Oh Goddess!

POV EMERALD

Wesley insisted on coming home with me last night and has not left. He watched me as I packed up my suitcase in silence. After, we lay in my bed staring at my ceiling, holding hands. We didn't say a single word because we both knew I had to do this. 

I'm leaving for many reasons. One to ensure Dark Jewel is safe and has incredible Alpha leading them. Two Archie needs my help with something, but also I am good for him. He needs to be brought back to life, and that is something that not only can I do, but I need to do for his pack and Dark Jewel. Then last but not least, I need to separate from Jackson and Declan. Mainly Declan, though. I need to think about everything that happened, he needs to prove his loyalty, and when you've been betrayed one too many times, it gets to you. Especially when the one person you never thought would do.

He is suffering, not blind or naive, but he needs to. Declan himself even said he needed this. Won't deny that I will miss the hell out of him, all of them—even Jackson, who hasn't said a word to me. Though I know he isn't being a dick, he is beating himself up and doesn't know what to say. Until he does, and I don't feel like choking him, it's probably for the best.

Wes shifts in the bed, propping up on his elbows, "do you really need to do this Em?"

His voice is laced with pain, and it kills me when I look into his beautiful brown eyes. My voice is a low whisper, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'm just going to miss you."

"I'll miss you more."

He gives me a lazy smile, "not sure about that but you ready to go? Momma should be about ready with breakfast."

I nod and slide out of bed. I decided to wear something comfortable since I'll be flying and driving around in a car most of the day. I went with sage green leggings with a matching sports bra and flannel with the same green, beige and tan. Then my white shoes, every bit casual and showing off my bruises. 

Gem doesn't even seem close to walking up but doesn't mind the pain. I want to talk to her, make sure she's okay, and tell her about Declan. Lord knows she's going to be heartbroken and livid. Only looking forward to that conversation because she will help me figure out what to do.

As we pull up to the pack house, Wes puts his car in park and glances at me empathetically. I go to open the door when he reaches over to stop me, "wait."

"Okay? What's up?"

He lets out a sign, "D wants to know if you will go upstairs for a minute. He says you don't need to talk to him and only for five minutes tops."

See? Right now could use Gem. Tossing my head back and looking out the window, I debate that question. Do I want to see him alone? No, not really. But then again, we aren't going to see each other for two weeks, maybe not even until our birthday. I won't see, smell, hug or talk to him in two weeks. The thought of that guts me.

"Sure," I mumble. I know Gem and myself will regret not saying bye to him. He will be with everyone at breakfast, but it's different. I could see precisely what he wanted and see him one last time before leaving. 

Wes tells me to go ahead, and he will grab my bags. As I walk in, everyone is in the kitchen, including Jackson, who gives me one long look before bowing his head. Archie instantly catches my eye and smiles, "good morning, Emerald."

I smile halfheartedly back, "good morning Archie."

Pops notices I keep walking, "where are you going?"

"To see what Declan wants," I sigh in defeat, "be back down in a sec."

No one says a word, and I don't look over to see their reactions or questioning faces if there are any. Just continue my vogue upstairs. As I get closer to his room, I finally look up and see his door is open. I lean in the entryway seeing him sitting on the edge of his bed, looking at a framed picture of us together.

It takes him half a second to notice me before he glances up, and he's crying. Tears streaming down his face and looking at me with his blue eyes. Those eyes! Those gorgeous eyes trigger the pain I've been trying to avoid. The pain of losing everything that means most to me.

Declan pulls me into his arms and shuts the door. We stand there holding one another for what seems like forever crying. I know it wasn't long, but it felt like hours. Guess that's pain for you. Lost time, broken hearts, shattered hopes, and dreams. Swear the moon goddess can be a real bitch sometimes.

Declan loosens his grip but keeps a hand placed on one hip while he uses the other to wipe away my tears.

"I love you, Emerald. I miss you already and I'm sorry. Incredibly sorry."

I drop my head nodding, "I love you Declan and I'll miss you, don't think I won't because I will."

"Hey," using one finger, he pushes my chin up to meet his gaze, "I'll make this right, all of it. From how I failed as a leader, a friend and someone you love and who loves you. I will fix it all baby, promise."

I don't know who's more determined to prove that statement, him or Goliath. I can see both their eyes; they are hell-bent on getting me back, which does something for me. It makes me feel calmer. We need space and time to think and work out our issues. We will come together again; we always do.

I'm in love with Declan, freaking crazy damn love, and I know Gem is too. I also know that makes no sense because we aren't built this way, but I've always known that I would reject any mate unless it were him. Well, him, Jackson, or Wes. Though I am in love with all three, Gem is only in love with Declan and Goliath. Personally, I have always loved Declan more. Not by much, but still noticeably more. 

Now looking into his eyes, I want to kiss him, show him that everything will be okay. That we will be okay. I need to know that we will get through this because not sure I would survive if we didn't.

Declan grazes his thumb across my bottom lip, and my breath hitches. His eyes flick to mine, "tell me no. I need you to tell me no."

My breathing is getting frantic because no. I don't want to tell him no. I want him. I need him more than I need fucking air at this very moment. 

"I....I can't."

Just like that, his mouth crashes into mine, and the second his tongue hits mine, it's like fireworks going off in my body. Everything in me comes to life, and we are going at each other like it's our last day on the planet. My fingers find their way into his hair, tugging and pulling. His hands run all over my body until they reach my ass, then he yanks me up so my body can wrap around his. And it does, on its own, without being guided or told.

I've imagined this moment a million times, but nothing compares to the real deal. His tongue is magic, his hands are heaven, and he is my damn everything.  

This is a terrible idea, but I can't stop. We can't stop, nor do either one of us want to. Somehow my flannel and top are off my body, and he has me pinned between him and the wall. Kissing all over my neck, making me moan but trying to keep myself freaking quiet. It doesn't help everyone has wolf hearing; if they wanted to, they would know precisely what is happening.

I might regret it later, but I don't give a crap. Declan's lips stay on mine when he collapses on the bed with me in his arms. Him grinding his thick, long dick into me while I roll my body into his wanting to feel everything I can. 

Declan's lips start moving down my body, and he bites down on my nipple, letting out a stifled groan. My body arches searching for him, letting out a gasp of pleasure. 

His eyes are darkened, full of desire for me and only me. When he locks eyes with me, he demands, "Em tell me to stop!"

I'm all breathy, full of damn need myself, "I don't want you too Dec."

Before I could even think, he threw my shoes across the room and pulled my leggings off in a flash. All that is on me is my white lace thong. He scans my entire body slowly as he takes his pants off and claims back between my legs. 

He dips his face straight into my pussy, inhaling deeply, and groans, "fuck! You smell delicious!"

Every touch, groan, and word gets me wetter; by now, I can feel my wetness along my inner thighs. He licks up my arousal off my thigh, causing my whole body to shiver, and that groan, god, that sexy ass throaty groan. 

"Sweet! So damn sweet baby."

He kisses up my body until our faces meet again, and he kisses me tenderly, "I need to be inside you."

"Please," I thrust my pussy up into him. He crashes his mouth into mine again, his hand roaming down my body. Pulling my panties to the slide, he ever so slowly starts sinking his dick into me. 

"So damn tight, warm and wet! So damn wet! Fuck baby."

All I can give him between moans is a lazy grin because this man feels so damn good. His dick is thick, long, and ridged, filling me to the brim plus more. 

He moves slowly in and out of me, stretching me, not wanting to hurt me, but I don't care. Want to hurt.

"More," I beg.

Declan grins at me, but with the look in his eyes, I know that's what he was waiting for. He lifts one of my legs, bending it to stretch out next to my head. The other is wrapped around him, and he starts banging the hell out of me. 

I take one of the pillows and bite down on it to silence my screams of pleasure the best I possibly can. Declan is groaning, moaning, saying filthy yet sweet words to me. I know we aren't going to last long. My pussy is already clenching around his dick and by the darkening of his eyes he is ready too.

"Mine, you are all mine!" He growls.

