Alexandra gasped for air, sweat dripping from her forehead as she practiced the combat moves. Her muscles ached, but she refused to give up. She closely observed every movement demonstrated by Walter, Scott, and Samantha, determined to master each technique.
"You're really good, Alexandra. Even though you're a beginner, you quickly learned what we taught you," Samantha praised her with genuine admiration.
"Because she is the Alpha's daughter and she was appointed, we're not surprised she's eager to learn," Scott said, nodding.
"Indeed," Samantha replied, "but she is still not ready to become the new Luna and leader of the Lotus Packs." She then turned to Walter, who was quietly observing Alexandra.
"Thank you," Alexandra said sincerely. "I promise I'll do everything I can to be a good Luna for all of you."
They finally reached the front of the house, which resembled a wolf's office—a place used for important discussions and decisions.
"Should we just wait here?" Alexandra asked, stopping in front of the door. "Earlier, you mentioned they had something important to talk about. Maybe they're still busy. Let's not disturb them—they might not like the intrusion."
"On the contrary," Samantha said with a playful wink, "she'll be happy to see you. Especially the ancient Great Luna. And look—your hot vampire is already awake."
"Hmm... then why don't you go in instead of me?" Alexandra raised an eyebrow.
"Alexandra, you are Luna and the heir of the ancient Great Luna," Walter said, backing Samantha's suggestion. "I'm sure you won't be scolded."
"All right." Alexandra took a deep breath and stepped forward.
After a few minutes, the ancient Great Luna and several other men emerged from the house.
"Now!" Samantha suddenly pushed Alexandra toward the Great Luna. Alexandra almost stumbled but quickly regained her balance by grabbing Samantha's arm. She gave her a sharp glare first before shifting her gaze to the woman in front of her.
Her expression softened when the ancient Great Luna looked directly at her.
"Why are you here?"
"Hmm," Alexandra hesitated, glancing at Samantha again, who now couldn't meet the Great Luna's eyes.
"Alexandra," the Great Luna called again, her tone firm.
"Can we see the vampire that was brought in by the gamma teams?" Alexandra blurted out, nervous but composed.
The Great Luna frowned. "For what reason? You'll meet him tonight anyway—I intend to introduce him to everyone then."
Samantha and Alexandra didn't argue further, respecting the Great Luna's decision.
"I told you she wouldn't let us see your so-called hot vampire," Alexandra whispered as she returned to Walter and Scott.
"I was just hoping for a chance," Samantha pouted, crossing her arms.
That night, everyone gathered joyfully around the bonfire, eager to meet the new vampire member.
"You're not excited anymore, Samantha?" Scott teased, smirking. He clearly felt irritated, possibly jealous, watching Samantha's giddy expression.
Walter, Alexandra, Samantha, and Scott sat close to one another, the fire casting warm light on their faces.
"Anyway, Alexandra, do you have any news about Blite?" Walter asked.
"I haven't heard from her since we took her home," Alexandra replied, cutting off the playful bickering between Scott and Samantha. All their attention shifted to her.
"What do you mean? Did you bring Blite home with someone?" Samantha asked, surprised.
"Yes. He was a human—or at least, that's what I thought. He saw me and Blite on the roadside. You know what? He's smart. He helped me," she replied with a smile. Suddenly, she remembered Dimitri—the man they hadn't seen for two days. She realized she hadn't even tried calling him.
"Why is your smile... different?" Samantha asked suspiciously.
"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Alexandra frowned as the three of them stared at her like detectives unraveling a mystery. Before anyone could answer, the Great Luna appeared at the entrance of her house, and everyone turned toward her.
"Good evening, Lotus Packs," the Great Luna announced. "As many of you know, we've recently recruited a vampire. As I've said before, we are willing to help them and cooperate—as long as they mean us no harm. So, ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome the new member of our clan."
All eyes turned to the entrance of the Great Luna's house.
Alexandra was curious. It was her first time witnessing a werewolf welcoming ceremony—though she wasn't sure if that's what they actually called it. A moment later, a large figure stepped out of the house, and the atmosphere seemed to shift. No one made a sound. Not a single whisper. Every wolf and vampire stood still, watching.
Alexandra clutched her chest as her heartbeat quickened. Her face lit up with a mix of disbelief and excitement. When the vampire emerged, her lips parted slightly. She blinked a few times, unsure if her eyes were playing tricks on her—but they weren't.
"Dimitri?" she whispered, stunned. Her gaze locked on him, unable to look away. Dimitri wore a wide smile.
He scanned the crowd casually—until his eyes stopped on her. The woman who had haunted his thoughts these past few days.
"What does it mean... that she's a werewolf?" Dimitri muttered under his breath, confused.
"You know him, Alexandra?" Samantha asked, breaking the silence.
"Hmm... he's the one I told you about—the guy who helped me."
