The song for this chapter is by Daughtry.

This chapter is dedicated to !

Enjoy! :)

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"Don't be nervous" I told Jamie tossing my car in park outside of her school. "If Lynn is really upset with you then there is nothing you can do about it" now she frowned. "But, you have Austin right?" I attempted to lighten the mood. I have to admit I didn't particularly like the idea of her running around with her ex fuck buddy but Austin didn't strike me as some love sick puppy. He was truly her friend and that's what she needed so I would have to put my pride aside.

"Thank you for driving me, again" she chuckled lowly officially changing the subject. Turning ever so slightest in her seat as she unbuckled herself her bright orbs met mine but only for a second before she pulled away to retrieve her bag.

"As much as I enjoyed our drives, we need to look into getting you your own car" I spoke waiting for her to squeal with joy but instead her eyebrows pulled together with confusion.

"You don't need to buy me anything" she pouted seeming almost offended with my offer.

"I know I don't have to, but you need to be able to drive yourself places. You're my Luna and you deserve the best" Squeezing her hand I hoped to assure her that I really just wanted her to be happy with me. "Besides we have hundreds of cars around the pack what's one more?" I shrugged as she cracked a small insecure smile that left me unsure of what she truly felt.

"I better get going" she told me glancing out of the windows either in hopes of finding Austin or hoping to dodge Lynn. I could tell she seemed standoffish with me and she had since last night but I tried not to push her. She has been through a lot lately, half of which I've caused. I pushed it off thinking it was just nervousness from seeing Lynn again, after all I knew they weren't on good terms because of Carter. "I'll see you later?" She asked as I nodded. Leaning over the console she moved in for a kiss. Pressing her lips to mine gently I could feel her relax and let her stress go.

Wanting her to feel more at ease and less tense I shifted in my seat pushing myself closer, kissing her back eagerly and fiercely until we ended up in a full on make out session. These damn wolves and their mating bond had us like two horny virgins dying for their first touch. Her nails dug into my arm as I yanked her closer pretending the center console wasn't an issue even though it was the only thing keeping me from pulling her into my lap. Knowing she needed to go and that I had other arrangements I pulled back loving that she was panting for air. "I hope you have a good day" I spoke huskily clearing my throat in the process.

"I'm sure I will...now" she winked pecking my lips once again, teasing me as she pulled away. "I love you Nate" she murmured running her fingers through her dark hair to fix what my hand had messed up. Shyly she peeked through her eyelashes up at me causing my cheeks to lift up from her not so sly gawking.

"I love you too" she smiled at my immediate response and exited the car.

Look out La Meute de La Lune Bleue ready or not here I come.

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Walking away from Nate's car I glanced over my shoulder briefly looking back at the sleek black car and smiling at the man inside of it. The man that made me happier then I ever imagined my mate could, when I wasn't thinking about what Carter said that is. I almost wish I was no longer in school so I could spend more time with him. Only a few more weeks and I'd be able to spend all of my time with him. I guess you could say I grew insecure of our relationship. I kept thinking that when I was in school he could be out with Heather, even though I knew he wasn't other wise I would feel it. I couldn't help but think him leaving me was a possibility.

Coming back to reality my eyes scanned across the corridor looking for Austin yet he was not in sight, nor could I catch his scent. Though as I inhaled deeply searching for his smell, two others burned my nose. I didn't even look around for them instead I jogged up to the door gripping the cold metal handle and yanking it open. However, just when I thought I was safe his voice met my ears "Jamie!" He called out causing me to gulp. I did deep breathing as if I was pregnant just to calm my racing heart rate and not give Nate any reason to come back.

Spinning back my eyes instantly locked with Carter's coffee-colored ones, them silently begging me not to run as he grew closer. The closer he came the more I wanted to do just that. His face held a variety of blues and purples from Nate's intense hits. He had a gash on his forehead as well as on his bottom lip but it wasn't just that that made my stomach turn uncomfortably, it was the miserable look in his pools. The same look that was becoming too common. Needing to break eye contact I turned to Lynn to his left, her dark eyes already glaring at me. Instead of the usually happy dimples on her cheeks, all that met me was a hateful stare. They both stopped now standing directly in front of me, gulping I slowly brought my gaze to Carter once again.

