2 comments/ 2318 views/ 13 favorites Simply His Ch. 31-34 By: CalyPy Chapter 31 "Agape" *Caleb* "Can you explain to me how this is possible?" I ask both Cara and Alex, they shrug and look at a very desperate Gideon sitting in a chair. We just got home half an hour ago and I had to make sure our land was secured and the wounded warriors were being taken cared off before I managed to reach the command center. Meadow came here before me though, and according to Cara, Gideon was pacing back and forth mumbling incoherent things until she walked in and then he just stared at her and sat helplessly on the chair. "We are as puzzled as you, Alpha." Cara replied to me; I was keeping my eyes at Meadow who sat in silence in front of Gideon. 'Be careful, Princess... he is unstable.' She looked at me and nodded. I wasn't going to let that guy harm her, or even touch her for that matter. I still didn't fully trusted him, but Meadow kept her hopes up for his redemption. And I just believe in her, she has had good hunches on may things. I sighed and looked at Alex. "What else happened." "Queen Isilwen sent two scouts to warn us about their trespassing. I called the soldiers in and we covered our secondary barrier of defense. By the time they arrived though, they were sick, throwing up, dizzy and snapping at each other. Those drows have some mighty power. I am happy we have them on our side." Alex said as he nodded, I was grinning. They did have some mighty powers, but I knew how to overcome most of them, and all it takes is one strong willing warrior to reach the queen in order to make everything stop. In this particular occasion, I was glad we had the queen on our side. "After we cornered Agape, we saw Cornelius fight his way trying to reach her, but Queen Isilwen herself sent wisps to cover him and drive him wild. He was insane, biting air and growling madly." Alex added and I could almost taste the moment. "He wasn't going to give in, he really fought for her, but we broke them far apart and she was unconscious. He howled loud and sorrowfully before he ordered the retreat." Cara added. "You should have left them kill me Meadow, this is insane, crazy, ridiculous. Why do I feel like my heart is broken and I want to rush to this stranger to comfort her? I can't even understand how she smells so bad yet so good to me!" I heard Gideon and took a deep breath. Yes, that was a mating pull and there was no way of denying. He sounded sincere enough as well. I looked at him and saw Meadow holding his hand. I almost lost it but I held myself, hands tighten into fists. "You are here and not in a cell because I believe in what you are saying. Will you listen to me Gideon?" She asked him and now Alex, Cara and myself were both concentrating in their exchange. Gideon nodded, his tension and helplessness was something I could relate. "This is what we know so far, at least, what I know. Agape is the name of the one you are trying so desperately to reach. Until yesterday, we thought she was mated with Cornelius, the big bad guy who has been trying to attack us from even before you and I met." Gideon laid back slightly, slowly following her line of thought. So were we. "I don't know much about her but yesterday we also found out Cornelius is not a regular wolf, he is actually a host for a demon. And now, at this point, I am willing to think that maybe, just maybe, he could affect Agape in a way to make her believe he was her mate. Only that way it would be possible what is happening to you now. Just think about this... it has been years, decades she has been bound to this evil creature. You know, evil as in demon evil? She might be crazy, she might think the world is ending, we don't know what kind of things he has been saying and doing to her. So please, be patient as we figure this out and try to help her too. Imagine the damage you could do to her if you rush to her and act like a fool without knowing what to do?" The Goddess went out of her way to bless me with Meadow in my life; I was proud of her, and honored to be her mate. Gideon swallowed hard and nodded at her standing up. "Ok, maybe I can stay behind the door and listen, or you have a Gesell Chamber here?" He said asking us. Meadow stood up as well with a smile and nodded. Me on the other hand, was scratching my head. "A Gesell Chamber is an interrogatory room, with a tinted glass that allows others to stand behind it while they watch and hear the interrogation. It is commonly used in psychology research." Meadow explained. "We have two of those yes." Cara replied. "Meadow, can you lead the interrogatory?" Gideon asked and I growled. "No way in hell is she going to be near that murderer." I said and Gideon flinched and gave a step back. "Caleb... he has a reason why he is asking me and not you." Meadow started approaching me slowly and I tried hard to avoid her look, I can't let her go inside that room with Agape, she is too dangerous. "All of you have met her in battle and she must be suffering from a lot of things now. You all have something against her, specially Cara and Alex, and with proper right to be angry at, don't get me wrong. But just as I told Gideon, think about this. She will block away or snap at any of you, me on the other hand, am a stranger to her eyes and her world. It is no other than a demon who has manipulated her, so maybe there is perhaps a chance the real her is not the evil person you all know and hate. She will be contained, I bet she already is in chains or something. So I wouldn't be in immediate threat, and if she starts getting too aggressive or you see her about to break loose, you can come in." She reasoned well and now, right in front of me, I couldn't help but to look at her and let our bond sooth me. She was right, either of us would not be a fair interrogator. 'I love you and trust you in anything you do, but if there is something both Gideon and I know more about than any of you, it's that this is the best way to deal with people who might have a messed up head. Let us help.' I sighed and nodded. 'If she tries to do something... anything... I can't lose you.' I whispered as I held her tightly to me, I don't know why but it always came to this, me not wanting to lose her. She caressed my back and pulled me for a kiss, I took a deep breath and calmed down with her touch and her scent. "Ok, Cara and Alex, take her to the interrogation room on the left and just leave her without a word, try the best you can not to harm her." I ordered to them and they left in silence. It is hard for me to think in Agape as a victim, but what Aeneas shared with us has brought a new light to this matter. Now I am risking my mate to try and save her. