The song for this chapter isby Roni Tran. This song is absolutely beautiful and perfectly describes Carter's emotions.

This chapter is dedicated to !

Enjoy!

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"Don't be nervous" Nate murmured placing his hand on my shoulder and giving it an encouraging squeeze as we locked eyes in the mirror.

I nodded as if I was listening to his advice when in reality I couldn't control the uneasy feeling inside of my body."I can't help it" I shuttered my worry growing just from thinking about what was about to happen "everyone knows about Carter" I whispered as his gaze narrowed in on me and a wave of disgust flowed through his body from hearing his name.

"They won't care about that" he assured me turning my body around so I was now facing him "all that matters is that you're their Luna. Besides, they will love you" he vowed though I didn't feel as confident as he seemed. He smiled down at me, looking pleased with everything he was seeing.

How could any of their packs mates respect me after knowing I betrayed Carter? All of the elders watched him grow up and all of the children were used to him being here and because of me, he was gone. "I wouldn't say love me I'd be lucky if they didn't hate me" I retorted sadly staring into his beautiful blues as a frown dominated his face. "It's my own fault" I shrugged trying to push it off but he wouldn't have that.

"You did nothing wrong, Jamie, you had no choice but to love me" he confirmed a deep feeling of desolation consuming his body thinking that was the truth.

"That's not true" I fought back grabbing his forearms as his hands held my hips lightly. "I had choices Nate and I chose you" I assured him pushing myself between his arms and resting my head on his chest just wanting to hear his wolf's contentment. I listened to his heartbeat, a slow steady pattern of satisfaction as he held me.

He remained quiet for a minute as if he was in deep thought and carefully planning out his words. "I took away your choices when I marked you" he grunted unhappily. "If I didn't claim you right now you would be happy and with Carter."

I pulled back needing to look at his face as his features matching his wolf's feelings- he was torn. The realization of this left him devastated like he thought I really didn't want him. "But I'm happy with you," I told him truthfully as he forced a smile on his lips. "Nate you can't think about what if because anything could have happened but this is happening" I pointed between the two of us "and I wouldn't change it for anything."

'Promise?' He spoke through our wolves as we just stared at one another unwilling to turn away. I grinned internally thinking about the first promise we ever made the night that he had marked me in this very room. When he promised me that if I had no feelings for him I would go back to Carter and he would leave us be. How naïve was I? To believe we wouldn't have a connection when my wolf was literally bowing down to his immediately.

I let my hand that was dangling grasp his as I entwined our pinkies. 'Pinky promise'.

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"How are you feeling?" The current Alpha of La Meute de La Lune Bleue questioned as soon as I walked down the staircase after standing at the top for ten minutes. Last night had to have been the worst night of my life by far. Even after the connection had been broken the intense pain didn't cease. Jamie was gone and she wasn't coming back but the memories of her were fully alive inside of me.

After about an hour of rolling in the sheets trying to ignore the vacant feeling in my chest, I gave up on sleep entirely. Instead, I just sat on the floor leaning against the bed frame as I rocked my body pathetically. I felt like one of those delicate china dolls that my mother collected except I wasn't in pristine condition I had been shattered into thousands of pieces. Like those broken glass shards, I was just swept up and thrown away never to be seen again.

Everyone instantly turned to me flashing me looks of pure pity letting me know they were all aware of what Jamie had done to me. "How do I feel?" I chuckled rhetorically a menacing tone in my voice "I feel completely and utterly ruined. Every thought I have is about Jamie which in turn leads to me repeat every second of her undeniable love and lust for him" I began unable to even say the name Nate out loud. "I feel betrayed and useless... but the worst part is I'm so pissed off at myself, I caused all of this" I informed them all watching their sadness grow for me.

"Carter, it will be okay" Lynn assured me stepping up to hug me but I took a large step back.

