SEPTEMBER

They all sat around the large cherry wood desk in the meeting room. Every current Alpha of every territory in the U.S. She gulped. Mika was intimidated to say the least.

If she thought the tension was bad before, it was ten if not a hundred times worse now. Jayce sat at the head of the table, and had possessively pulled her into his lap. She didn't protest. This was not her favorite place to be right now.

The old alpha sat after each of the four other young alphas of the north. Other than that, and her father as a rep as well, she vaguely recognized some of them. Most remained a mystery. No alpha seemed willing to begin. She jumped when Jayce's alpha voice sounded. She swore she saw some of them recoil as well. The youngest ones...

" Tonight we gather as council both new and familiar. " he started. " We are here to discuss rouges. They are banding together, and we dont understand why. "

" Then why is she here? Surely the Luna is important, but she isn't council. " one alpha stood, and others nodded with him in unison. Her throat felt tight.

Jayce simply nodded at his concern. " I understand that. "

" Then dismiss her. She doesn't need to know what we speak of. It would worry her frail little mind. " Another, older one spoke.

Jayce's grip on both her and the table tightened. His grip on her was firm, but his grip on the table was deadly. She heard it groan, and placed her hand over it. With a simple look she'd calmed him down, and her touch relaxed him.

He sighed before glaring at the alpha, " You would do good to remember your place in my house. " he spoke calmly a storm raging to get out. " I assure you she is not frail. Far from it. " he rubbed her back gently.

He took his time before he began to speak again. " Would you like to know why I accepted her as my Luna? The final nail in my coffin as the ruthless alpha who didn't want a Luna? She took down a rouge like a champion. It was about to pass her, in wolf form, and she reached out and fucking tackled it in human form. Not to mention she didn't run and lead it away. She crushed its throat. Still think she's frail?

Because she's also trained me and my guard. Mika is the fastest wolf I've seen in a long time. Faster than me for sure. I'm sure Axton can provide you with video proof that she is an excellent trainer." He paused while Axton hit a button on a remote. The TV on the wall behind Jayce lit up showing her jumping and dodging through the training course, lapping the wolves, helping them.

Mika glanced at it herself.

"I didn't know Axton caught us on camera... damn i look good. " she mentally slapped Nina.

" Oh shut up.. it is surprising though.. I always thought I was clumsy. Does my butt really look that fluffy??"

" Apparently not, and yes. It's a gift. " Nina gave a wolfy chuckle in the back of her mind. She was eager to see how this was going to play out.

" Any objections to her being here? " the question was not meant to have an answer, and it didn't receive one. Just some dirty looks. She didn't quite like the attention.

" What about him?" The first alpha threw his head over toward her father.

" Sean is currently my third. He is also one of the last surviving members of the Crystalleaf pack. Taken down by rouges. Same calling we have all been getting. Burnt the village and houses to a crisp, people animals and all, and left the alpha for everyone to see. He is the rep. for Crystalleaf. Sean also ,in addition to being my third, is the head of my new hunter group, and Mika's father. " he explained carefully choosing his words.

" The rouges had no business to pick Crystalleaf to be an example. I've spoken to Sean about this thoroughly. They were a peaceful tribe of people, never caused waves, never traveled unless it was to hunt or go to the run, and had strong allies, such as Alpha Farven and Alpha Craven. "

A younger alpha around the age of twenty-two cleared his throat. He had shaggy brown hair and deep green eyes. Mika recognized him. Alpha Craven. " By the time we got to the village it was already in flames. We had to assess it as to dangerous to try to go in. With no screams... " Craven trailed off with a shudder.

" With no screams, the people had already inhaled to many fumes. The fire was set so that it smoked first rather than went straight up. Carefully designed to suffocate everyone in their sleep, and leave only the strong behind to be dealt with after waking... hence... Alpha Trip and his family.

Crystalleaf was behind technology wise. We tended to keep things old fashioned. No one would be aware that a fire broke out unless someone was awake. Somehow they must have all been asleep at the time. " she finished quietly. All eyes were on her, but hers were on the table.

