"I can't believe you are making me go to school!" I snarled. Running my hand through my hair as I looked out the passenger side window. "Especially when, oh I don't know, that the Capitulum might get bombed tomorrow!!" I explained, throwing my hands into the air like a mad woman. He rolled his eyes before talking to me in a soft, sincere tone.

"Look, the bombing is not gonna happen until tomorrow night, right? So there is no reason why we shouldn't go to school today. We have to look like we're carrying on with our lives instead of waiting for the ball to drop. It would look like we know nothing and don't see them as an immediate threat. If we seem like we know nothing, the more likely your evidence becomes true."

"Hence a possibility for war-"

"And an end to this nightmare." Ky finished relaxing in his seat. His eyes watching the icy road carefully as small piles of snow framed the street. The faint rattle of chains on his tires came into my ears like a whisper. Feeling an irrational fear rise from my belly to my throat. Shifting in my thick, slim jacket as I tried to ignore the feeling. Keeping my mind occupied with the topic we already started. What I wouldn't kill for it to be a snow day.

"But how do we know if they heed my warning or not?? What if they decided to ignore it! Shouldn't I go back to prove my point even further!! To-"

"Once the council have made up their minds, there is no changing it. Despite their stubbornness, they know the truth when they see one. They're smart people Serena, I'm sure they are weighing all the information you gave them carefully." He pulled into the student parking lot. Taking his familiar spot next to the entrance as I looked at my hands. My heart pounding frantically out of my chest, acting like an animal needing to run. The car engine was turned off, feeling the car die as I could feel his eyes upon me; puzzled. "Baby what's wrong?"

"Nothing!" I said too quickly. Jolting from his question as I hundred percent looked like a person who was hiding something. I adverted my eyes, grabbing my arm uncomfortably as I bit my bottom lip.

"Serena-"

"It's nothing!!!" I shouted. Earning a well deserved growl as Ky grabbed my chin forcefully. Our faces centimeters apart as his crimson red eyes bore into me.

"Tell me. Now." He demanded with his Alpha dominance. Making me whimper as it was not a good idea to disobey an Alpha, especially if they were your mate.

(Play song)

"You know you're a very popular man Ky Severs." I confessed. My voice calm and steady as I met his crimson eyes with my blue.

"Yeah, so?" Completely oblivious.

"What do you think they would do to me when you're little fan club finds out that we're together?"

"Fan club??" His eyebrows scrunched in confusion. I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, your "fan club"!" Doing air quotes with my hands. "The girls who secretly gawk at you behind your back. Admiring every little thing you do and want you all to themselves but are too chicken to confess their feelings to you. And don't even get me started on Rachel!" I groaned, rubbing my temples as I could just see her hate filled face. Seeing the flaring of her nostrils as her bright red hair bounced with every angry step. Huffing and puffing as she wagged her bony finger at me, god what a nightmare.

"Why are you bringing this up?"

I sighed, looking at him with nervous eyes. "Ky, I'm still weak, I'm barely stronger than a human. If one of them confronts me, or corners me I...I won't be able to last in a fight. Not in this state. How shameful I would feel, how embarrassing to see Ky Sever's first Beta, his mate lose to a couple of humans." I bit my lip hard. "They would spit on me without a second thought and in turn try to ruin your name. I-"

     Ky slammed his lips against mine. Kissing me soft and tenderly as his big comforting hands held my face. I melted into him, my hands clutching his shirt tightly as I allowed him to kiss me. My breath was coming out in pants now, the tingles of passion and need vibrating through my body. His lips were so soft, kissing me as if I was made of glass. Cherishing me like a fragile work of art as every touch he made made me feel beautiful. Every single nerve I had from this morning was washed out of me and replaced with him. I wanted to kiss him all day long, but of course people need to breath. He pulled away slowly, reluctantly as he did not dare move his forehead from mine. Wanting to keep my absolute gaze as our breaths mingled. Lips centimeters away as he swallowed and tried to collect his heated composure.

"Do you really think I'm gonna let that happen?" His voice was stern and husky. A tone that send shivers down my spine and hit me hard in my core.

"N-never" My breathing somehow getting heavier as it earned a smirk from Ky. Blush staining my cheeks and the biting of my bottom lip came into account. I bet he was loving the mess he made of me, damn Alpha.

