9 comments/ 37550 views/ 21 favorites Dark Moon Ch. 01 By: HorniBunni Joshua Stillwater stood at his bedroom window watching the activities below in his mother's garden. It was the annual Stillwater festival where all members of the Stillwater clan celebrated the summer and coming autumn. Joshua smiled as his best friend, Marcus, was accosted by single females each inspecting him, physically grabbing hold of his buns and tugging at his dark hair. Marcus took it all in good favour and even dared to laugh as one possessive woman palmed of his crotch. Joshua sighed, moving away from the window. A strange melancholy took hold of him without reason or prompting, a feeling of suffocation that had taken occupancy in his chest for some time now. He didn't know why or even how to get rid of it. Buttoning the shirt his mother had laid out for him, Joshua turned to the mirror above his chest of drawers. Ash blonde hair laid ramrod straight past his ears brushing against his shoulders, his icy blue eyes stared belligerently at his reflection, hating what he saw. As always he changed his Alpha like posture into one of submission, hunching low and lowering his head so that he looked as small as possible. Naomi, his mother, hated it when he did that and maybe that's why he did it, since it was the only thing in his life he could control. Picking up his worn, purple band, he tied his hair into a messy ponytail. He stared at the black shades on the dresser, normally he would wear them since disturbed the other pack members but he decided that there was only so much rebellion his mother could take. Joshua Stillwater was a shifter, as were the people congregating in Naomi's garden for the festival. Shifters were subspecies of Homo Sapiens, differing from their human cousins due to a small piece of their DNA that had altered as they evolved over millions of years. This defective strain gave them the ability to shift into whatever animal they were partial to. There were, Canidae comprising of wolves, foxes, jackals and coyotes, Panthera who could shift into lions, leopards, jaguars and tigers, and finally Ursidae the bears. Three animal clans scattered all over the world. The Stillwater clan were wolves, and most of the packs members were Native American, although some had bred outside of their clan. Joshua Stillwater was in fact half Native American and half something else, a something else that his mother refused to tell him. Joshua didn't really care nor did he allow himself to care, he could never leave the pack for family was everything to them. The Stillwater pack kept to themselves, chiselling a small community in the wilds of north America, miles from any town and becoming a self efficient community. Stillwater children attended the local school, had jobs that further bettered the pack and later mated into other families. Only rarely did they allow other shifters into their clan and if they did they had to be wolf and they had to be male. The Stillwater clan was a matriarchal society, their identities inherited from their mothers. Joshua walked into the kitchen watching as his uncle and male cousins prepared food for the barbeque, they worked in an easy comradeship which Joshua envied. He had always been an awkward boy and that awkwardness had stayed with him into maturity. He smiled to himself as Paul, the eldest of his cousins, picked at the food on the platters, his large stomach quivering as he laughed at something his father said. Uncle Remus was beginning to bald and his scalp shone beneath the light bulb. Joshua cleared his throat, remembering from an earlier experience, that it was better to make his presence known instead of gaily springing up on them. A scar ran down his chest were his cousin Simon had struck him, thinking he was an assailant. "Joshua we were wondering where you were." Remus said. Joshua smiled politely, both of them knew it wasn't true and any shifter in their vicinity could smell the stench of his lie like something putrid but Joshua just smiled. "Your mother was looking for you." Paul said, handing Joshua a plate of rare meat that oozed as he bit into it. With a large grin he applauded their efforts. "This is so good." He moaned taking another bite. "I knew you'd like it." Paul laughed. Paul was the only one out of his family who truly accepted Joshua and for that Joshua was grateful. He knew that his family didn't hate him but there was a void where love and affection should be, he had never had never bothered to decipher why and put it down to his different appearance. Joshua left the group and entered the garden, enjoying the smell of summer. The air was filled with the scent of grass and flowers, the lilac bush he had planted a few years back grew untamed just how he wanted it and he thanked his mother for humouring him. Walking towards the bush he ran his fingers over the delicate flowers laughing as the bees flew hastily towards him. Knowing that their sting would be more fatal to them than him he stepped away quickly, bumping into Marie his friend from when he was a pup. ... Marie steadied Joshua, hiding a smile behind her glass of wine as he blushed hastily pulling away from her. He was always so jumpy around the females, and she found his mannerisms as endearing as the other bitches found it irritating. They were far too impatient when it came to Joshua but what neither of them realised including Joshua, was that he was every bit the Alpha he was born to be. Marie licked her lips with excitement, the full moon was only four weeks away which meant that hormones were high and any unmated wolves could mate with whomever they wanted. Mating during a full moon proclaimed to the world that two wolves were in love and would give their love, protection and desire to the one they chose as their mate. Nothing could come between mated wolves except death, when that happened widowed wolves followed soon after. Marie hid another smile behind her glass as Joshua walked away, she couldn't wait to sink her teeth into him. ... Joshua didn't dare turn around to see if Marie was still trapped in her fantasy world, it scared him at times when she looked at him as if he were her prey. It meant only one thing, Marie was ready to mate with him. He could smell it in the air each time he encountered her, it pounded against his senses with unrelenting force until he almost choked. Joshua knew that his time as a bachelor was coming to end, although he had never experienced bachelorism like the females of his clan who were free to be as promiscuous as they wanted to be. Unmated males weren't allowed to be with a female unsupervised and any male caught fornicating with a female was publicly shamed and became an outcast. It had been that way with his cousin Paul who had been found kissing a she-wolf named Shawna. The wolf was known nationwide for how wide she could spread her legs. Paul was close to thirty and still unmated which practically made him a spinster. Though Joshua didn't want to end up alone, some days he wondered if being a eunuch was as bad as everyone made it out to be. Seeing Marcus with Letia made Joshua laugh himself out of his sombre mood, the two were so in love it was almost sickly, they stood in a corner whispering softly to one another as Marcus's grandmother sat close by, her head tilted to onside so she could hear the content of their conversation. "Joshua." Marcus called as Letia squeezed his hand before walking away her hips swaying with each step she took, Marcus's eyes followed the swing of her hips, his eyes bouncing in their sockets. "Behave! That is not the behaviour of a male." His grandmother hissed. Marcus rolled his eyes as his grandmother turned to converse with someone else. "Just stand stone faced and ignore the fact that the bitch smells like sex." He said shrilly, in a poor imitating Lola. Joshua shook his head over his friends antics as they grabbed some food to eat. Finding a clear spot of grass at the back of the garden they sat down, Marcus stretching his long legs in front of him, rotating his feet in time with the soft music that drifted through the air. Joshua sat cross legged with the plate balancing on his lap, picking at the steak and ignoring the small heap of vegetables his Uncle had vainly produced in his attempt to get the shifters to eat greens. "Saw you and Marie earlier. You know she's ready to gobble you up when she gets the chance." Marcus said squeezing ketchup onto his meat. Joshua groaned as he remembered that embarrassing encounter. "Recently she doesn't even say anything, she just smiles at me and licks her lips, sending wafts of that damn scent." Joshua said glaring daggers at Marcus as he rolled on the floor in fits of laughter. "Quick Lola's coming." Joshua hissed, Marcus abruptly stopped laughing looking left and right, growling as he noticed that Joshua was joking. Joshua grunted as Marcus collided into him both tussling on the floor. "Marcus Holt what on earth are you doing!" Lola yelled grabbing hold of her grandson. Naomi Stillwater stood with her arms firmly crossed against her chest, her head held high. Long silky black hair grew down to her hips with wild bird feathers were braided into three plaits. She had striking amber eyes like all the wolves in Stillwater that contrasted with her dark Native American skin. She was beautiful even in her mid age and many wolves strove to prove to her that they could be a loving companion, but Naomi preferred solitude giving all her love and affection to her only child and son. Even now as she watched Joshua's best friend being reprimanded by his grandmother she sensed Joshua's anger towards those who had interrupted their play. Naomi knew he wanted her to interfere and she would if he just asked but Joshua was proud, a trait most Stillwater males lacked. Even without his father, he had still been influenced by him. "Mother we were only playing." Joshua said, getting up from his place in the grass. "I'm so sorry Alpha it won,t happen again." Lola bowed several times dragging a protesting Marcus. "Come now Lola. Marcus and Joshua have been friends for many years, if anyone is permitted to rough house with Joshua it is he." Naomi said. Joshua knew that his mother would give in to him, she always did. If there was one thing Naomi wasn't lacking, it was love and at times he was as content as any child could be, but unlike most of his peers Joshua was bubble wrapped to the point were the only person he was completely comfortable conversing with was Marcus. Even his mother made him itch in his skin. There was a dark side to Naomi's love and the evidence of her affections were forever branded upon him. Their moment ruined, Joshua left with his mother and followed her to the podium that had been erected in the middle of the garden. Before them were all the members of the pack. Joshua stood behind his mother as she addressed the shifters, it was at times like this Joshua tuned out and imagined what life was like outside the wall of trees and mountains, where being a man was to be free, free to feel and act how he wanted without the females of his family looking down on him. He knew only a sliver of what life was like on the outside, he had been seventeen when he ventured out of Stillwater. Taking with him nothing he had shifted into his wolf form, making his way over the mountains and through the river that separated Stillwater from the rest of society. He had stumbled upon a logging community and he had found shelter in a grove nearby. Since he had brought no clothes with him, when he shifted back into his human form he had been forced to scurry around the lodges, catching glimpses of families watching TV, eating dinner together, and fathers playing with their sons as daughter's helped their mothers in the kitchen. Joshua had found it strange that the men didn't do anything to help the household like cleaning and cooking, but maybe the rest of the world wasn't as strict as Stillwater. It had been a surreal experience sitting in the snow among the other humans. Until his pack had found him. It had been a one-sided fight, one which saw him beaten to an inch of his life before being bundled back to Stillwater, that beating had been nothing compared to his mothers wrath. Joshua shuddered with the memory and he felt that itching sensation again. "In four weeks we will have our annual summer mating ritual which I'm sure you'll know that Joshua will participate in." Naomi said, smiling as the unmated bitches cheered some even howling with delight. "What!" Joshua yelled, snapping out of his reverie, his mother's words crashing over him like ice cold water. Everyone fell silent, an outburst like that was unacceptable especially if the one questioning the Alpha was male. Naomi clenched her fist willing her inner wolf to stay calm, Joshua didn't mean to embarrass her like that, he usually said and did things outside the norm of a member of the Stillwater pack. She watched as he blushed furiously, the tip of his ears turning bright red. That was enough to keep her clam. He was far more handsome than he let on and she knew that it was because he didn't want to draw attention to himself. He was the only one in the clan with such light blonde hair and his ice blue eyes were attractively clear against his dark colouring. "What I meant to say was what great news." Joshua said quickly, ignoring Marcus's snickering. He knew that the day would come when his mother would see him mated off, he just didn't know it would be so soon. He felt the walls around him close in until he felt like screaming for air. ---------------------------------------- Haven't written for Litererotica in quite a while. Note to all readers, this is a finished story so chapters will be up on a weekly basis. All reviews and suggestions are welcome, as always, Much Love Hornibunni xxx :D Dark Moon Ch. 01 It was a warm night, the moonlight played with the lake water as a small female stood by the water's edge. Her feet were bare and she wore a silk dress that reached just to her knees. Her hair was snow white and curly, thrown into a high pony tail, the curls cascaded down her back. Hearing her little brother call out to her, she turned and saw her little brother and older brother standing together. Slowly, the female held her arms out as she sunk down. "Oh, what is it Aiden?" she asked as the small boy ran and jumped into her arms, his eyes beginning to water. "I had a bad dream," he cried. She sighed. "It's ok, I won't let any harm come to you," she said softly while rubbing his back as she walked towards their home. "Rain?" he asked softly as he rested his head against her shoulder. "Hum?" she asked, stopping by her older brother. His eyes darkened as she touched his arm. "Let's go Dagger, we can't stay out too long, they are out tonight," she said softly. The tall man, with his white hair falling into his eyes growled, "I won't let them near us." Rain sighed, "I know." She walked inside and listened as Dagger closed the door. She set Aiden down. "Let's get you some milk and honey." She smiled as she spoke and he nodded. Just short of four years old, he was tall for his age. She smiled and walked into their kitchen pouring some milk into a pot and warming it before she added honey. Aiden sat at the table waiting as she poured it into his cup and placed it on the table. She sat down and looked up at Dagger. "Are our bags packed?" she asked meeting his dark stare. "Yes, but Rain if they catch onto what we are doing you know his son will be pissed," he said softly. "I know we are doing what is best for our family and best for you, but remember what happened with Niko's daughter?" He took a moment to sigh. Rain looked down and shivered at the memory of Niko's daughter, Milia. She was a kind person, always smiling... until one of them wanted her , spoke to her father and warned him she would be claimed, they ran and Niko came home a few weeks later. Beaten and bloodied and Milia was gone. "And he was not the leader's son! Damn it Rain, you know what the leader's son is capable of!" Hearing Dagger grunt to himself, Rain took a moment to look at Aiden. "So am I to just give in? Let them take me?" she asked, close to tears, watching Aiden curl into himself. "Aiden won't like it there and you know he can't let go of me," she said turning back towards Dagger. "Come what will, but I will try to keep my freedom," she said defiantly. She could see the fear in Dagger's eyes. Slowly, she walked to him and wrapped her arms around him. "If I do get caught, I will miss you but you keep running and don't let them see you," she said before feeling him nod as he wrapped his arms around her. She rested her head against his chest. "You know father would be proud," he said softly, before pulling away. "Go take Aiden and rest, we leave first thing in the morning." Rain sighed, Dagger's tone was authoritative and cold. She turned, shaking her head, as she picked up Aiden and his cup before walking down the hall to her room. Her walls were filled with memories she could not take with her. Laying on the fur pelt that counted as a bed, she rested next to Aiden, who was tired and terrified. His eyes slowly closed. "Rain ..... " he started but it was just a mumble and by the time she looked at him his breathing had evened out as he slowly fell into a light sleep. She turned onto her back and looked up at the ceiling as she tried to fall asleep. She could feel the even breathing slow down as her little brother fell into a deeper sleep. She could hear her older brother pacing through the house. Sighing, she stood up slowly making sure to be quiet, then carefully tiptoed towards her window and sat on the window sill watching the tree line. She could see dark streaks of black and brown and occasional white. She knew what they were doing, they were patrolling her house, making sure she did not attempt to run tonight. Rain watched the sun rise as the streaks of color slowly faded into the background. Most likely heading back to their little makeshift homes that they used during this part of the year. Hearing Dagger call up to her, Rain turned fast and slid down off her window sill. She headed towards her bed and slowly and carefully wrapped up her baby brother, Aiden then walked downstairs. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Dagger in the door way. "Come on, I'll carry him," he said, holding out his arms. "No, I'm fine just grab the bags," she said as she held Aiden close to her chest. She slipped past Dagger and walked down the hall and opened the door hearing Dagger's footsteps close behind. Slowly she opened the back door to their home and walked down the steps into the backyard. She stopped and stared into the trees. Dagger stopped next to her and slowly walked towards the tree line. "The sooner we leave, the safer we are," he said not looking back. Rain looked back, taking one last glance knowing soon this would either be her lost home or her prison. Lost home, she thought nodding to herself. "Let's go." Dagger's tone held no room for arguments so Rain hurried after him, feeling her little brother stir as she jogged to catch up. "Shhh go back to sleep," she said softly. Rain watched Aiden run ahead through the trees while Dagger chuckled and pretended to chase him. The clanking of the cookware from inside the bag clattered as it bounced. Rain giggled softly keeping her pace as she carried the cloths and blankets. Hearing Aiden scream into a fit a giggles, she watched Dagger pick him up and spin yelling, "I got you! I won! Little wolf!" She smirked at the old name her late mother had given their brother. Aiden yelled in joy, "I little wolf but you big old grey wolf!" Rain giggled softly at this, not being able to remember the last time Dagger was not cold and distant. Hearing Aiden complain of thirst, Dagger set him down and pulled a metal water bottle from the side of his bag. "Here ya' go little buddy." He chuckled as Aiden took it, his eyes wide. "It's cold!" He giggled in happiness as Dagger smirked and opened it for him. They walked like that for a bit playing around on the way there relaxed and happy. It had not been this way in their old home for a while and Rain knew if they got caught it could be the end of their little family. Rain looked at Dagger as the sun set. "We should be getting ready for bed," she said while Aiden sat on a rock. Dagger looked around as Rain and Aiden stayed where they were. A little bit passed before Dagger came back. Aiden was already asleep so Dagger carried him to a near-by cave that he made sure was safe. Two weeks had passed, two weeks of constant moving. Two weeks of sleeping in caves and trees. Rain was tired as she sat by a stream washing their cloths as best she could. Two weeks of hell and running from hell. She yawned and looked over at Aiden who was watching her. "Why didn't you go hunting with dagger?" she asked. "You love hunting with Dagger." "Dagger said I can't hunt with him till I can shift, " he huffed. "It's not fair! You and dagger can shift, but I'm too young, so Dagger won't even let me hunt squirrels." Rain smirked. "Aiden, you will shift when your body is ready," she said while hanging up the cloths to dry. "Aiden, we are so close to the McKellins land." She smiled watching Aiden jump up. "Really?!" he asked, smiling brightly before clapping. Rain heard a snap of a twig and looked over to see Dagger, bloodied and panting his right eye was swollen, flesh was torn out of his side. Dagger was a strong wolf, stood about four feet tall. Not many people could do that much damage to him, so Rain went pale at the sight of him as he slowly shifted back to human form. "They found us. They are trailing behind Rain...... the son is leading them." He coughed, his right eye now completely shut. Rain felt her breathing pick up. "Dagger," she whined softly, "take Aiden .... Go. You're so close to freedom." "I'll come back for you Rain, don't think this is over," he growled. He was running and pulling on some pants before he grabbed a screaming Aiden. Rain, feeling numb, knelt down by the stream. She bit her lip and watched the water then closed her eyes and swore to herself she would not give in or change for him or his pack. A low feral growl forced her from her thoughts. Her back stiffened. She slowly turned her head to see a large black wolf saunter towards her. No matter how calm she swore to act, the sight of him made her jump, scream, and run across the stream. The moment she hit the other side, she felt a hard wall smash into her back as her hands where pinned to the ground. Looking back she met the eyes of bright green, they burned with anger. "I fucking trusted you not to run lass," he snarled, his accent thick and interlaced with anger. "Please, I'm sorry, I was scared," she whined, starting to struggle. "Stop moving!" he snapped, she felt his hot breath against her ear as his breathing became more hectic. "I was going to be nice," he chuckled darkly, "but you need to learn your place," he hissed. Rain felt her eyes widened. "No!" she yelled, struggling again, crying. "Please!" she begged softly, "I can't do this, I can't mate you." she sobbed softly. His dark laugh exploded as he turned her over and pinned both of her hands with one of his. He leaned in close, his green eyes clashed with her blue eyes. "Submit," he snarled. Rain looked up. "No," she said softly, hearing a wolf-y chuckle, she looked around. Her eyes widened seeing at least three other wolves. "Get them out of here!" she yelled, pulling at her wrists which he only held tighter. "They are witnesses..... My father demands I show you who is alpha around here." He brought his face close to hers. "Please Grey, I'm sorry. Please not in front of them. Not like this," she said turning her head to the side feeling his lips graze her cheek. "Rain, it's not the mating moon yet......not for another two days, so I must keep you pure till then but in two days...," he said sternly, leaving his sentence to hang there. "Grey, I'm sorry, so sorry, please no," she begged while staring into his eyes, pleading. He chuckled, "The best part....... We still won't be home for at least another week." He smiled as he moved his lips down to her neck. She winced away from his touch which only made him growl louder, "Rain we had a deal...... your little kin lived aye, they lived! But my kin ran them.... Your females.....Your men...... we own them." She felt her eyes burn with unshed tears as she looked away. He used his free hand to grab her face and pull her to look him in the eye. "I fucking own you lass." She growled and his bright green eyes filled with flames of anger. "G-Grey please," she stuttered, "your kind took our land," she glared. "Your kind killed my father and my mother!" she growled and struggled against his massive frame. "You can take your Scottish ass and GO HOME!" she hissed. His smile turned sinister. "Is that how ye feel lass? And your mother's death was by her own hand ..... Rain I watched you ...... waited till ye were at an age to mate..... I will not be denied." He began to laugh. Rain tried to shrink away from him as best she could but as he stood, he grabbed her arm roughly and pulled her to her feet. "Let's get going." He smiled bigger as he pulled her back towards the hell she was so close to escaping. Dark Moon Ch. 02 Passion Moore was shopping in the local convenience store when she heard the news. She and her best friend, Spectre Oaken, were preparing for a fun evening filled with watching videos and pigging out on pop corn and enough candy to rot their teeth. "Ooh we so have to watch Titanic." Spectre said, brushing her blonde fringe out of her eyes, which were a light shade of amber. Passion's own light brown eyes glinted with joy as she located a box of Oreos. "As long as we get these I'll be happy." Passion said, throwing a whole box into the trolley. They continued down the aisle, piling it high with as much fatty food as possible. Passion knew that her diet was shot to hell but she didn't care, her best friend was home for the summer and they had so much catching up to do. Most wolves never left their packs but Spectre had been given a scholarship for medicine and managed to cajole her parents into going to Yale. It helped that her uncle was Alpha an Alpha that was as liberal as they came. The Oak River clan were fully integrated with humans living side by side in Oak Falls. This wasn't an unusual process but nor was it common practice. When Passion had first arrived in Oak Falls and joined the Oak River clan she had been surprised and irritated at their stupidity but in time she had learned that not all humans were bad. "Have you heard? Zachariah Oaken is dead." Passion heard the harsh whisper from across the store stopping dead in her tracks. She turned to Spectre whose eyes were wide with shock, glazed with unshed tears. Spectre had been close to Zachariah, closer than she was to her own father. Forgetting their groceries they rushed out of the supermarket climbing hurriedly into Passion's pickup truck. With her foot on the accelerator they raced through the town, passing many other Oak River pack members who appeared to be going in the same direction as them. The Oaken house was sat high on a hill. It was an old Victorian house, modified in the simplest of ways over the years. Passion had been in love with the Oaken house since the day she had arrived, despite those who had inhabited it and she guiltily admitted that one of the reasons she had allowed Spectre to befriend her was so that she could one day enter the building and experience it in all its glory. Standing outside the front door was Claw Oaken, Zachariah's younger brother and Spectre's father. He was a formidable man, tall and muscular with an angry scar slashing through his left eye. His blond hair was cut short to his scalp and if not for the permanent scowl on his face he would have been handsome. Passion left the car, holding Spectre's hand. Whether to comfort her or comfort herself she wasn't sure but they both drew strength from one another. "When did it happen?" Passion asked Claw who continued to frown, he looked down at Passion with something akin to a sneer. "Who told you to speak Omega?" He spat, anger sparking like lightening. Passion felt Spectre's grip tighten, warning her to keep her mouth shut. Passion smiled to herself, she wasn't that dumb and it had been a school girl error to think of speaking to a Beta without permission. The only people to ever make her feel like she was worth something were her foster parents and Spectre, everyone else took great joy in putting her down and making her feel like nothing. "Papa what happened, I thought uncle Zach was getting better." Spectre said as both women entered the house. Passion couldn't help but gasp in awe at the beauty of Oaken house, a crystal chandelier shone in the foyer, spectrums of light glistened against the cream walls. The house was filled with mementos and ornaments on every surface, showing a house well lived in and loved. They entered the living room with purple velvet couches and a large TV that she and Spectre had been planning on using for their night in, now all thoughts of relaxing and recalling events they had experienced without each other were out of the question. "He died a few hours ago, just yesterday he was up and shifting." Claw said, covering the crack in his voice with a cough, he turned to them with a fierce determination that unnerved Passion. "So you are Alpha now?" Passion asked, ignoring Claw's gimlet stare. "No, Zachariah has a son." Claw said, walking towards the library. Spectre had the same look on her face as Passion, utter surprise. Passion had no idea that Zachariah had any children and as far she knew he had not ma either, but that couldn't be true for if he had a son then he surly had a mate. How could he have survived without either? Her question was soon answered. "Ever since Naomi left his health had taken a downward spiral, one day they were here the next they were gone. Zach almost killed himself trying to find them." Claw said, rifling through a sheaf of papers. Passion sat on the armrest of the leather sofa in the library absorbing all Claw had said. "Actually it's a good thing you are here Omega, since you are battle pack leader you are needed to retrieve him." Claw said. Passion head shot up in surprise. Battle pack leader? Since when was she battle pack leader? She was a warrior for their clan but was nowhere near to becoming leader. She was lucky she was even part of the warrior pack, if not for Zachariah's fondness of her she would still be sneaking along on missions. The thought of kind Zachariah dead and lifeless sent pain through her eyes and she willed herself not to cry. "But I'm not battle pack leader." "Zach told me he was planning on making you leader, even I have to admit you are a fine warrior." Claw said and Passion wondered how hard it must have been for him to tell her that. Spectre gave Passion a reassuring pat and thumbs up, her black eyeliner streaking down her cheeks. "We need you to get him. He's from the Stillwater clan." Claw said, handing Passion a folder. In it was a picture of a small boy of mixed heritage with blonde hair and crystalline blue eyes. Passion was taken aback by his resemblance to Zachariah who also had blonde hair and blue eyes, the only wolf with such characteristics within the Oak River clan. At the bottom of the picture, his name was written in a tidy scrawl. Joshua. Also in the folder were vague directions to the Stillwater community, it was a plane ride away and a few days journey through the forest. If there was one thing Passion hated it was travelling when she had to shift, shifting always made her uncomfortable especially when she was with her other pack members. She wasn't a grey wolf like them but an Ethiopian wolf originally from Africa. Her parents had moved to the states when she had been a baby and subsequently they had paid for their actions through death. When Passion shifted her deep red hair covered her entire body. She was lithe and fox like in appearance, which only further drove a wedge between her and the rest of the Oak River pack. Passion rubbed at the droplets of perspiration that beaded on her ebony skin, lifting the dreads that lay heavy at her nape. Her ears twitched when she heard the front open and shut, she could smell the other wolves of her unit as they entered the library. There was Lucas, a tall and slim brunette with dark amber eyes, he worked at the convenience store and was still dressed in the green uniform. Standing next to him was Alyssa, she was wealthy, pampered and spoiled but a vicious fighter and if Passion had to choose someone to fight alongside her it would be her. Alyssa was in her last year at high school and it was apparent that she had been summoned during her cheerleading practice as she was dressed in the Oak Falls cheering outfit of green and gold, her hair parted in two blonde braids. She chewed pink gum, occasionally blowing bubbles and twirling the ends of her hair between her finger and thumb, with a look of utter boredom on her face. Lastly was Brent, Spectre's older brother and local bad boy. He wore a black biker jacket with a silver hoop in his left ear, his hair was dyed a pale blond and left to grow below his shoulders. Passion averted her gaze from his as he smiled lustily at her, but she knew better than to see more into his gesture. She had learned the hard way, why she shouldn't entangle herself with anyone. "I'm sure you know why you're here." Claw said looking at the group of assassins. "What I don't understand is why there are only four of us." Lucas said sitting in one of the chairs opposite Claw. Passion hid a smile as Claw clenched his jaw, obviously irritated by Lucas's disregard of pack law. Until Joshua was retrieved, Claw was Alpha. "This is an undercover mission, I don't want a whole army going to Stillwater. I only want the best." "Stillwater, you have to be kidding! We're going to that deranged place?" Brent growled, his face turning a mottled red. Passion looked at Claw inquisitively, not truly understanding where this anger stemmed from. Claw noticed Passion's confusion and almost felt sorry for the Omega. She was ignorant of the Oak River clan ways and as an Omega she was behind last on social structure, more like a pinprick in the distance, and he wondered how the other wolves would react when they learnt that she was to be battle pack leader. "That is why I want only the four of you, Stillwater is as matriarchal as ever and if we are to bring back our new Alpha its best not to alert the Stillwater Alpha." "New Alpha?" Alyssa asked her gum popping over her glossed lips. "You might not remember him but yes, Joshua Stillwater, son of the Stillwater matriarch." "And who will be leading us?" Brent asked, unsheathing the claws on his left and running them along his throat. Oh goody, Passion couldn't wait for this, she wondered if it was possible to sneak away. She really didn't want to be any more of an outcast than she already was, if that was even possible. "Omega." Claw said, grinning as the other wolves began to object, using enough expletives that would make a sailor blush. Passion tuned out their words learning long ago that it was their ignorance and prejudice that made them say what they did. "She is below us, she will always be below us." Lucas said, his hair standing on end as he became close to shifting. "Enough!" Spectre yelled, surprising all of them as she was usually so quiet and timid. "She is a supreme fighter and loyal to all of us, although I don't know why when everyone treats her like shit. If Zachariah believed in her enough to claim her battle pack leader then you should honour his last wish." Spectre settled back down equally surprised at her sudden outburst, her face was ashen and her hand trembled as she folded them neatly in her lap. Inside Passion felt warm as her friend stood up for her, Passion planned on buying her enough Ben and Jerry's to start her own franchise. Realising that the group were no more placated Passion made to leave the house. "You leave tonight!" Claw yelled as the door slammed shut. ... Passion hurried to her pickup, driving home as quickly as she could. She turned the van into a long winding path, the cottage secluded within a grove of trees. Smoke bellowed from the chimney and from the car she could smell beef stewing on the stove, her stomach grumbling angrily. "Ma, Pa!" Passion yelled slipping off her shoes. She walked into the living room and found it empty. "Ma!" She yelled again, a feeling of dread settling in her stomach, she willed her heart to slow but instead it beat faster. Quickly she shed her clothes and felt the usual sensation of the change. Her hair began racing down and over her body as her bones morphed and shrank, her spine curving and changing shape, with a quick sharp pain in her back she fell to the ground and felt a rough shudder pass through her as her face elongated. Her mouth and nose merged creating a muzzle, her ears became pointed and covered in fur. In her wolf form her coat was a rusty red, the tips of her ears were black as was the tip of her tail while her under belly was white. On her cheeks she had white spots as well as a white ascending crescent below her eyes. Unlike the grey wolves she was not as big or as stocky but was small and nimble. What they didn't know nor needed to know was that she was an Alpha among her own pack, although it didn't matter when her pack was extinct. Passion soon found her mother and father's scent which meant that they were close, treading carefully she made her way to the kitchen. The stew called out to her but was unable to deter her from her mission. Her ears picked up the faint sound of voices which led her to the large garden over looking Oak Falls Lake. There her parents sat on a garden swing suspended from a maple tree. Clifton, her foster father, leaned back against the painted wood, his arm resting lazily on his wife's shoulder, nuzzling her neck lovingly. Martha giggled at his ministrations and Passion couldn't help but smile at their display of affection. Even with both their brown hair littered with grey and crow's feet bracketing their luminous brown eyes, they were still madly in love. Passion wondered if she would ever feel like that, have a mate to cherish her with his body and with his heart. Passion chided herself on having such thoughts, she would be alone all her life. As Omega she was bottom of the heap and there was no wolf willing to go so low as to mate with an Omega. "Baby P." Clifton called, sighting the red wolf on the deck. Passion walked towards the people who loved her most. They had found her weak and incoherent on the roadside. They were unable to have any children of their own which alienated them from the rest of the community, but they had taken her in despite the protests of the other wolves. It was Zachariah who had allowed them to keep the adolescent pup and since then Zachariah had been her hero. "There are some clothes behind the tree." Martha said. Passion gave a canine smile before shifting into human form. Although shifters didn't feel the need for modesty, Passion wasn't as comfortable with her nakedness as the other shifters, the one time she had shifted before a group of pack members she had been ridiculed for her fox like appearance. Since then the only time she had ever shifted was when in battle while everyone was fuelled with adrenalin and blood rush, that they didn't blink twice when she changed. "We heard the news about Zachariah, and the mission to bring his son home." Clifton said, scooting so that Passion had a place to sit. Declining, she sat on the grass like she used to do when she was younger as Clifton told stories from his past. As if locked in the same memory Clifton smiled roughing her rouge locks with affection. "Do you remember him, Joshua I mean." Passion asked. "Oh yes, he was such a lovely boy so shy and withdrawn but so sweet. He used to sneak into our back garden and play in the lake. I remember baking in the kitchen and seeing this white fur ball jumping into the lake." Martha said, chuckling as she recalled his antics. "Well we're set to take 'the beast' to Colorado and from their trek on foot." Passion said. 'The beast' was the packs private jet, stationed in Oak Falls airstrip. Shifters, especially wolves and bears hated confined spaces and 'the beast' was their mortal enemy, but even they had enough common sense to know that a jet plane was far faster than four legs. "Be careful. The Stillwater pack is not to be trifled with, Naomi and her ancestors have forged formidable warriors and loyal males." Martha said, her eyes wide with worry. Passion had never seen her mother this upset before. "They can't be that bad." Passion said. "Oh they are, think about what a woman's position was a hundreds of years ago then swap women with men, expect the Stillwater clan take it to the extreme." Clifton supplied also worried for the welfare of his daughter. They spent the rest of the day doing the things they took for granted. Passion and her mother baked cookies, and then joined her father out on the lake to fish. For dinner they ate their catch, reminiscing about shared memories. That night they saw Passion off, hugging each other with the knowledge that they may not see each other again. -------------- Note to Readers: Please Please review, all thoughts on the story and suggestions are welcome. :D Dark Moon Ch. 02 I personally thank kim for being my editor and putting up with me, if it was not for her my story would not be up! ***** Rain felt warmth surround her, and a rocking motion that was almost like a mother rocking her new born child. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw a massive bare chest, only then did she remember. They had walked for hours, then she must have fallen asleep. Growling loudly, she tried to struggle out of his grasp, but he only growled back and held her tighter. "Damn it, Rain," he grunted, letting her slid to her feet. Once she was able to support herself he looked down at her as he tilted her face up so she would look at him. "I know your scared, but damn it, Rain, it's time to grow up and be a woman," he stated calmly as his men bustled around them setting up camp. Growling lowly, she smacked his hand away from her face. "Fuck off, Grey," she snapped, her insides going cold at the smile that slowly crossed his face. Slowly she looked around. The sun had long set, the moon's light streamed through the tops of the trees, which only added to the dark feeling that surrounded her as she looked up at him. "Grey...why me?" she asked. He watched her, smirking as he stated, "I liked the way you smelled... my wolf, he reacts when he smells you... He needs to claim you." His voice grew husky as his eyes darkened. Rain backed up on instinct but as she did his arm shot out, and his fingers wrapped around her arm, pulling her flush against his body. Only then did she notice he had no pants. Her heart kicked into high gear as her body wiggled and thrashed, trying to get away. He laughed and held her close, turning her around so that she faced a big black and blue tent. "Rain, I only have one more night." She could hear the smile in his voice. "Grey, please, I don't want a mate," she whined, feeling him stiffen behind her. "Awe that's cute. You think you get to choose," he growled, pushing her forward towards the tent. She grasped and stumbled into the tent. Turning to face him, her blue eyes narrowed. "Asshole! How dare you push me," she growled, standing tall with her arms at her sides and her fists clenched tightly as she shook. She felt tears start to well up in her eyes. "Please, Grey," she said softly, "please don't make me mate you... can't you find someone from your kin?" she asked. Grey smirked, walking into the tent. "Rain, I chose you years ago... when my father took over your pack," he growled. "You know that." She whined, "Grey, please, I don't want to. I never wanted to mate, you know that!" She watched his face as he looked at her, his smile dropping. Grey felt his eyes narrow. "Rain, I told you, you will be my mate. It's time to grow up. I have had enough of this childish crying of yours, now lay the fuck down and sleep," he growled, louder then he intended. Flinching, Rain new better then to press the matter, her mind started to race as she numbly sat down and curled into a corner. Run. I need to run, her mind screamed. No wait till he sleeps, stupid, he can catch you if you run now, her rational mind growled back. She watched him lower himself onto the flimsy mat on the cold ground. She knew their kind where raised like Spartans that might be why the males are so brutal , rough , strong, and dominate, too bad she hated all men. Rain stayed in her corner and averted her eyes as his dark green eyes ranked over her. "Don't even try it ... I have men on guard all the time. So even if I am asleep at least one of them is wide awake." He yawned, smiling as he relaxed and closed his eyes. Rain growled lowly as she curled deeper into her corner, waiting silently, resting her head on her knees. She watched as her white hair fell over her arms and covered her face like a curtain of curls. She could hear the deep snore coming from the large male passed out on the cot a few inches from her. She took a deep breath and focused on the sounds outside, nothing. Was grey bluffing? Just trying to scare her into staying in the tent? Fuck that her mind screamed as she slowly and silently crawled past the male. Once she reached the opening of the tent, she quickly stood. Her bare feet touched the cold dew covered ground as she stepped outside. Rain did not see any movement so she took off as quickly as she could. That asshole thinks he can just take my choices and freedom from me? She thought to herself, her brow furrowing. Well am not going to lay down and submit, not like my father did, he lost himself...then we lost him... Her thoughts wondered back to the war, the horrid things she witnessed, the horrid things she did to make sure her family survived only to have her father give in, then be killed in front of everyone. Her mother gave birth later that month...and killed herself the next week. Rain stopped and rubbed her eyes to push the tears away before she growled, "Grow up Rain. Keep going or they will catch you." She chasted herself aloud, she shifted into her wolf form and stood at about three feet, she was the runt of her kin. Slowly she started to run as fast as could, she loved running, mentally visualizing herself as a white streak of lighting. Rain stopped by a creek, huffing as she felt she was at a safe distance. But then... Almost as if on cue... A loud howl ... much closer than Grey's little camp. Fuck, her mind whined, Fuck how could I have been so stupid... he told me bluntly! They were awake. She started to pace before her primitive mindset took over and then she bolted. Her breathing picked up as the fear hit her mind, numbing her whole body. A large black wolf bolted out in front of her but because she could not slow down enough to avoid a collision, she slammed into his side, sending him over as she fell and rolled, hitting a tree hard. Rain let out a yelp as four large wolves advanced towards her, teeth bared, ears down. She stumbled to get up, her tail automatically moving between her legs as she heard the growls surround her. She sifted back to her human form, her watering eyes blurred her vision as the wolves shifted back. Rain backed up once she watched the wolves also shift back, seeing Grey, even as blurred as he was, she shook her head. The rising sun behind him made him look like an angry god who was about to cast her down to hell for her punishment. "Rain, I am fucking done." His dark tone threatened but also promised pain. "Please," she sobbed, backing up as far as she could, hitting a tree. His long strides picked up pace while his eyes never left her shivering, sobbing form for a moment. "No Rain, fuck that! Stop crying I know you! Your just fucking scared... now it's time to get over it and face what is to happen." Grey snarled, trapping her against the tree with his massive chest. A cold smile broke across his face as he felt her push back against him. "No! I won't let you mate me!" she screamed, pushing against him now as she struggled, ignoring the rough bark against her bare back. The tears now overflowed and fell down her cheeks. Grey slowly smiled, grabbing her wrists and pulling them up and pinning her against the tree, just above her head. "Today is the day. I think I have waited long enough..." He smiled deeper as his other hand raised and cupped her cheek, his thumb slowly rubbing her bottom lip softly. "Even if I wanted to wait, which I don't, I couldn't," he said, his eyes looking deep into hers, watching the fear sink into her body. He could smell it and his wolf reveled in it. Rain shivered as she pulled at her wrists, trying to break free. "Grey let me go!" she growled. She felt her brow raise as he chuckled. When he stepped away he did not let go of her arms, but instead pulled her away from the tree and right into the ring of wolves. The dark smiles that surrounded her made her want to run... or die trying. Her mind raced as she squirmed and struggled. "Grey, don't you fucking d-"she screamed. She was cut off by him roughly pushing her into the soft earth, letting go of her wrists. Before she could even think of running, he was there pushing against her and looking down at her. He smiled and forced a knee between her legs, letting her push against his shoulders, arms, and hips. Rain panicked the moment his knee touched her womanhood and she threw a punch, never expecting it to land. She gasped slightly, in pain, but mostly in surprise when his head snapped to the side. His grip flew to her hips to keep her in place as he slowly looked back towards her. First thing she saw was all the playfulness from before was gone, now all that remained was a darkness she could not place. "I'm so sorry," she said softly, her eyes wide, her tears stopped as she trembled. "Grey please I never ... I ... I know your temper is short b- but I-I I am so s-" She was cut off by his mouth crashing into hers. "I'm going to fucking wreck you! I will break you. You will submit," he snarled against her lips as his grip tighten around her hips. She yelped in pain and struggled as hard as she could. After a few moments she felt something pressing against her most secretive part of her body. "N-no!" she screamed against his mouth, right before he lifted his face so he could watch her as he pushed in fast. He moaned loudly as he ripped right through her hymen. Rain stiffened and screamed out in pain as her body was ripped apart. "Stop!" she screamed. The wolves around them all but forgotten as the pain took over. "Grey, you're going to rip me!" She attempted to struggle but with her body being filled, it was painful to a limit she had never felt before. Once Grey started to move, she struggled hard for his movement brought her excruciating pain. Grey moaned and moved fast and hard, not caring about the pain or pleasure of the small female under him, she tested, teased, and tried to run ...twice. He let one of his hands leave her hips to gather her wrists in his one hand to pin her. He had to show her what he could do to her, she was going to respect and obey him. Growling lowly into her ear, he could feel the fresh tears falling from her eyes. Shivering, he felt her tightness and knew her body was made for him as he moved faster and deeper. As she lay there, her eyes closed tightly as she focused on her breathing. "Do you submit?" he growled in her ear. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked at the wolves who made sure Grey got his mate. She was the deer to them, she was just meat. "Fuck off," she growled, in pain, keeping her promise to herself. At least for now, Grey chuckled then shivered as he moved even harder, which awarded him an agonized whine from Rain. She felt him swell even more as she screamed in pain, struggling again as he ground into her, stretching her to limits, which were unknown to even herself she could stretch. She whined lowly as she felt his warmth fill her as he came deep into her body. She felt gross inside and out. His panting into her shoulder led her back to her own body. She felt the sting in her shoulder and looking over she saw the bite mark... he bit her. She was claimed, mated, owned. She growled loudly in pain as he pulled out, chuckling. "Let's go home," he said, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her up. Her virgin blood covered her thighs, his manhood, and the grass that was under her. She looked up at Grey. "I'll get my revenge, be warned I will escape, I will wage war, and I will fucking win," she growled. Grey just chuckled. "Oh? Bring it hun," he growled as he pulled her stumbling form behind him. Dark Moon Ch. 03 Note to readers: Hello all and thank you for the reviews. Quick disclaimer. Made a mistake in the weeks before the mating moon, instead of four weeks it's actually three. Thanks to Addy for pointing out the moon cycles :S. Anywho, please please review, I love them nearly as much as I love cake. Enjoy! -------------------------------- Joshua glared daggers at his mother from across the dining table, angry that she had once again determined his life. Prodding at the beef on his plate his eyes drifted to the window were a wren sat on the fence. Its small head twitched eagerly, impatient to be on its way. Joshua smiled as it swooped down and began pecking the earth, small worms hanging from its beak. "Joshua don't play with your food." Naomi ordered, her voice booming in the all but empty room. The small wren took off without looking back and Joshua watched it sadly, until it was a dot against the blue sky. His heart plummeted as he lost sight of the little bird. "I've lost my appetite." Joshua said through gritted teeth, not wanting to spend another minute is his mother's company. It had been three days since she had declared that Joshua could be fought over and he continued to hate the idea. In retrospect he had been propositioned many times in his youth, and now that he was nearing twenty five he was in his prime as a male. Most mothers relinquished their sons at twenty one and he had been lucky that his mother had indulged his every whim. However Joshua didn't want a mate from Stillwater, he didn't want his life dictated to him by his mate. He didn't want to be told what to wear or what to cook or who his friends could be. "Marie has set her sights on you and she comes from a wealthy family, they would be lucky to have you." Naomi said cutting at the steak with her knife and fork, her eyes never leaving Joshua's face, smiling to herself as he clenched his jaw. "I don't care. I want to choose my own mate, like any other shifter." Joshua said, knowing that he was sulking but past caring. Other shifters decided who they wanted to be with, it was a mutual agreement not a deadly battle to the death. He didn't like the idea of Marie having to fight with another bitch to claim him, he wasn't worth the bloodshed. "That is how it is here in Stillwater and everywhere else. You are an Alpha. I didn't want to force you, but I have given you enough time to be as liberal as law will allow." "May I be excused, Marcus and I are going for a walk." Joshua said, blocking his mothers words of protocol. "As long as you don't go too far, some of the women are in heat. I want you unsullied do you hear me! If those bitches want a quick lay they know where to go." His mother said trying to tamp down her anger. Joshua backed away slowly, it was at these times when a blind rage took hold of her and she became wild. Naomi caught whiff of his fear and tracked him with hungry eyes. The conscious part of her brain told her that she could not strike him, he was her son and her only child. Another, stronger part of her wanted to rip him apart, for being a male and for looking so much like his father. It was when her thoughts concentrated on Zachariah Oaken that the shift took over her. Onyx dark fur covered her entire body as she fell to all fours and changed into a large black timber wolf with blazing hazel eyes. The table groaned as she jumped into its polished surface. She snapped and snarled, walking with the lethal intent of a predator. "Mother." Joshua whispered, paralyzed as her cobalt blue suit fell in scraps on the floor, her teeth bared and deep guttural growls came from deep within her. Joshua wanted so badly to shift but he didn't dare, for by the time he took his wolf form she would have him by the throat. Instead he raised his leg so that it would be the first thing she impacted. Shutting his eyes he counted the seconds before she ravaged his limb. --- "Naomi went crazy again huh?" Marcus asked watching as his best friend walked with a pronounced limp, he had tried to bandage it up as best he could but Marcus was no doctor. Joshua remained quiet his usual crystalline eyes dark with hurt and anger. Since Marcus could remember, Joshua had been abused by his mother. It seemed to get worst with time and he worried that one day she would go too far and kill him. As Alpha and a female, Naomi had every right to beat her son even if it led to his death. Such were the laws of Stillwater. "I'm beginning to think being mated isn't such a bad idea. Marie is nice enough and once mated to her, my mother relinquishes all rights to me." Joshua croaked, the agony of having his tendons ripped to shreds making it too hard to talk. After the attack Naomi had shifted back, gathered her clothes and left the dining room, leaving Joshua to crawl to the door and let Marcus into their home. He hated what his mother did to him, hated her even more for loving him. He knew that by tomorrow she would be lavishing gifts and affection upon him as if the attack never happened and like the weakling he was he would forgive her. They walked to the small river that cut through Stillwater, it was a somewhat secluded area where most of the young shifters went to hang out. There they met their usual group of friends; Marie, Letia, John and Simon. They had been friends from school and had faced all ups and downs together, and had even gone as far as to cover for Joshua when he had left Stillwater. To Joshua they were his real family. "Joshua what happened?" Marie asked, pushing the black bangs from her eyes and inspecting his leg with great scrutiny. Her fingers lightly touched the wound. Joshua groaned in pain, pulling away from her nosy fingers and pushing his pant leg down. "Never mind that, let's talk about the mating moon." Marcus said. Joshua smiled in appreciation as his friend diverted the attention from him, Marcus knew him so well. "Well I've already made it clear to everyone that you are mine." Letia said sitting unabashedly on Marcus's lap, who began to nibble on her earlobe extracting small whimpers from her plump lips. Maria looked pointedly at Joshua and he looked anywhere but at her, his cheeks flaming with embarrassment. "Well we all know there will be a massive fight to claim our prince here." Simon laughed. He was the only one out of them who had a mate and was expecting his first child in a few months. His wife was away with the hunting party, who would bring back game and distribute it amongst the rest of the pack. Luckily for Simon, he and Samantha were a match made in heaven. She never demanded anything of him and treated Simon as an equal. Theirs was a coupling Joshua was deeply envious off. "I'll fight to the death for you." Marie declared shooting up in the air, her arms raised high. Everyone laughed at her exuberance except for Joshua. He didn't find her announcement so humorous, and her words left a bitter taste in his mouth. "Well I hope Imogene will claim me, I have a feeling fat Bertha has a thing for me." John sighed with disgust at the mere thought of fat Bertha. Despite her name, fat Bertha wasn't fat she was very thin, the complete opposite of Imogene who was the larger than life object of John's desires. "Aren't you scared Imogene will flatten you?" Marie asked nastily, running her fingers along Joshua's arm in attempt to be seductive. She failed miserably. "That's what I'm counting on. She's got these wonderful curves, perfect to hold on to while I..." "While you what, John?" Imogene asked, having found their secluded spot. Curly black hair fashioned in a bob emphasised her large and high cheek bones. Her simple forest green dress showed off an ample amount of cleavage and hugged her curves. John blushed, shrugging his shoulders as if he couldn't quite remember what it was he wanted to say. Joshua chuckled as Imogene began to rant at John for having such a blue mouth, realising that the she-wolf was in love with scrawny runt. When the conversation and company became too much for him, Joshua excused himself. He ventured further into the forest until he could smell the electricity from the high voltage fence surrounding Stillwater. Joshua surveyed his surroundings. Making sure that no one was around, he quickly shed his clothes, knowing that if he shifted the healing process would be quicker. Shifters healed faster than humans but it wasn't instantaneous. It took an eighth of the time for a wound like his to heal than it would if it was inflicted on a human. By night fall he would be fully mended. Shuddering as he felt the change consume him, he concentrated on the burn of his bones changing shape and length. Joshua howled with pain as his injured leg morphed, agony ripping through every nerve in his body. With exhaustion he fell to the ground with a small thud. The forest was silent for a moment as the white timber lay on his stomach, his head cushioned by the soft spring grass. With a small woof Joshua pushed himself up on to his paws, finding purchase on the soft ground. Slowly now, slowly now, he coaxed. Taking small steps, he lifted his left leg inches from the ground. Gingerly he placed the injured limb on the grass, growling at the mild pain. With a deep breath he took off at a lope, jumping though small bushes, and disturbing the birds in their roost. It was when he was in this form that he felt truly free. --- Passion groaned again, as another bout of travel sickness threatened her stomach. Brent looked at her as if she had leprosy, dabbing repeatedly at the stains of vomit she had marked him with. Hank, the human pilot, declared that they would soon be touching down and Passion sent up a prayer to the lord above as the wheels hit the tarmac. The elite team carried very little, since they were making their way to Stillwater in their wolf forms. Food would be game they caught and shelter would have to be dens. "I hate cars, I hate cars." Alyssa whispered under her breath. She clutched the door handle for dear life, as if at any second the contraption would fall apart, leaving her at the mercy of the highway. Passion laughed to herself, wondering how shifters with extreme strength and superior senses could be so frighten of things like planes and vehicles. The car stopped in Colorado Springs where the Cheyenne Mountains could be seen in all their glory. "Please don't tell me we're going up there." Lucas grumbled, feeling intense hatred towards any strenuous activity. They found a secluded spot where they could make camp. Luckily there were dens which had been inhabited by actual wolves before, if they should return the shifters knew how to get rid of them. "Wish I had some marshmallows." Alyssa said, gasping in shock when Passion threw her a packet of the treats. The young she-wolf was surprised that someone like Passion would carry something as sweet and soft as marshmallows. She came across as a tough as nails bitch and Alyssa never wanted to cross her. "Thanks." Alyssa mumbled piercing a pink marshmallow on the end of a sharpened twig. As the others conversed, Passion walked away from the group taking in the nights surroundings. She revelled in the clean air and the sound of crickets singing their night song. "You look beautiful." Brent murmured pulling her into his arms, his lips finding her most responsive spot, the base of her neck. Passion allowed herself only a moment to enjoy the sensation of being held before she pulled away from his tempting arms. She never wanted to endure the pain that came with giving her heart away, again. "No Brent, I wouldn't want you to lose your status." Passion sneered, remembering full well what loving Brent had cost her. "That was a long time ago." Brent said grabbing hold of her waist, pressing her buttocks against his erection, evidence of much he lusted for her. Passion smiled grinding into Brent. "If you and I were to have a relationship would you mate with me?" She asked, smirking as Brent instantly stopped his ministrations as though he had been doused in ice cold water. "I didn't think so." Passion pushed him away forcefully, laughing as he fell onto his back. "What are you so happy about?" Alyssa asked when Passion returned to the camp site. Passion just tapped her nose, stripping out of her clothing and shifting into a wolf. The sound of her fellow warriors shifting lulled her to sleep. --- The next morning they started their trek to Stillwater resting infrequently as possible so that they covered more ground. Stillwater wasn't on any map and finding it was proving to be one hell of mission. It was on their third day that Passion ordered the members to split up, they were to immediately report back at their rendezvous point if they found any sign of the phantom village. Passion sniffed the ground for any trace of something foreign, her ears straining for the slightest sound that might hint to where Stillwater was located. Passion continued her search, ignoring the shadows that loomed ever closer as the sun completed it course. Just as she was about to call it quits she felt a strong electrical current caress her body, causing her to whimper. Passion walked towards where the energy was coming from, moaning as another wave of delicious tingles flowed through her body. Then she saw it. A seven foot fence that buzzed with electricity. Oh shit, she thought to herself, calculating the probability of clearing the fence. She could go back and tell the others, after all that was order she had given. But something told her it was now or never. Bracing herself, she backed away a few yards. She raced to the fence and bunched her hind legs, leaping high into the air. The fur on her underbelly sizzled as it made contact with the mesh spokes and her hind legs had no chance of making it over unscathed. Passion whined in pain, shifting into her human form mid jump slamming into the ground. Passion lay on her back, her chest heaving as she fought to catch her breath. Every single muscle in her body screamed. She wanted nothing more than to sleep, but she had a mission to complete. She couldn't let her parents down, she couldn't let Zachariah down and most importantly she couldn't let herself down. If she was successful she would no longer be a complete pariah and maybe, just maybe, her status as Omega would be revoked. When she finally felt her heart return to its normal rhythm, Passion pushed herself from the ground. Her arms shook with as all her weight was distributed to them. Lifting up her head, she came face to face with a white timber wolf with iridescent blue eyes. Their eyes locked and Passion wanted to pull away but she couldn't for she knew who this wolf was. "Joshua?" She whispered scrambling to her feet, her crotch bumping against his muzzle. She froze as his breath caressed her intimately and she knew that she was in deep shit. --- Joshua had been lured by the scent of a strange female, knowing instantly that she wasn't part of his pack. He had hid in the bushes as she leapt over the fence, his eyes widening when her lithe body had made contact with the monstrosity of the electric barrier. It was when she had hit the floor that he had sprung from his hiding place, needing to know that she was okay. She had been more than okay. The only woman who he had ever seen naked was his mother and that wasn't something he would happily admit. In Stillwater males and females shifted separately, hunted separately and were never ever left alone naked. But she was naked, glorious and small, a little over five feet. Her skin was dark and clashed with the red of her hair, both on her head and where he had his nose intimately pressed. Her scent was evocative and he couldn't help but taste her. The woman shot up and away from him, her eyes suddenly very wary. Joshua wondered if he had over stepped his mark, didn't all females want a male's touch? He wanted to taste her again. --- Passion backed away from Joshua as he began to shift, his fur melded with tanned skin. He stood tall and magnificent. Though she stood a few meters away from him, she had to crane her neck. Lord he was big. From his bulging biceps and shapely thighs, to the very erect, very large cock twitching at her. She felt her own body weep with desire, her eyes taking in the strong contours of his face. Passion felt her feet move against her will, towards the sultry giant. Her eyes followed the motion of his hand pushing his hair from his eyes, which shone like twin orbs of blue topaz. She could even pinpoint a bead of sweat running down his broad and muscular chest, glistening as it caught in the dark blonde hair that nestled his raging hard on. Like a moth to a flame Passion was drawn to him. Joshua watched as the she-wolf walked towards him, as though she were unsure of her own intentions. His body knew what it wanted but his brain knew that to fornicate with this outsider could lead to death, his or hers he wasn't too sure. His body ached with lust and he could barely breathe as she gave him a sultry look, licking her lips in anticipation. When she reached him, her hand snaked along his skin, her fingers curling around his neck. Her eyes darkened to a rich copper, urging Joshua to do something more than just gape at her. Before he could touch her back, the woman forced him to the ground straddling his waist. Her mouth smashed against his and Joshua was lost in her sweet heat. "Who are you?" Joshua gasped between kisses. "Passion." She replied kissing him in earnest, her incisors scraping against his chin as her mouth moved to his throat. She suckled the flesh of his neck, extracting a moan from Joshua. Passion couldn't remember when she last had sex and she knew that sleeping with an Alpha was a big no no, but here in depths of the Cheyenne nothing mattered but the man lying beneath her. Sliding her hand down his chest she found the object of her desire pulsating angrily in her palm and she grew wetter as Joshua slid his hands over her breast plucking at her hardened nipples. "Forget the foreplay, I want it now and I want it hard." She growled. Joshua didn't know what she meant by foreplay but he wanted to explore every inch of her succulent body. He found it endearing when she moaned, realising that it was from pleasure and not pain. His fingers itched with the need to explore the wetness he had tasted before. "Later." Passion said moving down to his hips. Her hands massaged his cock, taking a drop of pre-cum with her finger and tasting it. Joshua watched her actions beneath hooded lids which widened when he felt her soft slick entrance engulf him. Both hissed in unison as he embedded her to the hilt. Joshua was uncertain as to what he had to do. This was his first time with a woman and he only had the vaguest idea of what it was he was supposed to do. For a second he experienced a deep regret and stifling fear. Regret that he would deceive Marie and fear that his mother would find out. Only when Passion caressed his cheek did he relax, and then she began to move. Passion smiled as Joshua lifted his hips when she withdrew, as if seeking her out with his body. She ground her hips against his gentle rocking, smiling triumphantly as his eyes rolled to the back of his head. Her body shuddered in response to moving above him, mildly surprised by his lack of domination. Compared to the other males Passion had lain with, Joshua was being docile and Passion liked the feeling of controlling this moment. Joshua sat up suddenly, startling Passion. She couldn't stop the giggle that passed her lips when he raised his brow questioningly. Passion leant into Joshua, arranging herself on his lap. Dark Moon Ch. 03 She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and stole quick kisses between each thrust of his hips. "I've never felt this before." Joshua murmured against her ear, as his breathing became laboured. His strong palms grabbed hold of her hips, dominating the speed and motion of their movements. He didn't know what had made him so bold but sex with this woman transcended the physical into something he couldn't describe and was too afraid to analyse. "Me neither." Passion said and she meant that. She had never been so close to a male before and this was the first time she had ever had sex face to face. Usually she was on her hands and knees feeling a palm on her ass as her partner drove into her. It was a simple act that was over quickly and allowed them to go their separate ways. Passion realised, as she convulsed around his shaft, that she had made the biggest but most beautiful mistake in her life, and she wondered what would become of her now. --- Joshua smiled sleepily with Passion nestled tightly against his chest, as the sun began to dip into the horizon. Passion, what a marvellous name for a marvellous woman, a woman who had showed him the things he had missed while unmated. Joshua questioned whether he could willingly mate with Marie, knowing that there was something even greater out there for him. Carefully, as not to wake her, he shifted her red plaits from her shoulder. He kissed her behind her ear, tasting the salt on her neck and enjoying her heady, unique scent. Pulling back he noticed her light hazel eyes were watching his every movement. Instead of the satisfied grin he had been expecting, there was a grim frown on her lips and her eyes darkened with regret. This was what his mother had warned him about. Frivolous activities led to nothing but heartbreak, but his heart hadn't been given. This had just been a quick romp with an exotic creature that would be leaving him to continue with his half life. "This was a mistake." Passion said, sitting up abruptly. She remembered that her clothes were at the bottom of the mountain and for the first time in her life Passion blushed. Since she was had found the Alpha of Oak Falls all she had to do was speak to the Stillwater Alpha. Passion watched as Joshua stood up, favouring a mangled looking leg that she hadn't noticed before. "You are Joshua Oaken, your father was the Alpha of the Oak River pack. He died a few days ago." Passion said, wincing at her own bluntness. She ignored her own embarrassment and tried to gauge Joshua's reaction. Joshua stared at his hands for a while, collating what he had just been told. He knew his father was from a different pack, since Joshua was so different from the other Stillwater pack members. Yet his mother had never spoken of his father, so Joshua had assumed he had died a long time ago. But the Oak River pack was one of the most powerful of the shifter clans, and to know he was now Alpha of that pack scared him. What right did he have to be ruler of any people when he couldn't even stand up for himself? "I cannot be Alpha, I'm from the Stillwater pack besides, and I don't have a mate." He mumbled, awkwardly walking to where he left his clothes. Shyly he handed Passion his t-shirt, unabashedly disappointed when she pulled it over head. The white material skimmed her knees and hid her naked body. Joshua could feel himself hardening again and was grateful that he was wearing slacks, unable to overcome his shyness of being naked in front of a female, even though they had just had sex. "Oak River doesn't require you to have a mate." Passion said, detangling her braids. She had to keep her hands busy or she would be tempted to touch him again. She sat on a fallen trunk watching as Joshua paced back and forth muttering to himself. She noticed the scars on his back, numerous lacerations and she wondered how he had gotten them. She wanted to ask about his leg but she didn't feel like she had a right to know. Sex was just sex for their people, as casual as walking down the road. She hadn't marked him and he hadn't marked her. Hopefully no one would even know that they had been together. She wasn't looking forward to meeting the Alpha of Stillwater but she wasn't about to start a war by kidnapping the Alpha's son. "You are here for me? To take me back to the Oak River clan?" Joshua said for clarification. "Yes, all we have to do is tell your mother..." "No! You can't do that, she won't let me go, she'll never let me go." Joshua shouted, his eyes widening with fear. Passion could have sworn that he shook. Getting up from her place on the trunk, she took his hand. They were large and warm and engulfed hers. Ignoring the sensation his skin against hers, she looked into his eyes reassuringly, once again taken aback by the clearness of his eyes. "I have to." She said sombrely, wondering if Joshua was going to argue with her. Instead he hunched his shoulder dejectedly and nodded slowly. He never released her hand as he walked back to the village, taking the least travelled path so that no one would see them as they made their way to his mother's home. --- Passion's eyes widened as they silently passed farms, and a large mill that she hadn't seen from beyond the fence. The whole village was self efficient and she wondered just how backwards the Stillwater clan was. Looking at the people they snuck by, she noticed that they were dressed in the current fashion. Perhaps meeting Naomi Stillwater wouldn't be so daunting. They snuck behind a large, two floor house. It was painted in a light cream that seemed so welcoming and warm. Passion patted Joshua reassuringly on his shoulder hinting that he should continue walking. Joshua opened the front door slowly, checking to see if any of his mother's sentinels were close by. Naomi had a handful of expert fighters who patrolled their home, mostly to stop Joshua from leaving again and also to appease her paranoid mind. Naomi believed she had many enemies waiting for the opportune time to take over her pack. "I smell the blood of an Oak River bitch." Came a hiss from the shadows. Passion and Joshua spun around as Naomi and five other wolves stood in the foyer. The Alpha looked as crazy as she had sounded. Her black hair was tied tightly in a bun and she wore a blood red skirt suit, but it was the madness lurking in her eyes that sent a shiver down Passion's spine. "Get out before I kill you." Naomi growled, barely keeping a grip on the shift. Joshua pulled Passion behind him in a protective gesture, which Passion would have found sweet if she didn't know how to take care of herself. "Zachariah is dead, Joshua must be returned to the Oak River pack." Passion said defiantly, baring her lengthening incisors. Joshua attempted to pull her back but she tensed against him, until he feared he'd snap her arm by accident. Naomi blanched slightly at the news, although deep down she knew that Zachariah was no more. He was her mate and they had shared a connection even while they had been apart. It wasn't normal for mates to be separated and Naomi had known that that was why the madness had begun to eat at her. Their relationship had been one of extreme love and extreme hate. But now there was an Oak River bitch threatening to take her son from her, she could not allow it. "Either you leave now, unharmed or you die." Naomi threatened, meaning every single word. "I cannot." Passion said, although why she would sacrifice herself for her pack she did not know. Deep down she recognised that the Oak River pack was her family, even if they did treat her like shit. Naomi sneered, her face contorting into something evil. "Take her." Naomi ordered, finding pleasure in the bitches screams. --- Passion rested her head upon her raised knees. The straw floor was drenched with the rotten fruit that had been thrown at her earlier. Worst was the acrid scent of her own vomit on the floor. At sundown Joshua had been publicly flayed for his disobedience, right in front of her. Her knuckles were blood raw from where she had bitten them, in an attempt to stop from crying out. The sound of uneven footsteps drew her attention. She watched as Joshua hobbled to the cage, his eyes blackened from the beating and his back hunched with pain. The feeling of relief and annoyance warred within her. "What are you doing here?" She whispered harshly, not wanting him to be in anymore danger. "Freeing you." Joshua said, producing a rusty key. Carefully he put it into the lock, catching the padlock before it could hit the floor and disturb the residence. Passion wondered where the guards were but Joshua quickly explained that his friend was keeping the females occupied. "But wont he get in trouble?" Passion asked, slipping between the gates. She willed herself not to search his body to see if he was ok. Joshua secured the gate behind her and led her in to the forest where they stripped off their clothing quickly. "There is a chance he'll become a pariah and will stay unmated forever, but I promised him that I will come back for him and I will." Joshua said with conviction. Passion nodded in agreement, she would be the one to lead the rescue. They ran to the fence and Passion felt a shudder wondering how they were going to accomplish this feat. "When you shift get on my back." "Is this some kinky Stillwater thing?" Passion laughed tensely, as they shifted into wolf from. Joshua touched his tongue gently against her nose then crouched low so she would climb on top of him. Passion held onto his ruff with her teeth as Joshua took a few steps back. He then ran with all his might, sailing over the fence easily. Landing perfectly he made sure that Passion was still holding onto him. Passion woofed with giddiness as she slid of his back. She had never felt anything so exhilarating, had never allowed herself to be so free than when she had trusted Joshua. Passion looked at Joshua who was labouring to breathe, and noticed that blood soaked his fur. How could she be revelling in this new found freedom when he was in pain? They couldn't shift back until they reached Colorado Springs, which was probably for the best since they could move much faster as wolves. Passion rubbed her nose against his flank, ushering him forward so that they could make their way to the rendezvous point. Passion only hoped that they would make it back in one piece. Dark Moon Ch. 04 Joshua huddled in the corner of the car as the other shifters talked about what they would do once they were home. He was glad they had given up their efforts to converse with him as he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. The journey to Colorado Springs had taken up most of his energy and his time with Passion in the forest had disturbed his peace of mind. He was no longer a virgin, the she-wolf had seen to that, and he sent her a resentful glance for corrupting him. No, that wasn't fair of him. Passion had only been doing her job 'rescuing' him from his mother's warped world. The sex part, well that had been spectacular and he knew that the only reason why he was sulking was because once they had met with her fellow warriors, she had given him the cold shoulder. He had sought her out when everyone had fallen asleep but she rebuffed his advances, making it perfectly clear that nothing would happen between them again. She was his only anchor in the whirlwind that was his life, the only person he felt remotely safe with. Now she wanted nothing to do with him. ... Joshua sighed looking morosely out of the window and Passion wondered if he regretted coming back with her, whether he missed his home. When he looked at her she saw barely concealed desire and she knew that the reason for his current mood was her. Passion ignored him, returning to the conversation with the others but remembering clearly what had taken place the night before. She had been burning to jump Joshua's bones since they had escaped and had awaited the night eagerly when they made it to the rendezvous point. The other wolves had been surprised when they had seen Passion stumble through the thickets bruised and tired but with the new Alpha in tow. Everyone had applauded her success except for Brent and she soon found out why. "You reek of him." He had snarled pulling her into the bushes away from the others. He had anger in his eyes and his grip had tensed when she laughed in his face. "It was so good Brent, an itch that you could never scratch." Brent had made to slap her but she had dodged his open palm, twisting his arm behind his back. "You really think an Omega can ever be with an Alpha, you will always be the shit beneath our paws." He pulled away from her angrily and stormed back to camp. Passion hadn't wanted to listen to him and she told herself repeatedly that sex and