Mykel's POV

Everyone had taken their assigned seats and the meeting was about to begin. I could feel Lilith's unease through the bond. She had hoped other Lunas would have made the trip, however only two had come. We spent the next hour introducing ourselves when a scent had my mouth watering. It smelt like warm vanilla with a hint of spice. My wolf began to stir and for the first time ever he tried to take control.

'Mykel is everything ok?' Lilith mind linked me clearly feeling my frustration.

'Yeh Lil everything is fi...' my words lodged in my throat as the door was pulled open. A small but well-built man entered the room. By his aura I knew he was an Alpha so wracking my brain I tried to remember the name of the absent alpha but came up empty.

"I do apologise for my tardiness. I had to wait for someone to sort themselves out" his angry eyes fell on the door as a dark-haired woman walked in.

"Mate" I growled realising that breath taking scent was coming from her. The audible gasp that left a few visitors became the only sound in the now silent room. Before I knew it, I had stood from my chair with such a force that it fell backwards. The man just smirked at my words, his smile making him look evil. Those dark green eyes that held tiny specs of orange... I remembered seeing them before but found myself unable to place the when and where. So, deeming the thought unimportant I pushed it away. My eyes shifted back to the brunette however she refused to look at me, her eyes remaining on the floor. I could feel the rage building within me. There was no way she couldn't sense I was her mate just as she was mine.

"Your mistaken young alpha. She is spoken for" I went to step towards her, to force her to acknowledge me, but she was ripped out of my reach causing her to trip and fall. I wanted to tear his arms from his body. The woman I could tell was terrified, the smell of her fear just as potent as her breath-taking scent. It had me wondering just who this man was to her, and the horrific thoughts of what he could have done to have her feeling this scared unsettled me.

I watched as he yanked her with brute force from the ground, tears brimming her eyes as she was pushed into a vacant seat. My eyes fell on her fair skin and the fingerprints that had been left behind. Feeling my wolf once again stir I stormed out of the meeting and into my office. I needed to breathe, to think and to calm down. My gifts were to be kept secret from those not a part of our pack. Each silver wolf in existence living in fear that they would be hunted for their unique gift only to be torn away from their homes and family. I feared that if I truly lost control that I would do something I'd quickly come to regret.

Just as I went to pour myself a scotch Lilith entered the room. I could see the worry in her eyes, a sadness she was trying hard to hide. I explained how this mysterious woman was my mate not that it made any sense because Lilith was my mate. We both felt those sparks when we turned eighteen. When Lilith mentioned stepping back my heart began to hurt. Yes I may be fated to another, but that didn't mean I would think or feel any less of her. If anything, I loved her more. No woman I had ever met would willingly surrender a part of their happiness so long as their mate got there's. Lil however would.

*****

The meeting was beginning to drag yet all I could think about was my mate. So when it hit time to break, I couldn't be more grateful. I needed to bring Lilith in on my plan before confronting my new mysterious mate. Calling Elijah into my office I told them my idea.

"That is an insanely good idea. He won't see it coming. You have to do it Lil" Elijah was with me, but Lilith just sat there looking at me as if I had two heads.

"You can't be serious?" I didn't even answer her, instead I just raised my eyebrow. "Oh, shit you are aren't you. Mykel I'm not an Alpha. He's stronger than me let alone heavier"

"Lil you are just as strong if not stronger. Add that to you being a woman and you've got it hands down. If you challenge him, he will accept immediately. He will expect you to be weak, to give in quick. That isn't you. Your strong, you're a fighter and I know you won't lose. If even the slightest part of me thought you would then I wouldn't have even mentioned it. That's how much I believe in you. Get your revenge for what he tried to do to you, to Amy and to countless other women"

"Fine but if I lose..."

"You won't lose. When the meeting continues, and we get to asking each pack who they wish to treaty with Benjamin will ask for an alliance with us. That will be your que. You'll tell him no and challenge him. Trust me he will not turn it down out of fear of looking weak"

"Ok... now that's sorted is it too early for me to ask what the fuck all that was about with the whole 'grr mate' thing" classic Elijah, never a serious moment with him. Lilith however began to shift in her seat.

"I honestly don't know. Lil, I swear if this makes you too uncomfortable, I won't act on it" taking her hand across the table I gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Mykel you know where I stand. You've been blessed with a second mate for a reason. Just don't get any funny ideas about me and her. I mean don't get me wrong she's gorgeous but I'm all about the sausage" I couldn't help the laugh as she raised her hands in defence. I knew she was straight so I never would have expected anything remotely like that.