"I'm not even gonna let you out of my sight. Let alone allow a whole bunch of petty girls attack you! What kind of man would I be if I let anything happen to you!"

"Ky..." I began, feeling touched by his words. But sad that he would demean himself so easily. I was about to express my sadness when Ky continued to talk.

"Serena, I know this might be hard for you. And I know we should be paying attention to more important things. But, I just want one day."

"One day for what?" My voice was barely a whisper. Hushed by his sweet words as I could feel my chest tighten. My heart aching for him as my hands clutched his jacket tightly. Looking up at him as a melancholy smile played on his lips. Looking as if he wanted to replay a recent lost memory.

"One day to tell the world that you're mine." He finished. Earning a smile and cherry red cheeks from his favorite girl; me. He kissed my forehead, my cheeks, my nose, and finally my lips. Leaving me breathless by the end of his showering of love for me as he reached for the door. "Now come on, school waits for no one!" He teased and I rolled my eyes. He got out and I took a breath before doing the same, swinging my backpack strap over my shoulder. I looked at the school, hearing Ky's trunk slam shut as I could already see people staring. Their eyes glued to me as if I was some kind of ghost or an anomaly that they had never seen before. I guess it only seems fair. I was gone for more than two weeks, almost three. And now my first day back I'm riding up in Ky Severs car. Who, in their eyes, was notoriously fighting with due to all the Rachel nonsense. That's when I noticed the "fan club" eyeing me up and down, oh fuck. I guess today might be "Serena confuses and maybe pisses off everybody day"! I sighed, feeling the stress lift slightly as Ky smoothly intertwine his fingers with mine. Giving my hand a squeeze as he held it tenderly.

"I love you," he whispered. Saying it as a reminder that everything was going to be okay.

"I love you too." I whispered back, giving him a kiss on the cheek. I chuckled, noticing the tinge of red on his ears and cheeks. I see that he is just affected by my kisses as I am of his. He nudged my shoulder with his as a retaliation to my chuckle. Shaking his head as he began to lead the way. Pulling us into the school where we were met with a hallway full of peering eyes. I swallowed hard and the chuckle I had was long forgotten. At first, I bet I looked scared, shocked, surprised. This hallway was filled with students and all of them were silently looking at us. I looked at Ky and was surprised that he had the eyes of a killer: calm, cold, and collected. He stood there proud with his chest pushed out and ready to fight. His posture read "back off!" and seeing his example I followed it swiftly. I held my head up high, gave them my best death stare, and walked. Parting the sea of students as they scuffled their feet to get out of our way.

"They're staring." I mind linked to Ky.

"Then maybe we should give them something to stare at." I don't know if I like the sound of that.

"What d-"

Ky's hand left my own before he quickly found my waist. Pressing me against his body as his other grabbed my face before he placed a hot, open, wet kiss on my lips. Kissing me forcefully as I was taken by surprised as I could feel everyone's heated gaze on us. The crowd was stunned and then, as if on cue, they all voiced their opinions on the scene before them. Some cheered, clapped even, some booed and even went "ewwww" loud and clear. And others yelled "get a room!" while hiding smiles on their faces. Feeling immediately embarrassment, I elbowed Ky in the stomach gently. Not enough to hurt him, but just enough to let him know to knock it off. Of course he exaggerated his pain playfully, grabbing his stomach and kneeling over as if I had just punched him in the gut. I rolled my eyes, chuckled and kept walking as a Ky chased after me. Wrapping his arm around my shoulders when he finally caught up to me, smothering my face in kisses which made me giggle and squirm.

So maybe it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. But then again...I haven't met the fiery red head yet.

