The smell of sugar plums and gingerbread filled the air as a small orchestra rose in the distance. The familiar hum of Christmas melodies and chords igniting my ears as we walked arm in arm. Heels clicking against tile as we moved under the golden hue of chandeliers and white bark arches wrapped in lights. Three foot Christmas trees lining the hall as their red and gold bulbs popped like berries in the snow. Him in a traditional black tux paired with a crimson tie while I sported the red dress and heels that his mother gave me as a Christmas gift this morning. A translucent top whose mesh held rich red vines and poinsettias that covered my breast and shoulders before crawling down my arms. Giving the dress a V outline while the skirt was a solid tulle that draped my body in the shape of a slim ball gown. Hair tied in a bun as a few loose strands brush against cherry lips, his gift of golden and diamond accentuating my neck and ears.

"Nervous?" He whispers in my ear, clutching the hand that lays in the crease of his elbow.

A smile tugs at my lips, "Never. You?"

"A little." I can see him swallow hard. Eyes on the double doors that stand in front of us. I know what he's thinking about, the last time we were here I was kidnapped by Dante's men. It was so quick...I was only out of his sight for a second. The tightening of his hand on mine brings me out of my thoughts. "Stay next to me at all times. Don't leave my side for a second."

I look at him, "Ky-"

"Not even for a second. Please." He begs, unable to look at me as his eyes are just plastered to the doors. My heart stills, my hand reaches for his face, turning it to look at me. His eyes are mixed with so many different emotions which makes me want to say so many different things. But I say nothing. I take a deep breath and exhaled with a sigh before pulling his head down. Placing his forehead against mine as my fingers gently stroke the back of his neck. Soft.

"Okay. I promise." Giving in.

"Thank you kitten." He sounds relieved, giving my lips a quick peck of gratitude. We smile and without a second thought, he reaches for the door.

     The Christmas Bell is a tradition that ties back all the way to the first werewolves. A ball that not only celebrates Christmas but serves as a reunion between the packs. A chance to catch up after the long year and an opportunity to find a mate which is very likely in these type of settings. A time to be merry and, well, a little naughty.
And it looks like we have let a few vampires attend this year, I thought with a smile as I saw Sebastian and Amber dancing off in the distance. She looked so beautiful in that emerald green dress. We were greeted in the usual way as we meandered through the ballroom. The casual "Merry Christmas" and "Can't wait to see you guys in training next week" breaking my state of awe for the decorations. I always loved Christmas, everything just looked so beautiful on this day. So vibrant and warm, it felt like a bear hug despite the blistering cold outside. The lights held a gold hue that was comforting as a giant chandelier hung from the ceiling while a massive pine tree dressed to the nines stood at the head of the room. Shining vibrantly as it contrasted so drastically to the dark winter night that could be seen by three giant windows that guarded the tree from behind.
Ky was busy talking to one of his old football friends as I was lost in the ceiling. Watching how the red and green ribbons danced in swoops across the marble roof, the white ribbon not far behind. I felt Ky's hand at my waist, breaking me out of my daze as he pulled me against his side. I didn't notice that the football friend had left as Ky now looked down at me with a smirk.

"I'm sorry for boring you Kitten," he said as he leaned in. Giving my ear a quick peck as his hand held my chin.

I flushed. "Oh no you weren't boring me!"

"Then why were you dozing off at the ceiling?"

My body tensed. "I was um..." I was embarrassed, my cheeks berry red as I scratched my cheek with my finger nervously. Should I really tell him?

"You were...?" Ky enquired, his face an inch away from mine. His closeness brought on a new shade of red and a wider smirk upon his face.

"I...um..." I took a breath. "I was so mesmerized with the decorations that I...I tuned out the entire conversation. Hehe." I finally blurted out. Laughing awkwardly as I couldn't face him. Nice going Serena, I bet I just sounded so stupid. He's probably gonna laugh, watch.

"It is beautiful isn't it."

"uh!..." I was taken aback from his words. Looking up at him as he was consumed by the atmosphere, looking out on the dance floor with the most genuine smile. A vision that just made me speechless, he was so vibrant that I just couldn't help but to join in his gaze. He was right...it was beautiful. A sea of smiles and laughter as a myriad of colors twirled around their partners, taking the dance floor as their own as they performed the traditional dances and the occasional free style. My eyes scanned the floor, looking for familiar faces, smiling once my eyes landed on the pairs that I held dearly to my heart. Jason and Sakura were sharing a kiss under the mistletoe before prancing back to the dance floor, her hand clutching his tight as they both wore white and gold. I watched as Daren twirled Alice in and out of his arms, her rich blue and gold skirt flaring like a flower with each turn.
Annabelle danced with her childhood friend, a tall boy with blonde hair, as Mr. and Mrs. Severs watched on. Each with a glass of red wine in their hands. My father grabbed Robert and scolded him for running around so recklessly with his friends. My mother rolling her eyes at his side as she was too busy chatting with a smiling Henry and his pregnant wife Emily. Her hands rubbing her belly as her long blonde beach waves framed her body beautifully. My mother joining her touch after a quick question of permission. My eyes found Sebastian and Amber again, seeing them looking so happy made me happy. I couldn't stop smiling.

