The battlefield had quieted. The Blood Shadow Pack stood victorious, their coordinated strikes and unyielding strength having forced the Greywood forces to retreat. Serena Anderson wiped the sweat from her brow, her ginger hair sticking slightly to her fair skin, coffee-brown eyes sparkling with triumph.
Matteo clapped her on the shoulder, grinning. "You led the pack like a born Alpha today. Seriously, Serena, you were amazing."
Janice laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've never seen you move like that! I almost forgot you're only—" she hesitated, "—well, you know, not a full Alpha yet."
Hazel nudged her playfully. "Don't let your modesty get in the way. You crushed it, and we all know it."
Serena smirked, tail flicking, letting Charis hum softly in her mind. "It was a team effort. You all were incredible too. I just… made sure we didn't get ambushed."
Later that evening, the group found themselves at Luna's Eclipse, a high-end, hidden restaurant in the human world reserved for the pack's private celebrations. Despite its human patrons, the pack's influence ensured privacy and safety. The scent of roasted meats, spices, and fine wines filled the air.
Clinton Stratford entered first, sweeping through the restaurant like a storm wrapped in grey fur and raw magnetism. Serena's pulse skipped as his golden eyes locked on her, a mixture of lust, desire, and something deeper glimmering in his gaze.
"Serena," he murmured under his breath, though everyone nearby could feel the intensity in the way he looked at her.
Her aunts, the twins Lena and Rena, flanked her, laughing softly. "Our little Serena" Rena teased, squeezing her shoulder, "look at you! A full day of battle and still standing beautifully."
Lena leaned in, her eyes twinkling. "And not a scratch! Though if anyone dared, they'd have to answer to all three of us."
Clinton's lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile. He moved closer, his presence commanding and intimate at once, letting the twins celebrate Serena while he lingered just enough to show his devotion and desire.
Axel, Clinton's Beta and closest friend, appeared beside him. He gave Serena a nod, acknowledging her prowess during the day's battle. "Impressive work," Axel said, voice low but sincere. "You held your own and then some."
Serena's cheeks flushed faintly under Clinton's gaze. She could feel Charis coiling excitedly within her, sensing the unspoken tension, the pull between her and the Alpha. Yet she kept her focus, letting the celebration unfold naturally.
The night continued with laughter, clinking glasses, and quiet, intimate glances. Serena's friends cheered, her aunts teased, and the pack celebrated their victory—but in the back of her mind, she felt the weight of her destiny stirring, faint and unseen, like a whisper she could not yet understand.
Clinton remained close, occasionally brushing his hand against hers under the table or letting his gaze linger just a moment too long. Desire and admiration danced in his eyes, bold and unhidden. Serena caught herself wanting him as much as she resisted, aware of the pull of destiny, passion, and responsibility all intertwined.
For now, the celebration belonged to friendship, family, and victory. The battles had been won, the pack had triumphed, and Serena had taken her first steps toward recognition, power, and the future that awaited her.
But as the night wore on and laughter filled the air, one thing was certain: Clinton Stratford would not let her go unnoticed, and neither would fate.