Then Jayce. She felt his slight annoyance first, but it gave was to a part of proud feeling? She felt butterflies from the way he looked at her. He wasn't used to being spoke over like that, and yet he liked it from the look she saw. Maybe it was just in her mind.

Her father held nothing but pride. His smart little girl was teaching them something new already. Even he hadn't thought of that. " I didn't even think of that. " he said softly, gaining some nods.

" Neither did i.." Farven and Jayce spoke together, each looking at the other. Farven smiled to mess with Jayce who gritted teeth for a moment.

He didn't like this. Suffocating helpless victims before burning them was barbaric to say the least. It still would have been less barbaric if they'd ripped through them. He sighed, and shifted slightly to bringing Mika closer and calm himself. " She is right, and we all know it. That saves a lot of beating around the bush so to speak. " he said after some time.

They nodded mostly. " It makes sense. Why no one has heard screaming, no one has been found in a piles on the ground around the villages. Everyone has passed away in their sleep. Except for the strongest families. They are executed and left as a trophy. An example. " he buried his head in her neck and hair causing her to gasp lightly. He smirked. Everyone heard that. He liked it. Jayce knew she was holding back. She wanted to slap him silly.

Another alpha leaned on table watching him. " You look like a little kitten instead of a big bad wolf. " he chuckled taking the conversation in a new direction. Mika recognized him. " Long time no see Miss Mika. " he said nodding, earning a growl from Jayce.

" Indeed. " she said wrapping her arm around Jayce. " Its been a while since you finished the exchange program in school. You were one of the only people to spare a glance at me for to long, Alpha Darius. Now stop talking to me before he breaks the table. I've already had a desert thrown all over me from these two.." she gestured from Ricardo to Jayce. " I would rather spare everyone me yelling... again. "

Axton laughed, " It was great.. I enjoyed watching them clean it up like puppies. " he leaned back letting the tension somewhat leave him.

Jayce hadn't eased up. She sighed, and leaned down to his ear, " He means nothing. All I did was help him pass a few classes and kick his ass for trying to hit on me. " she spoke softly, and close to him. Hoping no one would hear. Of course they would, but it relaxed him, and his eyes went from black to the smoldering amber she loved to see. Mad or not, she loved it.

" You'd better not stay like this. I wouldn't mind taking you straight to our room. " he semi smirked.

She flushes brightly. " Ass.."

Farven chuckled while Axton cleared his throat, " Just dont break the sink again. That sounded like it hurt, and scared me straight out of bed. I swear I jumped so hard I hit the floor." he smirked, and closed his eyes. It took all Mika had not to throw anything at him. It would be clear disrespect. She was trying to behave. So she remained quiet, and pouted.

" Back to the task at hand. You have all seen how she is. She is approachable, fast, brave, and strong. My pack has greatly benefitted from having her train them. Having her near. I propose that she travels to your packs. " he pauses letting them take in the request.

Most of them were shocked, but some were outraged. " To train you, and your families, friends, every pack member. We need to prevent these deaths. The packs can't fall." he finished. That caused an uproar. It continued for what seemed like forever.

She growled, her head was pounding from all of the different alpha commands flying back and forth. Farven and the four remained quiet. Craven noticed Farven and the northern alphas, and decided to settle down. Jayce was silent as well. They watched her instead.

Her father gave Jayce a warning glance. He knew what his daughter would do. She'd never liked being yelled at. Or someone trying to force authority on her, or others. At least not without a reasonable cause.

He nodded a knowing smirk on his lips. His eyes were smoldering and blackening. He wanted her more than he had earlier right now, but this wasn't the place for himself or Koy to be horny little animals.

He wanted her to do what she was about to do, because sometimes even Alphas needed to be shown a place. Sometimes they needed to be reminded that not everyone can be tamed. In all truth, they were both wild souls that balanced each other out. Neither one was tamed entirely.

She growled louder, and slammed her hand down on the table. The sound was drowned out for the most part, but the creamy wolf that emerged was noticed easily. She'd changed so fast that even Jayce had barely seen her do it. Jayce's smirk grew.

She growled and snapped a bark. Honestly it was nearly as loud as Jayce. He felt a twinge of his own shock, but anger was a strong emotion radiating off of her. One his Luna wore well in this situation. She stalked the table eyeing each alpha she walked by.

