It didn't take long for the familiar seven men of Alpha Slater's personal inner circle to come rushing in. It was chaotic. They immediately investigated every inch of the room. They communicated in low, rapid sentences. I noted some Recruits had entered the room, accompanying their E.S trainer. They practically blanched at the scene.

Amongst the mix, there was Kian, Jace, Ace, Casey, and Pen.

Jace and Ace took in the scene with grim faces. Kian looked only slightly bored surveying the room. His attention was glued on the beheaded body lifelessly sprawled on the floor. There was no sentiment in his gaze. There was also Casey who seemed like she was going to vomit all over her sparkly heeled boots. Pen was staring at the scene with something akin to horror. The apple of her cheeks matched the bright shade of her pink highlights.

After Jamison and Luka appeared in the doorway, it was only seconds before the room began to fill up.

Everyone noticed the headless body but didn't utter a word concerning it.

Their priority was to their Alpha first.

I stayed tucked in the corner, watching someone dart back and forth occasionally. There was also Alpha Slater himself who stood in the centre of the room, talking to his men in a calm tone like he hadn't been attacked minutes earlier. The air around him was sizzling with authority and no one dared to inquire why the hell I was there. They of course saw me, but they didn't say anything. I gathered their interest was taken by the lifeless limbs sprawled on the floor.

While Alpha Slater spoke, no one seemed all that bothered that he was half naked and giving out orders in such a state. He retained his arrogant poise while he gestured for his men to dispose of the decapitated wolf.

Since I felt useless standing in the corner, I planned to make myself useful elsewhere.

I didn't get far because Alpha Slater called out, "Recruit."

Sure, I was aware that he could be calling for another Recruit, but it was more of a gut reaction that made me pause mid stride.

Conversation ceased in the room almost immediately at his voice.

I paused, "Yes Alpha?" I asked, a little wary. Maybe he was going to admonish me for barging into his room or having the balls to knock down his door. I inwardly winced, seeing its shredded state in my peripheral. Therefore, I braced readily. I may have closed my eyes tightly in expectation, but nothing came.

It was then that I heard him release a protracted sigh, "Thank you."

My eyes widened. I had not been expecting that. "W-What?"

"You beheaded that changeling before it could do some serious damage. So, you have my gratitude. You helped me."

Somewhat disturbed by his gratitude, I just nodded-like a stupid bobble head. What more could I do? The Alpha himself was thanking a mere Recruit like myself. All I could do was accept it.

I think it was safe to say that I wouldn't have minded if another red-eyed crazy changeling lunged into the room. At least I'd redeem my dignity by tearing it to shreds- if I could, that is.

He didn't seem to want to say anything else, so I mentally perused his body for any injuries. I felt a little responsible for his well-being since I was training to be a future E.S Enforcer. It would soon be part of my job description to protect this man, so it was like an inherent instinct to check him for any wounds.

There were a few small cuts here and there but the worse was the slit on his bicep, where the thin slash was still bleeding, staining his towel a crimson shade. "You're still injured." I pointed out.

It didn't look like it was from the changeling's claws.

He gave his wound an indifferent assessment. "I'll get the Pack Healer on this."

"Will you be okay?" I found the words spilling from my lips before I could pull them in.

He stared me in the eye. It was unnerving but I felt like I had to keep the contact. I didn't understand the way he was looking at me, as if I just said something that startled him. I could be imagining things, but his expression took on a softer look when he replied, "I'll be fine." He replied roughly.

"Good." I grinned.

"Mmm." He held eye contact for a moment longer before Emrys called for his attention.

***

The clothes were skin-tight. It was a wonder I didn't suffocate myself. It was plain black and where my knees and elbows were, the material was harder, like it was padded. The rest of the material was thick and waterproof, accentuating every dip and curve on my body. It reminded me of something Black Widow would wear, just less sexy.

Sunset was approaching and Alpha Slater was waiting for me downstairs.

I wasn't just nervous. I was really nervous.

The Alpha and I.

Scary business.

While I tugged up the zips running along the sides of the body suit, I quickly braided my hair to keep it secured. I tucked the end in the back of the thick material. I added a dab of balm onto my lips and did a fast assessment of my reflection.

With my hair out of my face, I could see how much I resembled Ma. My Ma was beautiful though. Her eyes held more joy. She had laugh lines. She moved like a seasoned gymnast and the grace of a ballet dancer.

I didn't linger on my reflection since the alarm rang. I deactivated the device before I left the room.

Time to go.

I pushed outside my temporary bedroom and practically hopped the way down. There was no one hanging around to witness my jittery nerves, but I knew there were some people still loitering around the house.

On the porch, there was only Alpha Slater. There was no sight of an Enforcer in sight. This meant that Jamison had obeyed the Alpha's command and disallowed his men to follow them out of Pack Territory.

