The correct thing to do would be to push him off of me, slap him in that mouth-watering face, and then gracefully—but effectively—strut off into the distance. I wish I could say I did that, but I don't. Instead, I grip his hair with one hand and dig my nails into his strong back with the other as I meet his kiss with reckless abandonment.

Rough groans and growls leave his chest every time he goes for air, and just as I think he's going to stop the surprise by driving his wanting tongue into my mouth. I'm moaning, gasping, and pulling as the wild within is released onto the man above me.

I've never wanted another person so badly in my life.

Need scorches through every fiber of my being as desperate hands find their way to my neck, one stays wrapped around it and applying slight pressure as his tongue explores my mouth even more. The other is clawing at the shirt on my body, barely keeping himself from tearing it off me. This stupid brute of a male.

My body bucks beneath him as that wicked mouth mouths down my cheek and to my neck, sucking and licking a path to the place he'd decided to bite into near my shoulder. A mixture between a scream and moan leaves my mouth as he shows affection to the spot, and by his noises of pleasure I can tell his beast is enjoying the interaction. His lips only leaving me long enough for praise.

"I've never heard anything so beautiful." He bites out, rubbing his erection against me and making me jump from the sensation. "Those sounds are mine, all mine—aren't they mate?" I want to yell; tell him I belong to no one but then he'd argue and that certainly wasn't what I wanted right now.

His grip on my neck tightens, and I can feel the need building between my thighs as I focus on everything, he is giving me.

"Say you're mine. Tell me..." It's his beast speaking to me, demanding words that'll bring him a sense of control. Control that I do not want to give him.

There's no doubt his eyes are dark, his body feeling the animalist need to mount the woman he's waited so long. I push at him, trying to get his magnificent body from mine as I realize how close I am to losing my mind and allowing him to do as he pleases with me. He's asserting dominance over his future Luna, that's what this is.

One final shove has him freezing above me, I can tell he's fighting his instincts as he slowly moves off the bed and stands away from me. Eyes blazing, body shaking as those canines extend over his bottom lip and large pants leave his mouth. I'm holding back my own emotions, a dangerous mixture of shame and rage as I stare at him. I'm well aware that this was my fault, I'd allowed my desire to get the best of me, and nature had taken its course with his needs.

After a few moments of dramatic staring, I make my way from the bed, almost tripping over my own feet as I head for the door. He grabs my arm as I walk past, pulling me close once more as I take in the scent that's driving me insane.

"I'm going to mingle with your pack members, so feel free to come down and join once you've calmed down," Alarik growls but lets me go, and only when I reach the stairs am I able to relax.

My mind is reeling, the body still on fire from the contact between me and the Lycan. It takes a few minutes, and I pass many men and women who set their silver eyes so on me, but eventually, I find the kitchen. I immediately note the overly excite blonde standing near the stove, her crooked grin has my brow raised in confusion as she begins her seductive walk in my direction.

My body tenses when she throws her arms around me with a long squeal, one that surprises me aa I'd been expecting a punch to the face more than the received action.

"There you are! We've been hoping you would come down and let us have a proper look at you." The girl is young or seems to be by appearances. Perhaps I shouldn't be one to judge on such things since I still appear to be around twenty, such a strange thing to be immortal.

"Why is that?" I question her, which only excites her more as she pulls away and continues smiling at me. She doesn't seem to mind my obvious uncomfortable position.

"We've spent centuries waiting to meet you, duh." Her response almost makes me laugh because no matter how old this girl is, she reminds me of the teenager I used to be. Her blushing cheeks mixed with the slight side to side swinging brings me into a more comfortable stance. She shoots the three other Lycans filling the room with a nasty glare, before returning her face to me with a smile.

"Oh, of course. Of course, Luna." They jump from their spots as if the little blonde had the power to kill them with one dirty look. Impressive, she is. I flinch at their newfound enthusiasm as they rush towards us.