Lilith and Elijah left me alone in my office as she wanted to find Luna Ruth needing that drink now more than ever. I could feel she was scared about me being with the brunette. Once a wolf was marked and mated if we were even remotely intimate with another our mates would feel an excruciating pain. I didn't want that for Lilith. I didn't want her to feel any pain, whether it be caused by me or anyone else. That's half the reason I refused to let her leave the pack house without an escort. Walking over to the bookcase on the far wall I picked up the one on wolf history. All the books were incredibly old, but this one was by far the oldest. They belonged to my grandfather which were then passed down to my father and now, I guess to me.

Pouring myself a scotch I began to carefully flick through the pages stopping halfway when I came upon a chapter about mates.

'Mates can be both a blessing and a curse. Our beloved Moon Goddess believed we deserved to be truly happy and created another soul that would when together make us complete. A love so pure and true is often forged through the mate bond. Though often there are times when either the female or the male are unfaithful. To punish the sinful party a curse in the form of pain was created. Should either mate be unfaithful the other would suffer. There have however been incidents of wolves having multiple mates. The highest number recorded was a female in the early 1800's having three. Should this happen to a mated wolf their other half would not feel any pain as they are also a piece of them automatically becoming a piece of the other mate whether marked or not.'

Having read that I made my decision. I knew now Lilith wouldn't suffer. I however would. It was well known that if fated mates didn't want to be together they would need to reject each other. I wasn't going to do that, not when I knew she was being forced to be with another. Pouring another scotch to build my courage, I made my way to her room.

Raven's POV

As the light beamed through my blinds it made my eyes sting. They were so sore and even with my wolf helping me heal it wasn't enough. Every smack he delivered was brutal, leaving no skin untouched. When I was younger it would only be places that could be hidden under clothes, but once I received my wolf all that changed. He stopped caring where the marks were knowing after a day or two, they would be gone.

"Ahh please stop" I whimpered as I was ripped from my bed. My head hitting the wooden post before hitting the floor. I hadn't even heard him come in.

"How many times did I tell you. You were to be up and ready by 9am" the spit landed on my face as he spoke. It took everything I had not to cry and not to cringe knowing it wouldn't do me any good.

"I'm sorry" was all I found myself able to mumble before his fist connected with my jaw making me cry out. He hit hard but at least he didn't break it this time.

"You fucking look at me when you speak. Not the fucking floor" I braced myself for the next smack only it never came. Instead, he looked at me with pure disgust before leaving my room.

When I was sure he had gone I carried myself to the door quickly shutting and locking it. I hated it here. I hated him. Fathers are supposed to love, cherish, and protect their daughters, but not him. It was no wonder my mother took her own life. I only wished she had taken mine to and not left me in his care. Pft care... certainly not what I could call it. My mother went when I was sixteen after finding out what my father truly was capable of.

When I was younger all I wanted was to travel the world, to be free of this shit storm of a life. I wanted to live, to have fun and to see what life actually had to offer. The majority of she-wolves couldn't wait to find their mates. To have that fairy-tale romance and happily ever after, but not me. No, I didn't want a mate and if ever I crossed paths with him, I'd run. I'd run as far and fast as my legs could carry me. I knew not all mates were bad, but after seeing the hell my dad put my mother through I sure as hell wasn't going to take any chances.

Four hours later...

"Mate" my stomach churned as he spoke those words. I never in my lifetime wanted to hear them. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him watching me, studying me and daring me to return his gaze. Alpha Mykel was said to be a good man though many had spoken of his temper, rumours were constantly going around that when he lost it people lost their lives. Then again, they could just be rumours. Alpha Mykel already had his Luna; he was fated to Luna Lilith, so this had to have been some fucked up joke. I could see the hurt on her face even though she masked it well. I was a master of plastering a fake smile on to. Only the one thing that confused me was that I didn't sense any jealousy or hate coming from her. I had always been good at reading people and nine times out of ten I was right. Luna Lilith, I hadn't heard much about, no one had. Except for the knowledge she was beautiful, nothing else was known.

I mean how the fuck could this happen. I was already planning my escape from the maniac my father planned on giving me to. A filthy perv that couldn't keep his hands to himself. My father had let him stay in my room several times before. No matter how much I protested he didn't stop him. My father said he could do what he wanted with me for I was to be his. I can still remember the first time he touched me. It was my seventeenth birthday and he wanted to give me the gift of all gifts. That night he raped me, he took my innocence, my sanity and my dignity all in one go. I can remember the smell of his coffee laced breath as he breathed down my neck before forcing his tongue into my mouth. A memory that would forever be imprinted in my brain. Benjamin was the king of scum. And now I would be forced to escape another. My mate. The moment I stepped out of the car I had caught his scent. He smelt like a fresh summer's day. You know that smell you get once the grass has been freshly cut. I had hoped I was wrong, that it wasn't my mate. However, the closer we got to the pack house the stronger the scent became. I argued and pleaded with my father to let me skip the meeting, but he insisted Benjamin would want to see me. That it would improve his mood and he would without doubt sign an alliance with him.

