You think you've had a bad day?

My name is Braddock Westfield, Billionaire Alpha (head werewolf) of the Crescent Moon pack I've searched for my fated mate for 22 years and finally conceded to the elders to choose a Luna to produce an heir. The night before our union my pack was attacked by rogues (werewolves with no pack, no morals, mostly criminals), we suffered no losses except my Gamma (Lead Warrior), who now we need to pick up 100 miles away in a small human town at a Diner. I receive a call as I pull into the parking lot, that my chosen mate has been kidnapped by rogues on her way to my pack. Pissed off, I enter the Diner, an intoxicating scent hits me and my wolf howls in my head "MATE" (22years of searching and on my Union Day, you find her). Two men crash threw the door inside the diner, yelling "Charlie get your ass out here now, we're not done with it yet." The old woman behind the counter grabs a shotgun and makes them leave. A waitress comes out bringing food and that intoxicating scent, my heart clenches when our eyes lock and our mate bond snaps tethering our hearts together, as I look at her broken nose, bruised face, split lip, swollen green glistening eyes. I need to get her to leave with us, promising to keep her safe, revealing I'm a psychiatrist with facilities, to help her rebuild her self-esteem and build her confidence to help her, move past her obvious trauma. Explaining she's a werewolf and I'm her fated mate and at least 20+ years older than her, that may be more challenging. Let's not forget, I now need to find my kidnapped chosen that I need to reject. All this before 9am.

1-Night before the Union

"Alpha Braddock, if you don't stop, I'll stick you in the ankle with a needle, now hold still or these pants will not fit you perfectly tomorrow."

"Lucy, I truly don't care if they fit perfectly," I mumble, "it's not like she's my fated mate."

Lucy eyes fill with sorrow as she looks up at me, "I'm so sorry Alpha Braddock, but at least you'll have an heir and the packs future will be secured." She pats my arm, "now go take these pants off and hand them over, I'll have them ready by morning," she waves her hand towards the ensuite.

I grunt inwardly as I step down off the coffee table she had me stand on, I'm 42 and now have no control over my destiny, the future I've pictured since I shifted, looking for my fated mate to come along. The pressure surrounding me feels like a cage with it's wall closing in all around me. I need an heir to take over this pack that's what's important to the elders and the council. I reluctantly agreed to meet and mate Alpha Leon's daughter Stacy we discussed and drew up a contract to seal my fate. Lucy waves her hand in front of my face and I cock my brow and lower the pants right in front of her and hand them to her, "serisously, Lucy, it's not like I'm naked, we're werewolves, we've seen each other's bodies a million times," I grab my sweatpants and pull them on.

She walks to the door, "see you tomorrow Alpha, have a good night." She opens the door and yelps in surprise, "good evening Beta Chris, Gamma Steve," she bows her head, "hopefully, you can get grumpy over there in a better mood about tomorrow," she bows her head and closes the door.

Shaking my head, I walk to my desk and plop down in my chair, "I know why I agreed to this union with that woman, but I don't have to be happy about it."

Chris walks from the bar with 3 tumblers with 3 fingers of amber liquid in them, setting one down in front of me and then Steve, he raises his glass, as does Steve both glasses towards me. I side eye them both and Steve chuckles, "oh come on Bro, pick it up, let's get drunk and."

Chris laughs, "yeah, let's get drunk, cause you were already stupid."

I growl, but pick up the glass, "yeah, yeah, I have no choice, it'd be nice for my fated to just drop out of the sky and slam into me."

Steve clinks his glass to mine, then Chris, "may the goddess bless you tomorrow," he downs his drink and slams it down on my desk.

I down my own and slam my glass down and it shatters, I grown, "yeah, just like my life right now, shattered pieces," I frown as I grab the trash can and swipe the broken pieces into it.

I hear Steve chuckle, "Bro, you're priceless, giving up all hope of a miracle." He slaps my back, "see you in the morning sunshine, I have a mate to get home too."

I stand and slap him in the back of the head, "rub it in why don't ya!"

He cackles as he walks out of the office, Chris shakes his head, "I won't abandon you, well not for an hour anyway, Cynthia is making the boys take dance classes and I'm waiting till they go to bed so I don't hear the drama from any of them."

I arch a brow at him, "thanks, at least one of my best friends.." I'm cut off when Chris mind links us and all the warriors, "rogue breach, several spotted coming in the west boarder, I'm heading that way now." We move quickly towards the front door of the pack house, shedding our clothes as we leap from the front steps and shift.

We've searched the territory for hours and only found a few rogues as they were running out of our boundries, there were a few fights, but nothing fatal happened. I mind link all my warriors to check all the outer buildings and houses to make sure no one has been harmed. As Chris and I approach the field where the my contractual union is to take place. I stand in the middle looking around, all the tents are shredded, chairs broken, flower, fabric and the arch is strewn all over the place. I turn and look at Chris, he has a smirk on his face, I growl at him, "what's so funny."

He shrugs, "Looks like someone doesn't want this union to happen more than you."

I mind link Steve and get no reply, "Steve's not answering me, you think he's out of the territory?"