Most of them stared at her looking like deer caught in headlights. She was being disrespectful to them, and threatening at the same time. They were not on their turf. They were in the hands of Jayce's mercy, and he wasn't doing anything about her. They looked to him for punishment. Why the hell would he punish her? She did well to gain their attention.

"Come back Mika. Lay down in front of me." He said softly through their link.

She lowered her head slightly, and did as he said. Slowly walking back, nearly leaving marks in the table from.drawing her claws against it. She huffed before laying down. Jayce scooted his chair close to the table. It was obvious again that they excepted him to punish her.

" Not like that. Come here... " he turned her so that her side was to him. He had her perfect so he could lay up against her and keep her close. He wouldn't let her shift back in here anyway. Jayce ran his hands through her fur before resting them on her at her head and across her back. " You are all stupid. " he spat.

They sat down, shock clear on their faces. Mika closed her eyes resting. She wouldn't be changing back in front of them. Even if he told her to. This was actually relaxing. She loved to shift.

" She should be punished! Lashes! Something! Such disrespect to so many alphas! " A scowling young boy spoke.

"She will be rewarded. " He spoke calmly but with authority. " You were all having your fits, she grabbed your attention and demanded you act like civil adults. I'll make this simple. If you don't want her training, get out. You'll have the night to leave. After that I'm sending my guard after you." He shrugged softly.

" If you want it, stay. We will talk about a schedule. We have no use for hot headed people who can't see reason. " he turned his attention to her. " I have to say Mika, that is the fastest I've ever witnessed you change... good thing your kind of small. I saved your dress. " he laid his head next to hers. She hid her face in her paws causing him to laugh.

" So.. the ruthless alpha has his Luna do his dirty work?" Darius asked with a cocky tone, and a chipper fake smile.

" No. She simply can't keep control of her anger. She is slightly childish like that, but it comes in handy. I would have probably had you all hauled away to the dungeons until you calmed down. I think her way is much more civil. Not to mention she'd make me stay down there to for doing it. So.. better way out. " he shrugged.

Darius chuckled. " I knew you'd be good as a Luna. Glad the run found you a wonderful girl. " he said bowing his head softly. " We accept training at Blacklake, Alpha. "

" You'll be in the run with Axton. I'm sure the two of you will find Lunas. Just be patient.  " he smiled with a polite nod.

Others either followed suit or left. The majority stayed. About ten left. " Excellent. " Jayce watched the last people being put on the list by Carter.

Mika had guesses was extremely organized. He looked like it. Everything from his work down to his looks was neat, tidy.. except his attitude. No one was perfect.

" She is set to begin in the southern territories, and work her way up to the North. Alpha Jayce has informed me that she will be attended to by Alpha Axton and Moonwater's Beta Sike. They will watch her like a hawk.

I believe ground rules will be to treat her as an alpha until she is no longer in your territory. Before you protest, she is teaching you how to take better care of your people. Be prepared to find new guard members where you least expect them. I'm sure some of our omegas are actually our best assets. Many of them fight to survive, and by doing so have gained many skills.

In my own pack I've gotten rid of the title. It's a bullshit title. Jayce doesn't have it either I believe.. Everyone is expected to attend. She can tend to your wounded as well as long as you allow it for those of you without Lunas or resources to do so. She is skilled as a huntress seeing as her parents both train hunters and are senior hunters. "

She raised her head looking at him curiously. He met her gaze, " I do my research Luna. " he said simply as he finished writing the contract. " I may sneak in through windows and I can be unorthodox. I have my better features though. Dont judge me based in this morning, again, sorry about that. " he said sheepishly. She gave a wolfy grin. " Alpha, I need her to sign. Her paw will do. "

Jayce nodded. " Go on. " he patted her shoulder softly. " They don't bite. Just me."

She rolled her eyes, and walked over the tabke to him. After he took her paw and dipped it into ink, he laid it flat under his written contract. Carter tried to clean it a bit at least, and nodded. " Thank you. " he turned to the others, " Now, we sign. Remember the consequences for breaking a written contract. Any violation of it. " the alphas signed one by one next to her paw print. It began with Jayce, then the northern boys she was getting to know, and the rest.

