Trouble

POV Emerald

Two weeks! I've been gone for two damn weeks, and these hotheaded idiots I call my best friends landed themselves in a whopping pile of sh*t. They would have already had their asses handed to them if they were anyone else but no. Declan is the future Alpha, his right-hand Jackson is the future Beta, and his left, Wesley, is the future Gamma.

Insert a cheesy action movie ad here.

"Girl, you need to hurry home! You are the only one who knows how to calm down all our parents! For the first time think Declan is scared!" Alli is sweet as pie and your typical teenager. She's getting pure enjoyment from seeing her brother and his best friends get their asses handed to them. She's not fooling me in the slightest.

Alli is only fourteen and the apple of our pack. Most brothers would be annoyed to have a little sister, but not Jackson. You'd think Alli was his own daughter. She's drop-dead gorgeous, and he's already put the fear of the moon goddess in most of the tiny teenagers running around our pack.

'Rest in peace to those little pups,' my wolf Gem snickers. I can't help my laughter. I was thinking the same thing. 

Alli gasps at my sudden outburst, "okay, I find this funny but not that funny. My Dad looks like he's going to rip out Jack's neck."

"Not why I'm laughing, but almost there! Those idiots better be freaking thankfully I was already on my way home! And they better worship at my da*n feet once I got them out of this."

"They better! Men are idiots already but wolf men! Goddess! Alpha's of stupidity, every last one of them!" 

That makes me laugh harder because if she's already feeling that firmly, it only worsens over time. Hell, men and women are freaking nuts, trust me! I'm bi-sexual, I'd know. None is better, but they swear the other is crazy. 

When Alli called to tell me how the boys and the football team decided to go to our rival's school to steal their mascot. But did they stop there? No, because kidnapping isn't enough. They also chose to graffiti an entire brick wall with our mascot, a wolf. Original right? Yeah, I know, but hey, you are what you are. 

From the pictures will admit it was damn cool, but not for the future leader of our pack and his trusted men. 

'Stupid, they are stupid!' Gem shouts. The poor girl is fuming around up there. Pacing back and forth, unsure if she would kick the hell out of them or hug them first. 

'I agree but calm down Gem, they will grow up soon. Let them be kids while they can.'

I attempt to calm my feisty wolf down, but she sneers, 'You're pissed too!'

I couldn't argue with her about that because it's true. Not rip their head off pissed, but pretty damn pissed, considering I've been gone two weeks, and there is only one more day left in the weekend, then it's back to school. Thank god it's the senior year! 

Running into the pack house, the kitchen staff all give me a bright smile but also not speaking, worried I'll rip their heads off for how pissed I am at my friends. 

I am not in a position that would allow me to, but everyone respects and fears me. Alpha Dean swears there has to be the alpha gene in me with my dominance. Even my wolf is more significant than most girls. Gem's more muscle and is taller, and my fur is silky like satin and beyond gorgeous. At the same time, the human form of me is a well-made prize. 

Cocky? A little, but I am beautiful. There is no denying that. My mom always told me never to let a man have the power to break me down. I am a warrior who'll be the strongest, fiercest Silver Pack ever had. But if I let a man tear me down, it would destroy and weaken me. And that shit? It will never happen!

Standing outside Alpha Dean's office door, I glance down to realize what I'm wearing before I knock. Usually dress more respectfully, but at the moment, I'm in tiny jean shorts that cup my round ass, a tank that shows all my cleavage, and mid-stomach. Yes, their fathers adore me. See me as an extension to them, so they are protective of me, and they aren't going to love this outfit. But what I do for the boys, and though I'm pissed, I prefer them still alive. 

I knock on the door twice before Alpha Dean growls through the door, "Not now! Go!"

Now, he would not have yelled at me if he wasn't so upset and using his senses. Cracking to open it a little, I poke my head in, "it's me Alpha." 

He rubs his forehead, then walks over to the door, opening it the rest of the way, "sorry princess, how are you?"

As I hug Dean, a shiver runs through me, feeling three pairs of eyes sweeping my body. 

'One! What the hell was that? Two, why the hell are the eyeing you like one of their she-wolves? This isn't a new look, we wear this all the time.'

Again, we're on the same page, but ignore my curiosity and brush it off as they are just happy for me to be here to save them.

Turning my attention back to Alpha Dean, "I was okay until Alli called me about these idiots."

Snapping my head at them, letting Gem come through, glowing my emerald green eyes in disappointment. 

Declan's wolf, Goliath, being the Alphaa he is, tries coming through. Gem and Goliath are in a complete eye lock, not blinking and barely breathing. I can feel my body moving closer to his. We've been here before, and because Declan and his wolf are our Alpha, everyone, even Jackson and Wesley, breaks with him quickly and bows down to him. To damn easily. 

Me? It's always been a battle with us. I usually bow down to make him feel better. But I never squirm, never flinch like everyone else. Goliath lets out a soft warning growl to Gem and me. 

Wesley tugs my arm, "back down."

