6

We're only about a mile or two away from the Ivory Moon's border when Tamisra tells me to shift back to human form and walk the rest of the way. Her legs were obviously tired, but she kept us going throughout the night. I would guess it's around 5 am because the sun is just starting to rise. It would only take me 20 minutes to get to the border, so I shift back and put on some clothes. I probably smell horrible and don't even want to know what's made its way into my hair. I get Nisha out of the duffel bag, and he stretches his legs before plopping on his side.

"Seriously? You've been in that duffel bag for how long and still don't want to walk?" I say as I pick him up and hold him in both arms. He meows at me but then starts purring as I pet him while we walk. I eventually can make out the border, where two wolves and a female in her human form are patrolling. Luck is on my side; I thought I would have to wait around until border patrol crossed this way.

As I approach, the wolves raise their hackles at me, but I put my hand up that isn't holding Nisha.

"My name is Amara Dawson; I'm Seth Dawson's sister. I'm seeking asylum in your pack. My brother told me the code is 'Eleven is the oddest cousin'"

The female is the first to speak, "Ah, we've been expecting you since yesterday," she says with an eyebrow raised at me.

I laugh nervously. "Ran into some rogue troubles along the way; it set me back a little."

"Very well, it's impressive you were able to make the journey alone; your brother tells me females don't have much freedom in your pack; even those with skill are not allowed to train."

"He's unfortunately right, I was lucky enough to have some training under my belt, but I hope to train here and be of service," I respond politely, even though she gave me a backhanded compliment.

"I'm sure our Alpha will have no problem with that. The more trained warriors, the better. I've already mindlinked your brother; he will be here in five minutes. You're only about ten minutes away from the packhouse by car."

"Great, thank you so much. What's your name?" I ask, deciding to try and make small talk

"My name is Mayra; I'm one of the pack warriors," she says as she sends the other two wolves away, back to patrolling, I assume.

I nod, giving up on the small talk as exhaustion hits me like a freight train. Now that I'm safe, all the adrenaline has worn off. Tamisra is lying on her side with her tongue flopped out in my head, and I just want to do the same. Just then, I see a Range Rover coming towards us. A flash of excitement rushes through me, realizing I will see Seth again. When the car stops, I jump up and down and throw my arms around Seth when he gets out.

"Hey, little sis, it's been too long," he says, hugging me tightly. Nisha meows in annoyance and hops out of my arms.

"Since when do you have a cat?" He asks, amused

"I found him on the way here, and he stuck with me, so he's mine now. Anyways, how's your mate? What have you been up to here? Are you a warrior too?" I shoot questions at him, and I load my duffel into the trunk of his car. He comes around and opens the door for me.

"I'm living the life over here; I'm one the head warrior now and help organize training. Mated life is the best, though, I never thought I'd be so quick to settle down, but I wouldn't change a thing," he says, his eyes sparkling when he talks about his mate. Even though I feel a pang of jealousy, I can't stop the smile on my face. My brother is a good man, and seeing him happy is all I could have wanted for him.

Nisha jumps on my lap as I crawl into the front seat, "I'm glad; maybe you can get me into a training schedule once I'm settled in?" I ask, hopeful

"Hell yeah, don't think I'll go easy on you either just cause you're my wimpy sister."

I feign hurt and punch his arm as he starts the car

"Exactly! That punch didn't even sting; we obviously have a lot of work to do," he teases back

"OH fuck off, you know I've always wanted to be a warrior like Mom and Dad, but alas Red Moon pack is stuck in the stone ages. I convinced Felix to let me train a couple times so I knew basic self-defense, which was a miracle in and of itself, but it still isn't enough.'

My brother's face darkens at the mention of my so-called "mate." He wasn't wild about Felix from the beginning, and I'm sure if he didn't think I was heartbroken, he would have said 'I told you so.'

"When I get my hands on that fucker he's dead; you know that, right?"

"As long as you let me get a few jabs in," I say, smiling

"How are you handling this, really, Amara? No jokes to cover up your feelings."

"Honestly, I feel more stupid for not realizing it than anything else," I sigh before I continue. "I always wondered why I never felt any of the things a normal mate bond would feel. I thought I was just incapable of love; never once did the idea of a forced bond cross my mind. I mean, he's the Beta of a pack; he should know better than to break a law so serious. I don't even know what made him do it; he only took an interest in me right after Mom and Dad died. He would have had to find a spirit witch to get it done. I just don't understand."

"I was around the guy often enough to know he was sketchy. He would ask about you sometimes, but I never thought anything of it aside from polite conversation. I was shocked when your wolf identified him as your mate after your shift. You never expressed any interest in him; some of the mated couples around here said even as kids, they had crushes on each other."

I nod my head but just want to drop the subject. There's too much on my mind, and I have to go before the deadly Alpha before I can get settled in or even close my eyes.

"Tell me what I need to know about your Alpha," I say

"He's not so bad. He's a serious guy, but he's a good Alpha. He and I have become friends since I came to the pack, he knows I care about you, and he didn't even think twice before accepting my request. He may be ruthless when it comes to other packs, but he protects his own pack," he says; I can hear the pride laced in with his words.

I smiled, happy my brother feels like he belongs here; neither of us ever felt an overwhelming sense of loyalty to the Red Moon pack. I would never have betrayed them as a pack member, but it was all too easy for us to leave and not look back. Shit, I almost died trying to get out of there. Some of my anxiety eased off hearing what my brother had to say; he wouldn't lie to me. I know that much. The rest of the drive is quiet, aside from Nisha's purring.

The packhouse comes into view, and my heart starts pounding like it wants to escape my chest. Regardless of what my brother had to say about the Alpha, he could still decide that I was not worthy of being a pack member and cast me out. I'm a 21-year-old, marked, untrained female, and I'm not exactly making the best impression with my attire.

We park, and my brother reaches over and squeezes my hand

"It'll be fine," he tries to reassure me, to no avail.

I go to grab my things, but my brother takes them for me, leaving me to carry just Nisha in. Despite the fear, I hold my head high and try to control my racing heart as we walk inside, and my brother leads me to the Alpha's office. He knocks on the door and the most delicious voice I've ever heard answers.

"Enter."

The door opens, and I'm staring into the cold eyes of Alpha Roman himself.