Sand turned to soil, cactus turned to real trees as we disappeared completely from the Desert Sun Pack and returned to the familiar forests and shrubbery.

Our drive home was coming to an end, the hostile energy that had been radiating from Xander completely dormant now. In fact, he was calm, his hands moving swiftly over the steering wheel as we took another turn.

Suddenly, Alexander stopped the car, right in the middle of the empty road. I noticed it immediately, another mind link. I turned off the radio, leaving us in complete silence until he blinked, washing away the doe-eyed look and proceeding to restart the car.

"What was it?" I asked, "Has something happened?"

"Oh somethings happened alright," He growled. "My parents have arrived."

His parents. I remember when I had first arrived, part of our three-month bargain was to meet his parents when they arrived towards the end of our deal. I never heard much about the previous Alpha and Luna, their reputations kept quiet during my younger years. Of course, now, I've heard of the great similarities between father and son. The Luna, however, seemed to carry through the rumours that circled Bloodlust. Some say she's the reason for those rumours in the first place. A true warrior, a killer.

I furrowed my brows, "And how is that a bad thing?"

He ran a hand over his forehead, "It's not really, I was just expecting them to be here slightly later. And especially after all that... I'm just not sure I want to deal with them."

I looked out the window, "It's already late, by the time we get back to Bloodlust I doubt there will be anyone left awake. We can leave them until the morning if that makes it any easier."

His face hardened, "That's what we're doing. Farren said that they'll be organising a lunch for tomorrow, we just won't make any effort to see them before then.

"See? Problem solved." I said assuringly, running a finger over the back of his hand. "Just stay calm, alright?"

I turned the radio back on and leaned my head against the back of the seat, simply wishing that this car ride was over.

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By the time we arrived back in Bloodlust, it was pitch black, accompanied by a deadly silence. I could see a few of the cars that had been arrived before us waiting in the open area, but nothing more than that.

Alexander took the car and continued driving it to the other side of the pack, neatly parking it in front of the house. The windows were black, with not one light on in the entire building. I slowly moved out of the passenger seat, sliding myself down and landing my feet in the grass.

The adrenaline had completely worn off now, pain easily spreading over certain areas of my body. I inwardly swore, I would have to check and treat those as soon as possible. I limped around the car, grabbing onto the rails as I climbed up the stairs to where Alexander was waiting, fiddling around trying to get his key into the locked door. As I reached the top, the door swung open, only revealing the dark, empty household.

Alexander grabbed onto my arm lightly, leading me through the hallway and up the stairs. Eventually, he wrapped his arms around my torso and lifted me up, holding me carefully in his arms as we made it to the bedroom.

He flicked on the light, causing me to look away for a moment before adjusting.

Alexander started to look over me again, "I think, unsurprisingly, you have some minor burns. Other than that, I just think a lot of bruising, maybe some internal as well."

I looked over my arms. All I needed was a shower, shower and then bed. The leather seemed to be stuck to my skin as if it were a part of me.

"Do you mind helping me with this?" I mumbled tiredly, "It's like it's stuck to my skin, an nd I honestly don't even feel like trying.

I needn't say more. This position felt familiar, his hands on my waist, fingers on my back undressing me. But it was different this time. As I had expected, the leather was suctioned to my skin. It would have been impossible for me to try and get this off myself, but Xander found it easy, bringing down the suit and leaving me almost naked. He undid the back clasp of my bra but left it at that.

"Thank you," I whispered, not even looking at him before I walked into the shower and let it close behind me.

I pulled off my bra and underwear as I looked into the mirror. A thin layer of grime and sweat coated my entire body, causing me to scrunch my nose. Tiredly, I undid my hair, sighing at the relief of pressure. I left it unbrushed as I stepped into the shower, turning the knobs and letting the ice-cold water flow. It was heavenly, and yet it felt like a blur. I could barely stand up straight, let alone register what I was doing.