Chris shrugs, "knowing Steve, if he has a guys scent, he won't let up till he catches him, so it's possible, I swear the guy is more bloodhound than wolf."

I chuckle, "true, let's get back, clean up and see if anything else is destroyed, or just my future."

After I shower and put on clean sweatpants, I return to my office to find my Beta sitting there, I sit and the pack house landline phone rings, I pick it up, "Crescent Moon, Alpha Braddock speaking."

Steve's voice rings through with a laughter, "Dude we drank too much last night, I need you to come and pick me up, I'm at the Diner right at the edge of Silver Mountain."

I grown, "Okay, so the human's let you use the phone at the diner?"

He chuckles, "yup, nice people, hey bring money, they're going to feed me, I'm starving."

I growl into the phone, "fine," It's not like I have anything better to do today right. I sigh, "we'll be there as soon as we can."

It takes us an hour to get to the diner, we pull in and my phone rings, I look at Chris as I answer, "hello, Alpha Leon, What can I do for you?"

His voice booms over the line, "We've been attacked by rogues about an hour ago, we we're almost at your pack, and they've taken Stacy."

I sigh, "I'll send some warriors out, where exactly did this happen."

He growls at me, "what the fuck, this is your chosen mate and your not coming, you're sending your warriors, this is outrageous..."

I cut him off with a growl, "if you'd let me finish, I'm not at the pack, I'll join in the search when I get closer," I hang up. I called my warriors to go back out and into the neutral territory to search for Stacy.

I open the door to the car and step out, "come on, let's get Steve and get back towards the pack and join the search."

I open the door to the diner and my wolf stirs, the faint sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon hits my nose and Ceaser growls in my head, "MATE."

2-Miracle or Fate

I was grateful when the human woman, Margie allowed me to use the phone to call for a ride. I sat in the last booth of the diner my back against the wall with a view of the entire diner and the entrance. I couldn't help but watch Margie as she prepared the commerical style coffee maker and hit the on button. She set cups up next to it and filled salt and pepper shakers, the aroma of the coffee filled the small diner, she looks over at me with a smile, "coffee hun?" I nod at her with a cheeky smile and watch her as she prepares it. She walks over carrying a small basket filled with creamer and sugar and places both down in front of me. "My waitress is due any minute, but I'll be happy to take an order for you, if you like?"

The growl that leaves my stomach is loud and I chuckle, "guess I better order, before this beast inside me," I point to my flatten stomach, "makes more noise about it, I'll take a stack of pancakes, 3 eggs over easy, a side of bacon and sausage and keep the coffee coming." She blinks at me and chuckles as she heads back towards the kitchen. She comes back a few minutes later and turns on a radio behind the counter. She walks over and places a napkin and cutlery in front of me.

The door to the kitchen opens and a young she-wolf enters, her voice is just above a whisper as she glances at me, then speaks to Margie, "I'm sorry, I must be late?"

Margie turns from me, her hands fly to cover her mouth as she takes the girl by her shoulders, "Oh dear God, Charlie, what have they done to you this time?" I look at the young girl, she's taken quite a beating, but why isn't her wolf healing her? I subtlely sniff the air and quickly realize she hasn't shifted yet, a new wolf. She darts past me, barely glancing at me as she shuts the bathroom door. I hear her inside as she gasps, I shake my head, poor thing had no idea she looks like that, I hope however did this to her looks worse. I sit back in my seat and rest my head against the wall, allowing me to hear clearly that this young, Charlie is talking to herself, "I'm so numb at his point I don't even feel anything," she giggles. I hear her feet shuffeling, "yup, hearing voices in my head, crazy, they finally broke what little sanity I had left I guess."

The door opens and she walks out, her headnis down looking at the ground as she approaches me, "sorry, did you want to order something?"

I stare at her, fighting the overwhelming pull to protect her, my jaw tightens, "no, Margie took my order." She nods at me, never making eye contact and turns to leave when headlights beam into the diner. She literally jumps and speed walks through the door to the kitchen. I glance down at the entrance and when the lights go out from the car, I know it's Braddock and Chris. This is too wierd, she's not my mate, she's nothing to me, so why the pull to protect her, is it the Gamma position I hold making me so protective of her. No, that can't be it, I don't feel that way towards anyone but a select few and that's natural instinct.

I watch as my Alpha and Beta walk towards the door, they open it at the same time another set of headlights beam into the Diner. They walk towards me as 2 men enter the Diner behind them, they shout out "Get your ass out here Charlie, we weren't done with it yet." Alpha and Beta slide into the booth as the door to the kitchen opens and my wolf bristels to high alert in my head. Margie carries over plated food and places it down in front of me. She looks at Alpha and Beta, nods, "I'll be right back for your order." I mind link Alpha, "be ready, they're after a new she-wolf who hasn't shifted yet and they've already beaten her." They both turn and watch the 2 men suspiciously.

She turns and goes behind the counter and glares at the 2 men, "she's not here, you can stop your yelling, I have paying customers."

The older guy snorts, "I don't give a fuck, where's my daughter, I have her present all ready and willing for her."

The younger guy next to him chuckles and looks down the Diner at us, he yells out, "mind your business, this is a family matter."

