I woke up screaming.

I was panting and I was sweaty from my tossing and turning. The quilt cover was on the floor and my bed clothes had been torn during my tussle. I cannot remember anything other than screaming. Women screetching at the top of their lungs, their cries pulling me down into darkness. It was terrifying and when I looked around my tent in alarm, I noticed with relief that it was all just a dream or a nightmare. I tested my mind link to RedFang tentatively and noticed my barrier was still up so it could not have been from my old pack. I placed my hand over my erratic heart and tried to slow it down. It was a good thing that it was only a nightmare. I had not used my new link as Luna to look in on them. After all, it was not my place to do so and as an out cast and unwanted Luna, I felt like my push against their minds to see if they were ok would not be well received or welcomed.

I stood up from my bed and began to dress myself. As I left my tent to make my usual journey towards the training grounds I spotted Trevor approaching me and that's when I felt it.

"Ughh.. not again" I groaned.

I tried swinging my arm to remove the pain but it just kept coming back.

"Everything ok"? asked Trevor.

"Yes.... I mean no. Did I injure my shoulder this week during training"? I asked

Trevor pouted as he tried to recall anything but later shook his head in response.

"I didn't think so either". I mumbled.

My one shoulder blade kept sending me short and sharp stabs of pain down my right arm and it was starting to seriously aggravate me.

"Maybe you should take a rest. You have been over working yourself recently and you have made major improvements. Why not help out with the women's training today"? He suggested.

I sighed.

I guess I should take a break. Walking away from the training matt and the Moonlight warriors who were training there, I began to make my way back to the other side of the camp which housed Bloodstone women. I could hear the sounds of metal on metal clinking in the distance and I grinned. The battle cries of the women sent my heart soaring. They were really throwing themselves into this since the loss of their men and I could not help but be proud of them. Each and every one of them trained like their life depended on it. As I rounded the corner I watched from a safe distance as they trained. When the Beta of Moonlight spotted me and ran over to me with a welcoming smile he saluted.

"Luna"

"Eric"..

"I see the women have made improvements"

"They have a good reason to fight and their children's lives are motivation enough"

I nodded

"Indeed they are, has the Luna of Moonlight arrived yet"?

He nodded

"I believe she has already made a start on taking care of the children"

"That's very kind of her, I'll go and speak to her now then".

As I left, the women spotted me and bowed their heads one by one out of respect.

"Luna" they all said in unison.

I continued upon the path towards the childrens tent and spotted the Moonlights warriors standing guard outside. They bowed and lifted the tents flap for me. As I entered I spotted all 14 of the children who had survived Bloodstones attack seated patiently on the floor with their legs crossed in front of them. They were listening intently to an incredible story teller it would seem as I could hear the OOO's and AHH's from the children as they listened to its climax with earnest. With the little rascals attention preoccupied I took the time to asses the Luna of Moonlight who was telling the story. She was a very pretty woman for her age. Long blonde hair which only just showed signs of turning grey. Bright blue eyes and olive tanned skin which complimented her very well. It was hard to guess her age and her animated expressions whilst she told the story made her seem like quite a likeable and joyous character. I waited nervously for her to finish. When a few of the other women whom I presumed to be her friends from her own pack began to entertain the children she spotted me from the corner of the room and gave me a knowing smile. She pointed towards me and approached quickly as if she knew me her entire life. I found myself engulfed in a crippling hug and my eyes widened. When she pulled back, she looked me up and down...

"Let's have a good look at you then"...

She whistled..

"Wow... you are a little stunner aren't you".

I was speechless and she continued..

"No need to be nervous my dear I am so pleased to finally meet you. I know I could never replace your mother, but as your brother's mother, I hope you would turn to me for anything and I want you to know I am here for you".

Her eyes were kind

"Your not angry"?

"Pfttss not at all, you know I also had my true mate before I met your father. When he passed away, Goddess rest his soul, I married your father for the good of the pack, we care for one another like old friends".

