I woke up the next morning sinking into the mattress. My entire body ached in protest with even the slightest movement. Even opening my eyelids felt like a herculean effort.

Upon doing so I found myself once again in a room I didn't recognize. The last time this happened things went about as bad as they could. The memory kickstarted my groggy brain into remembering what happened… I had killed Jason.

I still couldn't believe it. While I suppose I did kill several others at Ashley's they were shifted, no longer human. I wasn't killing a person but dangerous animals. Jason wasn't when I smashed his head with the bar of silver. He was the guy I'd been working with. An asshole, maybe, but I never figured it would come to that.

I remembered Nancy showing up afterwards then things went dark. Leaving and ending up here was a complete blank. She must of brought me, but why here?

Oh for fuck sakes, Crystal. Will you get your shit together? You just killed someone and you're wondering why the girl who beat the shit out of you and locked you up isn't beside you? I couldn't help it. I mean, technically she didn't beat the shit out of me, only- STOP IT!

Focusing on the doorway helped my mind get off the rollercoaster of a mate I have and process the fact that nobody else was in the room. Maybe this meant she wasn't going to throw me back into the prison, storage room, or whatever you wanna call it.

Forcing myself out of bed I quickly realized to my horror that I was completely naked. I pulled the sheet off the bed to wrap myself up afraid someone was going to come in.

Like the police?

My brain poked up now also awake from my heart attack. This time I had no counter to myself. It was self defense but how would I ever explain it?

You could always try. Goddess willing, you'll convince them that you believe he was a werewolf trying to kill you and they'll put you in a nuthouse where you can be raped by the fat ugly and perverted janitors while you're so drugged you can only slobber on yourself while they have their way with you.

That didn't make me feel any better. Should I run? Where? And more importantly, how? I didn't have the money. I sure didn't see me asking JoAnn or Nancy going very well.

One thing for sure was I did have to get out of here. Maybe I could get rid of the body somewhere. There was plenty of abandoned mines.

Looking around the large bedroom that was done up in grey tones and with a very masculine feel didn't make me feel any better. Where was Nancy? After she showed up I don't remember anything.

I made my way over to a large walk in closet that was filled with clothes. Were they Nancy's? I didn't care as I grabbed some Jean's and a blouse that looked like might fit and threw them on.

Opening the door revealed my location as I recognized the narrow hallway right away even only seeing it as Nancy carried me down to her so-called storage room. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. Would she do it again?

Before I had a chance to answer myself, voices came from downstairs. I couldn't make out what was being said but I could pick up Nancy not liking it which drew me more than I wanted to admit.

I tried walking to the stairs quietly but the hardwood floors creaked in spots that I was sure anyone hear would hear a mile away.

"Ms Randall…" I heard a very frustrated Male voice say as I approached the top of the stairs

"Nacarato." Nancy's voice cut in sounding equally annoyed. My stomach turned knowing this wasn't going to end well.

"I'm sorry?"

"My maiden name. I'm going back to it."

"I don't care." A female voice chimed in a commanding voice.

"What I want to know is why you assaulted the Alpha of the Evergreen pack when the humans of this area are out looking for anything suspicious?

Nancy assaulted Ashley? When? Earlier or just recently?

"This is unacceptable! Now I dont give a shit what it takes, you put an end to your little war with them. Because if not, and I hear about one more death in this sector, I'll see to it you dont see another moon for a very long time."

I eternally debated with myself if I should make myself known and decided to go for it. Not many could talk to Nancy like that and get away with it so it could make sure she actually answers something instead of tossing me somewhere.

As I started down the stairs, three sets of eyes turned my way. I recognized the dark Skinned vampire from when she told me about how I was claimed. She watched me as if she was trying to figure me out. Judging by her tone of voice with Nancy that couldn't of been very good but it had to be better than looking at me as dinner so I tried to appear brave.

"If it isn't the human of the hour. Your mate had said you were asleep and recovering from your little ordeal. I'm glad your connection isn't as strong as I've been led to believe. "

Her voice was softer with me than with Nancy but I wasn't fully sure why. I was certain she didn't like me and was only looking for an excuse. If Nancy told her about Jason, she had plenty. Her hesitation to act made no sense to me.