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *Meadow* We heard a loud, painful moan then the door closed hard. Gideon was shaken and hurt in ways only we, mated ones, could understand, but he was also doing his best to contain himself. "Ok, I am going to get in and start talking to her, I am not sure how things will go but please don't interfere unless you are SURE I am in danger. And Gideon, don't talk please, we as wolfs have enhanced hearing, she might hear you. I am willing to bet she already smelled you and is going crazy not understanding what is going on. If you want to communicate something to me, write it down and they will let me know. Ok?" I waited for them to nod and they did. How on earth was I taking lead on this? I still wasn't sure, but I was following my instinct, the one who led me to trust and believe in Caleb in the first place. The one who led me to this world. They walked to the other side of the Gesell Chamber and I took a deep breath before entering. I had goosebumps on my arms, I felt my heart racing thru my chest, I was nervous as hell, then I opened the door and felt the horrible shock on the vision inside. She was pale, sad mad eyes, long dirty blond hair and almost naked with her torn clothes. She looked me half crazy and half questioning who I was. She took a deep breath and howled softly in pain, shaking her head. I frowned. 'You didn't even give her something else to cover her body? seriously... not even you Cara?' I sent openly to them and walked inside the room, closing the door behind me. "Who... the fuck... are you... and why am I still alive..." She spoke her questions with bitterness but I could not let any of this affect me. I might have gone for the human resources job but when I studied Psychology at the university, I had many experiences in internships at places where people in the same mental state as her were every day sight. I knew Gideon had similar experience as well. I saw the large table separating my chair from the one where she was securely tied in ropes. I walked to my chair and she growled at me, but I didn't let something like that bother me. Soon she will start with the cursing and offenses. "Hello Agape. My name is Meadow." I said and her eyes widened. Ah, yes. She might have heard of me by now. "So you are that manwhore's Luna." She said with a poisoned smile. I smiled back and this confused her. "Well, I think you will have to be more specific than that Agape, you see... I had come to know more than one handsome wolf in this pack who likes to charm women, so... that title might fit most of them." I chuckled and she smirked. Ah yes! She has a sense of humor! Now I know this will work. "So... Luna... you are the reason I am here... why?" She laid her back against the chair and looked at me in a way I knew it was cocky for many, but I felt she was masking it while she was studying me. I smiled at her. "We will go slow, don't worry. My main reason to come here and talk to you has been already answered. We can talk of whatever you like." I told her and she furrowed her brows. "What was your main reason to come here?" She finally asked. "To know if I was talking to a mad woman who was completely lost without a hint of hope to get her back." I said with an honest smile, she perked a brow and then frowned. "I am not predictable." "Oh you are far from predictable Agape. If you were, I would not to be here... don't you think? You are someone whom I want to understand and get to know." I tried to be as clear as possible towards my intentions, she shifted in her chair and tried to look annoyed but I sensed something else, perhaps a little hope. 'Caleb, she hasn't asked for Cornelius yet...' I sent to him as the thought crossed my mind. "What are you planning to do with me? If you haven't killed me already there must be something you want from me..." she said looking to the wall, her eyes distant. "I have already gotten what I wanted from you today. Thank you Agape." I said as I got up. I was really nervous inside but I had to reflect strength and security in front of her. This brought her attention and she tensed as she saw me walk towards the door. "What could you possibly have gotten from me? I didn't said anything..." she said almost scared. I turned around just when I was about to reach the door. "Do you want to hear the truth?" I asked her and she nodded. "I wanted to know if you were reachable, and you are. I wanted to know if there was still a human side of you that could feel, and there is... you have a sense of humor. And you are a smart woman, defensive but smart. You have been studying me as well, I know you have, even thought you pretended to be either offended or annoyed or offensive. It is enough for today, they had you locked long enough. I am going to prepare you a better room, let you have access to a bathroom so you can take a bath, and give you some clothings. And if you are ok with it, I will talk to you tomorrow." I said while she watched me closely, she was half smiling and that was a sign I earned her respect. 'Please find a proper room so I can prepare it for her Cara, I won't ask you to prepare it for her, I will do it myself.' I sent to Cara and saw Agape sighed. "Talk tomorrow... do I have a choice?" I nodded at her. "Yes, you have that choice." I replied being careful on my choice of words, if I've said to her *you can choose* she could start to ask more and enter a different game, but no. I had to be firm and show her the limits up front, this was not a woman you could give wiggle room to take more than you could give her. I walked back to the door and opened it, then I heard her say. "See you tomorrow then." And I smiled, not turning back as I left. "See you tomorrow then, Agape." As soon as I closed the door I walked into Caleb's arms; I was shaking, excited, still unable to process how I gathered the courage to do what I just did. He caressed my back and soothed me, just as I did earlier to him. 'I am so proud of you...' He sent to me and I squeezed him tight. I saw Alex and Gideon behind Caleb and I signaled them to walk to the other side of the building. We walked over there in silence and then we all sat around I smiled finally. "I have hopes we can get her back." I saw the biggest smile on Gideon and he sighed closing his eyes and relaxing. "But it will take time and some help from Aeneas probably, to understand the kind of influence Cornelius had and might still have on her. Please be patient Gideon." He nodded. "I will do whatever it takes. I already feel more calm " He replied. "Ok, now I need to prepare the room for her, Cara did you find a proper one?" Cara nodded and showed me a corridor, I looked at Caleb and smiled, releasing my hand. We arrived to the big empty room and it had a small window in it. Cara was quiet while she laid some clothes on a chair that I brought. I looked at her with a smile. "Thank you Cara, I know none of this is easy for you and Alex, that is why I will do this myself." I said to her and she sighed. "Part of me wants to kill her Meadow, but part of me is listening to you and wants to help her as well. So let's just get this done with. Alex is going to bring a bed soon." I smiled widely. I kept quiet but couldn't help to smile. I felt overjoyed hearing what Cara said. I had hope, into this... in everything... I had big hopes. --***-- Chapter 32 "Moon Walk" *Meadow* I walk towards the command center holding hands with Caleb, I smile and wave at some of the other wolves who greet us on the way, and I sigh with content; this afternoon we are preparing to go on a run, my formal welcoming to the pack as a full true Luna. I see Gideon standing in the entrance and this breaks my train of thoughts. "Hi Gideon, what is wrong?" "Hi... nothing, Cara and Alex not letting me in unless it's with you, so... yeah..." He shrugged and I sighed. "It is for your own good, please trust me." I try to calm him and he just shrugs again. Caleb kisses my forehead and releases my hand. 