Waking up in bed with Matthew is surreal. The sunlight streaming beautifully through his curtains, the sound of the birds outside making me feel peaceful. More importantly, his body so close to mine. I wake up on his bare chest, my head resting just over his heart—hearing it lightly beat. Matthew has his arm snaked around my back, pulling me close to him.

I peer upwards at his beautiful face. His features relaxed and breathing slow. Hair wild and sticking up in random directions. All thanks to our little antics from last night. I sit up slightly, leaning over to place small kisses along his jaw. A content sigh escaping his lips while his eyes flutter open.

"Good morning gorgeous." Matthew's voice gruff and raw. He closes his eyes, a smile spreading on his lips while he rolls us over so he's pulling me close into his body. Squeezing me while burying his face into my neck.

Flutters erupt into my stomach. We're both naked and I feel so intimate yet comfortable. I kiss Matthew's cheek and he let's out an approving groan. "Good morning, Matthew," I emphasize his name knowing very well that he loves it when I say his name.

His smile widens, a shudder igniting down his back. He places a kiss on my neck. His lips lingering on a soft spot he finds. His hands slowly trailing up and down my body, staying firmly on my back. I'm trying incredibly hard not to let my breathing stifle—but I can also feel how much he wants me. His body flush against mine driving my senses crazy.

Matthew takes the soft spot of my neck into his lips—sucking on it slightly causing me to bite my lip. His hands squeeze me, teeth nibbling tentatively, and I moan involuntarily. He pulls away suddenly, eyes clouded in black. He gazes at the little love bite he left, a smile forming on his lips.

"One day gorgeous, I'll mark you right there." Matthew presses his forehead to mine. Inhaling deeply to try and calm himself.

I bite my lip, my leg draping over his hip causing his breath to hitch. "I wish you could mark me now."

He meets my eyes—lust-ridden and desperate. Maybe it wasn't the smartest thing for me to say that out loud. It's already so hard to be in control around him. My wolf has already been begging me to mate with him. I can't deny that the thought hasn't crossed my mind. Every time I think about it, I get excited but then I'm wrapped into some irrational fear. I've never been with anyone, and Matthew knows it. He hasn't been pushing me at all and I'm fully aware that I'm the one driving the decision on how far we can take our little sexual adventures.

Regardless, I want to give him pleasure and I want to be with him. It's so stupid but my insecurities hit me every time I so much as think I'm ready. I suddenly remember that I'm inexperienced and he evidently isn't. What if I'm no good?

You've got me to guide you, my wolf reassures me in my head.

"Don't tempt me gorgeous," Matthew sighs out. He closes his eyes and when he opens them, I'm greeted by his beautiful dark green orbs. "You know I can't."

I nod in understanding—trying my best not to look frustrated or sad. I try to alleviate the room, pressing a kiss to his lip before wiggling my way out of his grasp. I let the covers fall off me, Matthew watching me shamelessly. His eyes darkening over again when he sees me grab one of his dress shirts from the drawer.

"I make a mean omelet," I say to him with a smile after I've put on his shirt. It's much bigger than I thought, properly covering my butt and acting more like a dress than anything else. I lean on the edge of the bed. "Breakfast?"

"You know I'm a dessert man," Matthew's eyes trail down. His stare hardening as a small growl starts to hum in his throat.

"Breakfast," I wink.

Matthew bites his lip, clearly trying to contain himself. "In that case, I'll need a cold shower."

He steps out of bed and my mouth starts watering. His body never ceases to amaze me and seeing how hard he is for me makes me yearn. Tingle. Butterflies. Maybe I should convert to being a dessert girl myself. Matthew leans towards me, kissing me feverishly, knowing very well he's turning me on before he pulls away.

"I like you in my clothes," He winks before walking into his bathroom. I brazenly stare at his ass until he disappears.

I try to calm my arousal by fanning myself. Walking out of our room and heading to the kitchen I pull out a few pans and bowls to start whisking eggs. I'm in the process of adding toppings when Sage appears around the corner. She's not remotely surprised to see me.

She's rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, a smirk forming on her lips. "Well hello, roomie."

I blush slightly, giving her an innocent smile. "Want an omelet?"

"Want some pants?" She retorts with a laugh, taking a seat at the island counter.

"I have no clothes here." I tell her with a shrug.

Matthew appears into the kitchen, wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt, his hair wet from the cold shower. "She'll take you shopping this weekend, right Sage?"

Sage groans in disapproval, "Well I guess I have to now. What the Alpha wants, the Alpha gets."

