As soon as Tempest got Amy settled she shut herself in her small office to call Braedon. She explained the situation and what was needed. Fifteen minutes later she called her mother knowing that not only Braedon, but Chrissy, the Pack Omega would be with her.

The last thing she wanted was to cause her mother pain, but what her father had done was unthinkable. Her mother needed to know what her mate had tried to do before the man showed up behaving as nothing had happened.

Chrissy the Pack Omega sat alongside her mother, reaching for one of her hands as Tempest began to speak. "Mum, it's Tempest. I asked Braedon and Chrissy to visit with you for a while. There's something I need to talk to you about." She sighed. There were actually a few things they need to talk about, but for now she had deal with her father.

Tempest took a deep breath before explaining what had happened with her father. The last thing she wanted was to cause her mother pain, but she needed to know. She could hear her mother crying as she spoke, could only hope that Chrissy and Braedon would provide the comfort she needed.

"Mum, I know this hurts, but I couldn't not tell you."

"Emma," Braedon spoke softly, resting a hand on her shoulder. "You don't need to worry about Patrick. I'll make sure I'm notified if he shows up. I'll deal with him."

Emma surprised everyone in her reply, "Thank you Braedon, but this is my mess and it's time I cleaned it up. I've given Patrick too many chances, far too many opportunities to prove himself to me. I know I'm not his true mate, but for him to treat me with so little respect." She shook her head as more tears flowed.

"I'm sorry I let this go on for so long Tempest. I failed you, I just wish I knew how to make up for what you went through."

Tempest winced at her mother's words, winced again when she heard Braedon growl. "Emma, I know what goes on between mates is their business, but I'm getting the distinct feeling that your mate has mistreated not only you, but your daughter."

Emma burst into tears unable to speak. Tempest knew Braedon wouldn't be happy about the way their lives had been, but it was past time that her Alpha knew how one of his own had treated the women he was responsible for.

"My father was a difficult man to live with. As you know, he wasn't my mother's true mate, which I believe in the end made matters worse. To be honest I'm not certain whether or not he really loved her or if she was a means to an end. That would certainly support his behaviour tonight."

Tempest wiped away several tears. "He didn't treat my mother the way others treated their mates."

"Tempest!" cried Emma, and Chrissy held her closer.

"No mother, it's time he knew the kind of man you lived with." She was silent for a moment giving her mother a chance to speak her peace. She didn't. "He wanted an heir. When my mother didn't give him one his manner towards her changed. He became... at times... vicious. At first it was only with my mother, but as I got older I." she sighed, "I couldn't stand by and listen to him berate her, I couldn't watch him hit her for the slightest wrong and not try to help."

"You stepped between them, didn't you?" Chrissy spoke for the first time. It wasn't a question, more of a statement, making Braedon growl again only louder.

"Why didn't you come to me?"

Emma straightened up, wiping at her tears. "For better or worse, he was my mate. We were young, I knew little of what being a mate meant. He was more dominant than me. I didn't have the strength to speak up, when I finally did he beat me, made me believe I was in the wrong and that I deserved the way he treated me." A sob escaped her, "I couldn't even give him a son. How was I supposed to come to you with that?"

"Son-of-a-bitch!" Chrissy took several deep calming breaths, not wanting her anger to engulf the others.

Braedon did his best to smile at Emma, "What's done is done. I will stand back and let you deal with Patrick if he returns to the Compound, but I'll be close by if you need me. And Emma, I promise you he will never lay a hand on you again."

Emma wiped at tears and accepted the arms that were suddenly there, opened, willing to give comfort. Braedon was a strong man, Nicolas was about the only man he knew who could come close to laying him on his ass. But had the gentlest of touches when it was needed. Right now Emma needed gentleness and care. He would ensure this is what she got.

"Emma, I'd ask you to spend the night with Kasey and I, but his is your home, no doubt you'll wish to stay put. I have an alternative," she opened her mouth as it to speak and Braedon shook his head. "I am your Alpha and in this I won't take no for an answer.

Realising he had no choice, Emma didn't argue, "What do you have in mind?"

"I have three young men, all about to complete their training. They will make fine enforcers, Mike has already been assigned shadow Phia, Nate's mate. The other two, Karl and Adam, I'd like to assign them to watch over you for the time being."

Braedon could see she was unsure about what he wanted to do and sent out a silent message to both young men asking them to come to Emma's house. "It's done Emma. They are on their way here now."

"Braedon, why don't you put the kettle on for more tea," she gave him a slight nod and he got to his feet. "Tempest are you still with us?"

"Yes Chrissy I'm here. Is everything all right?"

