"I see you two are becoming great friends."

I smiled, turning around as I saw an all too familiar face. "Jealous?"

     He laughed, "Hardly" wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me into his chest. I pouted, causing him to laugh more before he gave me a kiss. Sending electricity down to the tip of my toes and back up again, purring like a kitten in heat. He pulled away as his giant yet gentle hand held my face, looking down at me with warm eyes as I couldn't help but bite my bottom lip hard.   

"Hey, how about you and me go a round," I teased. Playfully punching his chest as I skillfully scurried from his arms reach.

He groaned, "Serenaaaaaaa."

"Kyyyyyyyyyy." I mocked back, yearning a shaking of the head.

"I told you, I'm not gonna spar with you. Nor am I in the mood too." He said, running his hand through his soft chestnut hair.

"But I'm all better now," I whined, running back up to him with my hands behind my back.

"I know you are sweetie, but I don't want to-"

"Hey, the only way you'll be able to hurt me is if I let you." I said sternly, jabbing my finger into his chest as I shoved him back a little. Challenging him as I could tell he was getting a kick from my dominant demeanor, watching his lips curl from surprised to intrigued. "And besides," I added as I folded my arms across my chest and popped my hip to the left. My face leaning in closer to his as a devilish smirk painted my blossom cherry lips that he found so irresistible. "If you don't fight me I guess you can't fulfill your promise."

"What promise?" He cocked his eyebrow. I leaned away from him, my eyes narrowing in mischief  as I ran my finger tip across my bottom lip.

"The one where you promised me that if I can keep up with you in a fight, then you would finally take me."

His cheeks flushed a vibrant red, "when did I say that?!"

"Last week," my smirk got wider, "when you were drunk."

"If I was drunk then it shouldn't-"

I put my finger up to silence him. "You made me promise that I would make you keep that promise, drunk or sober." He looked at me dumbfounded, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open as if I had just blew his mind. As if I had just swooped in and providing all the answers to the problems he was struggling with. Leaving him shocked and amazed at my presence, but then his face contorted and was rubbing his temples.

"Serena, I will not fight you."

"Then I guess you won't fuck me either," I teased. Walking away as I gave my hips a little extra "swish" with every step, making sure my ass was in plain view for him. I could feel his eyes on it, watching it bounce with every step as I could just sense the gears in his head churning. Working through his conflict and need as he watched me walk away, knowing that he would have to think quickly. He shook his head, growled and muttered the words "fuck it" before he began to run to me. I stopped, looking over my shoulder as he was moving to attack; I smirked, gotcha ya. I held my ground, standing stiff as I waited for the right moment. Listening to every step as his feet sloshed against the snow, soon he was right on top of me. flinging himself into the air as he was going to pounce on me, I rolled out of the way and he fell on his face into the snow. I laughed, holding my sides as he rolled over onto his back, blowing snow out of his mouth before wiping more off his face. I was dying with laughter as I walked back over to him, my stomach beginning to hurt as he looked up at me with a smile.

"You're unbelievable," he said laying in the snow, laughing.

"That's because you make me unbelievable," I retorted, holding my hand out to him. He grabbed it, but instead of getting up he squeezed my hand. I looked at him, the two of us frozen in time. What are you playing at?

"Match?" He asked, breaking the silence as he made me blink twice.

"What?"

"Match. Yes or no?"

I smirked, "yes."

     Without missing a beat, he pulled my hand. Pulling me down onto the ground as he repelled himself to his feet. I groaned and rolled onto my back, just barely missing Ky's punch as his fist buried into the snow. I smirked as I swung my leg, hitting his legs as I made him lose his balance. He fell on his ass as I lunged myself back up onto my feet. Luckily for him, I play far and waited for him to get back up. I threw a punch at his gut while he threw one at my shoulder. My went through while his missed, though he got me back by elbowing me in the chin. I touched my jaw with my hand, making sure that everything was alright before I gave him a round house kick. Where he so smoothly grabbed my leg and lunged me away from him. I see he's been watching my training with Rachel.
     I growled, getting back on my feet before I threw my body at him. Tackling him to the ground where we wrestled like wild animals. Turning and thrashing as we both dished out and dodged punches. I kicked him off of me, giving us some distance as we both got back onto our feet before we lunged at each other once more. We fought like that for an hour; brutal, merciless, roofless, we were covered in sweat as our hearts pounded in our ears. Our breaths heavy and erratic as exhaustion was about to take over. But I knew that the beast was tired, I just had to hold on a little bit longer. I growled and lurched myself  at him, tackling him to the ground as I straddled his hips. I quickly pinned his hands above his head, holding him down as he half heartedly thrashed around. Nipping and growling as I kept holding him down, watching him struggle as he finally subsided. I smiled as I looked down at him, feeling victorious as I held his hands tightly.

