Lia has been having problems sleeping lately, it wasn't that she was insomniac but she just didn't feel like it and her body was definitely not complaining.

And that was the same case tonight, after that hot kiss she shared with Daniel, she couldn't seem to relax.

When she successfully did fall asleep, she had an erotic dream, so vivid and raw that she could've swore it was real. Wait a minute - Did she just experience a sleep orgasm for the first time ever?

So she stayed up the rest of the night like an owl, binge watching on television dramas that couldn't seem to take her anxiety away. Lia didn't know what was going on back home but she definitely knew Asher must have taken care of her family.

Though she didn't know how he does that, but it wasn't the first time her family was unfazed about her sudden disappearance, when on a normal day her overprotective mom should be freaking out and contacting every law enforcement agency on earth known to her.

Thankfully morning came and for the first time since her arrival, Lia devoured her meaty dishes with delight - she was craving meat like crazy today .

"How's your shifter side? " Daniel asked stunning her.

"Huh?"

"I mean, how often do you communicate with your inner-wolf, your wolf part? Do you sometimes hear her voice in your head? Or feel something about to rip out of your body, as if trying to take control of you? "

Lia stared at him confusedly , a deep furrow plastered on her forehead " Since never? "

Daniel frowned "That's quite strange, is it because you're the first of a made-hybrid?" He thought aloud.

Daniel inquired further "Under what moon phase did you first transform: full moon, Gibbous moon, half moon, crescent moon?"

Lia dropped her spoon , pushed her food aside and let out an exhausted breath before answering

"I wouldn't exactly describe it as 'transform ' since I haven't shapeshifted into a large looking ferocious canine form or a wolf-like beast, but I've got this " She said and flicked out a razor-sharp black talons while her eyes glowed a bright yellow.

Being shocked is totally an understatement, Daniel was awed beyond words. He took her hands and began to examine her talons .Truth be told, her's was quite sharper than his - he had claws not talons.

Lia continued " I was just really angry one time and nearly clawed out Caroline's face with this "

Daniel was beginning to get frightened, was this a good thing?

His mate has attributes only a fully transformed werewolf would possess while she hasn't even achieved her first Phase-forced transformation - Sure, that was a good thing?

Daniel gulped, now he understood why Asher couldn't tell him a thing : the council would want to exterminate this abomination, so he couldn't risk her safety.

" You seem to control this well " Daniel questioned judging from the way she was able to extract and retract her talons with ease.

"Yeah " She laughed " Asher taught me how to do this while .... " She faltered when she realized Daniel's expression had changed.

Great ! Lia sighed.'You totally did a good work' she berated herself internally. How could she forget werewolves were extremely jealous, protective and possessive of their mates.

" Did you find the wolf that bit me? " she asked trying to divert his attention from this awkwardly,nerve-wracking moment.

Thankfully, he complied.

"Haven't " He answered with a sigh " But I suspect you were turned by a rogue, meaning you don't have a pack, which isn't a problem; you get accepted in another pack, form yours , or become a lone wolf . "

" OK " She nodded

"I can easily accept you into my pack on grounds of being my mate, else you'll have to "prove" yourself to the pack "

Lia turned towards him suddenly intrigued "How do I prove myself? "

Daniel smiled, she has been hooked

"By fighting and defeating one of the strongest and most capable member of the pack. Defeat more than one, you earn the pack respect and a position within the pack hierarchy"

"Hmmm " Lia purred like a satisfied cat, placed her elbow on the table, leaned towards him and asked " What if I want to challenge you? "

Daniel gave her a devilish smile that made her heart skip a beat and leaned towards her too, asking "Why? Do you vie to become the Alpha?" he restated " Do you desire my position too ? "

Though every wolf know its place, but a subordinate werewolf may challenge a leader for its position - most especially an Alpha for pack leadership.

They fight to the death or to a winner - take - all brawl and whosoever wins, take overs ; the loser moves down the hierarchy, is exiled or leaves to start a new pack

" If I say yes ? " Lia challenged, arching a haughty brow at him.

"You sure you've not bit off more than you can chew? I'm quite a handful " He goaded, leaning closer towards her.

They stared into each other's eyes, starting a stare off, they both knew this was game but they were too intoxicated with the thrill to stop.

"Trust me wolf boy, I can perfectly handle you" She teased back enjoying the twinkle in his eyes.

None of them was willing to move their eyes, to Daniel - it wasn't in an Alpha's DNA to back down from a challenge while to Lia - she has never lost a single stare down challenge, so why should she now - moreover, her pride's on the line .

So she continued staring even though looking at his eyes was sending tingles all over her bodies until she released a yelp.

Lia didn't know what happened but suddenly she was yanked from her seat and placed on his lap - the dinning room pushed to the side.

Lia released a slow, shaky breath when she discovered Daniel's eyes were now a burning shade of amber, was this what he referred to as inner-wolf? Was his wolf in control?

Contrary to her expectation, Daniel didn't do anything, just kept staring into her eyes and when she tried to climb off his lap, he sent a warning growl that not only paralyze her, but made her stay put .

Okie dokie, what has she gotten herself into? How do you placate a wolf that's hell-bent on having a stare off with you?

After a while of deep contemplation, lia moved her hand up and his amber orbs followed it cautiously, she carefully placed it on his hair while following his expression, - he didn't look angry.

She then begin to run her hands through his rich blonde strands, tousling and dishevelling his already messy hair.

" Good boy " Lia couldn't help but praise when he purred in delight while nuzzling and rubbing his head against her neck - which she's trying hard to imagine as a muzzle right now.

I mean, dogs does that as an invitation of friendship, right?

But unfortunately, that was the sight that greeted Asher when he walked into the room.