mating were two different things. Yet when Joshua came to her that night she had turned away from him, Brent's words quelling her desire. Now he was giving her and everyone else the silent treatment, although he had every reason to. According to Joshua he had only left the village once. She smiled at the way he was awed by every little thing. From the tall glass buildings to the cyclist on the road and when they left the car to board the plane, his eyes practically bugged out of his head. "Passion." He whispered, his earlier anger dissipating into fear. "I'm not so sure about this." "Its fine Joshua I'll be right here." She said, placing her hand on his arm in reassurance. "Prissy runt scared of planes." Brent mumbled, knowing very well that their keen hearing could pick out even the barest of whispers. Joshua blushed, his cheeks turning rouge and the tip of his ears red. Passion led the way into the cabin and made sure that Joshua was strapped in tightly, taking a seat beside him. Instantly he took hold of her hand, linking his fingers with hers. Pushing the bangs out of his eyes he looked around the plane with curiosity. "You really don't know what these things are do you?" Passion asked, her words laced with sympathy. Joshua squeezed her hand, a lopsided smile spreading across his face. Passion didn't know what to read in his smile and wondered what he was thinking. He looked around the compartment taking note of what the others were doing then he lowered his head and kissed her. Passion moaned instantly only just realising how much she relished his touch, but just as quickly as the kiss had come it ended with Joshua pulling back quickly. "That should tide me over." He winked as the plane took off. ... During the plane ride back to Oak Falls, Claw had informed Passion that they had had to cremate Zachariah's body. Tradition dictated that within three days of death, a wolfs body had to return to the earth. It saddened Passion that Joshua would not have the chance to see his father's body but he had taken it surprisingly well. "I've lived most life having never seen him, I don't think I'm missing out on much." He had said. Now they were back in Oak Falls and Joshua missing out on seeing his father was the least of her worries. Passion groaned in embarrassment as Joshua physically lifted her up and placed her firmly at his side. They had arrived in Oak Falls two hours ago and in that time the whole shifter community had arrived with banners and party horns with baked goods in abundance. Where was he supposed to put all the cookies and pies, in his pockets? Passion frowned as another shifter sneered, their eyes firmly rooted at where Joshua had his hand on her hip. Smiling helplessly Passion edged away making quick introductions so that she could dump him off at Oaken house and be on her surly way. "Joshua, I remember when you were a little boy, so good to see you." Said Lena Cartwright, an elderly wolf with cataracts in her left eye. Joshua smiled politely and shook her hand wincing when she bowed her head and rested her forehead on his knuckles. "Always a pleasure." Purred Tina, the local siren whose closet comprised of tight red dresses, leather jeans and halter tops that halted nothing. Passion got a whiff of pheromones and knew that Tina was in heat, slyly Passion watched Joshua to see if he noticed anything. His eyes darkened and he leant towards Tina, before pulling back sharply his eyes quickly clearing. Wow, Passion had never seen anything like that. Most males would be salivating over Tina and when she was on estrus all unmated wolves would be baying at her feet, mangling each other to gain her affections. It took great discipline to ignore estrus. Joshua extracted his hand from Tina's death grip her red nails leaving deep marks on his skin. "And the couple over there are your aunt and uncle." Passion said, escorting him or vice versa to the awaiting shifters. Claw could be intimidating at times and damn right scary at most and today was no exception. He and Joshua stood at the same height, where Claw had cut his hair closely to his scalp Joshua's was long, where Claw was overly built Joshua was lithe yet muscular and the most obvious of differences were their eyes. "You are definitely Zachariah's son." Claw said pulling Joshua into a tight hug and for the first time Passion saw Claw's eyes shine with unshed tears. Marley, Claw's wife, also pulled Joshua into a warm embrace. It was quite a feat since Marley was an inch shorter than Passion's five foot three. But the small woman was able to pull him down with a quick affectionate kiss to his cheek. "Come come lets get you settled in the house." Marley's chimed, moving with such energy Passion felt this overwhelming urge to pounce on her. "I wanted to see more of Oak Falls first." Joshua said snaking his arm over Passion's shoulders, tugging her in front of him. "Passion said she'll show me around." Claw gave a soft growl before nodding his head, his jaw clenching with restrained annoyance. Passion gave an apologetic shrug as Joshua turned her around and walked around the dissipating group of shifters, nodding absently as Marley told him dinner was at six. "I'm so happy to be out of there." Joshua said breathing for the first time since he was introduced to the Oak River pack. He wasn't used to crowds and had never been given the amount of attention he had just received amongst his new pack. New pack, the words rang in his head with such clarity he froze, almost pulling Passion's arm out of its socket. "Feel free to give some warning." She said testily, rubbing at her shoulder. "I am free aren't I? I mean my mother can't get me here right?" He asked looking down on the small she-wolf who had saved him. He mimicked the smile she gave him as she patted him on the arm with reassurance. "I won't allow it...I mean the pack won't allow it." Passion said in a vain attempt to cover up her blunder, too late. "You said I." Joshua laughed, cupping her cheeks and lifting her face to his. "We are in the middle of the street." Passion hissed, tugging herself from his warm comforting hands. "Anyway I promised I'd show you the rest of the town so come on." Joshua allowed Passion to lead him through Oak Falls showing him the local hardware store and the butchers whose scent called out aggressively to Joshua, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since they left Colorado. "And then we have the supermarket where we can get all sorts of goodies." Passion said, taking a hand basket from the stack. Joshua took it from her hands, it was the gentlemanly thing to do. "Even Oreos?" Joshua asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Passion placed her hand to her heart with mock shock. "You love Oreos too?" She asked hurrying them to the biscuit aisle, throwing ten packets into the basket. "They were the only thing from the outside world mother allowed." Joshua sighed fingering the package with barely restrained hunger. Passion laughed, making her rounds quickly then paying for the produce. "I owe you." Joshua said as she handed him a packet from the box. Passion just smiled, as if the Alpha had a reason to repay anyone let alone an Omega. As soon as they left the store a mixture of young males and females walked past them watching Joshua with curiosity. "Hi Passion." One of the girls called, the rest of her friends waiting a little ahead. Her arms were loaded with books. Shifting the bags of shopping to his wrists Joshua took hold of them. "Um thanks." Cassie laughed nervously. "Hi Cassie what's up?" Passion asked, nudging Joshua in the ribs to warn him that his behaviour was strange. Cassie was a student in her English class and helped Martha in the garden whenever she needed a little extra cash. Gardening had never been Passion's thing, she preferred hunting with her father than sitting for hours while wasps used her as a pin cushion. "I can't believe you weren't in this week, Mrs. Dixon is the most boring teacher in the universe, reading Shakespeare is more entertaining than hearing her speak. Anyway since today was our last day can you tell Martha I'll be over tomorrow, she said I could pick any flower I wanted for my corsage." Cassie said, her eyes glazing as thoughts of the upcoming prom evidently passed through her mind. Passion smiled not really understanding the importance or need of a corsage or a prom. She hadn't attended hers and she had turned out fine. "Sure." Passion said, noticing Joshua's interest in Cassie. Passion wondered why he was staring at Cassie so intently, was he into humans all of a sudden. Passion quelled the surge of jealously that threatened to make her shift and attack the girl. "I'm so excited it's only a week away but it feels like years away..." "That's lovely but I have to run." Passion said, brutally interrupting Cassie. "Oh, hey you're new." Her attention turning away from Passion to the handsome stranger. Passion wrinkled her nose and began to walk away. Joshua just smiled shyly and handed Cassie back her books, rushing to catch up with Passion. "You like her." Passion said, wincing as she heard the censure in her voice. "Jealous?" Joshua asked with a smirk. Passion growled, pressing the button used to unlock her truck from a distance. With barely concealed glee she watched as Joshua gulped, his eyes widening when she opened the door. "She's human. I've never been in close proximity with humans before." His voice trembled as he tried to still his nerves. Passion felt like a tool, here she was getting all uppity over his blatant curiosity over a mere human, of course he was intrigued, probably scared. Passion held his hand over the gear shift squealing as he pulled her onto his lap. "Can I have a kiss now?" He asked. "Do I have a choice?" "No." He murmured, kissing her softly. His tongue slipped through the seam of her lips, revelling in the sweet taste of her. Passion moaned her hands grasping the fabric of his shirt, climbing firmly on top of his lap and losing herself in his sweet caress. Passion pulled away slightly, nibbling on the fullness of his bottom lip. She rubbed against his thigh her panties growing wet with each move. Joshua slipped his hand under her t-shirt growling as he felt the barrier of her bra. His nail lengthened into a claw and with a quick swipe he tore the material his fingers tweaking her hardened nipples. Using his other hand he pulled her tightly against him so that her sex connected with his, his arousal straining against the tight denim in attempt to burrow its way into her silken opening. "Oh." Passion squeaked as Joshua ducked his head, capturing her dark areole in his mouth, his palm worming its way down her pants. He had never touched a woman like this, hadn't had the chance to explore Passion in the way he had wanted and he realised that the inside of her truck was no better. Fortunately an old man thought so too, his hard rap on the window thundered through the sex filled air. "Oh my lord." Passion hissed, apologising profusely as she reversed from the car park. "Thank god he was human or I would be labelled Omega, oh wait I already am Omega." Passion laughed nervously, narrowly missing an oncoming car. Joshua laughed happy that she was just as shaken as he was. He knew that as Alpha he could get away with murder but she on the other hand would endure public shaming beyond anything she had ever experienced. ... The Oaken house loomed ahead and Joshua had to admit it was the most beautiful building he had ever seen. His mother's home was beautiful but there was always this constant feel of foreboding that settled in the pit of Joshua's stomach. This house appeared warm and when they walked up the path he could feel the love like tendrils wrapping around him as if to soothe his fears. "Well I guess this is it, I'll be seeing you." Passion said walking back down the path, she heard him before she felt him grab her arm and turn her back towards the house. "Your job is not done yet." He whispered in to her ear sending waves of desire through her body. The need to straddle him here and now was overpowering, it was only the sound of the front door opening that calmed her long enough to walk away from him and into the arms of Spectre. Joshua smiled as the two women hugged, laughing and giggling into the house. From the scent of the blonde young woman ushering them inside he knew that she was a relative most probably his cousin. "Hi I'm Spectre, the foreboding guy you met earlier is my father and the macho mommy's boy who went to get you is my brother Brent." She said hugging Joshua fiercely. "Welcome home cousin." Spectre beamed and instantly Joshua felt no animosity from her, she was kind and warm. The aroma of a roast dinner wafted from the dining room and once again Joshua's stomach growled with hunger. "Joshua you came." Marley smiled kissing him twice on his cheek. Noticing Passion she did the same but without actual lip to skin contact. Passion pretended not to notice but she did and it stung. She knew that she didn't belong in the same world as the other shifters, solitude and solace were her friends. Passion began to edge for the door but Marley called everyone to the table and Joshua once again dragged her with him. Joshua was ushered to the seat that was head of the table, hunching his shoulders as he became uncomfortable. It was a trait that Passion had quickly picked up on. Marley and Claw flanked him, she noticed that Brent wasn't coming and sighed with relief and chose to sit beside Spectre. Dinner was an uncomfortable affair with Spectre filling up most of the gaps with things that she had done while at college. "So Joshua you didn't leave a mate behind did you?" Spectre asked. Joshua spluttered choking on the small piece of beef clogged in his throat, grabbing hold of a glass of water he washed down the offending piece of food. "No, I was going to be part of this month's full moon mating." Joshua said. "Wow, still not mated." Spectre said, hissing as Passion kicked her under the table. "That doesn't have to change, as Alpha of Stillwater you must be mated during this full moon, you must lead the others." Claw said. "And I know a few..." "I'm going to have to stop you there uncle." Joshua said cutting Claw off. "My plan hasn't changed, but I will choose my mate." He said vehemently. "Of course dear." Marley said, quickly dispersing the tension. Passion wondered who Joshua would choose and for an insane moment imagined it was her. What would it be like to be mated to an Alpha, mated to someone like Joshua? "Thank you for the meal aunt Marley." Joshua said when Marley and Spectre began clearing the coffee cups and dessert plates. Following Passion's lead he stood up and made his way to the door. "Where are you going Joshua?" Claw asked following the pair to the foyer. "With Passion." Joshua said surprised when everyone gasped with shock. Passion backed away slowly her hand reaching the door knob. Joshua was taking things too far, it was enough that he had her show him around town then join him for dinner, but this was too much. "That isn't a good idea, didn't you have any Omega's in Stillwater." Marley said getting close to an apoplexy. "Yes but none of the women were Omega's. No woman can do anything bad enough to be Omega." He stated, shocking the group once more. Passion listened with intent pondering on the sanity of flying to Stillwater and integrating herself with the matriarchal clan. "I choose to stay with Passion and as Alpha I think that right is mine." Joshua said hugging his relatives and thanking Marley again for the dinner. Passion waved weakly at Spectre as Joshua led her back to the truck his brow furrowed with determination. ... "Why didn't you tell me the Alpha was coming?" Martha hissed, hastily airing the guest bedroom. Martha Moore was a star host and intended on retaining her well earned status, the fact that her daughter hadn't given her time to buy mints to put on the pillows was enough to be dethroned. Passion hung back knowing that this was her mother's domain. She decided to join her father and Joshua in the kitchen where she had left them drinking beer. Passion paused on the penultimate step, wondering how she had been cursed with this socially awkward, sexy as hell Alpha. None of the shifters would believe her worthy of the Alpha's company, she didn't even think she was worthy. "Your father was a fine man, you are the spitting image of him in his good days." Clifton said taking a swig of beer from the ice cold bottle. "What happened to him?" Joshua asked softly and Passion heard curiosity and sadness in his voice. She slipped into the kitchen quietly, marvelling at the amount of bottles strewn over the kitchen table. Sitting beside her father she cracked open a bottle of Budweiser, collecting the bottle tops into a tower. "Once you mate it's for life, I guess that's what we share with our wolf brothers. When Naomi ran off with you, he just began to die I think he held on just in case Naomi came back." Clifton said clearing his throat as it clogged with emotion, Zachariah Oaken would be truly missed. Dark Moon Ch. 04 "My mother suffers in the same way although now that my father is...gone, she may begin to heal." Joshua said doubting his own words. Madness like hers could never be healed. Joshua smiled as Passion's tower fell, clanging against the marble of the countertop. He had found something much better here in Oak River. Here he could breathe easy, here he had the authority to do as he wished and he owed that all to Passion. "Well I hope you know what you're doing by being here." Clifton said stifling a yawn, it was late and he had an early start in the morning. Joshua nodded in response. He knew that he shouldn't have done what he did, that he was putting this family's reputation in jeopardy. But for the first time in his life Joshua was free and in charge of his own life and without Passion he didn't think he would be able to cope by himself. "Well kiddies I'm off to bed." Clifton said making his way up the stairs, Passion waved as he passed her, kissing her on the top of her head as he had always done since she was a child. "I'm sorry Passion." Joshua said as soon as Clifton had left. He took hold of her hands and caressed her knuckled with his thumb. Passion smiled weakly, her head pounding with premonitions of what the shifters would say in the morning about the Alpha residing with the Omega. Joshua got out of his chair as Passion rolled her head, easing the cricks out of her neck her brow furrowed with worry. He placed his hands on her shoulders and began to knead at the knots, smiling to himself as she relaxed into his chest. Her skin was soft to touch, and the little mewls of pleasure escaping her lips made his palms sweaty and his heart beat rapidly against his chest. Leaning forwards he placed cool lips to her neck, nibbling on the part of flesh that curved downwards towards her shoulders. Passion moaned leaning further back into Joshua's wide expanse of chest, his earthy scent wrapped around her like a comfort blanket, his sturdiness relieving her of her doubts if only for one night. Turning on her stool she wrapped her legs around Joshua's waist, tightening her grip as he rested between her thighs. Her hands moved over his broad shoulders holding on tight as he leant forward and captured her mouth with his. Their tongues sparred and danced like two dominant partners. Passion had never felt such exhilaration, having no idea that a simple kiss could send her blood rushing to her ears, making it almost impossible to hear anything but the sound of Joshua's harsh breathing against her cheek. Caressing the underside of her breast Joshua placed one hand on her butt pulling her up against him so that she could feel the amount of desire he had for her. Hissing as she made contact with him, he sank down to his knees so that her legs rested on top of his shoulders. Passion caressed his silky hair as he nibbled at the bronze button of her jeans. Joshua popped open the button and unzipped the jeans slowly, unveiling deep red laced panties. He groaned when Passion shimmied out of the denim, spreading her legs wider. She hummed with barely leashed energy as Joshua jerked at the flimsy underwear, the sound of torn material echoing in the quiet room. "Josh." Passion moaned. Joshua smiled at the shortening of his name, no one had ever called him Josh before. When she spoke his name it was with a soft and sultry voice that sounded like an endearment. Pleased with the knowledge that this wasn't a complete one-sided affair, Joshua ran his index finger along the puffed lips of her labia running his fingertips along the soft flesh, occasionally playing with the red hairs that covered her throbbing mound. Passion didn't know how long she could sit here and allow him to toy with her like this. She had never been one for foreplay and her brief relationships with other males of the pack, who found 'slumming' with an Omega a thrill, had taken her hard and fast she had liked it that way, had enjoyed associating sex with pain. If sex was not so fundamental within the pack then she would have avoided it, but even she knew that to deny giving her body to her fellow wolves would be signing her death warrant. No lower class wolf, especially an Omega, could turn down the advances of superior wolves. That was why she had been content with Brent, but right now she didn't want to think about Brent when Joshua was touching her like this. Gripping tightly onto his shoulders Passion dug her nails hard into his skin as he slipped his finger deep inside of her, gently swirling it within her. Damn him for being so inquisitive, so unpractised when it came to the simplicity of sex. This was not about flowers and poetry but about two beings coming together in the most primal of ways. Passion growled and called upon her inner wolf, using all her strength she pushed him to the floor, his finger slipping further inside her. "God." Joshua hissed withdrawing his finger only to quickly replace it with two fingers pumping them into her urgently, his lips seeking her lips and ravaging her mouth just as fiercely as he played with her. Passion moaned when he removed his fingers her inner walls clenching desperately at his digits, she watched as he fed his fingers into his mouth testing the slick moisture he had so effortlessly harvested. That small action sent wave upon wave of intense pleasure through her body until she wept. "Now." She whispered harshly. Lifting her hips she settled upon him inch by tortuous inch, it was now her turn to spin his head. Joshua acknowledged the twinkle in Passion's eye for what it was, a blatant challenge. He tried to place his hands onto her hips to guide her movements but Passion was having none of it, instead she pinned his wrist by his head her nipples brushing against the hard planes of chest. They both breathed in harshly at the intimate caress but Passion's resolve was strong. As she pinned him down she began to slowly lift her hips then settle back down squeezing his cock tightly each time. "This is a dangerous game you play." Joshua growled bucking his hips beneath hers, forcing himself deeper into her heat. Passion's eyes widened for a moment before she allowed Joshua to control her movements. His large hands clutched her hips as he lifted and settled her on top of him, relishing the tightening of her grip on his shoulders as he increased the pace of his thrusts. Pulling her down towards him he suckled gently on her breast, his tongue twirling her pebbled nipple, nipping it every so often. Passion held on for as long as she could before crying out with release, her body shuddering against his just as Joshua reached his own release. They collapsed against each other, the previously passion filled air settled into a silence both were content with. "I never knew it could be like this." Joshua said against her head nuzzling her soft rouge hair. He cupped her buttocks pulling her firmly against his body his fingers trailing up and down her spine with such gentleness that for a moment it soothed Passion and her jaded outlook on life. She allowed Joshua to snuggle up against her and allowed herself to bathe in the warm afterglow of love making. ------------------------------------- Note to readers: Hope you enjoyed the latest chapter, and once again please please review. I love reading what you think... Dark Moon Ch. 05 Note to readers: so this chapter is in a bit of a...dare I say mess. Had to edit a large chunk at the end, Martha and Clifton were meant to get their freak on, but I keep seeing them as a mother and father figure, eww, did not want that visual in my head so I got rid of that. Anywho, reviews are like lollipops and I have a pretty big sweet-tooth, so keep 'em coming. :D Enjoy! ---------------------------------- Naomi sat in her library her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose as she looked over the sheets of work before her. Pages of clan issues and complaints crowded her desk, and Naomi liked the clutter, enjoyed the responsibility that befell her as Alpha of Stillwater. Rubbing her brow with the intention of soothing her banging head, she took a sip of tea and contemplated her son's current imprisonment. She knew she had been overboard in his punishment and most of her anger was aimed at herself for the damage she had inflicted upon him. It had only been that morning that she had ravaged his leg in a fit of anger. The metallic tang of his blood still lingered in her mouth, adding to the bitter memories she held forever in her heart whenever she hurt him. Pushing herself angrily from her place at the desk she began to pace the room with agitated steps, her fury mounting to the point where she was struggling to stop from shifting. Why did Joshua do things to annoy her, why did he continue to disobey her? What joy could be found when he knew the consequences of his disobedience, she thought she had beaten the rebellion out of him but it was obvious that her form of discipline only made him more defiant. Packing away her files Naomi planned to go and see her wayward son, just to make sure she hadn't done irreparable damage. "Alpha! Alpha!" The library door burst open as a petite brown haired she-wolf entered, her hands resting firmly on her knees as she regained her breath. Naomi ignored the fact that the shifter had ignored protocol. Everyone knew never to burst in on the Alpha, knocking and making oneself known was important to Naomi, she could never let her guard down. "What is it Lilly?" Naomi asked, not liking the look of horror on her face. "It is Joshua, he's gone and he's taken the Oak River bitch with him." Lilly said, falling back as Naomi stomped towards the dining room. There the female pack members stood awaiting Naomi's orders. "Is it true, has Joshua left?" Naomi asked, praying that this was some sick practical joke. If anything happened to Joshua she didn't know what she would do. Her love for her son was immeasurable and though she beat him that was a side of her she couldn't control. If Joshua was gone she would use all her power to get him back to her side and this time she would make it so he could never leave again. "Yes Naomi, I went to cage to check on the she-wolf but when I got there the gate was open." Tara said. "I too went to check on Joshua his wounds needed tending but his room was empty." Lilly said wringing her hands in worry. Naomi made a noise of discontent, incompetent oafs! How could they have lost the hostage and her son? Was it not pack rule to watch over the Alpha's family! Naomi had made it clear that Joshua was to be watched with the eyes of a hawk. Grabbing hold of a fellow shifter Naomi slammed her hard against the wall leaving a dark red mark, slumping to the ground. Dead or unconscious Naomi didn't care. "Alpha we know how they escaped!" The group of women parted as two shifters dragged a black and blue Marcus before Naomi. He looked up at her through swollen eyes, blood dripping from his lips. "Marcus." Naomi hissed. She roughly took hold of his chin, her fingers biting into the flesh of his face. Letia cried out, fighting against those that restrained her. Naomi ignored her pleas kicking Marcus hard in the chest. "Tell me what happened!" Naomi demanded. Grabbing hold of Marcus's throat she dragged him to the same spot where she had slammed the female shifter, who still lay unmoving on the ground. "He distracted us." A shifter said, her cheeks glowing red with embarrassment. The woman recoiled when Naomi struck out at her, her unsheathed claws scarring the shifters once flawless skin. "So because of this boy you failed to protect my son!" She shouted backhanding Marcus as he wheezed with pain. Naomi crouched down to Marcus's level and gently caressed his bruised face. "You are brave and courageous to stand up to me and help Joshua, for that I will let you live." Knowing that when Joshua was brought back he wouldn't be pleased to find his best friend dead. "I want you all to go to Oak Falls, find the clan and retrieve my son." Naomi said addressing her clan warriors. The group of twenty women came forward, seasoned warriors and faithful servants, they were the most trusted of her soldiers. "Alpha." Lilly, head of the warriors, knelt before Naomi and took her hand in hers. She kissed her knuckles, a sign of devotion and loyalty, the other warriors followed suite pledging their lives to the cause. "I want him back, alive." Naomi said, a deadly message to the women who were to bring back Joshua, they could do as they pleased with him as long as it did not result in his death. ... Naomi watched as the electric fence was turned off, allowing the warriors to venture outside of Stillwater. It was the first time it had been turned off since it had been erected after Joshua's first escape. "Bring him back Lilly." Naomi said clutching hold of her shoulder and squeezing it tightly. "Bring him back Lilly." Naomi begged, angrily wiping at the tear that trickled down her cheek. Lilly nodded before running to catch up with comrades her mind set on making Naomi happy, and the only way of doing that was to bring Joshua Stillwater back home. ... Joshua jerked awake his body soaked in sweat as he regained his equilibrium, the nightmare that had plagued his sleep dissolved into the corners of his mind so quickly that grasping at any tendrils proved futile. Sun and heat soaked the airy wood room that Martha had so lovingly prepared. It was sparsely yet lovingly decorated with a simple mahogany table and wardrobe. He had especially enjoyed the mint chocolate he found on his pillow, although at that time his thoughts had been firmly rooted on the mind blowing sex he and Passion had enjoyed in the kitchen. Smiling to himself, Joshua rooted in the chest of drawers for the clothes Clifton had left for him. Although the trousers were a little too short and the tops a little too tight he managed to find an outfit that wasn't too outdated. From his room he could smell the beginnings of breakfast and his stomach rumbled with hunger. Taking the stairs two steps at a time he entered the kitchen with a wide grin on his face anticipating his morning with Passion. "Morning Joshua." Martha smiled cheerily, placing a steaming plate of bacon, sausages and eggs in front of him. "Sorry for the trouble." He said shyly, his eyes roving around the kitchen for any sign of Passion. Martha chuckled knowingly, "Passion has gone into town, she's a teacher at the human high school and she has just been told she has to supervise the school dance, she's not exactly pleased." Joshua ducked his head with embarrassment at being so transparent. He hadn't meant to appear overly infatuated with Passion but he couldn't help the way he felt about her. Whether it was because she was the first woman he had been with or if it was because she had rescued him from his mother, either way he was growing more and more attached to her. ... Passion sat in Lulu's Cove, a small café and bar in the town centre sat snugly between the gas station and nightclub. It was in the seedier parts of Oak Falls but that didn't bother Passion one bit. Downtown, she could be herself and not need to worry about how others perceived her, here in Lulu's she could be Passion. She sat by the window watching as the working class humans walked up and down the promenade, mothers with strollers balancing an array of shopping bags, the mechanics laughing and joking with one another, a few shady kids stood on the corner smoking cigarettes and drinking from brown bags. "Damn kids." Passion looked up as Lulu poured her a cup of coffee a sagging cigarette hanging from her deep rouge lips. Wrinkles marred her mouth as she sneered through the cloudy windows, her purple hair hung at a perilous tilt and threatened to topple over and squash Passion. "How you doing honey, it's been a while since I've last seen you." Lulu said, sliding into the booth opposite her. Passion knew exactly when she had last been to Lulu's, it was when she had broken up with Brent. They had been sitting at her favourite spot by the lake in her parents back garden, it was further away from the house but still on her father's land. They were lying on the shore, trailing their fingers in the sand when she had asked him that fateful question. "I'm thinking of claiming, this full moon." She had said, her eyes trailing up his half naked body still damp with aftermath of ferocious sex. Brent drew a drag from his roll up, his eyes shut with fatigue. Passion wasn't sure he had heard her so she repeated herself. "I don't plan on being mated too soon, who's the wolf you've chosen?" Brent asked dragging on the spliff. Passion paused, scrambling up she slammed her hands on his chest causing him to choke. "What do you mean, you and I. I thought you and I..." She trailed of as she saw the look on his face change from content to disgust his lip curling as he pushed her off him. "Passion do you really think I would mate with some like you, maybe some other lower wolf who likes to slum would, but not me." Brent sneered. He pulled his shirt on quickly, chucking the spliff into the lake. "Call me when you want a lay but never expect me to be yours forever, Omega." He had said the last word with so much hatred Passion felt her heart snap in half. "Passion?" Lulu placed her withered hands on hers, jolting Passion from her memories. Passion smiled politely, her eyes stinging from the memory. It had been almost five years but that hadn't healed the hole in her heart. "So what have you been up to lately?" Lulu asked, calling another waitress and ordering two full breakfasts. Passion thanked her for her generosity. "Well I work at the high school, I'm chaperoning the prom." Passion said with as much enthusiasm as a delinquent in a library. Lulu laughed which trailed into a chesty cough. Thumping on her chest with her fist she tucked back into her meal. For the rest of the meal they talked amicably about mundane things such as the weather and what they had gotten up to in the past five years. "Okay we can't all enjoy the summer vacation." Lulu laughed as she got out of her seat. Lulu wandered to the bar, greeting regular customers on her way. Once alone Passion left with her thoughts, all of which centred on Joshua. That morning she had left the house as soon as day break. She couldn't stay any longer, knowing that Joshua was down the hall from her. She had never run away from anything in her life but she just couldn't face Joshua. Theirs was a secret affair would affect the entire clan if it was revealed. They had already been seen once, but next time they may not be so lucky. Passion knew that she wouldn't be able to keep her hands of, there was something about him that called out to her. How had she allowed things to go this far? She placed a hefty tip and left the Cove. Pulling up her collar against the sudden breeze she made her way to her pickup truck in the car park. "Passion." A gruff voice called, Passion groaned then pasted on a smile and turned around. Brent walked towards her with his usual self assured swagger with a smile on his face that he thought was alluring. "Brent what are you doing here, I never thought this would be your kind of place." "It's not but your mom told me you'd gone to town, since you feel at home here I figured that this is where you would be." Without her permission he opened the door to the pickup whilst Passion sputtered with indignation. How could he be so callous with her yet expect her to easily allow him back into her life? Realising that there was no point arguing with him, she put the key in the ignition and made her way back to Oak Falls. "The last time we spoke you seemed a little disinclined to continue our relationship." Brent said pushing the seat back and resting his feet on the dashboard lighting a cigarette. "Open the damn window." Passion hissed. "Sorry babe, forget you hate the smell of smoke." "Don't call me babe." For the remainder of the journey they endured a one sided conversation, Brent speaking mostly about himself and he wanted out of life. "I was a fool Passion, such a fool. You and I are the perfect couple." He said. Passion braked sharply she had had enough. "So this full moon you'll mate with me?" She asked knowing exactly what his reply would be. "No but..." "But nothing." Passion said cutting him off. "I don't want anything to do with you Brent, I'm Omega you're a Beta. Forget it." "And you think fucking the Alpha is any better!" Brent yelled, slamming his fist against his thigh. Passion chose to ignore him, exiting the car instead and leaving him to stew. She was grateful that Brent hadn't tried to follow her or she might have punched him, his every word reminded her of her differences between herself and the rest of the clan. She would never be worthy of a mate, who wanted a social pariah as a wife? Nor would she ever be able to have children not if she had no mate, it was biologically impossible. Passion walked slowly to the fountain in the centre of the town square, the gray rock glistened beneath the afternoon sun. She sat down, her fingers dipping into the water, enjoying the refreshing feel of something cool against her skin. "I was wondering where you were." Passion looked up and smiled as she saw Spectre approach her. She held a book in her hand and had her reading glasses on. Passion smiled with pride as she realised just how seriously Spectre wanted to become a doctor. "Come, sit." Passion said patting a space beside her. Nosily she took the book from her friend and began to read the first few lines. "Interesting?" Spectre asked knowingly. "I don't understand a damn thing." Passion chuckled, handing the book back to her friend. "I saw you and Brent in the car together, what did that toad want?" Spectre asked crossing her long perfectly toned legs. Her pink manicured nails tapped lightly in her knee, knowing that her brother must have done or said something unforgivable to cause Passion so much aggravation. "The usual. Me on all fours with my ass in the air." Passion smiled, as Spectre broke out in peals of laughter, tears trickling down her face. "Let, let me get this right." Spectre hiccupped. "He honestly thought you two would get back together." "Dumb huh." Passion said picking at the moss growing between the cracks of the fountain wall. "Maybe it's because you're getting on with the Alpha." Spectre said nonchalantly, peering at Passion beneath hooded eyelids. Passion gasped, almost toppling back into the water. How did Spectre know about her and Josh, oh lord did the rest of the clan know? She thought they had been careful, everyone else had their own business to get on with. Then it struck her that the packs main priority was the new Alpha. The Alpha that Passion was stealing away from the pack. "Don't get so worked up, sex is good for the soul, just be careful I'd hate to see you or Josh get hurt." Spectre said resting her hand on Passion's. Passion smiled in appreciation, glad that at least someone treated her like a person. Joshua did too but that was because he was getting something from her. Once their affair was over he too would look down on her like shit stuck to his shoe. Passion didn't know why but the thought of Joshua turning from her made her feel uncomfortable and she rubbed her chest as if she could physically feel it being clutched. "Anyway enough about that." Spectre said pulling Passion along with her. "We have shopping to do!" "What shopping? You know I hate shopping." Passion said, dragging her heels into the ground, she wasn't exaggerating shopping just wasn't her thing. She'd rather wear a worn pair of jeans and a sweater and save her money for more important things. "Well I heard that you've taken on the responsibility of chaperoning for the prom." Spectre said tugging at her. Spectre's smile was infectious and questioning her about how she knew about the prom seemed unimportant. As a teacher it was her duty to make sure that everyone was well behaved and no one got hurt, she hated this part of her job and if it wasn't for her love of teaching she wouldn't have offered. Then again she hadn't exactly offered, she had been coerced by the Head. As they entered the first boutique Passion knew she was in for a long day. ... Joshua walked past the loggers greeting the shifters as they acknowledged him as Alpha. The humans, used to the packs idiosyncrasies, ignored them as they touched their foreheads to Joshua's hand, a sign of submission when in human form. Clifton had kindly invited Joshua to join him at the logging firm he managed, having seen Joshua gliding listlessly around the house. Joshua groaned in self --disgust at his behaviour, he had never pined for anyone. No woman had ever stirred his blood as Passion did and that was what he was scared off. "Time to go." Clifton said, wiping his hands on a cloth. He took in Joshua's confused look and almost burst out laughing, it was obvious his thoughts had been elsewhere and Clifton had an inkling where. The thought sobered him quickly, he had smelt the sex in the kitchen that morning when he had come down for breakfast. Martha had blushed profusely when he questioned her and he knew instantly what his daughter had done. "Let's go." Clifton said gruffly, walking to the black truck. Joshua shook his head, clearing the fogs of confusion from his mind. Clifton had spoken so coldly when a moment ago he had smiled at him, he didn't know why but he hoped he hadn't done something to anger him. The drive home was silent and uncomfortable, the tension clawing at Joshua until he lent his head against the window and shut his eyes. Once