'Talk to him if you need to, I will be inside when you are ready.' He sends to me and I smile. 'Thank you.' I send him back. I sit on the stairs at the entrance and Gideon just stares at the floor in silence, not easy to let this go for long but I try to respect his moment. Finally he moves down to the stairs and sits. "So you are one of them now." He states calmly, I turn my head at him unsure of what he means. He catches my stare and nods. "Yesterday you said *we as wolfs* at one point... so that means you are one of them now." It is true, I said we as if it has been simply me all my life, I included myself in the group, and it felt natural. I smiled and blushed a bit. "Yes, I am one of them now. It was a process, not an easy one either. There is plenty of things involved in becoming one." I said and he nodded, and we were left with silence again. "What are you going to do with her?" "I want to help her, but she is smart. I need to talk to her more to know what is going on in her mind. She didn't share much yesterday, and you know how that work is, slow baby steps. I am going to try to find out more today." I said with nothing but honesty. I really wanted to help her, I don't know why, but since Aeneas told us about Cornelius, I felt drawn to save her. "Tomorrow the vampires will arrive. It is not going to be easy, but they are good mind manipulators... I am hopping Aeneas, one of the ancient ones between them, can help us." "Vampires... drows... werewolfs... what kind of movie are we into?" he said and chuckled. I am admiring how he has been coping with all of these, I knew none of it was easy. "Let's go in, I want to talk to her and see how is she doing. You brought her food?" I asked while getting up and walking to the door, he followed me. "Yeah just like you asked me. She will smell me you said?" and I nodded. "I am going to test her." Once we managed to lock the left side of the command center, I walked towards her room. It took more than a little effort to convince the command staff to allow me to do this, I wanted to move slowly a step at a time to give Agape more room and freedom, this of course, combined with proper care. I was glad to know all rooms in the command center had small windows, not enough to fit a body, barely a head if with luck. And they all had reinforced glass. Yes, I was afraid of going easy on her too fast, but then again, I was following my instinct and something was guiding my actions. I knocked on her door and said who I was, then waited. I felt a bit tense as she finally spoke. "Come in." When I walked in, the view was depressing. She was pale, sad, tears in her eyes, her body and hair clean but she looked like she had not gotten any sleep at all. I sighed and sat on the chair that I brought the day before. She looked at me once, then back to stare at the window. "Cornelius is not here, is he..." I sighed and nodded. "Is he alive?" She asked me and again I nodded, she sobbed and swallowed hard. "You want to use me against him... it won't work... he has no heart anyway..." She said in the most sad and desperate voice, every part of me fighting to contain the tears. "For a moment I thought he was here too... I thought I smelled him..." "Agape, you want us to let you go so you can run back to him?" I asked and she looked at me with wide eyes. No, I am not crazy. I heard her words as well as the tone in which they were spoken. She said something that made me think she knows he is bad. Will she still want to go back to him? like those domestic violence victims, who always return to their molesters, she actually was thinking about it. But I saw something in her yesterday, that gave me hope. She is a smart woman, perhaps, she just never had the chance to actually chose. "As if you will let me..." she huffed and closed her eyes, shaking her head. Then she growled loudly, a mad growl that could chill the warmest heart; but she didn't move, and that was the only reason Caleb didn't break in yet. "Agape, it might not be easy, I might have to fight Caleb and a few more for it, but if you want to, I will make it happen." She opened her eyes and looked at me. "Why do I say that? Because I think you are a smart woman, and you know he is no good for you." She tightened her hands into fists and sobbed. "As if there was a choice..." she mocked, not me but the actual fact of it. I stood up, intended to go get her food, when I said more. "We all have choices. I am still learning about them. However, we all have the final word in what we each decide to do. I think you know you are putting yourself at risk if you go back to him." I said and she looked at me as if I was crazy. "Did you ever had a choice? were you able to ever reject your mate?" She said and I knew where this was going, the perfect area to make her doubt of him. "Agape, do you love him? do you want to go back to him because you like to be used as a punching bag?" I said and she growled at me. "I saw those bruises, those were not from a recent fight. Don't take me as an idiot please." I stood and stared at her, she blinked a couple of times then started to cry. "Get out... get out!" she screamed at me as she held her face in both hands. Simply His Ch. 31-34 I sighed and headed to the door. "I am leaving, but not without telling you this, if you think about things long enough, and you decide you want to at least try to break this thing you call bond with him, we might be able to help you. But it could only work if you want to." I heard her stop crying at my words, she was listening but I didn't want to push more into her now. "I made them clear this wing for you, 3 rooms and a bathroom. There is food in one room for you, and in the other some papers and crayons. They would not let sharp pencils in here yet, but it is something... when and if you want to talk more, just write it down and let it on the table and they will let me know." Those were my last words then I left her room and rushed out of her new declared area. I found Caleb right there waiting for me and he held me tightly. I felt like I wanted to cry too. "Shhh... you did well, you can only help as much as she will let you, she needs to give the last steps into this. Come, let's go." He guided me out and I looked back at Cara and Alex on the door while we left the building. 