I struggled not to get choked up by her complete acceptance of me. She placed her hands on her hips suddenly and she gave me a stern look.

"Now, that son of mine hasnt been giving you any trouble has he"?

I shook my head.

"None at all Luna"

"Oh codswallop, we'll be having none of that. Just call me Skylar" she tutted.

"You know, word around town is that you're the real Luna. A Luna of all Luna's so to speak....

I went to protest but she cut me off..

"I am from Gamma stock you know. Not an ounce of Luna blood in me. I always was envious of real Luna's and I can tell that you'll be the best one of us all".

I sighed with the responsibility I knew was now placed upon me. Luna Skylar noticed this change in me and motioned for me to follow her out of the tent and away from prying ears.

"What Is it dear"

"I have a difficult path ahead of me and I am unsure whether I am best suited for it"

"Well If not you, then who"? She queried.

I shrugged and the pain in my shoulder returned, I hissed.

"Are you In any pain"? She asked.

"No, just a small injury from training. I need to ask a favour of you"

She smiled

"Anything"

"A war is coming and I need every bit of help I can get. The women of Bloodstone are training to help with the effort, but I need their full concentration and support. They can only give me that if they know their children are safe. Can you take them with you back to Moonlight's territory"?

She sighed.

"I thought this might come. Of course. I will take them back with me today they will be safe there you have my word"

"Thank you Skylar".

I paused as I placed my hand on my stomach.

"When all of this through I will need some advice from you i'm sure".

She didn't understand my meaning around the new pup growing in my stomach but she smiled and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"No path is easy, but every obstacle you over come will only make you stronger. Trust in the Goddess and she will guide you".

I nodded and began to turn away from her..

"Luna..."

I turned back.

"Promise me you won't do anything foolish. There is no glory in going down with your enemy. Only outliving them"

I smiled as she returned to the children's tent. When I returned to the womens training grounds I called Beta Eric over to me.

"Inform the women that the children will be sent to Moonlight territory for their own protection. If they wish to join them they may do so and if they choose to fight they will be welcome to stay as well".

I watched him deliver my message to the women and they all left the training grounds to bid their children farewell. I was not expecting any of them to return but one of them did not move at all. I approached her calmly as I watched her practice.

"Your name"?

She stuttered when she saw me.

"El. Ella Higgin's, Luna".

I smiled.

"You were friends with Luna Anya weren't you?"

She looked down towards her sword in thought and I took that as my answer.

"What they did to her, I'll never forget it for as long as I live" she said.

"Then don't, remember it, carry it with you and do everything in your power to make sure it never happens again. It's not just Luna's and Alpha's which can make a difference Ella. Every member of a pack is vital to our survival and success".

She raised her chin and I watched as her tears fell.

"I wish you had been there. She told them you would avenge her and looking at you now, I know you will".

I swallowed the bile in my throat and shook off the tears I knew were forming.

"Let's train together"

Her eyes rounded and I laughed.

"You can't hurt me Ella so don't be afraid".

"Actually, I was more afraid of your Luna power zapping me to death or something..." she said.

We paused and then started laughing together. It was the first time I had laughed since my time with Anya and we both stopped short when we noticed Trevor rushing towards us with haste. His face was serious and the other men in the camp all stopped to watch him race urgently to reach me.

"LUNA"!!!!!

He screamed and my eyes narrowed.

He just stopped in front of me completely out of breath and said..

"Reports of a Vampire on our camps boundaries"

"Where"? I demanded.

"The entrance" He said

"Keep the women and children protected, inform Luna Skylar of the threat also"

He nodded and I spotted Beta Eric approach me..

"Have your strongest men follow me".

He ran to inform his warriors as I held out my hand towards Ella.

"May I"?

