Chapter 4 Samantha Meets Derek

The Moonlight Gathering was the most anticipated event of the season, a night where the young wolves of the Black ridge Pack gathered to celebrate their heritage, test their skills, and strengthen their bonds. Bonfires blazed, laughter echoed through the trees, and the scent of roasted meat filled the air.

Samantha had never been to one before. She had always been an outsider, watching from the shadows while Serene and the others basked in the pack's warmth. But tonight was different.

"Are you sure about this?" Samantha asked as they walked toward the gathering. The glow of the fire illuminated the clearing ahead.

Alex, walking beside her, smirked. "You need to stop hiding, Sam. You belong just as much as anyone else."

Ronan, towering over them, gave his signature protective scowl. "I'll be here. No one's going to mess with you."

Samantha exhaled slowly, trying to ignore the nervous twist in her stomach.

Serene was already at the gathering, surrounded by her usual circle of admirers. But her attention wasn't on them. She had her eyes locked on a particular figure Derek.

The Alpha's son.

Handsome, strong, and undeniably powerful, Derek carried himself like a future leader. Every young she-wolf in the pack had their eyes on him, hoping for a moment of his attention.

Serene had made it her mission to win his favor. He was hers and she was certain of it.

Her fingers curled into fists when she saw Cassius standing next to him, grinning like a fool. Cassius, her follower, her shadow, her lapdog. He would do anything she asked, and that was why she tolerated him.

But Derek? He was her goal.

She was about to call out to him when something stopped her.

A new presence had entered the gathering.

Samantha.

Serene's lips curled in disgust. She came?

She watched as Samantha walked in beside Ronan and Alex, their laughter drawing attention. The firelight caught Samantha's bright, mesmerizing eyes, the same ones Serene hated. Her colorful hair, rare and striking, made her stand out like she wasn't meant to belong.

Serene's stomach churned with jealousy.

Cassius, noticing her reaction, followed her gaze and groaned. "Ugh, what's she doing here?"

"I don't know," Serene muttered darkly. "But I don't like it."

At that moment, Derek turned his head and his gaze landed on Samantha.

Something in his expression shifted.

Instead of looking through her like the others did, he saw her.

Intrigued, he made his way toward her.

Samantha, distracted by the sights and sounds around her, didn't notice at first. But then he was there, standing in front of her.

She blinked in surprise.

"You're Samantha, right?" Derek's voice was deep, smooth.

She hesitated. How does he know my name?

"Yes," she said cautiously.

"I've seen you around." His gaze lingered on her, curiosity in his eyes. "You don't come to these gatherings often."

Samantha swallowed. "Not really my thing."

He smirked. "Not a fan of the pack's traditions?"

"I wasn't exactly invited," she replied honestly.

Derek's smirk faded. His gaze flicked past her to where Serene stood, glaring daggers at them. He put the pieces together quickly.

"Well, you're here now," he said. "Enjoy the night."

Samantha nodded, unsure of what to make of him. He was the Alpha's son. Why was he talking to her?

Before she could think of something to say, a voice sliced through the air.

"Derek!"

Serene appeared beside him, slipping an arm through his like they had known each other for years.

"Didn't see you come in," she purred, flashing her sweetest smile. "I was hoping we could spend some time together."

Derek didn't move, his eyes still on Samantha.

Serene's grip on his arm tightened.

"We were just talking," he said, pulling away slightly.

Serene's smile thinned, but she recovered quickly.

"I'm sure she has better things to do," she said lightly, but the venom beneath her words was unmistakable.

Samantha stiffened.

Ronan, sensing the tension, stepped closer. "We were actually about to grab some food," he said. "Come on, Sam."

Derek looked like he wanted to say something else, but Serene pulled him away, leaving Samantha standing there, confused and uneasy.

Serene's nails dug into Derek's arm as she walked him back toward the fire.

Cassius followed, looking smug. "Did you see her face? She didn't belong here, and she knows it."

Serene didn't answer. Her mind was racing.

Derek had looked at Samantha.

Derek had talked to Samantha.

Derek had been curious about Samantha.

Serene's rage boiled inside her.

She's taken my brother. She's taken my mother's love. She stole Alex's friendship.

She is NOT taking Derek.

As the fire crackled and the night wore on, Serene's lips curled into a dark smile.

It's time I start acting.