'Keep an eye on her please' I sent to Cara and she nodded. We arrived home and Caleb took me up to the bathroom and turned on the water, filling the tub. I looked at him with a million questions but he wasn't looking at me, he simply started to undress me and I let him. He looked at me with worried eyes, examining my body, every part of me, but never meeting my eyes. Then he tested the water and guided me in. The water was warm and welcoming, it felt so good. I laid and tried to relax while he kneeled next to me and held a sponge with liquid soap, and started to caress my body softly. It wasn't erotic, it was simply a love gesture, it overwhelmed me. "We have an important event tonight, I don't want this to ruin it for you, so now you are going to relax, you will have tomorrow to worry about her." He whispered to me and kissed my forehead, and I closed my eyes letting him wash away my tension. It was true, I didn't realize how tensed and worried I had been the last 24 hours until now. It was as if Agape was getting into me somehow too. In the afternoon Cara came in to let me know she secured everything, just in case Gideon went crazy and wanted to set her free. She also said that Agape seemed less agitated after she ate her food, that she sniffed many times as well. So my plan was working, I was allowing Gideon's scent to get into her by warm and comfortable things, so she would get used to it and assimilate, associate it with only good things. I hugged Cara and she smiled at me. "Are you ready for tonight?" she asked me while I was offering her a drink. I sighed and nodded. "I am actually nervous, but I am ready. I have been ever since I shifted." I told her as I blushed a bit. "I was really surprised when Caleb told Alex and me that we were going to have our Moon Walk, we never thought you would shift so quickly. But we all are more than excited. We had been waiting for this moment for so long" She said with a smile. "Moon Walk?" I asked, unable to hide my surprise. She nodded. "When the cycle is closed and the Luna has her first shift, the pack runs wild together with her, it is the most symbolic event, each of us will take a sniff at your wolf scent and familiarize with you, and you will do the same." She added. "So I had to first earn their respect, then celebrate that they accepted me as I earned my mark, and finally be one with them under the Moon Walk?" I asked, hopping I counted all the times I had to prove something to someone. Cara laughed and nodded. "Pretty much, yeah... you see, we as a pack are a family. Our Alpha is our lead, our head, we are part of the process of him finding the right mate. He might get infatuated and like a girl and think she is the one, what we do is make sure she really is. It doesn't happen always, the mating pull is quite distinctive on its own, but well, a few rare occasions was all it took to make all this become a ritual. With you was slightly different, we all knew you were Caleb's mate, from the start... the way you both look at each other and how well you complement. We just had to witness it." I hugged her tightly and we both smiled. I was more than ready for this. Caleb came to us and nudged Cara's head as he walked by and she laughed. He then hugged me from behind and kissed my cheek. "Ready love?" I took a deep breath and sighed. "I am ready, should I shift here and now?" "No! wait! you better do it outside in the town's gathering point, so they can all see it." Cara shouted and I jumped in Caleb's arms. "Ok! ok! I got it!" I shouted back and then we all started laughing. It was a good moment to calm myself and enjoy the moment. We walked hand in hand to the center of the area where everyone was waiting for us; a large park that surprised me with its attendance. I saw everyone and they saw me. I recognized familiar faces, children that played where I walked, teenagers who were kissing near a corner, an old couple walking by. They were all there smiling and waiting for me. The whispers and chatter went quiet as we reached their center. "My family, my pack..." Caleb began. "Troubled times were behind us, and new alliances will be forge soon. Tomorrow we will embrace another race to our home and show them we are not scared of them and we are not superior to them, we are equal but different. This is what our Luna and I want you to believe in, because it is what we believe." He spoke firmly and it drew me in ways I didn't realize before, the way he spoke was special, he could talk you through anything. "We will fight against a common enemy and we will be united in battle. I ask you to respect this pact of peace, as peace itself will be our reward after." He watched everyone's face in a split second before he continued. "That being said, we have our very own special celebration to complete today, earlier than expected. Our Luna is ready!" He exclaimed and everyone started clapping and cheering, a few howls here and there. I blushed and smiled at them, I almost hid behind Caleb but no, this was not something to hide from, this was a good thing, a welcoming, and I belong to them now. "Tonight, we run as a pack, a completed pack, united as one. We will run wild and free and thank the Goddess for her gift." I heard more people cheering and howling and I smiled widely, and just then I heard Caleb in my head. 'Now Princess, you can shift when you are ready, and everyone will join you.' I nodded at him and took a look at everyone. "Thank you all, for being so supportive and welcoming. To be honest, I felt many times as if I didn't belong to the human world, while I was one of them; yet since I came in here, even though I was nervous as hell, you managed to make me feel accepted... part of something... Thank you, for everything." I blushed almost too emotional, they stared back at me quietly but smiling, a sense of completion forming inside me. I took a step aside and removed my blouse slowly, Caleb perked a brow as he looked at me. 'What are you doing?' He asked me and I blushed. 'Nudity is a gift I need to embrace in front of them too, and I am proud of it.' I said and as the words left my mind to join his, it simply sunk in me how true it was. I removed the rest of my clothes and I took a look at some of them watching me, they were eyes of pride and acceptance, none of them judgemental nor lustful. I was so happy. "My Family, let us go out and have our Moonwalk." I stated and I heard many howls in response. I closed my eyes, watching my beautiful wolf come out from her favorite shadow corner, and she stood in front of me, looking into my eyes. 'Are you ready?' I asked her and she howled up. She jumped into me and just as before, we were now one. I opened my eyes and looked down at my furred skin, my paws grasping the soil. I looked around and saw many watching me as some others started shifting. Caleb was now a wolf too and I felt his tongue lap at my cheek and I turned my head to lick his tongue, then he put his head at my side, almost like a hug. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment, until he sent me back 'We are all ready.' I howled up to the moon, the sound that came out of me thrilled me. I heard and saw my family, my pack, howling as well, and just then, I started running. It was beautiful; the wind in my fur, the blurriness at my side as I ran faster, my eyes adjusting to the light of the moon focusing upon each new object: a rock, a tree, a leaf. Caleb quickly catched up with me and began running at my side, I didn't want to chase him, nor have him chase me, perhaps in another time. Now I wanted him with me, at my side, enjoying this moment as we both ran towards our spot. I knew where I was heading, and he knew it too. I saw and felt the earth shake with my pack's run; wisps glowing up in the air at the top of the trees. Queen Isilwen herself graciously watching us from the top of the tallest tree. I howled up at her and saw her smile and bow her head. Caleb and I reached the stream and waterfall I now love so much, and I didn't stop running, I jumped into the water and soon Caleb jumped too. I felt the wet sand under my paws and jumped up and down enjoying the splash of the water and the feeling of his maw now playing to catch my neck and playfully biting me. I howled and he licked my nose, making me lick him back. He pushed his head below my neck and I smiled, moving my head against his to rub him. He was so happy, and so was I. He playfully bit my tail and I yelped, turning around to find his tail and he ran from me forcing me to chase him. I ran and bit the air many times as I tried to catch him, he was teasing me and I was enjoying it. Then he tripped a rock underwater and almost felt, giving me enough time to catch him, and I pounced him with all my weight making him sink under. I immediately jumped away from him and helped him out, he was coughing but laughing, and I took a deep breath with relief. I got worried for a moment but now so glad he was safe. We cuddled together while catching our breaths and he licked my face slowly and gently, I closed my eyes enjoying it. 'Hear this.' He sent to me, and he howled up. I heard his howl and it was one of joy. 'Feel the sound, the notes.' And I nodded, focusing. He howled once more, and it felt as a string connected me to him beyond our bond, I could distinguish a word in his howl. 'Joy...' I heard in it and I started breathing fast with excitement. I started to hear our pack howling back, and as I focused I could also distinguish words from them too. 'Happiness...' 'Safe...' 'Free...' 'Excitement...' they were all words of contentment and I was thrilled with this new discovery, I was able to follow their voices and their meaning. I nudged Caleb and he licked me again, noting my happiness, his raspy tongue sending my body into a new state of calmness and warmth. I laid on a side and rested against him, his paw lift and hugged me close to him, I lifted my head enough to feel his bellow me, we cuddled like this as we heard our pack howl their joy and their connection with us. --***-- Chapter 33 "Trespasser" *Caleb* I walk to the command center after Alex summoned me. Meadow not far behind as she was selecting some clothings she wanted for Agape. I'm not sure why Meadow insisted on being nice to her when it was obvious she wasn't. Yes, she might be a victim of a demon, but my role as an Alpha is not to ponder about things that could be, I live in the now and I protect my Luna and my pack. If she represents any danger to either, I will eliminate her myself instantly. There is a new smell as soon as I enter the building, I walk straight to Alex and I am surprised by finding an old injured woman; Cara examining her body and pouring some medicine oil on the most severe ones. She is not from my pack, but she is a wolf. "What is going on here." I ask, the old woman yelps and then sighs again. "We found her near our second barrier, the drows followed her close by, they said, and I quote *She feels honest and with noble intentions.* So they let her cross the first barrier so we could get her. She has fresh and old wounds, she says she will only talk to the Luna." Alex said. I growled and shook my head, I walked towards her and saw her eyes widen in fear, I didn't care. "Give me one, damn good, reason for me to let you see my Luna... my most valuable treasure. If I don't hear a good reason coming out of your mouth you will be escorted to the outlines of my territory and killed on sight if you attempt to return. You have 10 seconds." Ok, maybe I am overreacting a little, but I don't care, I am not putting Meadow at any risk. The woman shivered and looked at Cara then back at me, Cara lowered her head and moved back. She knew better than to object to me when it came to Meadow, or anything at all if I was angry. "Five seconds." I said and the woman took a deep breath. "I am my lady Agape's mother." Her voice weak, her message wasn't. Cara looked up in surprise and I tensed my jaw, why is everyone suddenly coming to protect that mad woman? I felt my mate close and in seconds she entered the room, I felt her tense as well, she walked to me and I felt her arms slid from the back, holding me. Her touch; my drug. I closed my eyes and she reached me. 'I don't think she is dangerous, whoever she might be, you shouldn't be this tense.' She said and I smiled, opening my eyes and pulling her around to me, where she hugged me and lifted up in tiptoes to kiss me. She made sure I was calm before laying eyes on the old woman, who was looking at us intently. "Hello there. I am Meadow, may I know who you are?" She said softly as she rested her back on me, my arms secure around her now. "Luna... you are the famous Luna of the Alpha king, Rowen." The woman smiled. "She says she is Agape's mom." I stated and Meadow tilted her head looking at me in surprise then back at the woman, who nodded at her. "Is she ok? can I see her?" The woman asked and I felt Meadow tense. "Tell us your name, please. Yes, she is here, but I am afraid I can't let you see her, at least not yet." Meadow replied and I nodded. "My name is Daphne, will I be able to see her sometime?" She asked again and I sighed, Meadow turning her head to look at me. "You might be able to see her when Meadow decides it is the right time." I said Meadow smiled at me. "Are you aware of how she was when we got her?" She asked the old woman, who in return nodded and sighed sadly. "She hasn't been herself in a long time. I know she is safer with you than with that monster of a mate. This was all my fault... mine and her father's fault... she doesn't deserve the punishment of living with that beast." The old woman sobbed and put her hands on her face. I felt Meadow sad and wanting to help her, but she was also still, being cautious. "Daphne, how about you get something to eat, wash yourself and get some clean clothes, then you perhaps will share with us the story behind what you are claiming. It would be helpful." Meadow guided her wisely, the old woman lifted her tired eyes and nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Thank you, Luna. And thank you, Alpha Rowen." She said and I nodded. "Cara, please lead her to the right wing and aid her, then come back to us." I ordered and she nodded. Once they both left, I looked at Alex frowning and he shrugged. "How many trespassers are we going to have? I think we need to re discuss our defensive strategies with Queen Isilwen." I grunted and Meadow chuckled. "Actually she is the first one to enter our lands with their consent, Alpha." He replied and I shook my head with a sigh. "Caleb? I knew there was something else behind her, I really want to hear more about it before the others arrive, do we have time?" Meadow asks me and I take a look at my watch. "They are arriving