The next sound we hear is the cocking of a shotgun, my eyes widen as Margie, pulls out a double barrell from behind the counter, points it at their heads and yells, "GET OUT NOW, or so help me God, I will rid this world of the both of you with one shot."

Both men take a step back and sneer at her, she doesn't budge and I hold back my chuckle at her next words, "Leave boys now, my finger is getting real itchy."

The older one throws up his hands in surrender, "Okay, Margie, we'll leave, but," his voice rises, "Charlie, we'll be waiting for you to get off." The younger guy laughs, nodding his head at the older one as they both leave the Diner. Margie keeps the shotgun aimed at the door, till the trucks lights flick on and it drives out of the parking lot and down the road.

She puts the gun under the counter, straightens her apron and comes over to the table, "sorry about that, would you like to order now?"

Alpha doesn't miss a beat, "hmm, something in here smells amazing, got my mouth watering actually," he orders a monster breakfast so does Beta Chris and I smile at them as I place another forkful of pancakes into my mouth.

3 - Fated meeting

"Wake up, please come on, get up, hurry they're going to kill us" the voice in my head whimpers. My eyes snap open staring into the darkness, my mind fuzzy, my body aches laying on the familiar lumpy mattress on the floor in the middle of the room. I ease off the mattress, praying I don't wake them, I crawl along the floor, making sure I don't hit any loose floorboards that creak, as I make my way out of the door. I take a steadying breath and continue down the hallway to the bathroom at the back of the shack. I stand inside grabbing my clothes and bag out of the tub, I get dressed quickly, grab my shoes and gently open the back door just enough for my body to slip through and shut it. I slip on my shoes and run down the path into the forest and inhale deeply allowing the fresh air to expand my lungs. It's still dark, I walk just inside the treeline of the main road hoping they don't come after me. The forest is silent the only sound is my feet crunching the dried leaves as I make my way.

Seeing the lights of the Diner in the distance, I sigh in relief, I whisper to myself, "Happy 18th Birthday Charlie Dabb," today I'll work my shift, act as I normally do, only today I'll take all the stashed money in my locker and get on the bus and never look back, forget the past 13 years of my life in it's entirety. The Diner lights come into view and I walk around and enter from the back. I put up my bag and pull on my apron. I walk out of the door from the kitchen to the dining area and see Margie already with a customer, he's a handsome guy sitting in the last booth, sipping on coffee. My voice is low, "morning Margie, sorry, I guess I'm late."

She turns to greet me and her hands go to her mouth, she grabs my shoulders, "oh dear God Charlie, what have they done to you?" her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears.

My brows furrow in confusion, "excuse me, I need the bathroom." I glance at the guy at the table, who's eyes haven't left me and hurry to the rest room. I look into the mirror and tears flood my eyes, my nose is broken, my face is one huge purple mess, my lips are split. I mumble, "I'm so numb to this I don't feel the pain," I adjust my wide headband that covers the bald spots on the top of my head, from where they pulled it out dragging me around the house. I wash my face to remove the dried tears and come out of the rest room.

Margie's face is red, "can I call the sheriff now, will you please tell someone?"

My eyes dart to the handsome stanger and shake my head at her, I try to smile, "Margie, I fell and face planted, you know how clumsy I am." I turn towards the guy in the booth, "have you ordered?" He nods and before he can say anything, headlights hit me from the front of the diner. I turn on my heels and head to the kitchen. I see John, Margie's husband, cooking the order for the guy already , I yell out to him, "hey John, morning." He grunts and continues cooking.

I hear the buzzer go off, telling us the door has opened out front, I hesitate before I turn to walk out, when it goes off again and I hear yelling, I freeze, as my step-dad's voice rings out, " Get your ass out here Charlie, we weren't done with it yet?" My body moves on it's own as I run to the walk-in and sit down on the crates in the back, my body shakes with fear as tears stream down my face.

I wait until Margie opens the walk in and pulls me out, "there gone, darling, your safe for now, please let me call the Sheriff, they can take you to safety, leave this area."

I shake my head at her, "I'll be fine Margie, I just want to finish my shift today, please." I go to the sink and wash my face with cold water, I wait for John to plate the food. I pile them on the serving tray, put it on my shoulder and walk out to the table, 2 other guys are sitting there. I grab the platter stand and place it out and put the serving tray on it, I turn holding 2 plates, "who has the french toast?"

I hear a voice that sends shivers down my spine with one word, "MINE" my head snaps toward it and I'm met with a greek god, his smile is wide, but then fades into a frown, as he takes in my face, my eyes lift to his, they're blue, like the deepest part of the ocean and I feel a tug in my heart. My hands shake as I place the plate down in front of him and stumble back a bit, one hand covers my heart as the other fly's to mouth trying to stiffle the word the voice is yelling in my head, a whisper leaves my lips before my hand slaps it shut, "mate?" I turn to the serving plater and remove the other items, placing them on the table. I look at the floor, "is there anything else I can get for you?"

The guy that was here first sweetly offers, "can we buy your breakfast Charlie?"

The greek-god must take offense to his offer and grunts at me, "thanks, I think we're good, but please check back in on us, Okay Charlie."

I shake my head at the other guy, "not necessary, but thank you anyway."

