Oh god! How many glasses did we have last night? I ask June, rolling my head sluggishly on my pillow while I used my stiff arm to rub my eyes tiredly.

I sense her roll her eyes. I swear, I haven't seen a girl nearly half as weak and dumb as you. You think alcohol would cause this hot, sexy adrenaline rush coursing through our connection?

Just when I realized June had officially lost it because she was making no sense, I block her out causing a headache to come bursting in. My head throbbed as I stirred throughout the bed, moaning from pain amongst the warm sheets hugging my body.

Just when I had snuggled my pillow closer to my face, a gentle thump thump at the door startles me. I shot upright making a sharp sting run down my neck. My hand instinctively curls around my neck, making the area burning up.

When I don't hear another knock, I shrug it off as my imagine and tiredly fall back into the bed, hugging the sheets closer. Just when the cozy darkness was starting to creep in, there was another knock at the door.

Cursing out loud, I roll my face to eye the time in the clock by my bedside table. 7:50 am. Swearing again, I cover my face with the sheets pretending it'll just go away as if it was figment of my imagination.

After a few minutes of silence, instead of a knock, I hear the door slam open making me toss the sheets away angrily.

"Okay! Who the hell-?" I stop after I glance at the person who just strode in.

A strangely familiar male, looking no older than 20, with dark hair that was glistening from the sun's light and that had an unusual blend of colors for his eyes, trudged in causally.

I frowned from failing to recognize to him. He eyes me suspiciously as he slyly places a cigarette in his mouth and that's when I remember. My mouth hangs open slightly as he lights his cigarette with the same metal lighter from that alley. "You're-?"

"The one who saved your ass back in that alley and the one who knocked some sense into you too?" He questioned, after huffing out a cloud of smoke.

"What are you doing here?!" I yell, rubbing my temple.

While my right hand was too busy gathering the sheets tight within my grasp, I sat uptight against the head board and while doing so, I chewed on my lower lip.

"Where else is one suppose to be when guarding their Luna?" He hummed, crossing his arm over his chest. He had traded his formal tuxedo for plain jeans with a tight grey shirt.

"Can you first wait for me to be out of bed before you start your guard duty?" I seethe, covering my mouth to prevent another incoming yawn afterwards.

"Or are you going to guard me while Im brushing my teeth as well?" I snap irritatedly.

"Looks like someone had a rough night," I heard him mutter under his breath.

"Excuse me?" I ask sarcastically, giving him the opportunity to change his answer.

"Nothing. Get up before I call Damon here and let me just warn you, he won't be happy," I was about to stand up when I tossed the covers aside to find the hem of my dress torn severely all the way up to my thigh.

After sighing to get his attention, I glare at him until he recognizes the hint. My ears catch some unpleasant complains slip out under his breath, but before I could protest, he slammed the door behind him.

The door slammed shut, and the second it does, I jump out of bed stretching my aching limbs and trying to ignore the pain as I trail to the washroom across the room. After entering the washroom, I stare at my reflection in large mirror stretched from one corner to another, along the area above the sink.

Suddenly my breathing gathers in my air pipe as I cover my mouth. The sight of the large reddish bite mark just above my left collar bone was, surprisingly, breathtaking just as much it was terrifying.

I could clearly see the puncture holes from where his canines had sunk in, permanently tattooing my skin with his name neatly inked directly under in handwriting. Alpha Damon Romano. The name that always sent a shiver escalading done my spine.

He is my Mate, I reminded myself, no wonder my neck's burning.

That's not the only thing burning from his touch hun, June croons.

Timidly, I turn away from my reflection and when I realize that I had brought nothing with me into the bathroom, I go back out and after searching desperately I find one of my suitcases literally thrown into the large closet next to the washroom.

I sigh again as I rip it open and pull out a loose red deep neck shirt with a beige cardigan, matching scarf and plain skinny jeans, along with knee high boots.

I also stop for a moment to pop two pills of Advil for the pain though I knew there would be no affect. I also grab my large towel, along with some another toiletries that I had packed in a smaller bag. I drag myself back and before I start my shower, I remember to double check that the door was locked.

I had tied my hair into a high bun to prevent it from getting wet, being too lazy to wash and dry it. I strip and start cleaning myself under the soothing hot water -which also scorched my mark and made me wince at first.

After 10 -blissfully long- minutes, I step out from my glorious haven humming the lyrics to'Closer' as I tie the cold rough towel around me. Next I grabbed my toothbrush and toothpaste to brush my teeth along with.

