Matthew meant it when he said we were going to be in full alert. The entire Valley basically closed down. Everyone was told to stay in their home and even the University campus—a place I've frequently found refuge and comfort from all the students—was like a ghost town.

I haven't been able to stop pacing. My nerves have gotten the best out of me. Seeing Clara so afraid has made me realize how things have changed in Sparta. She's been sheltering me from the realities of what the pack has turned into. But now that Bren is coming, those realities are a disgusting can of worms that's being sprayed everywhere.

Someone is calling out my name in the distance. Not actually in the distance but it certainly feels that way. My entire mind feels fogged and underwater. The only voice resonating is my wolf's. She's pissed. She's more than pissed—she's ready to kill. Yet at the same time, we're shitting ourselves.

"Mia," Matthew calls out again only this time he places his hand on my arm. My attention instantly directed at him.

I stare up at his face—it's hardened. Only when he turns to speak to me does his gaze soften ever so slightly. I've never seen him like this. There's a level of determination I didn't realize existed in him. I never would have pegged Matthew as a general or even a war-buff. But the last few hours he's resembled Sparta more than I ever have.

He's allocated wolves all across our territory. Our kitchen has become a war planning area where we've mapped out our territory. He's been speaking to warriors non-stop. Relying all the information he's learned from Clara and myself. Tyler has given a crash course on our fighting styles. River is directing and barking orders to everyone.

"Did you hear what I said, gorgeous?" Matthew asks me quietly. He knows very well I didn't hear but I'm thankful for his kindness. He pushes a strand of my hair behind my ear, "River and a few warriors are going to accompany Bren and his escorts here."

I gulp down my fear, "H-How many wolves is Bren bringing?"

"Only a few," Clara responds from the corner of the room. Sage is sitting next her, her hand on Clara's knee as it seems to calm her down. Clara's eyes meet mine, "They've only heard a rumor you're here. He's not bringing the battalion yet."

"A rumor?" I frown. I turn to Tyler and decide to mind link him, Do you think it was Olive?

Tyler shakes his head lightly, his eyes meeting mine. Olive was barely alive when we left her.

"It doesn't matter how he found out." Matthew quickly squashes it. His attention is completely on the war plan in front of us. He's already preparing for Bren to bring his warriors after today.

His intense gaze turns to me, looking me over once. He grabs my hands in his so that I'm facing him. His voice softens ever so slightly, "Mia you're going to have to help us diffuse the situation."

I nod with him, trying to get my nerves under control. I don't want war to break out. I don't want the Alpha King to have to get involved. I want everything to just go back to how it is. Matthew brushes this thumb over my cheek.

I'll have to speak to Bren at some point. I'm sure this is an idea that has appeared in Matthew's head that he is trying to avoid. He doesn't want to leave me with Bren. Deep down, I know it's the only way I can try to help.

Matthew's back straightens suddenly. His nostrils flare and eyes turn slightly black. I watch as he takes a few deep breaths to control himself. His aura suddenly emitting raw power. It's both intimidating and arousing.

"They're here." Matthew's voice is low. I can practically feel the weight on my shoulders. He turns to Tyler and mind links my friend.

Tyler's eyes widen, "Alpha—"

Matthew narrows his eyes, his chin lowering slightly causing Tyler to bow in submission. Tyler gives me one more look before I watch him disappear towards the front door. Matthew then turns to Clara and Sage, staring at them intently. Clara has been nervous since she heard word that Spartans were coming. Fear really instilling in her.

"Clara," Matthew's voice commanding. "We will keep you safe here."

"I know Alpha," Clara gives a warm smile to the both of us. I watch as Sage reaches for her hand, pulling Clara just slightly behind her.

I pull on Matthew's hand, his attention redirected to me. Cupping his face, I push myself forward to place a kiss against his lips. He responds instantly—our kisses tender and quick.

"Stay by my side." Matthew whispers lightly.

I smile at him—trying so hard to avoid the tension felt around us. "You mean, where I belong?"

For the first time since we found out Bren was coming, Matthew cracks a smile. His eyes suddenly laced in adoration and pure devotion. He inhales deeply—pressing a kiss against my forehead that makes me warm inside.

"Let's go." He squeezes my hand, signaling for Sage and Clara to move ahead of us. We walk behind them towards the front door. There are warriors stationed in front of the castle. Their expressions hard as they wait for River to show up with Bren and his Spartans.