Even though Lynn had been there for me last night and even spent the night at Jamie's house in case I needed a friend I couldn't help but blame her for what happened. "It will never be okay!" I yelled hatefully. "Why would you bring her back here? You knew he was here!" I spat harshly as her dark orbs widened in shock as I accused her of being the reason Jamie left.

"You can't blame me for letting her know he was here she would have caught his scent afterward anyway" she defended herself. Even though she wasn't to blame for this I needed to push it off on someone- anyone. I just can't bear the thought that Jamie did this alone.

"Then I would have dealt with it but you know how confused she becomes when it comes to him and me, she doesn't think clearly!" I growled with frustration and pure devastation.

"Carter she wasn't confused at all" Lynn informed me calmly taking another step closer and placing her hand on top of mine as it laid on the top of the chair. Instantly my face scrunched up from her words. Of course, Jamie was confused that is why she could never make up her mind about him and I. One day she was happy with me and the next her wolf was trying to convince her she loved him. "She wanted to be with Nate the whole time" she whispered as I jerked from her hold quickly nearly throwing her off balance. His name sounded like nails on a chalkboard as it burned into my brain tauntingly.

"You don't know what you are talking about!" I screamed getting directly in her face and losing my cool being egged on by my wolf who had officially lost all sense of sanity. "She was terrified of him!" I bellowed as she shook her head telling me I was wrong but I couldn't believe that, I wouldn't. "You're wrong" I clutched my head spinning around away from everyone's questioning looks trying to assure myself Jamie hadn't been lying to me. "I felt her heart beat faster every time someone got near the door...she was scared."

"She was hopeful" Lynn promised me speaking lowly and intimately "she wanted it to be him Carter" she drilled it into my head as I shook the thought away.

"Why are you doing this to me?" I hollered my voice sounding powerful through I felt weak inside. It appeared that I was talking to Lynn when in reality I was saying this to Jamie even though she couldn't hear me.

"Carter you have us," Wyatt told me only standing a few feet away as I pictured the forced grin on his face.

I spun back on him knowing that my wolf was taking control as I could feel my pupils growing and eventually taking over until my eyes were a solid black hole. "I don't want you" I growled my canines gripping into my bottom lip until I could taste the cooper like blood on my tongue. "You gave her the okay to talk to him. You could have made her leave, you could have let Trent stop it but you didn't... You are not my friend" I spoke slowly and cruelly as my mind flickered back to when Nate had said those exact words to me.

"Nate stop!" I yelled charging up the stairs behind him. Once I was close enough I gripped his shoulder as he spun back quickly his body shaking wildly as he wolf fought to come out. "If I would have known she was your mate I never would have slept with her!" I wailed honestly thinking back to the petite brunette he had caught me with this morning.

"It doesn't matter!" He screamed trying to sound just angry though as his voice cracked I could tell he was falling apart in front of my eyes. The sight was something I never thought I would have to see again. "That's why we have a rule set within this pack. Our elders have followed the same guidelines for years yet you are somehow above them?!" His face was tense as his fists clenched and I sensed one of them hitting my face in the near future.

"I know you're right. I'm sorry. I understand if you're pissed at me but Heather-" his eyes widened hearing her name for the first time coming from me which didn't help the situation.

"I don't give a fuck about her" Nate growled dominantly as she slowly stalked up from behind me. I couldn't look at her, bringing her here was a huge mistake. "I, Nathaniel Ryder deny you Heather...the Beta fucking slut" he barked angrily as she wept loudly, I could practically hear her wolf breaking inside of her.

'You can't do that' I whispered to him pleadingly. 'She doesn't deserve it' I defended my one night stand.

'You both deserve what's coming to you' he spat secretively making me gulp fearing I may be removed from my position or worse kicked from the pack entirely.

"Nate come on we've been friends for years" I attempted to reason with him hoping to jog the memories of us growing up together. I wasn't just his Beta I was also his best friend that had to count for something, right? I was by his side when his dad died and when his mom left, I was always there for him he should cut me some slack.