I made my way slowly over to my mate studying her. Her signature tank top and Jeans was replaced with a black and gold sleeveless silk pleated top that really showed off her figure with wide leg black pants. Much more sexy and professional than normal. I guess it would make more sense now that she's running more than a bar.

You might think it would be easy to listen to someone ramble on while your mate is throwing a fit inside your head, but it was near impossible to focus on either one of them. How much of the sarcastic remarks and threats Nancy wanted me to pick up on, I wasn't sure.

"I am not completely without sympathy Ms. Reeves. What Mr. Donovan did is not something we tolerate. It has brought way too much exposure and is why we're taking care of his case. You can expect the local Sheriff department to notify you regarding his death as you were spotted before his death, but just tell them he dropped you off at home and mentioned he was going to the bar. It'll be ruled a mugging gone wrong and then this area can get back to normal."

I wasn't sure how I felt about all this. It was nice to know that I wasn't being charged with his murder but how could she was about it...it was clear she didn't care about his death. Just in protecting the secret of their existence.

"Fuckin' bloodsuckers!" Nancy mumbled as soon as they left. "Who do they think they are coming into my territory and -"

" What happened with Ashley?" I demanded.

"Don't worry about it." She said brushing me off as she headed towards the kitchen. It was clear that I did need to worry about it. Even Monique brought it up.

"How can I not worry about it? JoAnn is practically living with her now."

I followed her into the kitchen. Her discomfort and eagerness to change the topic making me push her all the more.

"Exactly. She made her choice so just drop it, Crystal."

"Whatever. I don't know why I even bother trying to talk to you anymore. I guess I just foolishly thought that you might give a shit."

"Where are you going?" She called after me.

"Home eventually. In the meantime to find someone who is willing to talk with me."

"You're already here. " I stopped unsure if I understood her correctly.

"What?"

“I’ve been wondering how I was going to tell you this but Jason made it much easier for me. Now that I’m the alpha, it only makes sense for you live here with me. As word gets around that Jake is gone other packs will try to increase their territory. You being my mate means you’ll be a target. You being human means you’re an easy one. I’m not taking any chances. Do you have any martial art training or anything?”

“Not really…” okay voice start working. This isn’t the time to play submissive. “Nancy, this is crazy! I can’t just move in. What about Jake?”

“You don’t need to worry about him.” She said agitated. She clearly didn’t like me mentioning him but they were married and it was his house. Clearly he would have a few objections to this.

“This isn’t up for debate! You’re a child, who’s naive and ignorant to how things work, yet still thinks they know everything. You’re my Luna! That title comes with a lot of responsibilities that-

“I DON'T WANT THOSE RESPONSIBILITIES” I screamed in frustration. “If you think I’m so stupid get someone else!

“I don’t care what you want! You’re my Luna whether you like it or not. You can’t even tell werewolves apart from humans in the bar, you sure as hell don’t stand a chance outside of it. I've been around this far longer than you. You need to start listening to me damnit."

She pushed me away just as I pulled against her making me lose my balance. I fell backwards hitting the counter, the edge cutting into my back sending every nerve on edge.

Nancy rushed over to me distraught over what happened. I knew she didn’t mean for me to fall but I didn’t care. The pain was incredible. All I wanted was to be alone.

I was so tired of all this. I thought when everything was over with Jake maybe things could be… well nice. She’s a werewolf so things couldn’t ever be normal but maybe something close to it. Not this constant struggle for more territory and control. The only fighting I’m interested in is trying to keep Dobby off my bed.

“GET AWAY FROM ME!”I screamed again pushing her away.

She stood there looking down on me not sure what to do but silently refusing to do the only thing I wanted from her. I wiped the tears away after the pain started dying down

“It never was before! I’m not looking to increase my territory there’s no reason for anyone to come after me. The only reason Jason did was because of you! The only reason my life has turned to utter shit is because of you. I’m…”

I stopped myself knowing better than to finish that sentence. There was no telling what would come of it. Instead I rested my forehead on my knees.

