I stared at the chaos unfolding in front of my eyes, the chaos I had been a medium to cause. I looked at Malik, his bruises already healing. He stared at the pack, a grim look on his face. I didn't know what to do. I felt weak, it was obvious she exhausted my body.

"I'm so sorry" I whispered to Malik but it was loud enough to be heard.

"Iris tell me what happened." I couldn't tell if he was mad through the tone in his voice, he held a poker face as well I couldn't detect his emotions.

"Alpha!" Leonard ran to us from the crowd, he paused slightly when he saw me, cautious. "Luna?"

I looked from Malik to him, not sure what to do. I bit my lip and lowered my head, it was getting to much for me. "I'm sorry I need to be alone right now." I turned around to run into the woods, but Malik fingers wrapped around my upper arm and he held me back.

"Like hell I'm letting you go Iris, after that whole scene you're trying to run away."

He wasn't entirely wrong there, but how could I just stay as if everything was okay? I felt used and worthless.

"You guys can't be serious, the whole pack should hate me about now, both of you should hate me right now." I looked at both of them.

"I can never hate you Luna, it's not like you intended to destroy the pack." Leonard sighed running his hand his hair.

Malik turned me to face him "Iris, don't ever assume anything in this world would ever make me hate you, you are my better half, you complete me."

I shook my head and stepped back, "this isn't right! You should scream, say you hate me. You punish me, aren't you the feared and heartless Alpha, look what I did to your pack. Look how I keep messing up, please just hate me, it'll be easier, because I don't know what to do? I can't stay here like this, why?"

Malik took a step to match the one I took, a step towards me. "I am all those things and more, but to you I am a mate, I didn't say I would only love you when you're at your best because then I should never have loved you-" he chuckled "I love you because the moon mirrored my heart with yours, I am not me without you Iris. Please don't pull away, it took a lot to get you to accept don't let your mother win."

I blinked back my tears and nodded. I am no longer in the west, I love now and I'm loved. I am not just a witch or a wolf I am part of Malik and he is part of me. "How did you know it wasn't me?"

"Oh she made it quite clear, all the nonsense she was saying" Leonard shook his head.

"So what now? How are we going to explain to the pack that we are under war, a war that I brought."

"Well first of all Luna, we have been at war with the witches from the beginning of time. Don't flatter yourself" Leonard winked at me and I smiled. Malik growled. I was starting to love the sound.

"And I should be asking you what to do now, you're the witch after all." Malik scowled.

"Well, I am clearly still connected to my mother, and since leaving is not an option I need to weaken the bond if not destroy it permanently. What did she even say to you?" I raised my brow, curious.

Leonard shuddered and Malik's whole body stiffened.

"It doesn't matter" he grunted back, clearly affected.

I stepped closer to him and touched his arm, "hey, you can tell me."

He cleared his throat. "You're just as treacherous as your mother, and if you think you're going to win then forget it. I'll take what you care for using what you love the most and end you finally." He looked at me with a are-you-satisfied look. "Basically threats" he shrugged.

"Oh don't forget the 'it's not personal your mother's just a bitch'." Leonard added with a small smirk. "And how do we do that? Weaken the bond." Leonard asked.

I turned to look at Malik. "There's only one more bond stronger than mother to child." I raised my brows expecting them to give me the answer. They both stared at me like confused children. I sighed and shook my head.

"It's the bond between mates" a voice called out from behind us.

"Exactly" I confirmed.

"How are you feeling Luna" Absalom asked, really looking concerned. I smiled, if not for Aria, we were on our way to being really good friends.

"I'm fine Absalom. Thanks for asking."

"No no" he waved his hands in the air "don't be formal with me, we might have had a misunderstanding but you're still my Luna after all."

"Well not yet, but very soon" I smiled and looked at Malik, "the only way to sever my mother's connection is to create a new one. How about we get around to that mating ceremony?" I smiled. But then a sad thought entered my head, I frowned. "What if they don't accept me?"

"That's really up to you, you're their Luna make them accept you." Absalom sighed.