I go into the kitchen, my heart is shattering by the way the greek god's blue eyes held pity or disgust for me, either way, I hated it. I've never felt so dirty, so ugly in my life and that's saying something for me, my step father and brother have made me feel so worthless, but this, that man out there, the way he looked at me, that made the last 13 years seem like practice for this very moment of pain. The voice in my head is making me crazier by the minute, screaming "he's our Mate, he will protect us, go back in there." I rub at my temples, this is crazy, what the fuck are you talking about, either make sense or be quite. I walk back out to the counter and start placing out settings for our morning rush, not realizing I'm talking out loud to this stupid voice in my head, arguing with it.

4 - It's Complicated

I sit in the booth both amused by the older human woman and how she removed the 2 unwanted men, when Steve begins telling us about the young she-wolf Charlie. My wolf stirs in my head on full alert, "she's here, that scent it's her." As I'm telling Steve about Stacy being kidnapped by rogues, the sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon hit me, I lick my lips and turn my head waiting with anticipation for her to turn around. My wolf is jumping up and down like a pup, chasing his tale in my mind, "MATE, OUR MATE!" I inhale deeply, committing her scent to memory, a wide smile on my face as she turns, her voice is sweet, but with an undertone of saddness, "who get's the French Toast."

I speak the only word my wolf is growling in my head, "MINE." Her head snaps in my direction, my heart hurts immediately taking in her condition, her nose is broken, her lips are split and her face is swollen and bruised. My smile slips into a frown, as my heart sinks just by seeing her so battered. Her scent is closer as she leans over to set my plate down, her hands shaking, my eyes met hers and I feel the bond snap into place, I rush of saddness and despair rushes through me.

My eyes lock with hers as she stumbled back a step, one hand reaching her chest, the other heading for her face, when a word leaves her lips in a question, "mate?" She turns to serve the rest of the plates in front of us and stares at the floor, "is there anything else I can get you?"

Steve pipes up, offering to buy her breakfast, she shakes her head as I mind linked him, "back off you're mated." I politely told her we were fine, but to please check in on us and said her name, Charlie, my heart did a flip in my chest and my wolf purred. She walks heading for the kitchen door taking her intoxicating scent with her. My head falls back, my fingers pinching the bridge of my nose as I mutter, "what the hell, I'm mated to a child, who is obviously abused, my chosen has been kidnapped by rogues, can this day get any more complicated?"

The word "MATE" being shouted at me, catches my attention, as I look at Chris and Steve both eyeing me. Steve chuckles, "hah see miracles do happen," he grabs his fork and continues eating with a smug grin on his face. Chris looks at me, "I don't think she knows she's a wolf, she didn't acknowledge us at all, not one sigh of recognition.

The door to the kitchen opens and I can't help my eyes following Charlies' every move, I watch as she looks at me, first noding her head in the "yes" motion, then shakes if frantically side to side in the "no" motion. Tears begin to stream down her face, as both hands curled into fist slam the sides of her head, her small voice repeating over and over, "please stop, this is crazy, please just stop talking," her voice goes up an octive, "get out of my head, leave me alone."

I stand and move towards her, I gently put my hand on her arm and she jumps away from me, her eyes wide, rubbing where I just touched her. These fated mate sparks are no joke, pure pleasure rush, as I touch her and the feeling is addicting. I lean over the counter, look her in the eyes, "Hey, it's all okay, I can help you, I know what's happening to you."

Her green eyes, full of saddness, stare into mine, "Mister, you have no idea what's happening to me, because I am absolutely crazy." My anger rising as I feel her saddness and despair, I want to kill whoever has done this to my mate.

I ackwardly smile, "It's a good thing I'm a psychiatrist, I can help you," my eyes pleading with her.

She lowers her eyes to floor, her voice a whisper, "you believe me that I'm crazy."

My voice cracks, "I believe you need help and I'm offering it to you," I extend my hand out to her and to my delight she places her tiny hand on top of it, sparks explode from our skin to skin contact and I already know I'm hooked. My large hand engulfs hers laying on top of the counter, "if you like, I'll take you somewhere you'll be safe and we can work on treating you." She stares at our hands and nods in agreement. My wolf howls in my head, "our Mate is perfect." I agree with him, I ask her "do you have personal items here?"

She nods her head, "my purse it's in the kitchen," I move towards the kitchen door still holding her hand and swing it open, "where," she points to a small locker and I move her to it, she grabs her purse along with a small envelope and I turn when I notice the the older couple.

The woman who was holding the shotgun earlier and I assume the cook approach us, the woman clears her throat, "What exactly is going on here?" the man looks at Charlie and in a firm voice speaks, "why are you holding her hand?"

I look down at Charlie, her hand tight in mine, "Ma'am, Sir, I'm going to take her out of here, to a safe place that will help her."

The woman gasps and the old man's brows shoot up into his hair line, "uh huh, what's your name and where exactly do you think your taking this young girl?

I chuckle, "Right, my name is Braddock Westfield, I'm a licensed phsyciatrist and I'm taking her to a center that specializes in trauma that seems to be happening to her. She will receive help."