"Yours!" What the hell possessed me to yell that out loud, I don't know and right now I really do not care. That's all it took for us both to reach our limit. I'm cumming all over him while he cums inside me. 

Declan drops my leg and starts messaging my thigh, bringing it back to life. I'm athletic, so it didn't hurt. We are just silently staring at one another; not sure what he's thinking, but my mind is blank at the moment. Completely empty, and that feels so damn good, incredible even.

A few minutes go by when he leans down to kiss my lips swiftly but tenderly. "I meant what I said."

I'm just staring at him, trying to figure out what he meant, and then it hits me. Every last damn thing he just did hits me like a fucking bus. "Shit," I mumbled, covering my arms with my hand. 

We did not just fuck? That was a combination of fucking and making love. He doesn't need to tell me that. Heard Declan have sex five trillion times, I know. He doesn't talk, hell, even moan. The girls do, but he just fucks them, and that's it. Maybe he talks before his dick is in, but once he's there, shut the hell up and enjoy the ride. 

Then there is the small problem of doing the first step to claiming your mate, agreeing to be the others. He said I was his, and I did too, but I highly doubt the moon goddess takes that into consideration. I just set myself up for a world of heartbreak. More significant than I was already preparing for.

"Baby stop, it's okay. I'm yours always have been since the beginning. Telling you me and Goliath don't care what the moon goddess says but if it makes your feel any better, me, him and everyone else including Archie believe we are mates. So please don't get worked up, I only want you. No one will ever get me again, never! Go to Dark Moon, do what you need to do and come home baby. Remember come running straight to me, okay?"

He peels my arm off and grazes my cheek, burning me with those eyes again, begging me to believe his words. Though I feel like a complete damn idiot, part of me trusts him. Everyone and I, too, believe we are mates, only because how else would Gem be in love with them. It's impossible. Even researched it a dozen times. No one in our world has ever heard of that happening. Nothing documented, anyways.

 It would be my luck, though, giving the guy I'm madly in love with my virginity, and bam! Not my mate. Sounds like something the moon goddess would put me through, but for the first time, I'm silently praying to her that she doesn't do that to me. That she mates me with Declan. 

He jumps up, caging me between his legs and pinning my arms on either side of my head while he kisses me repeatedly all over my face. Finally, after about ten dozen, I start giggling, "okay enough, I'm still mad at you."

He smiles, "I know, baby but got that adorable giggle out of you. I love you, and we will get through this, okay?"

"Hope your right Dec, really do."

He kisses my lips twice before jumping off the bed, "I am, just got to trust me. Have a plan to make all right in the world of Declan and Emerald."

I can't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. His smile gets brighter when he sees and hears me laughing. 

"Don't want to leave this room and definitely do not want you leaving but I know this is what you need to do. You might want to clean up though. Not sure you want everyone smelling your aurosal and to be honest don't want them to neither. That shit is fucking heaven and delicious."

All those people are downstairs; I'm sure at least a quarter of them know what happened or have some idea. Declan must read my discomfort and chuckles, "Again, stop. Mom was doing breakfast outside and since you took your sweet ass time coming up here, they were heading outside before you even got to my door. Jackson mind-linked so we knew to go outside."

"Good! Now move so I can clean up the mess you made."

He waves his hand towards the bathroom with that stupid ass grin that most days I love but right now I freaking hate. 

I throw my hair up in a messy bun and shower, ensuring I clean myself thoroughly. Good thing I shower in here often, so my body wash is still in his shower. 

As I'm stepping out and drawing myself, Declan walks in, putting my clothes down, and slides up on the counter, looking like he's about to tell me something. He's giving me those puppy dog eyes, and I can tell he's nervous about something.

"Out with it Dec."

"I uhm got you something. Two things actually and I need you to take both with you."

I don't even bother putting those panties back on. They are drenched in arousal, and it gives me an idea. I grin at him, "got something for you too, here." 

I chuck the panties at him. He doesn't even flinch, just sticks them straight to his nose and smells them like freshly baked pastry. He grins, "besides you and Gem, this is the best damn gift you could have given me."

"My natural virginity wasn't good enough for you?" I raise a brow playfully at him.

"Oh no, baby, that was everything."

"That's what I thought, now before I go back to not speaking to you what are these gifts so I can tell you no."

Declan glares at me, "you are not allowed to say no. One is because I love you, the other is because well need you to have it for my plan and for safety."

I'm genuinely at a loss for words. I just stand there waiting for him to show me and talk about something. He spins his finger, motioning for me to turn around and why my body is just doing whatever he says I couln't tell you. It's annoying if you ask me. 

"Close your eyes, please."

Doing what I'm told, can feel him check to make sure, which makes me smile a little, but then I feel him put something around my neck. My hand naturally touches it, and it feels like a pendant. He clasps it and plants a kiss on my neck, "I love you Emerald and when I say that I mean I am in love with you. Every time I've said those three woulds to you that's what I was saying. Now open your gorgeous eyes for me." 

My heart leaps into my chest, and I can feel the burning in my eyes of tears starting to build. When I open them, one falls down my cheek, and he spins me back toward the mirror. The necklace is beautiful, gold with a pear-shaped emerald pendant, and resembles a teardrop. It's gorgeous and the most perfect thing in the world. 

"Do you like it?" Can hear the worry in his voice, and it's heartbreaking but also adorable that he cares so much about the necklace. I kiss him sweetly, cupping his face into my hands, "I love it, Declan."

He gets this big little boy smile, "really?"

"Yes and Declan I'm in love with you too, always have been."

I wasn't going to say it back. I was going to wait until we found out we were mates or until we both rejected ours and got together. But even though I'm still distraught with him, this has to be the cutest thing in the world, and he just made me feel so damn cherished. I couldn't run off without him knowing the truth, especially since he is so worried I'll run off with Archie.

"And Gem?" He asks nervously. 

"Yes, Gem too. She's in love with the both of you. I don't know how that's possible but we both are."

With the biggest smile, he cups my face, "I don't know that answer but I don't care because regardless what the Goddess does we belong to you. Goliath has said from the beginning he wants to reject any girl. I felt your heart breaking as soon as those words came out of my mouth, I ran out of my room to look for you but that's when I heard you screaming and crying. I felt it though, all of it. But baby I swear on everything did not mean a word and didn't even touch her after that. Saying this so you know. I'm not trying to hurt you, all I did was kiss her nothing more. Promise baby."

That much I did know. Every time Declan fucks someone, it might not break my heart fully, but it does bring me discomfort and sadness. Nothing that I can't handle or hide, though. That is weird since if you are mates, it's supposed to damn near destroy you, but maybe since we aren't eighteen, the effects haven't fully taken place. If that's the answer, thank you! 

"I know you didn't sleep with you and I know you didn't mean it but it hurts Declan, really hurts. The other day when Markus asked me out and he asked me about you guys, I didn't put you down but it hurt you that I didn't say yes. Felt it, your anger, your sadness. Just need time, that's all. Time to think it all through plus Gem wasn't awake so even if I don't tell her she's going to feel it so going to have to deal with that pain and hurt until she pulls through. Can you do that? Just give me time. I don't want no one else and there will be no one else. Honestly be working more than anything, that's it."

He lets out a raged breath and creases my cheek, "hate it but yes, I can do that. Still going to prove to you that I love you, I miss you and how sorry I am every day while you are gone though, okay?"

"Okay," I reply softly with a stupid blush on my face because Declan has always been sweet to me. But this, I don't know, just feels good to be seen and to know he isn't letting himself off the hook after everything just happened.

I plan on not saying much to him until after I deal with Gems' heartbreak and anger. That's going to be pure fucking hell. I already know that, so I need to be away from him. So I don't rip his eyes out.

Declan pulls out a brand new cell phone and smacks it into the palm of my hand. Before I can fight it or even say thank you, he just lays it out for me, "there is no option of no on this. I need you to have this for a few reasons but most importantly plan on blowing you up all day. You do not need to answer until you are ready though. Also I know you still have nightmares or a hard time sleeping. Even if you don't call me, though I'd prefer it you did you can call Wes or Jacks. This does have a tracker but that's just in case something happens to you. I'm not going to be in Dark Moon following you around, will be here as acting Alpha for our pack. So no fighting, just accept it. It's important to me that I know you are safe at all times and this will help ease that a little."

