Knowing someone was out there, but being unable to actually see where the mystery guy was had both girls on edge. It was as if a ghost was trying to get their attention and succeeded in doing so. Neither girl could pinpoint the exact spot of the male addressing the two of them. 

That was, until movement nearby in the darkness had captured both Ivory and Maki's attention.

From the shadows within the trees, a tall man's silhouetted figure approached them. It didn't take very long for that dark silhouette to morph into the man it hid. His features were becoming visible within the rising moon's light that shined down between the tree branches. 

The man's muscular frame was the first to come into view. Strong and fit, the signs of a powerful wolf that took care of himself at every chance. A pair of ripped dark blue jeans adorned his muscular legs, showcasing the toned physique of a man who prided himself on that extra leg strength to move faster. A runner for sure, he had to be, especially with how well the jeans fit around his thighs. An Adidas white t-shirt hung loosely over the muscular planes of his torso, matching the white Adidas sneakers that adorned his feet. His black leather jacket was grasped tightly within his left hand, it being too hot for such an article of clothing to be worn. 

Ivory had to admit, his physique was absolutely breathtaking. She could only imagine the power that body held and what it could do to someone caught within it's power. The mere thought had Ivory's body humming with hidden excitement. A tingling that coursed through her veins in unending waves. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before, like her body was coming to life within the presence of this male. However, something seemed oddly familiar about the attire the man was wearing, like she had seen it somewhere before.

It hit her faster than a rushing wolf when the man stepped from the darkness completely and into the glow of the moon. Slicked back raven hair and crystal blue eyes, it was one of the Stormbrook twins. What was he doing out this far when the celebration was happening at the festival grounds. Where was his twin brother at as well? Weren't they normally attached to one another at the hip? 

All the questions seemed to rush through her mind that was turning to absolute mush just staring at the man. 

Ivory forced herself to turn away and slowly face Maki, her friend just as stunned as she was herself. It took a couple of gentle shakes to even gain her best friend's attention once more. Maki seemed as mesmerised by the tall Stormbrook male as she had been herself. 

"Maki, go get my father." 

Able to tell that her friend wanted to disagree with what he had been told to do, Ivory made sure to pin her with a serious look and slow shake of her head. It was barely noticeable unless you were actually paying attention to what she was doing. She needed to make sure that Maki would do as she was told and hurry with it, since they had been ordered not to be around the Stormbrooks for any reason by her father. Not that she really wanted to listen to what they were told, but she didn't want to anger her father at all that evening. 

"Is that really needed? I mean you no harm, little duck." 

Ivory whipped around to face the Stormbrook wolf standing before her, listening as Maki's footsteps got further and further away when she finally left the area. Her father would be here soon and this surprise conversation would be quickly brought to an end. She only hoped that her father wouldn't be too angry with her since this was not what she had in mind for the evening. 

"Is it? You come out of the woods like a stalker in the night, startling two young women. What do you want?" 

The agitation was thick within Ivory's voice, but it did nothing to hide the trembling that shook each one of her words. The man standing before her could see that, an amused grin forming upon his perfectly shaped lips. It both made Ivory uncomfortable and sparked a small flame deep within her core, something she had never felt before, not until now. Something about the Stormbrook male excited her and infuriated her all at the same time. He felt dangerous, but that didn't matter to Ivory. She wanted to feel more of that danger regardless of her father warning her to stay away. 

"I felt it only right to introduce myself to the Alpha's daughter. Didn't know I'd be getting burned by the accusing glare in those starlit eyes of yours for doing so." 

Ivory shifted her feet, flustered a little by the sudden comment about her eyes. Her cheeks flared with a soft blush, tinting them a soft pink in color. She was definitely not prepared for the sudden teasing that was being thrown at her, especially if this man only wanted to introduce himself to her. If that was the case, however, why had he wanted to get her alone rather than waiting and introducing himself at the festival? It seemed a bit shady to her if anyone were to ask. 

"Well. . . introduce yourself then, stop being-" 

"Brother! There you are. . ." 

At the relieved sound of another male approaching, Ivory stilled and stayed as she was. She knew who was approaching from behind her, he had stated so when calling out for his twin. It had to be the other Stormbrook son, in search of the brother that had run off from him. 

". . . Oh, and who do we have here? I hope my brother hasn't bothered you too much." 

It was almost as if the second brother had only just noticed her standing there. That alone had Ivory's hands fisting the soft white fabric of her dress, trying to keep her annoyed reined in as much as possible. The last thing they needed was a fight to break loose between the children of both pack leaders. 

"No, not at all. He was just about to introduce himself when you showed up." 

Ivory was finding it rather difficult to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. Everything that could possibly delay her from getting to the festival had happened. She could only imagine what her father would say when he managed to get alone with her to talk. She didn't need a scolding, didn't want the evening to be ruined for any reason. Not when this was the one night she always looked forward to each year. 

"Well, if that was the case, allow me to introduce the two of us. My name is Arcane and this is my rough around the edges brother, Aries." 