I ran a bar of soap and scrubber over my body as quickly as I could, washing away any remnants of dirt or blood.

When I eventually stepped out of the shower, a black t-shirt was strung over the back of the toilet. I quickly dried myself before throwing the shirt over my body, revelling in its comfort.

When I stepped out, the only light in the room was the lamp on the bedside table, casting over an eery glow.

Alexander, already lying under the covers, looked up. Once he saw me, he grabbed the other edge of the blanket and pulled it back, ready for me to jump in.

"Did you want to shower?"

"I already went in the spare bathroom," He answered, "Come on, no more talking."

I couldn't agree more. I slid my legs underneath the quilt and dragged it up to cover my body.

I was asleep the moment my head touched the pillow.

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I woke up to bright light, shining through the window. A perfect sunny day. My muscles were stiff as I swung away from the quilt, trying to move out from the bed and onto the floor. The door was cracked open ever so slightly, meaning that I had probably woken up to the sound of Xander leaving the room.

I wasted no time, moving from the room and down the stairs into the kitchen. When I peeked my head through, the only people there was Harmony and Myra.

"Morning," I yawned, taking a seat on the bench next to Harmony. Her eyes widened as she finished her sip.

"Cassandra! How are you?" She said loudly, eyes wide. "I'm sorry, Xander sent us away almost the moment we got out of the stadium after it..."

"It was all broadcasted," Myra added, "We watched the whole thing unfold on the tv, it just came out of nowhere."

"It did," I nodded in agreement, "But I'm fine. Any injuries I had healed overnight, the worst thing is, I'm just a bit stiff. But I'll be fine. Where are the others?"

"Farren's still asleep," Myra hummed, "And Xander disappeared to his office, but he said he'll be back down in about half an hour. Guessing he just needs to do some early morning damage control." She pushed me a steaming cup of earl grey.

I took asleep, "Most likely. It feels like the sort of occasion that he'll be trying to fix for months before we can finally shove it under the carpet."

"So, did you hear that the in-laws have arrived?" Harmony brought up.

"Oh I did," I responded. "Farren sent us a mind link during the drive back. I thought Zander was going to have a stroke."

"They've organised a lunch, out at their place. I think the plan is for the four of us to head over around eleven." Myra explained. "It won't be for more than two hours."

I ran a hand over my forehead, "Goddess, If I didn't promise Alexander, I would run away to the forest for the day."

Harmony made a sound of agreement, "If I had been invited too, I think that I would be begging to come with you. Goddess, Samara is unbearable."

Myra snorted, "Don't I know it, last time she came around, Harmony was told that she might as well kill herself since being a human in a wolf's world would end up with the same ending anyway. On our first meeting, she asked me just what spell and concoction I used to turn her daughter gay. She's unbearable."

I stared down at my half-empty mug. "I'm excited already." I spared a glance to the clock, quietly ticking on the wall. It was only nine.

I cleared my throat, "Any idea where Cora and Ti are?"

A pause, "Second floor I believe, out in the west wing? Their rooms are right next to each other. Harveys gone out for the morning but unless things have changed since last night, they both should still be there." Harmony informed.

I stood up from my seat. "Tell Farren I said good morning, I'll be back down in a bit."

I moved from the kitchen and into the second floor, walking down until I reached the bedrooms that I knew were being filled.

I rasped my fist against the door until it quickly moved beneath me. Cora let out a sigh,

"Oh thank goodness, come in." She ushered, "Quick as you can, I'll get Ti."

Adjacent rooms, a thick wall and a door separating them, Cora ran over and ripped open the door, Ti running in only a moment later.

She wrapped me up in a quick hug, "What an interesting turn of events, huh?"

"Oh don't I know it," I whispered back.

Cora seated herself in a lounge chair, while Ti and I took a spot at the end of her bed.

"We were watching you know," Cora said, "The Games, and when everything set on fire, the whole thing was turned off, we had no idea-"

"I held my own, you know that." I joked, but the mood instantly changed. "Leo decided to pay a visit."