"Everything's fine, I just thought we could do with a break from the testosterone." She laughed trying to make light of things. "I want you both to know that I personally know all three of these guys." She smiled softly, "they're good people. I'd trust Kyle with them and if I'd leave my son with them you have to know that I mean it when I say they'll take care of you. They'll be as close or as distant as you want them to be. Give it a go Emma and see how it goes."

Chrissy couldn't help but laugh, "You'll have two big strong guys to go shopping with and carry all your purchases. They might even help out in the garden if you let them get close enough." Chrissy left it at that, "I'll go make sure Braedon knows what he's doing."

As she left the room Tempest called out to her mother, "Mum, what do you think? They sound trustworthy and like Chrissy said, they might come in handy."

Emma was considering everything that had been said, she sighed and turned to the phone as if looking at her daughter. "Tempest I know you're all trying to talk me into this and I appreciate it. Braedon's right though I'll feel safer if they're shadowing me. I have a spare room, so whoever's on duty could spend the night. It'd be nice to have someone else in the house again."

"Thank you, I'll rest a great deal easier knowing you are safe. I'll be coming home for a visit soon. There are things we need to talk about."

Emma's face shone with happiness at her daughters words. "I'd like that very much and I've kept your room the same for you." She turned towards the kitchen, "You can come out now Braedon, I've decided to take you up on your offer. Two shadows," she smiled it might be fun.

Karl and Adam arrived a few minutes later, they both knew Emma just as all good Enforcers knew each and every member of the Pack. They were formally introduced both Emma and Tempest. Emma visibly relaxed with them there and Tempest could hear in her voice that she'd be okay with the two young men.

"It's late and I need to get some rest. Don't forget mum, I'll be up for a visit as soon as I can manage the time off." She became silent for a moment as if making a decision. "Braedon can I have a private word with you?"

"Of course Tempest I'll give you a call from my office in twenty minutes. I'm assuming this can't wait until morning?"

"To be honest I'm not sure. I'd feel better speaking to you about it now though, if that's still all right?"

"I'll call you shortly."

Tempest hung up the phone unsure if she should was doing the right thing in telling Braedon about Jax and realised he'd want to know in case there was any fall out. She left her office, heading towards the kitchen to make some tea. Trae had beaten her to it, he had the kettle on and the tea pot ready on a tray with a plate of oatmeal biscuits he'd found in the cupboard.

She leaned into him needing his strength. He put an arm around her giving her the comfort and support she needed. "I fixed Amy something to eat and go her settled in the spare room. She's asleep now."

Trae shook his head. "Your father really did a number on her. I doubt her Pack did what she believes. I'm more inclined to believe it was her family. An Alpha, a good Alpha would never use one of his own people for financial gain, not anymore."

The expression on his face told Tempest there would be repercussions if an Alpha were to treat any of his people in this manner. "I'm not sure if Amy will want to return to her Pack."

"She has a place with us here Trae." She started laughing softly. "Us." She shook her head, "I never thought I'd say those words in regards to being part of a Pack again." She smiled, grabbed a biscuit then moved towards the living room and her comfy couch, leaving Trae to finish making the tea.

Trae carried the tray in a couple of minutes later and poured for them both. "How did it go with your mother?"

"She's hurt Trae, he might not have been her true mate, but she loved him. This was the last straw. She won't take him back now. Braedon's appointed two of his young men to shadow her. They'll make her feel safe and if I know Braedon, they'll keep her occupied as well."

She blew on her tea before taking a sip. "I told Braedon I needed to speak with him alone. He needs to know about Jax. From what I've learnt both Kasey and Chrissy were like surrogate daughters to him. He'll need to see that they are both safe."

She drank more of her tea, "He's calling me back in a few minutes. I think you should be with me when he does, that way you can report back anything I might forget to Wade."

Trae nodded, "Will you tell him about you and Wade?"

Tempest could feel her face blush, "No. The words might have been said, but nothing is official. I intend visiting my mother once everything is settled. I'd prefer to tell both my mother and my Alpha then."

Trae raised a brow, "Your Alpha?"

"Yes. Braedon is still my Alpha. I might have been living in Wade's territory, but my home is up north."

"For now." Was his reply. Before she could comment the phone rang.

They took their tea to Tempest's office and she answered the phone. "Braedon, I'm going to put you on speaker phone. I have Trae, one of Wade's Enforcers with me. He's also been acting as one of my shadows."

"Good idea, I'm assuming Wade will want to know what you've spoken to me about. Trae, I trust you have taken the greatest care of Tempest?"

"I've done all I can to ensure her safety, although it's at times difficult considering her stubborn streak."

