Chapter Five (Serenity)

I had woken on the bed alone and back in my human form feeling like I was freezing. I got dressed and looked around for Clarisa to no avail. I decided to try and find my way back down stairs to try and find out what was going on. I walked down what I thought was familiar hallways and thankfully found the stairs that led back down to the main room. I walked down them and noticed everyone standing around talking and debating something. As I walked closer no one had seemed to notice me. I overheard them talking about using Stephanie as bait to draw the rogues out so that they could deal with them. Stephanie, of course, was more than happy to do it but you could see on her parents faces that they were against and Blake looked like he wanted to kill someone simply for the idea. I had to admit to myself that the idea was smart but not entirely safe. What if she wasn't able to out run the rogues alone? Then she could be captured before the plan could be executed. So I volunteered.

It made sense to have two at least. If Blake went with her then they would either suspect something was wrong or they wouldn't even try against an Alpha, but if she was with the same small wolf they had seen before then what threat would that pose? We had also proved that we were both more than capable of pushing our bodies hard enough to draw the rogues out and close to the council house. After everyone agreed Clarisa grabbed our hands and led us away from the men. "Girls you do truly understand the danger you have volunteered to don't you?" I nodded with Stephanie. "We need to get Stephanie safe. She is a future Luna...And I owe her more than I think I can express to her." Stephanie looked at me softly. "I also owe you more than you know Serenity. You have already saved my life twice and all though it may look like those moments were small and insignificant, they weren't. That small moment at both times made all the difference for me." I smiled at her. "And besides my sweet girl."Clarisa reached out and touched my face gently. "You are a future Luna too." I looked at her shocked and confused. "What do you mean?" I frowned at her. "Your mate sweet heart, he's here." She smiled brightly. My eyes opened in surprise. "What do you mean? And how...Aren't I supposed to have noticed or felt him or something?" Stephanie smiled widely. "Yes if you were raised with the stories you would have realised, but unfortunately you weren't so the signs that you have had you wouldn't have noticed." I looked at her and lifted an eyebrow.

Keith stepped up next to us. "Ladies, I think you might overwhelm the poor girl before having to deal with everything that is coming. Serenity I promise honey everything will be explained to you after tomorrow night if it has not worked it's self out by then ok?" He smiled at me with his hand on my shoulder. Clarisa and Stephanie nodded knowing that the conversation was to be dropped for the moment. My grandfather came over and joined us. "May I borrow Serenity for a few moments please?" They all nodded and watched as I walked away from the crowds with him. "Serenity I know you've been through a lot and I know you still have a lot to go through, but I am hoping after all this that maybe you would like to spend some time with me so we can get to know each other?" I smiled at him. I could hear in his voice the fear of me rejecting him but I couldn't. He was my last living relative and the only remind I know had left of my mother. His eyes were exactly the same as hers and when I looked at them I felt like I was seeing her again. A tear ran down my cheek and I stepped forward hugging him. He tensed up for just a second before returning the hug. "Your mother would be so proud of the woman you have become Serenity. You're brave and strong while still being caring and gentle. I'm proud of you as well my dear child." More tears slowly ran down my cheek. "Thank you granddad, you don't know how much that means to me." He pulled back slightly to look at me surprised. "Did you just call me granddad?" I giggled gently. "Yes I did, is that ok?" He smiled brightly. "It is more than ok, although it is going to take a little adjusting to." He laughed.

I hugged my grandfather one more time tightly before turning around and looking for Stephanie. I spotted a man staring at me as I did so and wondered who he was. He was handsome albeit a little terrifying. He was built like a mountain with black hair and soft stubble on his chin. His eyes were a soft blue but with a hardness to them that I hadn't seen in a man before. He was the one I remembered suggesting the idea of using Stephanie as bait. It seemed like a cold idea but it did make sense. More sense than trying to run the rogues down the hard way. I wasn't sure if he was mad or extremely smart but I doubt any of the other ideas brought forward had been any better. I turned my eyes away and continued looking for Stephanie and I spotted her standing over by the stairs with another woman. I walked over to join them and as I approached the other woman walked away looking upset. "Did I interrupt something?" Stephanie smiled. "Nothing that was important."She said perkily. I felt like she was trying too hard. "Are you ok Stephanie?" Her smile faded a little. "Come with me." Grabbed my hand and pulled me from the stairs then leads me upstairs away from everyone.

We reached my room and walked in closing the door behind us. "Serenity I'm scared..." She flopped down onto the bed. I sat down next to her and took her hand. "I know, but I will be there with you. We can end this tomorrow, we will end this tomorrow for you." She looked at me sadly. "What about you though Serenity? When do we get the chance to end your torment?" I lowered my head and sighed. "You already have Stephanie. You and your family have ended so much torment for me. I'm no longer running in fear, I have my first ever friend and you helped to give me my family again! Oh and not to mention helping me through something that I don't think I could have handled on my own!" I nudged her with my shoulder. She looked at me and smiled. She then wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. I hugged her back as we both offered each other comfort. "You do know it wasn't just us that helped you through your transformation right?" She said as she sat back slightly. I looked at her and frowned slightly. "Alpha Marcus was the wolf that pushed you through. Don't you remember?" She asked. "No I don't really. I remember seeing a massive black wolf, but I just assumed it had been one of you." I stated. She smiled at me. "Nope it wasn't. Alpha Marcus had to shift to be able to force you through the last part of your shift because it was taking so long. He's the one that really helped you." She patted my hand.

