When a wolf dies, the pack feels its loss. Its like dropping something you didn't know you were holding, you don't feel them until they're gone. Wars and other disputes were all put aside for the ball, there was no killing. The moment my attacker fell lifeless to the ground, guards, alphas, and his fellow pack members rushed outside, led here by his scent.

My father was one of the first to reach me. I was sitting against the wall quietly staring at the man's dead body, trying to form a thought but coming up with nothing. Only one thing was registering, and that was the knowledge that my mate was the son of the man who had my mother killed. He was dangerous, cruel, and heartless. How was this fair?

My dad helped me to my feet and pulled me into a hug.

"Celia, what on earth happened?" He said, panic lacing his voice.

"I had an attack, and then he.. he pushed me against the wall and was threatening me.. but then.. He saved me.." I said, whispering the last part.

"Who saved you?" He asked.

"I did." A new voice added. I looked up, once again meeting the eyes of Luca Michaels. His eyes were a light blue, they complimented him perfectly, with his dark hair that looked a neat, styled, kind of messy. It was hard keeping his intimidating eye contact, but at the same time, it was hard to look away. I couldn't help but be drawn to him.

My heart broke when I noticed there was no emotion in his eyes. He looked at me for a moment, as if I were just another random girl. He turned away from me to look at my father.

"I don't believe we've met. Alpha Luca Michaels, of Silver Claw." He said, extending his hand to shake my fathers.

"You don't remember your father attacking our pack, killing my mate, and our Luna?" My dad asked, shaking with anger and his casual introduction.

"Ah, but thats in the past. No need for hard feelings over that now. Now if you don't mind, I believe I will be leaving." Alpha Michaels said, emotionless. Every word he spoke was like a knife. Listening to him talk about the murder of my mom like it was just some little thing we needed to just "let go of" was enough to bring tears to my eyes.

"Well then what are you waiting for? Leave." My dad replied bitterly.

"Just one more thing, I won't be leaving without her." He said shifting his eyes to meet mine.

My dad looked between the two of us for a moment before he realized why the alpha would not leave without me. "No.." My dads voice sounded broken.

"No." This time it was more firm. "I don't care what you think she is to you, there must be some mistake. She's not yours and she's not going anywhere with you." He said narrowing his eyes at Alpha Michaels.

Michaels growled at my father taking a step forward, my father returned it.

"Dad, I'll go." I said quickly, grabbing his arm. His attention snapped to me and he looked at me as though I'd lost my mind; perhaps I had.

"No, you won't." He replied.

"Its not your choice. You don't know that he's going to be like his father. Give him a chance. please." I said quietly, hoping only he could hear me. I was so scared, but there was one thing I promised myself I would never let fear take from me, and that was my mate. Even if his father was terrible, that didn't mean he was the same. I had to give him a chance.

"Your asking me to let you leave with the son of the man who took my mate, your mother, away from us. How can I let you do that?" He asked me.

"I just need you to trust me. I was put with him for a reason. Mom wouldn't want me to spend my life alone based on a quick judgment of someone I've never met. But if I'm not happy, I promise, I'll come straight home. " I replied, hugging him.

"This is going to be so hard. You remind me so much of her. She always had hope that there was good to be found in everyone." He told me sighing, hugging me back.

"There is good in everyone, some people just need to be shown a little love to show it." I said smiling at my dad.

Turning around I found that Alpha Michaels was across the garden, speaking with some guards and alpha of the pack who's member he killed, sorting everything out. When he was done he walked back over to me and my dad.

"We will be leaving for my territory tonight. I will send a member of my pack to collect your belongings so that we are not delayed in our arrival."

Tonight? I couldn't leave tonight. Leah wasn't back. I had no time to say goodbye. All the reasons I couldn't leave tonight were bouncing around in my head, but all I could do was reply with a quiet, "Ok."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We left soon after. Telling my dad goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I shivered in the cold air as I walked to the black SUV that had been pulled around front. Alpha Michaels got in the front passenger seat, leaving me to get into the back, alone. I didn't know if there was a actual reason for him to sit up front, or if he just didn't care to get to know me. I was extremely uncomfortable in the awkward silence.

I knew I needed to talk to him. He was my mate. He was going to love me unconditionally, I shouldn't be afraid. I took a deep breath.