She linked to Jayce, "What are the consequences? "

He glanced at her, " Death. " he stated simply.

Her ears drooped a little, but he refuses to budge. It was a rule known wide by all in charge. Sadly, it was the most enforced rule. Contracts were not to be broken under penalty of death. It kept the animals at bay, and civil. He lifted her chin, and touched his nose to hers. "Dont worry about it to much. I know you don't plan on breaking it. I would feel it. ."

" That isn't it. "

" Then what?"

" I'm scared they'll break it. I don't want to be hurt and I certainly dont want to see them be killed because of this.."

" It isn't on you if they do. They know the penalties before doing it. If they break it, it is purely on them. "

" But-"

" No buts. I won't give in on this Mika. It is way it's always been done. Traitors die. "

She whimpered softly and he smiled befor kissing the top of her nose. They finished, discussed a few other things, and he stood. " Thank you all for being here. We will figure out what the rouges want, and take them down together. I hope you will all protect my Luna. If you don't, I will hunt you down and kill you myself. " he warned his eyes as dark as night.

" Mika, lets go for a run Love. " he said beckoning her to follow.

Mika jumped off the table and stretched. Her stomach protested a little. It was so dark. They had been here for hours and she didn't even know what time it was. She padded behind him as he exited the pack house.

He stopped behind the house for a moment, and held up her dress with a smirk told her was going to force her to shift. Not that she wouldn't on her own, but his wolf was still very dominant. "Shift.." his voice was husky a rumble came from his chest. She shivered at his word, just one word cause so many sparks and tingles. Mika shifted, and he slipped the dress on over her head as she did.

In a heartbeat she was pinned to the siding of the house. Not uncomfortably so, but enough to make her nervous with anticipation. Her breath was ragged, his was uneven. He took In her wonderful scent and breathed out. "You, are amazing Mika.." he kissed his mark, and she moaned simply from the touch of his lips on her skin.

" I'm restraining myself. Honestly, I can't wait to take you to our room and.. but I won't do it here. To many people in my house.. and I've kept myself cooped up to long. We both need a run. Then we'll go to the bathhouse together. Dont worry to much I've had Sike make sure you have a swimming suit ready for it. Everyone will be decent, but we will all be there. " he caressed her body any way his hands could. He sighed. " I love you Mika. "

Her eyes widened. Sure she knew he did, but she didn't expect to hear it from him often. It was unspoken. She smiled, and rested her hand on his chest, her forehead on his. " I love you t-" his lips caught hers in an unrelenting kiss.

It was steamy, he nipped her lip, and she let him in. After a moment though, he stopped. She frowned, and he smiled. " Come on before I change my mind and make you scream and my name. " he whispered playfully.

She giggled," Fine.. you know.. I really thought you were going to punish me. "

" It crossed my mind. But, you were a turning point to them. I don't think my friends or myself could have changed their minds. Or calmed them. I wanted to throw them all out. " he shrugged. " I was taught recently that sometimes an alpha needs to be reminded of his place. "

She simple rolled her eyes. " come on.. I really want to run with you. " Mika took his hand.

" I know. Your mind has been swimming with the woods for the past hour. I believe the others felt it. Ready to give them their final nail?"

She looked at him confused.

" The final nail in their coffins?"

She giggled at his reference. " You are so cheesy."

He nodded with a lop sided smirk. " I can be. Strip and shift. We're hidden here. The guys are making sure to keep the alphas away. I needed some alone time with you. " he smiled stripping himself.

She was never going to get used to him. She loves it all though. She also slipped the dress off making sure to catch his eye. He watched with lustful eyes as she did so. She shifted.

Mika didn't ask if he was ready. She just waited until he changed as well, and took off into the dark. She was easy to spot. Apparently very easy. She glanced behind her to see the alphas on her feet. She glanced at Jayce. He nodded, giving a grin. She grined. This was a wonderful run no matter how she looked at it.

She wasn't going full pace yet, and let an alpha pull ahead. Then another. "And the games begin~~~" She saw heads snap to her. She wondered if they heard her. Axton had said something about alpha perks before.

