Jasper I left the house feeling on top of the world. Ruby was amazing, and I could feel that she was moving on. I was surprised to see her bare my mark when I returned home. As if she knew how badly I wanted her. The lovemaking she initiated was a blessing. I was too afraid to touch her because I did not want to set us back by irritating her or hurting her feelings. I commended her boldness and her effort. Telling me we belonged to each other got me pumped up. I was more determined now than ever. I was worried about Racheal's visit. It might bring back the bad memories of what had transpired, and we would be back to where we started. I was worried about how she would take her friend inheriting the life she lost. Racheal was going to be Randolph's luna. I prayed that, for both our sakes, Ruby handles it well. Deep down, I wished Racheal had cut off completely because the last thing I wanted was for my mate to be reminded of all that she lost and how far she had fallen on the social l

Jasper Cindy and I finished and decided to grab a drink at Moe's. I got a text from Ruby that she would be coming to town with Rachael. I suspected that Racheal hadn't told her about the joining yet because Ruby seemed happy about bringing her to town. I crossed my heart and hoped that nothing would break her heart. She had been through enough. For someone that people claimed had a bad reputation, Ruby wasn't wild at all. She would have visited the neighbouring packs for fun if she was wild. After all, I did tell her she was allowed to see other people. Not once did she leave home in search of the company. There were times I returned home thinking I would smell another presence or find someone, but it was just her. What she did while in her father's house was her way of acting out the oppression. The way her family handled the situation showed she had little or no support. Her father only saw her as an object, a ladder that he could use to go higher and stay at the top. The respect he

Ruby Cindy returned my car early in the morning. I waited for Jasper to get ready for work, but he hung around. When it was eight in the morning, I had to ask him. " Are you not going to work?" " I have decided to spend the day with you. I do not want you to sit here alone after what happened yesterday." He said, and my heart swelled. Jasper was trying to remain on guard. It was normal for him to expect that people might pay me a visit after what transpired. He was only trying to protect me in the best way possible. " So, what will happen at work?" I asked him, and he shrugged. " I will get a query tomorrow, and that will be it. " He responded, and I looked at Jasper with shock and surprise registered on my face. " Are you sure that is wise?" I asked him, and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow. " I mean. I can't get a job, and we need money to get by," I said, not knowing whether talking about money with Jasper was appropriate. Our relationship was strange, and we had never

Ruby Jasper looked stunned at my request. I knew he would be worried, but I did not expect him to be this worried. I had thought about it all day, and I knew avoiding the joining would be cowardly. Racheal had been my friend since kindergarten. She had never betrayed me. She always stood by me and stuck her neck out for my sake. I knew Randolph must have fallen in love with Rachael for him to choose her over Brianna and all the girls in families higher than hers. I also knew that the pack would not be so thrilled about the match, but love was fundamental in joinings. It was only logical that I supported her. I had nothing new to wear, and I knew people would make fun of my old clothes, but it was worth it. I just hoped that Jasper would agree to go with me. I did not want to face the pack alone, but I would not impose. " It is okay if you decide not to come," I quickly said because it was taking too long for him to respond. He opened his mouth to speak, and then he closed it back. I

Ruby I woke up early in the morning feeling a bit down. It was the day of the joining. I hated that I would not have a gift for Racheal more than the fact that I would be wearing my old clothes. For the first time, I felt like sneaking to my father's house and getting a dress from my old room. I looked at Jasper; he was still sleeping. I was desperate. None of the clothes Racheal sent was good enough for the event. I dreaded being laughed at. So I snuck out of the apartment, entered my car and headed towards the town. The worst that would happen was that my father or the pack members would see me and kill me. At this point, I did not care. I would rather wear my clothes than worn-out hand-me-downs. So I stepped on the gas. I knew what I was doing was dangerous and stupid, but I had nothing to live for or look forward to anyway. I might as well steal my clothes. I parked in front of my father's house. He was never home at this time. So I carried the bin bags I came with and let mysel