The old woman's hand flies over her mouth and she sobs softly, "see prayers are answered, God has sent this angel to help this sweet girl."

5 - Trusting him

I don't know why I'm trusting this man, he touched my arm and sparks ignited and I rubbed the area, it didn't hurt, it actually felt nice. He wants to help me and say's he's a psychiatrist, well as long as I'm crazy I guess I'll need one of those. The voice in my head purrs, "he's our mate, he's so handsome, so strong, so dreamy." I follow him into the kitchen and the voice won't shut up, when he says he's taking us to a safe place, the voice screams in my head, "he's taking us with him, our mate already loves us, I can tell."

I scream at the voice in my head as he looks down at me, a few strands of his black curly hair fall over his forehead, he's blue eyes twinkle, "you've really lost the plot, look at him, he's tall, built like a sculpture of hercules for christ sake. Why in all the world would he look twice at us, because we are fucking crazy and that is what he does for a living. He's not interested in us for any other reason, he feels sorry for me because I have this voice in my head that I'm now talking too, not only that I'm arguing with."

I hear Margie sob, "see prayers are answered, God sent his angel to help this sweet girl."

I inwardly scoff, uh huh, 13 years too late, but hey he answered right, the voice in my head purrs again, "our mate is taking us with him, next we will mark and mate."

My body stiffens, "mark and mate?" I pull my hand from his only to realize I'm inside his car, he backs out of the space. I look at him and fear grips my heart. I look in the backseat and the other guys are sitting there staring at me. Braddock's voice hums, "so Charlie behind you is Steve," I turn and he finger waves me, I blink at him, "the other guy is Chris," he smiles at me and I nod.

My eyes dart between the guys, that take up the entire back seat of this SUV. I gulp as I turn and look at Braddock, he's bigger than both of them and extremely handsome. There all attractive, but Braddock has chiseled facial features, high cheekbones, a defined jawline with stubble and a square chin, he's charming and his baritone voice is seductive. I realize I'm alone in this car with them, what if their like all the other guys, I won't survive all of them raping me at once like my step-dad and brother.

Braddock reaches over and takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze, "Charlie your safe with us, no one is going to harm you, no one is going to do anything to you without your consent ever again, I promise you, Okay?"

I half smile at him, "okay, thanks."

His phone rinks through the blue tooth in the car, he releases my hand and picks up the phone to his ear, "speak," he commands and my eyes widen at the amount of authority in his tone. He winks at me as he listens, "good, did you get Stacy back?" A frown forms on his gorgeous face and I don't like it. "keep looking in that area, we'll be there in 15 minutes." He looks at me, "we need to make a pit stop and I'll need you to stay in the car, keep it locked and I need you to trust me on this."

I nod, "sure, who's Stacy and why do you need to get her back?

Steve and Chris chuckle in the backseat and Braddock glares at them through the rearview, he coughs, "she's a friend and went for a walk in the woods and didn't return, so we assume she's lost, they've found sighs of her so hopefully by the time we get there they'll have found her."

I nod, "okay, I'll stay in the car, you don't need me getting lost too."

A literal growl leaves his throat and I slam my body up against the door in fear. A small shy smile graces his face, his cheeks turn pink as he turns to look at me, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, just the thought of you in the same situation as Stacy angered me." He's embarrassed that he scared me and that shy smile on his face is adorable, I relax back into the seat. I inhale deeply and smile, he smells so good, so clean, like freshly cut grass in spring mixed with lavender. He pulls off the road and goes deep into the forest and stops the car. "I'll leave the keys in the ignition, keep the door locked, windows up and if anything spooks you, start the car and drive away as fast and as safe as you can."

I smile at him, and inwardly laugh, I can't drive but I don't say a word, as he and his friends get out of the car. I watch them all walk out into the forest until they disappeared behind a bunch of large trees. I chuckle, I don't know what he thinks could spook me out here? The forest is quite and peaceful, the only thing that could spook me is in the town we just left. This is the first time I've felt safe, truly safe. I look around the car and see a sweatshirt in the back, I crawl over the seat and snatch it. The voice in my head purrs, "he's ours and we are his, he will keep us safe," I yawn, yup, I'm offically a nut job, I hope this man can help me gain some sort of reality back. I ball up the sweatshirt to use as a pillow and lay down on the seat where Braddock sat and face the back, I inhale deeply, his smell calms me and I drift off to sleep.

6 - Stacy's Rejection

Getting Charlie in the car was easier than I thought it would be, until I felt her fear through the bond. I watched her eyeing all 3 of us and her realization that she was in a car with 3 men she didn't know scared her and well it should have. I calmed her by touching her hand and reassuring her that she was safe and that nothing would hurt her and no one would ever do anything to her without her consent first. When Alpha Leon called, I knew she wouldn't understand so I took the call through my phone and not the vehicle blue tooth. When Charlie asked who Stacy was and both my best friends in the back chuckled I realized just how fucked up this situation is. So I did what any man would do, I lied threw my teeth, hoping it wouldn't bite me in the ass later. So telling her Stacy was a friend and lost in the woods, was my best lie and I promised myself I would explain it to her and own it later.