Braedon laughed, "Tempest has a strong mind and dare I say an even stronger will. That doesn't take away from who she is."

"No, it doesn't. The Doc is an extraordinary woman."

"Tempest?" asked Braedon.

"First of all we have some good news. The Rogue we spoke about has be dealt with. I'm unsure of the details, but the threat has been eliminated."

"Excellent. Cade will want to know, she's still somewhat miffed that he got away from her. There's more?"

"The Rogue attacked me, twice. Trae prevented him from doing too much damage the first time. The second time he came close to killing Trae. I did my best to patch him up, but he needed to shift. Unfortunately Jax came in. Trae was bleeding badly I had no other choice but to make him shift, Jax saw the shift."

"How did he react?"

"About how you'd expect. He was in shock for a while, but seems to be dealing with it. He asked about Kasey and Chrissy. Braedon, he's likely to make his way to the Compound. I told him they were safe, but I think he's going to need to see it for himself. I asked him not to do anything for the moment. He needs time to digest what's happened, what he's seen."

Braedon sighed, "I knew this would happen sooner or later. I'm thankful you were there to explain things to him. Please let me know if he does decide to head our way. I'll let Kasey and Chrissy know as well. Thank you for letting me know. Take care Tempest. Trae..."

Braedon suddenly realised what Tempest has said in regards to making Trae shift. "Tempest what exactly did you mean when you said he made Trae shift? Never mind my dear, you can explain when you visit. You are going to visit you mother are you not?"

Tempest hadn't realised Braedon would pick up on what she'd said, "Yes, I'll be coming home as soon as I can manage it. Goodnight Braedon."

"Goodnight."

Exhausted as she was, Tempest barely slept. Thoughts of what had taken place with the Rogue, with Trae, with Wade and then her father, kept rolling around in her mind. Wade especially, took place in her the midst of her thoughts.

Tempest knew she had to speak to Wade in regards to their being mates. The trouble was, she'd been alone for so long and now... now she was uncertain if she was capable of opening up enough to share her life with a man. Not any man either, she had to be mated to an Alpha, putting even more pressure on her. If Tempest were to agree to the mating, she would also be responsible for the safety and well-being of an entire Pack.

Amy had gotten up early, tidied her room and gotten ready for the day. She was in the kitchen making coffee when Tempest came out of her room. She gave Trae a nod good morning as he made his way to the spare room to grab a quick shower and sighed happily at the scent of fresh coffee.

"Good morning," Amy began holding a mug of coffee out to Tempest. "Strong, black and two sugars. Trae told me how you like it."

"Good morning Amy and thank you. I hope you slept well?"

Amy lowered her face, "Thank you for what you did for me last night. I had no idea Patrick was already mated. He... he," she sighed and Tempest put down her coffee and gave the girl a hug.

"When you're ready we can sit down and talk about what's happened and also what you want to do next. If you want to go back to your Pack we can make that happen, but if you'd like to stay and make your home with us." She smiled. "I'd enjoy having you work with me."

Amy wiped at a stray tear not exactly sure what to say. She needn't have worried though, Tempest saw to that. "Grab a coffee for yourself, you may as well pour one for Trae too, he likes his black, not sugar.

When they'd finished their coffee and rinsed their mugs Tempest turned to Trae. "We should go to the Compound. Wade will want to speak with me and I need to see about getting Amy settled."

Trae smiled and Tempest wanted to thump him. He knew exactly whey Wade would want to speak with her, to hear what she had to say about their being mates. In essence she'd already taken on the position of Alpha mate the previous evening when she took it upon herself to ask Lukas to make sure Jax got home in one piece.

All the men present that night had accepted who she was to their mate, there was some surprise, but they all seemed happy, if not a little relieved that their Alpha had found his mate. She wasn't sure you'd be able to deny what she was, not and look these men in the face again.

Trae called Wade to let them know they were on their. Tempest had packed a bag and helped Amy bring what little belongings she had to the living room, where Trae insisted on carrying them to the car. He put out his hand for the keys. Tempest didn't argue and tossed them to him. Tempest rode shotgun and Amy sat in back. It was a fairly quiet ride, Tempest resigned to what was to take place, Amy a little nervous, but calm at the thought that Tempest wanted her to work with her.

As they pulled up into a parking stop at the Compound Tempest glanced out the window and grinned when she saw Miriam and Mitch running towards them. As she got out of the car she was engulfed in Miriam's arms.

"It's good to see you again Doc. How long are you staying? Oh and Murray knows and you're coming and has just about finished cooking breakfast for you." She grinned taking a breath.