*

Luckily, all my teachers were werewolves so they knew the real predicament I was in. And also knew of what might befall our community tomorrow night. So, expressing their compassion and sympathy they told me not to worry about the work I had missed. I thought my ears were playing tricks on me and asked them all again if what I heard was what I thought I heard. They nodded, smiled, and expressed how they weren't worry about me academically. Of course, it was helpful that I had nearly perfect A's in my all classes which didn't seem to falter when I was gone. Oh, did I mention that our principal is also a werewolf. In fact she is one of Alpha Cain's Betas, I bet he had some role in this.
Despite his meddling in my affairs, I was actually very grateful for this interference. I don't know how I would feel if I wasn't graduating with my peers or know when to do all the make up work when there may be a war at our front door. Oh, the thrills of being a teenage werewolf who is just trying to get a highschool education so she can go to college! Go me! Though it was funny to see how each conversation with my teachers were the same: "don't worry about the make up work," "how are you mentally?", "more than fine", "congratulations on finding your mate! He's a keeper!" "Thanks!". I felt like I was stuck in The Twilight Zone with each after class conversation, feeling Ky waiting outside for me near the door.
Ky was right. He told me he was never gonna leave my side and he did just that. He stuck to me like glue, going everywhere and anywhere with me as if were connected at the hip. Though they were a few exceptions, the bathroom for instance which is where I most definitely drew the line. I wouldn't doubt that he wouldn't follow me in there, mister protective boyfriend he is. But luckily enough, logic kicked in and he gave on going to the bathroom with me. Besides that we were inseparable, which made me smile even more as Ky sat with us during lunch. His arm wrapped around my waist as he talked to Daren and Jason as if they were childhood friends. Me, Alice, and Sakura all watched them contently, each with a smile on our face. I was surprised when Ky sat with us and not the usually posse of jocks and Rachel minions. I remembered how upset he was to have pushed his Betas away, but I remembered even more that he was afraid that they would never forgive them. I guess they all get close while they were looking for me. They were a team again, friends as the three boys heads fell back with a laugh. Well, I guess that's another good thing that came out of my kidnapping.

"How are things going with Jason?" I mind linked to Sakura. Trying to be sneaky as I noticed that her and Jason holding hands under the table. Their fingers intertwining as his thumb nonchalantly stroked her hand.

"We're taking it slow." She replied, her eyes fixated on her man's face. Looking like a lost puppy needing attention.

"So are you two?"

"They haven't kissed yet, so they don't know if they're truly mates or not." Alice butted in. A smirk on her face as me and her locked eyes. She always did have the most beautiful pale silver eyes.

"We're taking it slow." Alice clarified. "We didn't want to start anything until you came back. Figuring that once you returned there might be a chance for a fight to break out. And well, here we are! Ready and set for war."

My heart mourned softly for her. Seeing how this situation was better than her previous but not what she wanted. Not completely anyway. She looked happy, but behind this eyes was melancholy and fear. There was something she was not telling me.

"My guess, is that he's chicken shit. Too scared to take the risk, so instead he leaves her in limbo."

Sakura shot Alice a glare. "Look! He told me to wait for him and I'm gonna do just that!"

"Wait for him? Why?" I questioned. Seeing Sakura mentally sigh as her hand tightened in Jason's.

"He...hasn't said that he likes me. When he took me out to the meadow to talk, he only explained that he feels something for me. He thinks it's love, but he's not completely sure. He thinks I'm his mate, but he's not completely sure of that either. So it's like..."

"He's dangling you by a piece of thread?" She nodded and with a gentle touch I grabbed her free hand. "Look Sakura, I know you love him. But you can't be waiting forever, it's not fair. I think you and Jason need to have a talk, a little heart to heart to talk about what you feel and what should be the next step for you."

"But what about-"

I put my hand up, shaking my head slightly. "Forget about the war. If it happens, it happens. We'll get through it, but you only live once and wouldn't you want to spend that time with you're one true love? To be open with each other and finally figure it if you two are meant to be? You only have one life, don't waste it by waiting."

It took her a minute to process what I was saying. Letting it deeply sink in as I could tell that I touched the very essence of her personality. Watching her morals fight one another as "want" won over "logic". She closed her eyes, took a breath, opened her eyes, and smiled. "Thank you Serena. I will more than likely listen to your advice."

I smiled, "you're welcome. And please if either one of you have questions or problems you need help with, let's all talk them out together okay? Promise?"

"Promise!" They both mind linked in unison! Their faces beaming like little school girls who just saw their best friend across the room. That's when I saw Alice's face fall as her eyes focused on something behind me. Her eyes turning to her vibrant wolf orange as she quickly got up to her feet. Her hands on the table as she kept her eyes on her target, making everyone look up at her.