I left Charlie in the car with strict instructions and I'm hoping to all hope that she follows them. Steve chuckles at me, "Alpha, you're so fucked right now, how you plan on explaining your little mate back there to your chosen and her Alpha father?"

I look back at the car and see Charlie moving around inside it, "you're not funny, the situation is fucked, but I'm not, remember I have a contract, it has a stipulation that if at any time prior to our union, that either of us find our fated mate, the contract will be considered null and void."

Chris laughs at Steve, "see this is why he is the Alpha, Gamma, learn from him."

Steve slaps Chris on the back, "don't have to, already got my mate and kids, I'm one up on him already."

"Remind me again why you 2 are my best friends,?" I laugh as we break through the clump of trees obscuring us from the car. We remove our clothes and place them at the base of a tree and shift, we ran in the direction my warriors where heading and after 15 minutes I slowed to a stop, I mind link Chris and Steve, "you hear voices?" They both respond, "yes." We shift back into our human forms and listen.

Stacy's nasal voice crys out, "He'll come for me and kill you all."

A males voice softly replies, "Stacy you're my mate, he can't take you from me, why would you accept him as a choosen and mate with him."

My eyes widen and I link my warriors, "hold up, keep your position, we found her, but I need to hear what is actually happening."

Stacy's uses her haughty voice, "uhm, Braddock is extremely wealthy, he's an Alpha and he needs an heir," she takes a breath, "I need the money and power he will provide me. I don't mind sleeping with the old fuck at least once, so I can pop out a pup for him and then I lay back and enjoy my life, without a care in the world."

I arch a brow to my 2 best friends, the looks on their faces is pure disgust, I open my pack mind link, "Stacy has been found and will not be coming to our pack, warriors stay in place all other pack members, thank you for helping and return home."

A voice I know too well speaks, "Stacy, you need to reject this rogue mate of yours, he's caused all these problems, just to take you away from Alpha Braddock, we need Braddock, his alliance and his money, not him, do it Stacy," Alpha Leon demands.

Stacy stammers as she begins her rejection, "I, I Stacy..."

I stand up and walk around the boulder we've been sitting behind, Chris and Steve flank me as I clear my throat, "I've heard enough, I'm glad I was here to stop you from doing something I'd regret Stacy."

She spins and runs towards me, "Brad, thank the goddess, help that man there is going to rape me."

I look at who she's pointing as I hold my hand up to her to stop, " I walk by her to the man she was pointing too, "is that true Stacy, or is it true he is your fated mate?"

Her hands on her hips and her smirk fades as her eyes widen at me, "no he is not, he is a low life rogue and does not deserve a prize such as I." She looks at her maincured nails as she smiles sweetly at me.

My eye narrow at her, "Stacy, he is your fated mate, you will turn your back to the gift the moon goddess blessed you with, for money and power?"

She stumbles trying to get ot me, "Brad, I love you, you know that, we have something special don't we."

I arch a brow at her, "Stacy I've met you twice once to go over the details of the contract and again when we signed the contract at the second meeting, I'm not in love with you, not at all, you were a means to an end, nothing more and you will never be anything more now." I walk back to where my Beta and Gamma stand both watching the men around her mate.

She smiles wickedly at me, "we have a contract Alpha Braddock, I will be your Luna and the mother of your pup," she touches her non-exsistant bump," a smug smile on her face.

I laugh at her, "I'm not stupid, I do know how to write a contract, there's a Fated Clause and rubbing your stomach doesn't put a pup in it, I'm not that old that I don't know how to create a child."

She walks up to me glaring, "I don't want my fated mate, I'm going to reject him like a good girl and follow my father wishes."

I look from her to her mate, "you may want to take her up on it, let her reject you and find a real she-wolf, one that has a soul."

She laughs, "see I knew you wanted me Braddock," she waves her hands down her sides, "I'm all yours Alpha for the taking."

I scoff, "no I don't, I found my fated mate Stacy a few hours ago, so this," I point my fingers between the both of us, "is null and void, have a nice day." I turn and laugh as I walk away, shaking my head, I may be older than her and my mate, but I'll never setttle for less than what the goddess has blessed me with and now I don't have to.

7- Dreaming?

I wake to light tapping, I snuggle into the sweatshirt and the tapping continues, I sit up quickly my face peering out the drivers side door window and stare into his blue eyes a genuine smile graces his gorgeous face as he points to the lock. I move quickly, unlock the door and move to the passenger side of the car. He climbs in, "hi, miss me," he rev's the engine. I stare out the window and around the car, rubbing my eyes with my fists and yawn, "where's Steve and Chris?

He turns the car around, "they found her and they decided to go back with the others," he smiles looking over at me.

I look out the window, "I hope they didn't do that because of me," she sighs, "I know I'm scary looking and not the best company."

He reaches over and takes my hand and tingles ignite, "nonsense, I don't find you scary at all, I'm very comfortable with your company."

The voice purrs in my head, "awe our mate is so sweet and loving."

I blink my eyes looking at him, "are you really a psychiatrist?"

He nods, "yup, got a diploma and everything," he chuckles, "do you want to talk to me, I'm all ears for you Charlie."

I stare out the window as he pulls back onto the main road, "I'm hearing a voice in my head, it started about a month ago."