"Call me Eira, I'm not much for nicknames." I receive strange looks, but eventually, they nod in agreement with my wishes.

"I'm Natalie, this is Russ, Hanson, and Valda." The blonde gestures to each of them with an endless smile, and although they all seem pleased to meet me I can see the age of each in the way they approach me. The male-only as old as Natalie steps forward with his hand out, silver eyes almost covered by his low hanging brown hair. I shake his outstretched limb and move on to the next one.

Russ is different than most wolves, or Lycans, I've seen. Slenderer, with a shaved head and a very elegant way of holding himself. His dark complexion has the silver orbs shining bright, and I find myself appreciating the male for being so different from the rest.

"I'm Russ, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." He lightly grasps my hand before releasing it, giving me a nod, and then moving to the side as Valda steps forward.

She's as fierce as her name portrays. This woman is from my time, every inch of her screaming Viking as she stands tall and broad in front of me with her back straight. The way Valda holds herself is all-around impressive, and for a moment I feel almost intimidated to be standing in front of someone I do not know but seems so familiar.

"Luna-Eira. It's an honor to meet you." She bows her head, and I scoff at the uncomfortable feeling of formality. At my sound, she adjusts her position, and those once smiling lips now fall into a more natural expression that I appreciate.

I take in the rest of her appearance as she does the same to me, her black hair is shaved on one side and braided back on the other with metal pieces woven into them. Sharp features on her stunning face, and from what I figure she's only a few inches short of six foot. If she came at me in battle with an ax, I just might scream. I smile at the thought, and it seems to calm her.

"I'll admit, not many people intimidate me...but if you insist on calling me Luna, I wouldn't put up a fight." Everyone around us laughs, and although I should be enjoying the 'breaking of ice' moment all I can focus on is the woman in front of me.

The strangest of feelings move through me as if this were a soul I had been meant to meet at some point in my life. Her familiarity bringing me more comfort than I cared to admit, and great times that I wish I could return to.

"Great, you two have already met—have you properly introduced yourself?" Alarik meets my eyes for a moment but looks to Valda with questioning eyes. Only in that moment do I realize I'm wearing his large shirt and almost nothing else. If I could, I'd be blushing from embarrassment at my open walk through the home in such a state.

"Valda will be your escort for when I cannot accompany you around my pack, she'll help you understand events and how to dress when they arrive as well as a few other things. Those come much, much later though. For now, she's to be a close friend." There is no room for negotiation in his tone, but his eyes tell me he is waiting for whatever argument I'm about to put up.

"I need a babysitter. Someone, to prepare me for 'events'? You've never found my appearance below standards before." I don't know why I'm so offended by his assumption that I need help in such simple areas, but I am. I'm fuming before Valda steps in front of me, effectively cutting the tension between the Alpha and me.

"This is less for your protection and more for the trust we can all have in you. As you could tell, I am sure, a few Lycans were not happy to have a vampire taking over the role we've waited a very long time to fill. You can understand why you'll need an unbiased pair of eyes in every situation you are in until things settle down. Is that understandable?" She watches my reaction, taking her time to make sure I have nothing to say before giving me a gentle smile. "As for the other things, I am more accustomed to the traditions of this pack and will only help you when it is needed. Alarik does not think you are incompetent, you just haven't had time to learn the pack yet. It'll all come in time."

I think about it fully, waiting for the random spurt of anger to leave my mouth and only slightly disappointed when nothing does. She didn't attack my pride and had spoken calmly without any type of mocking. Dammit.

"Understandable," I mutter, forcing an unyielding laugh from Valda's lips as she tips her head back in amusement. It surprises me, and many others as the woman gives me a strange grin.

"You were correct, Alpha. I will very much enjoy befriending your little mate and seeing what those fangs of hers are capable of." The Lycan gives another laugh before leaving the kitchen, Russ following closely behind her with his smile. Natalie seems mortified as if happiness in such a manner was only to come from her.

