Chapter 1 The Masked Ball

Today is a big day, not only because I had graduated from college, but also the Federation had thrown a masked ball, a tradition that hadn‘t been practiced in centuries. Sure, every year one of the two packs which used be 3 packs will host a graduation party for all pack members that were graduating from some education program. The masked ball had been an event brought forward through time, requiring fancy dresses and intricate masks. Serena had been so overwhelmed by the flourishes of color and sparkles. She hadn‘t even really wanted to go, but it was tradition. Her mother, Charlotte, had picked out a red ballgown and matching mask for her. The moment she‘d stepped through the door, Serena had grabbed herself a flute of champagne. A few more glasses later, she‘d started to loosen up. “I do believe, dear sister, you are drunk” Santino teased her. Serena giggled, pulling her champagne away from her brother as he tried to snatch it from her hand. “I am a graduate, that is my prerogative,” she pointed out, sticking her tongue out at him since the mask made facial expressions hard to see. She did catch Santino‘s eye roll. “Leave it to you to use large words when you‘re drunk,” he chastised. “I‘m going to find a foxy female I‘m not related to so I can really begin to enjoy my night.” Serena shrugged, twirling away from her twin and ending up getting caught up on the dancefloor with twirling, spinning dresses. Nearly tripping over her own feet, Serena stumbled right into the arms of a nearby man. He was dressed all in black with a matching black mask. The alcohol inhibited her wolf senses, and she could not scent who he was. “My apologies,” Serena said, attempting to pull away. “There are few men who would mind getting bumped into by you,” he said in a thick, deep voice. Serena scoffed, shaking her head. “Is that your best pickup line?” she asked. The man shrugged, taking her champagne flute and setting it on a tray as a servant passed by. “Who says it is a line?” he asked, taking Serena‘s hand and leading her onto the dancefloor. Serena halfheartedly fought against him, but something about his directness and willingness to take control made it easy for her to let go of her hesitation The man placed one hand on her hip, bringing her hand to his shoulder. He was so formal and proper he had to be related to an Alpha or Beta. Under the mask, all she saw was a deep pair of greenish–yellow eyes. She smiled at him. “I don‘t know this dance,” she said. The man smirked at her, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “Just follow my lead,” he insisted, keeping their cheeks pressed together as he began. Serena stumbled over the first few steps, but her feet caught on to the rhythm soon enough. “This isn‘t so bad,” she said. He chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver through her bones. Almost instantly after he laugh, he spun her away from him. Serena giggled, a rush causing her stomach to plummet. He pulled her back against him, the warmth of his body sucking her in. They continued to dance until the song ended, the mysterious man leading her through each step. She‘d never danced so formally before, and the combination of the dress, the dance, and the champagne had her feeling like a princess! “It seems a little stuffy and outdated to me,” Serena couldn’t help teasing, trying to lighten the delicate feelings stirring inside her. "This dress has way too much fabric. I feel heavier than myself," she said with a playful glint in her eyes. The man smiled and moved with ease, as if he were used to such occasions. He poured himself a glass of beer and raised it slightly. "Agreed." He took a big gulp, then suddenly leaned down, kissing her shoulder. Serena gasped, closing her eyes as his lips nearly burned her skin! Her stomach twisted so pleasantly, tingles running down to her curling toes! Reaching behind her, Serena grabbed his hand from her back. She pulled him towards the nearest exit. Everyone else was too busy or drunk to notice their departure. Out in the forest, Serena kicked off her shoes. She laughed as she dropped her companion‘s hand, running faster through the trees. She could hear his footsteps behind her. “Are you trying to get away?” he called after her. Serena looked behind her for a moment, sticking her tongue out at her pursuer. “isn‘t the chase half the fun?” she asked. She giggled again, running faster. The man behind her was strong. She‘d felt his muscles while they were dancing. He would catch her long before he ran out of breath! Dodging to the left, Serena slipped between two trees. The man behind her easily changed his direction to chase her. Serena laughed, the sound carrying through the dark forest and tempting her pursuer. When he did catch her, he collided with her full force. Serena grunted, being knocked completely off her feet. She playfully struggled as the man grasped her wrists and pinned her to the ground. He growled at her. Serena licked her lips, arching her back so her body pressed against his. He smirked at her. “I caught you,” he said. “Do I get my reward?” Serena licked her lips again. “What do you think you deserve?”