Right before the two on one verbal assault could start someone stepped next to me, their arm brushing against mine. Glancing briefly to my right I caught Austin's smooth brown hair and a concentrated look etched on his handsome face. "I need to talk to you" Carter spoke up confidently though as I turned back to him I caught him peeking behind me. No doubt checking for Nate.

"We shouldn't" I whispered my stance on us being friends completely opposite from yesterday. Twenty-four hours ago I was certain that we could have a friendship, that the connection we couldn't control could be handled in a productive way. Now I wasn't so sure.

"I'm asking for five minutes that's it, and then if you ask me to I'll leave you alone forever" he begged his forehead scrunching downward causing his eyebrows to wrinkle and shield his eyes. I nodded my head lightly agreeing to go along with his plan. I owed him this much. "In private" he added turning to Lynn who did not look pleased and then to Austin who was waiting for my cue.

'Nate' I called to him wanting him to know what was going on so there wasn't a repeat of yesterday. 'Carter is here and he wants to talk.'

'Do you want to talk to him?' He asked not seeming happy yet giving me the choice instead of demanding I walk away like he would have done in the past.

'Yes,' I replied nervously. 'If that's okay.'

'Whatever you decide is fine. Just let me know if you need me. I love you.'

'I love you too' I promised looking back to Carter who judging by the look on his face knew I was informing Nate. Lynn and Austin were walking off down the hall but stopped a few rows of lockers down so that they were close enough if needed. They appeared to be in an intense debate and guessing by the annoyed look on Austin's face it was pertaining to Carter and me.

"I'm sorry about yesterday" I began needing to get this off my chest "I didn't know all that would have happened. It was my fault. I'm sorry" I rambled insecurely looking down at his white sneakers and the dirty tiled floors unable to look at his beaten face.

"It's not your fault," he told me sternly raising his voice slightly to be heard over the loud teenagers gossiping around us and the muffled voice of the principal over the speaker. "I should never have said the things I did to you. I was wrong and I'm sorry for that and for pushing Nate to that point."

"Why did you taunt him?" I whispered leaning my body backward so my backpack was pressing against the lockers.

"I wanted to show everyone what he was capable of so badly that I went out it character. What I told you" he trailed looking at me briefly as I nodded not needing him to restate his theory that Nate would leave me. "I shouldn't have said it like that. I know you love him and your loyalties lie with him but he-"

"Don't even say it!" I shrieked standing up straight. "I get you are hurt Carter and I feel terrible about that but you planting these thoughts in my head is sick!" I continued to bash him sensing his wolf cower down meanwhile a hearty growl left Lynn's lips from down the hall. More than anything her behavior confused me. When I admitted to her how I felt for Nate she was so set on getting me while him but then yesterday she called me a leech and acted as if I was purposely hurting Carter.

Placing his palm on my upper arm he leaned his body against the locker next to me casually. I didn't expect his touch to actually calm me, but it did. "You don't have to listen to me Jamie, I don't expect you to but know that if you need someone to talk to I'm always going to be here for you."

His statement only made me feel worse. How could he even stand to look at me after what I put him through? "Why are you being so nice to me?" I asked knowing deep down I didn't deserve his friendship.

"Because I know who he really is. Besides, you are my mate and I love you" he confessed leaning down and kissing my cheek softly. He shut his eyes, holding his lips against my skin for longer than necessary just taking at the moment.

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I arrived at the gates and unlike the last three times I had been here I wasn't welcomed in immediately. Which I expected considering I was 'banned'. However, the Omegas on guard weren't even acknowledging my presence instead they just stood down and I knew they were waiting for their Alpha to come and handle the situation. "Nathaniel" the Alpha spoke only moments after I had arrived, pulling me from my thoughts, once again trying to tempt me by using that name. I was about to correct him but I figured that wouldn't help my case any. "We've talked about this, you coming here isn't a good idea."