shut he could pretend that he was somewhere else, a place where he could be himself and be alone without anyone trespassing on his territory. Clifton turned off the engine, unbuckled his seat belt and slammed the door behind him. Just as quickly Joshua clambered out, watching as Clifton stormed up the gravel path stray stones flying in his wake. Joshua cringed as Clifton slammed open the front door, the sound of his footsteps reverberated through the house and he heard an exchange of harsh whispers between Martha and Clifton. Sighing sadly, he walked out into the garden the gentle lap of water against the shore sounded melodious and he walked to the water's edge. Settling in the grass he leaned back to gaze at the stars and lost himself in their infinity. ... Dinner was a tense affair that made Passion cringe, the silence was unbearable but the mundane and terse exchanges were worse. What had happened to cause such a rift, just last night Joshua and her father had gotten on so well. "May I be excused?" Joshua asked, Martha and Clifton looked at him aghast. As Alpha his word was law, he could come and go as he pleased, there was no need to ask for permission. "Of course." Clifton answered awe replacing the scorn in his voice. Dark Moon Ch. 05 Joshua pushed his chair away, thanking Martha for the food. Passion's eyes followed him as he walked up the stairs. Her father caught her gaze and gave her a disapproving glower. "Maybe I should go and see what's wrong." Passion said pushing away from the table, Clifton's warm hands stopped her from moving. "Perhaps you should leave him be." He said squeezing her hand. "But he might need me." Passion said pulling away from her father's grip. "I need you to leave him alone, baby P. You are playing with fire." Passion's eyes widened with realisation. So this was why he had been so icy at dinner, well as much as her father's concern for her touched her, she also felt irritation that he would think her incapable of taking care of herself. After all, she had been thirteen when her parents were murdered and lived on the streets for months before stumbling across Oak Falls. "Thank you dad but I know what I'm doing." "Passion." Clifford called out but she continued up the stairs. Harrumphing Clifton attacked his steak with a vengeance, the knife scraping against his plate. "Clifton, she's a big girl and Joshua is a good man." Martha said placing her hands on his cheeks and pulling him towards her. "Let them be. What happens, happens and we'll cross that bridge when we get to it." She whispered against his lips as she drew him closer, kissing softly just the way he liked. Clifton moaned pulling Martha onto his lap. She straddled his hips, leaning up against his chest, her breasts flattening against him. Martha nibbled at the corner of his mouth, her tongue tracing his bottom lip. Clifton grabbed handfuls of her hair directing her kisses back to his mouth, his hands moved up her body cupping her breast and kneading them with a gentleness borne of love. "Remember just how much my father disliked you." Martha said against his skin lapping up the beads of sweat from his neck. "I wasn't an Alpha." He said. "No but everyone knew you were sterile." She said. Clifton cursed beneath his breath trying to deny her words but they were true. At a young age his entire family had been struck down with an illness, he was the only survivor and the disease had left him infertile. He had loved Martha so much that he felt the need to tell her family about his condition. Martha's father hadn't been best pleased and like every full bloodied male he wanted grandchildren. He looked at her then, just as he had the day of the mating moon and she returned his gaze with same amount of love. Clifton's grips tightened on her waist pulling her tightly against him careful not to crush her but with enough force to show her how much she meant to him. "I love you." Clifton growled, momentarily anguished that he couldn't give her the one thing that would solidify their love. "I love you more." She giggled, the tinkling laughter elevating his woes and reminding him that she did love him despite his shortcomings. Clifton decided that he would allow the relationship between his daughter and Joshua to continue but if, for the slightest moment there was a hint of Passion being in danger he would destroy the Alpha. ----------------------------- Whoo that wasn't so bad, I hope, next chapter up soon :D Dark Moon Ch. 06 Passion sat beside Joshua at the lake. The late summer sun was setting, casting a splash of gold and purple against the sky. Its reflection shimmered on the surface of the water as it descended. Her fingers itched to touch the strands of blond hair fanned out on the grass where Joshua lay but she restrained herself, her knee shaking with the force of not touching some part of him. "Spectre told me the two of you went shopping today." Joshua said, luminous blue eyes piercing hers and breaking her from her reverie. For a moment Passion was at a loss, what the hell was he talking about? Shopping, oh god, Passion moaned with exaggerated distress, flopping beside him her head almost touching his. "It was terrible, your cousin has a real knack for torture." She said remembering the day with a painful shudder. "Shopping isn't your thing?" Joshua asked his voice laced with humour. "I hate shopping for groceries, but I hate shopping for clothes even more, especially dresses." "Dresses?" Joshua asked turning towards her, his breath fanning her cheek. "Yep, I have to supervise the summer prom and I needed a dress. Apparently jeans and a t-shirt are an abomination." She sighed grateful when Joshua moved away from her. She wasn't comfortable with this kind of intimacy it brought back memories she preferred to keep hidden. "I see, I remember my prom. Worse night of my life." He said picking at the clovers scattered all over the ground. Passion didn't miss the sadness in his voice but didn't want him to elaborate, the less she knew about him the better. "My mother never wanted any woman near me, she enforced that law more so on the day of the prom. Her own guards stopped anyone who wanted dance with me." Joshua fingers found their way to her braids and he began to play with them. The feel of her hair soothed him, reminding him that he wasn't in that place anymore, a place where any woman who spoke to him without a chaperone could face death. Passion didn't know what to say to that but felt his pain and allowed to him to keep his hands in her hair, even though every cell in her body screamed for her to jerk away and make him realise that this familiarity was wrong. "Its green." She whispered into the night air. Crickets had begun to play their song as fireflies hopped lazily as if in time with the soothing clicking. The change of topic threw Joshua before he smiled, she was breaking him out of his dour mood and for that he was grateful. Then his smile widened and widened before he burst out laughing. "What's so funny?" Passion demanded trying to sit up but anchored to him because he still had his hands in her hair. "Nothing. Is it nice?" He asked, trying his hardest to mask his laughter behind a cough. One look at the indignation on Passion's face made him loose control and his shoulders shuddered. "It's a dress and its green, what do you think?" She hissed. Joshua laughed even harder as she struggled against him, on impulse he leant forward and kissed her. Passion's eyes widened momentarily before they drifted shut, her mouth opening to accommodate his evasive tongue. His breath filled her and she sucked it in eagerly, wanting more of him but knowing that this was as all they could have. Finally she pulled away putting space between them as her chest heaved for oxygen. Joshua knew that Passion pulling away was for the best but that didn't stop the rejection from hurting. Getting to his feet he walked in small circles watching Passion's eyes as they followed his movements. Her hand trembled as she ran it along her throat and he found some pleasure in seeing that she was just as shaken as he. "I have to go." He said turning to the house. Passion jumped up, her heart racing at his abrupt behaviour. Had she really hurt him, though her intentions had been the complete opposite. "Where are you going?" She asked catching up with him. They rounded the side of the house and in the driveway was an electric blue sports car. Passion instantly knew who it belonged to. "Brent, you're going with Brent." She hissed tugging at his arm. Joshua extracted her grip, waving at Brent as he exited his car. Passion couldn't believe what was happening. Joshua was so innocent, he would be easy prey for someone like Brent. She couldn't let this happen. "Where are you going?" She asked, her question directed at Brent but her eyes locked on ones of blue. "Lulu's." Brent said his eyes twinkling with mischief. Passion pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose feeling a migraine forming. "I'll come with you then." She said walking towards the convertible. She knew that if she left Brent in charge of Joshua things would get messy. She didn't flatter herself by thinking it had anything to do with his feeling for her. Brent was a petulant man-child and once something he thought belonged to him was taken from him he fought to the death to regain it. "No." Joshua said pulling her back. His action startled Passion from her thoughts. His grip was firm as he looked down at her and suddenly she felt very small. "My cousin and I are going out, I don't need you at my heels." He said calmly but with malicious intent. Passion reeled back as if slapped by his words. She was no one's dog and if he wanted to treat her as such then he could go fuck himself. Without a backward glance she went back into the house. Joshua watched her retreating back and fought the urge to call her. His words had been callous and unnecessary but he learnt a long time ago that words couldn't be taken back. "Let's go." Brent called. Joshua took one last glance at the house before entering the car. --- Lulu's Cove was something he had never experienced before but he had to say that he quite enjoyed the busy ambience of the bar, including the scent of alcohol and body odour. Brent had informed him that Lulu's was also a café but the seating area was shut at night. Big, burly, hairy men stood in clusters around pool tables drinking large pints of beer. They looked like a mean bunch and Joshua was certain he didn't want to be involved with them. He may be a shifter but he wasn't superman. Brent introduced him to two of his closest friends, a brown haired man called Lucas Dillon and Shawn Hewitt whose hair was a few shades darker than blonde. Neither greeted him in the customary way and instead just grunted unintelligible words before scouting the bar, they eyes stopping ever so often on attractive women. This didn't bother Joshua in the least he'd rather he wasn't noticed than have people overindulge him with protocol. "I'll get the drinks in." Brent said as Joshua sat down, his fingers tapping to the sound of the music. Brent returned quickly with a tray laden with a variety of spirits, he cleared the table and placed it down in front of Joshua. Joshua looked up at him questionably. "You want to become one of the guys right?" Brent asked pushing forward a shot glass of something brown. Joshua looked at the other men at the table and knew they were sizing him up, quickly he looked down missing the calculating glances they sent each other. Taking it in his hand he held it to the dim light. When nothing shone through the opaque liquid he threw it down his throat. It burned and brought tears to his eyes but he had to admit it tasted delicious. "Anyone want to join me?" He asked feeling a sudden giddiness overtake him. "Drink brother, drink." Brent said clinking his glass against his comrades. --- Passion sat besides her mother channel hopping until she came full circle, with aggravation she flung the remote into the opposite couch. She pulled her legs beneath her and took hold of a magazine her eyes glancing over the squiggle of words and the mundane pictures. Martha watched as her daughter flipping angrily through the pages and instantly knew what the problem was. Joshua. When Brent had shown up at the house she had wondered if he had been here for Passion. He had called round many times in which she had hastily told him to leave, saying that Passion wasn't in, even when she was. Now he had taken the Alpha to god knew where, which had obviously unsettled Passion. She wasn't the type of woman who allowed herself to be shaken, even when faced with adversity. "I'm going to bed." Passion said. "What about Joshua?" Martha asked. Passion would not just leave to sleep knowing Joshua was in the hands of his cousin. Passion shrugged with indifference but her eyes couldn't belie what she was really feeling. "Go get him." Martha said smiling at the shock on Passion's face, but Passion was a fighter who wouldn't allow anyone to be taken advantage of. Passion grumbled something before grabbing the keys to her pickup, her mother knew her too well and she was silently grateful for her support. Joshua had been a complete prick but he didn't deserve whatever was in store for him and knowing Brent what he had planned could be devastating. The drive to Lulu's seemed to take forever even though the streets were empty. Passion couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled at the back of neck. The bright light of Lulu's beckoned her like a beacon in the night, the next signal was the noise. Lulu's was always loud but there was no mistaking that something was going down and she had a feeling she knew what. Passion quickly swerved into an empty bay, braking in an awkward position but not caring. She jerked open the door and slammed it behind her, running towards the entrance. A blast of heat and abusive yelling hit her with so much force she almost toppled over. Shrieks filled the air as the sound of fists pounding on flesh bounced off the walls. Pushing through the crowd she caught sight of Brent and his cronies, their arms crossed firmly against their chests with looks of triumph. She rushed towards them, her anger building as they laughed. "What's going on?" She yelled over the noise. At first she didn't think Brent was going to answer, the anger in his eyes singed her but she refused to bend. "None of you business Omega." Shawn hissed. Her fist clenched tightly as she forced herself to calm down. Luckily as battle pack leader she had the authority to beat him but that would get her nowhere, she looked around the bar searching for a sign of Joshua when she heard a glass bottle break. "Stop it, just stop it." Passion located a petite blonde who was pulling at the thick arm of a biker. With a detachment she hadn't felt since her family's death Passion walked through the circle of on lookers who cheered and jeered. Wavering on his feet was a very bloody and bruised Joshua. Broken glass shimmered in his hair that was now matted red. Through swollen eyes he looked down at his feet as another biker punched him in the gut, he doubled over but never fell. He was looking as pathetic as the first day she met him. His shoulders hunched, his eyes averted in a sign of his submission. Passion wanted to go and help him but something held her back, who was she to interfere? No one had ever stood up for her when she had been bullied repeatedly in school and during her early years of adulthood. She had been forced to learn how to stand up for herself and that had taken years of hardened discipline. Maybe this beating would harden Joshua enough to destroy his naïve view of the world. Just as she was about to turn and leave a flash of silver caught her eye and her blood ran cold. Someone at Joshua's back was holding a knife and by the look of things he was intent on stabbing him. Cowardice was one thing Passion couldn't stand. Circling the crowd she spotted the attacker moving closer, an evil smirk on his lips. "I wouldn't if I were you." She hissed as she reached him. The man was a foot taller than her but that wasn't a deterrent, she had fought bigger and badder assailants. The biker turned, his look changing instantly into one of lust. Just as he was about to put his knife back into his coat she caught his wrist and applied enough pressure to snap it. Before he could jerk back, she grabbed him by the collar and brought his face down to hers so that he could hear each word clearly. "Call them off or I'll break something more precious next time." She hissed baring her canines. He gulped, instantly understanding who and what she was. He too was a shifter, of the Ursidae clan. "We meant no harm wolf." He said then looked back at Joshua, wincing as he was backhanded. "Who is he?" he asked. "The Alpha." Passion laughed as the colour drained from his face at her words. He rushed forward placing himself between Joshua and his attackers. Saying something in Russian the gang looked towards Passion then at Joshua before rushing out of Lulu's so fast they left a vapour trail. The small blonde ran to Joshua, her small hands caressing his body obviously looking for the worst of his injuries that. However that did not register in Passion's brain as jealousy tore through her and with the jealousy came anger. Marching towards the two of them Passion grabbed hold of Joshua's badly damaged arm, finding perverse pleasure when he hissed in pain. "You're hurting him!" The little woman screamed clawing at Passion hands. Passion hissed as one of her nails imbedded her skin. Pulling back she made to slap the girl but her hands were caught in hot damp ones, looking up she saw Joshua's jaw tense in anger. Passion didn't appreciate his glare, or his strong grip. Wrenching her hand away Passion walked to the door, her shoulder under Joshua's armpit. "Who are you anyway?" Passion asked taking the brunt of Joshua's weight as they left Lulu's, the petite refusing to leave Joshua solely in her care. "Bebe, my mother was a sadist." She informed as Passion chocked back a laugh. "What happened?" Bebe noticed that the mysterious woman didn't give her name but she didn't care. Bebe just wanted to know if the guy was going to be ok, he hadn't deserved any of this. "His three friends told me to come onto him, and I did willingly but he refused me... his rejection hurt so I complained to my brothers." Bebe said hating her own actions as she saw the pain in Joshua's swollen eye. It had always been like her to think about herself but this time she had gone too far. Her brothers were overly protective of her and they would kill any man who made her feel even marginally uncomfortable. "I am so sorry." She whispered wiping the tears that escaped down her cheeks. "So you should be, you could have gotten the Alpha of Oak River killed." Passion growled, juggling the keys in her hand as she tried to use remote locking while holding Joshua up. "Please let me help." Bebe took the keys from Passion's hand and pressed the button. She opened the back door so that they could both put Joshua inside with the smallest amount of movement. "Goodbye." Passion murmured, walking to the other side of the pickup. The small imp followed her, further igniting Passion's anger. Whipping around she grabbed Bebe's throat and slammed her against the pickup. Bebe's blue eyes widened in shock as Passion's grip tightened. "I said goodbye." Passion said flinging Bebe away. Bebe stumbled in the dirt and fell hard onto the ground. Squashing any guilt Passion climbed into the van and drove away without a backwards glance. --- Joshua squinted as sunlight filtered through the window revealing glistening particles in the air, like small dancers bringing in the morning. He ached all over and could barely see out of his right eye. He couldn't remember all of yesterday but he did remember the brutal attack the three grizzlies had inflicted on him. Placing a hand to his head he paced his breathing in an attempt to regain his equilibrium, and then slid out of the bed hissing when his hip knocked into the bedside table. "What are you doing? Passion asked carrying a tray laden with toast, soup and a mug of tea. The image of her presenting him with food was almost comical and she appeared to feel the same way, since she walked hesitantly towards his desk placing the tray down. "Sit down you haven't healed yet, you may not be human but that doesn't mean you're invincible." She snapped as he continued to stare at her. Passion walked determinedly towards him and placed her palms firmly on his chest. She pushed him down on to the bed, wincing when he moaned in pain. Quickly she brought the tray to him pulling a chair with her. After sitting down she took a spoonful of soup and held it up to his lips. Joshua smiled before opening his mouth. It hurt to do so as his jaw was still bruised but he welcomed the hot liquid as it soothed him. For a few minutes they sat contently in silence as she fed him. He watched her as she concentrated on cooling the soup with her breath, suddenly his pants felt too tight as he imagined her doing that to his cock. Her eyelashes fanned her dark cheeks and he waited with barely controlled patience for her to look up at him again and flash those amber eyes. "Yesterday..." "Never mind, its Brent's fault he did it on purpose." Passion said breaking of a piece of bread and buttering it. She held it out for him but instead of taking it from her hands he leant forward and took it with his mouth, his lips grazing her fingers. Passion pulled back as if burnt, scowling when Joshua chuckled. "I know. I just hope Bebe is ok." Joshua said. Passion flinched, it had started, Joshua was attracted to someone else. Although it should have made her happy to know he was no longer pining for her she couldn't shake the feeling of sadness that enveloped her. "It was her fault." "No she was just a woman scorned." Joshua laughed taking the rest of the bread from her, missing the look of longing on Passions face. Joshua ripped into the soft loaf wondering if the small fox would be okay. He knew she had told her brothers about his rejection, but that didn't mean he couldn't be worried for her. Joshua sighed when Passion left the room. If she hadn't come looking for him he was sure he would have been dead. Male wolves in his mother's clan weren't allowed to fight, he believed that if the men were trained there would anarchy. No one wanted to be treated as a second class citizen man or woman, yet his mother made laws that degraded the males to the point where they were emasculated. Passion had bailed him out but next time he might not be so lucky. Hopefully she would teach him a few things to prove to the others that he had what it took to be an Alpha. --- Passion stood in the line at the convenience store her arms laden with all types of treats, mostly oreos as she knew Joshua loved them and would help him with his recovery. At the back of her mind she knew the main reason why she was buying his favourite biscuits was because it would bring a smile to his face and she so wanted to see his dimples again. "I'm surprised you haven't got diabetes yet." Mark, a student in her class, laughed. Passion smiled at the long running joke of theirs as she paid for the food. When she carried the bags out of the store, something caught her eye and she turned to see Joshua and Bebe. They were talking animatedly by the fountain. He ducked his head and said something in her ear that must have been hilarious as Bebe clutched hold of his arm and burst out in laughter. "Sickening isn't it." Passion noticed Tina leaning against the wall, a half smoked cigarette in her hand. Passion couldn't agree more. "But I don't think our king is that interested, look at the way he keeps scouting the area as if looking for someone." Passion was shocked by Tina's analysis and was surprised that the skank was so insightful. Dark Moon Ch. 06 "I'm not just a pretty face." She said, catching on to what Passion was thinking. Passion blushed mumbling a hasty goodbye she walked towards Joshua. Joshua could smell her the instant she had left the store, and felt so relieved when she joined them. He could see the thunder in her eyes and wondered what it was he had done to deserve this. "What are you doing here?" Passion asked. Joshua smiled apologetically for Passion's behaviour but was also happy at the signs of her jealousy. "I came to apologise again, my parents want to invite you to diner if you want." "No." Passion said. "Of course, we will be delighted to." Joshua said cutting her off. He held on to her hand as Bebe waved goodbye. "I can't believe you did that, do I really need to chaperone you on your little date." Passion snarled flinging the shopping bags at him. They walked in relative silence going nowhere in particular, but that was enough to ease her anger and make her realise what it was she had just said to him. "It's not a date, the only woman I would date is you." Joshua said so quietly she almost didn't hear him. Passion stopped abruptly all her thoughts screeching to a halt. Had he said what she thought he had said? "No." Passion said firmly, resuming her skulking pace. "I know you wouldn't want to but it's the truth. I like you, I like you a lot." Joshua said with no qualms as it was true. He did like her and in his mind the cogs were whirring with a thought too new to say aloud. "I'm an Omega and you're an Alpha how can we possibly go out on a date?" Passion asked trying her best to control the smile that wanted to burst from her lips. Joshua wanted to date her, he actually found her attractive enough to want her company. "I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself." Joshua and Passion turned to see Claw standing a few feet ahead of them with a look of thunder on his face, flanked on either side of him were a dozen warriors brimming with rage. "Uncle Claw." Joshua smiled, hissing when the older man hugged him. His wounds were raw he wasn't as healed as he thought. Claw assessed his nephews face with scrutiny catching hold of his chin and turning up, down, left and right. Bruises marred the right side of his face and his eye was partially swollen, he had noticed that Joshua was walking with a limp at a slow pace. "Who did this?" Claw growled spearing Passion with his glare. "Bears and their fox sister." Passion said. "The Tsarev's, they're the new family living by the lake. Bear and fox family." One of the shifters supplied. "Your orders?" Claw asked directing his question to Joshua. "Leave them alone, it was a misunderstanding." "But they attacked you." Claw spluttered with indignation. "I said leave them alone." Joshua growled. Passion hadn't seen him express this much passion bar the sex, and it appeared that he felt the same way. Joshua smiled shyly bypassing his uncle and troupe, grateful when Passion followed him, her footsteps a welcome melody. As she neared him he took hold of her hand tugging it so that she was enveloped in his arms. He felt her stiffen but he continued onwards determined to make her see what they could be become. ------------------------------------------------ Note to readers: As always reviews are most welcome :D Dark Moon Ch. 07 Note to readers: enjoy!!! ------------------------------------- "Ok now don't laugh." Passion said entering Joshua's bedroom. The dress hugged her body tightly, flaring at the hip. The neckline was low but not too low, showing a modest amount of cleavage. The corner of his lip twitched as he fought a laugh, the dress was beautiful a deep green that skimmed above her knees. "It's beautiful." Jason said coming towards her with lethal intent. Passion backed away slowly, a smile tugging at her lips as he scooped her up in his arms. "But what's underneath is more beautiful." He murmured into her hair kissing her softly on her temple. Passion didn't know how to respond to that, he was holding her with such tenderness and his words dented the steel armour encasing her heart. "Don't we have dinner at the Tsarev house tonight?" Passion asked resting her forearms on Joshua's shoulders, tilting her face up for his kiss. His tongue brushed hers in erotic sweeps, running along the roof of her mouth. His hand gripped her hips and he pulled her further against his chest. Passion chuckled as their height difference was magnified. Her head barely reached his chest and his erection bumped against her stomach. Joshua picked her up effortlessly, her legs wrapping around his hips anchoring herself firmly to him. Her eyes blazed with desire that he had aroused and it made him feel glad, smug even, that around him Passion felt free. "Dinner is at seven." Joshua said against her neck inhaling her scent as he walked her to the bed. Setting her upon the mattress he began his devilish ministrations, nipping at the crest of her breast his hands sliding up the skirt of her dress. "It's quarter too." Passion said, smiling when his eyes widened with shock just before they fell heavy. "I'm the Alpha its fashionable to be late." Joshua stated continuing his hands ascent towards her crotch. Passion giggled clutching tufts of his hair as his fingers found their way inside her panties. "Josh we really have to go, your girlfriend will be waiting." She said without malice. Joshua smiled placing his lips against her skin feeling the course of blood in her veins throb through her body. Joshua felt pain in his jaw as he controlled the distension of his incisors, he wanted so much to sink his teeth into her and mark her as his. Joshua pulled from her with a snarl. "Josh?" Passion asked, wincing at the regret in her voice. She couldn't afford to let him know just how much she liked his touch. "You're right we have to go it would be rude if we didn't." Joshua said without a backwards glance. Passion growled with sexual frustration muffling her aggravation into the pillow. --- Passion asked herself for the hundredth time why she had even bothered to accompany Joshua on his little dinner date. He could dress it down as much as he wanted but this was so a date and the thought didn't sit well with her. The fact that the thought didn't sit well with her only made her feel ten times worse. If that wasn't bad enough Joshua was acting as if he hadn't pulled away from potentially mind blowing sex. Joshua smiled when Passion growled again, her hands tightening around the steering wheel, her jaw clenched tightly as she concentrated on the road. He hadn't meant to offend her, he had only done what he thought had been right and stepped away from something he knew she wasn't ready for. "There it is. The cluster of summer homes the humans rent out during the summer period." Passion said. The headlights of the pickup illuminated a grand Victorian house, made from light wood with flower boxes in every window. Passion felt queasy. "Come on." Joshua said exiting the vehicle. "Come on." Passion imitated. Joshua made it to the door first and pressed the doorbell. A loud cacophony of bird noises wailed into the evening, starling Passion out of her mood. Joshua laughed as she grabbed hold of his arm the door opening wide emitting a waft of cooking food and warmth. "Welcome." Joshua smiled at the small white haired woman with bright blue eyes, beside her stood Bebe her hand linked with her mothers. They both wore similar dresses of pale yellow and pearls around their throats. Passion rubbed her hand over her own outfit, wincing as her palm chafed against the denim of her jeans. How unsightly, she thought as Bebe made introductions. "This is my mother Samantha and my farther Boris." She said as a large, burly seven foot man walked into the foyer. Curly, long salt and pepper hair ran down to the centre of his back. His biker jacket glistened beneath the stunning chandelier that soaked the refined room in light. "Honestly Boris, what have I told you about wearing that hideous thing when we have guests." The woman was so much smaller than her husband that Passion found it hilarious when she wagged her finger at him. "But you said to wear my best outfit." The man growled. His face was made of harsh lines and an unruly beard. Although he could easily shake the house with his voice, he chose to be soft and loving towards his mate. Passion couldn't help but envy them. "If this is your best then I don't know why I've bothered trying to change you for the past thirty years." Samantha huffed. Boris walked towards her, his thick books clunking against the polished wood floor. "You've done wonders." He said lifting Samantha up into his arms and making toward the grand spiral stairs. "Umm mom, dad we have guests." Bebe said pleadingly. Joshua snorted behind his hand as Samantha apologised profusely. Boris didn't even bother to appear repentant. He eyed the Alpha of the Oak River clan, Joshua Oaken if he wasn't mistaken. He was still bruised from the beating his sons had given him, but walked and smiled as if he wasn't in the house of those that had wronged him. Boris had been so angry when Bebe had informed him about what his sons had done. They had endangered their family and for that he had taken out his most treasured belt and flayed their asses. "Joshua Oaken." Boris said shaking the Alpha's hand with a firm grip. Joshua returned the handshake clenching his hand harder then Boris's, showing the bear that he too was a powerful man. "Boys!" Boris yelled smirking when Joshua flinched backwards. He hadn't meant to scare the boy but that handshake had left his hand throbbing. Joshua and Passion walked into the dining room, silverware and crockery had been set for the meal ahead. Standing at other end of the table were three hulking males all with the same thick black hair as their father. Triplets. Passion noted that they all had the same facial structure, slashing brows and large blue eyes. The brother who had held the knife was a teeny bit taller than the other two and had a vicious scar running down his cheek. "These, unfortunately, are my sons. Dravo, Vladimir and Bogdan." Boris said. Passion smirked as Bogdan scowled deep rouge colouring his cheeks. So that was knife guys name, Bogdan! "It's Danny." Bogdan hissed, howling when Boris cuffed his head. "Apologise to the Alpha!" Boris yelled. All three of them blanched at the anger in his voice. Joshua stood before them his arms crossed against his chest and a hardened look on his face. Passion had never seen him look so authoritative and she smiled inwardly at the transformation. Joshua was starting to show his true status as ruler of wolves. "We apologise Alpha." Vladimir said his blue eyes, like his mothers, showed truth behind his words. Taking a step towards Joshua, he lifted his hand and placed it against his forehead. Vladimir then knelt with his head bowed and shifted his thick hair to one side, bearing his neck, the other bears did the same. "We apologise Alpha, mete your justice with a fair hand." They said in unison. Silence filled the room as Joshua pondered his next move. He could easily have them sentenced to death, sending his warriors to annihilate the Tsarev's, but he knew that if someone even looked at Passion funny he would rip them apart. "Accepted." Joshua said clasping Danny's arm and pulling him up. Joshua smiled when Samantha gave a sigh of relief, her once pale face filling up with colour. Even Boris gave a gruff nod of thanks as they down at the table. "So how long have the two of you been mated?" Samantha asked, opening the many dishes of food while Boris filled their glasses with wine. Passion spluttered feeling her cheeks overheat, and stared into her empty plate. "Well we aren't actually mated." Joshua said. "Oh well I guess at your age that's a good thing at least you don't have to worry about pregnancy." Samantha smiled. Joshua nodded in agreement. It was true that unmated wolves couldn't get pregnant. Only when two wolves bit each other, installing their DNA into their partner would their bodies be able to conceive a child. It was based on this imprinting that made it impossible for wolves to have sexual relations outside of their partnership. The imprinting caused a deep spiritual link. Sex with a stranger would be extremely painful and would cause the cheating shifter emotional trauma. No, he and Passion would be having no pups. However, now that the thought had been offered to him, he wanted to grab it and make it into a reality. Joshua froze as he realised a terrifying truth. He was in love with Passion. How could he fall so quickly for someone he didn't even know? "Joshua, potatoes?" Passion asked. Everyone at the table was looking at him worriedly and he surmised that he must have been ignoring the question for quite a while. His fingers brushed against hers as he took the bowl from her a zing of desire shot through him reminding him of his earlier realisation. He loved Passion even when she was being cold and distant or angry at him. He enjoyed his time with her. She was wrong in her belief that this was an infatuation. The sex was amazing but it wasn't about the sex, it went deeper than that. "Yes." He whispered. "Yes what?" Bebe asked having heard his words. Joshua blushed and shook his head in dismissal. "How long are you here for?" Joshua asked, his question aimed at the triplets. "Until our parents get out of this rutting phase." Dravo replied dryly. Boris thumped his large fist against the table, chuckling nonetheless at his sons words. "Don't mind Dravo he's upset because his girlfriend left him." Vladimir supplied sipping at the wine. "That's because you stole her from me you bastard!" Dravo roared lunging at Vladimir. Both brothers toppled to the ground in an all out brawl. Samantha rushed around the dining table. "We have guests!" She shrieked hopping from foot to foot, wringing her hands. "More food for me." Danny chuckled, emptying the two abandoned plates of food onto his own. "Go for the jugular." Boris roared downing his glass before leaving the table and cheering the boys on. "That's not helping one bit." Samantha said her hands bunched at her hips. "I'm so sorry." Bebe said hiding her head behind her hand in shame. Joshua looked at Passion and their eyes locked before they both burst out with laughter. --- "That had to be the most surreal moment of my life." Passion laughed as they walked towards the lake. By mutual agreement they had bypassed the house and walked through the gate. The moon shimmered on the crystalline surface, a stark reminder that the mating moon would be arriving soon and once again Passion would have to endure it alone. She didn't really mind the alone part, it was the part where all unmated shifters had to congregate before those that were bonding and watch the ceremony. This ultimately meant some young buck would demand her services and she, as an Omega, would have to submit. Joshua took off at a jog shedding his clothing as he grew closer to the shore. Joshua had stated before that he would mate this month and she wondered who it would be with, did she have any right to care? Joshua was her friend and her lover, it was only natural for her to care. It didn't mean that there was anything deeper than comradeship. "Passion." Joshua called waist deep in water. Droplets ran down his chest catching in the light curls of his chest, his pectorals flinched unconsciously when she drew near and Passion found joy that she had affected him in such away. The water cooled her flushed body, her feet quickly lifting into the water as she swam towards him. His eyes were warm and welcoming, beckoning her closer. As soon as she was in proximity to him Joshua pulled her into his arms, engulfing her into a tight yet comfortable embrace. It felt good to be held, no words or expectations, just for a few moments she could just be. Joshua held onto her tightly revelling in the feel of her soft body against his hard planes. He enjoyed the contrast between her dark chocolate skin against his tanned chest as she nuzzled against his chest. Her rouge locks snaked out in the water as he propelled them further into the lake. Passion looked up at Joshua's face losing herself in the blue orbs of his eyes. His plush lips curved upwards, his hands trailing up and down her back pulling her closer to him, engulfing her with his presence. "I love you." Joshua murmured against the side of her head. Passion stiffened in his arms before fighting against him. Joshua tightened his hold in an attempt to keep her still but she continued to fight against him. Lifting her knee upwards she slammed her knee into his groin. "Fuck!" Joshua grunted instantly releasing her. Passion swam to the shore picking up her clothes as she made contact with ground. She heard Joshua leave the water, his breathing laboured no doubt to having his balls brutalised. She almost felt sorry for him, but to have those words thrown at her was enough to make her claw his eyes out. "Passion." Joshua called after her. She slowed her steps but didn't stop, allowing him to catch up with her. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to freak you out." Joshua said falling into step with her. He tried reaching for her hand but she pulled it up against her chest and crossed her arms. "Then you should never have said it, I'm an Omega never forget that." She said. "How can I when you can't?" He mumbled. She heard him but pretended not to. They reached the back door sliding it open. The TV flashed light against the walls, the volume on low, her parents were spread out on the sofa sleeping. "Look let's just forget what I said." Joshua said hurrying up the stairs behind her. Passion grunted in agreement pushing open her bedroom door but before she could shut it, Joshua was pushing through the door and closing it with the heel of his foot. Passion knew what he wanted and in all honesty she wanted it too. She pushed the thought of his words at the back of her mind and watched him as he walked towards her, his eyes focused on her like a predator looking at his prey. "I want you." Passion said draping her arms around Joshua's neck. He took hold of her waist and lifted her up, groaning when she wrapped her legs around his waist. She was pressed tightly against his cock and he moaned with the contact of it. Moving to the bed he went down with her, his limbs sinking into the mattress, resting on either side of Passion's body. Passion ran her fingers against the contours of his face, savouring the sensation of an innocent touch, skin to skin. A sigh left her lips when he rubbed his cheek against her open palm, an indescribable light shining in the depths of his eyes as he captured her lips. Passion moaned with pleasure when he ran his hands down the length of her body stopping at the apex between her thighs. "I want to hold you." Joshua said, turning them onto their sides so that she spooned against his front. For a moment Passion was lost for words. Just hold her, where was the fun in that? The slow rise and fall of his chest signalled his slumber and his breath tickled his skin. Though Passion fought it, she found herself relaxing. She had to destroy whatever feelings Joshua had for her, but the thought of hurting him almost crippled her. Passion sighed forcing herself to relax in his loose embrace. There was still time until the mating moon, why couldn't she enjoy his affection before then. Certain that she could protect her heart against Joshua, Passion snuggled against his sturdy frame and allowed her eyes drift close. --- The black wolf limped through the woods keeping far from the road. She had learned the hard way what happened when one tried to interact with the metal beasts. She wasn't a stupid wolf and was fully aware of what a car was, but she had no idea that they moved with such velocity. It had been so dark and queit she hadn't even thought that humans resided in this area, but she had been wrong so wrong. It had then taken the whole day for her to recover from the fracture in her hip. The night was filled with smells and sounds alien to her. The thought of turning back entered her mind for the hundredth time but even if she wanted to, there was no way she could make it, she didn't even know where she was now. A car roared past far too close for comfort. The sound sent the wolf tumbling down the steep ravine she had been tiptoeing along. She was a blur of fur as she plummeted over the edge, her yelp lost in the wind as she continued to roll at a high speed. A soft thump ruptured the now silent woods and the she-wolf came to a stop at the base of a tree. --------------------------------------------- da-da-da-dum....... Dark Moon Ch. 08 Note to readers: So I'm trying to get these out one after the other, we're at the halfway point now yay :D. In reference to an anonymous reviewer, hopefully the reason why Passion is an omega will explained. To be honest it was much easier making her an omega than having to explain why. It was pretty hard coming up with a reason when most of the pack appear to be decent. Hopefully the reasons are put across. Anyway, enjoy!!! :D ps. Thanks to luv_romance and Lil Claudya for spotting the Jason thing, whoops on my part. Also after reading your comments on the dress/jeans. Passion was showing the dress she was going to wear to the prom to Joshua. Probably should have stated that she had changed clothes...my bad. But thanks for commenting 'cos it shows that you guys like my work so thanks xxx and enjoy :D ------------------------------------------------- Chapter Eight Joshua drummed the top of his pen against the varnished mahogany desk. Piles of typed paper lay spread out before him, yet he couldn't find the energy to read them. His uncle sat opposite him making notes in a formal looking notebook. Occasionally he would pick up the phone and make a call to the pack member concerned with the written issue. "Ah, this contract needs you signature." Claw said passing a folder to Joshua. Joshua quickly scanned its contents and couldn't help but smile at the request. A group of pups wanted to claim a piece of land to use as recreational ground. "Some of the elders believe it would be a good idea for the young ones to have a place to go without fear of discovery." Claw mentioned. Joshua nodded in agreement. This was a sound idea and it would be foolish of him to refuse the young shifters a place to relax and be free, after all he and his peers had never been denied that privilege while living in Stillwater. Joshua quickly signed the request and handed it back to his uncle. Claw stamped the document and filed it away, then resumed going over other pack matters. When Joshua had arrived at Oaken house that morning he had felt a pang of guilt at his uncle's surprise over his visit. It had been unfair of him to hide away in Passion's house when he had duties to perform. As Alpha it was his job to watch over his people and ensure their wellbeing and happiness, as well as reinforcing the rules and regulations their pack was bound by. "Joshua what a pleasant surprise." Claw had said, quickly regaining his composure. He had taken Joshua's hand and pressed his forehead against Joshua's knuckles, as was customary amongst all canine shifters when in presence of their Alpha. "I've realised that I haven't been a very attentive Alpha uncle, I hope you can forgive me." Joshua had said. To his utter surprise Claw took hold of him and gave him a hug that was so strong Joshua feared for his ribs. Awkwardly Joshua patted Claw on the back, before taking a deep breath as he was released. "I can forgive that, what I cannot forgive is your lack of attentiveness towards your family." Claw said, anger blazed in his eyes but not nearly as fiercely as the hurt which shocked Joshua. It had never occurred to him that his long lost family would care about his movements, it hadn't even crossed his mind that his uncle would care so much for him, when his maternal family where always so evasive around him. "I am sorry uncle, I didn't think I mattered that much to you." Joshua realised his mistake too late. Claw growled and moved with such speed Joshua had no way of intercepting his aim. "Don't you ever think that again, do you understand me!" Claw thundered shaking Joshua by the lapels. Joshua just nodded numbly as fur began to sprout from his uncle's fist. "You are by brother's son, therefore you are my son." Claw, as though disgusted by Joshua, flung him away like he was a rag doll. The momentum was so strong that it sent Joshua colliding into the end table which supported a china vase. Pain seared through him as shards of wood and ceramic pierced his back and for a moment he was transported back to Stillwater, to a time when something like this would have been minor to what his mother's full rage could do. "I am so sorry." Claw said pulling Joshua up by the hand. Joshua took a step back before landing a solid punch to his uncle's face. Joshua swore as bone hit bone but he didn't recoil or show any weakness. He was no longer in Stillwater and he wasn't facing a woman who could not be touched, but a man who had laid the first blow. Claw staggered back from the force of it, blood trickling from his nose which he knew to be broken. What he had done had been reckless and downright stupid. To hit not only the Alpha but his nephew was out of order but hearing him say those things had sent him over the edge. Zachariah had meant everything to him and seeing Joshua here was like having a piece of his brother back. Claw knelt to the ground before Joshua and bared his neck, awaiting whatever punishment he was due. Instead he felt a cool touch upon his cheek and looked up into the eyes of his brother. "We are even, and I am humbled that you love me so much uncle." Joshua said pulling Claw into a tight hug both swearing as they knocked into each other's bruises. Now they sat in companionable silence but Joshua could sense that there was something bothering his uncle. "Richard Harrison wants permission to mate to a leopard." Joshua said. "Wolf and leopard, now that's a first." Claw chuckled. "Imagine a wolf with spots." Joshua mused. "This is an issue where we must tread carefully. It the two are so deeply in love they cannot see the illogicality in this arrangement there is little we can do." Claw said. Two shifters from different animal clans could mate and have children. Usually their offspring favoured one parent over the other, such as in the case of the Tsarev's. However sometimes children were born as half breeds and a mixture of the two. This was an unlikely event but never the less they were deemed inferior and treated even worse than Omegas. "Perhaps I should arrange a meeting with pair, from the way they interact I should be able to get an understanding of how they feel about each other." Joshua suggested. "That's a good idea, I'll give Harrison a call now." Claw said picking up the phone. Joshua looked back over Harrison's request of marrying a woman from a different clan and wandered what their offspring would look like. What would he and Passion's children look like? Would they have his build and her colouring, either way they would be beautiful and well loved. What was the point she would never feel what he felt for her. The wolf in him howled at the thought of her not being his, deep down he had already claimed her but he knew that as long as she retained her status as Omega their mating would never would be accepted. "Uncle why is Passion an Omega?" Joshua asked once Claw got off the phone. It was something he had to know, something he had to understand before he could think of the future. His uncle looked at him for a long time and there was a strange look on his face. Joshua almost blushed under the scrutiny but refused to duck away. He clenched his fist as he waited for Claw to answer. "Each pack has their own laws. We are not as extreme as your mother nor are we liberal like other clans. Passion is not a grey wolf nor was she born into this pack. It also does not help that her parents are of a low status." Joshua didn't know how to respond to what his uncle had said. He was tempted to punch the confident look off Claw's face. It was sickening to think that the Oak River pack were just as prejudice as the Stillwater pack. "My mother allowed other males into our pack, rarely, but she allowed it." Joshua said hoping to show his uncle the stupidity of pack law. Claw appeared to contemplate what Joshua had said and the way in which he had said it. He ran his hand against the stubble on his cheek, his eyes squinting with thought. "No pack is perfect Joshua. It is not only because of her difference but one must also take into account her families standing." He said. "Just because her father cannot produce children." Joshua spluttered. "A wolf's duty is to ensure the survival of the pack." Claw sighed deeply, tired of the current conversation. "This is something Zachariah never got the chance to rectify. He was appointed Alpha only a few years before you were born and once your mother ran away, the pack was the last thing on his mind. Zachariah was a sick man and barely had time to look after his people." Joshua wanted to nod his head and just agree with his uncle but something about what he said was tugging at his brain. If his father had been too sick to lead the pack then how had he permitted Passion access amongst them, how had she even been allowed to become a warrior. "It was you. You are the one who allowed Passion amongst the pack, who had named her battle pack leader." Joshua gasped. Claw growled, his face hardening over Joshua's theory. Joshua wasn't intimidated he had seen worse frowns. "Do not lie to me uncle." Joshua warned sending him an angry glower. Claw chuckled, a strange sound that reminded Joshua of nails on a blackboard. It was good to see his uncle smile but if he never heard that laugh again it would be too soon. "Yes but there is only so much a beta can do." Joshua grew quiet and gave a small nod. His father's illness had seen the crippling of the pack. There was a fierce sense of solidarity amongst his people, and he was positive that it was due to not having a reliable leader. Claw had done what he could but he was no Alpha and he too had made mistakes. Joshua was ruler now and he knew that his priority was for his people to learn to rely on him. As for Passion, he hoped he had enough power to help her. --- Passion woke to find her bed empty and couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had enjoyed his warmth during the night and the feeling of safety and protection she found in his arms. Her body hummed with some unnameable energy, it tickled her veins and made her skin itch but she wasn't about to give into her bodies needs. As of today she would make it clear to Joshua that they could be nothing more than just friends. Just friends. How could that be when they had shared something beyond that, beyond lovers, hovering on the boarder of soul mates? It was foolish of her to harbour any dream of them being together forever, she hadn't even believed in forevers until he had come into her life. Passion left the bed and freshened up in the bathroom. Tonight she was to oversee the school dance and that alone caused nausea to bubble within her. One crisis at a time, she thought to herself, pushing away thoughts of Joshua. The scent of bacon wafted up the stairs calling to Passion's hungry stomach. Wiping at the stray trickle of saliva running from the corner of her mouth, she pulled on a t-shirt and pair of faded jeans and headed for the kitchen. "Morning honey." Martha said, kissing Passion of the forehead and placing a plate of sausages, toast, bacon and eggs in front of her. Passion raised an eyebrow at the feast before her but didn't utter one word. If her mother felt like pampering her who was she to bite the gift horse. "So tonight's the night of the prom, are you as excited as a dog with a bone?" Martha asked sitting at the breakfast table with a mug of black coffee. "You know how I feel mom, I hate the idea of being amongst the other wolves. Even the kids treat me like shit." Passion said, ignoring her mother's censured glare over the use of such profanity at the table. Passion would have apologised but she was in no mood to lie. Though she was a senior to those pups, they had no respect for her. Sometimes they were worse than the adults. It was a feeling that could only be described as having a knife twisted in her gut. "I know honey." Martha said stroking her daughter's hand. Passion smiled apologetically. "I shouldn't have taken it out on you." Passion said returning to her plate of food, but suddenly she didn't feel like eating. All she wanted to do was crawl back into bed and hide beneath her covers until she was ready to face the world. "Well I was thinking that you could take Joshua with you, at least you would have company." Martha suggested. "Yeah, I can see that going down well." Passion said dryly, pushing the plate away. "You never know, after all he's been cooped up in your bedroom since he arrived." Martha laughed. Passion didn't know her mother could be so accepting of their relationship when most days her father ignored her. "I know what you're thinking Passion, but I've never seen you this happy before, who am I to condemn happiness?" Martha explained. "But I shouldn't rely on him supplying me happiness should I, at the end of the day he will be mated and I will be alone." Passion said voicing her concerns. "That may be true, but would you rather know a little joy than live your life wondering what could have been?" Martha sighed, getting up from the table and going into the garden. Passion frowned to herself, her mother was wrong. What they had was not rare, women fell in love with men they could never have. She and Joshua would and could never be, it was time to wake up. Passion arrived at the school late in the afternoon. The student body were in the midst of setting up the hall and there was still a lot of work to do. But she could see the effort that had been put into the decorations. Green and gold banners hung from the ceiling and the floor was littered with gold and green balloons. A group of girls were setting up the food stand while the guys carried heavy sound equipment onto the stage. "Passion." Alyssa called carrying several boxes. The young wolf was dressed in a black and pink polka dot cocktail dress, which enhanced her womanly figure. Passion couldn't help but laugh as Alyssa tottered towards her in seven inch pink stilettos. "Here let me help you with that." Passion offered taking the top box from Alyssa. "Thanks. You wouldn't believe how draining it's been sorting this place out, what with half the student body not even bothering to turn up." Alyssa bemoaned setting the remaining boxes at the foot of the stage. Passion did the same smoothing the wrinkles from her dress. "That colour suits you." Alyssa said quickly. Passion was shocked by the compliment, since no one outside of her family had ever said anything nice to her. Before she could say a thank you, Alyssa flounced off. "She's right you know." Passion looked up to see Joshua standing in pair of dark blue jeans, a white t-shirt and black blazer. He had cut his hair so that it fell in layers around his face. It was a new look that complemented his features, made him even more attractive but Passion didn't like it. This wasn't the Joshua she knew. "What did you do?" She cried reaching up to touch his feathered hair. "You don't like it?" He asked fingering his shorn locks, their hands bumping into each other. "I loved your hair when it was long." Passion admitted, remembering the way she would fall asleep with her fist in his hair. "It will grow back." He smiled taking her hand in his. He played with her fingers bringing them to his lips and kissing each one tenderly. Passion couldn't breathe as she felt his breath on her hand, the lust and adoration in his eyes. "Of course." She muttered stepping away from him. "What are you doing here anyway?" She asked. "I came to help out." He said. Passion didn't say anything as she led the way around the hall. She stopped to talk to a few of the students and monitored their duties. "Hey we could use you to shift these speakers." Jacob said. He was a human and one of the top students in her class, she felt comfortable leaving Joshua in his care. Passion soon left them to it, helping to set the remaining tables. "Omega bitch." Passion stiffened at the whispered curse. Turning she saw Kyle, a member of the pack, with his gang. They were a mixture of humans and wolves and all of them loomed above her, with menacing glares and the promise of torment. Passion tried to pass them but they blocked her way. "What are you doing here?" Paulie asked, picking the food from the table she had just lain out. "Here to wipe our asses, and suck us off. It's all she's good for." Kyle smirked moving towards her. Passion didn't allow them to see just how unnerved she was. If it came to it she would defend herself, even though it would anger the rest of the wolf community. She knocked into the table as Kyle drew closer, snarling when he twirled a braid in his hand before yanking her head back. "You know you can't deny me Omega." He said into her ear. He then trailed his tongue along her throat. The action made she skin crawl. "You will fuck me." He growled nipping at her lips. "I don't think so." Passion gave a sigh of relief as she heard Joshua's deep baritone. Kyle cursed flinging Passion away from him, causing her to fall back into the table. Pain radiated along her spine as she fell to the floor. "Who the fuck are you, punk?" Drew asked, advancing on Joshua. The other shifters held him back. "Alpha." The shifters in the gang averted their eyes in submission. "You guys are pussies." Drew said. Kyle growled punching Drew so hard blood burst from his nose. The other human's huddled around Drew but the shifters continued to bow. Joshua grabbed hold of Kyle and lifted him up, his feet kicking the empty air. He clawed at Joshua's hand but to no avail, it just served to anger Joshua even more. When he had seen the group of boys advance on Passion he had known instantly what they had been up to. The shifters among the group had the stance of males wanting to get laid, and a female Omega was easy prey. Now he held the leader in his hands and he knew he had the strength to kill him, but he didn't and instead tossed the boy to the ground. "She is mine, do you hear me. If any of you so much as look at her I will come after you." He said with ferocity. The boys nodded and picked their fallen comrade before skittering away. Once they were gone he turned to Passion and helped her up. A trail of blood trickled down the side of her face which he quickly cleaned away with the sleeve of his blazer. "Are you ok?" He asked lifting her face to his, instead of joy or gratitude fire burned in her eyes. She yanked herself away from him, wincing as her fingers touched the cut at the base of her hair line. Joshua didn't understand where the anger came from and he took a step back as she took her rage out on the collapsed table. "Did I do something wrong?" Joshua asked. "I am not yours, you don't own me and I don't owe you anything." She growled turning to him. "Never ever claim me like that again." Joshua was surprised by her outburst and wanted nothing but to soothe her, he doubted she would appreciate that. "I'm sorry." He said before moving to the next group of kids who needed help. Passion stopped fiddling with the table and watched as Joshua helped a young girl up a ladder and handed her banners. She knew she had hurt his feeling but he had to understand that what he had just done would fuel more rumours amongst the pack. She was used to their hatred and ridicule, but she couldn't have him endure what she had to. She had enjoyed being claimed by him, she knew that he would do anything protect her. What she didn't know was if she could ever reciprocate his feeling. That made her feel guilty and that guilt led to her anger. Passion knew what had to be done. --- Dark Moon Ch. 08 Joshua found Passion standing against the further wall of the hall. As the disco ball descended everyone converged onto the dance floor. Passion nursed a cup of punch with a mean frown on her face. They hadn't spoken since the incident with the boys and she had tried her hardest to avoid him. But not now, now he would take her into his arms and show her how good they could be together. "Dance with me, please." He said taking her hand. For a moment he thought she would snatch it away but she didn't. Instead it was she that led him to the dance floor. Cyndi Lauper's 'time after time' played, serenading them as he took her into his arms. She fit perfectly her head resting on his broad chest, his palm placed on her hips. Their entwined bodies turned in slow circles. Passion could feel the quickening beat of Joshua's heart, the way his adam's apple bobbed when her hands worked their way up his back and into the ends of his hair. She found her body moving to his rhythm more than that of the song and found it comforting. "Have I told you how beautiful you look?" Joshua whispered into her ear, his breath tickling her skin. "Many times, but a girl never gets tired of hearing it." She replied letting her head fall back so that she could look into his eyes. They were dark and filled desire, Passion could herself being lost in their azure pools. She gasped and her mouth fell open. Joshua took advantage of this and bent his head, capturing her lips with his. Passion moaned as he ground himself against her, wrapping a fistful of hair in his hands and pulling her head back, bearing her throat. From her mouth he trailed his to her jaw feeling the erratic beating of her heart beneath his lips. "Josh." She moaned. "Not here." He groaned in response to her grip upon the bulge in his pants. They left the auditorium and walked the halls of the darkened school. Passion pulled Joshua into an empty classroom locking the door behind them. Joshua pulled her into his arms and began kissing her again with such fervour that it left her panting and weak kneed. He cupped her face as he deepened the kiss backing her towards the door. "Too many clothes." Passion muttered. Joshua lifted her up easily, pinning her with his body. Passion pulled down his zipper, freeing his raging erection which poked her thigh with persistent yearning. Joshua pushed the skirt of the dress up to her thigh, running his hands to where her panties would have kept him from entering her, too his surprise and joy she wore none. "I know how frisky you get." She laughed spreading her legs further. With a quick kiss Joshua entered her. They hissed in unison as he settled within her tight, warm opening. She gripped him perfectly, like a glove tailored specifically for him. Joshua stood still, though it killed him to do so, but he wanted to drink in this moment, savour it like a fine wine. "Baby please." Passion whimpered grinding against him. With a curse he thrust against her, the sensation causing stars to burst before his eyes. The compulsion to bite her and drink her life's blood was so strong he felt his incisors lengthen. Instead something hot seared his shoulder and he realised Passion had had the same thought. She had marked him. --- Passion gasped as Joshua thrusts became fiercer. Her toes curled as she tasted the coppery tang of blood on her tongue. She had bit him and instead of feeling scared or guilty she wanted to drink from him but that was one forbidden fruit that could not be bitten. She held on tightly as she felt her climax building, her body surged against his as her nails scored the dark blazer. "Gods." Joshua hissed as he emptied himself inside of her. Passion moaned slumping against his sturdy frame. He was still firmly embedded within her and she whimpered when he walked further into the classroom. He laid her upon a desk his arms braced on either side of her. She opened her mouth as he kissed her, his hips moving slowly against hers. "You bit me." He said nipping from her jaw to her chin. Passion anchored her legs firmly around his waist moving against him in perfect sync. "I couldn't help it." She moaned as he nudged the fabric from her breast and suckled on her nipple. "I'm glad you did, I'm yours." He said moving against her again, this time with force behind it. Quickly he attached his lips to her neglected breast. Passion should have been warmed by those words but as he thrust against her she could only feel terror. --- The prom had been a success and after they had helped clear up the hall, Joshua and Passion drove back to her house. The atmosphere had been tense during the drive and now that they were back home it had intensified. Joshua didn't know what had caused the rift between them and he refused to go to bed with this issue unresolved. "What is the matter?" He asked stopping her from reaching for the door handle. For a moment he didn't think she would answer him but eventually she looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. He didn't know what had caused them but she refused his touch and pulled away from him. "I am an Omega, you are Alpha. There is no need to prolong this." She said. Joshua couldn't believe what he was hearing. He knew that eventually it would come to this but he had hoped that by then she would have enough faith in him to rectify the whole Omega and Alpha issue. He had to persuade her otherwise, what they had wasn't some simple fling but something that bordered on the spectacular. "Passion..." "No!" She yelled. "No, please don't make this any harder." She finally looked him in the eye, reaching out and touching his lips with her fingers. "There is more to us than you believe." He said, flicking his tongue on the pads of her fingertips. Passion pulled away as if burnt by his touch, by his words. "There is nothing between us, I admit you were a good lay and I'm fond you, but this is nothing more than an Omega complying with the laws of hierarchy." Joshua growled at her words, she was saying these things to hurt him, there could be nothing serious in what she was saying. "I know what you are trying to do, but I will not leave your side." "Don't kid yourself, Brent was a good fuck too, I guess there is something appealing about Oaken men." Passion laughed. Joshua flinched as though he had been slapped, was that all it had ever been, something to tease her curiosity. "You'll never love me like I love you, will you? I was a fool to fall for someone like you." He said. Passion clapped as if praising a child for finally working out an easy equation. "Finally he gets it. I want you to leave, leave and never contact me again." Dark Moon Ch. 09 Chapter Nine. Passion grumbled once again over being sent on such a meaningless assignment, not to mention that her 'favourite' group of warriors were tagging along. Why had she been born with such a bad omen hovering over her? After their exchange in the car the night before they had both stormed off to their rooms, and she had known that she had successfully extinguished what could have been. One day Joshua would thank her for it but right now he was punishing her. That morning they had sat in awkward silence when a representative from the Oak River council had come bearing news. She had arrived just after dinner and Passion had been grateful for Lorna's presence, at least Joshua would be too preoccupied with pack matters to curse her with his eyes. "Alpha." She had said placing her forehead upon his knuckles. "What is it?" Joshua had asked. "We have intruders." Intruder was a term used when other clans encroached on another's land unannounced. It was clan law that all packs make themselves known to the Alpha, doing so showed that they weren't hostile. These guys had paid no such respect. "Where have they been seen?" Joshua asked giving Lorna his full attention. "The first pack has been seen lodging at Priory Park. Keith Matthews says he saw an enforcement pack a few days away from here, in their wolf form." Lorna supplied. "Who do you think holds the most threat?" Passion was stunned that he had even bothered asking her opinion, but his pointed stare made it obvious he was addressing her. "Well the enforcement pack sound the most deadly, though they have yet to arrive I think it best to intercept them now." Passion said, "If the intruders have been staying in the area it means that they aren't an immediate threat, otherwise they would have attacked already." "Fine, send a group of warriors to confront the enforcement pack, Passion and her crew will check out the intruders." Joshua said signing a warrant Lorna handed to him, a small formality to prove his orders. Passion spluttered with indignation, how could he delegate such a tame mission to her and her personal squadron? They were the more experienced warriors. "You can't do this, I am the higher authority amongst the warriors." "And I am the highest authority full stop, you will do as I command." Joshua said fire blazing in his eyes. For a split second Passion hated him, how dare he speak to her like she was nothing. The sane part of her knew that he was still smarting from her rejection but that didn't mean he had to be a total asshole. As soon as Lorna left Passion kneed Joshua in the groin. "Don't ever take that tone with me or next time I'll bite them off." She snarled, rushing from the house before he could recover. Now she sat in her pickup headed for Priory Park. Brent sat in the driver's seat, much to her dismay and each time he changed gears there was a loud crunching sound that ran through her bones. Her poor baby was being tortured in the hands of Brent. Something we have in common my dear. Passion thought, resting her head against the cool glass. Why had Joshua permitted such a tedious task, had he taken her words seriously? Recalling what she said made her flinch. In all honesty she had been harsh but any normal man would have realised that she was just pushing him away. She didn't want him to move out rather she wanted him to move into her room, into her life. Passion froze as the thought settled over her mind like a permanent film, she wanted Joshua not as a fuck buddy but as a constant fixture in her life. "Hey Passion wake up we're here." Brent grunted giving the throttle a hard shove, smiling as he noticed her wince. "Ooh Priory Park." Alyssa squealed flinging the back door open her hair flouncing into the night, the rain showering her in liquid silver. "Far too excitable." Lucas said, his stern words lightened by the smile tweaking his lips. Passion giggled causing the three warriors to turn in surprise at a sound they had never heard before. "Was that a laugh?" Lucas asked closing the door behind him with a loud thump. "More like a giggle." Alyssa said. Brent assessed Passion as she blushed, giving Alyssa a playful shove. The young she-wolf's eyes widened in surprise before she shoved Passion back. They both chuckled as they made their way to the Priory Park diner. "She's changed." Brent whispered. "He's good for her." Lucas said. Brent nodded composing himself back into a tough beta. Lucas watched his friend walk away realising that the wolf had always loved the Omega. Passion had her arm linked in Alyssa's and wondered why she hadn't ripped it away from the shifter. Joshua had made her into something different, she was no longer the tough Omega who had to snarl and snap to be heard. She knew that being nice could hurt her but she didn't care anymore. Joshua loved her, he showed her enough times and said it almost as many, she wouldn't, couldn't throw that back in his face. "So I was thinking we could go shopping tomorrow I saw this dress that I think would suit you." Alyssa said. "I would love to go shopping maybe I could wear something for..." Passion trailed off catching herself before she revealed everything. "Joshua." Alyssa said suggestively. Passion stopped abruptly, almost dragging Alyssa to the ground, although since she was much shorter than Alyssa it would have been no easy feat. "How did you know?" Passion asked scouting the area to see if anyone had heard their exchange. Brent and Lucas were behind them but not close enough to hear their conversation even with their enhanced hearing. "It's so obvious, he looks at you like the sun shines out of your ass." Alyssa said, laughing at Passion's expression of horror. "Relax most people think he's exerting his Alpha rights to fuck you, but I know better." Alyssa winked. Passion tried to grasp what Alyssa had told her but couldn't. She was correct in the sense that no one would really care but once they found out that they were planning on mating, heads would turn and not in some depreciative way but in a warped Exorcist kind of way. She couldn't bring shame to her parents and wouldn't allow herself to be run out of the only home she knew. From birth to the time her clan had been massacred she had had to move from place to place. Never really having any roots, never having a place to call home except for the love of her parents. Now she loved Oak Falls, and all because of one man. No one could take that away from her. "Cheer up." Alyssa said softly, prodding Passion in the ribs. Passion smiled weakly, pushing the glass door of the diner open, the small golden bell chimed heralding their arrival. Passion instantly disliked the clean and cheery atmosphere of the diner. It was decorated in retro 50's décor with bright lights that swamped the eatery and red booths with hard plastic tables. The counter shone silver and chrome with red barstools set up against it, there was an old cash register and a complementary waitress in pink writing orders on her white note book. Their wet shoes squeaked against the chequered linoleum smearing it with the mud they had dragged from outside. Passion felt no remorse and was tempted to rub her soles against the pristine walls covered in 1950's memorabilia. "This is kind of creepy." Alyssa said as they sat in a corner booth, away from prying eyes and curious ears. It was the perfect location to spot their quarry. The sound of The Drifters eased Passion's tension, her fingers tapping against the hard table. "Can I take your order." The waitress who had been at the counter asked, a large ball of pink gum being tortured between white small teeth. Passion caught a whiff of fox and smiled at the shifter. "Have you seen any wolves around here lately?" She asked. "Yeah they come here every night, they're a bit late today." The waitress said checking her watch. "Thanks." Passion said. "So do you think they're threats?" Lucas asked when the waitress left with their orders. "Well they can't be friendly otherwise they would have made themselves known to Joshua." Alyssa answered applying a fresh coat of light blue varnish to her nails. Passion listened as they discussed their theories on who the wolves were. "Don't think we have to ponder anymore." Brent said lowly the bell above the door chiming like a death knoll. Over a dozen shifters walked into the diner in high spirits and they talked animatedly, laughing and joking as they swarmed over two booths. They all settled into their seats, except for one. A tall, red headed, man with dark skin and shining green eyes. His lifted up his nose just as Passion did and simultaneously they sniffed the air. "Oh god." Passion trembled, her eyes roving over the stranger. "Nhiama." She hissed propelling herself to the man who caught her into his arms and spun her around the room, happiness radiating from his face. Passion's arms tightened around him as she slid down the length of his body his scent engulfing her. Shock branched through her body, not fully comprehending who was in front of her. Her entire clan had been wiped out yet here stood her brother. Tears leaked down her cheeks as he hugged her again. "No I'm much alive." He said as though he had read her mind. "Passion?" Alyssa asked. With a questioning look she eyed the tall stranger, interest showing in her eyes. He smiled back at Alyssa. Passion thought she saw a reciprocating look before he looked back down at her. "Mom and dad sent you away before it got any worse." Nhiama said ushering both women to the last empty booth. Passion sat beside him not wanting to lose the contact of her skin against his. She hadn't seen him in twelve years and she couldn't quell the fear that she may wake up at any moment and it would have all been a dream. "When the humans came after us, we didn't stand a chance. The humans we did business with found out and informed a group call The Hunters. They have been killing our kind for centuries." Nhiama took a deep breath controlling the memories that were branded into his mind. Passion remembered that day so clearly. She had just arrived back from milking the cows that roamed in a neighbouring field close to their settlement, when she had found it ablaze. There had been so many bodies slashed and hacked, to the point where she didn't even know who they were. She had run all the way home only to find the door kicked open, splinters of wood had cut into her feet but she hadn't cared. She moved upstairs knowing instantly that that was where her parents were. Blood coated the walls but it didn't fully register in her young teenage brain, it was the huddled figures of her parent in the corner that churned her stomach. They were holding each other tightly, her large strong father cocooning his wife, one palm firmly placed against the large swell of her stomach. "Passion?" The deep voice moaned. Passion ran to her parents who both looked up at her. "Mama, papa, we have to go." She had cried, tugging at her father but quickly releasing him when he gave a loud hiss. "No, you have to go, run as far away as you can." Her mother choked, lifting her head for moment before it slumped against her father's shoulder. "Mama!" Passion cried fiercely shaking her but she didn't respond. "Papa." Passion looked at her father his eyes glazed over. Passion shook him, the force of which sent him slumping against her mother. They were both dead. Passion stood up, shedding her clothing quickly and shifted. She pressed her nose against her parent's cheeks, rubbing her head against the dome that had housed her now dead sibling. She had been so excited at the thought of having a younger brother or sister. Nhiama. The name floated in her head but she pushed it away, for he too must be dead. But he wasn't, he was right here sitting beside her, holding her hand. "Nhiama." Passion looked at the man who had called her brother and smiled. She scrambled out of the booth and hugged him. "Semati." She laughed pulling away from her childhood friend. "Passion." He smiled running his hand over her head. He was the Alpha of the Sand Valley clan and the man who would have become her mate. --- Joshua paced the length of the Moore's living room wondering where on earth Passion was. He had just sent her on a mission to investigate a group of shifters who had moved into their territory but that had been hours ago. If it wasn't for the words she had said to him earlier he would be searching for her. "I'm home." Joshua jerked to a stop when he heard Passion's loud call, he tried to fight a smile but he couldn't. Rushing to the entrance he saw her not realising that she had people with her. "I'm sorry." He said pulling her into his arms leaning in for a kiss only for her to duck out of him embrace. "Alpha this is my brother Nhiama, and the Alpha of the Sand Valley clan Semati." She said motioning to the two black men flanking her on either side. None looked too happy over his behaviour. Her brother with red hair as dark as hers pulled Passion into his arms, the Alpha who's dark brown hair was braided into two thick plaits continued to scowl. "I apologise." Joshua said before leading them to Clifton's study where they seated themselves before the large desk. Joshua tried to catch Passion's attention but she deliberately ignored him. That stung more than anything she had ever said to him. Was he an embarrassment to her or was she still afraid of what people thought? Now he had to give his full attention to the shifters in front of him. They had an agenda that had nothing to do with Passion. She had always said that she was the last of her kind yet here stood evidence of that she wasn't completely alone. "You have been here for almost two weeks now yet haven't paid homage to me, I should have you run out of here." Joshua said pulling the cloak of authoritarian around him, becoming the Alpha of Oak River. He had to make his position clear to these men, he was an Alpha just as strong and powerful as them. "Why pay homage to an Alpha that is about to be usurped." Semati said leaning back into the chair, confidence radiating from his eyes. Passion stifled her gasp. That was why they were here, to challenge Joshua for rulership over the Oak River clan. Although pack leadership was passed down through bloodlines, the only people who could challenge an Alpha were a family member or another Alpha. Passion allowed herself to look at Joshua and to his credit he looked composed enough to smile. "A challenge?" He asked. "Yes, I challenge you Alpha." "Then I accept." Joshua said shaking his hand firmly with Semati's. --- Passion walked them to the door once they had arranged a time and date for the battle. She declined her brothers offer to stay with them