"Looks like I can keep up with you." I said breathless. Looking into his rich brown eyes as I could see them darken. He smirked as he looked up at me, clearly enjoying the view before him as a few strands fell from my pony tail and forward.

"And looks like I get to fuck you now." He growled. His voice getting husky as his eyes darkened with lust.

"Ky!" I scolded as I was embarrassed. My cheeks burning red as I could feel a very big bulge burying itself into my crouch.

"It's not my fault little miss hot stuff decided to sit on my lap." I stuck my tongue out at him. "Oh how naughty my little Kitten has gotten." He moaned, his voice doing unwanted things to my body.

"Ky!" I scolded again. Blushing even more furiously as I slapped his chest playfully. The two of us laughing fools as I shook my head, covering my mouth with my hand. This boy, I swear! "Ky, one of these days you're gonna be-" my voice died off. My eyes quickly leaving Ky's as I looked at the tree line before us.

"Serena?" Ky asked, but I didn't answer him. I was frozen as time seemed to slow. My breath was caught in my throat as my eyes were glued to the tree line. I was sensing something, feeling it in my gut as I could tell that "something" was big, that it was fast, and that it was coming straight towards us. Then, I heard the sound of hundreds of paws and feet running in the distance.

"Something's coming," I whispered and without a second to lose Ky jumped into action. He gently got me off of him, getting to our feet before he shifted into his massive black wolf. His red eyes burning violently before he threw his head back and howled. His ghostly voice erupting in the air, acting like a call and then the entirety of our pack was standing with us. We were at the front with Jason and Sakura by my side as Daren and Alice stood next to Ky. Each and everyone in their wolf forms as I thought it would be a good idea to shift as well. I began to shift, but before I could Ky reared his head back into my chest, telling me no. "Why not!?" I retaliated.

'Because you're more visible in your wolf form, if this is our enemy I don't want them to see you. Not yet!' He mind linked.

"But Ky-" I began to whine, but he wasn't gonna have any of that.

'No Serena,' the sound of a snapping twig notified that they were upon us. 'Now get behind me,' and without a second word I groaned and buried myself into his side. He angled his body so part of him stood in front of me, seeing his cue Jason did the same and I was hidden from the world. I buried my hands into Ky's fur, remembering how soft it was the first time he had saved me; it was still that soft now. My mind was torn from my memory as I heard a snarl come from Jason's lips, they were here. Shifting my body, I was able to get a peek at them as they came from the trees and out into the open meadow. It was a wolf pack, one that was unknown to us as they walked out with bowed heads and tails between their legs. The only one standing tall was their Alpha and the three wolves that surrounded him. He was as big as Ky, his fur a rich brown as it was speckled with black and white; his body held a unique pattern that didn't seem to fit any description for it was almost random. Though the most unique thing about him would have to be his eyes. They held the same red demanding hue as an Alpha's eyes but they were mixed with specks of green and gold. He looked liked the forest in summertime.

"What is your business here?" Ky addressed them, his face stern as he did not bare his teeth like the rest of the betas.

"To fight with you of course, why else?" The Alpha spoke genuine, his voice sounding oddly familiar.

"Why?" Ky pressed, not letting up as he gestured to the Betas to stand down. Snapping his jaws at them as they recoiled there teeth, shaking themselves to straighten out their ruffled fur.

"The same reasons you have. We don't have any strong quarrels with vampires, but I don't like our world to be taken over by them either. They would have killed my father at the annual reunion if it wasn't for Serena and her quick thinking." When he said my name, that was the moment I had pinpointed his voice and his scent only confirmed it. "And besides, I wouldn't want the project I started to end now."

"Pro-"

"Sebastian Blood," I said, interrupting Ky as he and Jason both got out of my way. Revealing me to the strangers as I took a step forward, locking eyes with the Alpha as a smile emerged on his face. He bowed his head and his body dissolved into the 20 year old boy who joked about being an old man and lectured me on male body language. The boy who risked his face getting ripped off by Ky just to help me make him jealous at the winter solstice. The boy with jet black hair and ravenous blue eyes. 

"The one and only," he replied and I ran to him. Kicking up snow before he caught me in his arms, holding me tight as he spun me in the air. We were two laughing fools as he set me back down, holding each other at arms length as we acted like two best friends being reunited.

"Sebastian! I haven't seen you in ages! How have you been?" I was ecstatic.