I don't want to fight him on it. What kind of woman wouldn't love the way he loves or worries for me? I'm hours away in another pack where he won't be able to get to me fast enough, so I understand his concern. He's even aware I might not answer him, but he doesn't even care. Just wants to talk to me even if I don't talk back. Again he's accepting his punishment and respecting my space. What Alpha does that? It goes against all their instincts, our instincts. 

Smiling at him, I place the phone in the waistband of my leggings, "will have to call in the next day or two over the rogues anyways but find your concern extremely cute."

He wraps his arms around my waist and starts kissing my neck. He whispers on my neck, "cute enough to be okay until you leave?" 

Declan laps his tongue in circles on my neck, then starts sucking, making me moan loudly, too damn loud. I push him off my laughing, "fine but no more of that damn tongue of yours. Not until I get back."

He does an exaggerated painful groan, "fine! Let's go feed you then."

We've been in the air for an hour and a half, so we have another ninety minutes to go. Leaving was utterly heartbreaking. Even Dean was crying like he would never see me again, and I really wished they would believe me when I said I am coming back. There is no scenario where I do. Silver Moon is home and always will be. 

Archie gave me a minute alone with all three boys. I did make sure to say bye to Jackson, and he hugged me so hard I couldn't breathe for a minute. Though when Declan was saying bye to me in front of them, they might have caught on to the fact we had sex. Not a hundred percent sure, but I was sure he would tell them about it. Don't really care if he does; I just don't want my father to know, but if he caught on, he did a swell job of pretending not to know. 

It does hurt leaving everyone I love behind, but the minute we sat down in that car to drive off, I was at peace with my situation. I will miss the hell out of them all, but I know I will be back. Declan and I will be okay, and so will Jackson and I. For now, going to focus on the matter at hand. 

First, the rogues from the attack the other night. That's what I'm doing right now, going through the files and information we do have. I put Wesley in charge of doing interviews collecting data on them personally, what they might be good at or anything they are interested and his opinion.

I finished the first three files and opened the fourth one when the first thing to catch my eye was the pack they were from.

"Dark Jewel?" I mumble to myself in disbelief. We've been doing this for a long time and have never seen a rogue from that back. Can feel Archie staring at me, but I continue reading to know why this young kid was kicked out of his back. He is 15 years old, and his father was a soldier for the pack but died in a rogue attack when he was ten. His mother owns a bakery in their territory and is a fantastic woman. 

He was accused of rape. According to the file, he dated this girl for six months and raped her. His accuser was no other than their former Alpha. Alpha Ivan, sick son of a bitch. But the second I seen this, something in my gut told me this poor boy did not do what he was accused of. It was their Alpha. 

I slam the file shut and look up at Archie to see him staring at me. Not reading into why because to pissed to care. 

"Alpha Ivan, how young were the girls he raped?"

He closes his laptop, "according to his Beta ranging from 12 to 16, why?"

"Here," I hold the file over to him, and he starts reading it. Can see the recognition that went through me go straight through him. No doubt that boy did not rape that girl. He was an excellent kid, well-rounded and respectful up until that incident. 

"When we land I will call Beta Ashton, see if he can shed some light on this," Archie is gritting through his teeth, and I can Blaze trying to knock his way forward. Man has a lot of self-control. 

"If he's cleared, you willing to accept him back into the pack? We give the option but he might choose to since Ivan is gone and his mom is still there."

Blaze completely surrenders, and Archie gives me the most earnest look, "Of course Emerald, he seems like a really good kid. Smart too according to this."

My anger is boiling over this entire situation, and I'm grateful Gem is still happily knocked the fuck out because I'd probably shift right here. Trying to keep my mouth shut so I don't take it out on Archie, I just nod and take the file back, moving on to the next one. 

For the rest of the flight, I sit in my anger, doing my work while Archie takes random glances at me. He never says anything or asks questions. At first, I could feel he was worried about me; he maybe wanted to try calming me down but didn't know how. But the closer we get, the more collected Archie is fleeting. He is shifting around like a crazy person, fidgeting, tapping his leg with his thumb but still watching me. 

I can't take it anymore; closing the file, I finally just ask. "Okay what's wrong with you? And do not tell me nothing."

He stares at me, but I can tell he and Blaze are conversing. Takes him a whole three minutes before he says, "what do I need help with? No one knows about this situation besides the staff in my home and my Beta. I'm not ready for it to be out in the world just yet."

Since the start of this so-called favor, he has been very secretive about it. And now I'm starting to wonder if he will try locking me in a basement, keeping me hostage, or some shit. 

I can read people well, a lot too well, so whatever it is, I am sure he isn't going to hurt or harm me in any way. He told me it was personal, but this was more than personal. There is revenge in his eyes, hatred but towards who I do not know. Until he's ready, all I can do is assure him.

"Won't tell a sole unless you personally tell me I'm allowed, so if you are worried about that in any way, don't be."

"It's the only thing I am not worried about Emerald. What I'm worried about is when I tell you the story my anger and Blaze will take over. If that happens I need you to leave immediately. There is a reason I am so guarded and angry, still to this day I'm blinded by the rage I have. Need your help Emerald and after I meet you, I realized you can help me in more ways than one."

Knew from all my research and after meeting him that he needed help. But the more I talk to him, the more I see. This Alpha is broken inside, beyond broken, and maybe even weak. That's why he makes his exterior so damn hard, an asshole; it's his layer of defense. 

The more time I spend with him, the more I like him. I feel a connection with him. I want to know everything about him and help him in any way possible. Under his layers, he's a solid man, funny, has a heart on him, and is very warm. 

When I explained this to Declan, he thought I was falling for him, but that's not the case. Not in the way he is thinking. A part of me will love Archie, maybe even fall in love a little bit, but with me, there are different stages and meanings to love. You can love people for various reasons and purposes, and I know I need him in my life regarding Archibald.

"Going to help you, Archie, in all the ways I can. As for your rage, no one understands rage, hatred or revenge better than me. Have plenty of darkness of my own, I just had people to help me work through mine and something tells me you don't. Even before you blocked everyone out you didn't have many people to turn too. I'm here Archie just have to trust me."

The plane lands at the exact moment when I get down with my speech. Archie is fighting something internally, and he looks away from me for whatever reason. Gathering his things in his calm, cold, calculated manner. He put up his wall again, and I laughed internally because it made me think it would be easy. 

Instead of forcing him to talk, I just collected my things, placed them in my bag, and waited for them to open the door. The second our flight attendant stepped to the door, she barely got it open when Archie darted out of it like he was running from me. He almost knocked over the poor woman. 

I help stable her, "I'm sorry about that, not sure what's wrong with him and I won't make up a lie neither. Just going to apologize on his behalf for being an asshole."

"Thank you," she gives me a little girl, "but it's okay, Alpha Emerald."

That won't do for me. I give her a polite smile, "Emerald's fine and for the record, Alpha or no Alpha don't let men push you around. Yes there is limits with what you can say to them but never let one get to you. Okay?"

Can tell I shocked her a little bit. She just blushes and gives me a little nod. As I'm getting off the plane, Archie is pacing back and forth next to a car I assume is for us since someone placed my bags in the back. While he makes a phone call, I want to call Declan about the boy, and it surprises me when he answers on the first ring.

"Well this is a welcomed surprise, hello beautiful."

The stupid smile I get, "hello crazy, busy?"

He chuckles and sighs, "in a meeting as we speak."

"I'm sorry, you can call me back when you done."

"No baby, what do you need?"

Declan Emerson is the only man who can make me blush. "It's about the rogues, the boy he's fifteen. Name Brock, he's from Dark Jewel."

There is silence at the end of the line, and I know he's just as in shock as we were. Archie walks over and points at the phone, "Declan?"