He knows I'm not doing that. Ignoring my Gamma, I move closer, standing toe-to-toe with my Alpha. Slightly looking up at him, I am six foot even tall. Which is rare for a wolf that doesn't hold any dominant blood. That makes me only three inches short of Declan. 

His husky, woodsy scent fills my nostrils and almost makes me back down. Key word, almost. Miraculously managed to control myself and stand firm.

Declan is gorgeous. Hands down the most beautiful man to walk the damn planet. No one would be able to convince me otherwise. Nothing but pure muscle. His biceps are more significant than my head, and he has a glorious eight-pack. All you want to do is lick it. Those baby blue eyes that when his wolf comes forward, little slides of silver shoot through them, making them even more gorgeous. His jet-black hair is always styled, not an inch out of the place. And his perfectly sunkissed skin from all this heat we've been having. 

Alpha through and through. It would be a lie to say that I don't want to back down and bow at his feet, but he's not winning. Not today! Not with him being a raging idiot.

I don't know if Goliath or Declan took a big whiff of me, but one of them did. His eyes suddenly darken, staring down at me like the most delicious thing he's ever smelt. Goliath surrenders, Declan gives me his lazy grin that's still so damn sexy, "Smell good Ems. I missed you."

"Don't try sweet talking me! What the hell were you thinking?" He can try everything he wants to try to get out of this. It's not happening!

One thing about Declan is that he hates when I'm mad at him. It sends him into a puppy dog stage if he even thinks it's possible. He does everything under the sun and moon to fix it. Always blew my mind that he was like that with me because, with every other female, it's screwing them or not caring. I mean, he's not a complete dick to them, but still not a super sensitive guy like he is with me. 

Declan wraps his massive arms around me, pouting, "I'm sorry Emmy! It was stupid I know. Don't be mad."

Can't help but hug him back. He's so warm and familiar; it has been two weeks long. I love being in his arms, but I need him to know I'm still mad.

"Still going to kick your ass," I whisper softly into his ear. Did it thinking he'd be a little more scared, but no. He gripped me tight for a second before releasing me. When I look into his eyes, this look is new. Towards me, anyway, I've seen it thousands of times when he's flirting with a girl. Instead of scaring him, I just turned him on. Really, the fu*k on.

I need to break this eye contact because I am five seconds from jumping on him and crashing my mouth into his. Turning towards my other two idiots, I snarl at them, watching their wolves flash in their eyes, wanting to come forward. Wesley and Jackson force them to back off quickly.

I know those wolves have to have a love-hate relationship with me. They outrank me, yes. I respect the hell out of them, but I don't let them slide by pulling dominance. Never. Fuck that. 

Beta Anthony smiles at me as I turn around and walks over to hug me, "welcome back princess and Alpha?"

Dean chuckles, "yes, yes I know. We need to get genetic testing done on her. Swear Emerald there has to be at least a sliver of the alpha gene in you."

He keeps saying that but never does anything about it. I've always wondered why they stopped themselves considering one phone call and a five-minute drive to the doctor we could find out. Whatever, I don't really care either way. It wouldn't change anything. I just smile, nod, and give Gamma Michael a hug.

Alpha Dean walks around his desk to take a seat. As his eyes work over to the boys in disapproving looks, I see his wolf wanting to surface, but he's doing a hell of a job to keep him at bay. 

Stepping closer, his attention comes to me, and I watch as his wolf backs away; Dean's facial expressions soften. Helps when I'm giving him my sweet, innocent smile, "Alpha Dean, can I make a suggestion? Of course, please turn it down if you don't think it's enough. Just a thought popped in my head."

"You have always been full of ideas, Emerald and I listen to them everytime. So please go ahead."

Only three women get to see the soft said to our dear, strong Alpha Dean. That's our Luna, his mate Esma, Alli, and me. That's it, and I love that I get to witness it, but his love is the best thing to have. 

"Well, instead of having cleaners come pressure wash the lovely art on the brick wall. The boys will do it mid-day when it's the hottest. It should be about a three to four-hour job, depending on the paint and how well they work."

The boys try mind linking me with me, but I block them out completely. Dean seems to love this idea, and by his eyes, I can tell he's mind-linking with his Beta and Gemma. So, while they discuss that, I smile at the boys and give them a cute little wave while continuing to block them out.

Alpha Dean mind links me, 'that and for the next two weeks they clean up after each training shift. Including laundry. Deal?'

'Sounds perfect to me.'

I hear his chuckle, and then he repeats their punishment. They are not thrilled. Not even a little bit. Dean's alpha hand comes through when he is over the agonizing groans. He slams his hand so hard on his desk that the wood cracks. That should scare me, but I stand there without a flinch. 

"It's that or you can do everything I just said and lose access to Emerald for a month. No mind-links, no seeing, you three will stay home and do school from here to be sure you don't see her. Everything Emerald will be off limits. Your choice!"

All their mouths snap shut without another word. Goliath doesn't love that I had a say in the punishment or that his Dad threatened him about taking me away. Like Declan can read my mind, he sends me a link, 'Not you Em though Goliath is pissed I made him back down.'

I stare at Goliath. Even though Gem is begging to come forward, I want them to know I'm not scared of him. In love with him for sure, but not frightened. He doesn't need to know that, though. 