"What? Him? But you said he was human!" Walter asked, now suspicious.
"That's what I thought too." Alexandra's voice softened. It only now occurred to her—Dimitri's fridge had no food. He wasn't eating. The clues were all there.
"So he is a vampire. Can you introduce us?" Samantha said eagerly. "He's like Edward from Twilight—no, even hotter than Edward." Her admiration was palpable.
Alexandra, slightly flustered, approached Dimitri, who was chatting with some wolves and vampires.
"Ahm... Dimitri." She called out gently.
Dimitri turned to her and smiled. "I can't believe this. You're here, Alexandra." Without warning, he pulled her into a hug.
She froze at first, shocked—but then returned the embrace. She missed him. She hadn't even realized how much until now.
"Ahem." Scott's deliberate cough made them part.
"Dimitri, these are my friends." Alexandra stepped back and gestured to Samantha. "She's a huge Twilight fan and totally obsessed with vampires. Her name's Samantha. She... wants an autograph." Alexandra rolled her eyes playfully.
"Oh," Dimitri chuckled.
"Hi! I'm Samantha. I'm really glad to meet you." Samantha beamed, extending her hand.
"Hi, Samantha. Dimitri. Nice to meet you too." He smiled and shook her hand warmly. Then he turned to Alexandra, took her hand gently, and kissed it. "Hi, Alexandra. It's really nice to see you again. We've got a lot to talk about."
"Oh... hi. Um, yeah. So... I'm a werewolf. And apparently, you're a vampire. Remember when you took me home? That's the day I found out... everything." She fidgeted and gave a nervous smile. What is wrong with you, Alexandra? Why do you sound like a teenage girl crushing on her classmate? Pull yourself together! she scolded herself inwardly.
Just then, someone whispered something in Dimitri's ear.
"I'm sorry, but the Great Luna is calling me. Let's talk later, okay?"
"Hmm... yes." Alexandra nodded as he gently released her hands and walked away.
She raised her hand slowly, staring at it—his touch still lingering on her skin.
"I'm never washing this hand," Samantha squealed in delight.
"Uh! Huh? What's going on between the two of you?" Scott rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. Alexandra blushed and dropped her hand.
"Sorry, I didn't get the autograph," she mumbled.
"Who cares about an autograph? He's going to live here!" Samantha practically screamed.
Alexandra glared at her. Samantha bit her lip. "Sorry," she mouthed, but still giggled.
"Seriously, Alexandra, how do you even breathe around him? If I were in your shoes, I'd pass out from just one look. I mean, did you see how his shirt fits him? And that voice—ugh, it should be illegal."
"You'll see him often," Scott said sarcastically to Samantha. "But don't get your hopes up. Dimitri's interest is clearly in Alexandra."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Alexandra raised an eyebrow. Scott just shrugged and began to walk away.
"Come on," Walter interrupt, "the moon's bright tonight—it's a good time to roam around."
As the night went on, Alexandra couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on her. Several stares pierced her back, making it hard to enjoy the tour. Some gazes were curious, others filled with awe or respect. But many were filled with something else—disapproval, maybe even hostility.
And then she felt it.
A malicious aura. So strong it almost made her nauseous. Her eyes narrowed as she turned in its direction. A girl was walking toward them, and the hatred radiating off her was undeniable.
"Your Highness," the girl said with a short bow.
"When did you come back?" Walter asked, startled. He clearly hadn't expected her presence. "Anyway, Alex—" he began, but the girl cut him off.
"Thanks, Walter. But I'll introduce myself." She turned to Alexandra with icy poise. "Hi. I'm Carla one of the most beautiful werewolf here and also a daughter of the Gamma's leader." Her smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Alexandra," she replied, attempting a polite smile in return.
~~"Mmm," A moan escaped her lips. She tried to push him away, but his hands ran around her body, threading her hair. He pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. He changed the angle, deepening the kiss, his tongue attacked her mouth, and he kissed her as he owned her, he clung to her as her knees gave out, breaking, and he rested his forehead on her. Their breaths mingled, and he looked into her golden eyes. "You're mine, only mine, he whispered.~~
She was lying on her bed when she suddenly became distracted. She immediately woke up and looked around. "What the hell? This is not a nightmares this is another stupid dream? What the fvck, it's a wet dream?" She shook her head and got her room and she saw Samantha looking Dimitri together with the packs and vampires doing morning exercise.
"Just look at him! How could someone be so perfect? Those eyes, that breathtakingly handsome face, built!" Samantha was thrilled at what she saw as Dimitri ordered his fellow vampires.
Alexandra groaned internally, trying to focus her attention elsewhere. But no matter how hard she tried, her gaze would always wander back—to him. Dimitri. And worse, her mind wouldn't stop replaying that dream. she tried to look away, but her gaze always landed on her lips, those lips that I claimed.