Upon arriving back at the Pack House, Thane excused himself to go take a shower and change, no doubt to conceal the fact from Onyx that he had just been out slaughtering rogues. I went into the kitchen, feeling slightly fatigued from not eating yet all day.

Axel, Gwen, and Onyx were sitting on the stools in front of the countertop, where there was piles of food already made. My nose wrinkled at the thought of consuming anything I would probably have to throw up later that night. I decided on my typical morning smoothie meant to increase my strength and health, which led me to picking out ingredients from the fridge.

"Isn't Thane with you?" Axel asked.

I was, he just went to change and shower I think, I answered, still rummaging through the fridge.

"Did he tell you about our shopping date?" Gwen asked in elation, and it made me scowl while taking the smoothie ingredients out of the fridge.

I think I'm sick, I say lamely, already knowing the excuse won't work on Gwen. Sorry, maybe we can go next week.

"One, you never get sick. Two, you know damn well I'm leaving in two days. Three- well, I don't have a third thing to say but you know how much I love shopping so if you take this away from me then I won't give you the present I brought for you!"

I raised an eyebrow as I continued making my food. What present?

"Well, I had a feeling you would try to ruin mine and Onyx's fun, so until you agree to go, I'm holding your mask hostage!" Gwen proudly stated.

You brought my mask? I said, and unfortunately, it was the perfect blackmailing method. I felt naked and exposed in the woods without it.

"Yes, and I can't believe you forgot it. It's mine until you go with us." I rolled my eyes at her, pouring the smoothie into a glass cup. 

"And I'm coming too," Axel added, glaring at Gwen.

"Aressssss," Gwen whined. "Tell him he's going to ruin girl time if he comes."

Children, they're both children, I thought to myself. I was trying to figure out how to not get in the middle of this when Thane rescued me.

"Beta, let the girls have their alone time. They'll be fine," Thane ordered as he strolled into the kitchen, his brown hair still wet.

Axel's mouth dropped. "Alpha, you've got to be kidding. This is how every Luna abduction story starts."

"You watch too many movies," Thane's mouth quirked to the side in amusement, "I am more than positive that Ares is capable of defending against any abductors, and they aren't even at risk of being abducted. They're going into a human town, it is unlikely they would even run into any werewolves besides ones already in the pack."

Axel just glared at the Alpha and left the kitchen without any more words of protest.

"Told you," Gwen said to Onyx in between bites of food. "Negative male energy."

I didn't know what her comment was about, but I did know that my behavior made Axel extremely on edge lately. I shrugged and told them with a scowl that I need to go get dressed in civilian clothing.

Gwen jumped off of her seat and followed me upstairs to my room. "Pleaseeeee let me do your hair! Oo, even better hair is and makeup!" She begged.

Absolutely not, I deadpanned, putting on an oversized hoodie and leggings. Gwen pouted and followed me into the bathroom, where I attempted to unknot my long platinum hair.

"You let me do it for the Blood Ceremony!" Gwen pointed out and I rolled my eyes. That was a one time thing.

"But-" Gwen started, and I shut her down. Aren't you ready to go? You slapping chemicals on my face would take forever, let's just get this over with, I grumbled.

"Your attitude is amazing today, I must say," Gwen sarcastically responded as we descended down the staircase. When we got to the kitchen, I was surprised to see Thane and Onyx making out, his hands wrapped around her hair.

"Gross," Gwen pretended to gag. "People eat here you know."

Thane's response was quick. "Gwen, if you have an issue with me kissing my mate in our home, you are more than welcome to stay somewhere else. Perhaps my Beta's house would be more to your liking?"

The look on Gwen's face was priceless as she looked at Thane in shock. "How- I- you- It's not.." Gwen struggled to form a sentence, and Thane grinned wickedly before placing a kiss on Onyx's forehead gently.

"Goodbye, little one. Text me if you need anything," He instructed, and she smiled in response, her cheeks still flushed.

Gwen was still mortified by Thane's comment, still struggling to form a response. You didn't tell him did you? She asked as we went into the garage, where Thane had a multitude of sports cars lined up.

Of course not, I reassured her, picking out a sleek black car with a red leather interior. I'm driving, by the way.