"Witch Bitch coming right for us." She mind linked to everyone and all eyes followed her glance. Everyone became stiff as their shoulders shifted into a warning stance. Watching the slim women in the skimpy tank top and booty skirt as her heels glided across the cafeteria. Walking with a purpose as her fist were clenched at her sides. Her body stiff and cautious as her clear ocean blue eyes locked with mine. Making a beeline in my direction as her fiery red hair bounced with every step.

Rachel.

I mentally groaned. This really wasn't the day to have an all out screaming match with the woman who supposedly "loves" my mate. I growled, but as I watch her make her way to me I saw her face soften. She looked different, a little less bitchy as her once scowling eyes now looked at me with compassion and almost fear. She stood in front of our table, her hands fidgeting as she lowered her eyes in respect. I watched her carefully, standing from my seat as I noticed that her notorious posse shared the same posture that she did.

"How dare you-" Alice began to scream. Making the girls flinch from her sudden outburst. Without thinking I placed my hand on her shoulder and shook my head in a firm "no". She was surprised, shocked that I wasn't the one screaming. That I had in fact stopped her from screaming and protected Rachel all at the same time. I guess she saw my analytic eyes for she sat back down, looking confused as tension jumped between me and Rachel. My evergreen eyes looking directly into her ocean blue. Watching how they quiver and falter with confidence.

"What do you want Rachel?" My voice was hard as a rock. Stern and demanding as I allowed no emotion to enter it. She lowered her head even more, only allowing her eyes to raise to my presence.

"I-I need to talk to you. Alone."

A low growl erupted from our table. Putting my hand up to cease it immediately. Feeling Ky shoot her a challenging glare as his hand squeezed my thigh reassuringly. "Rachel, I don't have the strength to argue with you. Let alone fight you-"

"I know!" She shouted frantically. Regret playing on her face as her hands fidgeted. "I know," her voice more calm. "I-I promise I'm not gonna fight you. Nor argue with you, that was not my intention."

"Then what was your intention?" Daren snapped. Showing no compassion to the women who was known as his step-sister.

She growled from his sudden attitude. "That is none of your business brother! That is between me and her." She pointed at me, emphasizing her point.

"Step-Brother!" He chimed in.

"And like hell we would let you alone with our future Luna! What are you?! Nuts!" Sakura said as she slammed her fists on the table. Her action caused a fury of voices rise from our group. Each expressing their own opinions as they couldn't help but want to tear the girl apart. Ky and me the only ones speechless as I could feel my hands tighten at my sides.

"Enough!" I said and all opinions ceased to exist. The group all looking at me as I kept my gaze on the redhead before me. Still puzzled as to why the eyes that used to hate me now empathize with me. Respected me as she did not dare to look directly at me unless spoken too. What did she need to say? I took a breath and exhaled with a sigh, noticing how my apparently tense shoulders fell with my breath. "I will talk with you and I will come alone. Your friends will stay here so the Betas can keep an eye on them. But I do warn you if anything and I mean if anything happens to me, I promise you they would stop at nothing until you are torn limb from limb." I can see her gulp hard, watching the other girls quiver as she stood strong. "But that won't be a problem right?"

"No Ms. Havenmoon." I was floored by her response as my eyes bulged out of their sockets as I recoiled slightly. What the hell happened to you?

"Lead the way." And without a second thought she began to move away from the table and head to the door. I was about to follow her when Ky grabbed my wrist and pulled me down. Catching my lips in a gentle kiss as he had caught me off guard. To my anguish he pulled away quickly and looked into my eyes. Watching fear and worry dance in his pupils as his irises has a hint of red.

"Be careful." He cooed and let go of my wrist reluctantly. I was at a loss for words, only able to nod in response before I quickly scurried off. Meeting Rachel at the door as I couldn't see her face. Just a head of fiery hair that quickly tugged at her jacket and ran to the middle of the courtyard. I followed, the crunch of snow coming from our feet with each passing step. I stopped, she walked a couple more feet before she herself stopped and turned to face me. I slipped my hands in my jacket pockets, holding my arms close to my body as I tried to cling to my warmth.

"What d-"

"I'm sorry!!!" She yelled at the top of her lungs.

And then...it began to snow.

________________________________
Song: "Speechless" - Naomi Scott from Aladdin (2019).