"Yeah well, I need to talk to Carter" I stated calmly my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. I know I pretty much asked for the ban but they were seriously treating me how I treat rogues.

"What about?" He pried annoying me beyond belief. Now that Carter is no longer a member of my pack I didn't have the authority to demand he produces him, though we both knew he wasn't here anyway.

Spinning to look at him I gave him a flat look at if saying it's none of your business which only made him give me a pointed look of his own. "Brett, Chloe, Jamie, you name it we need to talk about it" I shrugged as he paused as though asking Carter though Carter was yet to be a member of his pack so I knew they were playing telephone.

"Alright come in" he spoke only a moment later shocking me by how quickly he overruled his own ban. I drove my car through the gate realizing something was off immediately. I parked my car on Jamie's lawn expecting Trent to run out and ambush me with a sled hammer yet no one moved throughout the entire pack. Looking around I realized no one was even outside unlike the other times I had been here when children were out playing in the field. Something wasn't right.

Leaning against my car I waited for the Alpha to finish his walk toward me, as though he was deliberately wasting his time. "Come along then" he cleared his throat as I followed him up the few porch steps and noticing the front door was still missing yet a piece of wood now shielded the entryway. Swiftly the wood was moved and Trent appeared, gripping it tightly while sending me murderous yet humorous glares.

"It's nice to see you again Nate" Mary greeted while a polite smile as she descended down the hall wiping her hands on her apron as the smell of freshly baked sweets hit my nose. Which mate a thought come to my mind. I wonder if Jamie can bake...

"Hello, Mary" I grinned back respectfully with a nod making a mental note that she would be the easiest to convince I'm not some heartless monster. "I'm very sorry for yesterday, I let my past affect me and that wasn't fair to you guys- or your door" I noted as she chuckled lightly. "Brett is out getting you a new door as we speak" I informed her hearing Trent sneer from my right. A petrified look hit his mothers face as though she was worried I would snap at him yet I remained calm and ignored him.

"Why don't we go sit in with George?" Alpha Rick offered signaling for Mary to lead the way. After a small head nod, she maneuvered her way through the hallway leading us to the farthest room down the hall- the room where Jamie confessed her love for me. Smiling at the thought Mary opened the door where my eyes instantly met George's and then Wyatt's. Apparently, I had to go through the leaders first. Chloe is lucky I love her...

"Hi, George" I greeted extending my hand as their Alpha and Trent piled in behind me. "As I told Mary, Brett is getting you another door-"

"Save it" he grunted ignoring my handshake as I pulled my hand back. The old man better watch it. He too is lucky that he's Jamie's father because to anyone else I would have ripped them apart showing the slightest disrespect. "Why are you here?" He pried harshly as I took the seat across the table from him trying to bite my tongue figuratively of course.

"Like I told your Alpha who I know told you I need to talk to Carter" I spoke again getting pretty tired of having to explain myself. "Where is he?" I asked but no one answered instead they just glanced nervously at each other. Little did they knew I knew exactly where he was but I liked watching them squirm.

"He's not here" Wyatt bravely spoke up causing me to chuckle and all of them to grow even more confused.

"I'll wait" I stated without an invitation leaning back in my seat and crossing my arms behind my head to support my neck. I could feel the four wolves around me grow irritated with me but I remained calm knowing they wouldn't dare come after me, they knew better.

"You really marked my sister for revenge?" Trent asked with a hateful growl. "What if she didn't fall for you? What if her wolf rejected the thought of another mate? What if she died because her body couldn't handle it? Did you even think about all of that?" He posed good questions, the type anyone would ask. My eyes snapped open as I leaned forward our gazes connecting, both of them blazing wickedly.

"Of course I thought about it" I admitted, "but I didn't care." The sound of four deep, angry howls met my ears echoing throughout the small room. As harsh as that sounded it was the truth. "I now know I was wrong for what I did to her but at that point, she wasn't a person to me. She was a figure of my imagination. Carter's mate didn't have a face or a family or a story. She was a theory, a plot."