"I had no idea, did you?!" Said by the girl who was walking behind me. Loud enough and close enough that I overheard the conversation.

"I don't think anyone did." Said her friend, her tone leaving a sour taste in my mouth. "It's shocking isn't it. Who could have imagined that Rachel was, well,..." They moved out of earshot, her voice dying off as I was unable to hear the last of sentence.

What happened to Rachel? I just saw her a few days ago, she seemed fine, happy even. And weren't those two girls part of Rachel's posse? Shouldn't they be more concerned? Wouldn't they be more concerned if she was hurt? It doesn't sound like she's in any trouble, but I haven't seen her-
     My thoughts ceased when I saw the crowd in front of me begin to part like the Red Sea. A shocking image considerably since I only believed that that only happened in movies and tv shows. Though I was more shocked to see what it unveiled on the other side, a couple to which I only had the pleasure of meeting one half of. It was Rachel, dressed in a beautiful winter white dress as her fiery hair was tamed into a side bun. She stood like royalty, her hand laying in her partner's grasp elegantly as she was with a woman with olive brown skin. The two walked hand in hand like royals greeting their people for the first time. The parting sea closing behind them as they headed straight towards us.
The woman matched Rachel as the pure white contrasted with her rich skin beautiful. Wearing a tuxedo designed for a woman as the tail coats of her jacket was a ruffled skirt or train instead of the regular tails. Her body was tall and slim as she towered over Rachel as it can be seen that they were wearing the same size heels. An Amazonian women with long raven black dreadlocks that draped beautifully on the right side of her face as she allowed a few to remain on the left. One dread on the left being wrapped in a slim gold ribbon in an intricate style. From her eyebrows to her jawline, her features were sharp and dominate. A true exotic beauty.
Their hands fell to their sides once they stood in front of us, Rachel in front of Ky and the unnamed Amazonian in front of me. Our eyes locking as rich brown eyes hid a golden red. Rachel looked nervous, putting her hand on the Amazonian's arm as she began to introduce us. A calm smile plastered on nervousness.

"Ky, Serena, this is Zaya," her hand was trembling as she gestured to the woman beside her. Taking a deep breath before she continued, "my mate and Alpha of the Thunder pack."

"It's so good to meet the two of you. Rachel has told me so much about you guys." Zaya said, her hand on Rachel's waist as she began to list off all the things Rachel told her about us. But I couldn't listen to any of that, I was too focused on Rachel as she looked so scared. Everyone was watching and what I did in this exact moment would determine something drastic. Just how many trials did they had to get through before they got here?

Same sex pairings are very rare in the werewolf community. Not because they don't happen but because the individual tends to reject the mate or each other. Or some can't handle the pressure or get talked out of it by family and friends. It's not something that is frowned upon but it's not something that is widely accepted either. What I do now will not only determine Rachel's place in our pack or our alliance with the Thunder pack, it will also change everyone's viewpoint of me. Like humans, we are also divided by the people we love.

So who am I to get in the way of true love.

"It's truly an honor to meet the two of you." Zaya finished, her hands looking just as shaky as Rachel's.

"No my dear," I said, the atmosphere shifting as I could feel all eyes on me now. The whispers rising to a soft murmur. "The honor is ours," I said before curtsying elegantly before the pair. Not raising my head until Ky bowed beside me, which he did in a heart beat after picking up on my cues. I straighten myself up once I felt his hand on mine, being met with eyes who were on the brink of tears.
     It was as if a wave had washed between them. Clearing all the debris of looks and words that tangled around them like seaweed. Of the worry. They could finally breath and it's within this breath that the atmosphere changed and the danced went on like it did before. Except I could feel the energy of a few beaming smiles directed towards me.

"May I?" I asked Zaya as my hands signaled that I wanted to give Rachel a hug. It's always proper to ask permission before touching someone else's mate.

It took her a minute to respond, trying to collect herself from the moment of euphoria. "Oh yes, of course!" Her voice held an awkward happiness as she released Rachel so I could hug her. I walked passed Zaya as I wrapped Rachel in my arms, she welcoming my embrace as she held me tight. I could hear Ky talking to Zaya, welcoming her to our town and thanking her for her participation in the up and coming war. Including that if she or Rachel ever needed anything she'll know where to find us.