"How I've been?? How you've been! You were kidnapped by the King of Vampires for Christ sakes! Are you okay?? Suffering any PTSD??" His voice was frantic as his man handled my face, checking my eyes and teeth. I shook him off, grabbing his face in retaliation as I looked deeply into his eyes, analyzing them.

"I'm fine. Had a few scratches but I healed nicely. YOU on the other hand what happened to your wolf eyes?? I don't remember them being this color!"

He hesitated to answer, watching something glint in his eye before it died out. He grabbed my wrist and gently pulled my hands from his face. "It's a long story," he said with melancholy while a hurt smile played on his lips. Something had happened to him, something that he did not dare to speak of. He shook his head, pushing the memory away as his smile became genuine and his tone nostalgic. "And I finally see that someone became you know who's mate." He teased, running his thumb along the mark Ky had left on my neck. My cheeks flaring the blush.

"Well you see-"

"But what's this?" He was taken aback. Taking a long sniff of me as he held more by the shoulders. Great, I'm even more embarrassed now. "He hasn't claimed you yet?? How come??"

"There were some," I placed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Complications," I finished. Referring to how banged up I was due to Dante's torment, a chill running up my spine out of disgust. His lips twitched with a smirk, grabbing me by my waist as he pulled me to him. I was caught off guard as my hands laid on his firm chest, looking up at him.

"So that means I haven't missed my chance to steal you from him yet." He purred, teasing as he grabbed my chin and held me there. "Guess it's my lucky day."

I felt someone grab my arm and yank me out of Sebastian's hold. I was pulled back into a big firm chest as his arm wrapped around my waist. Holding me tightly as the smell of dangerous lavender enveloped. "Hands off," Ky warned, his grip on me getting tighter as I could tell that he was mad.

"I was kidding!!" Sebastian laughed with his hands in the air as a "surrender". Backing away as he was lowering his head in submissiveness. "I know shes your's. I tried along time ago to seduce her, but I was unsuccessful. Unfortunately." He muttered the last part, making Ky growl at him as he bowed his head some more. "Kidding," he laughed as his voice rose in pitch. "Anyway, will you train us or not? Will you have us fight along side you? Or do we have to be a rogue army that swoops in and helps you in the last minute?"

There was a pause, the two of us watching the gears turn in Ky's head. Trying to decipher if he could trust the man in front of him. If this pack was worthy of allegiance. He scanned the pack one more time before his eyes fell back down on Sebastian. "Training hours are everyday except Sunday from noon to 5:00pm. It would be set the morning of whether that day would be a group lesson or an individuals lesson. Sometimes the day will have mix of lessons, half group, half individual. Individual lessons consist of sparring with a partner of your choice or having a one on one lesson with one of our teachers. Which you and your Betas will become teachers after you have trained with me and my Betas. Arrive sharply at 11:50 for some warm ups, go home after 5:00. You may be dismissed early if you have a prior engagement before 5:00. Any questions?"

"What do you accept as a "prior engagement" to be dismissed, sir?" A wolf from Sebastian's packed asked. Yelling from all the way in the back.

"Anything really." Ky answered nonchalant. "Birthday parties, work, homework, but I don't know why you would have that since it's winter break, dates, parties, anniversaries, etc. I'm here to make you better fighters, not to detain you from your lives. It's up to you to decide how much progress you have made by how much you have shown up for practice. You don't get docked points for attendance, but you do get docked the experience if you don't show up. You're all adults, figure it out." Ky's voice was stern but I could feel the inspiration that blossomed within each and every one of Sebastian's pack members. Watching their eyes glisten as they looked at him as if he was a hero. While in reality he was just a man who had his shit together and had a great moral compass. I could tell that he was about to end the conversation and welcome them into our session and Sebastian stopped him.

"Wait," he paused. "We have something else you have to decide." Sebastian whistled and titled his head to the side as if to say "make way". And then his pack parted like the Red Sea as what looked like to be humans walked forward. Except, these weren't humans at all as they made their way through the pack. Wolves standing guard as they watched their every move as somewhat of a mutual trust was between them. No, the figures walking towards us were blood thirsty creatures with pensive red, gold, or black eyes. They were vampires and I could hear the growl of my pack behind me as the Betas ran to where we were. Keeping a tight circle around us as Ky pulled me behind him. He was enraged.