I asked as I nodded towards her sword. She willingly handed it over to me and I began running towards the entrance of our camp. The men in the camp waited for me to run passed before joining behind me in my pursuit. When I reached the entrance I was a little more than outraged at what I saw.

A number of emotions ran through me, relief and anger were the most dominant. Standing before me was a worn down Beta Alec and a tall lanky red headed Vampire behind him. His eyes were pleading with my own as I approached. He looked pleased to see me and the Vampire behind him watched us thoughtfully.

"Violet" he said.

I stayed still and raised my hand to the wolves behind me all baiting for blood. They calmed their growling and I stepped forward. Beta Eric attempted to pull me back but I pinned him with an icy glare.

"Alec, I'm happy you're alive" I said.

He sent me a crooked smile and I looked towards the Vampire who stood behind him. He was standing protectively in front of her as our men growled and it was not hard to piece things together when her pale skin bore an angry red mark at the base of her neck. One very similar to my own.

"I can explain..."

I hushed him and I looked directly to the Vampire.

"What is you name"?

"Brie"

"Are you a threat to this pack Brie and all those who reside In it"?

She looked at the back of Alec's head with affection and I was floored to see the emotion there.

"No, I am not".

"Good, because If you ever do become a threat, I will end your life myself".

There was something unusual about her I gathered. She eminated reserved power and I could feel it, but she was holding back. Her eyes leveled with my own and she nodded in understanding.

Alec's eyes were confused by my quick acceptance and I addressed the rest of the pack.

"Beta Alec is a respected warrior of Bloodstone and he will be treated accordingly. Anyone who disobeys this order or harms his mate with have to deal with me". I growled.

My Alpha command moved like waves across the pack and they all had to take a step back with the force of it.

"You cant be serious Luna" cried Beta Eric and just then Gamma Trevor arrived to look between Alec and Brie.

Shoving my swords hilt towards his chest he caught it quickly.

"Try me" I warned.

"See to It that they receive medical attention and ....

I looked to the Vampire again and noted her skeletal frame

"Ensure they have anything else they require also"

Walking away I heard Alec calling to me before I felt his arm placed above my own, halting my advance. Looking up to him I smiled.

"You need to rest, I'll come and find you later"

"Let me explain" he said urgently.

With that he started to sniff the air around me and his eyes widened.

"Your with pup"?

"I guess we really should have that talk" I said.

Looking back to Brie I beckoned her to approach us.

"Bring her with you as well. You shouldn't leave her on her own. Have you offered her your blood?".

I asked.

He flinched.

"See to it she takes it and don't take no for answer. Have Trevor direct you to my tent once you have settled in".

Before moving I gave him a hug.

'I am really pleased to see you again". I said.

When I turned I noted that Brie was staring at the ground. She knew of Alec's crush on me and that was something I was going to have deal with later on. I approached her slowly and placed my arm on her shoulder. She looked alarmed but I gave her a warm smile.

"You are welcome here and no harm will come to you by my kind as long as I live".

"Youre a white wolf aren't you"? She asked In awe.

I grinned.

"I am, and I know exactly what you are too".

She bit her lip and threw a nervous glance to Alec.

"Our ancestors were enemies" she said

"Yes they were, but we wont be".

Alec looked perplexed with our conversation and I noticed that her eyes glazed over and when I spotted the tears beginning to form I decided to leave them be. If she had not disclosed her true identity to him yet then it was not for me to pry. They needed time to adapt and understand one another so I decided to wait in my tent for an hour until Trevor came to inform me of their approach. He looked freaked out by Brie so as soon as she entered he asked for permission to leave which I granted. Luna Skylar had provided Brie with a simple pale blue dress which made her red hair pop and since she had taken a bath we could finally see how her skin glowed. She was indeed a beauty and I had difficulty not staring at her myself. She was the epitome of perfection with her long legs and thick eyelashes. Alec, however, had no problems not looking upon his mate. His tongue was pushed into the side of his mouth to prevent him from biting on it with restrained anger. When I look back to Brie she gave me a small smile and I returned it, the colour appeared to return to her cheeks since I last saw her last and I turned to Alec for confirmation. He refused to look into my eyes so I guess he did the 'unthinkable' and fed his mate.

