"Ky Severs, My man!" Dimitri said, his hand grabbing mine as he embraced with the "best bros" hug.

"Dimitri Blackhall. Damn man, I haven't seen you in ages. The last time I saw you were the scrawniest little thing."

"Don't forget those ears though!" Justin chimed in. Slinging his arm around Dimitri's shoulders. "Looks like you grew into them though," he mocked; pulling one of Dimitri's ears. Dimitri waved Justin's hand away like it was a wasp. Giving him a soft punch to the gut; making Justin fake keel over. The two of them laughing.

"So Ky," he addressed me, grabbing my attention. "What was so important that Justin had to literally drag you by your hair from that balcony?"

"I think the question your looking for Dimitri is who. WHO was so important that I, Justin, had to drag you by your hair?" Justin's face held a smug smile. Being quickly joined by Dimitri in smugliness.

I crossed my arms; cocking my eyebrow with skepticism. "I believe that's none of your-"

"Ky...help...me"

I didn't even hesitate for a second. I didn't wave Dimitri and Justin a goodbye or uttered a warning. I didn't apologize to each person I bumped into. I just ran; dashing through the crowd as fast as I could. Finding myself becoming incredibly desperate as I couldn't reach the balcony soon enough. My hand on the door knob feeling like sweet salvation as I pushed it open. The glass shattered as it slammed against the wall. I was soon met by the back of a figure dressed in a long black cloak. A man. He held Serena as I saw her head craning back unconsciously. Her body laying limp. A growl rumbled from my lips and the man peered over his shoulder at me. Fiery, blood red eyes paired with a fang like smirk. He laughed, menacingly; like a mad men. I launched myself at him, but I was too late. He had already jumped over the balcony and vanished into the shadows before I could even get my hands on him.

"Damn it!" I slammed my fist onto the edge of the balcony. Making a section of marble collapse and fall into the abyss of the night.

"JASON!" I growled, my Alpha voice radiating through all of my Betas' mind links.

"What is it-"

"Sound the alarm...they got her, they got Serena."

I could feel the dropping of all their hearts and without question the alarm was pulled. The sound of a dying crow erupted through the night, the sound of danger. This...was the last straw.

*

I slammed my hands on the table, "what do you mean you can't do anything??" I snarled. The Betas standing behind me in disbelief.

"You heard me Ky, we can't intervene. The peace treaty between the werewolves and vampires still stand." Council Member Whitewater exclaimed. Her eyes holding sympathy and regret.

Collectione Eliphaz: the high council that manages the yes and no of the werewolf world. But each member or faction of this high council has authority to only their certain area. The other factions can not impose on another, they are restricted to only the area where their pack resides. The purpose of the council is to determine laws and rules that members of their pack will follow. Along with treaties, declarations of war, and punishments. Basically to be part of the high council you have to be an, well, Alpha. But once a member of the high council, the term to serve is life or resignation. So, if I desired to be on the high council when I take over the pack; I would have to wait until my father resigns or...dies.

"But they attacked at the Winter Solstice! The sacred tradition that by no means allows violence." I countered. Feeling my rage slowly taking over my senses. Why won't they listen!

"They didn't attack anyone," Alpha Ragon spoke.

"They attacked Serena. They drugged and kidnapped her!" Alice shouted. A snarl slipping through her teeth. Covering it quickly with her hand, knowing it was rude. We were all on edge. Angry that the vampires thought that they could touch us again without consequences. Worried to what they may be doing to Serena. Afraid that we may never see her again. They saw the fear and terror in our eyes, each trading glances amongst themselves. Pondering the right course of action. They took a moment, conversing in mind link so we could not hear. They sighed and we all knew they came to a consensus, my hands falling from the table and to my sides. Defeated.

"Look, we can all agree what happened to Serena was horrible," Alpha Whitewater spoke. "And we want to help, but...our hands are tied. You know the rules. A treaty can't be broken unless undeniably evidence has been presented. That there's a threat against the whole council, not just one pack. It's a terrible rule I know...but that's how it is. We can't intervene...I'm sorry."

"I understand," I said professionally. Keeping my cool.

"But Ky-" Jason protested. Cutting him off with my hand, gesturing him to stop.

"We have heard what they have to say. We must respect their wishes. Let's go." We turned to leave. Feeling another battle lost.

"Ky," Alpha Crescent called to me. Making us turn back to them, seeing that they all had a smile on their face. "Just because we can't do anything, doesn't mean you can't do anything. Lack of evidence or threat stops us from intervening. But there's nothing stopping you, we wish you the best of luck."

I gave them a reassuring nod. The Betas slipping through the door; following behind them. My hand on the door as I was about to close the door behind me when...