I nod and tilt the phone down. He shows me his phone. It's a text from Beta Ashton. It's a personal file he kept, and there are pictures of the former Alpha raping the girl. Guess that's how they caught him. His Beta put cameras in his room. 

"The alpha did it and blamed the boy, didn't he?" Declan is growling through the phone. He must have been pulling up the file. There is too much anger around me, and I'm doing everything to control myself. 

"Yes."

I hear him slam his fist on the desk, and Goliath rages through him. A little too harsh for a room full of people.

"Hey, calm down both of you......please," say the softest and sweetest voice I can muster. 

We get into our car and start heading to Dark Moon while Declan gets control again. I know he's trying by his breathing and can hear Jackson talking to him. Takes about five minutes, but he finally gets it together.

"Sorry baby, talk to me. What do you want to do?"

"I want him out of that cell. He doesn't deserve that; he's been through enough. Have momma talk to him she has the same energy as his mom. Make sure he knows that we know he didn't do anything. Tell him that Alpha Ivan is no longer with the pack and that we have proof of his innocence. Archie wants him back in Dark Jewel, but before we send him back, I'll make sure the members know he was framed, though I'm sure they came to that conclusion already. See if Dad will take him for a little while unless you guys don't mind him in the pack house."

 Can feel Declan smiling at the other end of the phone, "after Mom hears this she's going to want him to stay, you know that. Wesley is going to talk to her now and we will have him out shortly. Okay?"

"Thank you, Declan."

"Anything for you, beautiful. Wesley wanted you to know that he's going to do the interviews after we are done with this meeting."

"Good need that to finish I went over everything I have. Oh have momma bake something for him, his mom owns a bakery. That may help relax him and get him to talk more."

He chuckles, "great minds, already mind-linked her."

"Of course you did. Now get back to your meeting."

"Who's the Alpha here?"

I laugh uncontrollably, "we both are D."

"Fine, I'm going. Text me when you get settled and I'll email you when Wes is done."

"Yes sir, Alpha Declan and thank you."

He sighs, "miss you already beautiful and no more alpha bull."

"Back at you crazy, bye."

He chuckles, "bye beautiful."

That man is making it really damn difficult not to talk to him. And I can't believe he answered the phone in a meeting. Aggravates me a little bit but overall makes me pretty damn giddy to have his attention like that. 

Archie doesn't say a single word for the rest of the car ride. Not one, and we'd been in this car for about twenty minutes. I have no clue how much longer we have but tired of the stick is up his ass. If this is how it will go, there is no point in me being here. 

And I've done enough. I will be one of many to put in the work. So until he wants to speak, I'm done talking. Will just have someone show me to the guest house and get some damn sleep since I haven't gotten none in two days.

Five minutes go by, and my phone goes off. It's a text from Wes.

Wes: Brock is with momma in the kitchen. When we told him that, we knew he was an innocent poor kid who broke down. She is setting him up in the spare room next to hers.

Wes: Starting interviews now and miss you.

Me: poor kid, thank you. Miss you more.

For the first time since leaving, I want to turn around and go the hell home. Would love to know what I did to piss Archie off but what? Who the hell knows. Guessing telling someone you are there for them is now a crime. 

Another ten minutes go by when we pull up to a gorgeous home that's just as big as our pack house, but I know it has to be nearly empty, considering he doesn't have a Gamma. His Beta has no mate or kids. The man is at least consistent and loves solitude. 

The driver parks the car, and again, Archie jumps the fuck out like I have the plague or something. Beta Adam opens more doors with a sympathetic look and whispers, "sorry about that."

"Don't be. He's being the ass. Anyways how are you, Beta Adam?"

The man damn near dies at my bluntness, but I can tell he's holding back a smile.

"Just Adam, and I'm okay. Are you holding up okay considering?"

"Yeah, sore but nothing I can't handle."

He grabs my bags, and we head into the house. He shows me the kitchen, which is surprisingly all white and light gray. It's beautiful and spacious. Points in the direction of the living quarters for the staff, which he will introduce another time. He nodded and mouthed where Archie's office was. I'm surprised it's on the first floor or close to the living area. The main house is so damn big I'm sure it didn't need to be.

Adam tells me he will show me the rest later. He wants to separate me from Archie, which I'm okay with. We walk through the gorgeous backyard.

I'm looking forward to exploring but would rather hide in this guest house. He opens the door, and it's two floors. The first floor has a living room, dining room, and a decent size kitchen. Also, office space and a restroom. 

Upstairs there are three rooms, and he puts my things down in the master, which is all blacks and whites. The furniture is all modern pieces blacked out. The bedding is pure white, and there are flowers on the bedside table, which surprises me. 

It's a massive bouquet with all-white flowers. Lilies, roses, and daises with some added greenery. All my favorites find it a little odd and know there is no way in hell Archie knows any of that. Adam sees me looking at them in confusion and gets a knowing smile. He plucks the card out from them and hands it to me. 

"These came for you about thirty minutes ago, here you go. I'm going to give you some space to settle if you need anything my number is on the kitchen counter."

"Thank you Adam, appreciate your help."

He nods, and off he goes. I sit on the edge of the bed and open up the card. To my surprise, they are from Declan.

I love you.

I miss you.

I'm sorry.

- Alpha Dickhead Emerson

The laughter that comes out of me reading that. I don't care if I interrupt his damn meeting, but hopefully, it's over. Again he answers on the first ring, and when he hears my laughter, he starts laughing. Before he can say anything, though, I do.

"I love you dickhead."

"I love you beautiful, do you like them?"

I run a petal from a lily between my fingers, smiling ear-to-ear, "again, love them."

"Happy to hear that. Settled yet?"

Rolling my eyes, "not yet."

"Out with it, what's wrong?"

"How the hell do you know somethings wrong?"

He knocks on his desk twice, and I can picture him leaning back, smiling, and doing just that. "I know you, beautiful can tell by your voice and breathing. So talk to me."

I wasn't going to say anything, but getting it off my chest will help relieve my annoyance. Go over everything that happened on the plane, the car ride, and once we got here. Also, tell him I will know the point of me being here if he speaks to me. Or if that's how he will handle things, then I'm not dealing with it. Honestly, he's acting more like a teenager than I am. Declan just sits there listening to me vent, and when I'm done, his quiet for a little bit. 

"I am going to say something but know it's not out of jealousy."

"Okay?" 

He lets out a soft chuckle, "he's falling for you. Between that and he's been alone for a long time. Not just out of personal choice but also his father was a complete shit bag. Archie's real last name is Fitzgerald, his father was the Alfred Fitzgerald. He was the worst Alpha in the books, treated his pack like pure dirt. Dark Moon used to be the worse pack to be affliated with simply because of their leader. He died when Archie was seventeen. He took over, changed his last name to his mother's though the older pack member knew who he really was but he didn't want them to compare him to his father. I would imagine on the last part. So you telling him that you'll be there for him, to share his darkness freaked him out. Not with you, with himself. He's getting in his head just give him time. I want you home but also know he needs your help. Even if it's just pulling him out of that hole he put himself in. No one does that better than you baby."

Why it never clicked that Archie was born a Fitzgerald, I'll never know. I should have known by his wolf's eye. Those burnt oranges with copper flying around them are unique and beautiful but unique to that particular bloodline. They even look alike. I will not be telling Archie that because I can only imagine. 

Alfred used to beat his pack member, make them work but take all the money. He was the worse wolf and person in existence. Absolutely disgusting. So if he treated his pack horribly could only imagine how he treated his son. The shit he's probably had to endure makes my heart ache. If space is what he needs, I can do that. 

A rare occurrence that I don't see what's right in front of me, but when I can't, Declan always points me in the direction I need to be in. The man is my rock, that's for sure. But what surprises me is that he knows Archie is falling for me, how he knows that I don't know but know better than to question him. He doesn't seem jealous at all. He's letting me stay here?

"He's falling for me and your cool with that?" I blurt out.

"Em, every guy falls for you, I told him he would, and he admitted it was happening. There is nothing I could do about that but he did say he'd stay out of my way. That he believes he belong together. However, he did tell me that if you ever leave me for good he was going to try. Told him not to hold his breath though."