When it came time to break, I felt relieved. My father had sat me between him and Benjamin making it abundantly clear it was him I had been promised too. Since Alpha Mykel revealed I was his mate, Benjamin had been constantly stroking my inner thigh. Twice he tried to slip his fingers into my panties and only when Luna Lilith caught him, did he stop. My father had dragged me to the room in which I'd be staying while here, and once I'd realised I had the room to myself for the night I let out the breath I'd been holding. I laid on the bed trying to process everything that had happened when a soft knock came from the door. I didn't need to see who was there for I could tell by his scent. The moment I opened the door he walked in and with inhuman speed pushed me up against the wall.

"Mine" he growled into my neck as he inhaled my scent. My heart fluttered wanting him to take me and claim me as his all while my head screamed and shouted for me to run. I froze where I stood, my body paralysed under his touch. Sparks ignited over my skin and no matter how hard I tried to fight the feeling of bliss it was utterly useless. He gripped my chin and forced me to look at him. His eyes were a gorgeously deep shade of brown. His flawless face and strong jaw... come on Raven snap out of it. I bought my hands to his chest fully intent of pushing him away, giving him the whole how dare you speech. That was until his lips smashed into my own. He sucked on my lower lip before using his tongue to wrestle my own. Damn this kiss was good, nothing like the ones Benjamin had forced me to endure.

Flashbacks of that beast touching me entered my mind, my wolf coming forwards and doing what I couldn't. A look of hurt and rejection flashed in his eyes. A pang of guilt instantly rose within me.

"I... I'm Alpha Mykel. What's your name?" Don't do it Raven, don't tell him just keep that big mouth of yours shut. My head was screaming at me but like word vomit it just came out.

"Raven"

"Well Raven, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure your confused and scared but I assure you there's no need to be"

"You have to go... please. Please if he catches you in here with me, he'll..." My hands began to tremble as fear of what my father would do should he catch Alpha Mykel here began to take hold.

"He'll what?" Shit me and my mouth really were my own downfall sometimes.

"Nothing. Just please forget I've said anything and leave. You heard what was said, I'm to be with someone else"

"Yeh me. Your fated to me and that's how it's going to stay. Whoever else thinks they have some moronic claim for you can come see me" hearing footsteps leading to my room my heart rate spiked. I would recognise that shuffle walk anywhere.

"Excuse me? What's going on in here?" Benjamin stood in the doorway his lips twitching as he watched Alpha Mykel and me.

"Benjamin leave, she's no longer your concern" Alpha Mykel's eyes never once left my own.

"Oh, but it does. Her father has promised her to me isn't that right pumpkin"

Lilith's POV

Nothing had gone as I had imagined it. Never in a million years did I expect Mykel to be blessed with two mates. Though I meant what I said. I wouldn't stand in his way. I wouldn't be the reason he didn't claim her, I just couldn't do that to him. During the meeting I could tell how uncomfortable the poor girl felt and only when I walked to the bar, did I realise why. Benjamin's large hands were slowly sliding up and down her inner thigh before slipping his fingers under her skirt. Seeing her tense made my stomach churn, so taking a deep breath I turned to face him before telling him to keep his hands to himself in front of the entire room. This man really had no shame. He was well aware of her being fated to my mate, yet he still touched. Though I don't know why it shocked me because he had tried to rape me in the past.

"Lilith are you ok?"

"Hmm yes sorry just thinking. After all the planning and the build up that led to today, I never saw this coming" Picking up my gin and tonic I took a large gulp, it was a double and burned as it went down.

"Woah slow down there girl. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through right now, but I know getting drunk isn't the answer. We still have a full afternoon of men throwing their weight around to get through." I knew Ruth was right, but right now I just needed an escape. "Look, Mykel seems like a great guy, and from what I've heard he's a lot like his father when it comes to being alpha"

"You've got that right. He'd defend us, defend Lil until his last breath" My eyes darted to the table behind me. I had completely forgotten Elijah was here.

"I'll tell you what I've told Mykel. I will stand by him whatever decision he makes. He's my mate and I love him" It was then I realised what I needed to do. "Look I'll see you later I've got something I need to do" Ruth just offered me a sympathetic yet knowing smile as I stood to leave. I didn't bother saying goodbye to Elijah knowing full well he'd be following me anyway.

Walking up the stairs that led to the guest rooms I stopped when I reached the door I needed. Taking a deep breath, I knocked. After a few seconds the door opened and standing there with puffy eyes was Mykel's second mate. Turning to look at Elijah, I asked him to wait outside to which he nodded and turned his back to the door.