"Oh and Ky," Alpha Darkwood spoke. "Congratulations on finding your mate."

My cheeks became enflamed, "how did you know-"

"It was obvious the moment you spoke her name."

"T-Thanks," I said quickly. Closing the door as I try to rush out of that awkward situation. The Betas already half way down the hall. I jogged to catch up to them; coming to a skid when my father rounded the corner. Almost bumping into him as I landed back on my heels, steadying myself in front of him. Wow, how fast was I going?

"Ky! How did the meeting go?"

My father wasn't allowed in the meeting for it would be a conflict of interest. Somewhat of a bias ruling if he was in the room. "It went okay. Didn't turn out how I wanted...unfortunately."

"They won't intervene?" He wanted to confirm, already seeing the disappointment within me. I nodded, his face taking on an emphatic look as he slung his arm around my shoulders. Something he used to do when I was younger, especially when I was about to get upset. "I'm sorry kid, but I can see where they're coming from. There-"

"Yeah, Yeah. There wasn't enough evidence to go to war over. They explained all of it."

"I see," he paused. The two of us walking down the hall in silence. "What are you going to do?"

"I...I don't know yet. But I can't simply just sit around and do nothing. I'll go mad. Hell, my emotions are riled up just by the mere thought of what he could be doing to her." I snarled. My hand fist at my sides.

"Afraid that he might be touching her inappropriately?" My father teased.

"Dad!" I barked. Making him laugh before he narrowed his eyes on me. Feeling anger radiating off of him.

"You know, I'm very upset with you. How dare you not tell me that Serena was your mate!" He snarled, standing in front of me. His hands behind his back as he cast his eyes down to me. Looking like an Alpha instead of my father. "And furthermore not claim her as your own?! I thought I raised you better than that."

"I was scared," I admitted. Feeling like I was being put on trial; that I was the suspect to a crime and the whole world was watching me.

"Scared of what?" He snapped.

"Scared of that bastard prince's vengeance!" I snapped back, my eyes boring into his as everything now came clear to him. "I was afraid that once I claimed Serena, once he knew...he would stop at nothing to kill her. Which is why I didn't tell you. She is the most important person in my life and if I believed hiding the truth about her from the world could save her. Then, to me, not telling you or Mom or anybody was the best course of action." I started to yell. Standing my ground as all the bottled up emotions from last night spewed out onto my father. Letting them linger and breath in the fresh air. "But I guess it doesn't fucking matter anymore! Because that god forsaking bastard as her, the thing I was trying to prevent fucking happened anyway. They took my sister and used that fear of losing my mate to drive me to this. To this pathetic man who can't even protect his mate. Well no more, no fucking more! I should have claimed her when I had the chance, I should have kept my eyes on her. But now she may be fucking dead because of me. Fuck!" I pushed passed my father. Every step feeling rigid. Forcing myself to keep moving forward and not punching a hole in the wall.

"Or may be you saved her," my father called out to me. Stopping as I looked back at him.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, let's think about it." My father began, taking long, slow strides towards me. Wanting me to slowly work my thoughts out. "Why would the Vampire King's son want Serena?"

"Because she's my mate."

"But he doesn't know that. No one knows that. The only way someone could know that is if you mark her. Which you swear you didn't, correct?"

I nodded, my jaw tense as I slowly tried to figure out what my father was getting at.

"So think again, what else is Serena to you?"

"She's...she's my Beta."

"Not just any Beta, your first in command. The one that is most closest to you, the one you spend the most time with. The exact one to whom you have to report about the protection of your Luna to."

My eyes widened, "so he doesn't know that Serena is my mate. He-"

"He believe she knows who your mate is. That keeps her alive...but that doesn't stop her from being tortured."

"Then we have to hurry! We-"

"Whoa, hold on there tiger. I know you want to save Serena and all, but you won't be much help if you aren't on your A game."

"But I am on my A game!"

"Son...it's late and you didn't sleep at all last night do to all the questioning. You've been hear since the ball. You need a shower and a night of rest."

"There's no time! Serena, she-"

"I will take care of it. But we can't do anything until we know where the Vampire mansion is hidden."

"Then let's go find it!" I said about to run. My father grabbing the back of my shirt and pulling my back to him.

"I already have a team of highly trained werewolf investigators on the case. Each of them I could trust with my life. They will find the mansion and you will come up with the rescues planned once it is found. But until then...rest and be ready to kick some ass."

I stood there for a moment, contemplating his words. Knowing that I could always sneak out when he's gone. "Fine, I guess you're right."

He smiled smugly, "good. I'm glad you agree, but just in case you decide to...sneak away I believe I have a friend to watch after you. Alice?"

