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Ariels POV

Raphie and I waited for Brianne to wake up. Parker and Justin stayed to, inviting Anastasia and Liam over to see Brianne too. I said it was a bad idea but Raphie wanted his beta for this.

When Brianne wakes up, I talk to her alone so she doesn't panic. I don't want her to feel crowded by people.

"Hey," I smile. "How did you sleep?"

"Good... thank you." She says.

"Are you okay with meeting some people?"

She seems to ponder it for a moment before she nods. I help her when she seems unsteady on her feet. Her abused body seems like it's finally failing her even after rest and food. I really have to get her to the pack doctor after this.

I help her downstairs and into the living room where everyone is already waiting and I sit her down on a big comfy chair.

She looks a little panicked... but I stand next to her and give her an encouraging look. Brianne looks around at everyone judging her and they stare back.

Finally Raphie speaks up. "State your name, age and business in our territory."

"My name is Brianne... I'm seventeen and..." she swallows. "I was running," her voice drops to a whisper.

"Because?" Raphie pushes.

"To get away from my alpha," she shivers.

"How do I know you aren't a spy? Or this isn't some dirty trick he's playing?" Raphael growls.

"Raphie!" I scold and he glares at me for a second before looking back at Brianne. She looks terrified, poor girl.

"Are you going to kill me when I can't give proof?" Brianne asks in a whisper, her gaze downcast. I know she's innocent, it's this... feeling. Luna instinct, let's call it that.

Blah. That sounds weird.

Raphael searches her face, looking for goddess knows what. "You may join my pack if you wish, or stay here until you regain your strength and are able to go off on your own again."

I can feel my jaw drop in surprise. Raphie is actually letting her stay?

'Ariel I can feel what you feel. You believe she's innocent. I see that. And I'm willing to bet you're right.' Raphie links me and that makes me beam. Raphael is trusting me with something!

"Guess we're going to have to go shopping for clothes for Bri, aren't we?" I groan.

"Of course!" Ana sing songs. "And Bri?"

"Do I assign nicknames too quickly?" I frown.

"You're too lazy to pronounce the whole name, how sad." Parker snorts and I give him a death glare. I'm surprised when I hear Bri giggle a bit at our mini squabble.

"Quit wasting time, shopping!" Ana claps as she takes poor Bri's hand and yanks her up. Bri is not nearly strong enough to hold herself up after such a surprise and tumbles. I scoop her up quickly and growl at Ana.

"Be careful!" I scold as I put Bri back to her feet. Bri looks terrified my poor girl... Raphie hasn't said much, still looking over her. He's waiting for her to make up her mind, or to find out if she's a spy. He might trust me, but he won't trust her.

Bri wobbles a little and I frown. Will she even be able to go shopping? I look over at Ana and she's frowning too.

"Maybe no shopping today." Ana mumbles.

"How about you go shopping for her Ana." I say, trying to cheer her up. "And come back with lots of clothes for her to choose from."

"Really?" Ana gasps and I nod.

"I'll see you later Liam." Ana pecks his lips and runs out. No doubt to have guards follow her and for her to find some friends to do the shopping with.

Liam and Raphie seem to be speaking through the link. Probably about Bri. Parker and Justin are looking at each other sharing facial expressions. I can decipher some of their expressions from being with them for so long.

I sit with Bri. I want to help her. This will be like... my Luna duty! I can finally act like a proper Luna! That makes me think a little... I still have to officially meet the pack... What if they don't like me? I sigh.

Bri likes me though... At least I have her. Maybe she can be my new best friend since... I shake my head to get those thoughts out.

"Justin, you will be Brianne's guard." Raphie states and I smile a little.

He nods and looks at Bri with a kind smile. Justin, Parker and I will be perfect for Brianne! Well... maybe not, but whatever. Who better to get her into dumb jokes and innuendos then those two di-

"Ariel?" A faint hint of a smile is on Raphie's face. Oh shit, my thoughts. I smile sheepishly back. "I have to go and finish something up in my office, then we can have the rest of the day to ourselves." He says as he heads upstairs with Liam.

More time for us? We just had time for us and he's letting himself do more? My dumb smile makes Parker laugh.

"Alright lovely," Parker pokes my nose. "Snap out of la la land."

I blush a little. "I actually wanted to take Bri to the pack doctor."

"Sounds good to me," Justin nods. He walks over to Bri. "Need anything, just tell me, I'll get it for you." He says softly.

She nods slowly and I smile. This will work out great.

Going to the pack doctor is a little bit of a struggle for Bri so Justin and Parker pick her up like she's in a chair while I march around declaring she's my queen playfully. I don't know what got into us but, well, we're us.

I walk into the pack doctors. "And here we are my lady, the pack doctor at your service!" I bow and laugh with Bri as the boys set her down.

Well that's when everything goes to shit. The apprentice of the pack doctor walks out and Brianne freezes. She panics. And then she cries.

The boy however stares at her in awe.

"You're scaring her!" I growl.

"She's my mate." He growls back and I frown. How the hell does this happen? We were having a great time and then as always someone's new mate has to ruin it! Ugh. "Um, I mean, she's my mate, Luna."

Justin and Parker have taken her outside already but I can still hear her cries. I look over him. "Don't come out, wait until we come back in." I tell him. "Her names Brianne." I add softly as I walk out.

"Bri?" I ask softly as I walk out, Justin managed to get her to stop crying. "Why did you...?"

"I don't want a mate!" She exclaims.

Oh my moon goddess, I found my real soul mate. Someone else who doesn't want a mate!

Then the good little angel on my shoulder steps in. Ariel, be nice and help her. She needs it.

Good point. I sigh and squat next to where she's sitting. "I didn't want a mate either."

You said didn't. What's that supposed to mean, thought you still don't want him? Damn brain. You know you want him.

"I really didn't want a mate," I snort.

"What did you do?" She wipes her eyes.

"Well, I moved here obviously," I smile a bit. "And that dork became my guard," I point to Parker. "I liked him more than I liked Raphael. But you know, it just took time- I know, that's what you don't want to hear. But... after a while, you realize, deep deep down at the bottom of your heart," I say playfully and she laughs. "You do like him. And trust me, I had to go real deep down in my heart to find any sliver of love for Raphie."

She laughs more and I smile. "Do you love him now?"

I purse my lips. "I do."

I think Parker and Justin explode behind me but I ignore them completely when Bri's gaze moves to them.

"She just said-"

"I don't believe-"

"I think she's lyi-"

"What if she's not."

I tune them out. "What do you say we go see your mate and he'll give you a check up. You don't have to live with him yet, or sleep in the same room or anything. Just take it nice and slow."

The appointment goes well. The doctor acts strictly professional, well until after the appointment was done and he asked if they could stay together for a while. Justin and Parker promised they'd stay with them and take Bri back to the pack house where they'd take care of her.

I think she'll be fine. If she needs me, I asked the boys to call.

Raphie came to get me at the hospital, said to hurry up because he had plans.

I leave Brianne in good hands and Raphie and I walk back to the house. I take his hand as we walk, and offer him a small smile. He squeezes my hand and we head into the house.

"Go upstairs to our room, I'll be waiting for you." He says softly and I head up. Laid out for me is a stunning dress and rather fancy undergarments. Heels and jewelry are set next to them.

I can say I'm impressed and surprised. I go into the bathroom and curl my hair into soft waves. I do a small amount of makeup, some coverage and mascara. I go put the things on and look in the mirror.

Who looks good? I do. Hell yes, look at that sexy woman in the mirror. I smile at the way the gold coloured dress looks before walking downstairs.

Raphie is ready for me in a suit.

"Ready for dinner, beautiful?"