stating that this was her home and she couldn't leave her parents. "We're your family Passion. Remember that." Nhiama had said kissing her on the top of head. Closing the door behind them she gathered all the courage she had to face Joshua, he was bound to have questions. She found him standing by the lake skimming stones off the surface, his gaze was vacant and she knew he wasn't in the here and now but seeing something in the past. "Joshua." She whispered slipping her hand in his. Joshua squeezed her hand gently before releasing it. Passion bit her lip as he shut her out. She wanted to comfort him but the further he walked away from her, the harder it became to go to him. "You made your choice Passion. I'm not a yo-yo, don't come to me if you're going to break my heart." Joshua's words carried along the breeze, wrapping around her senses until it felt like she was being strangled. To her horror a tear fell from her eye and ran down her cheek. She heard Joshua's soft curse and suddenly his heat was all around her, dispelling the chill that had taken residence in her lungs. His hand hovered against her cheek and he searched her gaze waiting for some sort of sign. Passion wanted nothing more that to rub her nose against his skin and inhale his scent. She wanted to tell him that she would be there for him, that he was more important than her family. Passion closed her eyes and took a step back. To her joy no more tears fell. "Good night Joshua." Passion didn't dare turn back, she knew one look would have her running into his arms. Her pack was back and any ember of hope that she held for a life with Joshua had been snuffed. It was time to concentrate on her own future, one without him. --- "This is an outrage." Marley said along with other members of the council. Joshua had called a meeting with the shifters of Oak River to discuss the upcoming duel between him and the Sand Valley Alpha. So far they weren't taking it too well. "Who does he think he is, never in my sixty years have I heard of such a thing." Lena Cartwright said. More people agreed with her, and Joshua found it slightly uplifting but mostly daunting. He knew that he had a responsibility to his people, he couldn't allow them to be ruled by anyone other than an Oaken. He would fight to the death for them. "I hear that they are the Omega's former pack." Trina said. She sat in a short leather dress with legs crossed and her cleavage bared for all to see. Joshua nodded his head in agreement. "Then she is a liability, the time you have spent with her, surely she must know things about you that no one else does." "Perhaps, but she won't betray me." Joshua said adamantly. "She is an Omega within our pack, but she would have a higher status among the Sand Valley pack. What has she got to lose?" Claw asked. Joshua hated to agree with his uncle but he was right. Passion had made it perfectly clear that there was nothing between them but just yesterday she had shown him a vulnerable side of her. "I know her, and I will defeat Semati." Joshua thumped his fist on the table as the pack cheered. "Alpha we found something by the main road." A member of the pack said. Joshua excused himself from the library and followed the shifter into one of the holding rooms used for the Alpha and his family whenever they felt like roaming the house in their wolf form. "Marie." Joshua whispered before rushing to the weak black wolf. He sat down on the floor and dragged her body onto his lap, running his hands through her fur. Marie lifted her head up slightly and gave a pitiful whine, flicking his nose with her tongue before falling unconscious with exhaustion. "Marie!" He yelled shaking he wolf. "It's ok Alpha, I gave her a sedative she is just sleeping." Joshua nodded as the young shifter took Marie from his arms. "Perhaps you'll stay with her tonight, she's in a new place and suffering from exhaustion and exposure." He said. "Yes I will, let be just get a few things from the Moore house then I'll be right back." --- Passion sat in the Priory Park diner watching the last members of the Sand Valley clan. Semati and Nhiama were the only original members as the she had never met the shifters before her, yet they were all the same breed of wolf as she. "Did you see his face?" Semati laughed wrapping an arm around Passion shoulders. Passion bit the inside of her cheek to stop from flinching away from him, but if he was successful in his bid to rule over Oak River then she needed to be on his good side. She ignored the guilt niggling in the pit of her stomach. Last night had shocked her and lowered her defences against Joshua. She should never had cried in front of him, she could never be with Joshua so she may start now and lay her claim on Semati, the man she should be mated too. Dark Moon Ch. 09 "Passion we need all the help we can get, starting by telling us about the Alpha's weaknesses." Nhiama said, everyone at the table turned to her and waited expectantly. "I'm not that familiar with Joshua." Passion mumbled running her fingers down the glass playing with condescension on her fingertips. "Yet you are on first name basis with him and he behaved intimately with you." Semati said wrapping her braids between his fingers. It was meant to be a soothing touch but instead it made her cringe. In the end the only people to suffer from this would the Oaken's. Their family would lose their Alpha title and be driven out of Oak River, but at least her family would remain and gain a higher status. "He's been brought up by the Stillwater clan." She said. "The matriarchal pack?" One of the shifters asked. "I heard that the men are only allowed to cook and raise the young." Another shifter said. "It's true." Passion said in agreement and the whole table laughed. "I expect in a fight he'll come at me with a ladle." Semati laughed. Passion smiled though it didn't reach her eyes. That would be the only information she would give them. She was not a total betrayer of her either of her people. "Same time tomorrow?" Passion asked as the other shifters walked back to the bed and breakfast they were staying at. "How about tonight?" Semati asked cupping her face in his large palm tilting her head up to his. "I don't know." She murmured as he leant forward and kissed her. She knew that it would be nowhere near as spectacular as kissing Joshua but there was still a sizzle when his tongue swept hers, his hands hitching up her t-shirt setting her skin on fire. "I smell your desire and your need." He growled in her ear. "You want me." "Yes." She sighed into his mouth pulling him closer to her flushed body. They made it to her home in record time. They fumbled and groped in a desperate attempt to have flesh touch against flesh. It was only when her back hit the bed that Passion realised just how quickly they had been moving. "I've waited for this day for so long, I never once dreamed I'd find you again hiyi." He said, using an endearment in their language. Passion ran her hand along his cheek offering her lips to him. Using her feet Passion pushed his jeans down his legs and released him from his briefs. "Now you have me." She whispered as he pulled her t-shirt up and over her head kissing her neck as he returned to her on the bed. Semati lifted her legs and separated them revealing her to his eyes. "Are you ready?" He asked, inserting two fingers between her folds. Semati cursed as his fingers came back dry. "Passion?" He queried lying beside her. Passion closed her eyes with shame. Yes he had managed to elicit some excitement from her but not enough for him to enter her without it hurting. "It's because of the Alpha isn't it?" He said pulling her into his arms. Passion hugged him close resting her head against his chest. "I love him, but he is Alpha and I am nothing." She whispered nuzzling her face against his skin to stop the tears from falling. "But you are an Alpha among our pack." He stroked the tears away from her face. "If I win tomorrow you will be queen." He whispered in her ear. Passion flirted with the thought, in the end she had to look out for herself. She decided that if Semati won then she would push all emotion aside and mate with him. If he lost she would leave with his pack and take her place as Alpha with him. Just as she was about to tell him this, the bedroom door slammed open. She looked up to Joshua in the hallway, whatever he had been about to say died on his lips as he took in the whole scene. "Joshua." Passion scrambled from the bed using the blanket to cover up her nakedness. "It's not what you think." She explained crossing the room to talk to him, Joshua backed away from her as if she carried a deadly disease. "It doesn't matter what I think. I just came to say I'm going to my father's house." He then looked pointedly at Semati. "Tomorrow at sundown we meet at sacred rock." Then he left. Passion made to run after him hoping to clear everything up but stopped herself, what more could she say? She was planning on leaving anyway so what was the point in speaking to him about their relationship when it was nonexistent. "You aren't going after him?" Semati called from the bedroom. Passion turned to look at the handsome man gracing her bed, curly brown hair and shining green eyes reminded her of what she would gain come tomorrow. "No, my place is by your side." ------------------------------ Note to readers: well I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter :D All comments are welcome. Dark Moon Ch. 10 Note to readers: Enjoy :D * Joshua stood in the doorway of the holding room watching as Marie walked to a tray laden with meat, as she walked she shifted back into her human form. Her body was lithe and slightly muscled, her breast were high and her nipples dusky. Yet he felt no stir of arousal just the love of brother to his sister which infuriated him. Passion had found it so easy to jump into the arms of another man, Semati nonetheless. The one man Joshua would rather kill himself than see Passion with, but she had made it clear which side she had chosen. He would not grovel or beg for affection if it did not come freely. "Joshua." Marie called running into his arms. Joshua held her tightly, burying his face into her neck and inhaling her scent. "Did you missed me?" Joshua nodded enjoying the feel of her hand in his hair. "I've missed you too." Marie said pulling away from him. Joshua chuckled as her eyes roved over his body hotly. "You are still the same." He said passing her a bra, knickers and a cotton dress Spectre had lent him. Marie laughed pulling the dress over her head. Joshua tutted as she left the room, leaving the bra and panties behind. He followed her as she looked around the house, pointing and asking questions about his life so far amongst the pack. "As much as I love you, what are you doing here Marie, and why were you in such a bad way?" They were sitting on a rock in the garden. Marie was picking daises and making a dainty chain in which she placed upon Joshua's head. "Naomi has sent her warriors after you, as long as you are not mated she will force you back to Stillwater." Marie said shuffling closer to Joshua her hand resting upon his thigh. She gave it a squeeze before lifting her head towards the sky, revelling in the gentle breeze that swept the garden. "So that's why you are here." He said. "No! I mean I would be honoured but I'm guessing you've found someone else. You were never keen on mating with me anyway." Marie pouted moving her hand further up his leg. Joshua took her hand in his, playing with her fingers. "You are like a sister to me, it would be wrong on so many levels." "I know." Marie sighed. "You know you've gotten more outgoing since leaving Stillwater. Usually you'd be too scared to come anywhere near me." She laughed. Joshua tucked a strand of black hair behind her ear and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Tonight I am going to a duel and tomorrow is the mating moon." Joshua said pulling Marie on to his lap. It was something they used to do when they were younger, way before Joshua realised that it was his duty to mate with her. He found comfort in her embrace and it always soothed him to have her in his arms. Although, recently he had found comfort with Passion but he couldn't think about her without getting angry. "A challenge? Already? You must be popular." Marie said clutching a handful of Joshua's hair and placing her thumb in her mouth. When they had been younger Joshua would shift into his wolf form whilst Marie held onto his ear, it was the only way either of them could get to sleep, first in nursery and later when they were a little older and had regular sleepovers. Which was all before puberty, as Stillwater males and females could only interact until a female had her first period. Then they were separated until marriage. Sitting together like this was only possible when they visited their secret spot in Stillwater. Now here she was lending him comfort again but he there was nothing he could offer her not what she wanted anyway. "If my mother finds out you've been here, you will be an outcast." Joshua said. Marie kissed the top of his head stroking his neck as if soothing a child. "I know, but I couldn't bear the thought of her doing anything to you." Marie said and that was why she meant so much to him. She may be after him as a mate and feel more than friendly love towards him but she always put his needs above her own. "You are a member of my pack now." He whispered into her ear then dumped her on to the ground. Marie laughed as she dusted herself off. "Joshua." Marie and Joshua turned to see Brent standing in the door way, his gaze riveted on Marie. Joshua smiled to himself as Marie gave Brent the once over as if looking at crap on her favourite dress. "Who is this beautiful creature?" Brent asked walking down the stone steps. Marie ducked behind Joshua as Brent came closer. "This is Marie, one of my closest friends. Marie this is my cousin Brent." Joshua pulled Marie from behind him, placing both hands firmly on her shoulders so that she couldn't escape. "Enchanté." Brent smiled reaching for Marie's hand and bringing it to his lips. Just before he could kiss it Marie pulled back and punched him in the mouth. "Fuck!" Brent spluttered as blood bubbled from his mouth. "Should have warned you, her bite is bigger than her bark." Joshua laughed pulling Marie into his arms, he took her fist and studied her knuckles which were bloody. "I got him good didn't I?" She laughed. "Yes you did." Brent grumbled. "I don't think I should be offering you my help." Brent sulked. "Your help?" Joshua asked. "Well seeing as you were brought up as a pussy, I thought I could teach you a couple of things about how to fight. I Wouldn't want to lose my status." Brent said. Joshua was surprised by his cousin's offer. Brent had made it increasingly clear how much he resented Joshua's presence and so to have him offer his expertise came as a shock. "Why would you help me?" Joshua asked. "Like I said I don't want to lose Alpha status, I would rather stay Beta than see the shit beat out of you." "If that's the case then I thank you." Joshua said offering his hand to Brent. A few seconds ticked by before Brent took Joshua's hand and shook it. --- "Come on, think, how can you attack me if I'm blocking?" Brent shouted as Joshua came at him again with closed fists. Brent deflected each blow then punched Joshua in the gut. Joshua staggered back wincing at the numerous blows his cousin had dealt, if he wasn't careful he would be too weak to defeat Semati. "Think Joshua, you have more than one skin." Marie shouted from her place in a large tree, her legs swinging back and fro. A small smile crept on Joshua face as he quickly took of his clothes. Fur sprouted from his skin as he fell on all fours, in one long shake of his body he turned into his wolf form. Running at Brent his tackled him to the ground and bit down gently on his arm. "Good boy." Brent laughed ruffling Joshua's fur. Joshua growled biting down harder on his arm, teeth sinking into his flesh. "Okay I get it." Brent hissed pushing Joshua off him. Marie whopped and clapped. "That's it Joshua, you can do it." Shifting back Joshua took a fighting stance, bracing himself as Brent came at him with kicks and punches. Though he didn't deflect all of them he acquired less bruising than before. Brent changed into a wolf and leapt at Joshua. Joshua shifted and both wolves came at each other in a flurry of fur and howls. "You can do it!" Marie yelled. Joshua snapped at Brent's muzzle clawing at his flank. Brent howled and fell back, blood marking his fur. Panting Brent shifted back into his human form, where scratches marred his skin. Joshua also shifted back wincing as his bruised flesh moved across his rearranging bones. Marie collected bottles from the bag they had packed, passing one to each of the men. "Thanks babe." Brent said hissing as cold streams ran down his chin to mingle with the welts on his body. "You are this close to a pummelling." Marie sneered shaking her fist for emphasis. "Ooh I like it when you talk dirty." Brent growled snaking his arm around Marie's petite waist. With a deceptive smile Marie leaned into him trailing her hands down his naked torso to his pulsating cock. Leaning forward she kissed him on the jaw before squeezing hard on his rigid flesh. "You hellion." Marie danced out of Brent's grasp stopping beside Joshua who doubled over as racks of laughter shook his body. "Told you to be wary." Joshua said reaching for his slacks. One thing he had learnt from his mother was how to take pain, apart from the shifter ability to heal faster than humans, he had a high tolerance. Semati was screwed. --- Passion woke up just as the sun was setting into the sky, yawning she turned in her bed to find it empty. Well of course Semati had the duel to take care off. They would be starting the duel any minute now and Oak River would either have a new leader or no longer have an Omega. The thought of leaving Oak River made her feel physically ill. Passion lurched from the bed and ran to the bathroom. "Honey are you ok?" Martha asked knocking on the door. Passion wiped her mouth and flushed the toilet. "I'm fine mom, I just feel a little sick that's all." Passion said after which there was a long pause. "You aren't mated are you?" Martha asked. "No of course not." Passion snapped instantly regretting her current temperament, but it couldn't be helped. The more she thought about it the less she wanted to be with the Sand Valley pack. She knew that by going with them she would become Alpha, that was her blood given right, she had been born one and all the members of the pack could not deny it. However Oak Falls had been her home, and yes she had gotten a lot of shit from the pack but it could have been worse. At least her foster parents loved her and she had Spectre. "Baby, should I come in?" Martha asked trying the door handle. Passion unlocked the door pulling her mother inside. They both sat on the rim of the bathtub. Passion bent her head between her legs as another bout of nausea overcame her but she managed to keep it down. "I can't do this mom." Passion said between deep gasps. "Do what honey?" Martha asked brushing the strands of hair out of Passion's face. Passion leant into her mother's touch clasping Martha's hand with her own. "I told Semati that I would be with him regardless of the outcome tonight." Passion said, feeling her mother shake as she spoke. "But I don't know if I can do it, I'm in love with Joshua." She admitted. "Then stay and fight." Martha said vehemently. "The worst thing you can ever do is deny yourself happiness." "How can I stop it?" Passion asked. "You can't, but you can be there to support the man you love." "And what of my people, my brother. I only just got him back." Passion said realising that her actions would not only be affecting her but Nhiama as well. She didn't believe that he would forgive her for choosing the opposing side, she knew she wouldn't. "He is your brother and he will understand. I think you should go but ultimately this is your decision." Martha said getting up from her perch on the rim of the bath. "I need my keys." Passion said. --- Joshua hadn't realised the enormity of the situation until he saw the large crowd at Sacred Rock. According to his uncle, ever since the Oak River pack had been established this had been the location for all major events such as the mating moon. This was also the first time there had been a duel and Joshua could feel the weight on his shoulders grow heavier. It also didn't help that he was constantly on the lookout for Passion, but it was obvious that she wasn't going to show. She had made up her mind and she was no longer interested in a future between the two of them. She may not even be yours. A voice in his head whispered. Joshua cursed at the thought, until he knew for a fact that she had mated with Semati he would hold on to the hope that she still felt something for him. "Joshua are you ready?" Martha asked, stepping forward to apply coloured paint to his cheeks as a sign for protection. Joshua nodded and pulled Marie into a hug. Marie hugged him back. Joshua tilted his head so that he could place a kiss to her forehead, and as he pulled away a shadow caught his attention and he noticed Passion walking towards them. "Can you give me a few minutes." Joshua asked as Passion reached them. From the look on her face it was obvious she had seen the intimate exchange. She did not look happy. "Sure I'll tell Claw that you'll be with us soon." Marie looked at Passion her pupils dilating as she realised the connection between her and Joshua. Marie looked sharply at Joshua before storming off. "Well you sure were fast." Passion said. "And you couldn't even wait to kick me from your bed before you took another, so if you want to play the accusation game I'll win." Joshua hissed readjusting his loincloth. It was custom to wear one as it made it easier to shift without ruining clothes. "Nothing happened." Passion said. "You were just both naked in the same bed looking all cosy for what, to catch up on old times." "Would you believe me if I said yes?" Passion asked truly looking into his eyes. Joshua searched her face for any sign of deception, but she exhibited only self righteous confidence in her claim. "Yes." He said as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Passion resisted for only a moment before melting into him, her body having been so long without him, it burned hot for more of his caress. She felt as though Joshua would devour her with his lips or set her ablaze with the sweep of his tongue. Running her hands into his hair she kissed him back just as fiercely. "Passion." Nhiama called. They both sprang apart as though burned with guilt. Nhiama approached them quickly. "I may not be big, but I am quick and lethal." He growled in Joshua's ear. Passion pushed at her brother's chest but he refused to budge. "Quit it." She said hoping to soothe him. Nhiama looked down at cupping her face in his hand. "Remember where you belong." Nhiama said. Passion turned to where Joshua had been standing only to see him enter the circle of shifters. Before she could reach him the croud swallowed him up. "Come, I know where we can watch." Nhiama said taking her hand. Passion wanted to slap her brother for the way he had spoken to Joshua, but in the end he was her brother whom she thought was dead, she could never strike him. Nhiama pushed her to the front where the other Sand Valley pack members stood cheering Semati on. Ama, a pack bitch, was applying markings to his face when he saw her. His face lit up into a smile and Passion couldn't help but feel awkward at the attention that he paid her, she was not deserving of it. "You came." He said hugging her. Passion nodded then quickly took a step back. "Do your best." She said. Semati nodded then walked into the circle. --- Joshua kneaded the ground with his toes as Semati approached him. He felt the warmth and vitality of the earth and found confidence with the feel of soil prickling his soles. He had trained to the best of his ability and now all he could do was hope that he'd be able to save his people. "A Stillwater brat, this should be easy." Semati whispered, loud enough for Joshua to hear. Heat flooded his cheeks as the insult hit him. This was how Semati planned to best him, with blows not with fists but words. Joshua smiled, all his life he had been ridiculed and if this pup before him thought he would give in easily then he had another think coming. Joshua braced himself as Semati rushed towards him, mid run he changed into his wolf form aiming for his Joshua throat. Joshua brought his arm down allowing Semati to chomp on his flesh, hissing at the contact he chopped at Semati's spine with his hand. In a canine whimper Semati lost his grip. Joshua shifted relishing the feel of what he felt was his true form. Semati growled snapping at Joshua's legs. Joshua scrambled back and then feinted to the right. He was not fast enough and Semati kicked, catching Joshua's muzzle. Before Joshua could get away, Semati shifted back and picked Joshua up before slamming him to the ground. Joshua yelped as the wind was knocked out of him. "Do you honestly think." Semati growled kicking Joshua fiercely in the stomach. "That you could beat me? I have your woman and now I have your people." Semati caught Joshua by the tail and swung him into the air catching him in the stomach with his fist. Joshua hit the ground feeling his hind leg give way as he tried to get up again. Semati shifted into his wolf form, clamping down hard on Joshua's throat he then changed into a human, quickly replacing his teeth with his hands. "Does she make those little whimpers for you when you touch her?" He sneered into his ear. "She is mine Stillwater mongrel." Joshua saw red at those words, unsheathing his claws he raked them along Semati's arm. As Semati fell back clutching his appendage Joshua charged at him. Grabbing him by the throat he began to shake him. --- Passion felt her heart in her throat as Semati beat the crap out of Joshua. He was going to lose. Many times Nhiama had to stop her from charging into the circle. "I have to do something." Passion cursed as Semati took Joshua by the throat. "You will watch your mate gain a throne." Nhiama hissed in her ear. But as he spoke those words, the fight took a massive turn as Joshua rushed at Semati and started to shake him by the throat. Joshua's fur was coated in blood as Semati tried to free himself from Joshua's grip. "Now will you let me do something." She cursed, kicking Nhiama fiercely in the shin. Not caring that she still wore clothes Passion shifted and ran into the circle ignoring the shouts of disapproval. Running with all her might she catapulted herself into Joshua, surprising him out of his grip on Semati. Joshua howled landing on the far corner of the ring. Passion turned to check on how Semati was doing. His throat was not as bad she thought it may have been, in the end Joshua had known just how much pressure to apply without causing Semati any extra damage. "Little vixen." Semati croaked running a hand down the front of her face. Passion licked his fingers with her tongue before looking back at Joshua who was back on his feet. He had a look of profound sadness in his eyes before snarling at them both, barring his teeth. Passion imitated him, standing over Semati's body in a gesture of protection. She loved Joshua but she couldn't let him kill someone who was so important to her. "The Sand Valley Alpha is incapacitated. Joshua Oaken retains his position as Alpha. The Sand Valley Alpha is prohibited to make a claim against Joshua Oaken for the rest of both their lives." Claw said over the cheers of the Oak River pack. Passion licked at the wounds on Semati's chin. "Go to him." Semati said pushing at Passion's red furred face. "I have others to tend me." Passion nudged him on the shoulder before loping off to find Joshua. As she wove through the Oak River pack she noticed their hostile glares and mutterings. "Traitor." One female whispered. "Whore." Said another. But it wasn't them that mattered to her. Joshua meant the world to her. She found him resting at the foot of a thick tree far away from everyone else. He was resting in his wolf form licking as the scratches and bites left by Semati. Passion gave a sound of warning before entering his line of sight. For a moment she thought he was going to lick her but instead he turned his head in dismissal. Shifting back into her human form she crawled towards him wary of his reaction. "I thought you were going to kill him." She whispered tentatively reaching out for him. Joshua also shifted but jerked away from her touch on his shoulder. "I thought he was going to kill me, everyone did but I didn't see you standing over me, with your teeth bared at the world." He sneered licking his wounds although he was now human. Dark Moon Ch. 10 "I know, but could you live with yourself knowing you killed a man for some stupid title." Passion asked once again reaching for him. "He said things about you that only I should know, for the same stupid title he would have killed me and you would have stood back. I'm not dumb and I won't beg. You are free to do whatever you want with your life but don't come near me." Joshua said his fingers digging into the rugged bark of the tree as he dragged himself up off the floor. Materialising at his side was Marie with a bundle of clothes. "Come on Joshua, let me take you home." She said propping Joshua up with her shoulder. Passion hissed as they walked away and allowed the tears to fall. Dark Moon Ch. 11 Chapter Eleven Joshua swore as he turned for the sixth time that night, his tail hitting the night stand as his paws lost purchase on the silk bed sheets. Goddamn tradition. He thought, resting his head back on the pillow. Unlike most nights when he would normally sleep as a man, Oak River tradition proclaimed that during the mating moon all males should rest as wolves as it would heighten their stamina. All Joshua knew was that he was fucking up a pair of very expensive silk sheets. His body ached from the challenge, his leg had healed but it was still sore. Yet the reason for his current insomnia was due to a slip of a wolf who had betrayed him in the worst possible way. The one thing he demanded from his lover was utmost loyalty and she had completely destroyed that. He was Alpha and it was his duty to protect his fellow pack members, if he had to kill he would have done. Joshua wanted nothing more to do with Passion. Marie had always been a good friend and he knew that he could always count on her if he needed support. Perhaps there was no love in the sense of a male and female but that would come in time. "Joshua." Came a voice from the hallway. Joshua growled as a sign of beckoning, only to wish he hadn't. Passion stood in a cotton dress that barely reached her knees, her hair was no longer in plaits and hung long and loose skimming her hips. She looked beautiful and it pained him that she would feminise herself over that bastard Semati. When he looked at her face, however, Joshua couldn't help but find immense joy over dark circles beneath her eyes and wished that he could laugh in his wolf form. "I guess this is the best situation. I can talk without being interrupted and you can ignore me as I talk." Passion laughed half-heartedly. Her rigidness piqued Joshua's curiosity. He sat up in the bed only to slide onto the floor with a loud thump. Passion's eyes widened with shock before she burst into laughter. Joshua barked with indignation, before he could stop himself he tackled Passion onto the floor and began nuzzling her ribs in an attempt to tickle her. "Get off you hound." Passion giggled pushing his large head away from her. Joshua licked her face leaving a thick stream on saliva on her cheek. "Eww." She rubbed her head against his. Joshua gave a low growl as he rubbed his head against hers in return. As if they realised just how intimate they were acting Joshua allowed her to push him away. "I received a letter this morning." She said pulling out an official council envelope. "It says my status as Omega has been revoked and since I am battle pack leader I am now of the Beta rank." She said, a fat tear running down her face. Before Joshua could lick it away she wiped it furiously, as if angry at the show of emotion. "Thank you." She whispered burying her face into his fur. "I'm leaving." She finally said getting up from the floor. Joshua cocked his head in confusion. What did she mean by leaving? As if she knew his thoughts Passion answered. "I am leaving with my brother and the Sand Valley pack, I think it would be best this way. I can't ever explain why I did what I did yesterday but I couldn't let another piece of my past die. Semati to me is like Marie to you. If I killed Marie could you ever look me in the eye again?" Passion asked. Joshua wanted to say yes, wanted her to believe that in his eyes she could do no wrong but in the end he would be lying. "I didn't think so. Goodbye Josh." She whispered rushing out of the room before he could do anything. Tradition made it impossible for him to shift and run after her and if the truth be told, perhaps this was what they both needed. She had chosen her side, now he had to do the same. Loping to the window he watched as Semati got out of the passenger side of the car opening the driver's door for Passion. As if sensing his gaze Semati looked up and Joshua could have sworn he saw regret in the Alpha's eyes. --- Marie stood in the door way as Joshua gave a keening howl, the sound breaking her heart. She heard the sound of tire on gravel and rushed out of the house, keeping to the bushes so that Joshua couldn't see her as she raced after the van. Stripping off her clothes she shifted and leapt onto the roof of the vehicle. The Sand Valley Alpha stuck his head out of the window and noticed Marie. In a calm voice he informed Passion of their newly acquired companion. Carefully coming to a halt, Passion waited for the wolf to jump of the roof of the pickup before exiting the van. "What do you think you are doing?" Passion asked as Marie shifted back into her human body. "I could ask you the same thing, are you stupid or do you act dumb for the attention?" Marie retorted ignoring Semati's stare. "Excuse me." Passion said indignantly. "He loves you and you betrayed him, yet instead of claiming him tonight you are running away." Marie said backing Passion against the van. Marie was a good half foot taller than her but Passion felt no hostility, instead there was a reassuring confidence emanating from Marie. "I betrayed him, he would never choose me now." Passion said. "You are so wrong it's painful. I know Joshua and I know he would have hated killing anyone for the title of Alpha. You needn't have bothered saving Semati's sorry ass, Joshua knew what he was doing. But regardless of that if you really love him then you will come tonight." Marie then folded her arms, having said all she could on the matter. She wasn't about to hand the love of her life over to the enemy. "No." Passion reached for the door and entered the pickup, gunning the engine she roared out of Oak River. It took a while for Semati's warnings to reach Passion's ears. She was too consumed in thoughts about the mating moon. Marie couldn't have come at a worst time. It had been hard enough leaving her parents, who had done so much for her these past years. In the end they had given her their blessing, deep down they understood that she couldn't let go of an opportunity such as this. Joshua may have retracted her Omega status but her actions during the challenge would cement her as a pack outcaste. Leaving Oak River would be the only way to ensure a better life for herself. "Although this doesn't benefit me in any way, I think that girl is right. Firstly what possessed you to save me?" Semati asked resting his feet on the dashboard of the van. Passion ground her teeth over his actions but didn't call him up on it, as for his question there was really no answer to that. "To be honest, the thought of Joshua killing someone over something so useless won out on protecting you." Passion said, and to her ears that sounded right. No matter what Joshua said, she had always had the best intentions. "That's harsh." Semati grumbled, leaning his head against the window and shutting his eyes. Passion knew that he was still awake and was only pretending because she had hurt his feelings, but she was to weary to lie. --- Passion pulled into the parking lot of the reservation park. The caretaker was of the bear clan and rented out parts of the land to other shifters for a few days. The Sand Valley pack were going to stay there for a few days, until they found a permanent home. Passion found her brother sitting with a group of friends eating out of pans they had heated on a hot plate. "Pup." Nhiama called patting at the space beside him. "I would like to formally introduce you to Ma'li and Kwadu." He said pointing to two tall wolves. Ma'li had long red dreads and an oval face with rugged features, whilst Kwadu was shorter and butch with shortly cropped hair. Passion smiled and nodded at them in greeting. "We have heard so much about you." Ma'li said inching closer to her. Passion winced moving closer to her brother. "What are you doing?" Nhiama whispered in her ear. "I think they are expecting something from me." Passion squealed as Kwadu caressed her arm. "Why do you think you are here, see how many women we have compared to our men. Until you are mated you will ease the frustration of our males." Nhiama said pushing Passion into Kwadu's arms. Passion felt her blood run cold at his words. She looked around the camp and actually saw what was in front of her. There were only a handful of women, some she hadn't seen before were heavily pregnant whilst the youngest who appeared to be fifteen were being eyed by much older males. How could something so glaringly obvious have evaded her senses? As Kwadu and Ma'li began a shouting match over who would sleep with her first, Passion got up from her place by the fire and walked woodenly towards her van. "Where are you going?" Nhiama grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the vehicle. "Did you even miss me?" She asked with a sigh, tired over the fact that nothing seemed simple any more. Nhiama growled. "When mama and papa died I knew they had sent you running. There was no sign of you anywhere. Semati and I were the only ones left. Do you think I spent the rest of my life pining for a girl who was probably dead? Being an Alpha isn't about that." Nhiama tightened his grip on Passion's arm causing her to cry out. Passion shut her eyes in a bid to cool her anger but she couldn't, her brother was seriously pissing her off. Everything she believed to be true had been a lie. He hadn't missed her, he was just using her as an object until Semati claimed her. Yes her pack was on the verge of extension but there was more to life than being the packs whore and eventual baby making machine. Using her free arm she slammed her fist into his jaw. He hadn't expected that and released her in surprise. Passion ran the rest of her way to the pickup. "Leave her." Semati ordered. By the looks on their faces the males weren't too keen but in the end Semati was Alpha, they had to listen to him. Passion wiped away the tears as Semati saluted her and mouthed hiyi. "Why did you say those things?" Semati asked watching as Passion sped away. He offered Nhiama his hand, who took it with a grunt and pulled himself up. Once the pickup was but a blip in the distance, the once warring men calmed down and congratulated each other's acting skills. "You and I both know her place is by his side." Nhiama said, laughing when his fingers came away from his mouth with blood on them. "She has a mean left hook." Both men draped an arm on the other's shoulder and walked back to the fire. --- Joshua sat atop the meteor which had been carved into an alter of sorts. He could feel heat emanating from it and wondered if that was why it was viewed as sacred. Below him, standing before the meteor were ten females, including Tina and Marie. First they presented themselves as humans then each woman shifted. He had to rate them on their fluidity as they shifted, a sign of the harmony between human and beast. Joshua bit back a smile as Marie danced in a circle shifting as she did so. She had always been a show off. Joshua jumped from the meteor, pressing his nose against the females he had chosen to fight for him. He hated the thought of any blood being shed but this was his duty. "The Alpha has chosen. Battle commences now." Marley said her fingers delving into Claw's fur. His uncle sat beside his wife like a loyal guard as the six chosen females began to battle in the circle. Joshua winced as he heard bone cracking and the whimpers of pain. Blood splattered the ground as each female tore into her opponent. Marie took hold of a female by the throat applying enough pressure to cause her to pass out. Two male wolves quickly dragged away the unconscious body. By now only three remained. In a silent truce Tina and Marie made an alliance ganging up on a grey wolf. Tina caught her by the tail while Marie dug her nails into her back. With a keening howl the wolf went down. Then it was left with only Tina and Marie. Joshua didn't know if he could take this anymore. Marie had been sliced across her face, narrowly missing her eye, while Tina's ear had been bitten. Both she-wolves panted with exhaustion but there was determination in their eyes. Tina snarled before hitting Marie with a flurry of swipes and bites. Joshua knew that Marie was a great fighter but Tina was acting like a wolf possessed, laying into Marie over and over again. Marie didn't have a chance in hell of winning or living. Then something red shot into the circle sending Tina hurdling into the meteor with a sickening thud. Passion stood over Marie's body and snarled at Tina, baring her gums and teeth while her tail caressed Marie's damaged body. Tina swayed on her feet a barely audible growl emitting from her throat before she fell to the ground. Marie stood shakily and butted Passion on the nose. Passion butted her back and Marie crashed to the ground in an over exaggerated fashion. "Both Tina and Marie are out for the count." Passion rubbed her muzzle against Marie's face and the she-wolf gave her look that read 'you took your time', before passing out. Passion looked at Tina whose body was being dragged away and then to Marie who