She came from behind the corner. Her hands in her pockets as her heels clicked. Her untamed curly blonde hair framing her face beautifully as she smirked. Her golden eyes connecting with mine and all I could think of is: damn it.

"You called for me Alpha Cain?" She spoke innocently; tilting her head as she pretended that she wasn't just eaves dropping two minutes ago.

"Yes dear Alice, I need you to make sure this one," he tightened his hand on my shoulder. "get's home and to make sure he stays home and get's a long night's rest." He said, his voice emphasizing the word "long."

"Very well Alpha Cain. As you wish."

"Excellent, I leave him in your hands. Night son," he said cheerfully. Knowing he had driven me into a corner as he pat my back and waved us off. I looked at Alice; that smug look still prominent on her face.

"Now are you gonna come quietly or do I have to drag your ass back to the car?"

I smirked, "You can't drag me even if you wanted to."

"True," she crossed her arms and popped her hip to the side. "And I can't take you on a fight either."

"So, you really can't make me go with you."

"Also true, but when Serena get's back I'll tell her how you treated more poorly and she'll whoop your ass for me." She mocked.

I rose my eyebrow, "You wouldn't."

"I would." She smirked, seeing that she wasn't calling a bluff. "Now are you gonna come with me or am I gonna have a delightful story to tell Serena when she gets back."

My eyes widened before they're narrowed in anger. "You and your goddamn blackmail." I snarled as I walked passed her. Feeling like a little kid who was just tricked by their baby sitter. She laughed as she followed behind me. Knowing that she was just utterly thrilled with herself.

"Works like a charm," she gloated, whipping her hair off her shoulder like all girls do when they accomplish something.

     It wasn't long before we hopped into the car. Alice driving and me in the passenger seat. Looking into the night sky as very few stars pierced the veil of black. No moon to be seen either. It was a very dark night for a very dark day. I sighed and looked at Alice, her face stone cold.

"Aren't you worried about her?" I questioned.

"Of course I am, but we can't do anything until we find that damn mansion. But, I'm actually more surprised about how stoic you're being. I thought you would be raving mad by now."

I didn't reply, not right away at least. I allowed her comment to linger in the air. To sink into the leather seats where we sat. To fill up the car as it almost became suffocating. I looked out the window, watching the faint reflection of me. Watching it become stiff and rigid. She had no idea how wrong she was.

"I can't sleep."

"What?" She said confused. "What do-"

"I can't sleep," I looked forward. Watching the winding road before us. Seeing how it danced and weaved through the trees. "I can't. Sleep." I emphasized, my hands clenching into fists as they lay firmly on my legs. "My brain won't allow it. It's filled with her. It's on overdrive thinking about what that blood sucking vampire could be doing. If he has touched her with his filthy hands. Tortured her, killed her. Locked her up in a cell and left her to starve. My skin is crawling with just the thought of it. And with every thought, every goddamn torture scenario I get angrier until I want to rip someone's goddamn head off." I paused, allowing a disbelieving chuckle to enter the conversation. "And you thought I was stoic. Pft, don't make me laugh. I am the equivalent of a ticking time bomb and I'm about to explode. So don't you dare say I'm stoic because the moment Serena is safe...I'm raging war with that motherfucker and ripping his goddamn head off!" I snarled. Looking away as I breathed heavily. Trying to calm down my quick arising temper.

The air was dense between us, thick and heavy. Me trying not to explode and Alice clutched the steering wheel tight. Fumbling with it nervously as she didn't know what to say. She didn't have to say anything, the silence would have been perfect to me. But with all awkward conversations someone has to break the ice.

"Whoa." She said and followed it up with nothing.

I laughed, "is that best thing you have to say?"

"No, but it's all I got." We laughed, but it didn't last for long. This was no time for laughing. Serena is still in danger and we can't even figure out the first course of action.

"Ky."

"Hm?"

"You know you aren't alone in this right? You know we're all in this-"

"If you start singing 'we're all in this together' from Highschool musical I will not hesitate to slap you. Whether you tell on me to Serena or not."

"But-"

"Zip!"

"But it would be perfect in the moment!"

"No!"

"Oh come on-"

"Zip it!"

"Ugggggh, Fine!" She pouted, pursing her lips for a moment before she got back to her point. "What I'm trying to say is...we all worry about Serena and that we're here to help. You don't have to do this alone, you don't have to save the day all by yourself. I understand your a big, strong, powerful Alpha who may believe he could do anything if he puts his mind to it. But just because your strong, doesn't mean you don't need help. It doesn't mean you don't need people in your corner whose got your back. We're your Betas Ky. Our job is to protect you and your Luna. To protect Serena. And we can't do that if you keep pushing us away." She paused, sucking her bottom lip into her mouth as she contemplated. Wondering if it was safe to say what she needed to say. "I know you stayed away from us because of Rachel. But she's out of the picture and now it's time to rely on us a bit more. I know we're not all the best of friends...but there's a reason why you chose us. That deep down inside of you something told that you can trust us. Listen to that...and allow us to share the burden."