Since his back was facing me, I thought he hadn't sensed my presence. Therefore, I examined him without restrain.

Like me, he too was also donned in an athletic dark fitted suit. Not a peep of skin from below his neck was exposed as he had calf-length combat boots tied with black strings and gripping gloves that hugged every capable finger attached to his palm, ending neatly at his wrists.

His chains were wrapped around his forearms as usual. Not a speck of blood stained the metal or manifested any damage to denote of yesterday's attack.

The suit further outlined his broad shoulders, narrow waist and his tight buttoc-

"It's considered improper to check one's ass." He commented, still not turning around.

"Funny, I was admiring the pot of plants on the rails."

He slowly peered over his shoulder. His colourless eyes held mine and the corner of his lips tilted up for the shortest second. My attention snapped to it, but the tilt soon dissolved into a thin line. "Let's go."

I checked our perimeter, assuming there had to be an Enforcer following us. I kept an eye out but I didn't feel my neck prickle with awareness.

It truly felt like we were alone.

Aside from the lack of protection, it seemed like the Shadow Hunters Pack were out more than usual. Hell, it looked like the whole Pack was out.

Once they caught sight of Alpha Slater walking in their midst, every single person acknowledged him with a low head tilt or a shy grin. Not a single person bypassed him. They all wanted to greet him. There were men who shook his hand and talked a little with him. The women in the Pack attacked him with hugs. I was surprised since he didn't push them away, but he didn't return it either. He merely did that awkward pat on the back thing with them before they disappeared. The children were more curious. It was interesting to note that not one child was feared or intimidated by his massive stature and stoic exterior. They either offered a timid smile or paused to gawk at him.

I chuckled when one girl had done just that. She was with her dad, but Alpha Slater had caught her full attention. It was adorable the way her jaw slightly unhinged, revealing a gap between her teeth where her new ones would soon settle in.

Alpha Slater felt her round-eyed stare because his gaze dropped to her. He offered a subtle head nod.

Her eyes brightened. Her dad simply patted her head while they continued on their way.

Once we passed through the thick of the crowd, I dared to slip into stride with him. He moved with long, swift strides but I was determined enough to keep pace.

The noise and buzz of the crowd faded just as the last amber light of the sun disappeared in the lieu of us.

"Is there something happening today?" I asked. He couldn't have missed the unusual number of his Pack members strolling outside.

"Full Moon." He replied.

"Okay...what does that have to with them being outside?" When all I received was silence, I worried that I may have stepped over a line I shouldn't have.

I knew what the Full Moon signified but my Pack did not see it than anything other than a normal day. The Full Moon was not celebrated in the Blue Cave Pack. There were very few mated pairs in the Pack but each of the mated couples that had been declared bonded had large timelines between each mating.

The last mating pair that had occurred in the Pack was between Ma and Alpha Bennett. Ever since, there had been no more mating bonds that fell in the Blue Cave Pack. It was terrible, considering people blamed Ma for the curse but there was so much to her story, I still didn't know the full one.

We continued walking and eventually, Alpha Slater did speak, albeit reluctantly.

"My Pack like to be outside for the first night of the Full Moon. When the Moon is at its highest peak amongst the heavens, a mating bond will occur. It's a special event among my Pack and they like to congratulate the new couple when it happens."

"What if the mating bond happens in another Pack?"

"Doesn't matter. They'll stay outside and if there is no mated pair in the Pack, they'll return inside their homes until the next Full Moon."

"Are there any mated pairs in your Pack?"

"A few."

He didn't clarify and I didn't ask him to. It was an intentional omission. He was right to hold important information like that to himself. I was merely a stranger to the Pack. Even knowing this, that ache in my chest made itself known. It surprised me that I'd be affected by this. I quickly buried the ache under a case of hardness. I had to seal away any weaknesses. So, I did.

Once we were out of range from the Pack, Alpha Slater abruptly paused and whipped around. His eyes went up to the nearest tree and he growled, "Get out of that damn tree Zaine!"

I stiffened and followed Alpha Slater's gaze. I hadn't sensed him one bit and it bothered me, especially when the tree rustled and a boy who looked about twelve leaped out, landing in a crouched position.

He had dark green eyes, blonde shoulder-length hair and a scar that bisected his right brow.

When he straightened, he focused on me. His eyes narrowed like I was the nastiest turd he ever set his eyes on. He looked downright infuriated. "Who gives you the right to be alone with Alpha Slater?!"

Well then.

"Hello Zaine." I replied calmly, instead of 'Well, up yours too son!'

His face pinched in disgust, turning red.

"Don't talk to me!" He demanded, slashing his hand like a war general.

"Ummm."

"Stupid bitch."

"That's enough." Alpha Slater snapped. He stepped in front of me and blocked Zaine from my sight. "What are you doing here Zaine? We're near the borders and I know your Ma will be outta her mind if she knows you are here."

