Liam's expression darkened. "Seren," he said warningly.

"Is this what my life is now?" she snapped at him. "I'm just some...some pet caged in this room?"

He took a step forward and draped his jacket over a chair, Seren watching him carefully. "No. It is not. You can have all the freedom you want...once you demonstrate that you can be trusted."

She growled again, the sound nowhere near as deep as Liam's answering rumble. He didn't like the disrespect. "And how am I to do that?"

"Seren, I thought you might appreciate a day to adjust and, as you don't enjoy my presence, I decided it best I let you be." She kept her face unreadable and waiting for him to continue. "As for being trusted...trust is earned, not given. You are still a rogue and you have not accepted me as your mate. Once you do that, I could declare that you are a member of this pack, or you could willingly go through our initiation. The outcome will be the same. Join the pack or stay in here." His stony words were final. 

Anger and indignance filled her shaking body, her eyes glowing as she strained not to shift. She strode closer to him and pointed a finger at him, aware of their close proximity and setting her nerves alight. "I would rather be tied up in your basement and stay a rogue, than join your pack."

His eyes turned that dangerous shade of navy and he closed the distance between them until her finger was touching his chest so she could both feel and hear the snarl rolling out of him. "Then I guess you had better try to reject me. Go ahead, Seren. Get those words out before I sink my teeth into your pretty little neck and make you mine."

Her breath hitched and she felt rooted to the spot, unable to move. His eyes flared blue white as his wolf struggled to do exactly as he had threatened. His hand rose and slipped behind her head, her skin on fire where he touched. As if she were spellbound, she could only watch as his eyes dropped to her mouth and his head lowered, a soft growl emanating from him. She was completely dazed, every hair on end, her body screaming for him to kiss her, all of her attention focused on him. As soon as she looked down to his lips, he leaned in and pressed his to hers, more softly than she would have imagined, but still hard as if he meant to punish her. 

Lights exploded in her eyes and sparks shot down her body, awakening things in her she hadn't known existed, tugging deliciously behind her belly button as fire danced across her face and swirled within her skull, pulling her around in a torrent of sensation and tingling across her lips as he slowly pulled away. She wanted to open her eyes then, but couldn't, dragged down into a buzzing darkness. 

When she finally was able to surface and pry her eyes open, she saw a strange lady looming over her, holding a needle and a strangled cry escaped from her throat. Seren sat up and scrambled backwards, kicking the covers away, panting as she looked around the room. The only other person there was Liam, who quickly approached the bed as soon as she had yelped. She suddenly realized she was on his bed and swallowed dryly.

"Oh, you're awake!" The older lady said. "How do you feel?"

Liam said nothing, his expression guarded. Seren couldn't tell if he was worried or just didn't care. She remembered that he had kissed her, then.

"W-what happened?" 

"You fainted, dear. The name's Gloria, by the way. Alpha Liam told me that you are Seren, his mate and our new Luna!"

"Er...y-yes, my name is Seren, b-but we're not...I'm not his..." 

The look of warning in his eyes made her hesitate and turn her head back to face the kindly old and wrinkled Healer.

"I'm not in the pack," she finished.

"Well not yet, dear," she said with a knowing wink. "You two have some bonding to do first. Now, let's figure out why you fainted."

Liam visibly stiffened, his hands clasping behind his back, a muscle twitching in his jaw.

"Why do you have a needle?" Seren asked.

"Well, for one thing, we like to run a blood test on new pack members so that if something changes later, we will have something to compare it to. But, since we couldn't wake you up, I was going to run a few tests. Now, the main reason girls your age faint is...well...pregnancy."

Now Seren knew why Liam had gone rigid. If he discovered that his mate was pregnant with another's child, things would get ugly fast. She felt her eyes bulge out of her head.

"No, ma'am. I haven't...I just had," she blushed fiercely, glancing at Liam who refused to leave and clearly wanted to know. "I'm definitely not."

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his shoulders relax a fraction of an inch and Gloria smiled.