"So, um.." I was cut off before I began.

"First of all, do not speak to me unless I ask you a question. I'm not going to be your mate, not even your friend. The only reason I'm bringing you along is because having a Luna by my side will make me a stronger leader. You will stay in the room next to mine, for your safety only. Am I clear?" The tone of his voice told me he was dead serious, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Oh, I.. Ok.." I said, my voice breaking. I tried my best to keep myself from completely breaking down, but couldn't help when a quiet sob escaped my lips. Silent tears fell down my face as we drove and I eventually fell asleep out of exhaustion from the days emotional events.

I woke, feeling the car come to a stop. Keeping my eyes closed, I began to think back to his harsh words when I heard the driver sigh.

"Luca.. Your going to break her heart. Look at her. She's just a innocent girl. She didn't ask for this. You don't have to treat her so badly." I listened to him tell Michaels. He must be the beta, I doubt he'd get away with saying these things if he weren't.

"Stay out of this Nick. When you find your mate, you can treat her however you please, but until then, I don't need advice on how to treat mine. She's nothing but an inconvenience to me." He said angrily, getting out of the car and slamming the door.

Nick, as Michaels had called him, sighed again, opening his door. I kept my eyes shut pretending to be asleep so I wouldn't be caught eavesdropping. Nick came around to my door, opening it, and lifted me into his arms. I hoped it was dark enough to hide the blush on my cheeks from him carrying me.

I could tell we had came inside, and walked down a few halls when we finally went through another door. He laid me on the bed and shook my shoulder softly.

"Um. Luna? Were here." He said quietly.

I acted as if I was just waking up, slowly opening my eyes and taking in my surroundings. I was in a large room, it had cream colored walls, a balcony and its own bathroom. It was about twice the size of my room back home.

"I can show you around if you'd like." He told me. "But first, I'm sure you'd like to change out of that dress. I think you'll probably fit my sisters clothes. Come on." He said, motioning for me to follow.

I got up and followed him out of the room, memorizing the turns we took as we made our way through the maze of hallways. Finally, he stopped at a door, knocking. A girl with bright red hair and green eyes opened the door a moment later.

"Nick, what do you- Hey! Who are you? Nick? Is this your mate? Did you finally find her? Oh my gosh!!" When she noticed me, a smile lit up her face and she was talking a hundred miles an hour as she pulled me into a bone crushing hug.

"Alice, no. Let the poor girl go." He said sadly. I felt myself wishing he were my mate instead. He obviously really wanted to find her. She was going to be a lucky girl.

"Oh." Alice pouted, releasing me. "Wait, if your not Nick's mate, then that means.." Her eyes grew wide, and she hugged me again. "I know right now your heart is probably breaking, but if anyone can save him, its you. I'll be here if you need me." She told me softly. I didn't understand what she meant, but I replied with a simple, "Thank you" feeling awkward about the whole situation.

"So what did you need?" She asked her brother, her bubbly attitude returning.

"Could she borrow some clothes?" He asked his sister.

"Oh, of course!" She said turning and walking into the room. Nick followed, so I assumed I should do the same. Her room was cute, tidy. She led us to a walk in closet, where she gabbed a box off the floor handing it to Nick.

"Its lucky you came when you did. I was just about to take these down to the main room and start giving them away." She laughed. I smiled at her. "Thank you" I said quietly, following Nick out.

"I'll see you tomorrow. We'll have to hang out soon. Were going to be best friends!" She told me grinning. I liked her. She reminded me of Leah and I felt safe around her.

"I will, I'm sure we'll be quick friends." I smiled.

Once we returned to my room, Nick sat the box of clothes on the dresser in the corner of the room.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" He asked me.

"Ya, um. Sure." I said, tugging on my sleeves.

"Listen, I know right now Luca seems like a monster, and I'm not going to tell you its not going to be hard for you, because it will, but I think you'll be good for him. He needs you, he just doesn't know it yet. I think if anyone can get through to him, it'll be you. He's been through a lot, and its damaged him. All I'm asking is that you give him a chance." He told me.

I smiled. "Everyone deserves a chance." I told him.

- Author's Note-

If your still reading, I love you. Rate, comment, lemme know whatcha think ;)

I will be updating pretty frequently, so don't let the short amount of chapters so far freak you out! Lol