tonight, which gives most of the day. Queen Isilwen is meeting us mid ground to discuss briefly about their presence. Tomorrow morning Demark and his wolves will arrive, Smithson not far behind. Give her a couple of hours to rest and then after lunch we can get to hear her story. I am interested to know how she make it here alive." I said and she nodded. "Alex, fill Cara in on this for me, there is something I need to do before we get invaded by so many races and lose our peace." I sighed and he nodded. I took Meadow's hand and pulled her with me gently. "Where are we going?" She asks as we leave the command center and I head to the house. "I have unfinished business with you." I said and she tenses. I chuckle and smile at her. "Dont worry..." We arrive home and I take her with me upstairs, into our bedroom. I take a deep breath as I look around and see the small changes she made since her arrival, little details like her clothes on a side, her hair brush on the table, a small treasure box with her basic jewelry. She is making this place warm with her small touches; a picture of her and her mother on the desk, a picture of us together that she took with her phone on our last trip to the city. I look at her and she stands nervous looking at me, I on the other hand, never felt more secure. "Take a seat please, Princess..." I whisper at her as I guide her to the edge of our bed. She looks at me and nods. "On our last trip together there was something left unspoken, and I am not the kind of man who leaves things half done." I said to her while I walked to my closet and returned to her. She was nodding and her cheeks blushed, I think she sensed something about it before but I worked hard not to think about it in order not to spoil the surprise. It wasn't easy at all. I grab her hands and sit in front of her on the floor, I kiss her soft knuckles and she smiles nervously. "Meadow... Aeneas interrupted a very special moment... and before he arrives tonight, I want to make sure I have this done with." I smile at her and she blushes even more, I chuckle at her red cheeks and caress her face with a hand, still holding her hands with the other. "You are my mate, my friend, my partner. You are what keeps me breathing, drive me wild, and tame me back. We are bound for life, and we complement each other. But even though you are now a were like me, your views and your personality will always be different from the rest of us, because you were born human, and keep that special side of you still." I sigh and close my eyes briefly before I continue. When I open them again, I look at her and she has tears in her eyes, I shake my head and brush the tears away with a thumb. I open my hand and show her the ring I specially ordered made for her. "I want that human part of you to be mine as well. Please Meadow, my Princess... would you marry me?" We are mates, we are bound for life, yet I am nervous and at the edge waiting for the word that will make me be the luckiest and happiest man and wolf on Earth. --***-- Chapter 34 "The Corrupted Luna" *Meadow* I am staring at Caleb as he looks at me holding my hand and sliding the ring in my finger, I am without words, completely shocked and so happy. He looks at me with a smile and the silence let's me know I haven't replied yet. "Yes Caleb... I would love to be your wife!" I jump to his arms and we both land on the floor, laughing and kissing as if there was no one else in the world. I still can't believe he actually asked me to marry him, many times I thought about it but I knew I was destined to be with him so I was happy with that, but he did it again, he went beyond himself to please me. Simply His Ch. 31-34 He caressed my face softly as I smiled looking at the beautiful ring, it was white and with a lovely design; a square white diamond embedded with a set of smaller white diamonds encrusted with circular patterns around, the beautiful circular waves reminded me of old crown jewels. He lifted my hand and kissed the finger and the ring together. "I know you don't care much about it, but it is white gold with white diamonds. I had it made to look as close to my mother's ring. Hers was destroyed long ago, but I knew she would have loved to see you wear it. Hers was yellow gold, yours is pure white." He said to me and I blushed even more, if that was possible. "I love it, really Caleb... it is perfect. I have no words..." I started but he cut me off with a deep kiss, both of us lost in the moment. He grunted suddenly, and I pulled back as I saw him frown. Then I felt it too, we had visitors. We heard the knocks just then. 'Sorry Alpha, Luna, it is a little important.' Cara warned us as both Caleb and I walked down and headed to the door. Both Cara and Alex would call us by our names when we were in a casual situation, or even if we were joking and greeting each other; if they called us Alpha and/or Luna, it meant it was serious. I opened the door and saw her agitated. "What happened?" I asked. "Daphne felt into deep fever and I think Agape sensed her, as she is agitated and demanding to speak to you." Cara revealed and I nodded. I looked at Caleb with a half smile. "Let's go?" I asked with a little hesitation, he rolled his eyes and nodded, not without giving me a small tender kiss. "At least I made it to the question and the answer this time." He mumbled and Cara widened her eyes while I blushed and giggled, she immediately stared at my finger and gasped. "Oh my Goddess! Meadow! I mean Luna! I mean... Congratulations!" She rushed with her words and I started laughing, Caleb chuckling as well. "Thank you Cara, now let's go see what is happening, I think we better call Gideon as well." I said as we started to head to the command center. When we reached it, I could feel Agape's agitated state even before we entered the building. I sighed, as I wasn't sure of how to proceed or what to do with the situation in front of us, all this with limited time for action as our massive list of guests were going to arrive at night. I walked inside followed by Caleb and Cara and I found Gideon looking at the surveillance cameras with Alex. They both greeted us but I knew Gideon was more than tired, he hadn't been sleeping well and there were dark shadows below his eyes. Alex smiled at us and mentally congratulated me. 'Congratulations Luna, at least there is some good news in these troubled times.' I blushed and nodded at him. 'Thank you Alex, let's do our best to make these times change.' I added. "So what happened to Daphne?" I asked and Gideon turned around finally, he had his eyes locked on that screen for too long. "I came with the nurse and we observed her, she is going to be ok. She gave her some medicine already. Apparently she was dehydrated and starving for too long, and after having some proteins and vitamins into her system, it kind of overwhelmed her. The medication is doing wonders on her already. Kinda cool." Gideon said with half a smile and I remembered the effectiveness of the nurse's medicine on myself long time ago. I nodded at Gideon and smiled. "Magic, right?" He nodded and Caleb chuckled. "What about Agape?" I asked and walked towards the cameras, she was pacing on her room furious, moving from a random side to another. "Well, I think she senses her mom is here, probably when she got feverish." Alex filled us and I nodded. "I am going to get in and talk to her. After that, I want us to maybe meet her mother and make her talk, we have very little time before the others arrive. I might need to use you as well Gideon." I began, heading to the door of Agape's wing. He smiled brightly. "What are you planning on doing?" Cara asked. "I had no idea before I came in, but now I think I will give Agape a quick shot of reality coming from both her mother and us. I hope she is ready." I said as I took a deep breath and opened the door. 