"Well that's good to hear, dear. Do you feel sick? You aren't running a fever." She suddenly reached forward and pinched Seren's cheek, lifting it from her cheeks. "Your gums look fine, so it's not anemia. He hasn't marked you yet, either, so what are we dealing with?"

Seren was sure her face was red with embarassment. She could accept the fact that this was an eccentric old woman without boundaries who wasn't shy, but with emotionless Liam standing feet away, she was a bundle of anxiety.

A light bulb seemed to go off in her head and she pointed a skinny finger in the air. "When did you eat last?"

Liam's eyes narrowed. He knew she had refused several meals.

Seren knew she had had a bite of a granola bar at the shop the day before, but nothing since dinner the previous night. With all the stress she had been through, it was a miracle she hadn't passed out sooner. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Two...two days ago."

She heard Liam growl, his displeasure filling the air and she cringed, wishing she could turn invisible. 

"Alpha," Gloria said, putting away the evil needle. "Could you please wait in your office a moment?"

Liam clearly did not want to, but turned and rigidly tugged the door open, stepping out and closing it behind him. A second later there was a crack and the sound of pieces of wood hitting the carpet before his footsteps marched to his big chair.

"Why haven't you been eating, dear?" she asked kindly.

Seren was taken aback by how caring she was, something she didn't expect from anyone in a pack, but then again, Max had always been nice, too. She looked up at the woman's sincere green eyes and nodded to the door. Gloria pursed her lips in understanding, before taking her hand and patting it. 

"Liam's a bit...uptight. I think he could do with a good unwinding. I understand that you've been through a lot and I can sense that you don't exactly want to be here, but everyone in this house only wants the best for each other. Unfortunately, you aren't going to be able to get away from him to relax, so I'll see what I can do. You have to eat something, dear, even if its small. Okay?"

Seren nodded, feeling the pain in her stomach.

"Alrighty then. If you want to vent, this old lady is just a door down the hall!" She slowly got up and flashed Seren a devilish grin, waddling out. As she closed the door, Seren heard her say, "and as for you!"

She couldn't help but smile, imagining her shaking her finger at the Alpha. Liam may be cold and ruthless, but he couldn't help but respect his elders, especially one he needed. Seren waited for his office door to close before she opened the bedroom door. 

Liam was standing there, glowering like a little rain cloud....or a big rain cloud, and all over the floor were pieces of one of the chairs that had been around the table. So he had a temper. It wasn't like she didn't already know that. His eyes found hers, full of reluctance and an unwillingness to feel any remorse.

"Alpha," Seren said softly. "I want to make a deal."

One eyebrow moved upwards just a fraction before he masked his surprise. She stepped out of the bedroom, glad for a bit of freedom and gave him a wide birth as she scurried over to sit on one of the couches. In a few steps, Liam's long legs carried him to the one across from her and he sat as well, propping his elbows on his knees, tenting his fingers. The way his shoulders pushed against his tight shirt, momentarily distracted her. He gave nothing away, nor did he say anything.

"I want to go back to McGreggor's," she said, exhaling.

He slowly leaned back, looking at her from under his lashes, spreading his arms to the back of the couch. "No."

"If you are going to force me to live here, I need to get my stuff," she insisted.

"No," he said again. "I will provide you with what you need."

"But I need my things. And I want to see my dad."

"I will not take you there. The treaty will interfere. I won't let a fence stop me again," his voice deepened and she shivered in response, his eyes catching the slight movement. "However, he may come here."

Seren thought about it for a long moment, staring at him, admiring his features silently. "Okay."

She could tell he was glad he won. "You said you wanted to make a deal so what is to be exchanged for this favor?"

Seren could see that he wanted something and thought that whatever bargaining chip she came up with would be insufficient. "I...I won't try to escape."

"Not good enough," he shook his head.

"What do you want?"

"You already know," he said quietly, his eyes glinting, making her stomach churn and growl. His mouth turned down in a scowl.

"You want me to join the Wind Runners?" 