Where's Tyler? I ask Matthew through the mind link.

Best for you not to know. Matthew answers quickly.

We walk out into the cold air just as River pulls up in two cars. The winter has really set in. A light layer of snow coating the outside. Trees completely naked now and breezes chilling me to the bone. River steps out first from the driver's seat—one of his warriors from the other. My heart starts pounding in my chest so hard I can hear it.

Don't be afraid, My wolf suddenly sending me a boost of confidence. Her words making me stand up straighter and raise my chin slightly.

We are the Luna of the Valley. She echoes confidently. Our place is here.

The corner of Matthew's eyes glance at me—a few warriors also suddenly feeling my aura. I have yet to understand how it works but with Matthew and I both emitting our aura's, I can only imagine what they're feeling.

River walks around the car—opening the back door. I pick up Bren's scent in an instant. He steps out onto the snow, his Beta Jake already at his side. Before I can think too hard, I decide to count. Bren, Jake, and five of their best warriors. Some of whom I've known since we were children.

The wolves behind me stiffen as Bren slams the door of the car shut. I finally look at him—letting my eyes take in every detail of him. He's angry to say the least. He looks rough. In Sparta, he was always well groomed and pampered. I would say he's stopped caring about his hair—it's ragged and almost forest like. What catches me the most off guard is his eyes. His eyes are burning with an...insanity I've never seen before. I can almost sense his irrationality.

Once his gaze meets mine, I feel frozen. My instinct is to squeeze Matthew's hand, but I quickly notice that I've been squeezing it this whole time. Jake and the rest of the Spartan warriors take a position behind their Alpha while River and ours join our side. River's hands itching at his belt like he's ready to attack. I tilt my head slightly Bren—watching as he slowly becomes angrier by the second.

His jaw clenches when he sees me. His fists turning white when he lays eyes on Matthew's and eyes hands. And when he turns to Matthew, his gaze narrowing in on the Mark I've left—I suddenly see flames behind Bren's pupils.

"So, it's true..." Bren murmurs as his eyes fall on me. He stares at me—up and down and it makes me feel sick. The more he looks the angrier he becomes until he spits out towards Clara, "You're a traitor."

He's instantly deflecting, and I quickly realize this is what he's probably been doing at Sparta. Redirecting his anger towards innocents and bystanders. Bren has always been irrational and impulsive, but it feels like those emotions are on steroids now.

"Leave her out of this." My voice somehow finding itself and coming out demanding.

"As you wish." Bren's voice cold. His eyes meet mine again, "Mate."

My wolf growls in my head and I suppress it. Matthew—on the other hand—has a small snarl escape. His eyes glistening over. Bren turns to him with a voice of venom. "She's not yours. How fucking dare you hide her from me this entire time. Just because your previous mate didn't want you does not give you the right of kidnapping what's mine."

"Kidnap?" I choke back a laugh. My anger starts bubbling and I know my wolf is getting riled up. "You rejected me, Bren! You humiliated me. Or do you not recall?"

For a split second, I can almost see his eyes soften with a hint of regret. Bren steps towards me and everyone suddenly shifts. The movement instantly halting his advances. Jake and his wolves growling behind him as they eye all the protection. I quickly take a look at the Spartans. They're all desperate and staring at me with hungry eyes.

"I want to speak to you." Bren's voice getting my attention. His jaw clenches when I frown, "Alone."

Matthew's first words to Bren equate a simple syllable. "No."

Bren growls, "I wasn't asking you."

Matthew's arm pulls me just a centimeter behind him. His stance both protective and menacing. Narrowed eyes that are constantly flickering from green to black yet equally intense. "Mia is my mate. And the Valley's Luna."

"She's rightfully mine." Bren's attitude souring. "The Moon Goddess said so. And I have full intentions of bringing her back with me to Sparta. Willing or unwilling."

Piss off, my wolf scoffs.

Matthew's eyes go black, and he steps forward away from me. The Spartans tense as Matthew tries to contain a growl while his aura clashes with Bren's.

"Threaten her one more time. I implore you." Matthew's voice sounds slightly different. It's amazing to feel the power of his words. "I've always wondered what it would be like to paint snow with blood."

The tension in the air is too much to bear. Just by looking at everyone's body language, I can tell a fight is about to break out. I step forward, "Stop. Bren, if you'd like to speak alone. Fine."

