I glanced at my reflection in a nearby creek. Rough did not even begin to describe the way I looked. I had huge dark circles under my eyes from lack of sleep and wind blown motorcycle hair.

I ran my hands through my hair in a vain effort to tame it. I had spent most of the night jammed up tight against Rook's chest and every time I tried to move to get a little more comfortable, he'd pull me back towards him.

I stopped the useless attempt of trying to make myself presentable. Since when did I care how to looked. I was not exactly a girly girl, I'd spent my entire life in the presence of men and rarely gave two nickels about the way I looked, but ever since meeting Rook, I discovered that I cared a little more about my appearance.

Rook stepped out of the woods, completely clothed in clean clothes. My stomach did a little flop at the way he looked. He had on blue jeans that hugged all the right places, a tight fitted black tee and a leather jacket. His hair was messy, but on him it looked mouth watering. How was he capable of looking so good first thing in the morning?

I glanced at my reflection one last time with a sneer. I was oblivious to the fact that Rook walked up behind me and was kneeling behind me.

"You look beautiful." He purred, his warm breath tickling my ear.

"Yeah right. I look like a hot mess." I scoffed

"I still want to tear your clothes off with my teeth." His voice rumbled low in his chest and my insides melted.

I turned and looked at him, even though I was sure, my cheeks were flushed by what he just said. He smiled at me, still kneeling in front of me and ran his large palm across my cheek.

"Wear this for me."

I gasped as he held out a rose gold ring with a huge black diamond in the center, haloed by small white diamonds. My mouth was wide in awe as he slipped it on my finger.

"How did you just happen to have this and why does it fit me perfectly?" I asked in skepticism.

"You ask too many questions." He said as he stood, pulling me up with him.

He encased me in his arms and I was instantly comforted by his warmth and scent.

"Just wear it. I want to make sure everyone who sees you knows that you are taken."

"I thought wolves did that with scent, not rings. Isn't the whole engagement ring thing a human tradition." I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Again, you ask too many questions." He said, kissing me on my forehead and walking away from me to give further instructions to his pack.

I marveled at the ring as the diamonds danced in the sunlight. I couldn't believe he got me a ring. Its unusual beauty had me in awe. I had never seen anything quite like it. It was perfect, just like he was for me. I watched him from behind as he readied his men for what lied ahead. Maybe I could have a happily ever after. Probably not, but a girl could dream couldn't she, at least for a little while.

I walked up behind him as the pack broke away one, by one to do the bidding of their alpha.

"You ready for this?" He asked as I came to react by his side.

"I'm always ready." I smiled up at him as we started towards the Northern's pack compound.

A howl ripped through the air and had my muscles tensing.

"They know we are here now. They are announcing our arrival."

Rook reassured me, but his reassurance did nothing to calm my nerves. I would feel one hundred times better if I was strapped from head to toe with my weapons, but that was not an option.

We walked right into the compound without anyone trying to stop us. The Northern's home was very different from Rook's. It was much more enclosed and reminded me of a prison, I did not like it at all.

The lycans that were closest to the entrance all turned and looked our way. Some were terrified and fled, while others watched in fascination. Rook stood a little taller and carried himself with an air of authority that made all the other wolves bow and scrape.

My sharp eyes scanned the premises looking for any threats and familiarizing myself with the surroundings.

"Rook, it's been a long time."

A lovely, young she wolf walked in front of Rook, blocking his path. Her familiarity with him and her sheer beauty had me wanting to rip her head from her shoulders. Wait, was I jealous? I didn't like the feeling and I didn't like her.

"Diana." He addressed her shorty.

"Tell Alpha Thornton that I would like a word with him as soon as possible." Rook said and attempted to walk around her, but she blocked his path.

"A lot has changed since you were last here. Alpha Thornton is dead."

Rook eyes met hers after she said this.

"Then I will speak to his son, Andrew."

"Andrew isn't the alpha either. He was challenged and lost to Keller."

I watched Rook for any type of reaction to what Diana said, but as usual, he schooled his emotions and I was completely unable to read him at all. I assumed this news was not what he had been expecting from the way the conversation was going, but I couldn't tell if it was good or bad.

"Then, I'll speak to him." Rook said in a dismissive tone.

"Whose this?" Diana stopped Rook from stepping around her again, this time by drawing attention to me.

"My mate." He answered, placed his palm against the small of my back and ushered me around her.

As we passed, I didn't miss the hurt and hate that was in her eyes and I fully intended on asking Rook about her later when we were alone. This seemed like much more than just a mate hungry she wolf.

"Gunner."

Rook spoke low, signaling for one of his pack members to come forward. Gunner quickly approached and bent his head towards Rook in an effort to hear his hushed tone.

"Ready the pack. This whole situation just went to hell in a hand basket."