'Be careful, my Princess.' Caleb sent to me and I shivered, my nervousness and his warning both working inside my head. 'I will, just be close.' I sent back and closed the door. I stood in front of Agape's room and knocked once. "It is me Agape." I said and I felt her stop moving. She then rushed to the door and opened it. "My mother... is she here? is she alive? or did that monster sent her in pieces?!" She rushed the words out before I could even say hi. I took a deep breath, I needed to be strong and take control of the situation. "Hi Agape, may I come in? I don't have much time... yes, Your mother is alive." I said and her face filled with tears and a smile. She stepped aside and allowed me to get in, she walked to her bed and sat there, letting me take the chair near her. "Something is not right with her... I can feel it." She began, rubbing the tears away. "Agape, we are having many people arriving to our land in the next couple of hours, and things will become agitated. We don't have much time so I am going to rush a few things to you." I began and this caught her attention. She sat straight and nodded in silence. "Early this morning we had warnings of the arrival of a trespasser and after we got her we found out she was your mother. She didn't talk at first, she wanted only to talk to the Luna, but Caleb made her share a bit of who she was before I arrived. She was in a similar state as yours when we captured you. Only she had fresh wounds as well, and not from a battle. You might have felt her when she had fever and started to show signs of exhaustion but our nurse already took care of it, she is much better now, she hasn't stop asking for you." She smiled and laid against the pillows, I was happy to see her smile. "Thank you, I know it is thanks to you. Alpha Rowen is fearless, he probably wanted to kick us both out of his land before anything else happened." I chuckled, I knew Caleb had a strong temperament and he most probably would have not welcomed them into his house but also I knew he wasn't going to let them alone. "We are going to have a talk with your mother next, and after that, I promise you myself, I will let her see you." Her face lighted up the room, a small sign of how much she already changed while she stayed with us. "Thank you, I would really like that." She said. I joined Caleb and the rest and took a deep breath as his arms wrapped around me. "Daphne is awake, let's go." He said. In other situations I would have taken more time, but we were running against the clock. We helped Daphne relax in a comfortable couch inside the room adjusted for her, she smiled and thanked us for our kindness. I purposely made Gideon walk in the room with us with the promise of him to be silent. "Thank you Daphne for agreeing to meet us so soon. I know you must be tired, but we have visitors arriving soon, and I would like to hear the story you said you would share with us before they arrive." I began, the old woman nodded, she already had a shade of pink in her cheeks and her body was relaxed. I took a deep breath and mentally crossed my fingers, I wanted this to work, I left the intercom open in order for Agape to hear everything. The biggest risk I took, one that might play against us as well. She laid her back on the couch and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "It all began about 400 years ago. My husband, Alpha of the White Moon pack in the far south lands, was in search of his mate by then. He looked in many tribes and new cities for the one who would be his partner. I was living not far from where he was when a huge war between the old world and the new one began, my father was from the new world, who fell in love of the tribe and my mother, he was at our side and took in our customs, staying to live like one of us. He named me after his mother back in the new world... My mate was forced to pick a side and help the war end before he continued his search, but this war continued for longer than expected. I think it was already a year of fighting when his side, the new world, got words of the natives who were captured, that there was an ancient evil force helping them fight, a dark shadow, a god. Of course he didn't believe it to be true, he thought it might be another werewolf. So he began the search of one of its kind. "He fought many and had the advantage of the new world weapons, but our side kept coming back, as if they were driven by indeed, a powerful force, something not seen before. Gordon... that was his name..." Daphne sighed briefly as she remembered her husband's name. "He knew there must be an unnatural creature behind it. He fought with claws and teeth trying to find the source of the natives power. I was naive and kept with the rest of women and children in one of our hidden caves. As the battle became harder, we saw the leader of our tribe bring a dark creature to us, he said we had to let him bathe us in his blood in order to be blessed by his power and so we would win the war. I remember how horrible it felt, but we all did it, we were supposed to! How to say no to our tribe leader? He was all we knew to hear and follow." Daphne had us all captured by her story, I myself was mesmerized, I could even close my eyes and imagine everything. She took a deep breath and a sip of water before she continued. "The night after we were bathed in his blood, we felt sick and some even fainted, I aided the healers of our tribe as they all tried to understand what happened. Then we heard thunder and trembling in the earth. Screams and loud noises that we didn't understand, Gordon had arrived with his army and was breaking his enemies one by one. I shuddered, not sure if it was the effect of the blood or my nervousness, I felt something pull me towards the enemy lines. I could smell something sweet in the middle of the madness, I knew it was impossible but I felt it, and I kept walking towards it. Then I saw him; his eyes wide in search of something, later I knew he felt me and was searching for me. I felt tears in my eyes as our eyes locked. *Mine* I heard him even in the distance, he started running towards me. My feet rooted to the floor, my body not letting me move away from my fate. But we were at war, and there are always too many enemies around. I was hit by something that made my body twist in pain, a bullet. He screamed and ran faster to me. I closed my eyes as I shivered with cold, I felt his warm arms