These are Alpha that is just living in co-existence. One is in love with me, the other supposedly falling for me, and neither caring nor jealous. When in hell has that ever happened? And since when the hell did Declan start liking Archie? 

Today is weird, super damn odd.

"The lack of sleep must be messing with me because you aren't jealous that another mine might fall in love with me and you seem like you are now friends with Archie."

Declan laughs, "he will fall in love with you, I'm not jealous because I trust him but more importantly I trust you. You've never been a dishonest or disloyal person. When you tell me you love me and that your mine, I believe it. As for friends, guess you can say that. We talked for a while yesterday, think you are good for him and yeah I know you are going to fall for him in your own way. But I know your views on love and I know for you it's not the romantic fall in love so I am okay with it. But make no mistake he goes back on his word and tries I'll be killing him, he knows it too. As for you, if you go back on your word just know you'd be killing me."

When did Declan grow up? One day he was growling and snarling at me for talking to Markus, then next, he was a man who loved me. But not only love me but trusted that I would never hurt him. He also understands and accepts me for who I am, which he has always done. Just this is different. Men don't understand you can fall in love with people but want no romantic relationship. 

"I love you more for accepting that and never Declan. I would never do anything to hurt you or lose your trust in me."

"Never was more sure about something in my life. Now take a nap; you've been up for two days straight. That is not helping Gem. It's definitely not helping you or your health."

"Is that an order?" The grin on my face says it all. Please tell me it is. Don't like being bossed around often but by Declan? Ahh, fuck me into the next century.

He chuckles but one of those deep sexy laughs. "Sleep! Now!"

"Yes sir," I say in whispered moan because that just sent a shiver down my spine. His voice is like expensive whiskey going through my body.

Declan lets out a muffled groan, "I love you, baby."

"I love you more baby."

"Impossible," and he hangs up the phone before I can argue. For the best, because we would be on that phone forever, and my tiredness was starting to hit me.

I put my phone on the charger and crawl into the softest bed I've ever felt. The mattress is perfect, and the blankets are fluffy and warm. The pillows are the perfect blend of soft and firm. And the smell of fresh, clean linen with a splash of lavender. 

Don't know what's pissing me off more. The sun beaming through the doos to the balcony or my phone ringing. The sun shining isn't the wrong way to walk up, considering I wasn't ready yet. I shut my eyes and smack around on the nightstand until I find my phone. Don't even bother seeing who it is; I don't care. 

"Yeah?" I snap. 

Wesley's laughter is all I can hear, "well good morning to you princess."

My body snaps to attention, and my eyes widen, "MORNING?"

"Yes, princess, morning."

"Oh, Goddess! Sorry, what's up?"

He chuckles, "don't be you needed it. Declan just went into a meeting but he wanted me to tell you that Brock is doing okay. He actually asked Declan if he could go to school, so he sent him up there himself."

My heart explodes, freaking explodes! I'm so happy that Brock is doing well, which is a miracle considering all he's been through. Then Declan not only okayed it but took the initiative to do it himself when I know Esma would have gladly done it on her own. 

"That's amazing. Surprised that Brock seems to be okay but thankful. How are him and Alli getting along?"

That earns me a laugh, "guess she's a lot like his cousin according to him. They get along pretty well but they do bicker like brother and sister. Which chilled Jackson out once he noticed there was nothing there."

"He's in for a rude awakening soon, but again happy they get along. Finished the interviews?"

"Yeah, Declan sent that email to you last night."

"Alright I'll get on that."

"Okay have to get to training but miss you, love you. Text me later?"

Love this man. He is sweet as pie. "Love and miss you too, and yeah."

After we hung up, I checked my phone. Declan called me once last night but texted me a bunch to tell me he loved and missed me, how sorry I was, how beautiful I am, and things like that, and each one melts my heart a little bit more. I'm not going to answer these, and he's not expecting me, but he knows how I feel. That's all that matters. 

Then I see two texts from Archie. One last night and one from about an hour ago.

Archie: I apologize, Emerald. Are you okay? Would like to speak with you.

Archie: When you wake up, come to my office, I'll be here until late this afternoon. Also, put my rogue files on your kitchen counter. No rush. Finish yours first.

Now that I had some sleep, now is a better time to deal with Archie. My anger and lack of rest only fueled my annoyance. And despite that, I am here to watch him, to learn how he runs things, and to make him better for not only Dark Jewel but his entire pack. 

I'm not texting him back, though; going to get ready and sneak up on him. The minimum punishment he deserved for his little attitude last night. 

I take the most fantastic shower because, like Esma's, this shower is gigantic and beautiful and fucking everything. My body isn't healed yet, but I feel ten times better between sleep and the shower. I applied my minimal makeup, fixing my brows, mascara, and a little nude lipstick. Nothing extreme, and thankful for my genetics. I have smooth skin, so I don't need all the extras.  

As for my outfit went for my usual business casual sexy look since, yes, I go to school but do a lot of work for Dean and Esma. I intend meetings almost daily or have my own things I'm in charge of. 

I'm wearing a pair of skinny jeans with slight tears and a white silk button-down that I tucked in and left a few buttons undone. It doesn't show cleavage, but a minor move might get a peak. Also, the necklace Declan got me. Then a designer black belt to go right along with my designer black pumps. Those make me a solid four inches taller, so Archibald can't say I'm short for an Alpha today.

I brush my teeth and spray my perfume, then head downstairs to grab a drink and my laptop so I can go through the interviews whenever Archie is busy. When I get to the kitchen, though, the rogue files are not only there, which is a crap ton, by the way. But also there is a green envelope sitting there, and by the writing of my name, I already know it's Dec. 

I opened it to find a picture of him and me when we were about six. His arm was around my shoulders, and we were eating ice cream cones, but at the time this picture was taken, we had ice cream all over our faces cheesing like no other. Always been one of my favorites. I turned it over to see if there was anything on the back, and there was.

I love you. I miss you. I'm sorry. 

This will always be one of my favorite memories. Not long after this was taken, you shoved your cone into Libby's face for making fun of another kid.

Reason Number One: Your heart.

Two days in a row, I got something with the same three statements, which both have meaning. I know his plan, and I can only imagine what he has up his sleeve until I get home. But this is the sweetest thing he could do, and a small part of me feels bad. The other? Well, feel like a princess. 

I give the picture one last look with the biggest smile on my face then I put it in my computer bag along with five files from the stack of Archies, just in case I have the time. But first, we will make sure he's taking care of them. Properly!

Walking out of the guest house, the smell of roses hits my nostrils. They smell beautiful, and I glance over. I didn't notice yesterday, but the guest house is lined with white roses. Not feeling like something Archie would want or do. Maybe someone in his staff maintains the grounds. I'm sure he would let them do what they wanted out here.

They are beautiful, and later plan on exploring but for now going to go see the King Asshole himself. When I open the back door, Adam is standing there speaking to staff members by the uniforms they are wearing. Black slacks, white plain t-shirts but with the Dark Moons crest imprinted on the sleeve. Adam turns around and gives me a smile, "was wondering when you'd bless us with you presence, how are you this morning?"

When Archie is not around, he's all pleasant and flirty. That may mean Archie's mood is better as well.

"Much. Was not my plan but not sleeping in two days does that."

He chuckles, "it does but sorry. Emerald this is Alice and Emily. Alice is our chef and Emily is her assistant."

They both seem nice and give me genuine smiles. Alice holds her hand to me, so I shake her hand, "Esma sings your praises, personal and in the kitchen."

"Well yeah not to bad, did learn everything I know from her. Wasn't aware you two knew each other?"

Adam gives Alice a little smile and nods, "they went to culinery school together. The whole Emerson family seems to think highly of you."

"Ah, but that's a mutual feeling. But nice to meet you, Alice, you to Emily." They both nod and smile once more before tending to their duties. Adam shoves his hands in his pockets and nods towards Archies office, "he's in a meeting but said to let you in."