The twin now known as Arcane held his hand out to shake her own. His ice blue eyes shimmered within the moonlight, reminding her of glaciers sparkling within the sun. Arcane was just as breathtaking as his arrogant twin brother was. However, where Aries had the sense of danger around him, Arcane felt down to earth and rather sweet. The kind of man anyone could ever dream of being mated to. 

"Ivory Ashwood. It's a pleasure to meet you." 

There was still some hesitancy within Ivory's voice, wary of giving her name away to the Stormbrook twins. However, what was done, was done. She couldn't take it back even if she wanted to. 

Ivory reached out her hand, hesitantly placing it within Arcane's outstretched one. His hand closed around her own so carefully and delicately, it was as if he thought she would break from a single touch. His actions were proof to his natural gentleness that she didn't think his twin brother Aries had. It proved that, despite being nearly identical twins, the brothers had their own personalities and were far different from one another than people would assume them to be. 

The moment Arcane's hand closed around hers, Ivory had to force back a gasp that wanted to force its way out of her. Arcane's very touch had sent what could only be described as an electric shock right through her body. It ignited the flames inside her that Aries had kindled with a single look. The fire within her now raging and the electrical hum moving across every one of her nerves within her body had turned into a pleasant buzz she couldn't ignore. It caused her heart to race and pulse to quicken, her body to lightly tremble and her entire being to crave not just Arcane's touch, but Aries' as well. 

It wasn't hard to see that Arcane had felt something as well. The way he pursed his lips while the shock crossed the wide depths of his ice blue eyes. It was as if he were fighting to keep himself and his wolf under control with her nearby. 

Aries had been watching the whole exchange, a frown making its way to where his arrogant little grin once sat. He didn't appear pleased at all, he seemed more agitated or unnerved from Ivory and Arcane's sudden attraction. 

"Little brother, I believe you can let go now." 

Aries' hand fell upon Arcane's shoulder, successfully pulling his attention from Ivory and the fact he was still shaking her hand. 

Quickly, within the blink of an eye, Arcane pulled his hand back and with his other  one, brushed a stray strand of his chin length raven hair behind one ear. It was as if he were trying to find something to do with his hands, an excuse to pull away from Ivory without actually having to give one. 

"Ah, yes, well. . . it's a pleasure as well." 

When Arcane nodded his head slowly, stumbling over his words at the same time, Ivory slowly pulled her hand back as well. Her silver orbs dropped to the hand she just pulled away, staring at it as if in absolute shock from what she had just felt. . . still felt even now. It was everything that had been described to her and more. That's when the reality of the situation sucker punched her right in the face.

This man was a Stormbrook, the Alpha's child to an enemy pack. 

"Ivory!" 

Her head snapped up and towards the direction her name was being called from, Aries and Arcane's eyes following as well.

Rushing towards them was not only Maki and her father, but two large wolves that were flanking the pair had joined the small group. Her father being the protective and overly cautious person he was must have enlisted the aid of two more pack members in case things went south in any way. Ivory didn't think that would happen, the twins seemed well raised and polite for them to start something. Well, Arcane was, Aries was a different story she had yet to figure out.

As the small group grew closer, Arcane stepped back a couple of steps to stand beside Aries once more. The two remaining quiet as they eyed the pair of wolves flanking Making and the Alpha of the Ashwood pack. 

The wolf on the left was the color of umber, a large scar trailing down across his left eye. The one on the right was all black with white tipped ears and his right front paw was white. Both stood about waist high to a normal human, showing they were far larger than any typical wolf out there. 

"Are you alright, my child?" 

Ivory's father was the first to reach her, his hands upon her shoulders as he took in her appearance. Meanwhile, Maki stood off to the side, keeping her eyes on Arcane and Aries. They were making sure the twins kept their distance and didn't try anything stupid. 

"Yes father, I'm perfectly fine. Aries and Arcane were only introducing themselves before we all went to the festival." 

A sweet smile had painted itself onto Ivory's lips hoping it would calm the rage she saw swirling in her father's eyes. She could tell he didn't believe a word she was saying, the way he stared her down before turning towards the twins. Ivory's own gaze following her father's, eyeing both Arcane and Aries in hopes that they would be careful when speaking with her father. She honestly prayed that Arcane did all the talking because Aries had a bit of a sarcastic demeanor to him that may get them into a bit of trouble. 

"Is that so? Usually those from another pack would come introduce themselves to the Alpha before roaming another's territory. Not the Alpha's daughter." 

Having to hold back a sigh that fought to escape, Ivory looked to her father once more to attempt to gauge what he was feeling. Aside from agitated that it. 

"Yes, I wholeheartedly apologize for that. My brother had wandered off and while looking for him we happened upon your daughter. If you would allow us, we would like to introduce ourselves formally and continue to take part in your beautiful celebration." 

"Hmm, I see." 

Ivory had begun chewing her lower lip, hoping her father would keep things civil. She could already tell he wasn't all too happy about them meeting at all. The glare he was giving the twins could have bore holes right into them if he stared any longer or harder at them. Instead of continuing to glare at them, his attention shifted back to Ivory, Maki and the two other wolves that had joined them. 