'Poor baby. Tell him to bite me and get over himself.'

The silver in his eyes starts shooting around like rockets but also darkening. 'Don't offer that to me or Goliath might just fu*k around and do it.'

Declan's eyes start slowly gliding along my body, taking every inch. It sends an unknown tingling sensation throughout my body like my body is trying to scream at me that I need him. That I need his body on top of mine.

Trying to shake out the thoughts of him bending me over the chair and fucking me into oblivion. I straightened myself up quickly, shooting daggers now and mind-link back to Mister Dark and sexy over there.

'Keep dreaming!'

'Plan on it,' Declan winks at me. I don't like him playing with my head. I'm not one of his one-offs and never will be.

I'm Emerald, his best friend, someone he loves. He can't do something like that to me. 

'We need to get out of here. His stares are intense.' Gem is between panting in pleasure and growling in anger. But feel you, girl. Glancing back at Dean, I smile again, "now that's settled, do you happen to know where my dad is?"

"Yes, he's at the training facilty taking over Brian's class. Marium went into labor this morning."

Now, that's the news I wanted to hear. I love that woman, she was born to be a mom, and she's going to be the damn best.

"I'll stop and see her tomorrow. Now if you don't mind, I would like to go see my Dad?" 

Dean stands up with his arms out, embracing me with a hug. "Of course not, Princess. Come find me later so we can catch up."

That reminds me of something. Something I need to figure out how to take or what to make of. But I need his insight and to warn him of what I overheard. That last part I'm clear on. "About that, would like a meeting with you? Something I overheard at training."

He glances at me in suspicion, wondering what it could be. But same here, buddy. Besides a gut feeling telling me to talk to him, I have no idea. "Free in about an hour and a half, come back, and we'll talk." 

I give him a smile and wave, "thank you."

Before waltzing out the door, give one more dangerous look to the boys, even a bigger one at Declan, who, like me, doesn't flinch. Which pisses me off but also turns me on. What a damn mess!

High-tail it out of there after that. Making sure to snatch my bag before running out the door. 

My wolf is the fastest in the pack. Very few can even slightly keep up with me, even in my human from a quick. Almost like you can't see me quick. 

Those idiots will follow me, so I run to the facility to get some sort of space for a fraction of a second.

Dad's training the first rank of warriors, the newbies. Those who swear they have what it takes. I've always enjoyed watching the first years and seeing who has what. Who is overly cocky up until they need help. What I really love is a Cinderella story. Expecting the unexpected from the underdog, the one everyone bets against. Really love it when those wolves come out beaming at the end, the ultimate warrior of their class. 

Dropping my bag, I rest my elbows on the fence and watch my Dad toss them around like rag dolls. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Markus walking up with his cocky grin. The only man with the balls to flirt with me, and I don't mind one damn bit. Markus is hot, too.

He comes from a long line of warriors and holds a powerful look. He's about six foot two, with blonde hair that always looks like he's been freshly fucked. Probably has, let's be honest. Again werewolves' bodies are immaculate, and men's bodies, well, it's rare that they don't look so fucking lickable. His is no expectation, all those muscles and pale skin. Markus also has blue eyes, but they are dark blue, almost navy. Though they are gorgeous, his wolf throws a gold line throughout them when he appears. 

He leans his back against the fence but stands close enough for his side to graze my arm. Those eyes glisten at me, and with that grin that makes girls' panties drop, and whispers, "you know they are watching you right?"

I've known those three idiots have been watching me this entire time. I'm not stupid, but going to flirt with him to piss off the boys. Because I know they have their wolf hearing up and ready.

"Is that why you came all the way over here? Because that would be a shame." 

I give him the sexiest grin and nudge him, causing him to take a step. He turns to face me, "good thing that's not why I came over to see you then."

Straightening myself up, I run my fingers through my hair and lay out the red carpet of flirting, "tell me then."

"Well beautiful you've been gone for two weeks and missed you."

"Missed me or missed watching me? Those are two different things."

He grazes my cheek with his thumb and grins, "both beautiful, is that a bad thing?"

I grin right back, "nope was just curious."

"Tell me, is there really nothing going on with you and them?"

His eyes flick in the direction of my friends. People think we have been fucking since the beginning of time. It couldn't be the furthest thing from the truth. The only thing I did well, Jackson and I, was kiss at sixteen. We were stupid drunk. Not a single soul knows that besides us two, we are not about to share that information with Markus or all people.

Three sets of growls come through the mind link, and it pisses me off instantly. 

'What the hell is up with you three?' I snap back in the mind-link and answer Markus here.

"Do you mean am I fucking any of them? No. Not the kind of she-wolf you fuck and toss to the side. I like to do the tossing."

'Do you really think I'd do that to you,' Declan asks through the link, but his voice is sad? And won't lie, that's preciously why I'd said it. To get the thought out of his head. 

Jackson comes through, foaming at the mouth, 'only a blind fucking idiot would do that to you Emmy! Why the fuck would you say that!'