She stares at Hanson with tears building in her eyes, I have the urge to move forward and comfort her. I freeze at the natural reaction from my body, knowing Leslie is the only one I've ever cared enough to crave her peace.

"I've known her for two decades and she's never called me a friend..." Her weak sob has Hanson rolling his eyes but bringing her small body into his chest before throwing me an apologizing smile. I wave as he leads her from the room with kind, but disapproving words.

I pretend not to notice the burning set of eyes stuck on me, but Alarik demands attention and won't allow anyone to ignore him.

"We have a few things that we need to discuss, preferably in my office. It will only take a few minutes, and then you can return to your exploration." I'm barely keeping my eyes off of him, the scent of him so close to me and knowing we are about to be alone once more has my body shuddering with fear and excitement. I motion for him to lead the way, and he does.

The Lycan's office is on the first floor of the packhouse, two wooden doors with intricate designs leading into the almost bare room with a desk, a couple of chairs, and a couch that seems incredibly unused. Bookshelves run across one of the walls and I decide I'll look through it eventually. I'll need something to do while I wait for the answers to my much-needed escape.

Alarik takes his seat behind the desk, but I choose to remain standing as my nerves only rise with impatience. He continuously clenches his fists as they sit in front of him, eyes on me as if one looks in a different direction and I won't be there anymore.

His fear of losing me is ironic because I want nothing more than to get away from the unnatural hold, he has on me. He starts this talk with a big statement.

"I understand you will protest, but I need you to drink my blood again." Silver orbs watch for my reaction, seemingly surprised when I don't give one. Even though my insides did a flip at the demand.

"Why do you think that's needed?" I question, one brow raised as I move to stand closer to his desk. The few steps forward catch his attention, and he sucks in a long breath.

"It'll allow me to keep tabs on you, more for your benefit than mine. Now that we have the mark on you it's easier to build a connection, and with my blood in your system, it'll strengthen my ability to tell if you are in trouble or needing something. With the mark, it shouldn't have the same, painful effect as last time." I want to fight his logic, more as a defensive stance at the fact that I want nothing more than to sink my teeth into him and take every drop.

Alarik was by far the most delicious being I'd ever tasted.

"Get over here, Lycan, and bring those affectionate little hands with you." I throw my hands up in exasperation, only making him chuckle as he moves to sit in the chair besides where I stand.

"You have the strangest way of trying to hurt someone's feelings." My body is frozen, overwhelmed as for a moment all I can think about is that I've been destined to be with this man. I hated to admit there is a bond, but I could not continue to lie about it.

This male is all muscle, making me question my sanity with knowing I've been so hell-bent on not being near him. Any other woman would jump on him, do anything they could to just spend an hour in his beastly presence. I didn't find him out of my league, exactly. I mean, I know I'm attractive in the way all vampires are, and my bright eyes and white hair certainly caught people's attention. But Alarik, he's a godly man with the smoldering gaze of a lover I could only dream of.

My hand reaches for him, bringing it upwards with an interest that many wouldn't have for a body part. When I prick his finger with my fang, he releases a low moan that goes straight to my core, and I begin taking a small amount of the most heavenly blood I've had in my life.

I keep my eyes on his face as his head falls back with ecstasy, mouth slightly open as he pants heavily. When I've taken enough, I pull his long, thick digit entirely into my mouth and watch as his eyes pop open in confusion. I pull it out with my lips still firmly upon it, wiping any trace of blood from him.

By the look on his face, he's one bite away from bending me over that organized desk and having his wicked way with me. What a shame I can't stand the Lycan. I'm unsatisfied with the small amount.

"Do you have any humans available; I need to fill up." I ignore the look of anger that crosses his face and attempt to move away, feeling panic rising inside of me as I realize my control is close to being lost. For a moment he stares, but when he gently grabs me and pulls me into his lap I don't fight.