“You’re what?” Nancy asked as if she knew what I was going to say. I didn’t think she really did.

“I’m just not you, Nancy. I don’t know why we just can’t be happy. Or why you can’t be anyways.”

“We can be if you’d stop resisting me on everything. JoAnn has, I really don’t see why you can’t.”

A loud knock came from the door drawing our attention. Nancy left me to answer it with nothing more than a scowl.

"About time you got here. What took you so long? Between you, Crystal, and the Council it's a wonder I'm able to get anything done. Speaking of my lovely mate, shes in a mood so watch yourself. If you need anything, you have the number."

Who the fuck was she talking to? I was in a mood? Shes never seen me in a mood, not a real one. As I rounded the corner I couldn't believe who was here.

"Sasha?"

She gave me a forced smile letting me know I wasn't going to like what was coming next. The face on Nancy confirmed it.

"I got pack business to deal with so I decided to let Sasha watch over you. Before you say anything it was either her or Sashabut since you already know Sasha and would be more comfortable with her and shes not had her first shift yet it made more sense."

"You gotta be fuckin' kidding me!"

"Glad to see you too" Sasha smirked at me as she brushed past Nancy.

"Was this your idea or hers?" I asked Sasha already knowing the answer. Nancy pinched the bridge of her nose as if suffering from a migraine

“Jason was a close friend during my troubles with Jake. He still damn near killed you. It's only a matter of time before the Werners or another pack make a move, and you can't even tell the difference between a human, werewolf, or a vampire. I’ve lost too much before I’m not about to lose what’s mine again.”

Sasha nodded sympathetically and confirming my instincts were right about hating her.

"I'm not some damn prisoner. You can't just keep me here-"

"I can and I will! She snapped raising her voice making me and Sasha both jump. "Now, I've tried to be understanding and make these changes as easy as possible for you, but if you insist on continuing to challenge me, I'll just keep you in the storage room in the basement. This time there's nobody to save you."

Not wanting to go through that again I saw no choice but to back off. Over the next few days things didn't improve. Nancy would come and go at all hours of the day and night while Sasha had all but moved back in.

I sorta felt bad for her as she was putting a real effort into trying to get along. Unfortunately for her, I wasn't interested. While i may have to use restraint with what I said to Nancy, the same didn't hold true with Sasha. It was a little sad really, as I had started to like her a bit.

I slept in the spare bedroom much to Nancy’s displeasure which she didn’t bother trying to hide from in the mornings. Each day she’d stare daggers at me in the kitchen before we’d eat in silence at the table. Forcing me to stay here and not go anywhere what the hell did she expect? However, today my genitals felt like I’ve been kneed a dozen times. They were literally killing me when I stood up or walk.

I’ve had this happen a couple times before when I missed taking my hormones a few days. I had hoped Nancy would’ve let me return to the trailer to get them myself as it wasn’t something I wanted just anyone seeing but of course she’s being as controlling as usual.

“I need to get things from my trailer” I said looking over at Sasha who was watching us from the couch with great interest. Seriously, what the hell? It's not even nine in the morning yet.

Nancy usually doesn't leave to join the pack tell around half past ten so what gives? To make matters worse, Nancy has been locking me out of her head since I’m sleeping in the other room. There’s just no winning here.

“No.” She said agitated as she poured some coffee.

This is bullshit. “You want to get the fuck out of here? Can’t you see I’m not alone? Or are you fuckin blind?”

“Don’t be taking your shit out on Sasha!” Nancy said.

“Take what out on her? You said she’s here to make sure I’m not alone in case “something happens” but here she is now. I need to talk to you about my fuckin’ medicine and between her being here and your attitude, it’s fuckin impossible!”

I sat down at the bar with my head in my hands. I could feel Nancy drill into me making me wonder if I pushed her too far again.

“You can go, Sasha. I won’t be leaving for a little bit yet.”

I peeked as I heard Sasha leave out the back. Nancy was standing just a few feet away from me with her arms folded and her lips puckered as if thinking about something.