I serve the omelets to both of them. Just as we're about to start eating, we hear the front door open. River's scent hitting the three of us as he makes his way to the kitchen. Matthew growls, standing up from the table and quickly walking to the living room to pick up a blanket. Just as River rounds the corner, Matthew wraps my lower half in the blanket.

"What River?" Matthew barks somewhat aggressively. I guess he's not very pleased his view or morning is being ruined.

"Sorry Alpha," River tries to maintain his composure, but I can tell he finds it amusing. "I have urgent news or else I wouldn't have come."

Trying to be polite, I grab River's attention with a kind, "Would you like some coffee?"

He seems grateful, nodding his head with an enthusiastic, "Please."

"I'll make some for everyone." I smile gently, holding the blanket around me for Matthew's ease as I maneuver my way around the kitchen. The three of them retreat into the living room—I can still hear them while I make a few coffees.

Placing all mugs on a tray, I take it into living room, somehow balancing a tray on one hand while holding the blanket with the other. I walk over to Matthew who's sitting in the sofa chair. He pulls me into his lap, his arm snaking around me as I sip on my mug—trying to wake up. He did keep me up quite late.

"What were they doing here?" Sage asks River, her eyes clouded with anger. They were talking about the attack that happened. Somehow, River discovered that the wolves weren't rogues, they were rebels.

I can only imagine how he managed to get that information. I haven't thought of it hard enough but I'm sure Matthew has some sort of prison on pack territory. This town is so old and medieval, it probably looks like a classical dungeon or cave.

"Recruiting." River's voice laced with annoyance. "Not that they succeeded much anyways but I guess these rebels are desperate to increase their numbers for the cause."

Matthew goes quiet for a minute. His mind seeming to wrap around this news. I reach for the coffee table, handing him a cup of coffee. This seems to relax him slightly as he takes a few sips. Deep in thought.

"We'll have to discuss counter measures, River." Matthew finally says, "I want you, Sage, and I to create a draft. We also need to inform the King of this attack. All Rebel movements need to be reported."

"I've already drafted the report, Alpha." River nods.

"I'll make arrangements for the Rebels in our custody to be sent to the island." Sage interjects. Her mind link already contacting a few wolves.

"Good." Matthew's shoulders relax. "Anything else for now?"

River smiles, his eyes meeting mine. "Sparta has agreed to send us an Advisor. Looks like your wish came true."

I perk up instantly, nervousness and excitement hitting me simultaneously. My voice almost fails me. "Clara is coming?"

I look up at Matthew—his jaw is squared, and I quickly pick up on his apprehension. The tension in the room escalates and even Sage looks uneasy. None of them have ever met Clara which ultimately means they have no reason to trust her. But I know her too well. She's the only family I've ever had.

"When does she get here?" Sage asks.

"In a few days." River takes a sip of his coffee. He seems a bit unbothered compared to his sister and Alpha. It actually puts me slightly at ease. Poor Clara has no idea what she's going to be walking into.

"Gorgeous," Matthew says quietly under his breath. I look up at him and I can see so clearly the concern in his eyes. His hand finding it's way to my bare thigh—running little circles with his finger. "Are you a hundred percent sure you can trust her?"

I give him a soft smile, "Yes. You're going to love her. I promise."

****

The plan is for River to pick Clara up from the edge of the pack. Apparently, she was accompanied by two Spartans' who are dropping her off. He'll bring her here to the castle where Matthew and Sage will get a proper introduction. I promised Matthew I wouldn't act rashly or emotionally until he feels comfortable with her.

River has already run several background checks on her. Not that it would do a whole lot, I already know everything about Clara—on and off paper. Sparta ended up agreeing to send her because in the criteria that Matthew and I created, it said that the Advisor had to have knowledge on herbal development—because Matthew is missing a botanist professor at the university. Clara is literally the only person in Sparta who took a class on herbal remedies.

I'm pacing nervously in the castle. Sage is sitting lazily on the sofa chair, her feet dangling over the arm rest. Matthew is watching me intently from the couch. He looks somewhat amused. "I haven't seen you this nervous in a while." He says with a small smirk.

The last few days have been nerve racking. If I weren't for Matthew, I wouldn't be sleeping well. A tinge of panic hits me every night and he's been amazing consoling me. Making sure to remind me that I'm safe here while he holds me close until I fall asleep.

"I thought you'd be more nervous," I tell him honestly.

He shrugs, standing up and walking towards me. Matthew reaches out to me, intertwining our fingers and placing a kiss on my forehead. His movements make my body relax. It's amazing the affect he has on me. The way his scent alone makes my wolf so joyful and attentive. It's hard to think of anything else but Matthew when his skin is touching mine.

"I got to wake up next to you this morning," Matthew brushes his lips lightly on mine. "It's impossible being in a bad mood when your gorgeous face and body greet me."