was also being aided. All around her the wolves settled onto the ground bearing their stomachs the ultimate sign of submission. Passion felt a lump build in her throat as Joshua also turned on his back bearing his stomach to her. With careful steps Passion walked up the sloped rock towards him, the black rock warming the pads of her paws. When she reached him she ran her muzzle against his fur lined belly nipping at the flesh under his chin. Passion watched as Joshua enveloped the pleasure-pain feel of shifting into a man, his head lifting up to the sky his eyes widening as they returned to their human shape. Passion nuzzled his chest with her wet nose as he wrapped her in his embrace. Fur filled his face which quickly turned to flowing red hair. All around them the wolves shifted awaiting their Alpha's next actions. Passion kissed his open palm as he cupped her face with his hands. Turning her gaze to his she looked deep into his blue eyes and saw blistering lust and never-ending love. Looking at the people Passion howled, Joshua laughed and howled too. All around them their pack lifted their faces to the night sky and let out heartfelt cries. Joshua rested his head against Passion's and breathed in her scent. Not once had he thought Passion would return and for her to protect his friend the way she did reinforced the love he felt for her. He could not stop touching her, knowing that in a few moments she would be his forever. The exchange of saliva in the bloodstream meant that a female's egg could only accepted by the male she was mated with. It also meant that their bodies would not respond to anyone else but their mates. This final act of the mating moon was one Joshua had been dreading for months but now he wanted everyone to see the love he felt towards Passion. Running his hands down to the juncture of her thighs he waited for her to open her legs. In the back of his mind he heard the male wolves imitate his actions with their mates and chosen bed partners. "I love you." Joshua said against her throat pulling her tightly against his body. Passion gasped at the action, her head falling back when Joshua took a nipple into his mouth. He rolled it with his tongue nibbling at the flesh around it. His hand continued to delve within her feminine folds coming into contact with her bud. Passion grasped at his back as Joshua inserted a finger into her pulsating heat quickly followed by another. "I am yours before Luna." She groaned resting her head against his shoulder. Joshua surged up against her, removing his hands. Passion choked as he filled her, her pelvis knocking against his. The pack made a collective hiss as the males entered their females, they no longer needed the guidance of their leader as desire over took them. "I am yours before Luna." Joshua growled sinking his teeth into Passion's neck, his incisors lengthened, further piercing her skin. Passion howled biting Joshua on the shoulder drinking her fill. Their bodies were slick with sweat as they fed from each other, Joshua thrust against her again falling onto his back. Passion felt exhilarated as she rode him, her palm resting on his stomach as she pushed up and against him, her hips gyrating in time to the moans of the other pack members. As Joshua's DNA melded with hers, Passion felt a heightened sense of things, as though both their perspectives with melded to one another. Not only that but she could also sense his emotions and the amount of love he had for her clawed at her chest overwhelming her. It was scary. "Passion." Joshua croaked pulling her onto his chest. They climaxed simultaneously. Liquid heat surged within her as she contracted around him. Reaching for a blanket provided by one of the pack members Joshua covered them, tucking Passion's head under his chin. He was mated with the only woman he had ever loved and he was going to savour it. --- Passion felt the tickling of dawns light upon her skin, the small pin pricks of a new a day. Every morning she had felt it but this time the sensation was different, intensified and magnified in a way she had never experienced before. Slowly her eyes opened to the canopy of green which swayed above her upon the gently breeze. Beside her she felt the heat of another and ever so slowly she turned upon the warmed rock and gazed upon the man beside her. His very being was beautiful, golden hair blanketed the pallet on which they lay, and his muscled chest rose and fell as if in time with nature itself. Around her she heard the stirring of bodies, the tired yawns and exquisite gasps of those that had lost themselves in the throes of passion they had felt the night before. Getting up, Passion gathered the fur blanket and stood watching as the wolves noticed her attention. One by one they sat on their haunches and bayed, their cries filling her very soul as they acknowledged their new queen. Passion had never thought this day would come when she would be praised yet here she stood revered. A warm hand gripped her arm and she looked up as Joshua joined her side, his hand slipping into her hers as he pulled her into his arms, his chin resting on the crown of her head. The beating of his heart soothed her as his other arm wrapped around her waist. "Listen to them Passion, hear them sing for you." He said, together they took a deep breath as the wolf song sank into their souls and rushed over their bodies. Passion had never heard anything so beautiful in all her life and she drank it in like sweet nectar. "Alpha male and his mate." The pack said as they shifted into their human forms chanting it upon the melody of the dawn wind. She felt Joshua move to the rhythm and she too was drawn in. Together they shifted, howling as they took wolf form. Shaking themselves from the confines of the blanket Joshua took the lead down the steps of the meteor. The circle of shifters parted as the couple ran towards the woods, the song becoming faint as the shifters continued to sing. They ran until they could barely breathe, stopping at a small creek. Passion was the first to shift back. The change was more than pleasure itself and as she watched her mate join her, lust filled her senses. She recognised the moment her scent hit Joshua, his face took on a carnal edge as he stalked towards her. With a laugh Passion ran towards a tree, hiding behind its large trunk. Joshua growled giving chase, his large naked body shining with a thin sheet of sweat. Passion dodged away from his hands as he bore down on her. Falling to her knees she stretched out her arms waiting for him. Dark Moon Ch. 11 Joshua knelt on the floor and began crawling towards Passion. Passion gave a sultry smile before turning from him, her arms still lifted above her head. Joshua knew instantly that this was her sign of trust. She was showing him her back which meant she believed he would not harm her. When he reached her, he nudged her legs open. Running his fingers from her hip to the tips of her fingers, he pulled her arms down and wrapped them around her. His teeth nibbled on her ear lobe as he pushed her down with his body, his erection bumping against her slick opening. He released her arms and braced them on either side of her. Her rump brushed against the fine hairs above his cock. With one hand he palmed her breast dragging his nails against the swell of her flesh. Passion moaned wriggling beneath him seeking him out. With a snarl Joshua entered her. Passion gasped as he filled her. Her body trembled and her arms gave way, her torso hitting the ground. She felt Joshua's hands on her waist as he began to thrust into her. Her fingers dug into the earth as he withdrew then entered her again. It was slow and torturous. Every so often he would leave her and run the head of cock against her thigh waiting for her to seek him out with her cries and pleas. Passion hissed as he did it again, and this time she pushed herself up of the ground. "Feisty." Joshua chuckled propping himself above her. "You're a tease." Passion hooked her legs around his hips and used all her strength to pull him into her. They both groaned and Passion used her thigh muscles to anchor onto Joshua, her hips moving back and fro with increasing velocity. "And you're flexible." Joshua cursed as he felt himself reach his limit. Biting down hard on Passion's shoulder he released himself into her. As expected his member became engorged and locked inside of her. It was an ability all mated males gained, just like their wolven brethren, it was to ensure that their females became pregnant. The significance was not lost on Joshua, right now his seed could be fertilising her egg. From this act alone their child could be created. Passion cried out as her orgasm shook her. Even now, as they lay perfectly still, she could feel Joshua throbbing inside of her. This set off ripples within her and she clenched her eyes tightly as another orgasm took hold of her. Her legs tightened around him as he lowered them to the ground, they stayed like that for awhile until it was safe for Joshua to withdraw from her. "That was...different." Passion gasped resting on top of Joshua's chest. His heart hammered against her ear and had the effect of lulling her to sleep. Joshua ran his hand through Passion's hair, watching her as she slept. The puncture marks on her throat blazed red and would do so until either of them died. He belonged to her and he only hoped that she would learn to feel for him what he felt for her. --- He stood in the brush watching as the beasts fornicated. They fucked and moaned like the demons they were and the stench of it made his stomach churn. When The Master had sent him to Oak River he had wondered if The Master had gone crazy. He who was an accomplished fighter should take residence in this backwards town and seek out the enemy. Though he held no compassion towards the wolves he hadn't seen the Alpha as a threat. The Master had not been very accommodating when he realised the Oak River pack was still thriving, and had sworn that if he failed then the man would be eliminated. Picking up the rifle he looked through the scope aiming for the Alpha. His finger twitched as it rested on the trigger. "Passion." The Alpha called as large drops of rain began to rain down on them. The man swore as the rain fuzzed up the scope, blinding him as the Alpha and his bitch shifted into their wolf forms. As the man lowered his weapon he felt a fissure of energy run down his spine. When he looked up he noticed the Alpha looking directly at him before shooting off after his mate. "We'll meet again." The man promised. ------------------------------------------------ Note to readers: So i felt that i had dragged the whole "cant mate with you cos i'm an omega" thing. They are now mated yippee!!! p.s. This especially goes out to luv_romance- Passion is definitely getting her balls back soon. No more whimpering puppy no no. Passion was only indecisive and a bitch because she hadn't claimed her place amongst her old pack, therefore she was still omega in the eyes of the Oak River pack. Now we know that they kinda have their HEA, but lets not forget about the Stillwater Pack. Naomi isnt done just yet. Dark Moon Ch. 12 Note to readers: Okay loyal readers, and new readers alike, some not so good news/good news. My chapters will not be coming up are regularly as before. This is due to two reasons. ONE: My laptop is having a mini crisis and keeps crashing on me, right now I am writing/typing this message as quickly as possible before I lose it. TWO (this is where the good news part comes in) I am planning on writing a sequel but have yet to complete or even reach half way. I do not plan on waiting several months before publishing it. I know how it feels waiting for a promised sequel only to find the author has become disinterested and decided not to do one. I promise there will be a sequel but to motivate myself I need to start typing it pronto. Therefore I have decided to update on a weekly basis instead, sorry but this is the only way I know how to get the second story at least half way done. I have written 2 1/2 chapters so I'm not bluffing and *slight cough* don't really want to jinx this, but there is a third story, which is far more complete than the second. Can't bring out the third unless there is a second. Trilogies don't work out that way. Feeling only slightly pressured, probably shouldn't have told you that there is more to the Dark series but meh, I've done it now!!!!!!! Now onto the chapter...Enjoy :D ------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER TWELVE Passion laughed as her father wrestled with the champagne cork, his face bright red with exertion as he attempted to get it open. Her mother carried a platter of kebabs offering them to the guests that had come to pay homage to the new mated pair. Joshua stood with Brent and Marie, making exaggerated motions with his hands. What they were talking about she had no idea but to see him so happy made her chest tighten. "There you are, Mrs. Oaken." Passion turned at the voice and smiled. Spectre stood in a simple blue dress with a small box wrapped in gold wrapping paper. "This is for you." Spectre said handing it to her. Passion rattled the box peeling away the paper to reveal a velvet box. "What is it?" Passion asked opening the box. Within the padded confines lay two gold chains with broken heart charms. "Zachariah gave it to me. He told me that if Joshua ever returned and took a mate I should give it to her." Spectre explained wiping away a tear. Passion hugged her best friend close. "Thank you." Passion said closing the box, reminding herself to show it to Joshua later. "By the way who did you get it on with?" Passion asked as they walked to the buffet table, filling their plates with food. "Lucas." Spectre blushed. Passion sniffed the air but realised that her friend was not mated. "Every mating moon the two of you get together, but ignore each other the rest of the year." Passion said. Spectre refused to answer and instead tucked into her food. Passion wondered just what their relationship was about, as unlikely as it sounded, they were more complicated than her and Brent. "He's a good wolf, but not for me." Spectre finally said in a 'that's all I'm saying' tone. Passion respected her friend's wishes and they ate in companionable silence. "Passion." Passion smiled as Joshua walked towards her, she took his hand as he pulled her up setting her plate on the table. "How are you feeling?" He asked massaging her neck. Passion leaned into his touch as he worked away all her kinks. "A little swore, but you're massaging all the wrong the places." She whispered into his ear, cupping him through his jeans. "Insatiable." He growled. "Only when it comes to you." She said, sighing when he kissed her on her brow. "Get a room." Alyssa laughed as she walked past. A cheer went up when Joshua lifted Passion into his arms and kissed her on the lips. His flesh against hers caused a slow heat to burn in the pit of her stomach. "Disgusting." Brent muttered watching their display. Marie hit him on the back of his head. "Why are you so miserable?" Marie asked. "No one should be that happy." Brent sighed walking towards the garden door. Marie followed him handing him a glass of punch. "She must be really special to have two guys love her." Marie said. Brent looked down at the little wolf and draped his arm over her shoulder. Marie allowed him that small contact. She wasn't used to men touching her so freely but aside from Joshua this was the first time she had felt comfortable within another's arms. "You've lost the love of your life and I've lost mine. Let's go upstairs." Marie offered. Brent looked dumbfounded before squeezing her hand and leading the way. "Did you just see that." Passion asked gripping hold of Joshua's forearms as he lowered her to the ground. "I think they suit each other." He said. Passion cocked her head wondering if Joshua was right. Maybe they did deserve each. "Joshua the warriors have returned." Claw said motioning towards the library. Joshua took Passion's hand bringing her with him into the room. A dozen warriors stood looking bruised and worse for wear. Joshua was shocked, he had sent over twenty warriors and now here stood half. "What happened?" Joshua asked sitting in the overstuffed desk chair settling Passion onto his lap. If the other warriors were surprised they hid it well. Hosanna stood forward clutching her arm to her chest, from her posture Joshua could tell that it was broken. "We were ambushed, there was so many we couldn't stop them. The others didn't make it." Joshua felt Passion's grip in his hair tighten at the thought of so many shifters being killed. His mother had gone too far, coming after him was one thing but killing his people was another. This involved the whole pack and they would be baying for blood. "Go home and rest. Thank you." Joshua said watching as his battered warriors left the room. Claw sat opposite him, his hand shaking as he ran it through his cropped hair. "From the sounds of it my mother has sent all her warriors with the mission to claim me." Joshua said, trying to figure out the best plan of action. The silence that engulfed the room could be felt heavily on their chests and Passion had no idea what to do. For her the Oak River warrior pack had been the baddest thing around, no matter how many times rival packs had tried to attack they had managed to fight back and win. To see her brothers and sisters beaten so easily didn't bode well for them. "Do we wait for the attack or strike at the source." Passion mused, not realising she had spoken out loud until Joshua squeezed her hand. A smile blossomed on his face as an idea seemed too take root. "My mother would have sent all her best warriors. What you saw of Stillwater was only the heart of the pack. Beyond the fence there are more shifters who are a part of my mother's people." "We have fifty warriors here in Oak River." Claw said. "Not enough, we'll need more." Joshua said. Passion rubbed her chin a thought taking fruition in her mind. "Reinforcements, the Tsarev's owe us a favour." Passion reminded him. "And we have allies amongst the pride." Claw said. Joshua looked at Passion expectedly. "The Lavine pride are lion shifters. Leon is the current Artashir." Passion explained. "Artashir?" "King of all lion shifters. He was a close friend of your fathers, he can help us." Claw said. Joshua wondered if he should involve another clan but then realised that he had very little choice. His mother would hear of the attack upon her people and would retaliate by reinforcing their numbers with more pack members as well as other clans. He was certain she would ask for assistance from the bear clan that lived at the bottom of the mountains. "So we go and visit the Artashir." Joshua said. "Or we could call him on the phone." Passion suggested. "No, it would be best to go in person. Leon's family have held the role of Artashir for centuries. He would not want to endanger his pride for wolves." Claw explained. Passion nodded in agreement, that made sense. She doubted she would offer her people to aid a clan she had no idea of knowing would win. "Get the beast ready, we'll fly out tonight." Joshua said. Claw picked up the phone and made a quick call to the manager of the jet. "Should we get some warriors to escort us?" Passion asked. "No, it'll be just the two of us. Showing that we aren't hostile and come with good faith should help us." Passion looked at Joshua appreciatively, for someone who knew nothing of battle he was very skilled in strategizing. "Uncle." Joshua said getting out of his seat. He laid his hand on his uncle's shoulder and pressed his head against his. "I'm entrusting the pack in your care until we get back." Claw patted Joshua on the back before pulling him into a hug. "I won't fail you son." He said. Joshua nodded then turned to Passion. She looked him in the eye and put as much affection and trust into her gaze. "The beast is waiting." --- It didn't take them long to reach the airstrip and a fine shower had begun to descend. The whir of the turbines usually made Passion feel nauseous, but even more so when the full impact of what they were about to do finally hit her. They were on the brink of war with her mothers people and for all she knew they could lose. "So this is the beast." Passion whirled at the deep baritone spotting Danny, his thick hair littered with silver droplets. "What are you doing here?" Joshua asked. "Well Dravo and Vladimir are with your uncle, I didn't feel much like staying put and twiddling my thumbs so I followed you guys." He explained. Joshua hissed in anger while Passion chuckled at the bear's antics. "We don't need you." Joshua said ushering Passion towards the jet. Passion took a few steps up the ramp then turned to listen to their exchange. "Well do you know where the Artashir lives, how he operates?" Danny asked. "He was friends with my father." Joshua explained. "But he isn't friends with you,plus I know Seattle." Danny smiled a row of white set against his tanned skin. Passion smiled at his expression, it reminded her of the Cheshire cat. "Come on Josh, the sooner we go the sooner we can get back. I miss your embrace." Passion cooed. Biting back a laugh when she saw Joshua's shoulders stiffen she waited for them to join her. Joshua picked her up and entered the plane. "You know you don't have to carry me everywhere." Passion said linking her fingers against his neck and nestling her head against his shoulder. "You're so small I fear I may lose you." He said sitting in the reclining seat that faced the window. "I know you guys are newly mated but do you have to be so sickly sweat?" Danny asked. Passion stuck her tongue out at him settling deeper on Joshua's lap. His quickening hardness nudged her hip and she smiled at the thought of having her wicked way with him on the plane. "If you had tried to get rid of him maybe we could christen the jet." Joshua whispered in her ear as though he had heard her thoughts. Passion growled giving Danny a pointed glare. "Hey I don't care what you guys get up too." Danny said wriggling in his seat pulling out a bag of popcorn from the inside of his coat. "Seriously?" Joshua sighed as Danny began munching on the toffee coated treats. Passion sniggered hiding her face in the side of Joshua's neck. "I don't know what you find funny, how am I supposed to survive this trip feeling like this?" Joshua growled suckling on her earlobe. Passion couldn't stop the mewl that escaped her lips as Joshua continued his ministrations, running his lips down to her jaw nibbling at her chin. Her head fell back as Joshua worked his way up to her lips. "So I thought I would be cool with the whole voyeurism thing but I guess I'm not." Danny said, completely obliterating the moment. Passion cursed falling into the seat beside Joshua who also cursed chucking his shoe at Danny. "Hey keep the violence for the enemy." Danny grumbled pulling the complimentary sleep mask over his eyes. "Rank bastard." Joshua grumbled turning to face Passion only to find her sleeping. Small snores sounded in his ear as he pressed his head against hers. Her hand found purchase in his hair and Joshua smiled at the action before closing his eyes and joining her in her slumber. ------------------------------------------------ Note to readers: There you have it, no more insecurities Joshua and Passion are happy and the action will commence ish. To be honest I'm not brilliant at writing action scenes hence the whole will she wont she issue but don't worry no more annoying angst. Dark Moon Ch. 13 Note to readers: So here is the latest chapter. Only a few more to go. Enjoy :D ----------------------------------------------=- CHAPTER THIRTEEN The plane touched down in the early hours of the morning but unlike Oak River where the town would still be asleep, the hustle and bustle of city life called. Joshua had never been to the city and realised instantly that he didn't like it. There were far too many sounds and scents which clogged his heightened abilities. Danny had taken the initiative to rent a car before their arrival and Joshua grudgingly thanked him for it. "So where are we headed?" Joshua asked as Passion updated Claw on the phone in the back seat. "The Artashir is the CEO of Artashir Industries." Danny called from the driver's seat. "The biggest software producer in the world?" Passion asked turning the mobile off. Danny nodded turning into rush hour traffic. "So we're headed for there." "Yep only way we can get to see him, there is no way he'll let us near the pride. About ten years ago quite a lot of them were massacred in a sneak attack by the Hunters." Danny explained blowing the horn loudly when a car pulled up too close. Passion winced at the thought of a Hunter attack. The group of self righteous humans had no decency when it came to battle and always snuck around hitting clans when they were the most vulnerable. "I heard about that, it was a sad day." Passion said, remembering how many of the lions had arrived in Oak River seeking refuge after they had been run out of their homes. She hadn't dared mingle with them but she did remember their presence in Oak River. "They stayed with us while trying to regroup, perhaps you could use that knowledge to sway them." She said. They pulled up to a tall crystal building in the business district. Danny told them that he would circle the building as the prices for parking were a bitch. Joshua found solace in Passion's grip as they entered the foyer. It was so clean and bright that it burned Joshua's eyes but the building was owned by a lion and everyone knew that the felines had OCD, while wolves preferred to horde. That was just the way it was amongst shifters. "How may I help you?" A tall blonde asked standing behind a wide booth. A small black contraption was attached to her ear and she wore her hair in a platinum bun. "We're looking for the Artashir." Joshua said. Passion elbowed him in the ribs. "What he means is the Artashir CEO, Leon Dubois." Passion corrected. Joshua blushed, how foolish of him to mention Dubois as the Artashir in front of this human. "Right, well have you got an appointment?" She asked flicking through a large colour coded organizer. "No." Passion said. The blonde looked up in surprise then gave a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry but with no appointment I'm afraid you can't see him." She said. "What if we book on now?" Joshua asked. "That can be done, usual waiting time is three months." Her shoulders shrugged apoplectically. Passion grasped Joshua's arm. They didn't have three months, they barely had three days. "Please this is really important." Passion pleaded. The blonde pressed the earpiece as if hearing something on the other side. Her eyes widened briefly with surprise before she made a noise of agreement. "You can go up now." She said pointing towards the elevator "Top floor." "What do you think, reckon he knows we're here?" Joshua asked. Passion paused as the lift doors opened. Joshua truly valued her opinion. Throughout this journey he had made sure to include her in all his plans and decisions. She hadn't believed she would question that but she realised that she had doubted just how much she meant to him. I love him, she said to herself, I really really love him. "He must." She replied entering the elevator. Soft music played as they made their way to the executive floor. The doors opened to a panoramic view, all three walls were set with large windows and to their left stood two large bronze doors. Leon Dubois was sitting on his desk when they entered, a glass of brandy in his hands. He was tall with dark, caramel skin. Long sleek white hair was tied back in a black leather thong and he wore a charcoal suit with a black shirt. He was lean rather than muscular but from his grip on the glass Passion could tell that he was powerful. Striking azure eyes watched their progress, guarding his thoughts. She didn't know how to read him and the smell of cat sent her hackles up. "Welcome." He said in a heavy afro-French accent. Joshua released Passion's hand and knelt before him pressing his forehead against Leon's hand. "Stand, stand son of Zachariah. All this formality is making me uncomfortable." He said, a smile bursting on his face. Passion bit back a gasp, he was stunning and as joy and light took over his features she realised why he had schooled his features. It was clear that such emotion would undermine his place as Artashir. "Sit, sit." He gestured to the two chairs before him while he continued to sit on the desk pulling his feet into the lotus position. "Can I offer you a drink?" He asked. "We're fine." Joshua said lacing his fingers with Passion's. Leon smirked at the gesture as if it both amused and disgusted him. "Artashir my pack needs your help." Joshua said. "Of course otherwise why would you be here." Leon smiled. "Of course." Passion mumbled not enjoying Leon's cryptic ways. "You know why we are here, so just cut the crap." Joshua tightened his grip on Passion's hand as a warning. "Your bitch has spirit, son of Zachariah." Leon laughed. Passion saw red and attempted to jump out of her seat and lay one on him, only Joshua held her back. "But you are female wolf, non?" He chuckled. "I like your mate son of Zachariah, perhaps you give her to me for one night and I will give you what you want." "No." Joshua said vehemently. Passion smiled cockily, settling back in her chair. "Non? Then I cannot help you." He said. "My people are in danger." Joshua said. Leon shrugged downing the glass of brandy in one go. Reaching for the decanter he poured himself another. "And I should care, why?" He asked. Joshua wished he could smack the smirk of the lion's face but he couldn't risk losing the alliance his people needed. "You know how it feels to be attacked without reason. My father gave your people refuge when you needed it. Now I need your help so that the same cannot be done to my pack." Joshua said hoping that the lion was not too far gone to disregard those in need. Joshua waited for a response but the Artashir seemed too consumed with some inner demon Joshua had released. "Josh lets go it's no use, the bastard is too far up his own ass to give a damn about anyone else." Passion said. A roar erupted into the room before Leon launched himself at Passion. Joshua pushed Passion to the ground crouching over her body, snarling at the enraged lion. He tried to control the change, as the thought of the bastard laying his hand upon Passion shook his body. "I'm okay." Passion said, her touch soothing the raging beast within. "I'm fine let's go." Joshua eyed Leon as he helped Passion up, they would have to rethink their whole plan of attack. He had honestly believed that a debt could be called in any time, more fool him. "What do you know of suffering little girl, you are with your mate and have the love of your pack. Unlike prides who know no loyalty." Leon called after them. Passion laid a hand on Joshua's arm stopping him, then walked back to Leon. "Passion." Joshua called trying to take her hand. Passion walked right up to Leon and although she had to crane her head to look him in the eye it didn't make her words any less poignant. "My entire pack was massacred when I was thirteen, I watched my father and pregnant mother die. I went to live in Oak River and was an instant outcaste. Only because of the mate I have now do I truly live. Unlike you I do not sit in self pity and loathing, I embrace what I have. Believe me I know about suffering." Passion said. She then walked back to Joshua's side ignoring everything until they were back in the car. Joshua kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He pulled her onto his lap as Danny sped back to the airstrip. Hopefully plan B would work out better. --- Passion sat in the garden while her mother worked on her petunias, they had returned from Seattle the night before coming home to the news that Naomi's forces were half a day away and had grown in size. The Stillwater pack had been travelling by foot until the other clans had joined their march, now they travelled by car and were fast approaching. Their time was up and Passion couldn't deny the fear that gripped her. A representative from Oak Falls had informed the opposing shifters of where they would meet without interference from humans. Though they were on opposite sides one thing remained the same, humans should not know of their existence. Passion smiled as Joshua joined her on the bench, he took her hands in his and began playing with her fingers. Passion rested against the wood and placed her legs onto his lap, her toes kneading his crotch. "Behave." He chuckled playfully slapping her leg. Passion giggled bringing his fingers to her lips, kissing each digit with adoration. Joshua smiled, reaching for her hair and twisting a lock of between his fingers. "Tonight I'm going to Stillwater." Joshua said. Passion gulped, she had known this was coming. Joshua's only hope was to defeat his mother but it didn't mean she liked it. She hated Stillwater and dreaded returning, even if it was to see the old crone usurped. "I want you to leave." Passion spluttered with indignation but looking at Joshua she realised he was being serious. "Where would I go?" She asked. "Anywhere but here, it's too dangerous." Joshua said. "I know how to fight." Passion pulled out of Joshua's embrace and folded her arms. She did not mate with him to be dictated to the rest of her life. "I know you can, but I love you and I don't know what I'll do if you get hurt." Joshua ran a hand through his hair irritated by Passion's stubbornness. "It doesn't matter, I am battle pack leader I must lead our warriors into battle." She said, kissing him on the cheek. Joshua sighed with aggravation, once Passion had an idea there was no getting it out of her mind. He wondered when she would admit to him that she loved him, he knew that she felt it but hearing it every now and again wouldn't hurt. "What are you thinking?" Passion asked, tracing his brow with her fingers. Joshua would never voice his insecurities, he feared that that was what had driven his mother away. Last night when Passion had gone to bed Joshua had found his uncle in the kitchen preparing a sandwich. Claw had offered to make him one and they had sat in a comfortable silence, eating. Claw had been the one to start the conversation. "How are you and Passion doing?" He had asked sipping on his bottle of bud. "We're fine, I never thought it would be like this, like a part of my soul I never realised had been missing could be found within her." He said blushing as the words from his heart flowed from his lips. Claw tapped his bottle against Joshua's, a similar look of embarrassment mirrored on his face. "That's how I feel about your aunt, each time she tells me she loves me a part of me gets stronger." Joshua had felt envious of his uncle's words, how he wished to feel the same jubilation at hearing those words. "I wouldn't know." Joshua said before he could stop himself. "She hasn't told you yet?" he asked. "No." Joshua admitted feeling very foolish, he shouldn't be sharing his marital problems with his uncle. This was something that would come in time and he had fully believed that, until he heard his uncle's next words. "That's what drove the wedge between your parents. Naomi could never say those words to my brother and in the end he resented her for it." Joshua choked at this revelation, his mother had never been forthcoming with 'I love you's' but she had told him enough times. "How do you know this?" Joshua asked. "Zachariah and I were very close, when he was dying he would often talk about his misgivings and your mothers. If there is one thing you take from this it's that you can't force love, and without it you will kill yourselves." Claw had said before leaving Joshua to mull over what had been said. --- Passion wondered what had made Joshua so quite, one moment they had been joking and playing with each and the next he was acting distant and withdrawn. She didn't think she had offended him yet when she had walked up behind him to give him a hug he had laughed out of her embrace, making some excuse about meeting with other council members. Now she stood on the airstrip as Claw and other warriors stood before the jet. Escorting him to Stillwater was Vladimir, Danny and Dravo. Boris Tsarev's had managed to call in some bear family members and for that they were grateful. Something inside of her told her to go with him but he had made it clear that he preferred her in Oak Falls. "Look out for each other boys." Samantha said hugging her sons then Joshua. Brent argued with his father about something before joining the group of men. "Dad said family should stick together." Brent grumbled pulling Joshua into a swift hug. Marie and Spectre stood beside Passion, silently lending her their strength. "He'll be back." Marie said in an attempt to alleviate Passion's worries, but she only succeeded in making them worse. Steeling herself Passion walked to Joshua her eyes never leaving his face. For the first time that day he truly smiled at her though his eyes held a great sadness. When she reached him he cupped her face, brushing his thumbs against her cheekbones. Passion dipped her head as he kissed the top of her head. "I love you." He said, kissing each eyelid, her nose and ending at her mouth. Passion grasped the back of his head devouring his very essence. The uncertainty and fear associated with what they were about to embark, flooded through her pores making her actions desperate. "Make love to me." she whispered into his ear as he pulled her flush against his body. As if they too understood how important it was to feel another body, the other shifters pulled away giving them some privacy. Joshua led her to the plane opening the door to the private compartment used to sleep in when they were in wolf form. Sinking to the makeshift pallet Joshua rested his head on Passion's stomach holding her tightly like a child to his mother. Passion ran her hands through his hair, tracing the contours of his face committing each feature to memory. What if I never see him again? The thought ran rampant in her mind and she couldn't dispel the fear of Joshua dying. As if he shared the same fears, Joshua began peeling off her clothes. First her jeans, his fingers shaking as he popped the buttons. Passion pulled the t-shirt up and over her head, her nipples hardening in the cool air. Joshua looked up at her, his eyes darkening with lust, his tongue flicked out against her skin tentatively at first. Passion moaned, leaning into Joshua's body as he took a nipple into his mouth sucking as if to draw out nectar. Hooking her legs around his waist he laid Passion onto the bed his mouth never leaving her breast. "Joshua." She whimpered, her grip finding purchase on the furs as he worked his way down her body. His tongue stroked her skin, worming its way in her bellybutton his hands coaxing her open. Passion arched as his fingers entered her pumping and caressing her sensitive spots. His free arm lifted her up placing her thighs upon his shoulders. Passion cried out when his mouth replaced his hands. She could feel him, his tongue running up and down the moist lips, sucking at her throbbing nub. She could feel the pressure building within her, like elastic, ready to snap. "Oh God!" She cried. Her hands reached out for Joshua's pulsating heat, pumping her hand up and down, revelling in the feel of him growing harder. Joshua groaned clamping down harder on her clit causing another surge of ecstasy within her body. "I want to pleasure you." Passion panted, her breast rising and falling quickly. "This is for you." Joshua said. Passion smiled tenderly at him then used her legs to push Joshua onto his back, she turned them onto their sides and took him into her mouth. Joshua held her as she worked her way up and down his shaft, his fingers shook as they ran along her cleft rimming her opening. He hissed as she moaned, the vibration from her throat bringing him to the brink. Careful not to hurt her Joshua withdrew from her then pulled her onto his lap. Passion wrapped her hands around his neck burying her lips to his throat as he entered her. He filled her so perfectly and not just when they made love but in her heart and soul she could feel him there, she never wanted to let him go. Joshua was startled when he felt the cool drops of tears on his skin, he attempted to look at her but she shook her head moving against him slowly. He ran his hand over head, whispering words of comfort. "Come back to me Joshua." Passion said. He could hear the sorrow in her voice, her grip tightening as he moved against her. Joshua found comfort in her slick heat as she thrust against him. He growled as her teeth sank into his flesh, falling back into the pallet he held her hips urging her against him. Like an ethereal being she rode him, her braids slapping against her breasts as he plunged in and out of her. He would never forget the sight of his blood trickling from her lips, lifting her wrist he bit into her vein bringing them both to a soaring release. He drank from her, tasting every thought, emotion and feeling. Howling he dragged Passion to his chest kissing her forcefully on the lips. It was bruising and harsh but they found solace in the fierceness of the embrace. Passion sighed, fighting the exhaustion that threatened to consume her body. Joshua rested beside her, he held her as if he never wanted to let her go. She watched his sleeping form, the tension that had been building over the days appeared to have left his body. Tucking a lock of golden hair behind his ear she kissed him gently on the lips and left. Before Brent boarded the plane she made him promise to watch over Joshua. "If anything happens to him I'll hold you responsible." Brent nodded his head then quickly hugged her. "Take them down Passion." Passion hugged him back briefly then pushed him towards the plane. She stood back with the others as it took off and prayed that Joshua would return to her. Dark Moon Ch. 14 Note to readers: Okay so this is the penultimate chapter so get ready to say goodbye to Passion and Joshua. We've had a long journey to these last two chapters so please enjoy. ------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER FOURTEEN Joshua could feel something ominous in the forest as if eyes were tracking them. He had woken up to find the bed empty and the hum of the engine vibrating beneath him. Leaving the room he had found the bears sleeping in the loungers, their snores fighting the