Chapter 8

There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.

Zaraphines' POV

'That was kind of scary. Hey black? Can we please never do that again?' White questioned in my head. 'I agree with white. I know that you don't particularly like our mate but you can not go in his head. I'll start taking the injections again if you can't stay calm.' I threaten black. She huffs before going to the back of my mind. "Zara? Were you even listening to me?" Jaime growls. I smile sheepishly before shrugging my shoulders. "Sorry Jaimes. I definitely was arguing with my wolves." I explained to her. "Did black take over? I can give you some more herbs." She offered. "No. I think we're okay. We have actually been talking. Trying to figure out how the three of us can coexist in my head." I tell her. "How has that been working because what I just seen was not coexisting. That was her taking control of you again." She huffs. I lower my head slightly in defeat. "Its just different with her. She doesn't like him Jaimes. With him being so close it makes it harder for her to keep her cool. I know it's excuses but it's true." She nods her head in understanding before she grabs back onto my arm and drags me towards the lake.

"Jaime what are we doing here?" I question her as soon as I see my pack swimming in the lake. "We my dear Luna are going swimming. You need to relax and what better was to do that than at the watering hole." She says with a huge smirk. Giving a silent huff I agree. We walk to the edge of the water before taking off our jeans and shirts, leaving us in just our bra and underwear. We walk into the water with complete ease. I grab Jaimes' hand and pull her further in before diving in head first dragging her with me. I let go of her hand before swimming away from her. Popping my head above the water I turn around to face Jaime with a smirk. "Zaraphine! You know I hate getting my hair wet!!!" She basically screeches. I curl over laughing. "Yes Jaime I know. You also know that I hate swimming in my underwear." I tell her. "Okay okay. I guess we're even can we please relax now?" She questions. "Yes. We can." I told her before yelling, "Everybody else get your asses in here and help us relax! It's been pretty stressful if you ask me!!" Within minutes every wolf around is diving into the water, splashing around like maniacs. "It is about time Luna!" Someone shouts back causing everyone to burst into laughter, including myself.

We spent hours just relaxing in the warm water. Everyone playing like pups. A few of the women laying on the beach sunbathing. A smile never leaving our faces. These are the moments I love with my family. As the night started to cool we climbed out of the water. "Wanna have a bonfire Luna? The night doesn't have to end so early." Marcus asked me with a grin. "Sure. Why don't you go get some wood and we'll dig a hole for the pit." I told him as I turned towards Lane and Jaime. "Fine. We can help." They both said in a huff of annoyance. "Thank you my amazing best friends" I exclaimed as I threw my arms over both of their shoulders.

Atticus' POV

After a few minutes of standing there like a fool, I followed her. They ended up at a lake. As I searched over the area I noticed everyone of the wolves that Zara took in were all there as well. 'She looks happy.' My wolf commented sadly. 'Yeah she does.' I tell him. Watching her interact with everyone is absolutely beautiful. She knows them all personally. Her running around with everyone was a perfect sight. Hearing her laughter even being so far away was music to my ears. "Wanna have a bonfire Luna?" I hear someone say. 'I wish she was our Luna.' My wolf whines. As she turns away and throws her arms around Jaime and Lane I let out a low growl. In return she turns her head slightly. 'Shit. Sorry. I didn't mean to let it out.' My wolf quickly apologized. She turned her attention back to her friends, ignoring me completely.

"You know you don't have to linger in the woods. You could've come and joined us." I hear a voice behind me. I quickly turn around, now standing face to face with a smirking Marcus. "Uh.. I wasn't lingering." I lied. "Sure you weren't. If you want a chance with our Luna, you won't get it by stalking her. Just go talk to her." She laughs. "Marcus she hates me." I say sadly. "Only a part of her hates you, Atticus. Yes it may be a big part but its not all of her. Also, if you're worried about her and Lane. There is nothing between them. Well at least not on her end. He has feelings but he doesn't act on them. He lets his feelings for her affect his judgement. Similar to what you are currently doing." He explains with a chuckle at the end. "They sleep together Marcus!" I growl. "Calm down macho man. Yes they do sleep together, but not in the way you think. He is her protector Atticus. They are together like eighty five percent of the time. Only because of her wolves. We all keep a watch on her but Jaime and Lane were the first few wolves that she picked up. They just stuck together like the three musketeers. They look out for each other and Jaime and Lane do an even better job at looking out for her. If it wasn't for them then I honestly don't think she would be who she is today. They helped her grow into the amazing Luna that she is today. We know that we're not an actual pack but no matter what, she is our Luna. If you want anything between the two of you then you have to accept that she comes with baggage now." He explained.