“What is it?” She asked once Sasha closed the door. At least she dropped a little of the venom out of her voice.

“I need my hormones. I’m having withdrawals.

"You didn't put them on the list, Crystal it-"

"No, I didn’t put it on the list as I don’t want people seeing them. For a place that isn’t supposed to be a prison it sure feels like one.”

“You’re the one making this place a prison, not me. I said you could come watch us train - something you need to start doing too but you refused. You don’t want to work at the bar anymore, and now you’re sleeping in the damn guest room. What am I supposed to do, Crystal? You say you’re not rejecting me, but you sure aren’t giving me much to think otherwise. "

“I want some independence. I didn’t sign up for all this. I still haven’t heard from JoAnn which has me worried. I miss Dobby. I need my hormones. And where’s Jake? It’s weird having to worry about you catching us and now I’m worried he’s going to… well, catch us. Is he dead?”

“I told you not to worry about him. Even if he was, there’s no reason for you to care.”

She said pouring herself more coffee.

“Yeah, there is. He might be an asshole but he was telling the truth about not being the one who killed my parents and hurt JoAnn.”

“No, he’s not dead. I told you I’m not some monster no matter what you think. He is being held until he signs some papers I need. Then I'll let him go. The damn humans take forever to do anything… at least it gives me a chance to get the pack fully in order. That includes you too Crystal.”

She pointed her coffee cup at me for emphasis on the last part. If I wasn’t so shocked by what I just heard I would of corrected her, but her including me as one of her followers wasn’t important right now.

“You’re what?!” Yeah, she locked me up but she did say she’d let me out. It’s been days…

“You can’t just lock people up! It’s not only illegal it’s-

“I’m the Alpha! I decide what’s legal or not! We don’t operate by human laws in case you’ve failed to notice.

He hasn’t been locked up for a week yet , compared to the years I spent married to him, I'd say he's getting off rather easy. If anything, it’s probably what’s keeping him alive. Care to take a guess how long he’ll last on his own? I'm doing him a favor.

I stood speechless, not sure what to say. Most of those that came into the bar were packless so it wasn’t that big of a deal right? I mean it’s like being rejected by your parents, not fun, but life went on.

“What about all the packless at the bar? They dont seem to worried about-

“Wake up, Crystal! The bar is neutral territory but dont think none of them has anything to worry about. Sure, some might be left alone but even Linnea came all the way over here to get away from her pack. Jake impersonated an Alpha and then upset other packs in the area Nobody is just going to leave him on his own like someone who just said the wrong thing to their alpha. But I'll release him in a few days and you can see for yourself.

She took a large drink from her coffee before tossing it in the sink hard enough that I’m surprised it didn’t break

“Fine! You can go to your trailer but Sasha is with you the whole time. I also want you to start training with Linnea and return to the bar."

That was the worst deal I’ve ever heard but I nodded in agreement anyways. It might open the door to more soon so best just play along.

"There's one more thing. No more sleeping in the guestroom. You're my mate, not a guest."

“Thank you.”

She let out a sigh of relief clearly expecting that I would’ve argued more.

Mine and Sasha relationship became noticeably weird on the way up to my place. My 'mood' as Nancy called it had only gotten worse towards Sasha since I couldn't take it out on Nancy.

"You like country, right?" She said as she turned on the stereo. You like Brooks & Dunn?"

"No. I wanna listen to Maroon 5." Truth be told, I couldn't stand them. I hoped Sasha couldn't either.

"Hell no! Now you can be bitchy all you want to me but there's a limit and sister, you're crossing it."

"Just because we fucked the same guy doesn't make us sisters. What, you wanna compare notes? How long did he last with you, did you orgasmed? I know, did he use me or Nancy as his excuse for leaving you right after? That's one I really wanna know. "

That got the smoke coming out of her ears.

"You know what, maybe I should just turn this thing around and lock your ass up myself. I know we started off on the wrong foot but I really-"

"You really what, Sasha? Thought we were BFF's all of a sudden? Please. You're a user, Sasha. You used Jake, your dad, me, and now you're using Nancy."