"Congratulations," I whispered in Rachel's ear. Feeling her fight back the tears as her face was buried in my shoulder. "I'm glad you have finally found the person who can truly make you happy." Her arms tightened around me, I could feel her gratefulness in the way she held me. She must be so relieved, so happy. Honestly, I'm not completely sure how relieved she must be, I can only assume.

"Thank you," she whispered in an exhale. Releasing me from her grasp as we took a step back, giving each other space. But our arms couldn't let go of one another, I had one last thing to say.

"And if anyone, and I mean anyone, gives you or Zaya shit give me a call. I would not hesitate to come chew them out for you. You have my word."

"Serena-" she began to object.

"You have my word."

She sighed with the shake of her head before giving me a genuine smile. "Thank you," her voice soft as a bell.

"Ladies," Ky interrupted as he held out his hand, the other behind his back. "I'm sorry to break up this joyous moment, but I would love to at least have one dance with my mate before the night is over."

I could feel the heat radiating from Rachel's face, "Oh yes, by all means!" And with that, my hand was traded off into Ky's. A shock of electricity igniting our touch as he began to lead me to the dance floor. Taking one last glance at the couple behind us.

"And please, enjoy the ball." He shouted over his shoulder. The two giving him one last smile before chatting away in their own little world. Rolling my eyes nonchalantly as I stifled a laugh, which I'm pretty sure Ky saw but decided to ignore. The song ended when we got to a free space on the dance floor, we stood face to face as we waited for another to begin. Luckily, we didn't have to wait long.

*Play Song*

He bowed, I curtsied, our hands clasped while free hands landed on waist and shoulder. The song was upbeat and fast, falling in line with the tempo as we waltz around the remaining couples. A few twirls and dips to set off the constant movement, followed by some fancy foot work that could only be executed to a degree of amateur. We didn't care if we looked good or silly, we just wanted to have fun. It was after a spin that I heard him chuckle before seeing the big goofy grin on his face.

"What?" Did I do something stupid?

"Nothing." He teased, lowering me into a dip before lifting me back up quickly. Stepping back as we glided in the same rhythmic pattern as everyone else.

"Oh it's definitely something, tell me." I sounded more enthusiastic than curious.

He smirked, leaning in as he whispered in my ear, "You're going to be a great Luna." I was taken aback by his words, flustered as I knew that he was referring to what I did for Rachel and Zaya.

I looked down, "shut up," I murmured with puffed cheeks. I was just doing what any good friend would do, what I did was nothing special. If Zaya makes her happy why shouldn't I accept it. Just because I learned this new thing about her doesn't mean she is a different person from the one I've been sparring with. It doesn't mean that she doesn't laugh the same or acts differently from how she acted before. It doesn't change the fact that she is still her and I am still me and that our weird friend/nemesis relationship hasn't faltered. It's a layer of her that I wasn't expecting, but one that I accept because that is what a true friend does. So yeah, why wouldn't I accept it.

The song smoothly transitioned into the next, becoming a slow ballad of melody and bells. An old Christmas hymn that was long forgotten. We simply swayed to this one, our foreheads plastered together. His arms wrapped around my waist, mine around his neck. It was hard for me to breath. The atmosphere had completely changed as the tension between us stilled me. I could feel the heat of his breath on my lips.

"I was also thinking about one more thing," His breath was a whisper. Rich and husky.

"Yes?" The bridge of his nose was against mine now. My body completely pressed against his as his hands gripped me so tight as if I was a bird about to fly away.

"This is the first real dance we had together." He paused, "I missed my chance at the Winter Solstice." His voice held an air of melancholy, a sound that made my heart tighten and my eyebrows knit.

"We both did," I added before kissing him. His lips were tantalizing as our kiss was slow and tasteful. A small reminder that we were both here, a moment to drown that night from rising to the surface. Not tonight, I don't want to worry about him tonight. The kiss was getting heated as I could feel desire begin to move my hands and my tongue. The tension and chemistry beginning to grow to an sensational amount. I pulled away quickly, the two of us breathless messes as the fire of need roared in my belly. Restraining myself from pouncing on him in front of everyone in this room. I felt his chest rumble with a warm chuckle, knowing that he was laughing at my struggle.

His hot breath fanned against my ear as he whispered, "Don't you know that you're suppose to be nice on Christmas Kitten?" I trembled from his voice. Dark and teasing. "But I guess we could be a little naughty to satisfy that little body of yours." His hand dragged up my spine, a trail of fire being left behind. "You better be prepared little one because I will not be merciful, no matter how much you beg." His head dipped into my neck, giving it a little nibble as my breath hitched. Fuck. "But you better compose yourself for now baby. Our friends are coming over and I will not let another man or woman see a view that's only meant for me to see."