Markus liked my bluntness, "don't have to tell me, beautiful. Don't know how they haven't tried anything with you but tell me. What are my chances of taking you out?"

'No!' all three growl. 

One, I don't listen to anyone. This man has absolute balls for talking to me, let alone continuing since he can't hear my friends, but he knows they are talking to me. 

"85% chance of me saying yes."

Markus grabs my hand and plants little kisses on each knuckle. Never in my damn life have I seen someone do something so sweet but so da*n sexy at the same time, "tell me what I need to do to get the last 15%."

'Emerald...' Wesley is whining, or his wolf Sage is. Why the hell are they complaining about me talking to a dude? Neither ever cared before, well, not to this degree. Seriously, what is up with them?

Pushing that aside, I think about what he could do to earn a date with me. Because, well, I want one, really bad. He's hot as hell, but he is a player like these three. He is less significant. He had two girlfriends for long periods, but not for a while. 

"Hm, well, how about this you keep your paws off all the she-wolves for a week. I'll go on a date with you Saturday?"

Markus is beaming ear-to-ear while the other three are sneering through the mind link. I don't think Markus can keep his hands to himself, so I doubt this date will happen, but it's worth a shot and also pisses off these three.

"Okay and what do you want to do when I undoubtedly get this date with you?"

"Nope, that's on you. I made my request."

He leans over, kissing my cheek, "fine by me. See you later beautiful."

I wave flirty at him, "later Markus, good luck."

Dad comes over, chuckling and shaking his head in Markus's direction. His arms widen when he gets close enough to embrace me in his all-mighty wolf hug. Another dominant man has a soft spot for the daughter he raised as his own. 

Carter Withsmith met my mother, Ruby, at a training camp in Canada. They were both asked to coach. They are high-ranking warriors, the best in their packs then, so it's normal. When my mom walked into the hotel lobby, that's when she learned the moon goddess gave her another mate. It was hard at first. 

But Carter instantly fell in love with my mom and waited until she was ready. Which was only about three months after they met. Then they married precisely two weeks later, and Mom moved us out of our old pack to the Silver Pack. 

The second I met Carter, he became my second Dad. He loves me unconditionally, hands my ass on a platter when needed, and is my ultimate supporter. I'd be lost without him. Especially since my real Dad died when I was only a few months old in one of the most significant rouge attacks this country has ever seen. As for Mom, she passed about two years ago in a war for territory. An old Alpha tried coming for Alpha Dean's land since we are the biggest in the country, spanning seven cities. Our pack holds about 30,000 wolves, not including omegas.

"How was your trip Princess?"

I smile warmly at my Dad, "great! It was fun and learned a lot of new things. Took Alpha Archie down twice, wasn't thrilled but impressed."

'You what! And he let you live! Do you have a death wish Em!' Declan is really starting to piss me off to a whole new degree. Inserting his alpha behavior where it's unwanted or needed. Alpha Archie was impressed by me, honestly. Think he respects me more, considering I was the only one not falling over his every word or trying to find reasons to stick to his side.

He held a couple classes, the first one I signed up for because I knew he could teach me some new things. The other four were because he sent hisBetaa to find me. He wanted me there, and I wasn't crossing an Alpha. I know my limits. Now, I will bicker with most alphas. I'm not scared to speak my mind or be honest, but I know when to surrender and stop. 

Now, with Dean and Declan, it's a bit different. Get a lot of leeway with them, but that's because I've proven my strength, and they know my love for them is never-ending. I'll follow them into battle any day of the week, lay my life on the line to save theirs, and they will do the same for me.

Completely ignoring one, Declan, my Dad is proud, smiling down at me, "I heard. Beta Adam called me to praise you, and I feel Alpha Archie has a thing for my Princess."

Dad is damn near foaming at the mouth, but I can tell by the way he's looking at me that he thinks something happened. And it didn't. I kept my distance unless we were in class, and he wanted to spare with me. Can't have him or anyone else thinking that, even for a second.

"Nothing happened, Dad, swear! All I did was spare with him and go to the classes he ordered me to. Now did catch his attention because I wasn't worshipping him like every other she-wolf. I noticed it annoyed him but impressed him. He never brought it up, though, and I have no interest." 

Dad's whole body relaxes, and he nods, "good! Then I don't mind extending this invitation. In one month over your holiday break Alpha Archie would like you to visit his pack and run a training class for his second year warriors. He would like to hear from you personally by friday if you accept. That way you two can corrdinate on what he wants you to teach them and anything you want to add."

'Wow! That's an honor!' Gem is all excited about this. Me? Well, iffy on it. Yes, it's an honor, and I'd love to do it, but I need to talk to Alpha Dean first. Something was off to me about Alpha Archie, a great leader and teacher, but the way he was watching me, looking at me, I don't know, could tell he wanted more. But something else I overheard him and hisBetaa talking about just doesn't sit right with me.

"Does Alpha Dean need to aprove this trip?" 

'Yes!' Declan growls.

Wesley huffs, 'We are going with her if she goes right? Don't trust that guy.'