Amy got out of the car, standing nervously. Tempest reached out, wrapping an arm around her. "Amy I'd like you to meet Miriam and her mate Mitch. Amy is going to be staying for a while." While everyone nodded acknowledgment of each other, Tempest turned to Trae, "Could you please organise a room for Amy close to mine."

The expression on Trae's face spoke volumes and she did her level best not to roll her eyes at him. Wade would be happy with Tempest sleeping anywhere but the Pack house, especially now he's stated she was his mate. Tempest ignored him. She was her own person and wasn't about to jump straight into bed with a man just because they were mates. Besides, Amy was a little fragile and would settle easier if she were close by.

"Okay, I'm starving and I can just about smell Murray's coffee from here." She led the way to the eating area and found Murray waiting at the door for them.

She grinned at him and he laughed. "Good to see you again Doc."

"It's good to see you too Murray. I umm, don't suppose you have any coffee on?"

He rubbed his hands together as his face lit up with pleasure. "Why don't you all take a seat and I'll see what I can do. He saw Amy who shied away from him, and gave her a gentle smile. "I'm guessing you're a friend of the Doc's, he offered her his hand. "I'm Murray, it's nice to meet you. I hope you're hungry?"

Amy shook Murray's hand, a smile curving the side of her mouth. "I could eat."

Murray laughed, waved them off and headed towards the kitchen. He was back a few minutes later with coffee for everyone. "The food will be ready in a couple of minutes. Is Trae joining you?"

Tempest inhaled the scent of hazelnut syrup in her coffee cup and smiled up at Murray. She turned to the door just as Trae came in, "I'd say that answers your question."

Trae took a seat beside Amy and opposite Tempest, Miriam and Mitch begged off as they had things to do. Tempest glanced at the seat beside her and sighed. She'd hoped to have breakfast before going to look for Wade, but it looked like he'd be joining them. Trae would have taken a seat beside her if he wasn't.

She concentrated on her coffee, by the time Murray came back with their food she was in need of a refill. Murray obliged. As they tucked into their meal Tempest sensed Wade's approach. Trae and Amy came to their feet as he approached the table, Tempest remained seated.

Wade gestured for Amy to take her seat before he sat down. "How are you feeling today Amy?"

"I'm fine sir. Tempest and Trae have been wonderful. He organised a room for me close to Tempest's so I won't feel so alone." She looked at Tempest for confirmation.

"Yes," she smiled at Amy. Just for a day or so. After that I'm certain you'll find your feet and I have a feeling you and Miriam will hit it off, so you won't feel so alone." Tempest glanced at Wade, saw the scowl on his face and chose to ignore it. Right now Amy was her priority.

Murray appeared with coffee and a plate for Wade. They ate in silence, Tempest enjoying the fact that Murray was waiting close-by in case she needed something. Their meal done, they finished off their coffee before wade spoke again. "Amy, why don't you let Trae give you a tour of the Compound. Tempest and I have a few things to discuss, then perhaps you can meet up with us at the Pack house."

Amy knew the Alpha wasn't suggesting, he was telling what he wanted, giving the impression that she had a choice. "I'd like that, then Trae can show me where my room is." She got to her feet, as did Trae letting him lead her outside.

Wade waited until they were gone then turned his focus to Tempest, "Last night couldn't have been easy for you, how are you holding up?"

Tempest clasped her hands in her lap, doing her best to remain calm. "About as well as can be expected. I called Braedon last night and asked him to be with my mother when I called her." She sighed, "Braedon's a good man, he asked Chrissy, the Pack Omega to go with him. My mother was a mess, but she's holding up. I told her I'd visit soon and we could spend some time together. I've missed her a great deal."

Tempest looked around the room nervously and Wade knew there was more she had to say. He'd wait, give her the time she needed to gather her thoughts. Her nervousness only increased setting off his protective instincts. "Tempest, whatever it is, it'll be fine just tell me and we can sort things out."

She lifted her eyes, looking him directly in the eye. "I also spoke to Braedon privately, I told him what happened with the Rogue, what happened to Trae, to me. I also told him that Jax now knows about our world."

"I was going to speak with him today, but you still see him as your Alpha so I can understand why you felt the need to tell him. What did he say?"

"He wasn't too surprised. Actually he believed Jax finding out was inevitable. I umm," she could feel herself blush. "I didn't speak to him about anything else."

"You mean you didn't tell him about us?" she nodded.

Wade came to his feet, offering Tempest his hand. "Let's go for a walk." She took his hand letting him help her to her feet, stiffened slightly when he transferred his hand to hers, knowing every single person in the room was watching them.

