DAMIEN.“Have I ever told you how much I hate conferences? Especially when we are the ones hosting?” Lucas asks from my side.We are standing at the base of the steps of the mansion, waiting and watching the Alphas arrive in their cars. Natalie stands by my right side in an exquisite knee-length cocktail gown that captivates the eye of anyone who sees her.The midnight blue fabric is adorned with silver crescent moon embellishments, draping gracefully around her form. Her silver hair, styled in loose waves, complements the ensemble. Silver earrings and a delicate bracelet complete the look, making her a vision and making it hard for me to take my eyes off her.I am dressed in a tailored, darker shade of blue suit adorned with a crescent moon on the chest pocket, mirroring the intricate details of her midnight blue gown. The crisp white shirt beneath and a tie with silver accents complete my look, creating a coordinated and refined look that works well with hers.Even I have to admit,

NATALIE.I continue to stare at the man, trying to place where I had heard him before.I haven't met many people since I escaped from Willow. Maybe a few humans in my passing but no other wolves except from those in the pack.So where is he from?“I guess I must have had too much to drink to be staggering around,” he says as he right himself. “Hello, I am Kane, Alpha of Wrent pack, it is a pleasure to meet you, Natalie.”“How did you know that?” I ask.“Know what?” he responds.“That my name is Natalie? I didn't tell you that.”“Um, everyone knows your name. You are the Luna aren't you?”“Yes but-”“Natalie!”I turn to see Damien hurrying towards me looking worried.“I have been looking everywhere for you, where were you?”“I was with, um…” I trail off as I look back at Kane.Damien gets the message as he faces him.“Alpha Wrent, this isn't where your rooms are,” he tells him.“Yes, I know. I was a little tipsy and must have taken a wrong turn. Just point me in the right direction an

NATALIE.“Damn it!”I watch as Damien pounds the pillow in frustration snarling and growling as he does so.He looks like a big baby.“I just want to sleep! Is that too much to ask?!” he continues as he flings the pillow across the room. It bursts into a shower of features as it hits the wall.The irritating alarm doesn't stop ringing and finally he gets up.“What are the chances this is not a move from Willow?” he grumbles as he pulls on his clothes.“Unlikely,” I answer. “We already expected that she would make a move, didn't we?”“Hmm, you are right. You stay here, I will go check on what is going on.”“Not happening,” I tell him as I follow him out the door. “If she rarely is the one, the best and safest thing we can do is stay together.”“Okay then.”And once again, we find ourselves walking out of the mansion into the thick dark night.The same night.Isn't that wonderful?If you don't realize, I am being sarcastic.“Alpha Varon!” we hear from behind us as well as several other

DAMIEN“Damien! He is getting away!” Natalie’s voice brings me as well as the others out of our stupor.Without a second thought, I initiate the mind link to the warrior wolves as I hurry over to the windows, trying to catch sight of him.No such luck.“All wolves on alert, Alpha Tobias is on foot trying to escape. The last sighting was from the windows of the grand hall. Lock down all exit routes, initiate the blockade protocol, and hedge him in. Do not engage. Report when you have him.”Within seconds, a blaring alarm tears through the ground, this one signaling all non combatants to remain behind locked doors because there was an enemy within the grounds.“We need to get him to the healer… the pack clinic. Come on, lift him up,” I hear Natalie's voice.Turning from the windows, I see Natalie on the ground beside Alpha Maddox, her hands trying to slow down the gushing blood from the wound in his neck.I didn't even see the dagger that he threw.“Damien,” she calls.“Hmm, what do yo

DAMIEN.It is like everything has lost all sound. My vision is tunneled and only focused on Lucas and his hanged body.Everything is just numb.And quiet.I can't bring myself to move.All I can hear is his dripping blood and my own frantic pants.If I move… if he is really… dead…I don't know what I would do.I notice as Natalie hurries over to him, gently pulling his body down to check on him.I see her mouth moving, her head turning to me and she is saying something but I can't hear her.All I hear is the drip… drip… drip that drops from the blood stain on the banister.“DAMIEN!”I feel a wave of energy hit me in my face, pushing me to my butt as her voice echoes in my head.I move my gaze to her face and see her eyes glowing silver.“I need Eric, now. Hurry!”“ERIC!” I roar.The force behind it rates the windows and pictures on the walls, a true show of how violent my emotions are right now.Whatever Natalie did, caused the numbness to go.Now…now I am mad.With rage.But I manage