I wear the clothes and after frustratingly debating on what to do with my hair, I, like the laziest girl ever, leave my long hair open without even brushing it once. As I unlock the washroom door, I once again cross paths with same male, who was now leaning back on one of the sofas by the coffee table, cuddled in the corner and across the room.

"Finally," he exclaimed, making me roll my eyes. His back was facing me, but I could sense him smirking. "I never quite understood why girls take so long to get ready. All you have to do is shower and wear some damn clothes."

"I can probably guess from your answer you haven't got any experience living with a Mate yet," I wonder, while stepping in front of the dresser to adjust my hair. "Wait till she come, then you'll see."

"No, I don't have a mate." Something flashes in the sunlight, catching my attention. I glance at him as he rose a flask to his lips.

"Seriously? It's 8:40 in the morning!" I exclaim, stopping by his side to grab the flask from his hands.

"Well, atleast it is happy hour for me love," he winked, leaning his messy hair back to against the sofa. "Take a sip, I don't mind. I can even promise not to tarnish your good girl reputation to anyone, including to Damon."

I scowl irrationally from hearing Damon's name while closing the flask and throwing it to the bed which was now neatly done. "Aren't you suppose to be the one guarding me and not the other way around?"

"That was the plan love." He states, pulling out another identical flask to the one I just threw, from his back pocket.

I shake my head disappointingly, throwing my arms up in frustration. "Well, it isn't going as smooth as you planned, is it Einstein? It's more like I'm guarding you from getting drunk!"

I throw myself onto the sofa next to his, making him arch an eyebrow. "B.S. I'm Kaden, by the way."

"Like your name is suppose t-" I pause midway. "Kaden? As in Beta Kaden? Isn't that the name of Damon's Beta."

He sips another slip of whatever his flask contained. "If you're his Beta, aren't you suppose to be helping the Alpha with his dirty chores? You know, things like torturing kittens, starving puppies, polishing a life size statue of your Alpha," I cross my legs, catching his attention.

"As much as I'd thrilled to be polishing Damon's staue's ass, not today love. He's giving me a break. I've handled enough for him during the past few days, it's his turn now." My loose scarf constricted around my neck. Before I could ask more, my stomach growled.

Shame painting my cheeks as I laid both feet clamped down, brushing some hair behind my ear. After a few seconds, Kaden clears his throat. "I assume you're hungry after taunting me. Luckily I've notified the kitchen staff to be expecting you anytime now."

I nod firmly, standing up. "Aren't you coming?"

"I've already had my breakfast if you haven't seen. I'll meet you downstairs in awhile." I play with the chain to my mother's necklace strapped around my neck.

"Figures," was all I said, wrinkling my nose at the stench of alcohol reeking of him. When I had barely made it 4 steps away, someone's hand latched onto mine compelling me to twirl around. I was spun around to meet Kaden, with his body closely pressed against mine and his colourful eyes twisted with shades of dark brown.

"What-?" His hand fell down to my neck, rolling my infinity scarf off. "What in the hell are you doing?"

I try shoving him away with my all my force, but his grip was hard as steel around my arm. He didn't utter a word until after he had the entire scarf in his palm.

"Never, ever, cover your mark," he growled by my ear as if we were in danger of others hearing.

"Even if you must. There are some people, in and not in this Pack that would kill to have your position, you hear me?" He threatened in a dangerous tone, inching closer to my face to the point where I could smell the scent of hard liquor stinking out of his mouth.

"Covering your mark won't show people that he's claimed and given you the role of the Luna and that could become a problem for you in the long-run mark my words. As long as you shine his mark on your skin with your chin high, they'll have no choice but to listen and to obey you. Power is essential here, and you must have a desire for more if you wish to stay on the top." My chest tightens as it suddenly becomes hard to breath. His once cool eyes lingered with a fury while his words came out harshly but within the range of a whisper.

I gulp down some saliva that had gone sour in my mouth as I pull myself away from his embrace. He tosses the scarf on to the sofa as I turn around, walking slowly until I had laid a step in the narrow hallway with the door wide open behind.

I head to my left, passing through the multiple shut doors, walking with a slight jog in my step to get as far away as I could from Kaden. I didn't turn around once to peek back, I keep running forward down narrow hallway until I came across a flight of wooden stairs.

The walls were half blood red from the top and half black on the bottom with a cherry red wood border running along the top, bottom and in between where the red and black paint collided. There was also limited accessories decorating the corridor besides the low dangling lamps in the hallway, like a few painting.

In conclusion, the house reminded me of the Salvatore house from The Vampire Diaries, with its traces of ancient style with a wicked twist of modernization. I slow down as I head down the stairs, holding onto the railing to steady my weak balance.