He taps on the door once before opening it, and now I have five sets of eyes looking at me like they are wolves and I'm their prey. The irony, I know. Even Archie can't help but let his eyes roam my body. Adam has never stopped since I walked through the back door. So six seats in total.

As I take in every man in the room, there is one I know. I gently place my bag on the floor and cross my arms, giving him the flirtiest damn grin, "Think I like you more with blood all over your face."

He rubs his chin returning the grin, "was hoping you'd forgot that."

Archie demands all the attention in the room when you hear his chair roll back. He stands and walks around behind his desk, "you two know one another?"

"Yeah, met him three years ago."

Jacoby laughs, "correction I met your foot and fist first three years ago, than a year later I meet you."

"Please explain," Archie gets a slight grin.

"Three years ago, when you sent me to that warrior training camp, we did lightening thirty-second spend rounds. She round-housed and upper-cut me, laying me out within the first three seconds. Two years ago at the Alpha, Beta training camp we officially meet."

Sweet, sweet memories. The only reason we didn't meet the first time officially was that it was like what humans call speed dating; instead, we beat the hell out of each other. There were 50 of us in the class, and he was my third. By the time we got done, I was exhausted. The guys also went with me to train, so they dragged me out of there.

Then three years ago, a few warriors were sent to the training for the Alpha and Beta. We had a few wild packs, threatening the lives and the camp itself. Dramatic times for no reason. They never did a damn thing, and the warriors ended up making up training sessions to kill time while their Alpha and Beta were in session.

"Odd, first time I seen Emearld she was kicking another trainee's teeth across the room. Seems to be a theme."

I had no idea he had seen that, but it wasn't because we were sparing no. He decided to run his disgusting mouth. 

"Jacoby didn't deserve it, Kelce should just be thankful that's all I did."

All the men grin in my direction, and Archie shake's his head. I know he will ask about that story later. He waves his hands in the direction of the men who all stand up, "Emerald, this is Bradley Warrior Pack Leader, Joe, his second in command. Jacoby along side Liam work under these two. They are essiental leaders of the soldiers in charge of training them and seeing if any can move up to warriors."

Now that idea I like! A lot of work for one or two people to do everything. Not to mention you can miss potential talent just by overlooking it since you are in charge of many members. It's brilliant, and though Archie's pack is smaller than ours, his warriors and soldiers are top-tier.

Jacoby is an exceptional warrior, which must mean Liam is as well. I wouldn't mind observing them too. See how they run things or if they can be run better.  

Bradley is the first to shake my hand. Knew his name, just not his face or him because of dad. "Carter's princess, have one proud father."

"And he has one proud daughter."

He just smirks then I make my way through everyone, though Jacoby hugs me. It erk Archie for a flash before shaking it out of his system. 

Jacoby looks me over quickly, "Gem still not awake or you doing your ritual of enjoying the pain before healing."

That earns me a questioning stare from around the room, even from the man who asked me. Not going into detail on that, do not want or need to. So smack that down.

"Both, but please, gentlemen, continue with your meeting."

Adam motions for me to follow him to the other side of the office, where an l-shaped, black sectional is. Wolves love sectionals for some reason, but whatever, it's comfortable. Adam sits beside me but an uncomfortable distance away. It's facing Archies direction, so you can see everything going on. 

They are going over some of the soldiers who they think have potential and who doesn't. If they don't, Archie wants to know why. Though their answers are vague, he accepts them. I do not entirely agree with some of their reasonings because they are confident in their responses. Think that's why Archie isn't questioning either.

 But another ten minutes go by when they start talking about another soldier. I can instantly see Jacoby and Liam are not in agreement with Joe or Bradley. They aren't saying anything, just glancing at one another, pissed off. I wait, and I wait, hoping one of them will speak up. Doesn't happen. Archie is about to shut the file when I just give up.

"Speak!" 

Archie looks up at me. The other four turn around, confused by my outburst. Adam covers his mouth, but I can feel him trying not to laugh. Jacoby and Liam look at one another again, wondering if I'm talking to them. At this point, I just laugh, "yes you two! Speak!"

Bradley raises a brow wanting to say something but also intrigued by my boldness. These two don't speak, so I get my happy ass off the couch and walk toward Archie, "may I?"

He hands me the file without hesitation, and I start pacing around the room, reading it. My eyes scanned all the paperwork twice, even though the first time, I knew it was a mistake not to let him into warrior training. He's an elite soldier. It's more of a lack of teaching and patience. This kid wants to learn it's all here, right fucking here.

"You two are making a mistake and you two are failing as leaders to...." glancing at the name again, "Connor. You're allowing the mistake to happen."

Now Bradley speaks, and he's not happy, "excuse me!"

He wants to say more, and before I put him in his place, we could get it out of his system. 

"Continue please, get it out of your system so I can show you why your making a mistake. Because it's not Connor its you four and your trainers that are failing him. So out with it tell me off."

Bradley and I are dead-locked on one another for a solid five minutes. His wolf wants to come out, but Bradley is stopping him for some reason. I don't know if it's respect for my dad or Archie. But I don't care just wish he would come out.

Archie finally breaks the party apart but simply just stands. Think Bradley thought I was going to get yelled at or barked at by the smirk on his face, but that falls quickly when Archie starts to speak.

"Emerald, tell me what you see."

"You two said it would be wasted on him, correct? For his lack of willingness to learn?"

Joe and Bradley nod once, both livid at the moment. I grab the folder off the desk, open it and drop it on Bradley's lap.

"Either you don't read, pay attention, or both. On top of his regular training, he signs up for every open-door training class your pack has. Warrior and Soldier, not one has he missed. Not only that, he is the fastest shifter and runner out of the soldiers. Want to know what that tells me?" 

I watch as they both go back through the file. Brad is fuming. Joe looks well, to put it mildly, embarrassed but is the one to acknowledge my question.

"What does it tell you?"

"That is not a lack of learning, he wants to learn. Hell he fucking craves it. The real issue or combination there of is lack of patience, shitty trainers which highly doubt since I know quite of few of your warriors. So that leaves overlooking because one he is an omega and not from a prominant bloodline or two one of you have something personal against him or his family. So please tell me which one is it?"

Bradly finally fucking snaps and roars at me. His wolf hasn't fully taken over, but his eyes are all blue, glowing with a black line down the middle. I snort and laugh, "thank you, just found then answer I was looking for."

"Who the fu..."

Before he can finish, I step toe-to-toe with him with a smile, "Alpha Emerald, Beta Emerald, and Future Warrior Pack Leader of Silver Moon Emerald. Now Jacoby and Liam, if you want Alpha Archie to respect you, open your damn mouth and give your opinions. There is a way of doing it respectfully without pissing him off. Not difficult. Now Jacoby tell your Alpha over there what Bradley's deal is with Connor?"

Jacoby doesn't was a minute and immediately starts talking, "Connor and Elizabeth have been dating a year. He was never a fan because, like Emerald said, his bloodline is of no prestige. But a month ago, they found out they were mates. Bradley threatened to kick Connor out of the program if he even tried to mate with her. Neither one rejected the other, but Connor did break up with her."

Brad is still trying to intimidate me, but I'm getting bored, so I just laugh, turning my back to him. Archie is just nodding his head and sitting back down at his desk. Silent for a minute before he looks over my shoulder to Brad, "about time you said something; been waiting. And for the record, Emerald, I was moving him into the warrior training next week."

Not surprised at all. Archie knew the truth this entire time, and when I looked at that file, he had seen the same things I did. But these four seemed to be shocked that he knew. Like genuinely shocked, and Brad knows he's in for it. What he did, there is a high chance he will lose his job. 

But I'm no longer needed in this conversation. I turn my back to Archie and take my happy ass back over the couch, where Adam smiles and reaches out to give me a fist bump. Archie chuckles a tiny bit, enough that it doesn't draw the men's attention too much.

"Saw that you two."

Adam chuckles, and I put on my innocent face, "don't know what you are referring too."

Jacoby keeps his face forward but tosses his thumb in my direction, "she's too damn good at that."