"Well let's get you to the pack house for now." Leonard smiled, I could tell he was very happy by the news. Honestly I didn't know why he liked me so much but I was glad to have a friend in times like this.

I nodded but as soon as I took another step I headed for the floor, "woah there" Malik grabbed me and held me like he dipped me. We stayed like that for a while staring into each other's eyes. I could get lost in his ocean eyes, so dark and blue it was almost grey unlike my aqua eyes that were a balance between blue and green. It was as if he entrapped me and I was drowning, only I didn't want to be saved, his ocean allowed me to breathe. Infact I felt like I didn't want air anywhere else.

"This is a thoughtful pose" I blinked and coughed so Malik would hold me up straight. Absalom always knew the right times to interrupt. Leonard just stood there with a foolish grin on his face.

Malik had his signature scowl, sweeping me up in his hands, I was surprised he didn't go for his signature over the shoulder. He was quiet all the way to the pack house. I hid my face in his chest when we passed other wolves I just couldn't face them so soon.

When we entered the pack house where I was expecting some solace, it was crawling with wolves. Of course Iris, you destroyed their houses, they'll come here. As we passed by I saw Aria she gave me a sad smile, I returned it.

"I'm fine I can walk on my own now." I told Malik. He didn't drop me, he just stopped walking and turned to face the wolves.

"We will be having the mating ceremony tomorrow, prepare yourselves for the fight by dawn." I could hear some wolves murmuring but it was clear no one had enough balls to speak up, or so I thought.

"After all this destruction? Isn't better to rebuild first?" This was Talon. Ugh the bitch, ofcourse she would speak up, ofcourse.

"Are you questioning me?" Malik's brow rose up.

"No, no ofcourse not. It's just that Iri- I mean the Luna doesn't look very well will she be able to finish the ritual?" She barred her neck in submission.

"How is that any of concern?" He sneered, I was surprised he was still breathing normally acting calm and patient, surely he would normally have rammed into the wolf.

"I'm not concerned for her, I'm concerned for the pack." Talon looked up this time staring him in the eyes.

My this girl has a lot of balls.

Malik was already growling, he took a step forward but I put my hand on his chest to stop him. He looked down at me and I shook my head.

Drop me.

Why?

Because I can handle a disrespectful she wolf by myself and putting her in her place while still in your arms isn't very threatening.

He growled yet again but let me stand as well.

"I am well aware that I have caused a lot of pain and damage to you all, for that I am terribly sorry. But in order to prevent that from happening again I need to complete the mating ceremony. You don't worry about my wellbeing I am a witch after all." I spoke up to all the wolves in the common area.

"Well isn't that the problem? I mean you being a witch and all. Dragging the pack into your own battles. And how is completing the mating process going to stop anything?" Talon narrowed her eyes at me, but only for a moment, only I saw it, before barring her neck again.

I won't deny her first statement cut into me, I held Malik's hand to prevent him from snapping. I squeezed and looked at him. Shaking me head again.

"I have no intention of putting you or anyone in this pack in danger, I'm sorry for what I have already done. I will struggle to ensure it doesn't happen again. And I don't expect you all to accept me immediately so I will never stop making attempts to get your trust." Then I looked directly at Talon "about the mating ceremony, the mother west was responsible for the damage here, she distracted me and took control of my body. I need to weaken if not destroy that connection by pushing her out of my mind. The only way is by allowing my mate in, nothing is stronger than a mate bond after all. So it's important for this to be done as soon as possible."

She grinned. "How can you protect this pack when witches play dirty, they'll always use us to get to you. They already did that, twice. First Every and now all of us."

That did it for Malik. He growled so loud that even Talon had to whimper.

Please don't say anything, it's bad enough as it is.

How can you let her talk to you like that?

Well it's not as if I am the Luna just yet, as far as anybody knows I am just a she wolf causing problems.

I don't like this.

I know but please? For me, just let it go.

"Everyone prepare for the ritual tomorrow, you can Express all you hard feelings in pit tomorrow. As for now go to bed." Absalom spoke up quickly before Malik would murder someone.

