Other than the sound of snow crunching under boots, it's quiet.

But of course, quiet never lasts long when Daring's around. He starts loudly singing Happy by Liam Lynch, making Thatcher grumble in annoyance.

"I am really special, 'cause there's only one of me

Look at my smile, I'm so damn happy, the people are jealous of me

These are my lovehandles and this is my spout

But if you tip me over, than mama said knock you out

I am special, I am happy, I am gonna heave

Welcome to my happy world, now get your shit and leave

I am happy, I am good, I am...

I'm outta here! Screw you!"

"No thanks," Thatcher mumbles.

I chuckle softly as Daring glares at Thatcher and whines, "Aw come on Thatcher, stop being a downer!"

"Then don't sing trash," Thatcher replies.

Daring gasps in over-dramatic offense, tackling Thatcher to the snow. Smiling fondly, I roll my eyes and continue walking, leaving the two of them to their fight.

By now, I'm used to their games and usual displays of brotherly love. At first it was confusing, seeing them constantly arguing and fighting, but after knowing the two of them for about seven years, I know that that's just how they work, how they show they care about each other.

If there's anyone Thatcher would give his life for, it's Daring, and Daring would do the same for Thatcher.

"Anyway," Thatcher says, running up behind me and slowing to a walk, Daring appearing on my other side, his hair dusted with snow, that stupid grin of his on his lips. "When are you thinking of telling Raiden and your dad about your wolf?"

"Tonight," I reply. "They always go on evening runs and now I can finally join them."

Thatcher smiles, "You'll love it. If you like running in human form, Reina, you'll love running in wolf form."

I nod happily, smiling at the nickname. It was made when Thatcher jokingly said, "Yes your Majesty," when I asked him to do something for me. He considered calling me Queenie but that didn't sound as nice, so he decided on Reina and it stuck.

We reach the high school and we're walking across the parking lot towards it when a sudden scent of earth and maple practically overwhelms me. My head turns, my eyes finding those of my twin's best friend and the future alpha, Asher Myers.

Mate! Raven says happily.

Don't get your hopes up just yet, I say cautiously. I don't think this will turn out well.

But... Mate...

Confused, Raven looks through my memories, growling softly as she finds the memories of Asher's bullying.

"Reina? You alright?" Daring asks, his head tilting.

Thatcher's eyes follow mine to where Asher is watching me closely, walking over with his friends and half-sister.

"Oh fuck me," Thatcher growls, crossing his arms with a scowl. "See, I was having a good day until you walked over."

"Shut it, rogue," Asher growls back.

"Nobody needs you," Kia adds spitefully.

"Don't talk to him like that," I say defensively. "He's part of this pack as much as you or I."

When Asher looks to me, his expression softens in a way that would seem unquestionably real to anyone who didn't know how to read him. However, I manage to catch the hint of malice in his eyes.

"Sorry," he says, an underlying tone of uncaring in his voice. He continues, "So, mate, I didn't expect to meet you so soon."

"My sister is your mate?!" Raiden says, surprised. His eyes narrow, "Take care of her Asher, I swear to Goddess, I will end you."

"Of course," Asher replies.

Before I can protest, he's in front of me, hands on my waist, his lips on mine. My body tenses before the sparks make my knees weak despite knowing this isn't truly a loving, caring kiss.

"Alright, I'm out," Raiden's voice says. "See ya later."

I hear his footsteps walking away and a few seconds later, I manage to gather enough strength and focus to shove Asher back. He steps back willingly since I know I wouldn't be able to push him back if he didn't let me.

He stands with his arms crossed, that gentle mask gone, the hard look I'm used to appearing on his face.

"Why you?" Asher growls, regarding me coldly. "Why am I mated to a weak thing like you? You can't stand up for yourself, can't be around people and you can't even shift."

What am I then, a black deer? Raven growls, glaring at Asher from within my mind.

"You done yet?" Daring asks, arms crossed with a bored expression. "I didn't come to hell to listen to you bitch about my bestie."

"Shut it, Darling," Kia hisses, making Daring's eyes flash in anger.

Beside me, I hear Thatcher growl softly. Glancing at him, I see his narrowed eyes focused on Kia, his tense posture betraying his otherwise hidden fury. Daring places a hand on his brother's arm and I watch as Thatcher settles, his eyes softening as he looks at his brother.