Archie smiles in my direction, and damn, that man does have a sexy smile. "Rest assured I know, she called me an asshole yesterday."

Get heads snapped in my direction. Adam is five seconds from losing his shit. I give them all a shrug and cross one leg over the other, "in all fairness you were being one." 

That does Adam in he's done. He doesn't even stay in the room, probably worried Archie will strangle him, but I know he's not. Jacoby smirks and glances at Archie, "how long is she here for?"

"Roughly two weeks, maybe a few days longer depending."

Liam eyes me up and down. I already know he's going to try. Won't stop him, but he gives his Alpha back the attention, "would rather keep her Alpha, if I'm being honest."

That makes him laugh, but he doesn't say anything about it. Just starts telling them what needs to happen from now on. He ensured Liam and Jacoby, even Joe, that they needed to talk to him if they had a different opinion. Making sure they knew he wanted their thoughts and their honesty. He's there to settle the problems, but he can only do that if they communicate. And right then, I watch all their respect for Archie, even Brad's, tripling in just ten minutes. 

He stands behind his desk, indicating the meeting is over. But looks directly at Brad, "come back after your last training class so we can speak about this issue, understood? And if I hear you go near Connor or giving him a hard time before that, there will be hell to pay."

There are no words just bows his head in agreement. All of them but him wave to me as they exit the room. Bradley needs to take his anger out on someone, and I guess that person is me, though I didn't do a damn thing to him besides bring his secret vendetta out into the open. 

Connor is a damn good kid, according to his file. He is an excellent Soldier, graduated high school at the top of his class, works hard, and is a good person. Works part-time for her mom, but because he's not from money or a distinguished family, Brad won't let his daughter be happy. That is just selfish and pathetic.

Connor loves Elizabeth. Not only does he love her, but he would also protect her just like he wants to do this pack. Bradley isn't the worse father in the world, but damn that is pathetic. More often, the not the most high-ranking members or those within their bloodline are entitled pricks. Who, in all honesty, would either deny her as their mate or treat her like pure crap. Not saying all, but it's a high probability that's precisely what would happen.

"What do you think would make him hate me more, paying for their ceremony or marrying them off myself?"

Archie snorts and lets a hardy laugh, "at the moment probably the second though he will get over it."

I'm not sure about that last part, but I don't care anyway. 

Archie checks his watch and then looks up at me, "Beta Ashton will be here any second, he asked me yesterday if he could come speak with me. Imagine it's him trying to presude me to take over but if you aren't ready you don't need to do this yet."

"It's okay. He deserves to know who I am and what will happen. Maybe the members will settle down and stop worrying so much knowing an Alpha is holding the position. I'm giving it to you but want to know your plans since I know they are living in chaos right now."

He nods, leaning up against his desk, "they are. So for now we will work as Co-Alphas for the pack?"

"Yes but that would mean they will be expecting us soon rather than later?"

"I need to be here the rest of this week, but can head there early Monday morning. Spend a week there. Until then, we will have Ashton give us everything on the pack. Start making adjustments, seeing if anything needs to be fixed, rebuilt, supplies, and their accounts. Any and everything we can do from here. Sure you are but do you know how most of those things work? How to read the reports the finicial reports?"

Swear he forgets who I am. "Yes, I do."

He smiles, "Of course you do, and Emerald?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be Archie. Told you I understood you."

"Yeah," he mumbles softly. His eyes are down on looking at his watch, but I know he's just trying not to look at me. Though again, I wonder why I just wish he would. Really want to know why I'm here. He said he needed me, not just for me personally, and here I am, still not being told why.

And once again can't ask because we get interrupted. Even though I knew it was coming still irritates my soul.  

Archie opens the door, waving them inside. Beta Ashton is thanking him profusely for seeing him when he notices me and just stops. Stops breathing, stops talking, stops blinking, stops everything. He's looking at me like he saw a ghost, though he's not much older than me. I think somewhere right in the middle of Archie and me. 

Ashton ranges from 20 - 23. That would put him at around two to six when my mother left the pack. Speaking of how my mother continued going to Dark Jewel when all that happened. She was just a kid, a young one barely in school. 

Archie lifts his hand towards me, "Ashton this is Em...."

"Emerald Brooks, daughter of Ruby and Charles Brooks."

"Yes? Though it's Brooks-Withsmith but yes that's me. Have I meet you before?"

He shakes out of his trans, "no, sorry just well our dad's were best friends. There was pictures of him and your mom all over my house. You are identical to her but with Charles skin tone, eye shape too. My dad said Charles had a daughter but he didn't know what happened to you after you mom left the pack when you turned three. We all thought you moved to the human world."

I know all this information about myself, though I find it odd that he examined the pictures enough. Then again, my parents were the elite warriors for their pack, so they were royalty to him. 

"The Alpha at the time of my mom leaving must of not been paying attention or didn't do the paperwork. She ended up finding her second mate, Carter Withsmith of Silver Moon pack. Though we did live in the human world right after my father passed away but still was associate with the pack. We moved to Silver Moon when I was three."

Ashton is just still staring at me, not blinking. I don't know what more he knows or isn't saying but starting to annoy me. After a beat, he lets out a fake cough and shoves his hands in his pockets, trying to keep his composure. 

"What brings you to Dark Moon? If you don't mind me asking."

I point at him, "You. Dark Jewel. It's mine."

That's all I give him because, well his annoying the living piss out of me. He needs to get together. He's a damn Beta, for crying out loud. Ashton steps closer to me and sits on the couch, clasping his hands in front of him. He looks down, letting out a ragged breath, "is your wolf black with a dark green tint in the light."

"Yes."

Ashton nods, "you are Alpha and Beta. The rumors are true they didn't kill all Eros bloodline."

"Not only that but some of us lived right under their noses without being found out. Which I would love to know how."

Those dark green eyes look up at me finally and sigh, "there are rumors, legends and those all would make sense. We could go over those if you want."

I want to hear every story he can tell me, but for now, we need to handle the pack business. My personal heritage is something that can wait. 

"Another time, want everything you can give me. For now let's talk about the pack and how we can help you."

He smiles and lets out a sigh of relief, "absolutely. What do you want to know or do?"

Archie walks over and sits down next to me. Sitting so close, his scent swarms around my body like a hug. Never been near a wolf that smells of ocean breeze and citrus. It's a beautiful, oddly happy smell for someone so miserable. Addicting, though, is very addicting. 

For the next hour, we go over everything possible with Ashton. When I tell you, my heart is shattering for these people. Their former leader would take everything and leave them with the bare minimum, so when he got arrested, most families started going hungry. Ivan funneled the money he was taking from them and their businesses before the elders took him in. And for his sake, I hope they killed or are torturing him. 

Torture is getting off easy, in my opinion. But beggars can't be choosers. 

Other packs, including Archie and mine, have sent them enough food to last another week. Once Ivan was gone, deliveries stopped, so we needed to get everyone's stock to place an order. We need to fill the stores and restaurants so many can be made again. The only businesses open are the mandatory ones.

While discussing possible solutions or temporary ones, my mind wonders about the money he stole. He can't be using it; everyone in his family is dead. No friends that we are aware of. So he had to put it in an account, thinking he would get to run off before he was taken in. And a brilliant human pops into my head.  

My hand grabs onto Archie's bi-cep. Not even thinking, I just got excited and interrupted him, "sorry! But Ashton by chance do you have the computer Ivan used to use."

"Uhm, yeah. A laptop. It's out in my car, why?"

The sequel that comes to me is obnoxious. I know it, but don't care. 

"Go grab it! Please!"

Ashton snorts under his breath but doesn't question it. Archie looks at me with the biggest smile, "what is going on?"

"Just might be able to find that money."

"Are you a cyber security expert now?" He says jokingly.

"No asshole," I smack his arm playfully, "but did you know the owner of DarkX is a pack member of Silver Moon."

He can't believe his ears, and don't blame him. DarkX is the biggest cyber security company in the world. They are a multibillionaire company, though you couldn't tell by the way Brian lives. He is a modest man. Only buys what he needs, nothing more. The only thing he did was buy his two dream cars. The rest couldn't tell you what he does besides he donates to the pack on top of the percentage we take. Though the percentage is small, he doesn't need to do that, nor do we ask. He just does it monthly like clockwork.