After successfully making it down, I release my breath which I don't remember holding on too. I glance back once as I took a blind step forward, before accidentally colliding into another body.

I trip, falling to the ground and nearly hitting my head on the wall. I rub my forehead tenderly, while I hear some stammers of sorry but no hand of help.

Looking up, I see a gorgeous girl who had a small body frame maybe smaller than me in old ripped jeans with a loose worn-out grey tank that had a hole on the side and an extremely short, tight fitting black cardigan.

She extended her trembling hand, while avoiding eye contact. She heaves me up and when she's done, she releases a heavy breath making me realize she's even weaker than she looks.

"F-f-forgive me my Luna. I didn't see you here. Are you okay? Do you need me to call the Pack doctor?" she said nervously, dropping her gaze along with her hands. Her voice was just as tender as I had assumed.

Judging on her body she looked 15 but her voice came out soft and melodious, hinting she was more older and mature than she looked. She had large almond shaped eyes holding a twinkling set of dark chocolate pupil, which had now shrunken from fear.

That's when I notice her chest length midnight black hair, that was thrown to the front, with the front bangs twirled back, were actually not for style but instead they aided in covering the blue bruises decorating the neck.

"It's quite alright, and no thank you. There's no need to call the Pack Doctor, I'm fine. Oh and also, please don't call me Luna. I would be delighted if you called me Nora instead," I reply softly, making her look up, surprise flushing up on her face. I shake off the idea of asking about the bruises, knowing it would make her uncomfortable and that was the last thing I wanted.

"Forgive me again my Luna, I don't think that's possible. You're the Luna of the Pack and the Alpha's mate while I'm just a mere Omega," She said sadly still looking down, her hands trembling by her sides. The last line came in a dry whisper.

I knew the hidden message behind her words. I don't have enough of a status to call you by your first name, was what she meant to say but couldn't. I wanted to protest, but I knew that wouldn't have been the best decision. I bite my lip while thinking about what to say next. "What's your name?"

"Leila." She whispered, slightly more confidently.

Just by her tone, I knew she was kindhearted and didn't hold any desire for power, making me want to befriend her straight away. I hadn't had met anyone else but I instantly knew she was different.

"Leila? That's a beautiful name." I said, holding onto your arms. "How old are you?"

She bit her lower lip, still avoiding eye contact. "17 Luna."

"You look too pretty to be just 17," I say, making the remaining last bits of warm flush down her face.

"When you're an Omega, being pretty doesn't matter."

Before she flips around to leave, I grab her wrist. "Look, I'm sorry. Can you please show me to the kitchen for some breakfast at least."

Just when I though she was going to say something, my stomachs growls again but even louder than before, making a ghost of a smile appear upon her face. "Of course, my Luna."

I release her as follow her like a lost puppy, guiding me through to the large parlour and into the kitchen.

The kitchen was large, nearly as my room large and spotless with twinkling black counter tops and limited supplies neatly in containers huddled in the corners. There were dark oak cupboards and drawers with a medium size island and refrigerator.

There was even a gigantic glass door covering one entire side of the wall on the opposite of the refrigerator, with a view of an enormous swimming pool enough for 150 people.

I didn't know about June but I knew I could finish at least 3 out of 15 drawers of food and still have energy to take a swim. Drool started overfilling my mouth like I was child left alone in a candy shop. Meanwhile, I looked at the cupboards with affection, making Leila smile again. It was as if our horrible introduction hadn't happened, to which I was grateful for.

She brought a plate from the one of top cupboard and pan out from the lower one. I toke a seat on the stool closet to the stove and after I was done childishly spinning around on the high bar stool, I gazed outside through window.

Beyond the pool, was some green space with bushes growing around in designs, and in the distance, I could spot the large silver gate barring the dark forest world from ours. Early morning mist was still hovering low on the ground making the land seem enchanting in its own way.

"It's so beautiful," I say out loud to myself.

"It is, isn't it? You should see it during springtime Nor- I mean my Luna." Leila replied, making me turn to her. "It's simply stunning and heartwarming."

"Well, seeing warm cheesy nachos can also be heartwarming you know." She unwillingly laughs nervously, making me frown.

"Why are you hesitating from laughing freely even?" I ask abruptly. She turns to face me with a blank expression.

"Please don't think I'm being mean or that I'm invading your personal space, but I'm just curious, that's how I am. It's just that being new here without any friends is hard, especially when most people here just care about ranks and status. I believe you're not one of them and I'm really looking for someone I could befriend who'd be like you."

"You'll find plenty of good people to befriend here my Luna," Leila said, after biting her lip."I'm just not one of the options."

