Chapter 4

　　Serena

　　The sound of the mild morning breeze and birds chirping filled my ears. My eyes squinted, beginning to get back to my senses after dreaming about having a wild night with a complete stranger. Except it wasn’t a dream, but a beautiful memory.

　　Remembering that encounter, a smile formed on my lips. I never expected that I am the type of girl who would give herself to a man whom she knew by name. Yet, there was no remorse in me whatsoever. Damon made me feel special and appreciated like nobody else did, not even Shey. Although we knew each other only for a night, I felt instantly connected to him. We talked and talked that night like we were the only werewolves in the world.

　　As the rose-pink light of dawn hovered above, I got up quickly and instantly changed into my uniform. The smile on my face was never-ending, and it seemed as if it had been there since my very birth.

　　I went out of my room and started doing my chores. As I cleaned the hallway of the Beta mansion, I couldn’t help but sing a song.

　　"Dreams are like wishes in your heart's own song,

　　While under rainbows and sunshine, they belong.

　　Through suffering, through pain, they shine so brightly,

　　In the darkest of nights, they light up the fight.

　　Believe in your dreams, through thick and thin,

　　A beacon of hope when life feels thin.

　　No matter the struggles that may ensue,

　　The dream you yearn for will come to you"

　　“Somebody seemed happy,” I heard someone speak. I chuckled at myself realizing my best friend was standing in front of me, arms crossed on her chest, and shaking her head as she looked at me. “So happy that she totally ignored her best friend calling her name for a minute now.”

　　“Oh, I’m sorry, Shey. I didn’t mean to,” I exclaimed as I wiped my hands on my apron and stood up. But instead of worrying about my apology, Shey seemed to have been more interested in finding out the cause of my happiness.

　　“Let me guess, are you distracted because of what happened at the mating ball?” she inquired. Hearing that, the image of Damon flooded my mind. I felt my cheeks and ears heat up because of it. Seeing that, Shey shrieked. “Gosh! You have to tell me about it, now!”

　　Shey grabbed my arms, eager to hear more. No one knew that I sneaked out that night to go to the mating ritual so Shey took me inside my room so no one would hear us talk. Then, we both sat on the bed.

　　“So, what now? Don’t let me wait, Seri! Tell me what happened to the ball.”

　　I chuckles and started narrating. “Well, I met this guy…”

　　“And? And? What happened?”

　　“He took me to the garden and we spoke all night about random things. He shared with me his dreams and aspirations, making me feel like he was a sensible and dignified wolf. He also complimented me on how I looked, despite the fact that he couldn’t see my face because I was wearing a mask. He is the sweetest guy I met in my entire life, and the hottest, too.”

　　“Yieee!!!” We both shrieked at the thoughts. Shey looked very excited to learn more about the identity of the guy I was talking about.

　　“So, what’s his name?”

　　“Damon,” I whispered shyly. Shey’s face turned serious.

　　“Don’t tell me it’s Damon Sanford?”

　　My heart raced to hear her say his full name. “Uhmm, yeah. That’s the name he gave me.”

　　“Dear, goddess! He’s the alpha heir of the Blood Rose Pack!”

　　My smile disappeared as I heard her say that. Being kept like a slave inside the Beta house, I didn’t know life outside this pack. Attending the mating ritual in the Blood Rose Pack was the first time I set foot outside the pack, all thanks to Shey who arranged everything for me.

　　Shey grabbed my trembling hands. Her words offered me comfort. “Alpha Heir Damon was devoid of having a mate as well because of an undisclosed deformity. He had been searching far and wide for a she-wolf that he would marry someday. You are the lucky girl, Seri. Alpha Heir Damon chose you to become her future Luna.”

　　I heard my own heartbeat as I trembled with the thought. “But…why me?”

　　“He’s the only one who could answer that,” she said. “Whatever he sees in you, the truth still remains. In the next few days, expect the heir of Blood Rose to come and fetch you. And you know what that means, Seri?”

　　“What?” I asked as I creased my brows.

　　“You and I will both move into Blood Rose together with our future husband. We will never be separated from each other. Blood Rose will be our new home!”

　　Shey and I kept talking about our future until she had to go. She mentioned heading to the Blood Rose Pack with her father to discuss her mateship with Pierce, leaving my father in charge for a while. I wished her luck on her journey. We were sad about being apart, but we believed it was only for a while. We made a promise to meet again when Damon comes to take me to Blood Rose and I still wonder if that day will really come. I am just a nobody while he was the next ruler of the biggest pack in the land. That heightened my nerves, and before I knew it, I fell asleep with that worry in my mind.

　　The following day, an omega yelled outside my window, waking me up from my peaceful slumber.

　　“The Alpha heir from Blood Rose Pack is here to take his future Luna! He’s heading to the Beta Mansion now!”

　　As soon as I heard this, I quickly got up from bed. After fixing myself and making sure to look presentable, I stormed out. But as I opened my door, I saw my stepmother outside.

　　“Where do you think you’re going?” she asked. Her intimidating stares were enough to make me shudder.

　　“Madam…I am heading out to meet the Alpha Heir.”

　　She smiled slyly and stepped forward, making me move a couple of steps back. “You’re not going anywhere, TORI.”

　　As soon as she said that, Tori emerged from her back, holding a rope. I shut my eyes as I realized the scheme that my stepmother and stepsister were brewing inside their minds.