I can't help but smile. Living with Matthew has been so easy. Falling asleep with him even easier. Every night I'm excited to go into his room—our room—and crawl into his bed with him. There's a juvenile excitement in both of our eyes when we lay next to each other. The kissing and the touching drawing us physically closer. I'm obsessed with his body, and I know very well he's obsessed with mine. And when we're not being sexual, there's comfort in our pillow talks.

I press a soft kiss on his lips that seems to relax the both of us. Matthew pulls away, his eyes turning to the entrance of the door. His aura starts to emit it's Alpha power like he's getting ready to properly introduce himself.

"Sage," He says getting the attention of his Beta. She's already perked up from the sofa chair, her body more tense than before. "Wait here with Mia."

Before turning away, he presses another kiss to my lips. His smile reassuring but I can see a tinge of worry behind his dark green eyes. He walks to the front door, Sage and I making our way to the hallway—just out of sight of the outside. Sage takes a defensive stand next to me, grabbing a hold of my wrist like she's afraid I'll jump out.

"If Alpha says it's safe," She whispers to me. "You can go."

I nod in understanding. Matthew wants to make his own analysis of Clara. If she doesn't pass now, he's going to send her off to one of the university houses for professors and we'll reevaluate. I'm happy that Matthew left the front door open—giving Sage and I the opportunity to eavesdrop on the conversation.

We hear the sound of car doors closing—then closing. River's voice first, "Alpha. This is Clara, our new Advisor from the Spartan pack."

My heart is beating in my chest. I can almost here my blood flow in my ears. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alpha." I hear Clara's voice. Clara's voice. Even my wolf is happy to hear her.

The familiarity hitting me like a truck. I almost want to cry. Suddenly I'm happy that Sage is holding onto my arm because every instinct in my body is telling me to run to her and give her a hug. It's been months and I had promised to call her and never did. She might hate me now.

My mind is somewhere else. Matthew and Clara discussing trivial things. He asks her about Sparta, asks her if she's happy to be in the Valley. She answers him nicely, but honestly. Saying that the Valley wasn't her first choice but she's happy to be here regardless. There's a sincerity behind her words that make me remember why we're best friends. She always gave it me straight—never sugarcoated but was always delicate.

"Your Alpha is searching for his mate." Matthew finally says—his voice is unwavering. His Alpha aura still pulsating.

"I know." Clara's voice suddenly strained.

"Did you know her?"

Clara goes quiet. She seems to hesitate but it's hard to lie to Matthew when his power is choking you. "She was my best friend."

There's a pain in her voice that makes tears line my vision. There's a relief that hits me—she still cares. Or at least, I hope she does.

"Why'd she leave?" Matthew asks.

I'm shocked by what I hear next. Clara's defiance evidently showing now that she's no longer on Spartan territory, "Because Alpha Bren is an immature boy who has no idea how to properly lead a pack."

I'm taken aback by her boldness. She's always wanted the best for the pack and even though Bren wasn't the best Alpha, he wasn't the worst. Or at least, that's what it felt like when I was there. Maybe things have changed.

"You seem quite emotional over this subject." Matthew inquires. Clara goes silent. I wonder how she looks. If she's been okay. There are so many questions I have for her.

"I apologize Alpha," Her voice suddenly quiet. "I should not speak out of hand."

"You cared about this girl, evidently."

"Yes."

They both go quiet for a long time. I can only imagine that Matthew is staring at her intensely. His dark green eyes probably baring into her trying to figure out if he can trust her. I remember when I met him the first time, how nervous I was. How powerful and intimidating he felt.

Sage let's go of my wrist, I glance at her. She nods, her voice quiet. "Alpha says you can go."

I don't even hesitate. I quickly make my way to the main entrance. Sage following close behind. I can see Matthew's silhouette first. He's just a few feet in front of the door. His eyes watch me carefully as I step beside him, River standing next to Clara in front of us.

Clara, my wolf whines.

My eyes widen when I see her. She's lost so much weight. Her beautiful face hollowed out. The muscles that she so proud-fully displayed somewhat deteriorated. It looks like she hasn't had a proper meal in weeks. Dark bags under her eyes that she covered with makeup—but I can see it. I can see by the way she carries herself that she's exhausted.

Her eyes widen as soon as she sees me. Her mouth drops and voice catches in her throat. Tears start forming in her eyes and I can't help but reciprocate. I rush towards her, her arms wrapping around my neck as I squeeze her. She starts crying into my shoulder—full-fledged sobs that have my soul aching—a side of Clara I've never seen.