Gwen groaned and Onyx followed a few steps behind us. "No way! Cain never lets me drive his nice cars, let me enjoy my vacation!"

I snort. Should have called dibs, Gwendolyn. Better luck next time.

Gwen was still arguing as we got into the car. "You only have one working eye! Are you even legally allowed to be behind the wheel?"

Onyx giggled and I rolled my eyes, ignoring Gwen as I sat in the front seat. The keys were already in the ignition.

"Fine," Gwen relented, none too happily. "But I'm driving on the way back." I started the car, and the engine only made a quiet purring sound.

I may have to convince Cain to get me one of these, I say in appreciation. I wasn't too sure Cain would go for it, since he was pretty against me driving, but I think if I threw a big enough fit he wouldn't be able to say no.

Gwen and Onyx conversed for most of the ride, while I mostly just listened. Onyx opened up considerably to Gwen, until the topic of her being a rogue was brought up.

It felt like she was hiding something, and I was determined to figure out what it was before leaving Blue Moon.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

After Gwen gave me the run-down on behaving in public, like I'm some kind of feral animal who doesn't know how to be around people, we went into the mall.

Immediately upon entering, I took note of all of the entries and exits, in case if something went wrong. I also paid extremely close attention to the people around us, for any suspicious character. I hadn't noticed that my fists were clenched until Gwen mindlinked me, telling me to cool it.

My nose crinkled as I inhaled deeply. Humans smell so plastic-like, so artificial. I longed for the scent of the clean air in Blood Lake, the forrest and the flora.

Humans smell weird, I told Onyx when she looked at my face in confusion.

I groaned when Gwen pulled us into a store that was sure not to have anything I would actually ever wear. Luckily, Gwen did all of the shopping for me, while I observed the salespeople. The store was moderately empty, and I think I would have gone ballistic if there were too many people around.

I thought I wouldn't have to actually be a part of the shopping, but when Gwen dragged us to the empty fitting room section, she shoved me roughly into a stall.

I am the Blood Luna, I hissed, my eyes blazing. You cannot force me into these ridiculous garments!

My mouth dropped open when she replied, "Blah blah blah, pull rank on someone who cares, Ares," and she closed the door right in my face! "Oh, and don't forget to show me everything you try on, hot stuff! Can't wait!"

I angrily banged my fist against the door, and gave her a few choice swear words when her and Onyx began laughing.

I sifted through the clothing she shoved in my hands, completely confused. None of this stuff would hold up in battle.

I'm going to kill you, I told Gwen calmly.

Ah, ah, ah, she chided me. That kind of talk is almost certain to get your mask buried somewhere on Thane's property.

I scowled, choosing the least offensive outfit, which happened to be a black cocktail dress. I looked in the mirror sadly after putting it on. It showed all of the scars on my arms and legs, and the sight was borderline depressing. I always tried to avoid mirrors as much as possible, and this amplified why.

I stepped out of the fitting room at the same time as Gwen, and Onyx was already waiting. Gwen, under what circumstance would I ever wear this? I asked, my repulsion from my reflection resounding in my voice.

Gwen merely shrugged and said, "You never know," and before I could react, she whipped out her cellphone and I saw a flash of light that nearly blinded me. "I think Cain would appreciate it, that's for sure."

My mouth dropped open as I snarled, Gwendolyn Parker, I will tear your throat out if you send that to him.

Gwen cocked her head to the side. "How would you do that, when I'm already safe in my dressing room?"

She immediately turned and bolted back into her room, and I heard the lock click. I swore at her a few more times to deter her from showing it to my mate, but I had the feeling nothing would stop her.

I turned to look at Onyx, who looked stunning in a blue two-piece set. It really brought out her vibrant, ocean eyes. You look lovely, Onyx, I tell her with a small smile. Far more lovely than I would ever look in revealing clothes.

Onyx looked at me in surprise, probably not expecting the compliment. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I had ever said anything nice to her.

I turned to go back into the dressing room when I heard Onyx's sweet voice in my mind saying, Luna, for what it's worth.. I think you look beautiful in the dress.

I cringed as I shut the door. I appreciate the compliment Onyx, but let's be honest, my scars make it impossible for me to look anything but monstrous in clothes like these.