Malik grabbed my hand and pulled me up the stairs to our room, shoving me in before slamming the door.

"You should have let me kill that she wolf." He growled.

"Yeah, so your pack fears you and continues to harbour hate for me?"

"What pack? It was just that she wolf."

"Really? Even I could feel all the disdain they had for me, you don't have to shield me, Malik."

"How can I not shield you, you're my mate!" He yelled.

"And I want to be your Luna!" I screamed back at him.

"It's not as easy as you think Iris, and worse with them feeling that way it's going to be worse"

"I don't understand what you mean." I frowned.

"The ritual is much more complicated and I don't want to see you get hurt."

"Tell me," I folded my arms under my boobs and waited.

He ran his hands through his hair and sighed "you remember when I jumped in to fight all the wolves when they where transformed?" I nodded.

"Well you're going to have to do same, but only with the female wolves." My eyes widened "it's a tradition, the strongest rules. You have to be the strongest female to become Luna."

I was shocked to say the least but I could to it right? "So I just have to get through what? About 250 females? I can do it."

"Actually 175 females and they'll fight you all at once." He said.

Forget what I said, I need to get the hell out of this pack, what kind of ritual is this? All at once? Who am I? My mouth hung open. This people are all crazy, I am definitely going to die tomorrow. Shit!

************************************

I stared into the mirror, I was pretty anxious, hell I was terrified. I huff and puffed as quietly as I could. Trying to convince myself that it was necessary to do this. I mean how hard can it really be right? I laughed as my flustered reflection, I was sweaty, pale and shaken.

"Iris? Babe? Are you okay?" Malik called out from behind the door. I had locked myself in the bathroom and I hadn't been able to come out.

Babe? I shook my head, squeezing my eyes shut. This all is too much.

"Iris?"

"I'm okay, I'm coming out." I snapped "geez."

I swallowed hard trying to wet my dry, scratchy throat. I can do this. I can do this. I chanted to myself as I reached the door handle. I got out and met Malik's dark eyes. His gaze held mine, eyes feeling up with an unknown emotion. I couldn't tell what it was but I didn't like it. It seemed he wanted to say something but stopped himself, he just got up and took my hand, he continued to stare at me but they was no desire or affection. It was like he was telling me to make sure I was going to be strong enough. Like he deserved a strong Luna, honestly I was just totally lost. A knock on the door rescued me from his scrutinizing gaze. I grabbed my hand away and walked to the door.

I smiled when I saw who it was, or who they were. "You certainly know when to interupt" I sighed directing the statement to Absalom. "Good morning Leonard" I gave him a bright smile.

Absalom mouth dropped "where is my own big bright smile and 'good morning'?" He frowned.

"Over there with your bipolar friend" I pointed to Malik "he seems to be in another mood" I shook my head and grabbed Leonard arms and walking out with him. Leaving Absalom to deal with Malik.

"What up with the Alpha?" Leonard whispered as we made our way down the stairs.

"No idea, he was fine when I woke up now I can't just figure out what's wrong. I mean he's acting like an angry child but I can't really see the anger though."

"He just probably just worried" Leonard shrugged.

"Oh yeah? Then why can't he just show it and act like a normal person?"

"Enough about him, how are you?" He looked down at me with concern, just like a normal person. Malik should take note.

"Not very confident" I admitted "I am not sure what to expect, any advice?"

"Don't let them smell fear, the females here are more aggressive, they'll eat you alive if you show any weakness. " he rubbed his chin thinking of something else to say.

"Go for their ears, they may find it pleasurable at first but if you pinch hard enough you can get the weaker ones to submit." Absalom spoke from behind me.

"Really?" I asked as he fell in step with us. He nodded.

"How do you know that?" Leonard asked.

"When your popular amongst the ladies you learn a thing or two about their weak points." He grinned and winked. Leonard squeezed his face in disgust and I scoffed.