"You're not fit to be the Luna of the pack, so let's get this over with," Asher says. His eyes narrow suddenly, a growl escaping his lips, "Get your paws off her."

It actually takes me a second to realize Thatcher has pulled me up against his body, arms around my waist, head on my shoulder. I feel slightly uncomfortable because I'm not used to so much touching with anyone but I can tell Thatcher has something planned and I trust him, so I don't protest.

"Why?" Thatcher replies as if he's doing nothing out of the ordinary.

"She's mine," Asher growls.

Daring laughs and he doesn't even try to cover it when Scott, Dean and Kia send him hate filled glares.

What's wrong with this guy? Is he bipolar? Raven asks sarcastically. I don't really like him.

Me neither, I reply, feeling relieved that if I choose to not be with Asher, my wolf won't complain.

"Oh," Thatcher says, voice dripping with sarcasm as he steps back and raises his hands in mock surrender. "Oh, I'm sorry for touching the mate you were about fucking reject. So sorry I thought she was about to become fair game, not that anyone could snatch you up like a hoe, Reina."

I give him a nod, telling him I don't mind his words.

Oh shit, Raven says suddenly, turning my attention to where Raiden is walking up behind group of boys and girl, murder in his eyes.

My eyes widen. Oh shit is right.

"Just how long has this been going on?" He growls, referring to the bullying going on behind his back.

Asher spins around, eyes wide. "Raiden, I was just—"

"I don't want excuses, Asher, I want answers," Raiden says, voice hard. "How long have you been hurting my sister behind my back? What the fuck gives you the liberty to hurt a pack member? Rei, why don't Mom and Dad know about this? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, Brianna's too busy fucking Leon," I mumble, feeling a little guilty now for not having told Raiden.

Raiden's jaw drops in shock, along with Asher's. Kia's eyes narrow as if she thinks I'm just making it up.

"They're what?" the two boys both shout.

"Fucking, are you deaf?" Daring asks, looking more to Asher than Raiden as he makes a few obscene gestures. "You know, dick in pussy kind of deal?"

"Daring," Raiden says in a way that tells the blond to shut up and for once, he actually listens.

"You knew they were having an affair and kept silent?" Asher growls at me.

"Funny what abuse does, huh?" I reply, uncharacteristically careless with my words.

A second later, Thatcher stands in front of me, hand gripping Asher's wrist tightly, a look of fury on his face.

"Don't you fucking dare try to touch her," Thatcher hisses.

The next second, Raiden's fist connects with Asher's stomach, making him stumble back, Thatcher releasing his grip on Asher's wrist.

"Yeah, fist fight!" Daring cheers, joining Raiden in beating up Asher, Scott and Dean.

Kia starts shouting insults and unhelpful tips while Thatcher stands next to me, narrowed eyes watching the fighting.

As I watch the five guys fight, I can't help but feel a slight warmth in my chest at the fact that Raiden and Daring are fighting for me. Defending me.

"What, you thought we wouldn't fight for you?" Thatcher says, standing beside me with a smirk, as if sensing my thoughts. I can only look at him, words evading my tongue. "Rei, you're my best friend—"

"And mine!" Daring shouts, slamming his elbow down on Dean's back.

"And his," Thatcher agrees, rolling his eyes. "We stick together. You're the one who made us feel welcome here. Helped us adjust to life here. Growing up rogues, we never had anyone but our parents to care for us, so for you to help us like you have... well, let's just say we're like our own pack."

I smile, nodding. "Our own pack, huh?"

Thatcher nods, glances at the fight in front of us, and turns back towards the forest, "Come on. I don't feel like school today."

Silently, I turn back and follow him. We're just inside the edge of the trees when I hear footsteps running up behind us. I turn around and see Daring and Raiden catching up to us, falling into step alongside Thatcher and I.

"Rei," Raiden starts, "I—"

"It's alright, Raiden," I say, cutting him off. "You didn't know because I didn't tell you. There's nothing you can do about it now."

"Why didn't you tell me though?" my twin asks sadly.

"I... didn't want to worry you, give you even more to think about," I reply. "You've been busy enough, with schoolwork and preparations to become beta."