"Eilam, Thanasis, escort the girls to the festival please. I would like to have a word with the Stormbrook boys before returning myself." 

Both wolves huffed, giving their understanding of the order given to them. They would make sure that Ivory and Maki arrived safely at the festival grounds no matter what. 

Ivory wanted to fight against her father's wishes, however, there was already enough drama that evening. She thought it best not to provoke anyone and cause even more than there was. 

Without another word, Ivory and Maki turned around and started towards the festival grounds. Both Eilam and Thanasis gave each of the girls a single nudge to make sure they didn't turn back towards the group of male, not wanting them to try and go back. 

Ivory only glanced over her shoulder once, catching both Aries and Arcane's eyes watching their retreat. Somehow, she doubted it was them they were watching as a whole, but her as she walked away from them. Call it a gut feeling, or call her crazy for thinking such a thing, but somehow she knew it was her they were watching leave. 

**** **** **** ****

When the trio were finally left alone and out of earshot from Eilam, Thanasis and the girls, Ivory's father turned to face Arcane and Aries once more. He pinned them with a very serious gaze, letting them both know he wasn't going to be playing any games. He wanted some answers from the young wolves and planned on getting them one way or another, no matter how he had to do it. 

"I'm sure you two know who I am by now, but for a refresher, my name is Cace Ashwood. I am the Ashwood pack Alpha and this is my territory. What I would like to know, other than reassurance that our peace treaty hasn't been broken, why are you here?" 

Cace's voice was filled with an authoritative tone, pulling Aries and Arcane's attention from Ivory and forcing it directly onto himself. The seriousness he had pinned on the Shadowbrook twins mingled with an unrivaled curiosity deep within his eyes. He had no plans of returning to the festival without his answers. He needed the peace of mind that his pack would remain safe regardless of two Shadowbrooks roaming around his territory. 

Eyeing the twins while waiting for them to answer, Cace's attention was pulled fully to Aries when a seemingly defeated sigh left the male's lips. Cace's full attention was on the older of the two twins, wanting to know why they were there in the first place. 

"It's as my little brother said, we would like to attend your celebration and I happened to wander off before we could ask your permission." 

Aries leaned forward, cupping his mouth, preparing to whisper something to the Ashwood Alpha. He motioned with his free hand for Cace to come closer, that way he could be heard better. When Cace did lean a little closer, a grin formed upon Aries' lips like the cheshire cat would grin at Alice and said; 

"I tend to do that quite often." 

As Aries stood straight once more, both he and Arcane could tell there was no amusement within Cace's eyes. The man was frowning, appearing far more agitated than he was when he had first arrived. It had Aries lowering his gaze towards the ground, uncomfortable and a bit embarrassed that his explanation hadn't been believed or taken seriously for whatever reason. 

Arcane rolled his eyes at his brother's response to Cace's agitation. He hoped Aries hadn't ruined their chances of ever being believed and getting on the Alpha's good side. He knew his brother could come off as rude, sarcastic, or even arrogant at times making it hard to keep allies with other packs around the area. 

"Sir. . ." 

Cace turned his attention from Aries to Arcane, his face remaining as blank as ever. That was, aside from the agitation that had settled upon the planes of his face and deep within his brown eyes. 

". . . My brother speaks the truth. We came to join in your celebration, however, before we could meet with you my brother disappeared from my side. We mean no disrespect towards you or your pack in any way, shape or form." 

Trying to sound as sincere as he possibly could, Arcane hoped Cace would believe him over Aries. He didn't want to create anymore hostilities between them than there already was between them. Especially when they weren't within their own territory and must abide by the territorial laws of the one they currently resided within. 

Relief quickly washed over the twins when Cace relaxed and his features became gentler and a little more understanding. It appeared the he didn't want to fight or argue anymore, their matching responses enough to satisfy his curiosity for the truth of why they were there. 

"Alright, but the first issue you cause I'm sending you boys straight home. Make sure you stay away from-" 

Cace was cut off by the sounds of screaming and vicious growling mingling within the air around them. His head snapped in the direction it was coming from, eyes falling upon the festival grounds where their celebration was currently taking place. His eyes only widened as he watched the shadows of wolves attacking his pack from the glow of the bonfire lighting the entire nearby area of the festival grounds. His heart nearly stopped knowing his daughter -his only child- was there. His pack was under attack and he wasn't there to defend them against whoever was attacking them. 

"What is. . . this better not be your doing." 

Giving a warning glare to the Shadowbrook twins, Cace growled out his warning before shifting into his wolf and taking off towards the celebration that had been abruptly interrupted. His paws pushed off the ground, propelling him forward as fast as his legs could carry him. A blur of ashen grey fur flew through the woods, racing to aid his pack and to find his daughter among the chaos erupting within his line of sight. 

Aries and Arcane watched for a moment before looking at one another with a silent question playing between them. A single nod given as an answer by both brothers was given silently to one another, they too shifting into their wolf and allowing it to completely take over. They followed Cace into the chaos erupting on the Ashwood festival grounds, defending their enemy pack from an attack by an unknown assailant.