"Are you ok?" stupid thing to ask when she clearly wasn't, but right now I found myself dumbstruck.

"I am and Luna I'm sorry for all the chaos this has had to have caused you. I swear it wasn't my intention to come and take your mate from you" I could here her heart racing, did she truly thing I was angry at her? That I would hurt her?

"Calm down, you've nothing to apologise for. How could you have possibly known you would be fated to my mate. It's rare yes, but it does happen. What's your name?" I walked over to her bed and sat on the edge patting the space beside me.

"Raven. My father is Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack" Her voice was so soft though I could here the nervousness in her voice.

"Well Raven its nice to meet you. I'm Lilith, Luna to the Mountain Forest Pack. So, are you going to tell me what's got you so upset?"

"What hasn't. My father is using me to secure an ally and the Alpha he's promised me to, is a disgusting pig" My heart broke for the girl, she didn't look much younger than me yet her whole world had seemed full of hurt and regret.

"Which Alpha? Benjamin?" I had a feeling that he was the one she was referring to, yet I wasn't entirely sure. When I spoke his name, her face fell telling me my gut instinct was right.

"How did you know?" Her eyes once again beginning to water.

"The fact your father placed you next to him and didn't bother to tell him off for his wandering hands was a bit of a giveaway. That man truly is disgusting. He's the reason Elijah my beta is hot on my trail today"

"What did he do?" The tone of her voice told me she was well aware of what Benjamin was capable of.

"He tried to rape me last year. He even went as far as to spike Elijah's sister Amy. She lost her pregnancy as a result. Has he done anything to you? That you didn't want I mean. I know you don't know me, but I promise you can trust me. Whatever you tell me won't leave this room. Its your life and not for me to tell" Her eyes studied me for a while as if trying to decide whether or not she should divulge any information to someone she'd just met. Finally, she let out a deep breath and looked directly at the floor. It was clear something had happened by her body language, that and the look of shame on her face.

"When I was seventeen my father allowed him to stay at our pack house for the night. When everyone was asleep, he came into my room and he... he raped me." Her eyes brimmed with tears as she remembered that night. "I tried to scream, to fight him off but he was too strong. Every time I opened my mouth to call for help, he would muffle out the noise with his own mouth. I still can't stand the smell of coffee for it reminds me of him. When he was done, he told me I was his, that I now belonged to him. That no one would want me since I was no longer pure. I was so humiliated, my body responded to him, and I orgasmed. I fucking orgasmed. How fucked up is that?" Raven stood from the bed her hands either side of her head before wiping her eyes and focusing back on me as she sat back down. "When he left my room, I ran into my bathroom and after setting the shower to hot I got in. I needed to burn him off my skin. I watched as the blood from my virginity and his roughness ran down the drain. He hadn't been gentle at all and when he thrusted into my ass it split. I was in such agony, and he didn't care. The more I cried the harder he fucked me. He said it spurred him on and that it pleased him to know only he would ever be able to do it to me. The next morning, I ran to my father, I told him what happened, begged him to make Benjamin leave. But do you know what he did? He smiled and told me it didn't matter. That once the treaty alliance was signed, I would be his anyway so I should just let it go and get on with it" Raven burst into tears as she buried her head in her knees. How could her father just allow someone, anyone to violate their daughter in such a viscous and degrading way? My heart broke for her, she had suffered something no woman should ever have to endure. Flinging my arms around her I bought her head to my chest and held her tight. She needed to know she wasn't alone anymore, that she had someone to help her fight the battles she couldn't face. After a few minutes her crying stopped, and her breathing evened out. Pulling away from me she looked at me as if trying to decipher whether or not I had an ulterior motive. "Why are you being so nice to me? Everyone is going to see me as a homewrecker, like some slut that's going to steal your mate from you"

"Oh please, that's not going to happen. I'm being nice to you because you haven't done anything wrong. You're a victim Raven. None of what has happened to you is your fault. I know a lot of she-wolves become overly jealous and possessive of their mates, but I assure you I'm not like that. I have no reason to be. I mean sure others have tried it on with Mykel, he's everything you would want in a mate. However, not once has he acted to the advances of another woman. Call him old fashioned but even growing up he believed in the sanctity of the mate bond. Mykel and I were together during school, yet we never slept together until we turned eighteen. We have only ever been together. Even when Mykel realised you were his mate, he refused to act on it without my blessing. Raven, I believe everything happens for a reason, and I'm not just saying this because I've had a drink. Well, a few drinks actually but I mean what I say. And I'm not afraid to admit I needed the help of alcohol to come and speak with you" Raven leaned in a placed a kiss on my lips. For a split second I leaned into it and kissed her back, but quickly pulled back away.