Raiden takes my hand and we stop walking, facing each other. "I would drop everything for you. I love you, Rei, you're my twin sister, the girl I always played and laughed with growing up. I'm sorry I didn't notice what was going on before now."

I give him a soft smile. "Well, better late than never."

Raiden nods, looking to Thatcher. "Thanks for mind-linking me to stay close and listen."

Thatcher shrugs. "It was about time you found out. It also led to a fight that will keep Daring sated and little quieter for a while."

"He's never quiet, what do you mean?" Raiden replies with a soft chuckle, his words making Thatcher smirk and nod and Daring whine.

"On a more serious note," Daring says, "What now? I mean, it's gonna be awkward seeing them everyday now. And I highly doubt soon-to-be Alpha Asshole is gonna refrain from confronting Daddy Dearest about that little affair either."

"Right, I need to have a chat with Mother," Raiden says lowly. "Dad deserves to know and so does Asher's mom Carrie."

"Why don't we go tell them, then we can decide what to do?" Thatcher suggests. "Having adult input is probably a good idea, we're teenagers."

I nod, agreeing.

We walk to the pack house, finding it mostly empty since it's a weekday morning. Deciding Dad is probably in his office, Raiden leads the way there, Thatcher and Daring waiting in the living room to give us privacy. We find Dad at his desk, looking over the pack's financial records.

"Raiden? Rei?" he says in confusion as we walk in. "What are you two doing here, you should be at school? And Raiden, why are your knuckles bloody? Didn't I make it clear that if you get charged for murder, to commit it with Asher so you're not alone in prison?"

"If I get charged for murder, it's going to be Asher's murder," Raiden growls, making Dad's eyes narrow.

He sets aside the papers he was looking over and closes his laptop, gesturing to the two chairs on the other side of his desk. "Sit down and tell me everything."

As we go on to explain what happened, I watch anger grow in Dad's eyes, the blackness in them occasionally flashing to amber for a second.

"First of all, good job beating up Asher, Raiden," Dad says.

"Yeah, I don't like him," Raven says, taking over suddenly. "He's a jerk. A butt-faced jerk. Who raised him anyway? Did they forget to teach him how to treat mates? Oh, I'm Raven, Reza's twin."

At the mention of him, my brother's wolf pushes forward, taking over their body. "Raven! You finally woke up, you lazy shit. How're things going?"

"Not bad," Raven replies, crossing our arms. "Currently questioning what made our mate such a spoiled shit."

"No idea," Reza says. "Jayden told me he's furious and was screaming at Asher though. And giving him a migraine."

"He deserves it," Raven says with a shrug.

She steps back, giving me control again.

"When did you shift, Rei?" Dad asks.

"This morning," I reply shyly. "I was going to wait and tell you this evening."

Both Dad and Raiden give me happy smiles and I find myself returning them.

"So what do we do?" Raiden asks, going back to the main topic.

"I sort of want to leave," I say hesitantly. "I can't keep seeing Asher everyday. And even if he does try to take it back, I can't find the... emotion to care."

"Well after what he did, I can't blame you," Raiden says with a scowl.

"Where would you go though?" Dad asks.

"Another pack," I reply. "Thatcher and Daring both say rogue life is horrible, so there's no way I'm becoming a rogue."

Dad nods, "Well, the two closest packs, Bloodlust and Nightstalker, will more than likely accept you. Both packs have heirs a few years older than you two."

"Drake Malice and River Blood, right?" Raiden asks.

Dad nods again. "Do you have a preference, Rei?"

I shrug, "What're they both like? Wait, let's get Thatcher and Daring, they'll be coming with me, no matter what I say."

"You got that right," Daring says, walking in with Thatcher behind him.

"Were you two eavesdropping?" Raiden asks, raising a brow.

"Only since the 'join another pack' part," Thatcher replies, completely unashamed. "We wanted to make sure everything was going alright."

"And yeah, rogue life sucks major ass," Daring adds, wrinkling his nose. "I'm not going back to that, ever."

"Well," Dad says, "Bloodlust is powerful and dangerous but they do take great care of their wolves. The Alpha, Chris, is definitely a great alpha, cares about his pack and does his best to keep everyone happy. It's known they have an alliance with us but you know how we have alliances with most of the packs around."