He looks at me and shrugs, "is it telling you to hurt yourself?"

I shake my head still looking out the window, "no, she's helpful actually, or has been, until...."

He clears his throat, "until when Charlie."

I feel the heat in my cheeks and whisper, "you." I turn and look at him, I watch as dimples form on his cheeks, and I catch myself from reaching over and touching his face.

He hums, "hmm, interesting Charlie, this voice is a girl, you said she."

"Yes, I guess it is," I play with my fingers in my lap.

"Charlie, this voice what did it say about me?" he slows down and pulls off the road.

I shrug, my cheeks feel like there on fire, I look out the window, "she calls you mate," I clasp my hands in my lap, my heart is beating out of my chest, I feel his gaze on me and I feel like a fool.

"Charlie look at me please," I turn sheepishly in his direction, my eyes train on his lips, there dark pink and plump, "how old are you Charlie?"

I turn my head from him, yup this is totally embarrassing, I'm a child to him, he probably is married and has kids as old as me or older, I feel stupid. The voice in my head giggles, "I wish you would stop, he is our mate, he is ours, he wants us, he's waited for us." I take a deep breath, "Todays my 18th birthday."

He chuckles, "Happy Birthday my love."

My head snaps towards him, why would he call me that I'm not his love, my eyes lock with his, his hand reaches for mine, he takes it and brings it to his lips, placing a sweet kiss on the back of my hand. He smiles, "what else does she say about me Charlie?"

I blink at him, trying to regain steady breathing, "you'll protect us."

He starts the car and pulls back out onto the road, "interesting, that's all she says?"

I blush again, "yea, that's all she says," I'm not telling him all the other stuff, all of this is unreal, that's what this is, of course, I'm dreaming, naw that's not it, I'm in a coma, yup that's gotta be it, they hurt me to the point of putting me in a coma.

His voice breaks my thoughts, "What do you think about me Charlie?" he archs his brow as he drives.

I look out the window again and a small smile curls on my face, should I tell him how hot he is, how his body looks like a sculpture of a greek god, or that his eyes are so beautiful they're like looking into the deepest part of the ocean, "so far your nice."

He laughs, "thank you Charlie, that's probably the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me, do you trust me Charlie?"

I nod staring out the window watching a wolf run through the wood trying to keep up with the car, I mutter to myself, "poor boy, can't keep up can you?"

"Huh, who can't keep up? he asks with concern.

I turn to look at Braddock, I point to the window with my thumb, "the wolf, he's beautiful, he's trying to keep up with the car."

He slows down, leaning over to look at the wolf, his brow archs, "do you like wolves Charlie?"

I shrug, "I guess, this is the first time I've ever seen one in person, he's a lot bigger than I thought they were."

He smirks, "there are bigger ones that one too."

I shreik with excitement, "Look there's more now," he chuckles as he turns onto a dirt road heading towards where the wolves are running. I unbuckle my seatbelt and move closer to him as the car gets closer to the wolves. He stops the car and I watch in awe as the wolves stop, they walk around each other for a minute then suddenly all turn and look at the car. A shiver of excitement runs down my spine, I start pointing at them, "the grey one he's courageous, the brown one he's got strength, oh the blonde she's willfull and she really likes the brown wolf, awe they're all so sweet."

His arm brushes my back as he puts his arm up on the back of the seat I didn't realize how close I was to him, I lean into him without meaning too as I put my attention back to the wolves, "oh look, they're all sitting and looking at us, is this normal?"

I turn and look at him, he's eyes lock with mine and a smile stretches across his face, my heart pounds in my chest, he's eyes twinkle with small flecks of white, like stars in the sky, I can't help but want to move closer to him, but I need to place distance between us, "Charlie I need to tell you something about me, you and them," his eyes dart to the wolves.

I sit up and move back to the other side of the seat, placing my back to the door and stare at him, "ok shoot."

His hand runs through the black curls on top of his head, his hair on the sides is short and grey, "please try and keep an open mind and stay calm, nothing bad will happen, you have my word I promise." He holds out his hand to me and I place mine in his and he gives it a squeeze. His touch calms my racing heart and I know this must be a dream, no one is this nice, this gentle, this caring or as perfect as he is.

8- Truth

When she seen Steve running alongside us in the woods and found him beautiful an idea bloomed in my mind. I mind link him, Chris and several others to join him, they all chuckled since they were there just hidden further in the forest to not spook her. Her excitement level soared as more of the wolves joined the run. I pulled onto our access road and stopped the car. She unbuckled her seatbelt and moved closer to me, staring at the wolves. When she talked about Steve being courageous and Chris being strong, I have to admit I was impressed. She was reading the wolves, she even called Leah sweet and knew she was a she and that she liked Chris a lot. I reach my hand out to her, my eyes pleading for her to take it and reluctantly she does. I give it a little squeeze and breath out, I look out to the wolves and they all bow their heads to the car. Charlie watches in amazement and gasps, she looks back at me her eyes wide, "how, how'd you do that?"

I smile, "I'm one of them, actually I'm their Alpha." She pulls her hand from me, her knees rise to her chest, her arms wrap around them pulling them closer to her body, her green eyes flicker to grey as she stares at me. I go to speak but my wolf Ceasar stops me, "wait, her wolf is talking to her and she's actually listening to her."