Shockwaves are being sent into my system while Clara clutches onto me. She's always been the one to support me—to hold me up. The countless times she's fought off bullies or rallied to support me are countless. Now she looks so...fragmented.

"I missed you," I tell her softly. I pull away, holding her face in my hands, the tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I'm so happy you're okay. You're alive." She finally manages through rough breaths. "I...I thought you might..."

Guilt hits me like a truck. I start wondering if she looks like this because of me but I quickly push that thought back. I brush a tear off her cheek, "Clara...you look—"

"Terrible," She cuts me off instantly. Her usual spark returning slightly but quickly sulking down. "The pack is suffering so much, Mia. Bren has lost his mind. When you first left, it was okay for a while, but then it just slowly got worse. The punishments are more intense now, he takes his anger out on us, and Emery is useless—a useless Luna who might as well be associated to Marie Antoinette."

I glance at River, who's watching us carefully. He glances back towards Matthew, but I know all too well that Matthew is staring at me. I wonder what he makes of this news.

Clara's eyes widen, she suddenly grabs my hand. "Mia, you have to come back. It's so obvious that Bren wants you. Needs you. The whole pack, we all need you."

It doesn't take a second for Matthew to growl—even Sage and River suddenly become defensive. They're bodies suddenly straightening as they stare at Clara like she's become the enemy. Matthew's growl causing us both to look at him. His eyes darkening hastily and fists clenching at his side.

I give Clara a soft smile before turning to Matthew. I walk towards him, his eyes trained on my best friend like she's disrespected every fiber in his being. Even standing in front of him, he won't look at me. I cup his face, redirecting his gaze. He only ever gets this angry when he thinks of me returning to Sparta.

"Matthew," I whisper gently. His eyes softening back to green when I say his name. He pulls me to him, pressing a hard kiss to my lips until he's calmed himself down.

Clara looks so confused—lost even. Sage walks up to her, extending her hand politely, "I'm the Beta, Sage. Come inside. We've got a lot to catch you up on."

Clara's eyes are fixated on Matthew and me. I give her a reassuring smile as she follows Sage into my house. Matthew keeps his arms around me, his eyes shifting to River, "I need you to look into every decree of the King on what is considered pack neglect and abuse. It seems Dickwad is losing his marbles."

River nods, turning on his feet and heading back to his car. Matthew takes my hand, leading me into our home. Sage is making a tea while Clara sits on our couch. Her expression tired and weary. She looks so different to when I last saw her. The energy around her like a candle being blown away. I want to cry seeing her so...desolate.

I take my seat next to her and she meets my eyes. Matthew pulls up a chair, keeping a small distance from Clara as to not intimidate her. For the first time today, I see concern flick across his face. Maybe he also notices her state of mind and physical well-being.

I grab Clara's hand, pushing a soft smile. "Are you okay?"

She squeezes my hand, giving me her own smile. It's sad and forced but somehow it still makes me feel a bit better. "I'm okay," Clara let's out a humorless laugh. "You know I can handle a lot."

Her eyes shift to Matthew, "So...you and Alpha Matthew."

I laugh gently, deciding I should start from the beginning and telling her about how I made it to the Valley. Within the story, Sage brings Clara a tea, taking a seat on the sofa chair while watching us intently like Matthew. Clara let's me tell the story of how I came to the Valley, of meeting Matthew, and that I teach a course at the university. I tell her that Matthew and I have a lot in common and finish with letting her know that I'll be initiated within the next week.

"You're living here too I suppose." Clara smiles, "Your scent is all over the place."

I watch her carefully, seeing how she absorbs everything I've said. In a quiet voice, despite Sage and Matthew being able to hear, she asks me, "Are you happy?"

Without hesitation I nod, "You have no idea."

Her eyes flick to Matthew and back to me, "Do you love him?"

My voice catches in my throat, Matthew sits up uncomfortably. Neither of us has said it to one another. The L-word has almost come out of my mouth several times now. I've been holding onto it, waiting for the opportune moment to say it. My heart is pounding my chest and I know Matthew is eagerly waiting for my response.

"She hasn't said it," Matthew interjects. He's trying hard not to smile at how uncomfortable I look. His thumb playing with his wolf ring, "But she doesn't have to. Not here. Not yet."

My heart flutters and bite down hard on my lip. I turn back to Clara, "I'm fond of him."

"Fond?" Matthew chuckles raising his eyebrow at me. He knows very well that's what he used to say about me.

"Fond. As in, Find Occasionally Nice and Delicious. Fond." I wink at him, and he laughs. Since meeting Clara, this is the most relaxed he's been. Even Sage cracks a grin.