"How can you even talk about her like that?!" Wyatt screamed becoming defensive and wanting to protect her reinforcing my earlier thoughts that he didn't look at her in strictly a friendly way.

"I said was. Now" I paused briefly shutting my eyes "Jamie is everything to me. Regardless of what you guys think I'm not using her or plotting another scheme to hurt Carter." Leaning over the table and looking George directly in his eyes I told him "she's the woman I want to marry and have pups with and nothing can change my mind about that" I confessed not even caring that I sounded whipped at that moment, it was true and they needed to know it.

"I can never forget the way you treated my daughter," George told me with determination. I couldn't say I blamed him for feeling that way, I was horrible to Jamie. The things I did to her were inexcusable but I couldn't help but feel that Carter had filled their brains with some insane stories to brainwash them into thinking I really was a monster.

"How do you expect us to trust you with Jamie after all that you've done to show us not to trust you?" Wyatt questioned though I wasn't really looking for his acceptance, it didn't hurt to have him backing up my relationship.

Opening my mouth I was cut off by Trent's deep anger filled voice. "I don't want to trust him, ever" he blurted turning his head to look fully at me "every time I look at your pathetic being I think of the scar you put on my sister's face, the mark on her neck, and the bruises on Carter's face. You will never be worthy to have my sister" he snarled out honestly causing my heart to ache and at the same time my wolf to become enraged at the thought of not being enough for Jamie.

"You're right Trent, I'm not worthy to have her but for some insane reason, she thinks that I am" I replied speaking monotonically even though inside I was screaming.

Walking around the table he now stood directly next to my sitting form, his hands clenched into fists as he pressed one tightly against the table. "I'm never going to like you and I will spend the rest of my life dedicated to making her see the truth. She doesn't belong to you and you know it" he hissed speaking slowly his words swirling in my brain and taunting my wolf. "They might believe you" he nodded his head to the other three men in the room "but I remember clearly the threat you made at your pack house. I see right through your bullshit" he glowered tediously trying to do as Carter did and push me to the edge.

'She's not going to change her mind about us' I assured my wolf making sure to keep him in check.

"Trent!" Wyatt's father screamed fearfully and I knew he had been ordering him to be silent through their mind link but big brother ignored it to protect his sister, which was admirable.

I hadn't even bothered to look at Trent as he glared at my profile. Instead, I remained about-face, hoping that if I didn't see him I wouldn't get as angry. Boy was I wrong. "I'm not going to kiss his ass because he's some purebred, fuck that. I don't care if he's some royal Alpha he's nothing more then a poor excuse for a leader" he jabbed. Unable to control myself a second longer I hopped to my feet, the chair flinging backward in the process. Without hesitating my forearm smacked against his neck as I pushed him up against the wall, pinning him to where his feet were dangling inches up from the ground. I thrust my arm harder into his throat cutting off his air supply forcing him to be silent.

"Nate put him down!" George bellowed pleadingly "please!" Looking directly into Trent's eyes I dropped his body my heart growing sad at how much they mirrored his sisters. Instantly once he was free his hands hit the ground as he coughed in an attempt to catch his breath.

Though just because I released him doesn't mean I was fine with what he said, in fact, I was livid. However, I shifted my neck from side to side cracking it and stepping back so I wouldn't hurt him again. I needed to prove them wrong. I could control myself. "Why are you guys so set on proving that I'm bad?! You are sitting here taunting me just hoping that I will snap so you can tell Jamie what I did!" I screamed down at him as he forced himself back to his feet massaging his sore neck. "But what does that say about you? You're willing to hurt your own sister just to back up Carter's flawed story."

"Jamie isn't here you don't have to act like you're some good guy that we all know you aren't. You're playing her Nate just admit it! You pretend like you are the gentle giant but that's not who you are, you wait until she isn't looking and you plan your scheme so she still thinks you are some misunderstood victim!" He hollered back his voice strong and powerful as he slammed his hands against my chest in another attempt to push me over the edge.