After a moment, she responded sincerely, I've never once thought you look monstrous. The scars are badass, and so are you.

I smiled slightly to myself as I peeled the dress off of me. I was about to put on the next piece of clothing when I heard Cain's voice flood my mind.

Is Gwendolyn trying to ensure that I snatch you back from Thane immediately? His voice was a low growl.

Oh no, I groaned. Please just pretend you never saw that, it's embarrassing.

I certainly will not, Cain responded in shock. I know I'm not quite as skilled with technology as you girls, but I'm sure she could show me how to make that my phone background.

Cain, I will rip your testes clean off your body, I threaten him, but I can't help the feeling of warmth that runs through my veins at the comfort of his voice.

What's the problem, pup? You look stunning in the dress. I will be deeply disappointed if you return to Blood Lake without it, he says, and I roll my eyes. I do miss you though, my sweet little mate. I will certainly be coming down tomorrow night to see you, and will return to Blood Lake the following day with Gwendolyn and Axel.

I couldn't help the relief and excitement that reverberated throughout the bond. Really? You will?

Of course, Cain responds, like he's surprised I even had to ask. My wolf has been going crazy without you for the last few days, and if I'm being honest, so have I.

I love you, I choke out in emotion. I had been so busy the last few days, I hadn't let myself consider how hollow I felt without my other half.

And I love you more, pup. Now go enjoy the rest of your outing, and tell Axel I said hello, he says, and my heart drops. He thought Axel was here with us, and there was no doubt he would go berserk if he knew we were unguarded.

Umm, I will! Bye! I quickly end the conversation. Hopefully when he visits tomorrow, Axel won't say anything about it, but with the way things have gone between the two of us during my stay at Blue Moon, I was positive he would.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The rest of the shopping was boring, with the exception of the high levels of entertainment I got from watching how uncomfortable Onyx was in the lingerie store.

As we exited the mall, I noticed a human male walking too close for comfort. "Well hello, ladies," He said from behind us, and I summon a knife, concealing it in my sleeve as we turn around.

It's just a human, I confirm to the two of them, as it's unlikely their sense of smell is keen enough to tell.

Overall, he seems non threatening enough, just an annoying, horny male who I could kill with my pinkie. So we turn our backs on him, although I can hear every step he takes, hear his breathing, even his heart thumping weakly in his chest, knowing that if he tries anything, I would be able to stop him instantly.

"You interested, cutie?" He says to Onyx, who was too curious in him to turn around.

"Definitely not," She mutters sourly, making Gwen laugh and me smile.

He continued to walk behind us, and I try to control the urge to behead him in public.

Gwen's anger was tangible as she turned around and snapped, "Fuck off, ugly. We're tens, and you're a clear 2, maybe a 3 at best. Do the math yourself, yeah?" She asks with a condescending smile, and I can see her canines slightly poking out.

The guy cussed at her, and lunged. I withdraw the knife from my sleeve, ready to stab him, and Gwen mindlinked me, No, I want dibs on killing the human, you always get to have all of the fun.

He's slow, he is human after all, but I was surprised when Onyx dropped her bags, and lunged in front of Gwen. Without hesitating, she swung her fist at him, and it hit him right in the mouth. I heard some of his teeth shatter, and his jaw pop out of place.

"What the hell?" He moaned in pain, a few yellow teeth falling out as he talked. I thought that Onyx would have apologized or at least been disturbed, so I was shocked when she bent over him and smacked him on the mouth after hissing venomously, "No means no, douchebag."

I couldn't help the grin that overtook my face. Sure, he may be human, but Onyx's ferocity made me proud.

Gwen's smile mirrored mine as we walked back to the car. "What'd I tell ya? Negative male energy everywhere," she said as she shook her head in disgust.

A/N:

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of my readers for all of the support I have received, especially with the most recent updates. You all make my day with your hilarious comments, and even the angry ones when I won't give spoilers or threaten to kill off the characters. 😉

Crazily enough, The Alpha and the Vigilante is at over 3 million reads! Keep in mind, I finished the book in August, so that's insane!

I know a lot of you guys reread TA&TV so I just wanted to thank you all for being so amazing and the best readers ever.

I hope you're all staying safe with your loved ones and family members during these hard times.

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