He's hugging me, comforting me as I keep my arms at my sides and try not to get lost in how perfectly we fit together. I can tell he's waiting for me to fight him, but as a few minutes go by he relaxes more and more. I close my eyes, not giving in to the hug fully but not trying to get away from it. Perhaps this is a step forward. Alarik takes deep breaths, enjoying my scent and enveloping my body in his own.

"Once you've changed clothes, Valda will show you where we are keeping the humans for the time being. There will be a full stock of all types in our fridge, as well for if you need something quick." I remove myself from his hold, and he luckily does not fight me. I doubt I'd be very hard to force another hug upon at this moment.

"As long as we take care of them, they'll last as long as any other human can." His silver eyes tell me that's not what he wanted to hear, and he's keeping the words of explanation to himself.

"Russ and Valda will meet you on the porch once you've changed, have a fun time exploring." With that, the Lycan is on his feet and out of the room, and beneath him had been a set of clothes I had not noticed before.

A pair of leggings and a random shirt fit me perfectly, I don't recognize them as my own but I'm just happy to be covered. When I leave the room, I head straight for the Lycans waiting for me, a smile curving my lips when I see a bag filled with a familiar substance in it. They seem to be in the middle of a heated argument, one that is rather amusing from the outside looking in.

I clap my hands and they jump apart, clearly surprised by my sudden appearance. For such monstrous creatures, they sure do scare easily.

"Let's get this show on the road, Lycans." Both of their faces scrunch with irritation, but I'm handed the blood bag and lead away from the packhouse without a word of defiance. Instead, they both get straight into their explanation so how things run, and how they'll change now that I am here.

"Did you train with your coven? Any type of combat or conditioning?" Valda questions me without looking back, probably smelling the blood I've been gulping down as soon as I'd had the chance. I lick my lips and shrug, even if neither of them would see.

"I wasn't leading old vampires that treasured older traditions or had any idea what combat was. A few of our members had been from the world wars, they were familiar with fighting but stayed far away from it as most of them were only changed due to their role in that time. Most of them are young, no older than fifty or sixty in human years, and would prefer watching a college football game over yard play." They both raise their brows at me, Russ chuckling humorously.

"You must've been bored, a Viking stuck with children who had no common interests?" This time they both watch me shrug, wanting a change of subject to stay away from memories of a home I'm surprised to not be missing as much as I'd hoped.

"Alpha is insisting you train with the higher ranks and eventually start training our younger Lycans. Hopefully, a few decades off won't get that ass kicked too bad." Valda winks at me and I laugh, noticing that we are approaching the most interesting part of their pack so far.

The wooden cross sits atop the stage, and we approach it with a caution that I find eerie. Blood had stained the cross itself, and a radius around the object as well. The smell of death practically leaked from the spot, a reminder of the deaths that have occurred in this spot. I do not walk up the stairs that many have, instead I choose to stay grounded and watch Valda and Russ look at the spot uninterested.

"Treason is the only way to be put up here." Russ keeps his voice low, not meeting my gaze as he seems to relive the different experiences they've seen on this cross. The pain and suffering forced upon others.

Would I be put up here when I admitted I didn't plan on staying? Would they say my disobedience to their Moon is treason? I choose to push the thoughts from my head, something to worry about further down the road when I have an opportunity to leave this place behind. Now I had the knowledge to leave without anyone seeing so that I didn't risk an eternal crucifixion.

"You shouldn't see many of these, but you will be expected to stand beside Alarik at the ceremony and follow his lead. Sometimes we keep them up here for a few weeks just to teach a lesson, but usually, we leave them. With the way our bodies run, dehydration isn't a cause of death to most. It can take a month or more for the person put on the cross to die, in the winter it's much quicker." Valda is unfazed, eyes forwards and hands behind her back

"You'll freeze to death before you starve?" It's a statement and a question mixed in one, curiosity getting the better of me. She shakes her head and her lip raises a little. I'm only slightly disturbed.