She simply smiled. Mika lowered her body, and pushed harder into the earth beneath her paws. Jayce copied, but still barely managed to keep on her trailing tail. She passed every alpha she burst ahead.

One moved in front of her and tried to block her. Was he trying to outsmart her? Huh.. I interesting. She slid under his belly. Another tried, a much smaller alpha, it was Axton.

"Sweet little Axton.. that won't work. You guys dont even work together..."

She jumped, and bounded off his back and continued running. She heard a loud howl, and skidded to a stop. Jayce's howl. She must be close to the boarder. Mika stopped. Other wolves had gained on her by the time she started back through them.

She wove in and out of the group without stumbling or tripping. It was easy in training. Targets didn't move,wolves did. Still it wasn't hard. A smaller wolf, and three bigger ones came straight at her like a bulky wall of muscle. She veered sharply to the right, and unfortunately down a hill.

Her luck had ran out. Mika was tired, but the exhaustion wasn't what causes her to trip. The rock in her way was. Not to mention the downward slope in front of her. It was like falling through the air, though surprisingly she didn't flail around like she thought she would.

She fell face first, and then rolled on her side towards the trees. Mika gripped the ground in attempts to stop herself or at least slow herself down. At this point she was an avalanche of creamy fur rolling into the trees. She yelped as she hit the tree. Jayce was there a few moments later.

"She even crashes with grace..." Axton said with concern. He nudged her gently, and she winced. " Sorry. "

"She's getting up after a sharp hit like that? The tree is bent.." One of the alphas she didn't know was talking now.

" Give her space! Demonstration over! Go to the pack house or the bathhouse." Jayce snapped.

" I-I'm fine.. I can continue." She spoke softly.

" No need. Don't push it. You were wonderful." Ricardo said from the top of the hill. He prevented any others from going down. It wasn't a long way, but Jayce had asked him to block the path anyway.

That must have been a link between them all. Huh. Jayce rummaged around the trees for a moment. Before coming to her with a long shirt. She nodded, took it, and went into the trees slowly while they waited.

When she came back most of them were going to the bathhouse. Jayce and a small group waited. He growled softly. He touched her cheek. " I did land face first. What did you expect?" She asked matter of factly.

Jayce came over to her, and wrapped himself around her pulling her down with him when he laid down. After pulling her down he licked her cheek gently. The pain subsided at least, and she giggled wiping her cheek. " Gross.. Dog slobber."