"Why? I want to be friends with a person who I can freely talk to and not be afraid they'll gossiping behind my back the second I turn away. I want to be friends with a person who truly cares about me, not of my rank as a Luna and that sticks by my side to support me through my roughest times and that shines with me in my brightest. I would like a friend who encourages me by love and not by secret death glares. I would like you to be that friend Leila. I'm just as alone as you are and maybe if we become friends, then we can erase that loneliness for us both."

She doesn't reply but instead places a glass with grape juice in front of me along with a plate of scrambled eggs and toast.

She doesn't leave the kitchen but instead starts working on the dishes. I sigh and stare down at my food.

"I spent my life folded between the pages of books. In the absence of human relations, I formed bonds with paper characters," she quoted, leaving my mouth hanging.

"Is that-?" My eyes widen as I start but she ends for me, smiling brightly. "From Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me?"

"Oh my god. I adored Kenji so much from that book." I squeal, my fangirlism peaking.

Oh here we go again, June sighs, palming her face.

"I know right? I did too. He made everything better with his wittiness," She laughed while opening the tap.

"Yes, he did. He totally reminded me of Will Herondale," I laugh while scooping my eggs and dropping them into my mouth.

The scrambled eggs were perfectly balanced, salty with a hint of sweetness, just like how Angel used to make them. "How'd you make this egg?"

"What's wrong my Luna? Are they too salty for your liking?" Her brow rose timidly while her voice shook.

"No no. They're perfect," I fiddled with my spoon, looking down. "They just remind me someone really close."

"Thank you but sorry my Luna. It's an old secret recipe, unless you truly wish to know."

"No it's fine. We're all entitled to have our secrets." I say while she wiped her hands on a rag. Her lips trembled as if she was refusing to say something.

After a brief period of silent she asked,"Who's Will Herondale?"

I look up with wide eyes. "He's from another awesome book series that you just have to read, called 'The Infernal Devices'. He's another form of Kenji, that's for sure."

She leaned against the stove counter, her entire attention diverted to me. "His jokes are so hilarious and he's super-"

"You better not be gossiping about boys when in you're standing in Mate's house," Kaden walked in, holding the flask in his hands by his sides. "It won't be beneficial for you nor for your boyfriends, I-"

"I assure you. Yes, I've heard that threat many times enough to know how it goes." I scoff while rolling my eyes and after hearing Leila swallow down a gulp. From the corner of my eye, I had saw Leila lower her eyes and bow slightly arching back, muttering 'Beta' as if Kaden was the Alpha who had just walked in. Her hands started to shake but she held on firmly to her cardigan when bowing to Kaden.

Her actions reminded me of Hunter and how his body went rigid before he was taken away and thrown in the cells, just for lending his jacket to me because I was cold.

I couldn't stand up and support him then but now I could. I had too. For Leila; my friend.

I wanted to show her that it was me who had the power between us two, not him. That I was higher in rank that him, in their own words. I rose a hand to her to rise her head, which she reluctantly did.

"Made a friend already?" He asked, leaning against the door frame narrowing his sharp eyes on Leila, who was starting to cower back a few steps. "Not the bestest of the choice and neither the bestest of the ranks."

I rise the glass in my hand while resting my elbows on the counter, examining the edges of the glass, quoting a long forgotten quote.

"Save me from the ranks of freaks who suspect they can never love anyone."

....

Please please please, forgive me. I know you guys might be pissed for such a delayed update but I couldn't help it.

These 2 weeks have begin so hectic for me,don't even ask! I know some of you guys might be thinking I'm making excuses but I'm being 100% honest here!

I've had Science and Food quizzes along with some assignments for most of my other classes (besides for PE) and also if you know me, whenever I enter a library, I have a habit of checking books out, meaning I had nearly 13 books out for more than 3 weeks.

Luckily for me, the librarian's really nice so he renews them for me without saying so but I felt bad for misusing that, so Ive been trying to finish reading and returning them as soon as possible. I still have 4 more and return, but I wouldn't let that stop me from updating!

Regardless of my failure to write, I wanted to wish you guys a happy (but late) Valentines Day!

I know most of guys might've spent it with your boyfriends or girlfriends but I know I enjoyed it by cuddling up with a good book and some chocolate.

Also, another announcement I'd like to share with you guys is that I'm FINALLY 15! (Not today but last Wednesday, on the 15th) God, I already about you guys, but I feel old already.

Vote if you read Shatter me by Tahereh Mafi or if you like reading in general & Comment how you like Nora's new friend, Leila!

Also, if you like, drop some good books recommendation you wish for me to read in the comment! (Wattpad or Paper, don't care)

The Author; xbookgirlx15