30 A CLOSE GUESS

One week passed and the final exam was held. Serina thought that the incident of her life force being tampered by the vampire didn't affect her that much but she realized how serious it was during the exam. There were some theories and formulas that she forgot and no matter how much she tried to remember them, she just can't.

When the final result came out, Serina was disappointed with her grades. Although she was still the top of her class, her grades decreased some points. Her parents and friends wanted to celebrate it but she was in no mood for celebration. She was worried because she has no idea as to what extent did the incident affect her memories.

Although she didn't want to celebrate the news of being the top of her class, Serina couldn't say no to her birthday celebration. She'd be turning 16 years old this year and this is happening that her mother was looking forward to. She's happy to see that her daughter was growing more beautiful each year.

Her birthday party was held in Four Seasons Beach Resort this year. She received so many gifts from her family and friends. And her parents didn't forget to invite Nicholas as her savior.

"This is my gift." Nicholas handed her a small rectangular box with carved roses on the cover.

"Thank you. Can I open it?"

"Sure." Nicholas watched her open the box and what Serina saw was a blue oval-shaped pendant necklace with silver frame encasing the gem.

Serina lifted the necklace and placed it on the side of his face to make a comparison. "It's the exact same color of your eyes. I like this."

"So, you like my eyes?"

"Hn. You have beautiful eyes like the wolves residing in the forest behind your house." She closed the box and handed him the necklace. "Can you put this on for me?"

Nicholas didn't say anything and just took the necklace from her. Serina turned around and exposed her bare neck in front of him. For the very first time, his instinct took over all reason and Nicholas leaned closer to leave a mark on her.

"Nicholas?" Serina called out for his attention and when Nicholas came back to his senses, he found his mouth few inches from her neck. "Are you okay?"

"Hn. I just remembered something." He lied. "In a year, you will be leaving the country. Please make sure to wear this necklace all the time. It will keep you safe."

"Really?"

"Hn. The wolves chose this stone for you and we engraved our well-wished on the stone." Nicholas replied. "Anyway, I have some matters to deal with so, I'm leaving first. Happy birthday again and I'll see you soon."

"Hn. Take care of yourself."

Serina felt that something's weird with Nicholas but she didn't think too much about it. Remembering the wolves in the forest, she gripped the necklace tightly and smiled. She wanted to see them again.

"I knew this will happen sooner or later." Hillary commented as she walked with Brigette towards Serina. "After the incident where he brought you home, things have changed between you."

"Correct." Brigette added. "How should I say this…hmm…there's this warmth between you two whenever you're together."

"That is just your imagination." Serina mumbled and turned her back on them.

On the other hand, Nicholas went home to the Vallardi estate but instead of going to the mansion, he ran freely to the forest. He transformed directly to his wolf form and just ran without specific goal in mind.

He ran for two hours and when he finally calmed himself, he sat on the boulder and looked at the dark sky. 'What was that? Why were you trying to bite her?'

'I didn't know. I had no idea. I just felt like living my mark on her." Kiro answered, bewildered and lost for what he did earlier.

'So, do you acknowledge her as our mate now?'

Kiro didn't agree or disagree at this point but he has different worry in mind. 'Nicholas, haven't you wondered yourself if she's a dormant she-wolf or a human? She's 16 years old already but I cannot sense the wolf in her. If she's human, why can't we pry her mind? I have tried sharing a mind link with her but there's a strong barrier in her mind.'

'Since the vampire tried messing with her life force, there must be something in her.'

'Did it occur to you that she can be from the dragon tribe?'

'If she's from the dragon tribe, the vampire wouldn't have a chance to mess up with her. Let's not forget that the dragon clan is stronger even if vampires and werewolves combine their forces.'

'Well, you have a point.' Kiro responded in agreement. 'For now, let's just observe her.'

Since it was summer break and there's no class, Nicholas spent his time going to company meetings with his father and patrolling the perimeter of their property when he got time. Sometimes, he'd invite Serina to visit the wolves which made Yiran feel a little bit neglected.

Her father told her that Serina could be her brother's mate and that she shouldn't meddle with their affairs but sometimes, she felt so jealous that she'd play tricks on her. However, none of them worked against Serina.

'Damn this woman! I hate her for taking my brother away.' Yiran cursed mentally while watching Serina play with the cubs. 'Whatever, I'll have many opportunities in the future to deal with you.'

Serina didn't have much to do either. When she's at home, she'd learn a lot of things from her dragon. Sometimes, she'd have a sleepover party with her best friends, taking turn in whose house will they have the next sleepover. Some other times, she'd accompany her mother to shop and sometimes, when Nicholas wasn't that busy, she'd visit their forest to spend time with the wolves.

And just like that, the summer break was over and the class resumed once again. This year, Serina promised to do her best in preparation for the study-abroad program. And since she couldn't let go of her fascination about wolves, she bought books about wolves which were written in French.

Even though she spent time with Nicholas and his family and even if she faced the elders of his clan, none of them found out that she was a dragon-bearer because of what Brittislava said to her in past. Every single time she left her house to visit the Vallardi estate, her father would erase her dragon scent and Brittislava would retreat to the deepest part of her mind, not speaking a word no matter how much she urges her to speak.

Therefore, the Blue Moon Pack who have been looking for her had no idea that she already made it to their circle.