"But you're going somewhere with her!" He pointed at me, eyes pissed, and chin set in a stubborn tilt.

"What I do is none of your business Zaine. I'm going hunting with her. I need her to do something for me."

"But she might kill you!" The heat of his glare made me perk my brow in amusement. It was interesting he thought I could manage to defeat his powerful Alpha. I guess Alpha Slater noticed the inadvertent insult and placed two steady hands upon his bony shoulders.

"No one can kill me kid." He said adamantly. "Do you think I'll let someone lay a hand on me?"

A defeated sigh came from the boy, "I still don't want the bitch near you." He said softly with less vigour.

"Stop with the dirty language. Pack or no Pack, you don't ever call a woman a bitch. Your Ma will clean your mouth with soap if she finds out."

Zaine made a grumbling sound.

"Now, go home."

"But-"

"Enough Zaine. What you did tonight was dangerous. I'll be talking to your Ma tomorrow."

"No, you can't. She'll take my games away-"

"You know the consequences Zaine. You do something wrong, there's a consequence. There's a law given, that means there's punishment kid. You broke a rule, you deal."

At that, the boy went quiet. Alpha Slater examined the dark point beyond the tree and made a whistling sound. It was only seconds when Solkolov with the man-bun and Alexei appeared from the dark bushes. They took one look at a pouting Zaine and scowled in unison.

"You stupid, stupid boy." Alexei hissed and grabbed Zaine's arm.

"Make sure Tess knows what he did."

"Of course." Solkolov who I wasn't well acquainted with nodded. He looked at me briefly, before he left with Alexei and Zaine in tow.

When all three were gone from sight, Alpha Slater sighed, loud and long. There was a new tension in his body. He looked extremely pissed and tired.

I followed his gaze to the stars above our heads.

He stared intently at them with a far-away look.

"We can do this another day." I offered softly. I didn't know what he was thinking but I knew whatever it was, it troubled him.

He breathed deep, and when he turned around, he was back to being the detached Alpha Slater I knew. "No, we do this tonight." He pushed pass me without a single glance back to make sure I was following.

***

We crossed the border.

I stayed a couple of paces behind Alpha Slater, scouting the area attentively. I kept my movements light, and quiet. We didn't speak much but we both were in tune with our surroundings.

We ran a lot and climbed a few trees to scout the terrain below from a higher viewpoint. It made no difference because I wasn't sensing a single thing.

There would be the odd crow of a nocturnal bird, a rustle of leaves, a snap of a twig and light scampering noises but none of which produced an eerie sensation to alarm either of us.

We did this for hours.

Searching and searching.

Until we simply came up with nothing.

Tonight, there was no red-eyed changeling in sight.

I felt a light sheen of sweat form on my forehead and wiped it off with my sleeve. I was tired, hungry, and sleepy but I kept my complaints to myself.

No good Enforcer complained.

We continued for another full hour before Alpha Slater called it quits.

I could tell he hated to pull the plug on the search, but he had no choice. We had no leads. We had been wondering around aimlessly. We were only going to wear ourselves out. I could feel myself growing sleepy.

Alpha Slater paused and took a deep inhale before blowing the air out. His breath stirred the air in foggy tendrils.

"We'll be back until the nights are no longer filled with a Full Moon." He announced, looking somewhere in the sky.

I acquiesced with a nod and enjoyed the cool breeze that felt like nirvana on my hot skin. The suit felt sticky against me now that I was drenched in sweat. I couldn't wait to have a shower.

Feeling the cold wisps of the breeze caress my cheekbones, I let my gaze drift to the fullness of the moon. I always thought the moon was mysterious- a glowing orb of light made to lead us home when the blanket of night fell upon the land.

Tonight, the moon felt closer. I don't know why but it did. Maybe because it looked so big and lonely in the sky amongst the other givers of lights.

The cool breeze danced across my skin once more, like a graze of a silky feather.

I stood still and fell into the hypnotic sway of the trees.

The forest dimmed into a calm silence and the trees slowly stopped rustling. The breeze stilled and suddenly the scent of pine and frost filled the air in a potent mist with that warm hint of liquor and leather. I couldn't help myself and breathed deep, letting the fragrance linger in my nose. The familiar mixture of pine and frost always reeled me in. Tonight however, the earthy scent washed over me in a thick, potent wave.

I felt something inside me abruptly snap, splintering into a million little pieces. I violently jerked back with a stifled gasp. For a second, I felt suspended in air, lost, and confused.

A feral growl ripped through the night.

My body lost the temporary numbness and my tendons twitched as feeling returned in fluttering tingles that somehow felt equally euphoric and wild.

Perplexed, I turned my head and found glowing eyes intently trained on me.

They weren't red.

They resembled the fierceness of warring thunderclouds.

And they were hungry.