Rolling my eyes, my Dad chuckles, "going to ignore that eye roll because I'm guessing it's the boys, but yes. Alpha Dean is the one that spoke to me about it. Still, he had the same concern that he thought something might of happened between you and Archie, considering his reputation. But it's up to you, and if you want to speak with Alpha Dean first, sure, he has zero issues with that."

"Dad, don't all Alpha's have a reputation? Hell, male wolves in general! All of you sleep around like it's your goddess given right and by time most of you meet your mate you screwed half their friends, half their family, or the entire female population of the pack. I can handle my own with one Archibald, have and will continue doing so. Not interested."

Dad chuckles, putting his hands up defensively, "again you are right but Princess have a feeling you will be mated with someone with authority. Your riddled with it and the moon goddess gave you that for a reason. Not sure how I'd feel if you get mated with Alpha Archie considering when you go, you will be turning eightteen while your there." 

'Over my dead body will you be mated to fucking Archie!' 

'Was going to say the same damn thing!'

Wesley is the only one not saying a word, but he's fuming, and I can hear his growl over here. Not sure he meant to do that out loud, but it caught everyone's attention. I snap my head to see them standing atop the hill about 200 feet away, staring down at me. 

Gem snarls at them, and I decide over this bullshit. 'Tell me what the fuck got into you three or leave me the hell alone.'

Dragging focus back to Dad, his eyebrow is raised in the boys' direction, silently laughing in his head at their overbearing asses. Dad kisses my forehead, "maybe you'll be the select view that get multiple mates at once. Not sure how those boys will react if it's not one of them."

"Highly doubt that and wouldn't even know how to handle that! But they will get the hell over it and be happy for me. It's more likely they will be mated with someone else and I'll have to respect that, even if one of them has the most insuverable mate on the damn planet. Which is more likely to happen with my luck."

I hate talking about this. Every word out of my mouth is complete bull! Be happy for them? I'm in love with all three of those raging idiots! However, I refuse to admit that because of this exact thing. The damn mate, moon goddess ritual. Is it time to change that? Yes, people started getting more balls rejecting their mates, but it nearly starts a war every time. 

And we're all aware the moon goddess hates my existence. Why else would she put me through so much bullsh*t in my seventeen years of living? My luck is that she'll probably give me the quietest, weakest female or male. I'm dominant by nature; I need someone who can overpower me. The ability to take me out of my dominance, not have me smothered in it. If you catch what I'm saying. 

"Stop that, you do not have bad luck. Your a warrior Em, only got put through the ringer to make you stronger. And you are, you are stronger than almost any male in this pack. Whatever the moon goddess decides I am sure it will be exactly what you need." 

I roll my eyes, "yeah but be full warned I have no issue rejecting a mate that I don't see fit. Think this ritual is a little dated and Miss Moon Goddess should get with the times. Most men can't be faithful if their life depended on it and women are getting stronger, more independent. I wasn't built for the weak."

"You weren't built for the strong neither, why do you think Luna Esma calls you to help tame her husband and Declan over there. You have a gift, Em and told you if you feel the need to reject a mate, perfectly okay with that because I understand. Please make sure before doing it. Regardless of how you feel, the pain will be unbearable until the connection is completely severed." 

He's right, but the pain is a welcome feeling for me. He doesn't need to hear that, though. Putting on my sweetest smile, "of course daddy."

Dad kisses my forehead once more, "thank you Princess, now have to get back to this. See you at the house later." 

"Okay, have a meeting with Alpha Dean. I'll see you later, daddy, and would love steak for dinner!" Giving him a pouty look, he waves me off, "whatever you want, princess, I'll stop by the store on my way home."

"Thank you! Love you!" 

"Love you too," Dad waves me off. He's tired of the boys lurking around, which I am, too. Thankfully, I have this meeting to escape from them for a while.

When I turn around to head back to the packhouse, all three of them are standing behind me with their tail between their legs, giving me pouty faces.

Should have thought about that before all the territorial behavior.

Not a damn tree you can piss on to mark your territory.

Smashing between Jackson and Wesley, shoulder-checking them both, I keep pushing. They want to be ridiculous; well, so can I. And well, I'm a woman. Petty is built in my DNA. 

"Stop!" Declan demands Alpha front and center, so, of course, I have to listen. I just stop but don't turn around. He didn't command me to look at him and didn't plan on it. 

He's standing right behind me now, and he wraps his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder, "we haven't seen you in two weeks, I barely heard from you so will you please stop being mad at us."

I freaking hate that my body wants to betray me and sink into his chest. Not giving it the satisfaction, though, or him. Without moving or touching him back, I calmly say. 

"Inserting your Alpha won't work on me. I'm not one of the weak girls you fuck, Dec, and if you are done. I have two other Alphas to attend too."

He spins me around and pins me by my hips to the ground, making sure I understand not to move, "Em do you really think I don't know that? Do you really think I compare or put you in the catergory as those she-wolves? If you were anything like that you'd of slept with half the dudes in the pack by now because they are more than damn willing but you haven't. Wasn't inserting my Alpha on you, I miss you Em. All I want is for you not to be mad and hang out with you."