Matthew and Bren look like they're having a staring contest. Both of them rumbling deeply in their chest. Concentrated like the way two cats are just perched and waiting to strike the other. Matthew's jaw clenches and I hear him through the mind link, No Mia.

Yes. I reply quickly, I think I can talk him off the ledge Matthew. Look at him, he's confused and erratic. Let me speak to him for five minutes.

I don't want to leave him alone with you.

You talked to Lila alone when she came back. How is this any different?

You said it yourself, he's erratic. Lila was delusional.

You know he won't listen with you next to me.

Matthew stays quiet for a few seconds. I can practically see the gears turning in his head. He narrows his eyes at Bren, "You have five minutes with my mate."

Bren clenches his fists, ignoring Matthew's comment. He nods at the Spartan's—particularly Jake—who nods back. I glance at Jake—his eyes look so tired. There's something about him that seems like he's aged ten years in these few months.

Matthew walks back towards me. He pulls me to his side, leaning down to place his lips against my ear. "If he tries anything..."

I nod, knowing very well that Matthew will lose every ounce of his control. Matthew presses a kiss to my cheek—Bren growling. I turn towards Bren, waving him towards the castle. He tries hard not to shove his way past Matthew as they share a death stare. Sage and River also narrowing their eyes at him as we climb the stairs into the house. Every warrior nods at me in respect—their bodies tense and faces cold.

I open the door for Bren, and I wonder if he feels like he's entering the lion's den. He steps in first and I glance one more time to Matthew. I can already tell he's regretting his decision. I give him a reassuring smile before closing the door.

Turning to Bren—I already feel his eyes bearing into me. I cross my arms over my chest, maintaining a fair distance away. "You first," I tell him with a frown.

The both of us taking a few steps into the entrance. We're just under the large chandelier, over the large antique rug that Matthew's family has owned for generations. The staircase just in front of me and the kitchen to my left in case I need to make a speedy exit for the outside.

"No formalities?" Bren tries a smile.

"I can guarantee you right now that Matthew is counting the five minutes in his head." I glare, "So you first Bren. Why the hell do you suddenly want me back?"

For the first time ever, I see Bren relax. It seems that removing Matthew from the equation has helped him even in the slightest way. "I made a mistake, Mia." He takes a deep breath, "Our Elders didn't think you'd make a worthy Luna. And I took their advice in rejecting you. Only weeks later did I realize that the Moon Goddess wouldn't have made you a Luna if you weren't suitable for the position."

"You have Emery." I remind him.

"Emery was clearly never meant to be Luna." Bren's eyes narrow, "You're our Luna."

I shake my head, "I'm not Bren. I'm the Luna of the Valley."

Bren growls, "Let it go, Mia. Your rightful place is in Sparta. Whatever lies this Alpha has been telling you is nothing but hopeful dreams and imagination. A case of Stockholm syndrome if you ask me."

My eyes narrow at him in disgust. I'm nothing but a role to him. His words feel so empty and unappealing. He looks at me as nothing but a position. A Luna and Mate and not for who I am. Even if Matthew wasn't in the picture, how could I ever consider being with someone so heartless?

Dickwad, my wolf growls.

"You've become angry." I tell him slowly, "And spiteful. Even if I wasn't with Matthew, why the fuck would I ever want you back, Bren? Why would I want to go back to that hellhole?"

"I'm your mate." Bren steps towards me and I stiffen. He places his hand on mine trying to ignite the mate bond. Instead of the electricity I once felt, it's buzz and static like a TV screen that isn't working. "Come back with me, Mia. Come home."

"No, Bren." I tell him sternly. "The Valley is my home."

"We can rebuild our bond." Bren practically begs. "We can be unstoppable together."

My wolf starts to bubble, and I feel her. I feel the anger. This is what he wants—but what about what I want? It's always about him. He rejected me because he didn't consider my feelings then and he certainly isn't considering my feelings now.

"We can't just erase the past." I tell him angrily. He recoils when he feels my aura. A slight expression of confusion reflecting on his face. My voice comes out cold and harsh. "You said you would take me back unwillingly. Do you understand what that entails, Bren?"