I growled under my breath, damn him. How do you expect me to calm this rapid drum roll in my chest so quickly?

"Serena!" An exuberant Sakura screamed as she hugged me from behind. Catching me off guard as she nearly tumbled me over, luckily enough I caught myself before she dragged us to the floor.

I chuckled, "Hello Sakura," embracing her hug as I placed my hands on her's. Feeling her tighten her hold around me with a smile, a warmth growing within my chest. We laughed. At this point I noticed Ky and Jason were chatting, something about a move Ky had done in sparring last week. The air was different around them, it was less hostile and somewhat warm and comforting. As if something was sparking between the two.

"I did it Serena," Sakura whispered in my ear. Excitement lacing her voice as she was trying so hard not to scream. "We're mates. Me and Jason are mates!"

I couldn't stop the smile from weaving its way onto my lips and I didn't want to. So that's why.

"And it's about damn time too," Alice chimed in, joining the party as Daren smoothly intercepted Ky and Jason's conversation. Doing his signature handshake with Jason as he also inquired Ky about the round house kick with a punch following.

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Yeah Yeah." She groaned before sticking her tongue out at Alice. Me and Alice laughing at her begrudging face before she joined in the laughing as well. Letting go of me as she now stood at my side.

We realized we were ruining the flow of the dance floor with our large group, the six of us migrating to a free table where we could stand amongst. We talked about stuff that one would normally hear from a group of teenagers. School, parties, gossip, sports, graduation, college, and, one day, career. Sakura wanted to be a doctor like her mother, Jason a chef, Daren a gym owner and trainer, and Alice a world renowned model. Ky's career was already planned out for him, he was going to be the next CEO to his dad's million dollar company who's business was classified to the public. And me, well...I honestly haven't put that much thought into it. I guess with everything going on I forgot that it was my last year of Highschool. I looked at all the faces around me.

I guess we all forgot that we are just a group of kids. We got so caught up in preparing for this war that we almost forgot who we really are. Newly beginning adults with aspirations and dreams just like any other kid our age. A new generation about to set out into the world and yet...I already feel like I've been thrown into the fire. We are so against change and yet we have already adapted without even knowing it. We have taken children and made them into soldiers, ready to sign away their lives. Are we just preparing them for the slaughter? No, they knew the risk. We only took volunteers, one's who were up for the fight, who had their own reasons for fighting in this war. We only took the one's who wanted to fight and I am grateful for each and everyone of them. But what about my friends? Do they feel obligated to fight in this war because not only they are our friends, but our Betas. Are we asking them to sign away their lives? Didn't we even see if they were okay in fighting in this war?

"Hey," someone flicked my forehead. Jumping out of my thoughts as my fingers touched the new found sting that radiated between my eyebrows. "You keep creasing your eyebrows like that you're going to get wrinkles," said Alice. Figuring out that she was the one who flicked me as her hand was still in the air. I was then startled by something cold and wet touching my hand, jumping back as I saw a Ky trying to hand me a glass of champagne.

"Oh Thank you," I said apologetic, taking the glass from his hand before I took a sip. Feeling his hand on my lower back as he rubbed the area with his thumb for reassurance.

"What were you so intensely thinking about?" Alice asked, all eyes on me as each held a glass of fizzy champagne. Watching the bubbles rise into the air.

"N-Nothing," I replied, looking down.

Alice then looked at everyone else before looking back at me. Worry on each of their faces. "Look sweetie," Alice started as she placed her hand on my shoulder. "If this is about us and the war or thinking that we feel obligated to fight in the war because we are your Betas. Forget about it."

"How did y-"

"Because we're your friends dummy." Daren said cutting in. A smug grin on his face.

Jason took a swig before he himself began to speak. "And were fighting in this war not because we feel obligated or because we're your Betas. It's because we want to protect you and Ky. It's because-"

"We love you," Sakura interrupted. Swinging her arm around Jason's waist before she pulled him to her. "And we want what's best for you. We're your friends Serena, of course we will fight in a war for you because you would do the same for us."

I could feel the tears about to fall. the warmth in my chest just seeming to grow as it overwhelmed my entire body. "Thank you, Thank you everyone." They were full of smiles now, a warmth radiating from each and every one of them.

"A toast!" Ky said as he raised up his glass, the rest following suite. "To friends!"

"To friends!" We all shouted.

Maybe I will start thinking about my career after all.

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Carol of the Bells by Lindsey Stirling