Declan will lie to a female just to get his rocks off, but with me, I can sniff out a lie from him before he even tells it. This? Everything he said he meant, and I hate looking into those baby blue eyes because his stupid ass melts me every time. 

Wesley and Jackson see I'm about to cave, so they come over, resting their arms on each of their Alpha's shoulders, poking out their bottom lips, really bringing on the charm. It doesn't help they are born with it, and Wesley is a Gamma who oozes out of him without even trying. You walk past him and fall in love. He's the biggest sweetheart douchebag you'll ever meet. 

Can't even be mad anymore, "fine! You three stupid asses win this time but now I really need to go talk to your Dad." 

They kiss me on the cheek, and Declan puts his arm around my shoulders, guiding me back to the packhouse, "yeah about that, what's going on?" 

"Honestly, not sure. Overheard something that I can't really understand but something in my gut tells me it isn't good." It's more than my gut. It's my whole entire body. Everything in my body, Gem's body, knows this isn't a good sign.

Jackson walks to the other side, lacing his fingers with mine, "can we come and listen?" 

"Sure, don't see why not." 

When we enter the pack house, Wesley runs my things upstairs so the staff and men walking around don't decide to snoop. According to the boys, they will want to steal my panties. At this point, I think they are more likely to do that.

'Let's not entertain that idea.' Gem's suggestion is well noted.

As we walk up the stairs to Dean's office, his wife, Esma, comes waltzing out. She lights up when she sees me, and the boys let go of me so I can hug her. 

"Welcome home, Emmy, and you got some sun! Looking positively beautiful, isn't that right, boys?" She gives me a little wink with a knowing smile. It was a little funny. 

Wesley walks up, kissing my cheek, "she's always been beautiful, Luna, but I agree." 

He continues towards Dean's office as Jackson comes over, following suit, "extremely beautiful."

"Too beautiful," Declan adds, putting his hand on the small of my back. "Considering I heard Alpha Archie has a thing for my Emerald, and Markus asked her out the minute he saw her."

Esma notices the underline growling in Dec's tone and sees Goliath attempting to take over for Declan as if he's ready to take on anyone who dares try to be with him. 

The Luna just taps her mouth with her index finger with a little smirk, "Interesting. I'm sure you put Alpha Archie in his place if he tried anything? Believe you are the only woman bold enough to do such a thing." 

"Of course, Luna. Other than learning to become a better warrior, have no interest in the man."

Surprise crosses her face, "he's very handsome, powerful. Thought someone of Arch's stature would appeal to a woman like you." 

"Never said he wasn't, he's very much both of those things. I'm not interested in those things right now. My respect for him as a leader however? and his abilities as a fighter, now those intrigue me. I'd be a fool not to learn from him." 

Luna taps my cheek with a bright smile, "Smart girl. Archie is an incredible Alpha and friend, but you deserve someone to worship you, not the other way around. He demands full submission, someone he can walk over. That's not my sweet girl." 

I snort, "not to be disrespectful but isn't that all Alpha men? Their need to be worshipped at their feet and the need of a female not needing that in return?"

Esma shrugs her shoulders a little, "yes and no. There is a time and a place, that yes they need and you should but at others, they know their mates. Their Luna's are their backbone, their sounding board for life. No one knows the truth behind them besides her. Not even the Beta or Gamma. So most do and will worship you as long as you return the favor. Archie though talented, and perfect for the job, has a god complex and needs everything and one to be in his control. Now that I'm thinking about it, don't think he could handle someone like you." 

Allowing Luna Esma to have my full attention is damn near impossible when her son is standing her, drawing lazy circles on my back like it's second nature to him. At the same time, he is face-deep in his phone doing who knows what. Gem is even purring with each swipe of his touch, wanting more. She's aware we cannot entertain this. We can't want him more than we do. It will only lead to broken hearts.

Declan opening his mouth doesn't help our situation. It never freaking does!

"He couldn't. Em challenges and questions too much."

His hand slides to my hip, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I mean that in the best way. You keep my father and I on our toes even when we don't want it. Archie is all about his way or the highway. No opinions, no questions, just follow him blindly. And I agree with mom you do need someone to worship you the way I know you will worship your mate in return. Archie is not or never will be that person." 

Probably the sweetest thing Dec has ever said to or about me. Though I have zero interest in Archie like that, these boys seem awfully worried that I might be lying or that Archie will try changing that. I reassure everyone in the hallway that there is no interest there. Not on my end, anyway. I can't speak for Archibald. Also, thank them for their kind words and worries about me but remind them humbly that I can handle myself. Which earned me a growl from all four of their wolves. 

'Is this day getting weird by the minute? Or just me?' Gem asks.

'Agreed but let's ignore it. Talk to Dean about what we heard.'

Gem agrees, and we all walk into Alpha Dean's office, which waves us over to his black U-shaped sectional. We all sit down. Declan, still beside me, not letting me go, has his arm around my shoulders. Wesley is sitting on my other side, playing with one of the rings on my finger. Even though there is plenty of room, Jackson's big six foot three bulky ass sits between my legs on the floor.

Dean comes through on my mind-link but has a smile, 'think the boys missed you.'