It made him smile a little at her. He motioned her to his back. She nodded, and got on. Jayce trotted with her and the rest of the wolves to the bathhouse.

~~~~~~~~

Jayce trotted into the old bathhouse. It had been cleaned up thanks to the pack before the meeting. You could still see the ivy trying to take it over growing down from the rooftop. It was beautiful. The floor was done in a gripped, soft blue tile. The walls were smooth stone. She loved it.

He sat down in a private changing room, and let her slide off of him. Jayce shifted. He growled softly his eyes dancing with black. " I do love seeing you in my clothes.." he whispered before walking her to the wall.

She winced touching it. He looked down, and lifted the shirt. He grimaced at the bruising and scratches. " That fall did a number on you Love let me help when we get to the house. " Jayce kissed her wrist softly.

She moaned softly when his lips touched her skin. Mika covered her mouth. He uncovered it. His touch sent tingles, but this was more intimate. It made her knees weak, and he held her up.

From the top of her ribs down to her hip, he trailed kisses as if to make it better. He inspected her scratches to male sure she didn't get anything lodged in them. She whinpered softly, her breathing uneven. Eventually he covered her moan with his lips.

He smirked against her. " Sorry Mika... I couldn't resist it. I just looked over the worst. Being near me slowly speeds healing since I'm your mate.. but it'll be gone soon enough, and you don't want anything in them that doesn't belong. I'll make sure I look over what's left when we get back. " he said slipping the shirt off.

He took a moment to admire her body. His hand ran over it. He licked his lips playfully. " Change and meet me out there. Top of the pool near to waterfall. " he said quietly.

Jayce changed, and her eyes stayed on him while he did. How could they not after he teased her like that? Then he smirked, and left her to do the same.

She smiled and calmed herself. She went over to the small pretty box he left her. Or at least she assumed he had. " Oh what the hell Jayce! " A chorus of laughter came from outside. She guessed they found humor in her humiliation, and that she'd gathered at least some respect from them now.

Jayce had given her a one peice alright... the stomach was covered, but the sides and back were missing down to the bottom. The bottom was skirted and modest. This suit was not modest except for the bottom. It did however have a really cute swirl design in amber. She growled as she sturggled into it. " I will skin him alive for this... " she hissed to herself.

" He has good taste. It looks good on us." Nina chimed in.

" Its embarrassing. He wanted to kill Axton when I teased him. Now he's flaunting me in front of almost every alpha in the states?"

" I would say payback. But, I think it's more along the lines of showing that he has trust and pride in his mate. "

" I guess that's one way to look at it. "

" Then yeah... look at it that way. Now go out there and sway those hips! Show him what he wants. "

" Shut up Nina. "

She hugged her arms feeling self conscious. Really self conscious. Mika stalked out, trying to ignore the looks as her feet slapped softly against the wet tiles while she passed several men all laying on the sides. He did this on purpose. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him.

If looks could kill he'd be half dead again at least. He snickered. " You asked for a one peice.. I picked you one. Gonna get in or am I going to break some noses for staring at my beautiful Star?"

She blushed.

He smirked.

She huffed, and gave in. " You so aren't fair."

" When have I ever played fair?" He asked pulling her close,and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. He rested his head on hers, and let out a content sigh. " I didn't realize how relaxing this is.."

She nodded, leaning back on him. Mika rested her eyes for a moment. " It really is.."

He glanced down at her. " How is the side?"

" Feels good. Probably almost gone. " she answered.

He nodded. " Mika.. did you know that you have a calming influence on everyone in your territory? Alphas or no? " he asked.

She shook her head. " I hardly know to be a Luna."

He shook his head gently. " You are doing wonderful. Look at them. They are all worried. Tense. But, relaxing now. Its you..I swear Axton was about to get beaten a few minuets ago."

She looked up, " At least I'm easy on the eyes." She joked.

" Don't push it." He growled playfully. She squeaked and he pokes her cheek. " Calm down. " he nuzzled her.

Mika watched Axton swimming literally in the middle. It must have been deeper there. The look in her eyes when she looked at Jayce must have been funny.

He laughed a little, " Go on.. go swim with that stupid angelic bastard. But, I wanna relax with you before we get out. "

She nodded, and scooted away until she dropped off a step and into deeper water. It was actually surprising. " Axton! " she called gaining his attention. When he came close she dunked him, and he got her back by dragging her under with him.

She came up laughing. She, Axton, and a few other young alphas swan around playing happily. It was probably nice for them to be able to act their ages. Most of them looked like they were still teenagers. She imagined it was hard to be in such a high power role so early.

Jayce sat back watching her. He was surprised. When she came up laughing all eyes were on her. He honestly was so distracted by her he forgot to growl or anything as a warning. He saw the youngest alphas exchange glances with huge grins.

They stood and jumped into the deeper part of the pool. It was a sobering moment. They trusted her. They accepted her. They needed her just as much as he did right now. Her ability to relax people was simply amazing. Her personality matching it perfectly. This.. this was right. More than anything each an every alpha male here in his land needed her to teach them. She would be historical.

He gave Ricardo a grin. His friend rolled his eyes, but smiled as they joined the small group.

~~~~~~~~

They relaxed for a while before people started to get out, and go back to the pack house. Mika had nodded off once herself, so Jayce lifted her out. She was so tired now. Hungry, but tired. Mika napped while he carried her.

He took his sleeping beauty back to the house, and up the stairs to their room. He could hear soft snores along the way. Sleep sounded wonderful after a nice night. Jayce just stripped her, and laid her in bed. She'd likes the soft sheets earlier, and he didn't mind. He joined her after putting on some dry boxers. " Goodnight Love." He kissed her cheek.

" Night...." she mumbled against her pillow. She was going to be starving in the morning.