Ashton returns with the laptop, and I call Brian on speaker while it turns on. Should have thought that one through but whatever. 

"Well hello gorgeous! Going to let me take you on a date yet?"

When I tell you Archies body, the heat changed instantly. The heat coming off him is starting to make me sweat. He doesn't have the right to be jealous or should have waited until I answered before getting pissed off.

"No, but you will do me the world the biggest favor in the universe."

He chuckles, "and what do I get out of this?"

Rolling my eyes, "I won't tell Declan, Jackson or Wesly you hit on me or asked me out. Remember what happened last time?"

Brian lets out hiss remembering the pain of his nuts being kicked in and then letting the boys drag race his sports car. It was a mess; they only did that because Brian was married. Also, freaking fifty.

"It's to help Dark Jewel, Ivan stole all the pack funds and they are barely surving if that makes you feel better." 

"Shit, should of told me that Em. Wouldn't want nothing for that, hated that piece of shit. Take it you have his computer?"

I smile over at Ashton and Archie, "yep."

"Give it to me."

I give him the IP address and everything he needs. We watch for the next thirty minutes at a computer screen moving around, clicking through shit all on its own. Also, he listens to Brian's colorful language whenever he finds something disgusting. There is a lot there, but Ashton told us he didn't want to get rid of it. He sent it to the elders but wanted the backup in case something happened. I can't blame them for that one. He wants to make sure to keep his pack safe. 

"Uhm...Em?"

"Yeah?"

His wolf growls at me, catching all our attention, but the computer screen goes black. I give him a few minutes to collect himself and bring everything back up.

I wait about five minutes before saying a word, "Bri? What's wrong?"

"I found it, all of it. And Em that family has been stealing from the pack since they took over. Ivan put everything in one account under his third cousins name that died forty years ago. There is a....well let's just say Dark Jewel won't be hurting anymore."

He turns the screen back on, and my mouth drops open. Nothing coming out, paralyzed where I set. Archie growls in anger. Ashton mumbles, "holy fucking shit." And he falls to the ground staring at the screen. 

My finger slowly starts lifting, and I look over at Archie, "do...does that say what I think it does?"

"How many member's are there in Dark Jewel?"

"We had people leave for other packs to survive you know? Didn't have the heart to force them to say, they had kids an...."

Archie shakes his head, "no, no that's fine! I would expect that and I'm glad you let them go. I need to know how many are there now."

"A little over 15,000."

He turns his attention, "we put in a delivery of supplies for the stores, restuarants, everything tonight. Should be there by Wednesday. I'm sure the clothing boutiques and things like that are still stocked. After we get everything stocked and opened, we send out a sum to each family. Thinking $5,000 because it will be enough to survive on for a week or two. From the finance reports and the timing the house payments have been made already before Ivan left?"

"Yes, housing and bills are fine for another two weeks," Ashton adds.

Archie nods, "Okay, so yeah. The territory will be in full swing again, things will be open, and people can go back to work if they were shut down. We can hire construction crews to start fixing things. I love the territory, the old buildings. I prefer to keep them brings character. And then the money serves two purposes. One they have something to live off of. We will still provide the food for the rest of the month so they don't need to spend on that unless they want. And two a sign of good faith. Everything on a turn for the better."

Just like that, I fell in love with Archie. The heart he's hiding behind all that armor. His soul is nothing short of beautiful. Declan will get a kick of this because it didn't even take a whole day.

There is nowhere in my life that Archie won't be a part of. I need someone like him in my life. I want him by my side, and I will love watching these two packs become one. 

And no, falling in love doesn't mean I want to drag him to his room. He's one of my very best friends from here on out. The room part is only because he is built like a God, like I've said, but it's not a dire need, just a natural one with any girl that would look at him.

There is nothing but pride and love in the smile I'm giving him right now. "I love that idea. Do it."

Brian took about fifteen minutes to seat up a new account under Archie's name and transferred everything. Dark Jewel is no longer in suffering mode. 

Archie thought it was a good idea to write a press release to Jewel Pack before Ashton returns since we can't go. That way, they know the basics of what's going on. Also, they have an Alpha that cares for them and will be there on Monday to speak with them, answer questions, and do anything they may need.

The moon goddess accomplished a miracle today. It's not often she amazes me, but today? I'm elated to have her as my Goddess. I hope this is a sign that she's done putting me through all these screwed-up things.

Ashton leaves the happiest Beta in the world, and Archie drags me out of the office for lunch. When we entire the kitchen, all happy and smiling, Alice had a big smile on her face too, "well good afternoon you two, seems like your meeting went well."

Archie pulls a stool out for me at the island, "very good."

"Good to hear, teriyaki salmon over rice and asperghasi okay?"

"Perfect Alice, thank you."

Archie is friendly with one person, that's Alice. And Emily? See why he's avoiding her. She is standing there a flustered mess, bright red, and keeps flicking her eyes to steal looks of her Alpha. The girl has it bad.

I put my head down, giggling, and out loud without care that the poor girl is standing right here, "are you laughing at my misery?"

"Wouldn't go that far but yeah."

Alice slides us our plates, and oh my, the salmon is mouth-watering and delicious, and I haven't even tasted it yet. But can tell something is coming from this woman. She leans her elbows on the counter with an I know a secret smile.

Sighing, I drop my fork before talking a bit, "what did Esma tell you?"

Archie is just eyeing both of us, waiting for her to answer. 

"She told me you make these steak bagels to die for, and you have this secret sauce you use. She said it's so delicious that she's thankful she will never be pregnant again because it would be her number one craving."

I do make a mean steak in general, but my bagel is. Goddess! I'm drooling just thinking about them. 

"It would be a toss up of that and the garlic steak bites I make forsure. But they are damn delicious."

"Now that I need try," Archie nudges me, trying his own way to persuade me. Alice has her hands in a praying motion pouting. The woman is in her late thirties, brooding to get her way! Who am I kidding? That's going to be with Declan. 

"Fine, tomorow. Now can I eat this because it looks amazing."

"Please," she waves her hand towards my plate and drags Emily's shaky hand out of the kitchen. 

Archie blows out a breath, "girl acts like she's never seen a man before."

"Aren't you used to that shit by now? Alpha's get that attention from age, like, well, their whole damn lives."

"Looking, checking me out doesn't bother me, but the nervousness. That not only drives me crazy but turns me all the way off."

I burst into laughter, "Archie, every fucking female I've seen near you acts that way. Besides Alice and myself, that I know of so far. So when the fuck do you get laid?"

"I pick the less nervous one," he chuckles, "it's my only fucking option."

"Please explain to me what less nervous looks like?"

He points in the direction the ladies walked away, "half of that. They aren't shakey when I get them but they sure the fuck are when I'm done."

The laughter in the air lasts for about ten minutes, and in walks Adam, smiling ear-to-ear, "what has both of you in tears?"

"Archie's ability to make a woman shake by his presence or after."

Adam smacks her forehead, "Goddess!"

Archie snorts, "don't let that prude act fool you; same thing with him."

Adam drops his head on the counter, hysterically laughing with us. By the looks, we are getting from the staff walking by, thinking this is a rare occurrence. Maybe not Adam laughing but Archie and maybe them together. It feels good bringing them together and some life into this house.

Everyone is just talking and having a good time while we finish lunch. By the way, fantastic! See why Archie hired her beside her being the nicest lady on the planet. Adam had something to do in town, so he headed out, but I could tell he enjoyed hanging out and talking with Archie. He saw him in a new light today that was clear he hadn't seen before. 

I will make sure before I leave he's wholly open, but I'm tired of waiting around to see what this flavor is. He needs to be pushed because he's putting it off intentionally. As he collects our plates, I watch him walk around the kitchen island and place them in the sink. 

As he turns around, I can see his wheels turning inside his head.

"I have a son!"

What? What? Did he just say?

Archibald has a fucking son!