, it's never too late for him to change." I said.

"You're too damn nice, it's gross." She grumbled.

"I love you too Kay." I snicker.

"But you have a small point, since Adriel cleansed his memories and gave him back his humanity it's like he's a whole new person. It was almost automatic and scared most of us because we thought it was a trick but in the month he's been at the pack he stuck to his punishment and added on some things which was a surprise. He was only supposed to do housework and socialize with the pack but he's repairing things in homes, training with the warriors, cleaning cells, it's weird seeing a hunter willingly help our kind and wanting to help in the fight to track down the bad hunter." She rambled on.

"And it's only been a month, imagine in two years what he'll be like. I bet instead of hunting your kind he'll be helping you all hunt hunters, it's ironic and kind of funny if you think about it." I said and we both laughed.

"One day you'll have to meet him for yourself, I hate to say it but he's a really great guy and that's coming from me." She snickered and I nodded.

"Let's go dancing, I'm bored." She said after a while of silence.

"Fine..." I said and we went to dance.

Around twelve she thankfully allowed me to go home and I finished my presentation. I guess she was right when she said I just needed a break. Even though it was four in the morning.

I woke up a few hours later, got a shower and got ready for work. Thankfully I don't drink so no need to worry about hangovers.

"So I talked to the shop next door, they're going out of business so I figured you could buy them out, he just asks if he can sell his food in the cafeteria and we can just expand." I said, looking at Mr. Collen.

"And he's ok with this?" Mr. Collen asked.

"He's paying way more for rent than what we're offering so he's ready. He's on the verge of losing it so yes, I think he is." I said rubbing my arms. Stupid nerves.

"Well done, I knew you were the right man for the job." Mr. Collen said and patted my back.

"To celebrate why don't you come to the pack for dinner, I know you're still new to town so why don't you stop by and my family and I can give you a proper tour." He offered.

"Ok, thank you, sir." I said.

"No need for the sir, we're off the clock and alone so just call me Collen." He said and I nodded.

As we left the office and got in his car I sighed.

"Do you do that a lot?" Collen asked.

"Sorry, it's usually just a habit but all day today I've had this uneasy feeling. I have no idea why." I said.

"I can have our doctor check you out." He said and I nodded.

As we got to the pack, he put his thumb on a scanner and we drove into the lands.

"This place looks crazy beautiful." I gawked at the scene before me.

"Thanks to Brent and some landscapers, it's pretty great having the help." He said. When he said Brent I got curious if it was the ex hunter.

"I think I heard about Brent from Kate, he's an ex hunter, right?" I asked.

"Not really exhunter, he still wants to keep the title but instead of hunting and tracking our kind, he's hunting his own." He said and we got out the care.

"Well, I'm sure whoever he is, is pretty lucky to have met you all to guide him in the right direction." I smiled and for some reason the thought of him made my stomach all funny and my mini-me twitch.

"We didn't want to prove him right by executing him so we chose another method of punishment." He said and led me to what I assumed was the pack hospital.

"Uncle Jaylen, you around?" Collen asked.

"I'm here, sorry, I was with Kate checking on the pup." The guy said.

"How is she and my grandpup?" Collen asked.

"Happy and healthy, he's definitely a big one." Jaylen chuckled.

"That's great news, listen, I need you to help out my friend here. He's been feeling sick all day and being new to town I'm sure he hasn't decided on which doctor to go to so I brought him to you." Collen said.

"He's in good hands Collen, I'm sure you have other things to take care of." Jaylen said and Collen held his hands up in surrender.

"I have three o'clock training so you're right. Later uncle Jaylen, come find me when you get checked out Kingsley." Collen said running out the door.

"Now that my ball of energy nephew is gone let's get you checked out." Jaylen said and guided me to an exam room.

"Any other symptoms other than queasiness?" He asked.

"No, I thought it was food poisoning but I didn't eat anything different from what I usually do and I cleaned out my refrigerator just over the weekend so I don't know what it could be." I said.

"We'll find out, I'll get your vitals, run some tests. You know, basic stuff." He said and I nodded. I spent quite some time in the hospital so I knew exactly what he meant.

After some time waiting for results to come back, he asked me about my medical history and told him about my time with the Goddesses minus my name but the look on his face said it all that he knew who I was.

"Well your tests are back, nothing seems out of the ordinary other than it seems you're dehydrated and your blood pressure was high also so I think with some fluids and rest you should be alright." He said and I nodded.

"Thanks Jaylen." I said shaking his hand and getting off the bed.

"No problem, have fun with my pain in the ass nephew." He chuckled and I left to find Collen.

I did not realize this pack was so damn big, how the hell am I supposed to find the training grounds.

"Do you need some help?" I felt a tap on my shoulder and flipped the person on their stomach and pin their arm behind them. How and what the fuck? When did I learn to do that?

"I'm sorry if I scared you, you seemed lost." The guy under me said with his head pushed into the dirt.

"I'm sorry about that, it was just a reflex. Honestly, I had no idea I could do that." I said awkwardly.

"No worries but can I uh, get up now?" He asked and I helped him up and when I did it was like looking at a damned model. He was hotter than young Leonardo DiCaprio.

"And yes, I'm lost. I'm looking for the training grounds."

"The training grounds are this way." He said awkwardly after dusting himself off and clearing his throat.

"Ok, yea sorry." I said again.

"My name is Brent by the way." He said.

"Ah, so you're the bad boy turned good." I said and God his ass was fine in those jeans.

"I'm trying my best but yes I am a hunter. Hopefully within the next few months or year I can start anew and use my skills to help the people I've hurt most." I could see the pain in his eyes.