I reminisced in her words. Living in her emotions and intentions. There was no reason for me not to trust them. No reason not ask for their help. No reason.

"Alright," I said. "I'll trust you. We'll find Serena together."

"We'll defeat the Vampire Prince together."

My eyes widened, "no! It's too dangerous-"

"I will not let you fight him alone. Serena would kill me."

I chuckled, "no she wouldn't. She'll kill me and then she'll kill you."

She gave me the stink eye, "you know...your not as funny as you think." She smirked, winking.

"I mean, you seemed to find it amusing."

"Oh, shut up!" She barked. Making me laugh hysterically as she looked at me grudgingly. Rolling her eyes. "You're finding enjoyment in this aren't ya?"

"Oh! You have no idea!"

She scoffed, rolling eyes and shaking her head at me. Only making me laugh even more.

     It didn't take us long before we reached my house. Alice told Sakura to give me a concoction to make me sleep. Once I chugged the whole thing down I was immediately locked in my room with a guard watching my door. Clever one isn't she? So here I am. Laying on my bed staring up at the never ending ceiling. Staring at the darkness as I waited for the concoction to kick in.

It's always hard to fall asleep when you're anxious or angry. Your mind just sticks on that one thing, making you feel worst and worst the more you think about it. I felt like I was going to throw up. I was uneasy; I am uneasy. I should have stayed on that balcony. I should have brought her with me. I should of...

I growled. Turning on my side as my hand went under the pillow. Clawing at the sheets as sleep still invaded me. Damn it! When is this concoction gonna kick in! I huffed and turned to the other side of the bed. The empty side. That's when I imagined...that she was right there in bed with me.

* Play Song *

     She was naked, her back towards me as the covers draped from her hips down. Hiding that cute ass I like to peek at so much. Her hair laid against the pillow beautifully as her curves were prominent against the white sheets. My hands were itching to touch her. To wrap her into my arms and pull her back against me. Burying my nose into the nook of her neck. Breathing in her vanilla scent deeply. I would have teased her. Nibbling on her neck as my hands just take in the feeling of her skin. Wanting to touch every inch of her. To make her moan and gasp in ecstasy as I do wonders to her body. Making her tremble and want only me. I wanted to do so many things to her.

But...you're not here.

"Damn," I cursed. Laying on my back as I rubbed my eyes. Pinching the bridge of my nose to stop the stuffiness that was behind my eyes. How much longer until the concoction kicks in!? I growled, rubbing my face with my hand. I moved to my side once more, but instead of looking at the empty side of the bed. I looked out the window. And for a while...I thought of nothing. My mind was slowly going blank, letting go of all thought. Allowing itself to rest as I just stared out that window. Admiring the night sky; the vastness of black. I examined the twinkle of the few stars that hanged in air. Pretended that they danced and twirled with the emptiness of the night. That they were all on a journey to find the moon and bring back the luminous light. The beautiful blue hue.

I yawned, oh I see that the concoction, I yawned again, is finally kicking in. My eyes slowly drooped and finally came to a close. Slipping into unconsciousness like a boat wavering it's way through a soft river. I felt the relaxation of my body and the running of my brain came to a slow. Almost to a stop as my mind generated a happy dream for me. One that included her. It was the day...that I took her out to the lake. The night when I allowed her to lay in my arms. A happy memory. A sad melancholy dream. And a night full of uneasy bliss.

God...I miss you.

________________________________
* Jordananime Here *

Hey my lovelies! So very good to see you!! I'm so happy I can update this week and to give you this chapter! Thank you for all your support and patience and I hope you stick to the very end!!! Thank you all so much and now here are some questions for you and some fun facts!

Music for the previous chapter (winter solstice) - silhouette by Aquillo (love this song way too much! Hehe)

Music for this chapter - Mr.Sandman by SYML (also like way too much!)

Questions:

What should the Vampire Prince's name should be?

Is there a character you want to know more of or see come back into the story?? (Like the ginger or Sebastian??)

How am I doing with the story so far? Do you like it? Or gosh I hope you do.

Do you have any tips to improve my writing or to fix it?

That's all the questions I have for today! You can answer them and ask your own in the comments below!!

I wish you all my love and am so very thankful for enjoying my book! I hope I can still impress you and entertain you in the future! I love you all so much! Keep reading!

I hope to see you at the next full moon!

*Jordananime Out!*