"Kronos... why couldn't I save them?" I cried, clinging onto his shirt.

It had been about two weeks since the funeral but I had deep regrets about my pack members deaths. As their Luna, I was responsible to keep them safe. I wonder how Kronos felt during this as well? He was the alpha after all.

I sobbed into his shirt, creating a wet stain from the amount of tears I cried.

No matter how much time had passed, I couldn't forget how helpless I felt. Laura died in my arms. Nick was out of my reach. Macy... I wasn't even there for. And the baby... the poor baby pup. They didn't even have a chance at life.

Tears pricked my eyes more as I angrily thought to myself how much I hated Fortrista.

My mate, who listened to my whimpers, could only hold me. He caressed my head, snuggling me. It's as if he was telling me it was going to be okay and that he was here for me, no matter what.

He continued to kiss the top of my head, his hand twirling circles on my back.

My cries soon turned into hiccups, as I managed to mutter out, "It's funny... because when I resumed the position of Luna, I never thought things would be like this." I blinked, sniffling. "You know, I try to pretend things are okay. Because if I pretend I'm okay, then others won't be worried about me. If I pretend I'm not scared, then others won't be scared as well. It's so hard to pretend everything is okay, Kronos."

He was silent, nodding as he kissed me on the forehead. I leaned into him, relying on the comfort of my own mate. It was funny, because it's usual me whose comforting Kronos. Now, it's the other way around.

No matter how you looked at it, we have come a long way together as mates.

I smiled at this, snuggling further into my mate. In the arms of my beloved mate, it wasn't long before I drifted to sleep, welcoming the darkness as it pulled me under.

***

I woke up to the sound of whimpers, my senses high on alert. It was in the middle of the evening, the dawn of light hasn't even broke.

Looking to my right, I realized the sounds were coming out of Kronos. We had been sleeping next to one another since the bond between mates are too strong. It felt lonely during the evenings, and the bond was setting in place, making it unbearable to not be next to one another.

I peered over his face, studying him. Small tears pricked the corners of his eyes, while sweat formed on his forehead.

Instinctively, I extended my hand into his hair, caressing it. I was sure that he could feel the sparks, because instantly, his whines were no more. Kronos had calmed down, eventually, he was snoring quietly.

You could tell he was having a nightmare from his trauma. Even if he wrote he was fine, he never really was.

Saying you're fine when you're really not, is one of the most common lies people say. It's almost as if they say that hoping to convince others, but deep down, they really want someone to notice their pain; to hug them as they cry and tell them everything is going to be okay. The thing is, fear holds them back. They're afraid that their problems will trouble others, so they rather keep it to themselves.

I moved closer to Kronos, pecking him on the cheek. He softly smiled, snuggling into my neck.

Sighing out, I ask myself, how broken are you Kronos?

***

"Kronos?"

It was 11:33am, and Kronos was nowhere to be found. Seems like I slept in, because it was almost the afternoon. Was I that tired? I don't recall doing anything that exhausting.

Clicking my tongue, I reluctantly get out of bed and peer out the window. To my surprise, I see the whole pack in formation. Kronos just in front of them in a parade rest position.

He mind linked an order, and everyone scurried to do push ups. Looks like they were currently doing warm-ups, I may as well join them.

Sprinting towards the bathroom, I do my morning routine. Afterwards, I trot downstairs and outside; joining Kronos.

Kronos welcomed me with a warm smile, taking my hand before placing a small kiss on it. Holy hell, when did he learn to be like this?

It seemed like the bond was making it harder for him too, since having a unmarked female, a mate of that, was difficult to get through the day when other unmated males stare at what's yours.

Kissing me on the forehand, especially in front of the pack, was another way to show others that I'm claimed. Kronos moved a little further, kissing my nape of my neck.

This caused me to flush with warmth and I felt Rain pushing me to take him then and there but I ignored her.

Why do Alphas have to be so possessive? You have to admit though, they're hot when they're angry.

I giggle quietly, making Kronos rise an eyebrow in curiosity. His face was slightly red but he seemed pleased.

Turning our attention back to the pack, we realized that they were staring at nothing in particular. They seemed embarrassed, watching their Alpha and Luna interact intimately.

Taking a peak to my left, I see the sweet Kronos become blank, a serious expression replacing the one I adore.

I bit the inside of my cheek, following along. Kronos nudged me, motioning me to do another order as Luna. We were training for any upcoming battles, to be prepared for any unexpected attacks.

"All right everyone, since we just did warm ups, let's have a pack run in human form shall we?"

Groans of disapproval were heard, but others were agreeing with what I suggested. To the ones that disagreed, my eyes narrowed at each and every one of them. Staring them in the eye, but all looked away, not wanting to stare at a leaders eye too long.

They knew looking at them in the eye was a sign of challenging their position, or rather authority.

I growled out, my command rolling out in waves, "Macy, as well as Laura and Nick, were warriors that protected this pack. Are you going to let more of your loved ones die just because you were too weak to fight back? Or are you going to train and get stronger, to protect yourself and those you love?"

That seemed to catch their attention, because they all started to get in line, getting ready to run. Kronos went in front of the line, watching out for anyone. While I, on the other hand, was situated in the back.

On the countdown, we all ran. Running for 30 laps was rough, but we're werewolves for a reason.

As I stopped to take a breath, I start to feel uneasy. Almost as I was being watched. Scanning my surroundings, I see a wolf hiding behind the tree. Just before I'm about to shout, it takes off, leading no scent behind to follow.

Kronos stops running and tells the others to continue, pacing himself right next to me.

He takes out his notepad and writes, 'We're being watched, aren't we?'

My eyes twitched, but glad that my mate knows me well. I nodded firmly, "Yes, and I'm sure that's not all Fortrista has up her sleeve. Be on your guard."

He agreed, staring off in the same direction to where the wolf took off.

As we both stared off in the distance, we only knew that they hid their scents due to the fact they have vampires in their army.

And it wasn't gonna get any easier.