turbines for supremacy. Brent looked up from his book his eyes bloodshot as he sent the Tsarev's a contemptuous look. "Do you think they realise just how loud they are?" He asked making room for Joshua. Joshua yawned scratching the stubble on his face wincing as Dravo snorted. Smiling he motioned for Brent to follow him, moving as quietly as possible they pinched Dravo's nose. "Gwah!" The bear growled thrashing is his seat. Brent did the same to Danny who swatted at his hand. Joshua roared with laughter as the brothers looked about them bewildered. "Bastards." Vladimir had said good heartedly. ... Joshua stopped, narrowing his eyes and pinning back his ears, his tail went stiff as he heard a twig snap. Brent tilted his head listening for anymore evidence of their assailant. The bears stopped up ahead also noticing the wolves' behaviour. A potent scent of human sweat teased Joshua's nostrils and a glint of something silver caught his eye. There was someone there and with a weapon, with a bark of warning Joshua leapt at Brent as the rifle went off. The bears reared back on their hind legs, bellowing they charged towards the bushes. Brent winced as the weight of Joshua's body pressed into his ribs, using his muzzle he nudged his cousin. Joshua didn't respond, instead he rolled off Brent his tongue hanging from his jaws. Brent whimpered noticing the blood on his fur, it was Joshua's. Shifting Brent ran to where the bears continued to thrash in the brush but there was no sign of their shooter. "Joshua's down." He told them rushing back to his fallen cousin. Joshua emitted shallow pants his paw twitched as he tried to lick his wound. Brent rubbed Joshua muzzle while Dravo inspected his wound. "The bullet is lodged too deep to take it out, but he's going to die if we don't." Dravo said. "How do you know that?" Brent asked. Dravo lifted his long hair revealing two large scars. "Shotgun." Dravo said, rubbing them before covering them with his hair. Brent swore clenching tufts of Joshua's fur in his hands. They were closer to Stillwater than the airstrip, they could only keep going forward. He didn't relish turning up with Naomi's son near death in his arms. "We move faster in our animal forms, but how will we get Joshua there in one piece." Vladimir mused. Brent searched the area around them. "We'll make a pallet and attach it to Danny. He's the biggest out of the three of you." Brent said scrambling for fallen leaves and twigs. In a few moments they had made a crude sled, using stripped bark they tied it around Danny's torso. Danny growled taking a few steps forward. "It will have to do." Brent said shifting back into a wolf. Moving at a slower pace but still faster than a running human they journeyed to Stillwater. Vladimir was the first to feel the fissure of electricity as they neared the fence. Surveying the area Brent couldn't see any possible way in and wondered how Joshua and Passion had escaped the first time. Brent looked at Dravo who was sitting on his hind legs, Dravo caught his eye and nodded his large head. Carefully Brent clambered up the dark bears back being careful not to pierce him with his claws. Brent yelped as Dravo slowly stood up, knowing he had only once chance at leaping the fence, Brent bunched his back legs and jumped. For a split second he didn't think he was going to make it, twisting mid air he dropped to the other side on his back. The wind got knocked out of him and he could barely breathe, gasping he scrambled to his feet. Shaking of the dry foliage that clung to his grey fur he lifted his nose and tried to pick out Naomi's scent. If it was one thing he was truly gifted at it was memorising scents and his aunts stood out like a beacon. Taking a few steps forward he felt something synthetic beneath his paws before the trap was triggered. The bears roared in protest as a dozen wolves crept from the bushes. A naked woman approached, her black hair was arranged in a multitude of plaits. She walked towards Brent, a dagger appearing in her hands. Brent tried to fight away from the cool metal but knew shifting would cut the circulation in his leg. "Brent Oaken, I used to change your diaper when you were nothing but a pup. How dare you sneak into my home?" She snarled grapping handful of his fur she brought the knife down. Brent winced as it bit into his flesh. Brent watched at the fur fell from her hands settling on the forest floor. Naomi hissed as she caught the scent of blood. Her pupils dilated as she realised it was her son's. Naomi walked to the fence where the bears reared back bellowing when she drew near. "Turn off the fence." Naomi said. The blue light flickered out like the fall of a million fireflies. Two wolves shifted into human form, opening the gate. Danny walked in, hesitantly watching the wolves as they gnawed at the ropes. Naomi rushed to the pallet running her hands through Joshua's fur. He mewled searching for her heat with his nose. "You're home now." She whispered motioning to her women. They lifted Joshua into their arms and headed towards the Stillwater house. Turning to the bears and Brent she smirked. "Take them." She ordered. Though the bears were twice as big as the wolves there were too many to take on. Decided not to aggravate the situation any further they shifted allowing their hands to be cuffed behind them. Brent swore as he was cut loose landing on his head. Barking as the other wolves laughed Brent lifted his head as a muzzle was applied to his face. This wasn't exactly what they had planned but at least they were in Stillwater. ... Passion paced back and forth waiting for the Stillwater army. Their scout had returned for the last time with news that their numbers had doubled and had the full backing of other wolf packs as well as a bear clan. She still didn't understand why Naomi was staging such a full scale attack upon them. It would make more sense if she had tried to steal Joshua back but to declare war upon Oak River was ludicrous. "She has gone crazy." Marie said when Passion had asked. They had travelled to a plot of land big enough for the coming fight, if Stillwater won they could take over the Oak River pack and make it their own. The humans wouldn't understand why all the old inhabitants had left but Naomi obviously didn't care. Even the elders had never seen a battle of this magnitude. "The days of war are over, there are too many humans in this world to fight for power." Lena had said. That was why Semati had challenged Joshua to a one on one, it was unheard of for so many packs to congregate. "This is why mates should be picked with care. the DNA imprinted makes it impossible to be without one another for long periods of time. The psyche knows when it's other half is not around." Tina had said. Passion shook her head, Naomi was a liability not only to wolves but too all clan specie's. If Joshua couldn't reason with her then he would have to kill her. "They are here." Spectre said, shedding her clothes. Grey fur sprouted along her skin as she fell to the floor. Passion followed suit watching as dark silhouettes moved against the horizon. Like black locust the wolves came snapping and growling, their hackles raised and their teeth bared. That was a signal if there ever was one. The Oak River packed howled before racing forwards. A large black wolf rushed towards her snapping at her heels, Passion whirled sinking her teeth into its hind leg. Yelping the wolf thrashed trying to dislodge her grip. Passion swiped at its muzzle drawing blood. The wolf backed away running back to its pack. Passion spat the blood from her mouth noticing Spectre backed into a corner by three bears. Shit. She thought running up to them. She grabbed the first by its tail and bit down hard, but she wasn't quick enough to escape his kick. His claws raked the underside of her belly and Passion whined feeling the stinging sensation of blood pulsating out of her body. The bear turned his full attention on her and with a terrifying growl ran towards her prone body. The pain from her wound was so intense that she couldn't get up. She shut her eyes bracing herself for the impact but it never came. Snapping her eyes open she saw a blur of white sink his teeth into the neck of the bear. Joshua? The white beast was joined by amber lions, their fur glistening beneath the setting sun as they roared tearing into the bear. It was bloody and horrifying but Passion felt no remorse. The beast stood over his kill, his white mane bleached with blood. It was the Artashir. He walked towards her, nudging her paws away from her wound and licking the deep slashes on her underbelly. Passion squirmed under his touch but stilled when she felt the pain ease. The Artashir purred butting her head with his, coaxing her up. All around them the Artashir's pride overwhelmed the Stillwater pack. She had never seen so many lions or so much blood. It hadn't had to come to this, if they had just left Joshua with his mother perhaps her wolves would not have had to suffer. Passion leant against Alyssa who helped her walk to where the others were huddled. They had managed to drive back Naomi's warriors. Those that had not fled were helping the wounded and gathering the dead. There were casualties on both sides. Passion whimpered as she saw her fallen comrades, those that she had fought beside ever since she was recruited as a fighter. "No!" Spectre wailed over Lucas's still wolf form. His throat had been sliced so deeply his head remained attached to his body through his last remaining tendons. Claw nursed a broken arm as he over saw the burial of the human and wolf corpses. Passion shifted wincing as the wounds stretched but whatever the Artashir had done it was already healing. "Mate of Joshua, I believe my debt is repaid." The Artashir said shaking her hand, his army of lions waiting for him in the distance. Passion smiled with gratitude then felt a stabbing pain in her chest. Looking down there was no sign of blood but it hurt like hell. Eyes widening with shock she realised what it was. "Joshua." She cried falling to her knees, the pain was overwhelming and burned its way to her heart. The Artashir caught her as she passed out. "We must go to the mountains." He said to lions, who growled with irritation. Marie pushed her way through the crowd. "I'm coming with you." She said placing her hand to Passion's pulse. The Artashir looked at the she-wolf and smiled, like the woman in his arms she had spunk. Assertive females always appealed to him. "Let's go." ... Joshua woke up in his old bedroom. Everything was as it was the night he had left, the vase of flowers on his dresser had wilted and the blinds were still drawn. The gunshot wound was sore but he could tell that his mother's nurse had managed to take the bullet out and had cauterised it. He had felt the hot blade sear his flesh, waking briefly from his unconsciousness. "Glad to see you are awake." Joshua started as he heard the voice from the corner of the room. It was Marcus. Joshua smiled sheepishly sitting up in the bed. He came up short, looking down at his wrists he found them bound in chains. "You have got to be kidding me." Joshua swore. Marcus laughed coming further into the light. Joshua gasped, seeing the collar around Marcus's throat. The chain had been nailed to the wall so that Marcus could not reach Joshua's side to release him. "I am sorry brother." Marcus said sitting on the floor. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have gotten caught." Joshua lay back on the bed trying to figure out how to get out of his current predicament. He wished he knew where Brent and the bears where, but there was no way he could get out of the chains. After a few minutes of picking at the silver links, Joshua gave up. Aware that his mother would see him eventually he held on to the hope that she would see reason. Suddenly the bedroom door slammed open revealing a furious Letia. She held a tray of food and slammed it on the desk before rounding on the men. With a growl she launched herself onto the bed and began punching Joshua. "Letia calm down." Marcus said trying to pull her off Joshua, his fingers barely touching her. Letia ignored him slamming her fist into Joshua's jaw. Blood spurted from his nose and mouth. "Letia!" Marcus roared. Letia instantly stopped her assault. Slowly she got off Joshua and smoothed out her dress, her knuckles bloody from her attack. Joshua coughed blood spilling from his lips which he wiped into his pillow. "I love you too Letia." Joshua coughed, using his tongue to feel for any loose teeth. "Do you know what they did to Marcus after he helped you escape?" Letia screamed. "Letia leave it." Marcus said avoiding eye contact with Joshua. "They neutered him." she whispered, tears running down her cheeks. "We can never have children because of you!" She yelled grabbing hold of Joshua's hair, wrenching his head back. Joshua cried out at the force of her grip, but he deserved no better. He hadn't realised his mother could be so cruel but now he realised that his mother was insane. "I am sorry." He said bearing his throat to Letia. He knew that she would revel in slitting his throat. He had deprived her of the one thing every female wolf cherished. "Don't listen to her, she's exaggerating. Naomi only severed one tube I can still have kids." "It was a warning, I don't want you being punished because of him." Letia said sitting on Marcus's lap. "I'm sorry, once this is over I'm getting you guys out of here." He said. Rattling the chains. Letia tutted then withdrew a key from her back pocket. "Where did you get that from?" Marcus asked hugging her when she unlocked the padlock around his neck. "You're not the only one who can be seductive." Letia retorted. Marcus gaped at her as she turned to Joshua and released him from his chains. "Who was he?" Marcus asked grabbing hold of Letia. Letia laughed kissing him softly. "It was a she." Joshua laughed as Marcus looked stunned. "We have to rescue Brent and the bears." Joshua said as they snuck into the corridor. Letia gave him a pointed glare before she nodded. Joshua didn't know how to react being back in the house, he had been so used Oak River that this place seemed almost alien to him. They crept downstairs into the living room where Naomi stood with two of her personal guard. She was on the phone to someone when she heard their footsteps. "You have failed me again Marcus." She said though her attention was Joshua. "Mother, this has to stop." He said approaching her warily. Naomi cocked her head and sniffed the air, her lip curled in response. "You are mated." When Joshua nodded she grabbed him by the throat. Joshua held completely still looking her in eyes, silently egging her on. With a snarl she threw him back. She paced the room furiously, when she reached the corner table she toppled it over in her anger. The other wolves looked at each other in confusion. Joshua knew what they were thinking. Now that he was mated he was now Alpha of Stillwater. His mother no longer had any power. Joshua signalled to Letia who walked to her comrades, whispering in their ears they nodded. "Don't touch me." Naomi hissed as they came towards her. "Retreat, we have no more use for bloodshed." Naomi said into the phone. She then walked up to Joshua and lifted her hand expecting him to flinch away from her touch. Instead he leaned into her palm rubbing his cheek against her hand. Untying the feather from her hair she plaited into his. "Mom..." Joshua paused as she rested her fingers against his lips and kissed him gently on the cheek. "My crimes cannot go unpunished. Your woman is on her way here." She said, and then she walked away. Joshua finally breathed. His mother was stepping down from her position as Alpha but at the cost of terani, a battle between two bitches to the death. Joshua roared slamming his fist against the wall. He didn't feel the sting of plaster embedded in his flesh but instead felt the wilting bud of hope. Passion was a great fighter but his mother was even better. "You have a mate?" Marcus laughed slapping him on the back. Joshua smiled at his friends exuberance accepting his brief hug. Even Letia congratulated him wishing him luck and many pups. "Effie and Tanya, I want you two to watch my mother." He said. The two guards nodded and left the room. "What now?" Marcus asked. Joshua sighed, running his fingers through his hair, bumping against the feathers his mother had put in his hair. "We wait for Passion." ... Passion sat in front of Joshua's mother twiddling her thumbs as the woman assessed her. It was uncomfortable boarding on the unbearable and again she asked herself why she had been cursed with such a dysfunctional mate. Not only had he gotten shot but he had now usurped his mothers position, which meant she would Alpha of the Stillwater pack. If she was able to defeat Naomi in combat. "You are the bitch who took my son." Naomi said, her words harsh but her tone holding no malice. "And you're the bitch that tortured him." Passion retorted. "Touché." Naomi laughed. "You know you and I are much alike." She said. Passion laughed. "How are the two of us alike?" "We are both strong women, with strong emotions. How much of yourself do you keep hidden from my son?" Naomi asked leaning back into her chair. Passion was completely thrown by her question. No one had ever read her so easily and she didn't like it. "I hide nothing." Passion lied, picking at her nails. She refused to reveal anything about their relationship to Joshua's psychotic mother. "That was what I thought, but in the end I was wrong. I loved Zachariah, it's easy to say it now that he is dead." Naomi said wistfully. Passion lifted her eyebrow at the sudden nostalgia that overtook Naomi, this she hadn't expected. "Why are you telling me this, Joshua knows..." "You may leave, at sundown we fight." Naomi said cutting her off. The woman was obviously crazy and Passion couldn't move faster towards the door. Passion left and searched for Joshua. She found him sitting on the porch steps leaning back against the railing. It was as if he were absorbing sunlight itself as the breeze played with the lightest wisps of his hair. Passion cleared her throat sitting on his lap when he opened his arms up towards her. She wrapped his arms around her and snuggled close to his chest. "I thought I lost you." She whispered kissing the area where he had his scar. Joshua squeezed Passion tightly rubbing his face in her hair, finding comfort in the soft fragrance of peaches and oranges. He didn't want her fighting his mother, he couldn't bear losing her. Naomi was crazy enough to kill Passion. She would anything to keep her place as Alpha. "Don't worry about me." Passion said stroking the bristles on his cheek. "How did you know what I was thinking?" He asked pressing his cheek against hers. Dark Moon Ch. 14 "You are my mate and you're squeezing me so hard I can tell you anxious." She replied. Those weren't the words he had wanted to hear but then he realised that it didn't matter. He would never turn into his father, a bitter man who could only find comfort in the spoken. Passion may not have told him that she loved him but she showed him in her actions and her through her eyes. For some people this wouldn't be enough but Joshua was used to people expressing their love through how they treated him. His mother was a mad woman but he remembered times when she would sing him to sleep or clean his cuts when he fell over. Marcus never spoke the words, he was too manly for that, yet whenever his mother attacked him Marcus would be there to console him, to take his mind of his mother's moments of insanity. No, Passion never needed to say the words as right now she was willing to fight to death for him. "I love you." He whispered into her ear, burying his lips against her neck. Hoping and praying that this would not be the last time he would tell her that. ------------------------------------------------- Note to Reader: So next chapter should be up soonish. As of now I am working on the second story starring our favourite bear Bogdan 'Danny' Tsarev!!! Any ideas would be welcome. :D Dark Moon Ch. 15 Note to readers: Sorry for the delay, no internet for almost a month and exams have stopped me from uploading, plus trying to get a few chapters written for the second installment of the Dark series. Please enjoy!!!! ------------------------------------- The wolves bayed as the sun set casting formidable shadows that heralded the battle about to take place. They sat in a circle just outside of the fence in a glade usually used for sparring. Tonight a real battle would take place and for the first time life's blood would drench its earth. Brent lay in his wolf form growling at the thought of Passion and Naomi battling to the death, but in the end he held no power over the Stillwater pack and could do nothing but sit and watch as the events unfolded. Marie hugged his shaggy neck in an attempt to soothe him and Brent nudged her cheek with his nose before growling all over again. Joshua sat crossed legged on the grass next to his cousin. Patting the wolf's head he waited for the ceremony to begin. A number of the men from the pack brought out drums and began to beat them in a steady rhythm that mimicked the beating of the heart. The howling became high pitched as Passion and Naomi entered the ring both in their wolf forms. Joshua gripped the soil beneath him trying to find solace in the feel of it between his fingers but it just felt like dirt. What he wanted now was Passion back in his arms. "Sisters and brothers, tonight we have terani." The wolves yipped and howled as Letia's words echoed in the glade. Compared to his large, black timber wolf mother, Passion was tiny in comparison. Her features were more coyote than wolf but she was a wolf none the less and he knew that she would do everything in her power to defeat Naomi. "Passion Oaken, mate of our Alpha battles Naomi our fallen Alpha." Letia said. The wolves' howls became silent. Passion and Naomi circled each other, occasionally one would snap at the other before retreating back. Joshua couldn't bear the tensions of the fight and just as he was about to throw himself in the middle of the ring they attacked. Passion ran at full speed towards Naomi aiming for her throat. Naomi foresaw the attack and dodged her attack grabbing the small wolf by the tail and flinging her into the air. Passion howled as she landed flat on her back the fall jarring her body. Naomi gave her no time to regroup as she bore down on her, her jaw snapping at her muzzle. Passion drew up her paws using the strength from her hind legs to push Naomi away from her. The small reprieve was enough for Passion to get away. Whimpering as her back leg gave in she hobbled to the furthest part of the circle. The drum beat got stronger and stronger as Naomi ran full force towards Passion. Rearing back Passion ran out of her way, her small lithe body made her faster than Naomi and she was able to evade her. Panting for breath Passion tried to figure out what the best plan for attack would be. She couldn't keep dodging Naomi's attacks, eventually all her energy would be exhausted and then she would have no defence. Naomi snarled her ears pined back as she ran full force towards Passion. Joshua growled as his mother slammed into Passion ripping into her foreleg, the small red wolf whimpered using her claws to scramble away from the larger wolf. Joshua tore at his clothes shifting as he did so. "What are you doing?" Marie hissed. "I have to save her." He yelled just as he mouth turned into a muzzle. Marie tried to hold onto him but in his wolf body he could easily shake her off. The other wolves turned on him snapping at his paws as he tried to break into the circle. One wolf grabbed him by the ruff and pulled him back. Joshua fought her off chomping on her ear and slashing at her throat. He had to get to Passion, if anything happened to her he'd die. He couldn't bear the thought of life without her and he would kill anyone who got in his way. Ripping through the wolves he made it closer to the circle, bounding forward. Running faster he slammed into his mother's side catapulting her across the circle. Growling he stood protectively in front of Passion. If his mother wanted Passion dead she would have to go through him first. --- The man looked through his scope and swore. His master had never told him just how many of the devils would be at the gathering. He had watched the two bitches tearing into each other and had hoped that they would have killed each other. Now that his target was involved in the fight, there was no way he could get a clear shot without drawing attention to himself. "Damn you." He muttered, taking the safety of the rifle. Looking through the scope he kept his aim steady smiling at the demon stood to protect his bitch. "You are mine." He laughed pulling the trigger. --- Naomi's ear twitched as she heard the sound of a guns safety being taken off. Catching the glint of metal in the corner of her eye she realised that there was someone lurking in her home. Giving a call of warning to her pack she raced towards Joshua and his mate knocking them to the ground just as the bullet whistled through the air. Joshua slammed into Passion as his mother's full weight hit him. All around him the glade burst with activity, the wolves ran to where the shot had come from and their growls were punctured with the sound of gun shots. He felt Passion wriggling beneath and made room for her to get out from under him. Something sticky and wet seeped through his fur covering his skin. Shifting into his human form he picked up his mother and cried out as he felt blood. "Mom...Mom!" He shook her but she just flopped lifelessly. "Here let me." Passion said having flashed back into a human. Placing her hand at Naomi's side she felt for a pulse. Leaning towards her muzzle she listened for any sign of breathing but there was nothing. Joshua nudged her, his eyes hopeful as he continued shaking his mother. "I'm sorry Joshua." She said. Joshua shook his head and began to laugh. "Honey." She soothed stroking his neck, Joshua's laughter turned into tears as he sank his head in his mother's fur. His shoulders shook with the force of his sobs as he cried out for Naomi to awaken. "Guys you might want to see this." Dravo called. Passion tucked a strand behind Joshua's ear kissing him softly on the cheek then got up to see the wolves pinning down a body. He was dressed in all back with a variety of weaponry on his person. He was young for someone with such an arsenal of guns and curiosity won out over her anger. Crouching she grabbed his face with her hand pinching hard. The man continued to stare contemptuously at her refusing to say a word. "He won't talk." Brent said, kicking the man in the ribs. Though he flinched his stare did not lose its intensity. Passion slammed his head against the ground finding satisfaction as he cried out. "Who are you?" She snarled baring her teeth. The man smirked and spat in her face. The wolves growled tightening their grip on his arms and legs, blood seeped from where they held him down. Passion wiped the spittle from her face then clenched her fist slamming it into his face. The man's eyes widened briefly then they lowered as foam bubbled from his lips. "Damn it, he must have had a capsule." Vladimir swore opening the man's mouth to find a bright red shell in his mouth. "Man kills himself instead of tell us his name, said man is suspicious non?" The Artashir harrumphed. Passion grunted turning to where Joshua sat with his mother's body whispering a Native American prayer. Fearing that she was intruding on an intimate moment Passion stayed back as the Stillwater pack carried her body. Joshua looked up as if searching for something, then she realised that it was her. Running towards him she wrapped her arms around him rubbing his back as he wept. "I'm here baby." She crooned. They walked together as the procession made their way deep into the forest and that night they buried the old Alpha and welcomed the new one. --- Passion stood patiently as the males applied chalk to her face. Joshua's cousin Paul plaited beads in her hair feathering her locks about her face. There was a small scuffle by the door and when she turned she saw Joshua bearing a bouquet of flowers. "You aren't supposed to be here." Remus said, scowling good naturedly. Passion could see that Joshua was surprised by his cousin's words, and it was obvious that his cousin didn't usually interact with him that way. "Leave us." Passion said, the blue printed gown hugging her waist, flaring down to the floor. Passion blushed as Joshua knelt down before her and hugged her waist. Her hands brushed his fringe from his eyes to better look at his penetrative gaze. "This doesn't feel right." She whispered nuzzling Joshua's palm as he cupped her face. Joshua sighed, feeling the same. How could he be Alpha of one pack and his mate Alpha of another? Instead of voicing his fears he allowed Passion to have this moment. She had been underdog too long to have it taken away from her, she deserved to be in her rightful place. "I want to offer Marie the position." Passion said. Joshua looked up stunned by her confession. "Why would you do that?" he asked. "Why wouldn't I, you are my mate and my home is in Oak Falls." She replied lowering before him. "I'm already Beta and now I'm Alpha, what could this position give me but unhappiness. I don't want to be without you." Joshua tried to bite back a smile but he couldn't help it, Passion never spoke so intimately towards him. Usually she scolded him and tried to hide her feelings but not now. If was as though they were truly seeing each other for the first time. "You really want to give your title to Marie?" Joshua asked, wanting to make sure that she fully realised what it was she was giving up. "Joshua, we have the Oak River pack. It just wouldn't be right. Naomi sacrificed herself to save us. I can't benefit from that." Passion whispered kissing him softly on the tip of his nose. Joshua was humbled, and wished that his mother had been around to see just how great Passion was. "Ok, if Marie agrees give her the title." Joshua said. Passion squealed hugging him close, they knelt embraced like that for a while until Remus knocked on the door lamenting about the ceremony. "Please call Marie." Passion said wiping the chalk from her face with her sleeve. Joshua stood up pulling her up with him untying the decorations from her hair. Passion smiled gratefully, allowing the dress to fall to the floor. Joshua growled upon seeing her nakedness. Passion smirked turning in his arms and draping her arms around his shoulders. "You called." Marie burst into the room Brent short on her heels. Passion giggled as Joshua blocked her with his body. Covering herself up with a dress on the bed she addressed Marie. She was slightly surprised to see Brent with her but figured that if Brent was screwing someone else then he wouldn't interfere with her life. Joshua stood of to the side, his arms crossed firmly across his chest eyeing Brent with disdain. "I want you to take my place." Passion said addressing Marie. Marie's eyes widened in shock before she gained composure, looking at Joshua for affirmation on what Passion had just told her. "Our home is in Oak Falls." Joshua said. "But me, of all people?" Marie spluttered. Brent went to pat her on the back but Marie shrugged from his touch she needed her head clear to think about what Passion was offering her. If she had been mated to Joshua she would have gotten this position anyway, but for it to be handed to her so easily. "Marie, I know you can do this." Joshua walked towards her and pressed his forehead against hers. She looked into his eyes and gained strength from the confidence that shone through. Stepping away from Joshua, Marie approached Passion and took her hand in hers. Resting her head against her knuckles she nodded. "I will be honoured." Marie said. Passion hugged her briefly placing the intricate gown on her arm. Taking Joshua's hand they left the bedroom. Marie ran her hand over wrinkles in the dress, relishing the feel of the embroided floral pattern on the azure silk. She was aware of Brent watching her but ignored his presence, there was nothing left to say to him. "If you will excuse me." She motioned towards the door setting the dress on the bed. She heard the door close and gave a sigh of relief, she couldn't face Brent now. "So I guess this is it." Marie started at Brent's deep baritone, a part of her was happy that he had ignored her but she quashed those feelings quickly. "Did you think there could be more?" She asked finally looking at him. That had been a bad idea. How could she face him knowing that she was going to have to let him go, what had started out as a fling had turned into something deeper. "Marie don't do this." He said hesitantly reaching out for her. Marie side stepped him and walked to the door. There was no way she could wait and see how their relationship developed, her duty was to her people now. Marie opened the door leaning against the door frame, waiting for him to leave. Marie's eyes tracked him as he walked to the door, before leaving he looked at her. "It's not over." He said then left. Marie shut the door firmly behind him, pressing her head against it. "Yes it is." She whispered a lone tear trailing down her cheek. --- "I don't think we'll ever find out who that guy was." Danny said as they flew back to Oak Falls. Joshua frowned, the shot had been aimed at him. Instinct told him that it was the same man who had targeted him earlier when they had been in the forest. Someone must want him dead real bad to be that persistent. The others believed that it was a one off attempt but Joshua knew better, no one killed themselves over a failed mission unless they feared the wrath failure would bring. Now his mother lay dead because of it. "Are you okay?" Passion asked noticing how quite Joshua had become. Smiling he nodded then looked out of the passenger window. There was no clue as to who killed his mother and though he didn't believe the threat was over, he knew there would be a small reprieve. Days, weeks, months, years he didn't know, but the next time they came for him he would be ready. Touching down in Oak Falls the pack was there to greet him. His aunt hugged him tightly obviously aware of what had taken place in Stillwater, she kissed him on both cheeks her eyes brimming with tears. "I am so sorry about Naomi." She said. Joshua thanked her for her sympathy and though the pack wished to celebrate their victory Joshua wasn't up for it. He had just buried his mother and it didn't seem fair that he should be partying when her body wasn't even cold. As the shifters proceeded to the Oaken house, Joshua made his excuses and left for the Moore house. He relished the calm the lake brought and sat in the grass picking at the blades of grass. Laying on his back he stared at the moonless sky that was littered with diamonds. He liked to believe the two stars winking at him were his mother and father reconciling through death. --- When Spectre had told Passion that Joshua had left early she had instantly known where he would be. She walked out into the garden where Joshua lay inches from the water. As quietly as possible she sat beside him kicking of her shoes, using her toes to massage the earth. "You're missing the party." She said picking the strands of hair that feathered the grass. Joshua shifted closer to her resting his head against her thigh his hand caressing her ankle. "I just wanted to take a break." He sighed shutting his eyes. Passion felt her heart sink at the thought of him not wanting to be around her. During the terani he had come to her defence blocking her from Naomi's attack, yet now that she was dead he appeared to have gone back to his old self. Would he have resented her if she had been the one to kill his mother? The thought didn't bode well for their relationship. "This isn't about you." Joshua said as though he had read her very thoughts. Passion had never believed that mating would make them so in tuned to one another and though telepathy was not possible amongst shifters, what they had seemed close to it. "If I had killed your mother would you have hated me?" She asked scared of his answer. "Of course not. I would lay down her life and mine for you." Joshua said sitting up and pulling her into his arms. Passion snuggled against his chest, his legs arching on either side of her like mountains. In that moment she had never felt so protected and loved. Watching the ripples in the water they sat in silence for a while until Passion couldn't bear it. "Why have become so withdrawn?" Passion finally asked. "It was something Artashir said. When his people had been killed, they caught one of the attackers." Joshua rubbed his chin against her crown, his hands trailing down her neck to the top of her breast. Passion giggled elbowing him in the ribs. "Wildcat." He growled in her ear rolling them both to the ground. Passion lay on top of him her head cushioned by his chest. "The guy they found bit down on the same capsule." Joshua finally said. "This is bad Joshua." She said hugging him tightly. The only people who operated that way were the Hunters. The Hunters believed themselves to be deliverers from evil, believing that shifters fell under that category. "We have to tell Marie, he must have reported that there was a pack in Colorado." Passion said. "The Artashir has already given her the warning, she's moving them further north." Joshua said, rubbing her arms, protecting her from the cold only he could feel. Passion didn't bother telling him she was fine, she knew that it was more for his benefit than hers. "You know this could be a one off attack." Passion said sounding hopeful but they both knew it was only wishful thinking. Times were changing and something was coming, something that would affect their way of life forever. --- Leon walked into the den as his pride slept. He had well over one hundred lions in his pack and the number was growing each day. It helped that he was the sacred Artashir although most days he wished he was just like the normal lions, leaving all the big decisions to the pride leader. You are the pride leader dumbass. As well as leader over all lion clans. Being an Artashir sucked. Leon sighed walking up the few steps which led to a large velvet pallet. All around him lions and lionesses snored, their large jaws snapping in the air. If he had been human he would have been frightened but these were his people and they would never harm him. "Artashir." Leon winced as he realised who was sleeping in his bed. Lanai lay naked before him, draped in sheer silk. Her dark hair ran in ringlets to her hips, she was tall and lithe with piercing amber eyes. The most beautiful out of all the lionesses, she believed herself to be his mate, he on the other hand preferred the warmth of more than one body. Lanai purred as he shed his clothes joining her on the bed, her nails were painted blood red and were long. She ran them down his chest in an attempt to entice him. "Lay off Lanai." He grunted pushing him away from him. Lanai hissed then shifted into a lioness, she bounded of the bed bumping a large lion with her head. Leon frowned as the male lion mounted her. Though he wasn't looking forward to hearing hot lion sex he was far too tired to order them to stop. Travelling in planes was not his forte and he hadn't planned on the trip to Colorado. Dark Moon Ch. 15 Glad that he had paid his debt to the Oak River clan, what had happened in Stillwater had been more than he bargained for. He doubted that the man had had time to report to his superiors before attacking but if he had, then Leon's entire pride was in Danger. The only person who could stop it was his wife and she hated him. --------- EPILOGUE Passion sat in Lulu's Diner playing with the straw in her milkshake. The frozen milk clung to the florescent plastic then slowly dripped back into the glass. It was lunchtime and the diner was packed, soft music played from the jukebox and Passion smiled as Lulu made small talk with the daily diners and waved at her when she caught her eye. "Passion where's that handsome husband of yours?" Lulu asked fluffing her purple perm. Passion laughed, over the months Lulu's crush on Joshua had intensified to the point where she offered Passion free milkshakes if she promised to bring him along. "Lulu." Joshua smiled hugging the older woman. Lulu took full advantage of the embrace sliding her hands down his waist to his buttocks. "Lulu." Joshua scolded teasingly kissing her on the cheek. "Got to run." Passion said smiling as Joshua helped her out of the booth. Lulu pouted but cheered up when Joshua promised they would be returning tomorrow. "You've just gone made my day." She smiled hurrying to another table. "What about Lulu." Joshua said as they walked hand in hand back to the pickup. "What about her?" Passion asked reluctantly giving him her car keys. Though Joshua had passed his test a month ago she was still wary about bestowing her pride and joy to him. "I meant as a name." Joshua rolled his eyes forcing the keys from her hands. Passion grumbled putting her hands on her hips and tapping her foot. "I told you Naomi if it's a girl and Zachariah if it's a boy." She said. Joshua laughed and hugged her, her pregnancy bumping him in his stomach. "Definitely a boy, he already seems to be developing an Oedipus complex." He said trying to be as close to her as possible. Passion laughed as the baby kicked against her stomach as if telling his father to back off. "I love you." Passion whispered against his lips. Passion ducked her head in embarrassment as Joshua howled. People in the street stopped to stare at his antics but he didn't care. Passion had finally said she loved him and he wanted the whole world to hear. The baby kicked again nudging Joshua in the stomach. "I'm feeling unloved right about now." Joshua sulked. "Wait till he's born. At least now we can still have sex." Joshua growled at Passion's words, kissing her. He couldn't imagine what his life would be like without her and though he hated the fact that he had never known his father, he did thank him. If Zachariah had never died then he would have lived the rest of his life without passion. THE END ------------------------- Note to readers: So thats the end or just the beginning how ever you want to see it. Reviews as awlays are welcome as well as any ideas for plot lines. Hopefully I will have the first chapter up next week. Write to you soon.