Ti's eyes went black, "Organisation Leo?"

I nodded my head, "The very one, came to pay me a reminder about the ending of my mission. The leaders are impressed so far."

"What are you going to do? Are your plans unchanged?" Cora asked.

I paused. "Yes, I'll be leaving within the next few days, earlier if I can. Hopefully, I'll be in a situation where I can alert you first, but you never know. Things will be moving quickly."

"What are you telling Alexander?" Ti inquired, "Will he know?"

A decision that I had barely made up for myself. It would be that simple, telling him everything, so even if something went wrong, a way could be found for me to get home. And yet, putting him in that position, that position of knowing that he would be put it.

Could I trust him?

Yes.

But could I handle the truth being revealed?

"In a way. I'll tell him something has come up, that the issue at the games was caused by the organisation and I need to travel back for a day or two. Promise me, promise that if any of them come asking for information, of any sort, you won't give it to them."

"Of course," Cora said, without hesitation. "We wouldn't dream of it."

"Everything should go to plan, take my things, tie off any loose ends and hand in my formal resignation without being killed." I finished. "I'll keep it quick, be out of there before anything can be done."

Ti grabbed my hand, "If you're sure, then we'll support you. Not a word from us, regardless of how this will all unfold. We have your back."

I grabbed her hand back, "I knew you would be." Another glance at the clock. "I can't stay, Alexander's parents have arrived, their expecting us for a lunch."

A raised brow, "You sound excited."

I rolled my eyes, "I certainly am. But I'll be sure to update you once it's over." I stood up, preparing to walk out. Cora and Ti stood up as well, an uneasy tension in the air.

"It'll all be carried through exactly as planned," I promised them. "I have everything sorted out."

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Alexander's parent's house was about a forty-minute drive from the centre of the pack. Piled in the car with Farren and Myra in the backseat.

"Just my parents, Samara and Prescott. I warn you now, Mother may expect a more formal title. Since I've remained unmated, she's acted as an unofficial Luna figure. Harmony, taking the important jobs of course, but mother's always struggled to let go of the position." Alexander explained. "She should stay civil of course."

Farren snorted, "Hopefully. But Mother has always been a bit of a bitch."

"Farren you can't say that." He warned.

"Oh, I can." She rebutted, "And you'll be saying the same thing when she starts making... comments about your mate."

"Mother will behave herself. I had a discussion with her this morning, and father separately. It will be fine." He assured.

We began the drive into the vicinity of the house, a modernised wooden cottage that was hidden away in the dense forests on the outskirts of the pack. Littered along the way and further down were more houses, built in a similar style.

The gates opened as the car approached, leading us into a spot designated for parking. As I peered out the window, I saw a man, dressed in casual clothing, as if planning to go golfing with salt and pepper hair and a face that looked just like the one beside me. Alexander was the first to jump out, followed by Farren as they both moved towards the man who wasted no time in wrapping his arms around them.

I spared a questioning glance to Myra,

"Prescott is lovely." She assured. "A killer on the battlefield and a God of Destruction in the delegation room, but he loves his family. And I do believe he is the one man on earth who can stand his mate."

"Right," I responded. "Well, come on then. Let us not waste any more time."

I opened up the door of the car, taking my steps carefully as Myra ran from the car and to the man who eagerly treated her the same as he had with his children.

I followed their footsteps, however, approaching much less eagerly.

I set out my hand. "Cassandra Verano, Sir. A pleasure to meet you."

He grabbed onto my hand and tugged me forward. "The pleasure is mine, Alexander has told me a lot about you, more than I've been told by the media."

I stepped back as he loosened his grip.

"Come on, Samara is setting the table as we speak."

He turned around and began the walk up into his house. I grabbed onto Alexander's arm, my heart beating out of my chest as I desperately attempted to remain calm. Out of all the things I have done in my life, this is what was causing the most nerves?