His jaw clenched, but he nodded. He really wanted her to accept him as his mate, but she couldn't do that. Her breathing accelerated as she waged an internal battle. If she joined the pack and they turned out to be as she feared, she could always leave again, after all, she had been a rogue almost her entire life. If they were mostly like Gloria, Max and even Kate, then it would be bearable to live there in exchange for McGreggor's protection. She could always find a way to avoid Liam once she had freedom to roam the house and territory. 

"My dad will be safe?"

He nodded again, deadly serious. "You have my word...as an Alpha."

"Trust is earned, not given," she threw back at him, watching those blue eyes narrow. He had somewhat liked the intelligence of her quick reply even if it was disrespectful. Her heart raced in terror at what she was about to say and Liam looked on guardedly, as though she might faint again. "Okay," she said. "I...I'll do it...the initiation. But I am doing it for McGreggor."

"Very well," he replied, emotionlessly. He held out his hand and she stared at it, trembling.

Her hand slipped into his palm, instantly dwarfed as his gently closed around it. Electricity shot up her arm and she marveled at just how much of an effect he had on her, secretly relishing in the feeling as it rushed throughout her, making her heart beat even more quickly. Her handshake was more firm than he expected, determined, but she withdrew soon after, refusing to look at him.

"Would you like to come with me to the kitchen? You can pick out something to eat," he said, hoping to change the subject to dispel the awkwardness.

She swallowed nervously, glancing at the double doors. 

"It's very late, about one, nobody will be awake," he murmured. 

Seren sighed and nodded, standing with him. 

"Stay here," he said, moving into his bedroom. The rustling of clothes followed and she blushed when she realized he was undressing. "If my human presence causes you too much anxiety to eat, that is something I can fix." There was the unmistakable shiver of air as he shifted and then he reappeared in his hauntingly beautiful wolf form, his coat like midnight. 

Seren found herself relaxing despite herself. His wolf did make her feel safe even though his head came to her shoulder and he could easily overpower her. She opened the door for him and wordlessly followed him into the hall. He led her through the huge confusing house, largely devoid of sound except for snoring and the occaisional voice behind a distant door, to the kitchen. Clearly, they had had their normal Friday or Saturday night party for the counters were lined with solo cups, beer bottles, empty 2-Liters and puddles of sticky drinks.

Liam took one look at the mess and groaned, half embarassed, half angry at his pack. Seren couldn't repress a small giggle at his bossy attitude, earning her a fixed look of interest. She thought he looked cute with his ears perked forward, but realized he had never heard her laugh before. She had not heard his either and would no doubt be just as enthralled. 

His big muzzle suddenly pressed into her side, pushing her into the kitchen, toward the fridge. She stumbled forward, rubbing the tingling area and spotted a tower of pizza boxes. "Can I?" she asked, pointing to the pile.

He sighed, wishing she would eat something healthier and sat. With a shrug, she started rumaging through the boxes for the different types of pizza, stacking four pieces on a paper plate. She looked around for a moment, before spotting the microwave and put them in. Though they were still warm, she wanted the cheeze oozing all over. 

Seren noticed that in the living room, a few bodies were strewn over the couches, passed out, the coffee table also littered with bottles and cups. Suddenly, Derrick walked into the kitchen and his eyes widened when he saw her, his hands flying to either side of the doorway to block her escape.

"What are you doing down here?" he whispered fiercely. "Does Liam know-" His eyes landed on the black wolf behind her. "Oh," he said, rubbing his head. 

Seren backed up into the counter, watching him carefully. The alpha gave him some sort of look and they spoke telepathically for a moment, a pack perk. 

"Alright, well, you have a good night then, Seren," he said, tugging open the fridge and grabbing a beer before making a hasty escape. 

Liam sighed and sat back down, throwing her a look that just screamed, Please excuse everyone in this house tonight. They are all so wasted.

Again, she couldn't help the smile that crept onto her face. The alpha's tail wagged in delight and she had to turn away not to laugh at him and risk the fragile truce they had, pulling the pizza out of the microwave. 

His nose was on her again, as if he needed an excuse to do it, steering her out and back toward the stairs to his room. She sighed. It was back to his cave. He was sort of like a caveman, she thought. 