It took every bit of control she had not to run as she felt her cheeks begin to heat. But she was no coward, she'd get through this, deal with the situation and... oh God! He's my mate, how on earth am I supposed to share a life with him let alone a bed. After taking several calming breathes she found herself inadvertently leaning into Wade, drawn to his strength, his warmth.

Wade released her hand, placing his arm around her shoulder as he moved closer to her. He couldn't help the smile on his face. This was his woman, his mate and he wanted to shout it for the entire Pack to hear.

He had becoming more attuned to Tempest's emotions since he first met her and could sense her unease at this intimacy. Wade was man enough to know when to back off and let his arm fall back to his side. He was pleasantly surprised when he felt her taking his hand and giving it a slight squeeze. "Baby steps?" he asked. Instead of answering him she leaned in closer for a moment in confirmation.

They walked in silence until they came to an area that overlooked the valley. There were several benches at intervals across the area, giving space to those who came here for solitude. The area behind them was banked with indigenous plants and shrubs including Woolly Grevillea, Banksia, Blue Quandong and several varieties of Boronia. Tempest looked closer and spotted flannel flowers, Australian Ginger and what looked like a line of young Wattle trees that when fully grown would give shelter and privacy to the area.

She couldn't help but smile, "This is beautiful, it must be magnificent when the plants are in bloom."

"Yes and it changes constantly depending on what's in bloom. This is where I come to think, especially if I'm feeling stressed or need some time out."

Tempest looked to the entryway, and he chuckled. "Being the Alpha has its perks. Every Pack member can sense me and knows to leave me in peace if I'm here. Not even my Enforcers disturb me here unless it's a dire emergency."

He took in a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "You come from the north coast Tempest. You're used to rainforests, mountains and beaches. We have mountains aplenty here, as well as rivers, even a few streams. Early mornings can be extraordinary, breathtaking even, especially in winter when the mountains are hidden in mist. They reveal themselves slowly as the sun rises." He smiled softly, "It can be a hell of a lot colder up here too. But with an open fire and someone to hold you close, someone willing to..."

Wade caught his breath not wanting his words to falter then continued. "It's a great deal different to what you're used to Tempest, but I'm hoping that one day soon you'll be able these mountains your home."

Tempest wiped at a stray tear with the back of her hand. Wade was a strong man, an Alpha, yet the words he had just spoken were the words of a man quite possibly in love. A man doing his best to persuade her to his cause without pushing too hard, using his heart and not his Alpha strength. It couldn't have been easy for him to speak as he had, each word touching her heart.

Tempest knew she had to be as honest with him as he had just been with her. "Wade, I've been alone for so long. To be honest I'm not sure I can share my life with someone. I... I'm not sure I know how."

Wrapping her arms around herself, Tempest struggled to find the right words. "I haven't been part of a Pack since I became a doctor. And now... to be your mate, the female Alpha." She looked into his eyes, "I don't know if I can be what you want."

Her words didn't deter him, "One step at a time Tempest. One day at a time. I'm a patient man, so long as you're willing to try, to truly give us a go we'll go as slowly as you need."

"I know you're my mate Wade. I'm drawn to you in more ways than I'm comfortable with at the moment. I don't trust easily, but if you're willing to give me time, then yes, I'm willing to make your home my own. But like you said, we take it one day at a time." She grinned, "My mother will want to meet you to. I'm thinking when I go home for a visit you should come with me."

"Sounds like a plan," he smiled, relief engulfing him. "Do you feel like another coffee?"

Tempest laughed, "I suppose we should put Murray and everyone else out of their misery." She turned into Wade, reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. He reciprocated, holding her either side of her face as he not only returned the kiss, but deepened it. They held each other for several moments then, relaxing into each other's warmth before walking back to let those waiting for them that they were indeed mates.

As they walked, Tempest got the feeling as soon as Amy was settled, she'd be packing her belongings and moving into the Pack house to begin her life with Wade. Butterflies flew at will in her stomach, but she didn't care.

Tempest knew with each touch, each contact they had with each other, that their bond would become stronger. She smiled to herself, moving closer still to Wade's side. She'd grown up hearing stories of mates finding each other. She knew finding a mate was wonderful, but finding your true mate was rare so it wasn't something a girl just threw away.

Tempest already had feelings for Wade, knew as the bond between them strengthened, so would the way they felt about each other. Love was not something she had ever contemplated. If she was honest with herself, one of the reasons she kept herself so engrossed in work was to avoid finding a mate. But now. Now her life... their lives would be forever changed. She had a feeling that although it might not always be peaceful, it would be for the better than the existence she had created for herself since leaving the North Coast Compound and her family.