"What is the meaning of this?!" He almost spat in Sebastian's face as the vampires stood before us. They all wore black as their group consisted of different races and ethnicities. Their heads were bowed in respect as they didn't say a word. For some reason a female vampire caught my eye as her black fur coat fell off her shoulders. Her lips where cherry red as her skin was white and as flawless as a porcelain doll. Her hair was a beautiful blonde that held straight at the top but then ended in a wave at the bottom as it stopped at the middle of her back. I guess she felt me look at her for she looked up and met my eyes in her glance. My heart stopped. Her eyes were gold with speckles of red and green, looking like a mocked version of Sebastian's eyes. She bowed her head again and I laughed to myself; love...you are so cruel at times.

"They came to us three months ago, begging us for our help."

"Help? Help with what?" Ky hissed as his eyes adverted from Sebastian to the vampires. Analyzing them carefully as they were stiff underneath Ky's gaze.

"With their rebellion," Sebastian added as I could feel jaws drop as our pack's growling seemed to die off. "What you're looking at is a rebel vampire army. They-"

Ky put his hand up, cutting Sebastian off. "Let them plead their case to me." There was a pause of silence as Sebastian nodded and stepped back. Bowing his head as I could see him sneak glances at the blonde. Ky took a step forward, leaving me behind as Jason maneuvered himself closer to me. Knowing that if the vampires had wanted me, this would be the time to attack. We were ready in case someone had acted out of line, me clutching Jason's fur as I watched Ky like a hawk. "Who among you speaks for you," he asked as his body was tense, ready for a fight. At first there was silence and then a man who stood at the front spoke up.

"I do," he acknowledge. His voice sounded warm like a fire as he took a step forward. He had a strong build, broad shoulders and looked about to be in his mid thirties. He looked almost Arabian with rich tan skin and raven black hair. He had a well groomed beard and black locks that fell from his middle part, invaded the side of his face and ended right above his jawline. Not gonna lie, he was so handsome that he could be a model as his blood red eyes locked with Ky's.

"What is your name?" Ky's tone was stern, holding no fear or anger.

"Abid," he said, slipping slightly into the accent he was raised with.

"Abid," Ky addressed, "why are you here? What do your people want?"

"What you want. An end to King Dante's tyranny."

"Why?" Ky pressed on, looking for any tell tails of a liar.

"The same reason why anyone would want to get rid of a tyrant. To stop being suppressed and taken advantage of."

(Play song)

"Why come to me?"

"Cause you're the King slayer." I could see Ky stiffen. "You're the man who gave us hope. We thought that since the King was dead, since he wouldn't be able to control his son anymore then Dante would be able to rule freely. To be better than his father and listen to the concerns of his people. To be the King that we actually deserved...but we were wrong." Abid's voice had dropped into pain as his fist clenched tightly. "He's worse than his father. He's obsessed with the idea of revenge along with obtaining the blood of his enemies. Speak out of line and you get a whipping. Walk in his way and it's a night in the prison. Speak against his father and you get an execution. My wife stood up for what she believed in and in the end...he made me watch as he raped her and then took her head in his bare hands and ripped it in two." Tears began to stream down his face as I could watch the others mourn in sympathy. Watching as their face contorted in pain as they felt for him or perhaps were remembering the loved ones they lost from Dante's wrath. "He made us kill men, women, and children and when it came down to it our own kind. When we heard that he was going to turn the whole world into vampires after eradicating the werewolves. When we heard that he was going to grow his empire by force if necessary, we left. I took the men, women, and children who believed in me. We wandered the woods and hunted on animals when we were hungry, vowing to never attack humans. It wasn't too long before we stumbled on Sebastian's pack." He paused before looking Ky straight in the eye. "He looked at me the same way you're looking at me now. A threat to be dealt with. I told him our story and pleaded with him to give us a chance. That we can be good and that we weren't the monsters that Dante presented us to be. We begged and not before long we became friends. They took us into their home, gave us a place to rest and a place to train until the day came where we could go back and fight Dante ourselves. But then he bombed your Capitulum and I begged Sebastian to take us to you. Please let us fight in your war. Let us free our people and I promise that once Dante is dead we shall live in peace."

"Why should I believe you?" Ky's tone sounded a bit more accepting.

Abid laughed to himself, "you shouldn't. Today we are seen as enemies, but a long time ago we weren't so different. There was a time when our ancestors ruled this world together. A time where werewolves and vampires had lived in harmony and even broke bread at the same dinner table. A time that we were the best of friends. A time that I so yearned to see again. You don't have to believe me Mr. Severs, but I do beg you to give me a chance."