Simple and rustic decoration, accompanied by family portraits, one specifically of Farren and Alexander. A turn led us into a dining room, completely closed off from the rest of the house. It was clear no time was to be wasted, plates of food stacked high to the ceiling, accompanied by pitchers of an assortment of drinks.

At the head of the table was a lady. Tanned skin and brown hair that was tied into a tight, military-style bun at the back of her head. The same dark eyes as Farren ran over me as we entered the room. She rose from her chair,

"Welcome! take a seat dears. I've just finished with the food." She said kindly, ice in her eyes.

Prescott moved and placed a kiss on the side of her cheek before taking the empty seat next to her. I walked forward, grabbing the seat that would take me as far away from her as possible.

"Now darling I don't believe we've met." She started, eyes twinkling. "Luna Samara Cain, your mother-in-law and... predecessor."

I gestured my head, "It would seem so. Cassandra Verano."

"Of course." She said. "Dig in, there is plenty of food."

Alexander made quick conversation with his father, running over the details of the pack and everything that had happened within the past few days. I could hear him focusing on pack alliances, but no more than that.

I stayed silent the whole time, assessing the situation and my surroundings as we slowly made our way through the entirety of the dinner table. However, it was only towards the end, when Samara moved a napkin over her face did she speak to me again.

"Now, Cassandra, tell me about your past. An orphan weren't you? And in detail your... criminal background of course."

My face tightened. "I have no idea what you mean."

A giggle, "No use lying. I am already aware of your previous position and the title that came with it. The tasks you carried out, items you stole, people you killed. My only question is why on earth you even deign to think that you are worthy enough to take my position."

"Your position?" I raised my eyebrow.

She glared, "As the Luna of the Bloodlust pack. While your murderous reputation fits in perfectly with how we portray ourselves as wolves, I'm not particularly happy with how that translates over as a Luna. Should you bash a child as they run up to you? Murder innocent members for fun? There isn't an once of leadership in you and goddess, look at the colour of your skin!" She clicked her tongue, "Much darker than I would have liked. Though certainly better than a black Gamma."

"Samara-"

"No, Prescott. Our generation of leadership has been tainted." She stood up, her voice rising with every word that came spilling out. "I could deal with that human girl, my own daughter mating with another woman because they weren't the face of the pack. Only the... assistants. But now? A... what are you? Middle Eastern? Native American? Some foreign criminal taking over the position that I have held for over a decade and you expect me to be fine?"

"Mother, sit down and be quiet." Alexander hissed, the handles of his chair beginning to splinter under his grasp.

"Shush, Alexander. I advise you to leave my son, Ms Verano. Go back to the slums, I'll have a proper Luna instated as my son's mate." She finished, eyes in a blaze.

I watched Alexander go to move, but I held up my hand.

"I may be some criminal. A woman with a past that would be enough to put me on death row. But at least I'm not you." I pushed out my chair and left the room.

I moved my fingers, my breathing rampant as I tried to eliminate the rage that was festering beneath my skin. Each attempt failed miserably, causing more and more anger to rise.

How dare she, how dare she-

Alexander grabbed onto my arm. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry let's leave. The two of us lets get out of here right now, return to home, Goddess she always does this, Cassandra-"

"No," I whispered, centring myself for just a moment. "You go back in, mending that situation is more important than me-"

"Nothing is more important-"

"You will go back, make peace with your mother, share a word with your father and ensure that Farren leaves the house without murder charges. Ending on a positive note will make cutting her off completely even sweeter."

He paused. "Fine. But I don't want you here anymore. I can't have her say anything else to you. And besides, I doubt you want to be here much longer either."

"You're right. I don't."

He pressed a kiss to my temple before stepping back. I began my walking to the door, face contorted in anger as I could barely contain myself.

"Alexander?" I turned around, catching his attention immediately.

"Yes?"

A moment, just a moment of silence.

"Our three months is up."

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