"You have a mate now." I reminded him "and trust me, Aria will murder any she-wolf that so much as looks at you, so I would keep your escapades under raps."

He frowned at me sticking his tongue out. I just shook my head, Aria's luck that she mated to a player.

As soon as we reached the pit, I began to feel queasy. Leonard gave me a reassuring smile.

"Okay the wolves of the moment is here" the beta yelled calling everyone's attention. He got up and walked to the front.

"Okay, as per tradition, her mate the Alpha is subdued in the dungeon." I froze, what? So he's not even allowed to watch?

As if sensing my distress Absalom spoke up "he can't interfere in the fight and he is just too strong to be bound or held down so he is staying away."

Great, just great. I always comforted myself that if it became to bad he could just put an end to it. Clearly not. I was really on my own here.

"The pack needs to know that the Luna is strong enough especially without the Alpha, that she is strong enough to lead." Leonard continued after Absalom.

I gulped. "Don't worry Luna, you can do it." Leonard smiled.

I nodded, not believing a word he said. I could see the she wolves that were waiting to fight, nothing about that was right. Worse all the scowls they were giving me it just made me more nervous.

Absalom walked over to me leaning to my ears, "I've had my fair share of run-ins with witches, I know you never play fair. Just remember you a witch before your Luna of this pack. Embrace that nature and use the advantage you have."

Was is only me or was Absalom subtly telling me to use magic?

I looked at him with a mischievous glint in my eyes, he smiled when he saw I understood. "Goodluck Luna" with that he walked away.

"Okay the rules!" The beta called out.

"No weapons, all other wolves other that the current candidate must shift. The candidate can fight as she pleases but must only choose to shift or stay human not both. If the candidates is subdued then it's fight till the last wolf standing, who will become the next Luna. Killing is allowed if a she wolf refuses to submit. And no leaving the pit until the fight is over." As soon as Klaus finished speaking the she-wolves jumped into the pit and waited for me.

Everyone looked at me waiting for me to go ahead but I froze, my feet wouldn't move. Breathing became hard I was going to have a panic attack.

Stop Iris don't you'll never be able to live it down! No fear, no fear!

I struggled to calm down but I couldn't. I felt a hand grab into my fore arm. I snapped my head to the side. Aria?

"What the hell are you doing?" She snarled "are you trying to get killed? I know you can't die but this is a whole level of reckless, even for you."

I opened my mouth to speak, nothing came out, I just tried to focus on breathing.

"It's really important then," she concluded seeing my helpless state, "I'm not going to lie and tell you that is going to be fine, because it's not. Those she-wolves are pretty pissed at you."

"Not helping" I croaked out.

"Let me land" she rolled her eyes "look, you're already here, so stop acting like a wuss and jump in there. You've gone through much worse so you'll survive and I don't care what these wolves say if I find that you need help I'll jump in and kill all the she wolves if I need to." She gave me a small smile.

"Awwn Aria that's so sweet of you" I smiled, the smile not really touching my eyes.

"Hey I haven't forgiven you yet, if you die I'll kill you."

We both looked at each other in silent understanding. We were fine.

"I promise to help you with Absalom when all this has passed."

"I'd rather see you in witchy action." She smiled, "you are going to use magic right?"

"I don't know yet" I whispered "but I'll have to admit, you and that mate of yours are pretty mischievous, I think in some alternate universe you too are both witches" I smiled trying to lighten the mood, I didn't. Instead all I got was a deep scowl from Aria. I instinctively reached forward to touch her shoulder, brushing away the curly red hair from her shoulders.

"I promise he will regret rejecting you, I'll make sure of it. I just need to survive first." I smiled at her. She just shook her head and sighed.

"Um... Iris?" Klaus called out to me, gesturing for me to walk over. I followed his gaze until I stood where he wanted.

"Choose how you want to fight." He asked.

"I'll fight in my human form" I spoke up.

He nodded and lead me to the entrance of the pit. I looked in as all the wolves shifted, barring teeth and waiting for me to jump in. I sucked in a massive amount of air and let out it blow out in a puff. Let's do this.