Rolling my eyes, I answer him 'clearly.'

With a simple grin, he moves right along. "What did you want to speak about? Have a few things to talk to you about as well." 

Archie, and considering it would be a replay of what happened in the hall two seconds ago. I'm not really interested in dealing with that again. I take a deep breath because I hadn't spoken to this about anyone nor ever asked besides when I was six. 

"Uhm...what pack did you say I came from again? Before Mom mated with my Dad."

He shifts a bit, "the Dark Jewel Pack, they are the third largest pack in the States."

I nod, "thought so."

"Em? What is it? I know some of their warriors were at the training camp. Did something happen?" 

"No, not with them. Pissed off one of the male warriors but nothing I couldn't handle. It's something I overheard. I didn't mean to. I was walking away, but it caught my attention."

He asks me to continue.

"Do you know if something happened to their Alpha?" I ask cautiously.

"Actually, yes." He shifts uncomfortably again. "He was caught abusing some of the younger women within the pack. To young."

Red-hot anger starts coursing through my veins. Dean said he was caught and is currently being detained with the lycans. The punishment was left hanging in the air for our imaginations. Mines not causing enough pain to the piece of crap. I use the anger and the disgust to focus on the task at hand. I just nod my head, trying to connect the pieces. 

"There is no one to take over, correct? He never mated nor had children? I'm guessing."

Dean shakes his head and leans forward, "What did you hear?"

Taking a deep breath, I unload everything. "Overheard Alpha Archie speaking about the oppurtionity of taking over Dark Jewel. He was speaking with Beta Adams about someone that could possibly take over if they ever found out their bloodline? Truthfully, it made no sense, but he ordered him to find every last wolf with any drop of..." Shit! My brain never allows me to forget anything.

"I can't remember the last name for my life, but regardless, he wanted anyone found, so he had no issues taking over the territory. The way he was speaking was more out of anger than interest. I don't see them fighting Archie if he'd like to take over the pack because he's an extrodinary leader, but..." 

Dean's wolf trying to draw focus catches my attention. Something has him fuming and puzzled.

"Eros. The last name is Eros. It would be impossible for any of their blood to be living," he says, the last part more to himself than us.

"A war broke out between Dark Jewel and Moonlight about forty years ago. The Alphas couldn't agree on anything. Alpha Michael Dawson, the previous Alpha's great-grandfather, sent in his people. They were equally as strong as the Jewel pack, but, in the end, they won by killing Alpha Ezekial Eros.

After he died, Michael ordered all the Eros family bloodlines to be killed. Even though it wasn't their fault, Michael had no heart. Not even for the children. They were all killed. For any Eros to be alive, that would mean they disobeyed a direct order from their Alpha."

Dean won't say the words out loud, but he's proud of that fact. His wheels start turning, and his angry gaze turns curious. Focusing more on me than usual.

"Eros, we're royalty in our world. They were strong, fierce, wildly independent, but their hearts? That's what people flocked to. Everyone loved them besides the Dawson family. Rumors are something happened between the families hundreds of years ago and got twisted over time. Regardless, it's a story for another time.

I've always wondered how they got the upper hand on Ezekial. He wasn't only an Alpha; he was a warrior, too. A force of nature."

Declan draws my attention by grazing his thumb across my bare shoulder.

"None of this matters to you. You're worriied about innocents dying when they don't need. Blood shed when there's simple answer to the problem."

I've always loved how Declan knows me. It terrifies me yet makes me feel seen. For the first time since coming home, I give a soft smile.

"Yeah," Dec smiles, nodding for me to continue.

"I wanted to suggest he speak with them, but as everyone has pointed out, Archie is hot-tempered. I didn't want him to think I was eavesdropping or disrespecting him. You are one of the few people Archie respects and is willing to listen to. Please explain the situation and suggest he uses his abilities for good. Point out people don't need to die! Despite what I heard, Archie is the leader Dark Jewel needs. He could destroy everything, including his own pack, acting out whatever issues he has with the Eros family.

Regardless of whether his hatred is earned, his actions would cause him to be idiotic and act out on stupid childish behaviors; it would be a shame."

My annoyance with the Alpha ego doesn't go unnoticed. It earns me a laugh from everyone in the room. Dean leans back, picking a piece of lint from his pants and grinning.

"Not that you need my reassurance, but glad you came to me instead of comforting him. Probably best not to call Archie an idiot or inform him of his stupidity. But I'll gladly speak with him because you're right. Archie is acting out, and I'm not sure why. Those actions don't align with the man that I know.

He did mention wanting to expand his pack and asked if I knew any territories up for grabs. I informed him about Dark Jewel, but he said he would have Adam look into it. But again, I agree with you. Dark Jewel would benefit from having an Alpha like Archie leading them."

Dean is eyeing me curiously, though, like he's noticing something about me for the first time. Which renders me speechless for some reason, but I won't back down from his gaze. Just stare attentively. 

"You've never had issues challenging Alphas. Witnessed that multiple times over the years, today in fact." 