I don't even give him a second to speak, "Unwillingly is the only way you'd get me back into Sparta. Sparta is not my home, and it never was. Me being unwilling means I'll try to escape every chance I get. It means never wanting or being touched by you unless you force yourself on me. It means being in a pit of despair. Is that what you want?"

Bren's body sinks the more I speak—gaze turning to the floor. I can feel his anger dissipating into sorrow. A part of me rejoicing at the fact that I'm successfully able to diffuse this bomb. Despite my hands feeling sweaty from nerves and my heart pounding. Maybe there's a chance...a small chance that he'll go without a fight.

"No..." Bren admits somberly. His eyes meet mine and I see the sadness behind them. Maybe he's right, maybe he didn't feel like he had a choice in rejecting his mate. But he still should have defended me and didn't. I've moved on. There's no one to blame but himself.

"I just..." He admits slowly. "I just want guidance...and love."

My wolf and I feel for him in the moment. The way we are with Matthew—adoring and warm. The way I make Matthew laugh and smile. I could have been that for Bren if he had let me. Now he just looks confused and lost. Not only him—but his wolf. There's an energy around him that's unsettled.

"I'm sorry Bren." I try to push a soft and reassuring smile, "I'm sure you'll find someone out there for you. Just how I found Matthew."

Hearing Matthew's name seems to break Bren out of a trance. His body stiffens again, and I feel like I'm watching Jekyll and Hyde. His anger returns instantly, nostrils flaring. "No Mia," His voice losing all of its softness from before. "I want you. You belong to me."

"That's not how this is going to work." I frown—the hairs on my neck standing. My wolf ready to pounce.

"Bullshit!" Bren shouts so loud that I feel Matthew pressing into my mind link. Bren steps towards me until he's in my personal space. His eyes narrow down towards me. "Your Scholar Alpha hasn't even marked you yet Mia. Can't you see, he doesn't love you. I love you."

He doesn't even know you, my wolf huffs. She's right, of course. How can someone love me if they barely know who I am? I have nothing in common with Bren. If he hadn't rejected me, would we love each other? It feels so superficial. It feels wrong. To love someone only because they're your mate and not for who they are.

"You love the idea of power and control because you're losing it." I snap, "And I'm not just some toy you get to keep because you're disappointed another boy picked me up after you tossed me aside."

Bren leans down and my wolf starts to ring bells in my head. I'm getting all sorts of mixed signals from my body. Should I stand my ground and fight or jump out and run outside? I hold my breath as Bren's face gets closer.

"Look me in the eyes and tell me you feel nothing," Bren whispers before he suddenly presses his lips to mine. I feel the static and then the sudden sensation to hurl. He holds me in place while I keep trying to push him away—quite aggressively. It isn't until I throw a punch that hits him in the side of his cheek that he finally steps back. My eyes darkening over in black from pure rage.

How fucking dare he, my wolf growls and it escapes my lips.

Bren's eyes turn their own black, a sadistic smile overtaking his lips. Nothing compared to the honest conversation we were having moments ago.

"You felt it." He says in a low voice. The look in his eyes legitimately frightens me. It's unwanted like when a stranger looks at you the wrong way.

"I tasted the vomit." I snap at him, my fists clenched. This comment only seems to anger him further. "We're done here."

I start to turn towards the door. My anger pulsating so hard I'm sure everyone can feel it. I open the door, Matthew's eyes instantly meeting mine. A small wave of relief courses through me as I manage to calm down at the sight of him. Until I feel Bren's arm snake around my waist. He suddenly pulls me back into his chest and before I can comprehend anything, I feel his canines sink into the side of my neck.

I manage to scream but just as quickly as it happened, Bren is pulled back and I hear Tyler behind me. "That's my fucking Luna, you son of a bitch!" Before punches start getting thrown. This only seems to encourage all the Spartans and warriors to start fighting—the smell of blood igniting their flames and clouding the air.

I sink down to my knees just as Matthew runs to me. His body shaking with rage and eyes obsidian. I'm clutching to my neck, meeting his gaze sadly for a split second. Tyler has shifted into his wolf and launches Bren's human form out the front door. I catch a small glance at Tyler who has a small gash on the side of his wolf head.

The mark on my neck is throbbing. It feels like it's on fire—like a cobra or rattlesnake has bitten me and venom is seeping through my veins. I can see smoke in my peripheral vison and I'm wondering if it's coming from the searing pain. Tears start to well around my eyes at both the physical pain but also emotional. My wolf howls in my head. The disappointment and disgust making her recoil and weep.