"You are not my friend!" He howled assertively and right there I knew he was going to cut me off.

I sounded just like Nate, I was acting just like him to make it even worse. I didn't want to be bitter and hostile yet I couldn't control it at the moment. Right now I wanted to hurt everyone just like Jamie had done to me for the first time truly understanding where his mind was when he marked my mate. "I'm sorry" I muttered under my breath feeling ashamed of my outbursts. Deep down I knew this was no one's fault but mine, Heather's and Nate's. I couldn't even blame Jamie for leaving, she was the only one innocent in all of this. Sure it hurt and I hated her for leaving us behind but I knew the marking left by Nate was what was controlling her urges.

Trent reached his hand out to me making me realize that during my flashback I slide my body down the side of the counter. I grasped his hand tightly as he pulled me up avoiding my eyes at all costs. "She's really gone?" He pried as my heart ached even more as if someone had grabbed it and squeezed as tightly as they could. Within a moment I felt like it would pop like a balloon, unable to handle any more pressure.

I nodded my head unable to admit it out loud again. "God if I would have just pressured her to have sex with me he wouldn't even be a factor" I sighed as he cracked a crooked smile.

"You're a good guy Carter" he patted my back.

"Like that gets you anywhere" I grumbled miserably being a real Debbie Downer.

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Nate grasped my hand tightly in his letting his thumb stroke over my knuckles in a comforting manner. He cocked his head slightly as if asking me if I was ready. I nodded saying I was even though I was incredibly nervous. Dropping my hand he opened the large double doors revealing well over a hundred people. Even one was dressed pretty casually mostly in jeans and t-shirts yet the younger kids were dressed in their Sunday best.

Whereas Nate was wearing a plain white t-shirt and a black vest over that, jeans adorned his hips though they were hanging dangerously low and tempted me. I also kept my outfit casual wearing a ruffled white tank top and dark blue jeans. Even though I felt like I was underdressed for meeting Nate's pack- our pack he said to just be comfortable. "Everyone" Nate called causing the entire room to instantly grow silent as their Alpha spoke. As I scanned the room every single person was looking at me while most of them were smiling I noticed a small group that looked anything but happy, Carter's family to be exact. He stepped up behind me wrapping his arms around my waist delicately pulling my body back until I was pressed predominately up against him. "This is Jamie, she is our Luna and I expect you all to treat her with respect and love" he spoke simply and to the point.

Within one second a particular blonde ran up to me yanking me from Nate as she hugged me. "I knew you loved him" Chloe whispered as she squeezed me tightly as she flashed her brother a pointed look as if saying 'I told you so'.

"More than anything" I murmured as her jaw dropped slightly before a huge smile etched on her lips.

"With all due respect Nate, do you really think announcing Jamie as your mate is the best idea?" Brett questioned causing everyone near to look at him skeptically. I could feel Nate's anger grow as soon as Brett's words hit his ears.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Nate retorted back a certain irritation growing inside of him that I knew was going to lead to rage if not handled correctly.

"Doesn't she still have ties to Carter?" He asked trying to sound respectful of both of us though, more importantly, trying to think about his brother as he fished for information.

A low menacing snarl escaped Nate's lip as Brett awoke the beast inside of him. His lips curled upward showing off his impressively long sharp canines.' Just relax' I cooed him calmly as I tangled with fingers with his. The simple act of doing so calmed his wolf immediately. 'He just doesn't understand' I assured him as he glanced down to me at his side before peering around at his pack mates who were all interesting in the scene playing out in front of them.

There was one little blonde-haired girl who caught my eye in particular. She didn't even stand to my waist leading me to believe she couldn't be over the age of five. She stood not far behind Chloe wanting to be up close so she could meet me as soon as possible. Instead of looking afraid as Nate's temper rose she looked intrigued as her soft brown eyes focused on our hands. Her mother tugged on her purple sundress in an attempt to keep her out of the situation at hand as she glanced up at me, smiling brightly showing off her mouth of missing teeth. I smiled back instantly causing her lips to stretch even farther.