"Nearby packs include Nightstalker, Bloodlust, Silverblood and RedRiver, right?" Thatcher asks.

"Yes," Dad replies, "We have alliances with all of them except RedRiver; their alpha is a shitbag. Now, Nightstalker is the most powerful pack around. Their warriors are well-trained and their defense is just as good as their offense. Jake, their alpha, can be pretty intimidating while in alpha mode but he's a good guy. He gets a few challenges for the title here and there but he wins them all and makes it look easy."

"Then there's River," Raiden says with a grin, probably remembering meeting the heir when he and Asher went along with Leon and Dad to get used to the meetings.

"Then there's River," Dad says, agreeing. "He's an... interesting character and so is his twin brother Crow. I'd say he makes the biggest difference between Nightstalker and Bloodlust. If you want calmer and more peace in your life, Bloodlust is best. If you don't mind wild and out of control, go with Nightstalker."

I look to my twin, then to Thatcher and Daring, who all shrug to say they don't care where we go.

"Well," I say, "Goddess knows I could use a distraction. And Daring would fit in better with Nightstalker."

"Hey!" Daring says indignantly.

Thatcher nudges him, "It's true and you know it."

Daring pouts, swatting at his brother. This leads to the two of them getting into another fight, bickering and making little slaps at each other. Dad, Raiden and I ignore them.

"Nightstalker it is," Dad says. "I'll call Alpha Jake now, see if he minds taking us in."

"You're coming too?" Raiden and I both ask hopefully.

Dad shrugs as he dials Alpha Jake's number, "If you're not here, there's not much here for me, especially with Brianna having her little affair. I'll formally ask Leon and if he doesn't let me go, I'll leave anyway, the damn bastard."

Dad holds the phone up to his ear, gesturing at Thatcher and Daring to be quiet. Giving his brother one last smack, Daring falls silent. Thatcher gives him a glare but keeps his mouth shut.

"Hi Jake," Dad says as the Alpha picks up. "... No, I'm not calling about business. Well, I kind of am... Some things came up here and I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind taking in me, my twins and two of their friends, Thatcher and Daring King... Sure."

Dad turns and opens his laptop, clicking a few things before he hangs up on the phone and answers the incoming video call, gesturing for Raiden, Thatcher, Daring and I to move behind him to see the screen. It looks like the brunet man is in his office, judging by the filing cabinet in the background.

"It won't be a problem taking you in," the Alpha says, his hazel eyes glancing over the five of us. "Hi Raiden. It must be pretty bad, Zander, if you're actually leaving instead of just cutting ties."

"It is," Dad replies. "I haven't told Leon yet."

"Ooo, sneaky," a new voice says.

Alpha Jake looks up past the screen, raising an eyebrow, "What do you want, River?"

"To see what you're doing," the voice, River, replies.

"Fine, since you'll have to do stuff like this someday. Remember Moonblood's Beta, Zander Rys?"

"Yeah, why?" River walks around his dad's desk, standing behind him and looking at the screen. "Oh, hi guys."

"River," Raiden says with a smile.

"Raiden," River replies. "Is that your twin, Rei? She's like a female version of you."

"They're going to be joining our pack," Alpha Jake says.

"Is that allowed?" River asks, tilting his head, "With Zander being a Beta, can he just leave?"

"If it's serious enough, yes," Dad replies.

"Do you mind me asking what happened?" Alpha Jake asks. The boys around me all scowl and the Alpha raises an eyebrow, "That bad?"

Dad nods. "Leon's been fucking my mate, both of who have been abusing my daughter for five years or so to keep her quiet."

"And my 'friends' have been bullying her behind my back," Raiden adds. "And Asher rejected her."

River blinks, "Asshole. Was there a reason?"

"Apparently I'm weak," I reply. "I only shifted this morning and it seems I can't stand up for myself."

"Yep, asshole," River concludes with a nod.

"I assume you'll want to leave as soon as you're able," Alpha Jake says, "So I'll have one of our spare houses prepared. Would you prefer living in the forest or in town? And will Thatcher and Daring be staying with you or in the pack house?"

Dad looks to the four of us. We have a silent conversation before he looks back to the screen and replies, "They'll stay with us."

"There's a town?" Daring asks curiously.