     There was a long moment. Silence hanging in the air as all you could hear was the wind. I could see the wheels in Ky's head turning, contemplating on what should be done next. If these people say who they are, then they weren't a threat. In fact they would be an even greater ally. But if they were lying...could we really risk that? I looked at Sebastian and saw that he was looking at me with pleading eyes. 'Save them' he mouthed to me, 'I believe in them'. Sebastian was always soft for lost causes, which explains why he helped me not too long ago. He trusted these people, but did I trust Sebastian enough to be the best judge of character. I looked at the blonde again and then back at Sebastian, I sighed.

"Give them a chance," I mumbled taking a step forward. Grabbing the back of his shirt as I buried my face in his shoulder.

"What?" He said, knowing that he was looking over my shoulder to look at me.

I looked up at him, "Give them a chance Ky," I pleaded. He was shocked by my plea; a woman tortured by a vampire was now asking him to save vampires. How ironic. He grabbed my hand as I remained behind him.

"My mate tells me to give you a chance. It's because of her that you will get that chance. You will speak with my father, he will know what to do."

Their faces lit up as they finally picked up their heads. "Thank you," Abid said presenting the complete gratitude of his group. "We won't let you down and we know about Dante's plan about killing your mate. We promise we will protect her just like she had protected us. You have our word."

Ky nodded with firm gratitude before turning to Jason. "Take the Betas and escort them to my father. I will be right behind you."

"Is it alright if my Betas go?" Sebastian asked, seeing that he was a little uneasy.

"If it makes our guest feel more comfortable then yes." Ky replied making Sebastian smiled with relief. Ky then gave the "okay" nod to Jason which he replied with a nod as well. Jason signaled the Betas and then he signaled the vampires to walk. Our Betas took their spot on each side of the group with Jason leading the way as Sebastian's Betas followed behind. The rest of Sebastian's pack disbursed into ours as training began to start up again. Ky was about to drag me to the meeting with his father when I saw Sebastian watching the vampires leave. I yanked back on Ky's hand making him shoot me a gentle "what?!" look.

"Let me talk to Sebastian. Please."

"No wa-" he began to protest.

"Look at him." I said tilting my head to Sebastian. Ky sighed and looked at him with a disgruntled gaze. But the moment Ky saw Sebastian's appearance, his eyes softened. Without the shadow of doubt I knew that Ky looked the exact same way as Sebastian does now when Dante had took me away. Ky looked at me and finally understood that he was putting another man in the same position he was in not too long ago. He sighed and cupped my face in his hands before he laid a desperate kiss on my lips.

"Be careful," he said pulling away.

"I will."

"You better be in my bed tonight or I swear I will-"

I pecked his lips, ceasing his voice from anymore painful talk. "I know. I will be fine. I promise." And with that he gave me another kiss before running off to the meeting with his father and Abid. I turned and looked at Sebastian, watching him as he looked like a lost puppy waiting for his master to return. I sighed and walked over to him, letting my hair down before I put my hair tie around my wrist and ran my hands through it. The wind blew my hair in my face carrying my scent all the way to Sebastian. I saw him go stiff and I took a spot next to him. Folding my arms across my chest as we watch the vampires walk away. I didn't look at him and he didn't look at me.

"She's your mate isn't she," I said as I looked at the blonde. "The blonde female with eyes just like yours," I pressed. Not allowing him to elude my question. I saw him swallow hard from the corner of my eye. Noticing how he put his fidgeting hands in his pockets and bit his bottom lip in nervousness.

"Yes." He finally replied after taking a heavy breath. His voice sounded more like a gasp.

"Does she know?" My voice held no sign of bias.

Another pause, "yes."

"Does she understand what it means?"

"Yes."

"Does she accept you?"

"Yes."

"Does she love you?"

"God I hope so." Sounding more like a plea than a concrete fact he already knew. Hell I already knew that she loved him, I could feel it a mile away.

"Does your pack know?"

"Yes."

"Do they accept her?"

"Fully." He replied sounding a little surprised. For a long minute I said nothing. Watching as the vampires faded from view, the blonde no where to be seen. "Serena-" He began but I cut him off as I lightly placed my fist on his shoulder. Making him look down at me while I look up at him.

"I will protect her as best as I can." I watched his face lit up as my hand fell from his shoulder. "She's under my protection now. I'll make sure no harm comes to her. I'll make sure no one lays a finger on her, not under my roof. You have my word." I began to walk away, but before I could take another step I felt a gentle hand grab my wrist. I looked over my shoulder and found Sebastian crying like a big baby.

"Thank you so much." He sobbed. Wiping his tears as he still held onto my wrist. I laughed and without a second thought I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him my biggest bear hug.

"Anytime."

Maybe they aren't so different after all.

________________________________
Song: "Preach" - John Legend