I sat on my bed thinking about what Stephanie had said as she left the room to get ready. The council had decided that despite the battle to come they wanted to hold some kind of formal ball that was a part of their tradition. It would normally be held on the third night but with everything that was happening they thought it best to hold it that night to help everyone relax and mingle a bit beforehand. This had been the reason that Clarisa had bought the dresses for me and Stephanie. I was nervous about the idea because I had no idea how I was going to do in the dress that I had. Walking was going to be difficult in the dress and then Stephanie mentioned how everyone danced and I almost fainted. Learning to walk in a dress was one thing, but I didn't even know how to dance! How the hell was I going to dance in a dress for the first time! All my nervous were on edge at the idea.

I got up and unzipped the dress bag gently lifting the dress out before laying it on the bed. It really was a beautiful dress. I still couldn't get over the feel of the fabric and was grateful. If the fabric was so soft and moveable I doubt I would have been able to walk in it. I stripped my clothes off and looked at the dress trying to work out how exactly to get it on by myself. Suddenly the door flew open and I panicked until I realised it was Clarisa coming through quickly. She closed the door fast so that hopefully no one would have seen me in my underwear and turned to look at me. She smiled as she stepped forward. "Here sweet heart let me help you with that." She reached and gently took the dress from me. "Thank you. I couldn't work out how to get in the damned thing without either hurting myself or tearing the dress." She laughed lightly. "It's alright. All this stuff takes time and I'm more than happy to help as much as I can." She said as she slid the dress easily up my body. She started zipping it moments later and the dress was in place. I was amazed, she took even less time than the sale girl had.

Clarisa stepped back and inspected me as I turned to look at her. She clicked her tongue and walked away quickly towards the bathroom. I frowned wondering what she was doing when she reappeared with some makeup in her hand. My eyes flew open wide. I had never worn make up. Even before my mother passed I hadn't put any on because I never really felt the need for it. "Sit on the bed sweet heart." Clarisa said as she approached me. I did as she said and watched with horror as she put the makeup down next to me and started sorting through it. Someone knocked on the door and opened it. Stephanie's head peeked through and looked at us. "Ooo make up time! Yes!" She threw the door open and bounced through happily. She plopped herself down on the bed next to me and watched her mother gently brush all sorts of stuff over my face like a pro. Stephanie smiled as her mother put down the last brush and stepped back before looking at me. "Perfect." Clarisa stated proudly. "My turn next!!" Stephanie said excitedly and winked at me. Clarisa then proceeded to work her magic on Stephanie and I couldn't help but be impressed. Stephanie sat perfectly still and followed all of Clarisa's orders. Once done I looked at Stephanie in awe. She was truly stunning.

Clarisa stepped back from both of us and admired her work with pride. She reached a hand out to both of us. "Alright girls time to go down." She smiled. We took her hands and got off the bed. We followed her through the halls and down to the stairs that would take us to the main ballroom. It was in a different section to the House then I had been before so I hoped I wouldn't get lost. We walked down and entered into a large white room. It was light up brightly throughout by beautiful chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. Curtains of a very pale blue hung around the doors and windows enhancing the look of them. I long table had been placed against one wall holding drinks and what looked like finger food. People were mingling in small groups all over the place with a few already being up on the dance floor. Stephanie squealed with joy and bounced on her feet. I looked in the direction she was facing and saw I guy I didn't recognise walking our way with a huge smile on his face. He reached us and scooped Stephanie up in a huge hug before spinning her around on the spot. Stephanie giggled more and snuggled in to him holding on while he did. He placed her pack on her feet and she reached up and kissed him on the cheek. Stephanie stepped back and looked at me smiling. She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him. "Serenity I want you to meet my brother, Steven. Steven this is Serenity." She said beaming. I blushed slightly as his eyes connected with mine. I felt silly because with him being this close to me I could now see the family resemblance.

"Nice to meet you Serenity." He said reaching his hand out for me to shake. I took it and smiled politely. "Nice to meet you too Steven." Clarisa suddenly appeared beside her son smiling. "Steven take your mother for a dance because your father seems to be too busy to do so." She said holding her arm out to him. Steven winked at me and Stephanie as he took her arm and escorted his mother away to the dance floor. Stephanie hooked her arm in mine. "Come on, let's go and get a drink." She started leading me through the crowd towards the table. We reached it with out to much drama and grabbed a cup each as we moved along the table to the drinks. Other women were standing at the end of the table. One of them looked at me and snorted before walking away. "What was her problem?" Stephanie shrugged her shoulders as confused as I did. "No idea." She said flatly. Stephanie looked like she just wanted to walk after her and snot her one.