pick me up and his face buried in my neck, I moaned in pain and delight, a mix of sensations." Daphne wiped tears from her eyes before she continued, it wasn't until Caleb brushed his fingers on my face that I noticed I was also crying. He wrapped his arms around me tightly and breathed in my neck, instantly relaxing me. "Everything slowed down, and we both felt and saw the dark shadow approach us. I cried as he claimed me to be his, as he bathed me in his blood. Gordon growled at him and was ready to fight for me but I was slipping away, I was about to die. The dark shadow offered him a deal... he would let me free of the blood oath if he made one, a new one, with him. I was going to reject, I barely knew who he was but already wanted to protect him, but I had no energy left, I was so cold, so tired. He agreed and took the new pact, the dark shadow making him promise that in time, my mate and I will have to give him our child. He would present himself when our daughter turned 18th, and claim her as mate. And Gordon would have to turn the pack to him without a fight. I knew it was wrong, but he took it. It was almost too late for me when he finally took the oath and sealed the new pact. I closed my eyes only to wake up days after, in his bed, clean and naked, with him at my side." She sighed and I felt chills on my body, the struggle almost in my own skin. I would die if I was put under that situation, to pick my mate or to the future child we would have together, it was not an easy choice. I saw Caleb tense and serious, I knew he felt the struggle of Agape's father as well. "We never spoke about it, and after we were together, he filled me in on what he was and who I was to him, never easy to understand a new world he was explaining to me. He courted me and we married, we mated last after our marriage, he was the most wonderful man I've ever met. In time we almost forgot about his oath until Agape was born, and I cried of joy and sorrow. We both feared the promise he made was going to be the ruin of us. He dedicated his life trying to find a way to break his promise, to break the oath... we went together on many trips to visit many shamans from different tribes. They knew nothing or their answers were too vague. You should have seen the beautiful and wonderful girl our Agape was, the light of her father's eyes. He gave her all the love a father could give." She then sobbed and shook her head. "Agape turned 18th and we threw a big celebration, we feasted and danced all night and she had so much fun, she used to play the violin, something her father taught her, from the new world. That night she played so many times, pleasing us and herself while doing it so. The day after, a wolf broke into our lands, he was strong and ferocious, he killed many of our warriors until Gordon himself went to him, but he stopped in front of him and with the most evil grin he said he was there to claim an old debt. I knew right then he meant he was there for Agape, and although Gordon asked him to reconsider, he refused to even talk about it. I cried as I went for Agape and even tried to make our maid run away with her, but he caught the maid and killed her, and in return took Agape and ran from us. I couldn't stand that, and neither could Gordon, he promised to keep his word if he returned with our daughter safe. "He couldn't look at me, he was ashamed and in pain, but I really couldn't hold it against him, he was so wonderful, he was my mate, my love... he was also such a wonderful father and a great leader... And Agape, she was charmed by him, she felt the mating pull, how could we deny her that? I didn't understand how but she really felt drawn to him. Gordon gave them his blessing to marry, and then he gave the leadership of the pack to him. As soon as he did, that monster changed everything... he was evil, cruel... he locked me away from both Agape and Gordon, and oh... my mate fought for me, he killed his own wolves, those who were once under his command, in order to break me lose. He managed to let me free and I tried to run, I really tried. But where would I go without my mate? without my daughter? I hid but then I felt it... the worst pain ever... that monster killed my mate... it was as if I died without being able to really leave my body... oh my mate... my Gordon... he fought his last battle against that monster... he tried to take Agape back to us but he couldn't... I have cried so many nights before they caught me almost death, and allowed me to see Agape. It was only a couple of days since Gordon died but she was already sadder and gloomier, she had bruises and dirty clothes... that monster wasn't even able to treat my daughter right? I will always blame myself for her destiny, for dooming her. If only I said no to that blood oath, if only I didn't run to Gordon putting myself at risk... if only I could have been strong enough to say no before he said yes... my beautiful Agape would have never suffered as much as she did... I begged to be left near her so I could keep watching over her the little I could." Daphne was shivering, tears running from her eyes, I was crying too, her story moving me in ways I never thought possible. Caleb was sad as well, Cara was sobbing on Alex's arms while Gideon had tensed jaw and gritting teeth with rage. I focused on that, I took in his pain and turned it into rage as well. This was horrible, what that demon did to Daphne and Agape, to her father, he ruined lives and damaged corrupted Agape from such young age. I needed to let this rage feed me in order to focus on what to do next. I stood up and Caleb did as well with me. "Daphne, not long ago, just a few days back, we had news from none other than an ancient vampire about Cornelius. According to him, he and his race have fought him many times before, times before our existence. He said Cornelius is a wolf being host for a demon. You are not as guilty as you have thought you were, you had little if any choice at all in front of someone with such power. We also believe he was never Agape's real mate, but pulled the strings of who knows what powers in order to corrupt her and manipulate her to feel she has. I also think we found her true mate, but we are not risking her sanity to meet him yet. So please, stop blaming yourself for all what has happened, before Cornelius you had a wonderful life with your mate, I am sure you did... please hold on to those memories, and let's work together to help get the old Agape back, and fight the evil who has ruined more lives than we can count." I said, shaking with rage inside me, a rage I didn't know I was able to hold. Caleb took a deep breath and brushed his lips on my neck. 'My Princess... let's get mother and daughter back together... they had been separated far too long.' --***-- I know, I waited too long to post them, but holidays were here, and I took 2 weeks of vacations. I wanted to post 5 chapters but 35 follows closely to 36 and it wouldn't be fair. I hope you still enjoy these chapters, and thank you to those who took the time to read my profile and write me, very happy to hear your thoughts and also your suggestions. C.