Chapter Seven

Conner's POV

I looked at Gemma in shock. No one has ever just asked to join. They usually beg. I have to say this girl has balls.

I was generally curious why she didn't talk. I really wanted to hear her voice. Not too sound to cheesy but I bet it's beautiful like singing angels. Maybe I went over board with that one.

"Well it's going to take a few days to plan the ceremony- " I started but she waved her hand for me to stop. She started writing and showed up the note.

I don't want a ceremony. Let's just do it here and now. Please alpha.

I got a bit angry she called me alpha instead of Conner. But I couldn't say anything because it would be suspicious.

I looked at her chocolate brown eyes that were pleading with me. I already knew they would be the bane of my existence. I sighed.

What do you guys think? I asked Ash and Jace through the mind link.

We should let her join how she wants. Ash said. He seemed protective of her. Axle and I didn't like it one bit.

I don't trust her. Jace said. Ash rolled his eyes.

You don't trust anyone. Even when Caroline came to the pack as a rouge. And she was your mate. I said teasingly.

You say that like you know about trusting your mate. Ash said suspiciously.

I do. Gemma is my mate. I said. There was no point in hiding it. They would figure it out soon enough anyway. To say they were shocked was an understatement.

Well I guess we are letting the future Luna in the pack at Danny's. Jace said with humour in his voice. I looked at Gemma. She was as cool as a cucumber. That was impressive. As Luna, she was always expected to keep her cool.

"Okay. We will let you in the pack. Pull down your sleeves so I can mark you." I stood up and reached for her hand.

Gemma's POV

I looked at the pack leaders as they debated using the pack link. I was freaking out internally but I looked as cool as a cucumber.

"Okay. We will let you in the pack. Pull down your sleeves so I can mark you." Conner said. He stood up reached for my arm.

Now ladies and gents is when I freaked out. He was going to pull down my sleeves and show my scars. I quickly backed away from him putting my arms behind my back. I think he thought I was scared because his eyes softened a bit. Yes I as scared but not for the reasons he thought. I knew he would see my scars and ask questions. I so did not want that. I needed time to come up with a plan. I held up my arms to signal him to stop. He did. I held up one finger as if to say 'give me a sec'. I ran out of the dinner to my car. I got in and retreated to the back seat were they wouldn't see me.

'Winter what do I do?' I asked panicked.

'I donno.' She said also panicking. She was supposed to be the brave one. Useless.

I pulled my sleeve down on my right arm. I was ambidextrous but I preferred to use my right hand. So that meant my left had lots more scars. I found a patch of unharmed skin that was big enough and went back to the dinner looking cooler than a cucumber but let me tell you I was dying inside. Oh goddess. I was surprised my heart was still in my chest with the way it was beating.

They were all seated waiting for me. I stepped in front of Conner showing my arm. I prayed to God, every voodoo loa and all freaking gods Greek and Roman alike that he doesn't move my sleeve. And they answered my prayer. He just extended his claws and made three gushes with them on the exposed flesh. He handed me a dagger to do the same but I just put the dagger in the waistband of my jeans and extended my claws. He looked surprised. I know why. Partial shifting was not easy and can be messy if you get it wrong. I used to use my claws to cut myself sometimes so this wasn't anything new.

I kept my mind blank and slashed across his arm. He muttered some words in Latin. Then many presences were in my head. All welcoming me to the pack. I felt some trying to pry in my mind to know my secrets. Suckers. I was blocking people out by the age of five. I started putting up my walls. They were fifty feet high with barbed wire at the top and electric fence surrounding it. Guard dogs behind the walls. Okay maybe I'm over exaggerating but that is how secure they felt to me. Not even Conner could get in them. Trust me. He tried.

The scratches disappeared completely. I gave all of the males a small smile before retreating to the kitchen. I didn't relax till they left. My day went as casually as usual. When my shift was done and I closed up, I decided to treat myself. goddess knows I needed it. I went to a supermarket were I bought four large containers of vanilla ice cream.

I added kit kat to the list too. Don't forget whipped cream, chocolate syrup, m&ms and smarties. What? I'm a sucker for chocolate. Sue me. I paid for the stuff. While I was putting my stuff away, I realized I left my phone at the dinner. Shit! Well I need the alarm so I guess I had to go back.

Stupid forgetfulness. I drove to the dinner surprised to find the lights on. Only employees had the keys. I turned off my lights and parked on the side of the road. I walked to the dinner in stealth mode. All the things I learnt in the secret gym in the closet came to me. I had been visiting the gym in town often so I wasn't out of shape. I walked in the dinner to see Jenny and some guy. Jenny was on the floor crying and saying 'Sorry Xavier' over and over again. He, the Xavier guy, kicked her in the ribs then picked her up by the neck.

"It's okay baby. I forgive you." He said in a sickly sweet voice and forcefully kissed her. By then Jenny saw me and her eyes were pleading for help.

Red.

That's all I saw. This douche was attacking my friend. My family. Never again. No more people will die because of me. I lost my pack and my mum. No more. I will not lose anyone. Goddess help this Xavier guy because in my book he was already dead. Seething with anger I lunged at him.