We stood there and had our drinks watching the festivities when a young red head girl comes over blushing. "Stephanie?" Stephanie blinked at her then smiled. "Yes?" She seemed to relax a little. "I'm Lana from the River rush pack, my father said to come and speak with you." She said. Stephanie smiled brighter at her. "Nice to meet you Lana. How is your father? Dad said he had been injured slightly earlier?" She nodded happily. "Yes he had but he is all healed now, thanks to your mother." Stephanie touched her shoulder and smiled. "I'm glad we could help especially after it all being my fault." She said a little saddened. Lana looked at her and smiled kindly. "He was just doing his duty and my father is all about duty and helping a damsel in distress." She said giggling lightly. I smiled at that. I could never fully see Stephanie being a damsel in distress. She was too strong for that. "Lana this is my friend Serenity." Lana's eyes widened at my name. "Your Alpha Noah's granddaughter!" I nodded.

We stood there talking about little things like the room and how the drinks tasted as we watched more people start to get up and dance. I was really terrified at the idea of someone coming and asking me to dance but thankfully no one had yet. Blake approached us and smiled at Stephanie. "May I have this dance my lady?" He asked politely and bowing to Stephanie. She giggled and took his hand as she passed me her drink. Lana stepped next to me and we both watched them walk off to the dance floor smiling. "They are an adorable couple." Lana said. I smiled at her. "Yes they are. Is your mate here with you as well?" I asked. She looked sad. "No. I haven't found my mate yet." I felt bad for her and took her hand. "I'm sure you will find him at the right time Lana." She looked at me and smiled. I liked the girl. She was sweet and kind of naive in a good way. It made me want to look out for her.

I looked back at the dance floor and noticed that Steven was walking towards us happily. He got to about four feet from us when his eyes shifted from me and his face dropped in shock. He rushed over to us quickly and I watched as he stuffed his head into a shocked looking Lana's neck. I heard him growl as Lana blushed. "Mine!" Well this was weird. I stared at them confused. Stephanie appeared beside me suddenly smiling from ear to ear. Blake was right behind her with the same grin on his face. Stephanie clapped excitedly. "Oh my goddess! Finally!! Yay yay yay!" I looked at her confused. "Congrates brother." Like pulled from a trance Steven looked up at us and then to Blake. "Thanks." Stephanie skipped over and placed a sot kiss on her brother's face and turned to Lana smiling happily. She pulled her into a big hug and I heard Steven growl again. Stephanie looked at him. "Oh shut up you will get more than enough time with her I just wanted a hug." She poked her tongue out at him before stepping back next to me and Blake.

Clarisa and Keith had joined us happily after Stephanie made Blake go and get them. Steven hadn't let go of Lana at all. He had moved to stand behind her but had pulled her close to him the minute he did. Keith had also gone and gotten Lana's father who was beaming so happily I thought his face might be able to light up the room on its own. I still didn't fully understand what was happening but everyone was standing around talking happily. They were all relaxed and I didn't want to interrupt that. More people had mingled around us and some made me a little uncomfortable by how close they got to me. I wasn't used to being so close with so many people. The mountain of a man I had seen staring at me earlier that day stepped up next to me. "They're mates." He said looking at the couple. I glanced up at his face and my breath hitched slightly. He was handsome, very handsome. I looked at the couple and smiled softly. Well now it made sense. "Touching for them offers comfort as they adjust to the new bond." He said as he looked down at me. He placed his hand softly in the centre of my lower back and stepped closer blocking some of the others from being so close.

I closed my eyes as I felt warm sparks spread out from his hand. It was soothing and his closeness felt protective against the other bodies that had been making me start to feel agitated. I opened my eyes and saw Keith looking at me intently. Suddenly his hand was gone and instantly I wanted it back. The warmth and comfort I had been feeling also disappeared with his hand. I looked away from Keith to see where the man had gone but couldn't find him. I stepped back from the crowd starting to feel uncomfortable again. Keith walked around to me and looked at me concerned. "Are you ok Serenity?" I blinked at him as I started to go into a daze. "No. I need to get some fresh air please?" He nodded and took my hand gently guiding me away from the crowd. We stopped just a few steps away and he let go. "I just need to let Clarisa know ok?" I nodded. My breathing was starting to get harder and I just wanted him to hurry up. He grabbed my hand again and led me towards the stairs leaving everyone behind.

We got to the stairs and Keith looked down at me concerned. "Serenity?" I shook my head at him and he guided me to the stairs. "Keith...I can't...Cant...Breath." I whimpered out. He looked around quickly and focused on someone. My eyesight started to blacken just as someone approached us. I felt my legs go like jelly and reached out for Keith. Strong arms meet my body as my legs gave out and I was sure I was going to hit the ground. The ground never came though and in seconds I felt air rushing past me as sparks started to spread from the arms holding me. Those sparks. They were heaven. I moaned in bliss as I let the darkness finish taking me while I leaned into the rumble that came from this person's chest.