I turn back to Clara whose mouth is agape in surprise. She's never seen this side of me, and I think it shows. A smile eventually spreads on her lips, her shoulders relax like a heavy load has been taken off them.

"I'm so happy you've been here this whole time," She tells me. "We kept thinking something happened to you."

I let out a sigh, "Bren is looking for me?"

She nods—annoyed. Her eyes glance at Matthew for a split second as she carefully crafts her words. "Sparta has been hell. Every Advisor that has been sent out has the underlying mission of looking for you. He has Spartan warriors searching forests to try and pick up your scent."

I gulp down, "Clara I don't want to go back."

Clara's eyes are knowing—there's a glint of pity that strikes behind them. The countless times she's had to be my shoulder to cry on because I wanted to give up. She would always motivate me to push my body to its absolute limits. Without her, I probably wouldn't have passed the Spartan trials. She pulls me into a hug—her embrace so comforting and familiar. "I know you hated it there. And I'm so happy you're happy."

When she pulls away, her attention falls on Matthew. "I won't report this," She tells him honestly. A wave of relief seemingly falling through the room. "But Bren will kill me if he finds out I'm hiding this secret."

Clara has always protected us, my wolf purrs. We need to protect her.

Matthew smiles gently, "I guarantee you'll be protected here. My pack will be grateful keeping Mia in the Valley."

"I won't say anything then." Clara turns to me, her hand brushing my hair. "You know I've always got your back."

Sage's expression is much more apprehensive. Her lips pressed firmly, "How do we know you're not lying?"

"I would never betray Mia." Clara narrows her eyes on Sage. Her expression offended and the spark I know of her returning. Her exhaustion disappearing for a moment, and I recognize her old self. "You weren't there when Bren rejected her. The way she was humiliated in front of the pack. And luckily Mia left before she had to watch the aftermath of that incessant...dickwad. He's off the rails now—no logic behind anything he does. Even if it wasn't Mia, I'd probably not tell just to spite him."

"Has it gotten that bad?" I ask—somewhat afraid. The thought of other wolves suffering because of me not being there—hurts. Even though I hated Sparta, and I didn't get along with a majority of the wolves there, imagining them all hurting isn't pleasant.

Clara nods, her words failing. She turns to Matthew, "If Bren finds out, it's not only his wrath you'll deal with but the entire pack. They all want to find her."

Matthew's eyes narrow, his thumb pressing into his wolf ring harder. "Would you be willing to help us?"

"Well, you clearly care about her." Clara smiles, "More than anyone ever has in Sparta. Other than me."

Matthew smiles his eyes flicking to me, "I dote after her."

I raise my eyebrow, "Dote?"

"Do Often Think Erotically." Matthew winks at me. His words catch me off guard and send tingles down my back. I suppress my wolf from wanting to jump on him right now.

Clara's eyes are wide, she turns to Sage. "Is it always this sexually tense?"

"Always," Sage rolls her eyes causing a small laugh from us. Sage asks innocently, "Would you be willing to advise us on the situation in Sparta? And give us insight on Alpha Bren?"

There's an evil twinkle in Clara's eyes. The spark she always gets before a fight that makes her so much better at it than me. "You mean enacting on my role as Advisor?" She asks innocently but there's such a conniving tone in her voice. "I would be more than happy to."

I can't help the joy and relief I feel. I pull Clara into a tight hug. "Oh Clara," I tell her gleefully. "You're going to love it here. The university is amazing. The pack is so nice."

"I can tell," She laughs softly. "You're practically glowing."

Sage waves her hand, "That's just the post-orgasm glow."

"Sage!" I snap at her but she's chuckling evilly. Clara covers her mouth to contain her giggle. Even Matthew finds her comment quite amusing.

He stands up from his chair, "Sage will show you your room Clara. I'm sure Mia will love to give you a tour around the grounds. You can both catch up then. Welcome to the Valley."

Clara smiles softly, "Thank you Alpha."

"And," He says just as we're all standing up. "I'd like to formally invite you to our initiation next week. Mia will become an official member of the pack."

Clara perks up, her eyes landing on my wrist. "You're going to be branded?"

I nod happily, "Will you come?"

Clara squeezes me into a last hug, "Of course! Oh my Goddess Mia, you'll finally have a home."

Even through the hug, I keep my gaze on Matthew. He's smiling gently, his demeanor more relaxed. Home doesn't have to be a place, a brand, or even a pack. Home is a person. And I've finally found mine. Now I just need to make sure that no one will ever take me away from him. 

***

A/N: My finals are around the corner so I won't be able to post as frequently :(( But don't even for a second think I'm not going to be posting ^-^ I really am loving writing this book. I hope you guys are enjoying it