A few days had passed, Phoenix was definitely warming up to me and my closest friends, but we were still sleeping in separate rooms.

I had asked her yesterday if she was up to it, but she embarrassedly shook her head and apologized profusely. I knew she must have a problem sharing her space, as in her previous pack, she told me the only place she was safe was her room.

It broke my heart hearing about her tortured past, but I was grateful that she was able to share it with me. She told me she used to have a nice normal bedroom, but a few weeks after the Luna had passed away of natural causes, the Alpha forced her into that closet.

She got the mattress a few months later when a pack member was throwing it out to get a new one, same with the rest of the measly furniture in there.

Whenever she would describe her past, she would try to brush it off like it was nothing, but I could still see the pain and fear in her eyes.

The two of us were sat in the kitchen eating breakfast. She still wasn't eating a lot, she had barely put on a couple pounds in the last week or so. I never pushed her though, I didn't want her to retreat back into her quiet self.

She was pushing around a pile of scrambled eggs on her plate when she spoke up.

"Can I learn to properly become a Luna?" Her voice was quiet, yet confident. I placed my hand on her leg, rubbing it slightly. I was excited that she wanted to start learning her role in the pack, leading besides me.

After she had the Luna role nailed, she would become an amazing queen.

"Of course, cutie. You can start sitting in on meetings, it will also be a good way to start meeting more pack members. I'll show you how to read and interpret treaties and other documents." Her eyes brightened at the idea.

She stared at me for a second looking hesitant, then I feel her lips pressed against mine.

It was just a quick peck, but I was elated. Our first kiss, and she had initiated it! No way that was going to be enough for me though.

I pulled her back in and gave a longer, more intimate kiss, before feeling her pull away gently.

"I-I-I'm sorry..." she whispered. I stared at her mouth wide open, and laughed, pulling her into a huge hug.

Her legs wrapped around me as I lifted her out of the seat, I spun around while her head nestled into my neck. I felt her giggling and a smile was permanently etched into my face as I held her.

She pulled her head up and looked at me, "don't ever apologize for kissing me."

Phoenix POV

I looked at this beautiful man holding me up, and felt compelled to ask, "sleepover tonight?" His face brightened and he pulled me even closer if that was even possible.

After our breakfast shenanigans, it was time to start learning about my position as Luna. To be honest, I was nervous, convinced I'd mess it up, or be a disappointment to the pack.

We were in Maddox's office, we pulled a kitchen chair up next to his big rolly desk chair for me to sit in.

"This is a conflict resolution form, concerned with inner pack problems. Most people will settle their own conflicts within the pack, but if it gets bad enough they will come to us, and we discuss all the possible solutions." I had a pen and notebook and was taking diligent notes as he described all the different forms and paperwork.

I didn't want to mess anything up, and I loved staying organized with notes. I nodded, indicating I was ready for him to continue.

"These are prison release forms, for if we take in a rogue and we find them to be of no danger. They have the option to join our pack, or we'll help them be reassigned to another one."

I felt as if I was really learning a lot about the werewolf community. I had always imagined the king being super strict and scary, but Maddox was just trying to help people be safe and happy.

That's what I wanted to do, help people. My mind began to wander aimlessly as Maddox filled in a few papers, and I began to think about my old pack.

"Maddox... What's going to happen to my old pack..?" I asked hesitantly, not sure if I wanted to know the answer.

"Hey, I don't want you to worry about that, I've got it taken care of." This answer simply wouldn't do.

"I want to know what's happening. I need to know not everyone will be punished for the actions of a few."

Although a good majority of the pack participated in my abuse one way or another, there were definitely individuals who were completely innocent. Sure, they were bystanders, but it was for their own good. Anyone who tried to help me would be persecuted.

He sighed, apparently not wanting to talk about it. "Everyone who openly admitted to hurting you is currently in the cells awaiting punishment. The rest of the pack is being monitored until we figure out who else was involved."

I nodded, I was ok with this, although I didn't quite know what "punishments" would be given, I don't think I was ready to know.

"I can tell you who is innocent." I was still looking down at my notes, I didn't think he'd like me going back there.

My theory was quickly confirmed. "No. Nope. Not happening. You are not going back there. Me and Carter will conduct interviews with everyone instead."

"Maddox that is irrational, I know who is innocent, it will save you time and from having to deal with the liars. You'll be there to protect me, I promise I'll be ok." He looked hesitant but eventually agreed.

I felt accomplished. Going back there would be tough, but it was necessary. I was going to protect those who deserved it.