I watch as Charlie smiles, nods and her arms release her legs, she grabs my hand, "Ceasar is your wolf's name," she whispers to me.

My eyes flash black as Ceasar comes forward, she giggles, "hi Ceasar, I'm Charlie."

I push Ceasar back, "Charlie would you like to see the wolves up close, go out there and watch as they shift back to humans?"

Her body moves closer to me, her eyes never leaving the wolves as her hands grab the dashboard, she leans forward, "yea, I would like to see that," she scrunches her nose up, "will they be naked?"

I chuckle, "well, yes, will that bother you."

She looks at me in shock, "very much, can you tell the boys to cover themselves, I don't want to see their private parts."

I smile as I look at my pack mates, "no problem, my love."

Again, her head snaps towards me, she looks at my face like she's reading it then turns back to the wolves. "So how are you going to tell them?"

I look at my pack, "well through our minds, it's just one of the gifts having a wolf gives you, I think of who I want to talk to and bam I'm in their head, it's kind of like your wolf Charlie, the voice in your head, she's your wolf."

She snaps her head to me, "wolf, naw, it's just me being crazy, like this dream I'm in right now."

My brows crease, "Charlie I assure you your wide awake my love, this is the truth of who you are, what you are, what we all are."

She eyes me warily and then nods, "okay."

I point forward and she looks at the wolves, she watches in amazement as they all begin to shift into human form, all the men do their best to cover their fronts with their hands. Her eyes widen as she watches and she squints, she bounces in the seat, "that's Steve and that's Chris, she claps her hands together and looks at me, "okay get out and turn into Ceasar, I want to see your wolf."

I snicker at her, "demanding aren't you?"

I open the door and step out, I stand behind the open door and begin undressing. Her eyes widen at me, "Woah, what are you doing?"

"Uhm, saving my clothes, unless you want me driving with you in the car naked," I arch my brow to her.

Her face flushes red and she smirks at me, "okay, you have a point." I remove my shirt and her eyes take me in, her tongue flicks out and she licks her lips. I pull off my sweatpants and throw them ontop of the car. I move to the front of the car as she steps out, I get on all fours and shift into Ceasar. She moves from the door and stumbles backwards as she looks up at Ceasar, "WHOA, your huge," Ceasar sits in front of her and bows his head down, she reaches up and runs her hand threw his black fur, she whispers, "you're so soft Ceasar." Ceasar moves closer to her, his head lowers to her face, she giggles, "I see a leader who possess great strength, bravery, compassion," she creases her brows and shakes her head, "I also see a ruthless warrior who shows no mercy." Ceasar puffs out his chest and she goes back to the front of the car, "please change back to a human." Her hand stokes through my fur as she passes mumbling, "I hope I remember this when I wake up or come out of this coma."

She heads towards the pack and I mind link Steve and Chris, "she thinks she dreaming or in a coma, fuck." I shift back, grab my pants and pull them on.

I walk towards her as she talks to Steve, "your wolf is beautiful, I hope I remember all this."

He smiles at her, "Charlie you're not dreaming," he waves around at all the people, "it's real, shall I pinch you for you to understand it's real."

I growl at him, "don't even think about laying a finger on her Gamma."

Charlie backs up away from me and stops, tears fall from her eyes, "I think it's ending and I don't want to face the reality," she hits ground on her knees.

I fall in front of her, cupping her face and pull it up to meet mind, "Charlie what's wrong?"

She frowns, "I feel pain, in my stomack."

Ceasar growls in my head, "her wolf is pushing for the shift, she's afraid that if she doesn't shift now, Charlie will crack."

I scoop Charlie into my arms, "you're going to be fine Charlie, I just need to get you inside our borders, I look at Chris take the car back home, Leah come with me please. I run into the border and set her down in an open field of wild flowers. She screams in pain, I shake my head, "this isn't good."

Leah removes her shoes and socks, then moves to take her pants off and Charlie swats at her hands, "no, please, just let me die with some dignity."

I look at Charlie and her eyes are tightly shut, I lean over her, placing my hand on her arm, "my love your shifting into your wolf, you're not going to die."

She doesn't move, nor open her eyes, her breathing slows, Leah looks at me, "keep your hand on her Alpha, your helping with the pain."

Leah goes back to unbutton her pants, but this time, Charlie whispers, "don't look at me please, I can smell you," a tear falls from the corner of her eye and I pull her head into my lap. Leah removes her pants and gasps. Charlie's body begins to contort, but she doesn't make a sound, I stay in place as long as I can as I watch white fur come out of her skin, her bones begin to crack and realign, I move her head off me and step back, the scream that leaves her mouth is heartbreaking as her shirt rips off her, Leah grabs the head band off and tears flow out of her eyes, as she looks at the bold spots on her head.

After another ear shattering scream, Chalie completes her transformation, her white wolf lays on the ground not moving, her breathing is ragged, her tongue hangs out of the corner of her mouth. I move to her side, stroking her fur, "well hello mate, aren't you the prettiest she-wolf I've ever seen."