"I'm sure you will in time, you got this." I said.

"Kate was right, you are cheery." He chuckled and I almost fainted. What the hell is this guy doing to me?

"Was that a compliment?" I asked.

"Take it as you will, but it was. I'm glad someone other than the Alpha family sees my potential." He said and everything was silent again.

"Here we are, see you around..." He said.

"Kingsley." I chuckled.

"Right, well later Kingsley." He bowed and I shook my head. Too bad he's straighter than steel.

"There you are Kingsley, I see you met Brent." Collen said.

"After I got lost and unintentionally put him on his stomach." I said rubbing my neck.

"You put Brent on his stomach?" He asked, confused.

"I have no idea how it happened, it was a reflex. " I said.

"No worries, I'm sure he appreciated it as awkward as that sounds. He's been waiting for someone to beat his ass for all he's done and you laid him out with just one flip." He said. Why would he want to be harmed? Just because of his past?

"He's an odd one." I said and we went to a huge ass building.

"This is the packhouse." He said and I nodded.

"Where's Brent?" I asked.

"He eats in the guest house where he lives on the lands." Collen said. Poor guy, I feel bad for him.

"If you want you can go to his place, we can talk later after dinner." He said. Wouldn't that seem weird that I just show up unannounced?

"You look like you want to be with him, go, try to get him to open up. We've been trying for a few weeks now, maybe you can since you're unbiased and know nothing about him."

"I uh, ok?" I said and was handed two plates.

"His house is on the way out the lands by the front gates. It's a medium-sized house, you can't miss it." Collen said and I began my journey all the way back. Why he lived so far from everyone is beyond me.

As I got to the front entrance, I looked around for his house, and finally, I found it. It looked a bit run down and I was curious about this.

"You don't have to look at it the way you are, you know. I told them I was ok with it." I looked and there was Brent behind me.

"Why live in such a rundown house?" I asked and he sighed.

"Let's go inside, I'll explain." He said and I followed him inside.

"So it's cloaked to look rundown?" I asked looking around and the inside looked brand new.

"Bingo, since this is the first house most people see before continuing to the main pack, most people just assume the pack is abandoned and don't bother coming back." That's actually kind of smart.

"Thanks for the food, by the way, I was just going to the packhouse and Collen said you had my plate." I just nodded.

"Feel free to sit, I don't bite." He said and I sat across from him.

"Why do you live so far from the pack?" I asked the question I really wanted to know.

"Because I'm not a part of the pack nor do I deserve that right. Not after all the hell I caused. Now that I'm in my right mind I really don't understand why they don't just kill me." He said looking at his food.

"You can't honestly believe you deserve to be treated like an outcast or treated less than dirt. You were manipulated, used to carry out these mass murders. That wasn't your fault from what I understand." I said.

"I thought so too and you might be right but a part of me wanted to do it, just a little bit because I lost my girlfriend. A part of me wanted to avenger her. I couldn't let her death be ruled death by an animal attack when I knew it was more than that. I deserve this. I deserved to die along with my parents." He was sobbing and I instantly felt bad. Even worse, I was frozen unable to move.

"I lost the chance to be with someone new because I'm just a cold-hearted bastard." He said. Get up and hug him, idiot, do something.

I was running on autopilot at this point, he aired it all out leaving nothing left unsaid.

Being the person I am, just wrapped my arms around him and let him cry it out.

"In time you will see that your past is only a part of you. What matters is you learn and grow from those mistakes. Maybe then the person you mentioned will see that you're worth loving. I may not know the full extent of your past but that's just it, the past. I rather know you here and now. The person you are now at this moment." I said.

"Do you really mean that?" He asked.

"Of course I do, I'm no idiot Brent. You seem like a genuine person and mean what you said. You just have to keep moving forward and never look back. Focus on the future." I said.

"What if I told you I was mated to a shifter?" He said.

"Then I see your dilemma, you don't have to tell me anything else but I hope in time we can get to that place and you can tell me then." I said.

"You're the only one who's been willing to talk to me first so I'll tell you....I was rejected by Altan Blackstone." He said and I gasped.

"Dude, you fucked up bad...he's hot." I said.

"I wouldn't say hot but whatever, but yea I have some major work ahead of me to make things right. Like a decades worth." He said, sighing.

"Aren't you straight?" I asked.

"And you're gay so what's your point? I can be...Altan sexual. I don't know." He shrugged.

"I was dying so I rejected my mate so he didn't have to watch me die." I said.

"We're a wreck, let's agree to work our asses off and make shit right." Brent said and I chuckled.

"Deal." I said and with that, I talked to Zander like I was meant to.

He told me to hold off a bit considering I just got back and that I had to stabilize my new life and prepare to see them all and so I agreed. I was moving too fast, I needed to slow down and just enjoy being back and alive. I missed thirteen years.

After the talk with Zander, Brent and I went back to his place and chilled until I got tired.

"I should probably head home...shit. I forgot Collen drove me here, my car is back at the company." I groaned.

"No worries I can take you home and Kate can pick you up." He said.

"Ok, thank you. " I said.

As he drove me home I looked at him.

"Are you going to be alright tonight?" I asked.

"I will, by the way, you're looking at me weird. What's going on?" He asked.

"I think our mates are together." I said.

"Gary said something to me the night they took me to NM about being with Altan and that we could have been happy together with me if I had tried to change during those 18 months, but that only fuels my fire to get him back." He chuckled.

"You really are an oddball." I said.

"Always have been but my brother Chase is worse." He said as we pulled up to my place.

"Drive back safe." I said.

"Yes, dad." He chuckled and sped off. I really hope he will be ok.