Me alpha, me take woman and put in cave! Alpha's woman.

She shook her head, Liam growling softly because he couldn't know what she was thinking and nudged her forward again. 

"Jeez, what are you, a shepherd?"

If looks could kill, he would have lost his mate. It only made him hurry her along faster and he didn't let up until they were back in his office. She plopped down on the couch and he sat by her thighs, staring at her. All of his intimidation factor had disappeared in the wake of his doting and laughable, dog-like behavior. 

"Now you are begging? Haha," she chuckled, taking a huge bite of pepperoni pizza. She nearly moaned when the hot cheese hit her tongue, her stomach grumbling with impatience. Within five minutes she had two pieces down and was slowing slightly as she worked on the third. 

Liam whined slightly and the corner of her mouth turned up. She pulled a pepperoni from a slice and held it over his head. He looked at her with absolutely no amusement and in a flash, had stolen the rest of the piece from her hand and swallowed it after chewing ridiculously. 

"Hey!" she cried, though it was mostly crust. 

His expression was clearly, You won't even finish the fourth.

"I can too eat it all!"

He groaned, glancing toward the bedroom as if to say that he was tired and she should hurry up. She ate half the piece before slowly looking over to him, because he was as tall as her when she was sitting down, to see that he looked incredibly smug. Seren held her stomach and sighed, handing the remainder over, watching it disappear behind his white teeth. 

She stood up and yawned, already being impatiently prodded towards the bedroom. When they entered, she realized that this was a different situation than last night. The black wolf waited unhappily as she brushed her teeth. 

"I...I don't have any pajamas," she muttered, leaving the bathroom. 

Liam turned and trotted to his closet, returning a moment later with one of his large, and ironically black, T-shirts. Hiding behind the door, she slipped it on, exchanging it for what she wore. His shirt nearly went to her knees and by the glint in his eyes coupled with his rumbled of approval, she could tell that the sight of her in it pleased him greatly. 

Seren picked up her blanket and tried to go to the giant window seat to sleep, but was cut off by his huge body and a deep growl. His teeth grasped the bottom of her shirt and she had to follow him to avoid exposing herself.

"Fine!" she snapped at him, sitting down on the unbelievably comfotable mattress and quickly covering her bare legs with the sheets that smelled of him. "But you sleep over there or something!"

He ignored her, loping over to turn off the light before returning. She felt the bed dip under his weight as he jumped on, stepping over her briefly to lay on the other side of her. He could have easily gone around to the side before jumping, but Seren guessed it was a power play, him showing his dominance. Regardless, she did not like being beneath him for any amount of time.

Liam stretched out with his back turned toward her, his shiny fur outlined in moonlight. Seren felt such longing to see if it was the same texture it appeared, almost watery. She lifted her hand slowly over his coat and then rested her fingers among the silky strand, running them down his side. She gasped slightly as the familiar tingling current ran through her arm. Liam tensed, whether uncomfortable or mad, until the third stroke when he goaned, a low sound of bliss, and relaxed.

It must really feel good, Seren thought. I know dogs and cats like it, but I'lve never been pet myself.

She stopped and let her hand fall to the sheets, closing her eyes. She figured that she shouldn't have touched him, but any nervousness disappated because he was in his wolf form. Somehow, she had bonded with his wolf throughout the walks back and forth from the cabin. That did not mean that she needed to get familiar with Liam as a man. That was a perilous and fearsome task for a different woman- if Liam had any emotions to spare to begin with.

Seren was having enough trouble willing herself to sleep with him so close to her. She just hoped he didn't try to take advantage of her in the night, or try to mark her. She shivered, imaginging him rolling over and pinning her beneath his weight so her body would go crazy when their skin touched, kissing her neck down to where it curved into her shoulder before he-

Liam growled. He knew the gist of her thoughts. Her face flushed with heat. How could she think of something so intimate, something he wanted to do, with him so near? Was she trying to get marked and claimed?

"Sorry," she wispered, embarassed, a shiver running down her spine. She would have to keep better control of herself.