"Jamie is no longer connected with Carter" Nate stated professionally able to keep his wolf at bay for the time being.

Brett's eyes widened knowingly along with his parents who didn't seem happy about the news they had just heard. "You broke the bond?" Chloe pushed sounding almost impressed as she stared the two of us up and down.

"Yes," Nate answered for me when I remained quiet. "Now she is one hundred percent my mate and one hundred percent your Luna so please let the Carter ordeal go" he instructed sternly as Brett nodded with respect along with his mother. Though Brody kept his eyes fixated on me as if trying to figure me out like I was a difficult Rubix cube.

After meeting many of the "important" pack members I turned my attention to the young blonde girl. Her brown orbs lite up with surprise and happiness as I bent down so I was at an even height with her.

"Hi Luna" she greeted with respect as if her mother had coached her on how to act around the pack royalty.

"You can call me Jamie," I told her as she covered her mouth and giggled adorably. "What's your name?"

"Annabelle," she told me a giddy tone to her voice as her parents stood behind her looking almost worried that she would say something wrong.

"That's a pretty name" I complimented her as her cheeks turned a rosy pink color. "Listen, Annabelle, I need your help" I whispered secretively as she nodded enthusiastically. "You see I'm new to this whole Luna thing so I need your help making sure I do everything right. I want to make Nate proud" I pointed to him as he talked with Chloe our eyes connecting briefly causing him to flash me his pearly whites causing my stomach to clench with excitement.

"I can do that!" She exclaimed overjoyed as she clasped her hands together. "Mommy always told me that when you meet your mate you will be really happy and Alpha Nate is usually grumpy like Shrek but you made him smile" she rambled on making me feel accomplished.

I laughed causing her to do the same. "Are you calling me Fiona?" I asked as her mother flashed her a stern look like she was in trouble though Annabelle ignored her as she leaned closer so she would tell me something in secret.

"You are prettier than Fiona" she chirped pulling back quickly.

"I hope you aren't telling all my secrets" Nate's voice boomed from behind us causing her to pull back and cover her mouth while shaking her head. I peered up at him loving the nurturing smile that laid on his plump lips.

"I just told her you were like Shrek I didn't tell her about our cookie dates" Annabelle assured him "oops!" She squealed looking away from Nate sheepishly.

"Cookie dates huh?" I pried as she nodded looking overjoyed at my interest.

"Chocolate chip cookies!" She beamed licking her lips at the thought.

"You are a lucky girl if you get to have cookies with Shrek," I told her as she nodded her head agreeing.

"You should come!" She invited me grabbing my hand and jumping up and down excitedly.

"Are you sure we can trust her?" Nate began bending down next to us. He lifted his hand as if to block his mouth so I could see him though I could still hear him. "She might get jealous of you," he told her as her cheeks flushed again.

In response she lifted her hand to keep the conversation secret "we just won't tell her about the secret handshake" Annabelle not so quietly whispered as they compromised. She extended her fist as he bumped it causing me to smile from ear to ear I swear I looked like the Joker by this point.

"You are still my number one girl" He vowed kissing her cheek only for her to hold that spot for a second as she let out a small nervous laugh. They pulled their hands down as they finished their meeting and turned back to me. "You can come," Nate told me using a professional tone. Who knew Nate had a soft side? I certainly didn't expect his best friend to be five years old.

'You're adorable' I told him through our wolves.

'That's not an adjective I would use to describe me. I'm more like handsome, sexy, dare I say perfect?' He purred back cockily causing my eyes to roll and him to laugh and pull me to his side lovingly.

Life is good.

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Carter is back! So what do you think about what he is going through? Also are you happy Jamie finally met the pack? :) Please if you enjoyed this chapter I will love you forever and ever!