Bren's wolves surround him as he stands up. His eyes black as he stares at Matthew and I. Matthew's canines are growing and his nails are turning into claws. He stands up slowly—breathing heavy and gradually losing more control.

His voice comes out raw—sounding like two separate entities are speaking through him. "You've declared war on the Valley."

As he speaks, the ground beneath us feels like it's shaking. Everyone's eyes going wide as some snow falls from branches in the trees. I've never heard of a wolf speaking through someone in human form. It's a level of control that's unattainable.

"You'll pay for what you've done to my mate." Matthew shifts so quickly and attacks. Bren has a split second to turn into a wolf just as Matthew swipes his claw across Bren's snout. One Spartan warrior manages to step in as Matthew rages.

River looks like he wants to jump in, but Matthew's aura is emitting so much power and rage we're all frozen in place. All the warriors seem to know better than to interfere with their Alpha. In two swift moves, I watch as Matthew clamps down on one of the Spartan's necks, a large snap echoing through the air. Matthew begins stalking Bren, blood dripping into the snow from his teeth and mouth.

Bren turns to Jake's wolf—both of them suddenly howling into the air before they bolt towards the woods with their warriors right behind. The howls ricocheting effortlessly. I recognize that call from anywhere—the entire packs hair standing up on the back of their necks. It's the sign of war.

Matthew takes a stance in front of the castle—his own howl suddenly reverberating into the air. Suddenly, I hear the entire pack across the lake howl and it seems like the Valley has suddenly turned into a chorus. Matthew barks at River and they suddenly race after Bren—a few warriors alongside them.

While the formalities of war are declared, I clench onto my neck. The smoke subtly disappearing. My body feels so weak all of a sudden. My wolf swaying in the back of my mind like she's been drugged. I feel myself suddenly burning up. Sweat trickling down from my forehead and neck.

"Holms." Tyler's suddenly at my side. He yanks onto a curtain from the inside window and wraps it around his waist. The back of his hand presses on my forehead. It feels like ice, and I see as concern instantly flashes in his eyes.

"Fuck," Tyler rushes to scoop up some snow. He places it on my forehead and chest. The snow almost instantly melting and leaving me in cold water. "Sage! I don't know what's happening."

Sage and Clara appear behind Tyler. They're eyes wide as they follow what he did and dump more snow on me to cool my body. I try to speak to them, but my voice falls short. Before I know it, my eyes start to droop, and Tyler shakes me to keep me awake.

His arms lift me instantly and I feel him leading me into the house. "Let's get her into an ice bath before she seizes." He barks a few orders to Clara and as I feel my energy suddenly deplete.

I don't understand what's happening to me. I don't understand this weakness that I'm feeling. It's like fighting off a terrible infection and my body is trying so hard. My wolf trying to send me energy but even she is growing tired.

"Stay with me, Holms." Tyler's voice sounds foggy and far. He places me into what I assume is my bathtub and cranks up cold water.

My eyes are closed but I can see Matthew. The green of his eyes so clearly in my mind. It comforts me somehow. He's laughing and smiling. He's playing his guitar in the office. I hear him so clearly, Hello gorgeous. And I smell Amberwood and books.

My brain unaware that I'm clearly delusional and unresponsive. The only word I manage to murmur is his name. Over and over. All of a sudden, I feel icy cold and he vanishes from my mind. I cry out his name one more time before my body goes limp and I suddenly lose consciousness.

****

A/N: Omg you guys I re-wrote this chapter like four times. I wasn't sure what route to take with it. Please just let me know if you enjoyed it because I honestly don't feel so good about this one. I've been building this up so much in the story that I really hope I didn't fall short. And you're welcomed to be honest with me because I really do appreciate constructive criticism.

As soon as this chap reaches 20 votes I'll post the next chapter!!!

Other than that insecurity, OMG I logged in today and saw that Two Rejects is in the top 1000 werewolf books--Whattttt?! And we have so many new readers, hiiiii!!! I hope you're all enjoying the story <3<3<3<3<<<333

I'll try to update more often but I'm home for the holidays and I use writing as a procrastination tool for school hehe so no school, no procrastination. But don't stress because I'm not leaving this book AND just fyi, I've started writing other stories too :PPP