Luna

23

Finally feeling full, I laid across Josh on the couch. "I feel better."
He laughed and took his last bite of pancakes, "Good. I don't think I've ever seen you eat so much before."
"Where's Bay?"
"School with Connor, they missed too much and Kyle is up north sniffing out the border with the guard."
Sighing, I nodded, "When will he be back?"
"Tomorrow. But..."
The door swung open and Josiah came running in shouting, "Josie!"
"I'm okay."
He was trembling and shook as he moved to the living room, "You better be."
Carefully, I stood and opened my arms for him, "See, all better."
Eagerly he scooped me up into his arms and held me tight, "I've been worried sick about you, everyone has. All the Alphas and packs have been going crazy."
Beth and Cris ran in and sandwiched me in a powerful hug, making me wince.
Josh growled, "Gentle!"
Beth blushed while Cris laughed, "Sorry Alpha."
Josh pulled me against his chest with a scowl on his face.
Mom came in smiling, "I'll get dinner started."
Sighing, I reluctantly stepped away from Josh and moved to my mom's side. "Thank you."
She smiled and kissed my cheek, "We need to talk tomorrow and figure this out."
Stepping back, I nodded, "She wants her wolf."
Mom's eye widened, "Alright, just relax for now." She squeezed my hand, "Enjoy your time with your friends, they've been worried sick about you."
Taking a deep breath, I fought back my anger and turned around smiling at my brother, Cris and Beth. "How was your trip?"
Josh eagerly pulled me back into his arms and sat on the couch, pulling me onto his lap.
Beth smiled, "Better when we found out you had woken up."
Cris nodded and sat done beside her, "Yeah! You can't do that again."
My jaw tightened, "If I needed to, I'd do it a million times over again Cris." My eyes flashed silver, "He is mine!"
Beth gasped.
Cris moved back with his arms raised, "I didn't mean any disrespect at all."
Shaking my head, I forced her back, making my nose bleed. "Sorry, she wants revenge."
Josh held me tighter and wiped the blood from my cheeks, "Take it easy baby." He kissed my mark and pleasure pulsed through me.
Again the door flew open and Bailey shouted, "Where is she?"
Josh yelled back, "In here!"
She came sprinting through the door but to my surprise, froze and looked over at Cris. When their eyes locked, I could feel the full force of their bond and I couldn't help but smile.
Cris immediately stood, "Mine!"
Bailey's whole face lit up and she ran into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist as they buried their faces into each others necks, drinking in each other's scents.
Josh chuckled and whispered into my ear, "I called that one."
Laughing, I turned in his arms, "Me too! They're perfect for each other."
Connor laughed, "Thank the good goddess!"
Josh rolled his eyes and cleared his throat.
Bailey pulled away with a bright blush on her cheeks. Cris just watched her, the look on his face was priceless. It was as if he had seen the goddess herself.
Josh gently set me down on the couch as he stood and walked over to the two of them. He looked like he was pissed off and I could feel his power rolling off of him but I could feel how happy he was for his sister.
Cris finally looked up with wide eyes but he held his ground.
Josh smiled softly and held out his hand, "Welcome to the family brother."
Everyone gasped as Cris' smile brightened and shook his hand. "Thank you Alpha."
Josh shook his head, "No need for formalities now, we're family. You may call me Josh."
Everyone watched this play out in total disbelief. Connor was astonished by the sight of his Alpha being openly kind but I wasn't amazed. This is the man I knew, the Josh I love most. Missing his warmth, I stood and wrapped my arms around his waist, pulling him closer.
"I'm so happy for you guys."
Cris smiled and pulled Bailey closer to him, "Thanks JoJo."
"Why don't you and Bay grab some food and go down to the beach to get to know each other."
Cris smiled but frowned, "Are you sure?"
Bailey nodded, "You just woke up, I don't want..."
"No. No. I insist. Mates come first." I smiled, "We can catch up later."
They both smiled and Bailey pulled him into the kitchen.
Beth giggled, "Looks like some good came out of this situation."
"That it did."
Mom came in smiling, "Dinner is ready."
Everyone shot up and headed for the kitchen but I sighed and held onto Josh, "Hey Josh?"
His eyes widened in worry, "What is it? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine but I'm tired."
He scooped me up in his arms, "Let's get you to bed then."
"I get to stay in your room right?"
"Of course!" He easily strolled up to his room and rested me on the bed, "Do you need anything?"
"No. I just need to shower, I feel gross."
He smirked, "Am I allowed to join?"
"No."
He frowned, "I won't look."
Standing, I shook my head, "I said no."
"Why are you snappy? Did I offend you?"
My heart ached, "No. You are being wonderful, I'm just all messed up."
He sat down and pulled me into his lap, "Talk to me."
My eyes filled with tears, "I'm terrified."
"Of what?"
"Getting closer to you and then losing you again."
He shook his head and pressed his soft lips to mine, "I'm not going anywhere. We will keep each other safe. Pushing me away is only going to make matters worse."
I sighed, knowing he was right but I was still afraid. "You'll have to help me."
He nodded and kissed my cheek, "We're in this together."
Looking up into his eyes, I took a deep breath, "You know this means war?"
He nodded, "I know."