Though he's speaking matter-of-fact, his tone gives more questioning. He's never questioned my actions before and won't deny it scares me.

Dean might be my Alpha. A man that I truly admire and love like my own father, but he'll never see my fear. He will never know that in this exact moment, he has me standing on my damn toes.

"Yes?" My brow kicks up in amusement. "I'll admit the Alpha intermediation thing doesn't affect me like most, but I've always known my limits. That's why I came to you instead of going after Archie first. Because truthfully, ripping his throat out was my first instinct."

Dean might not see my fear, but he'll undoubtedly get my honesty. Always. I'll never keep my thoughts to myself regarding the Emerson family. They know my attentions are always pure and out of a place of good. Plus, they would never expect me to hold back from them personally because, like I just said, I'm a woman who is well aware of her limitations.

Dean lets out a hardy laugh. "Archie would expect that reaction if he knew you overheard him. Impresssed by you would be an understatment. He seem's highly fascinated with you."

His questioning gaze annoys me. I'm doing this again, apparently. Rolling my eyes and ensuring my disinterest in Archibald is well noted and documented, I answer the question before he gets to ask.

"Not interested."

'Well not exactly true.'

Gem's right.

"Not romantically, anyways. My interest lay within learning from him." It would be foolish not to learn from him when it comes to fighting. His skills are genuinely incredible from a warrior standpoint.

"Only a fool would be willing to deny learning from Arch," Dean repeats my thoughts. "Also knew he's auroa would bore you more than pull you in. I was mainly testing the waters between needing to hear the words for myself and out of curiousity."

Dean shifts slightly, still questioning me with his gaze, "Remember the DNA testing we've joked about? Would you be willing to actually do it?"

'Remember? Seriously?' Gem snorts.

Yes, we both do. It's been a constant topic of discussion for as long as I can remember.

"Is there a particular reason? Or trying to make Dec here feel better about Goliath backing down from me if there is miraculously some Alpha blood pumping threw me?"

Declan taps the back of my head playfully.

Dean laughs, shaking his head, "No. Goliath is very fond of you and Gem. As is Declan, and he respects that you can do that. It's normally only our Luna with that capability or other alphas, even then it's rare they can make us surrender. But now that I am looking at you and thinking back to your mother. You two do resemble the Esos family. Your green eyes. Those emerald piercing green eyes, are rare. Then the color of your fur, jet-black with an emerald green tint."

Jackson nods unwillingly. Almost as if he's in a trance and mumbles.

"Prettiest wolf I've ever seen."

"Agreed!" The other two agree in the same trans-like way.

Their behavior is strange, but my mind is stuck on Dean's thinking of me possibly being an Eros. My whole body goes stiff, wondering if Archie invited me simply because he believes the same thing. And if he does think I'm an Eros, why would he openly invite me to his pack? If he wants me dead, then sending an invitation through the proper channels and with my connection to them would be stupid. Dean would send out a rescue party if he had not heard from me within an hour of leaving. Esma would send one with the tiniest thought of something possibly being wrong, and if he thought one or if not all three of these jerks of mine wouldn't be following me, Archie's dumber than I thought.

"Is that why Alpha Archie invited me? Because he has the same inkling you do. That I am some how an Eros?"

Dean waves his hand, unphased by the idea. It puts me at ease, knowing it's not his concern. Dean wouldn't allow me to go if he thought I was in danger and no doubt he planned to send his son to be my personal bodyguard. Though it's humorous knowing the roles are most certainly reversed.

"Possibly. Archie's respect fo,r you though is undeniable. You proved yourself to him and every other Alpha. Multiple packs have called to acquire and praise you. There's a possibility of you going there being for a dual purpose, but if you aren't comfortable with going, then you can always decline. With it aligning with your eighteenth birthday, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't conc Being in another territory waiting for your mate to appear and with your scent intensifying. The male wolves will be praying on you."

Takes me two seconds to think of a plan. I want to do the training class; it will prove to everyone how valuable I am, and it is a great honor to be asked. 

"Is there any way to change the time? Go earlier maybe? I'm ahead in all my classes, even with being gone for two weeks, and will maintain my 4.0. It is an honor, and I don't want to tear down mister egotistical ego too much."

Alpha Dean nods, "Agreed. It is and never hurts to ask. My plan is to send one or all three of these boys with you. Are you okay with that?"

"Think they are going to give me a choice?" I raise a brow at my Alpha, who laughs, shaking his head and answering his own insane question.

"No, not at all. I'll give Alpha Archie a call and see what we can arrange. And as for tomorrow? What will you be doing while these gentlemen handle their punishment?"

Hot, shirtless, sweaty men, working? Isn't what I plan on doing evident as hell? 

"Enjoying the show of course, might even sell a few tickets."

Dean snorts, "why did I ask? Go! All four of you! And do not be late you three. Twelve on the dot! Sure Princess will make sure you are there on time."

Jackson stands and turns to me with his mischievous ass grin. There is no need to ask what he's thinking since his eyes are on my lips, "if you want to see us shirt,less all you have to do is ask?" 

"Goddess, you are cocky!" I jump off the couch and push past him with my three men on my tail.