I giggled and they both looked to me startled. Alec looked like he could break every piece of furniture in the tent and I rolled my eyes.

"Please sit"

I motioned to the chairs in front of my desk and they both sat down and waited for me to speak.

"Alpha Dimitri sent me here to protect you"

I rolled my eyes again.

"He sent another Beta to 'watch over me' I see".

"Beta Matthew is dead"

I stopped and looked to him questioningly

"What do you mean he's dead"?

"He was killed by Rogues as he attempted to warn RedFang of the Rogue King's plan to infiltrate them from within".

My hands gripped the table so tightly that my knuckles turned white.

"I was captured by Dimitri when he thought I was a traitor. He kept me in his underground cell for a while".

My eyes hardened and Brie turned to Alec to listen to his story.

"He found out the truth and .....

He paused and I waited for him to continue. He seemed to be at odds with himself...

"He let me go so I could warn the other Alpha's of the attack on RedFang".

He was not telling me the full story I noted but I let him continue.

"You must warn the remaining Alpha's not to meet. RedFang was compromised and upon my escape Dimitri covered for me as I ran before he joined his pack in battle. I have no idea what happened after that".

I stayed quiet but I slowly rose from my chair to turn away from them both.

"RedFang is defeated"?

"I'm not sure Violet"

I touched my heart as I felt the pain there.

"No it's not, not yet. I would have felt him leave if it had".

Turning around to face Alec again..

"We have a problem, Alpha Kiron already left for the meeting which took place yesterday which means the other Alpha's would have already done the same. We are too late" I said

Alec's hands fisted together and he gave a scathing slide glance towards Brie.

"I'm sorry I am too late Luna, but there is something else you should know as well. Dimitri is in love with you and everything he has done so far has been with your safety in mind. He wanted me to withhold this information from you, he even gave me his blessing".

He gave me a knowing look and I shot a panicked look towards Brie.. she caught on pretty quickly and her shoulders deflated.

"But...

He said..

"I won't be taking him up on his offer".

Both Brie and I waited for him to continue..

"You belong with him" he said and I let those words sink in.

"And I am now already involved with Brie"

Brie's face lightened up slightly and I gave them a small smile.

He lean forward all business mode..

"We have to plan an attack, if Dimitri's pack has fallen and the other Alpha's have also been captured we will need all the help we can get".

I nodded

"I will lead the assault".

"NO WAY"! He shouted as he rose from his chair.

"It is far too dangerous and I will not allow it".

The tension in the air grew as my wolf emitted her Alpha dominance. Alec's legs slowly buckled beneath him and his breathing became laboured with the full weight and force behind my command.

"The father of my pup, my mate, my father and my brother are all in danger. I will not sit on the sidelines Beta Alec. I will be at the front of this battle and I will not rest until it ends".

When I released him from my control Brie gave me a sharp look, telling me to calm myself down. She would not tolerate another assault on her mate and I nodded in understanding. He had to know not to challenge me though. This was a world of werewolves and she needed to understand how it worked in our packs. It was far too dangerous to challenge an Alpha.

"You'll die if you fight"

Alec said. His voice broke slightly and I looked down at him with compassion, my anger long gone. I bent down and brought his head up so his eyes could see mine.

"I'm going to give you a command and your going to take it" I said.

"You're not officially my Luna to administer a command to me" he said

"Have you not heard that I am the Luna of all Luna's"?

I smiled and he frowned.

"All your life you have put others above yourself, your pack, your Luna and your Alpha. This time... you will put yourself and your Mate first'.

The command behind my voice made him cry as he realised what I was saying to him.

"Go, be with her and be happy". I said as I motioned towards Brie.