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 beneath the open sky to celebrate their heritage, test their skills, and strengthen the bonds that tied them to each other and their ancestors. Bonfires blazed like stars fallen to earth, laughter echoed through the surrounding trees, and the mouthwatering scent of roasted meat mingled with the crisp night air.

For most, it was a night of belonging.

Samantha had never been to one before.

She had always been an outsider, watching from the shadows, tucked away on the fringes while Serene and the others basked in the warm, pulsing heart of the pack. The songs, the dances, the sparring matches they had never been meant for someone like her.

But tonight was different.

"Are you sure about this?" Samantha asked, her voice quiet but tight with nerves as they walked along the moonlit path toward the gathering. The flickering glow of the bonfires painted dancing shadows across the clearing ahead, and her heart pounded in time with her footsteps.

Alex, walking beside her with a kind of careless ease, smirked down at her. "You need to stop hiding, Sam. You belong just as much as anyone else."

Ronan, taller and broader than both of them, gave his signature protective scowl. "I'll be here. No one's going to mess with you." His voice was gravelly, firm the kind of voice that promised consequences to anyone foolish enough to try.

Samantha exhaled slowly, the air shaky in her chest. She tried to ignore the nervous twist tightening her stomach. Her fingers twitched at her sides. She had come too far to turn back now.

Serene was already at the gathering, holding court like a queen surrounded by her usual circle of admirers. Her laughter rang out, high and polished, but her attention wasn't truly on them. Her sharp, watchful gaze was locked on a particular figure standing near the center of the celebration.

Derek.

The Alpha's son.

Handsome, powerful, and already exuding the confidence of a born leader, Derek carried himself like someone who already knew the weight of command would one day rest on his shoulders. Every young she-wolf in the pack had noticed him. Every one of them had, at some point, dreamed of catching his eye even if only for a moment.

Serene had made it her mission to win that attention, and she pursued it with the same cold precision she used to dominate every other part of her life. He was hers. Or he would be. She was certain of it.

Her perfectly manicured fingers curled into fists as her gaze shifted slightly landing on Cassius, who stood at Derek's side. Cassius, her ever-loyal shadow. Grinning like a fool, oblivious to the subtle irritation that crept into Serene's narrowed eyes.

Cassius would do anything she asked, fetch, flatter, follow and that was the only reason she tolerated his presence.

But Derek?

He wasn't a toy.

He was her goal.

She opened her mouth, about to call out to him, to make her presence known when something stopped her.

A ripple of unease slid down her spine.

A new presence had entered the gathering.

Samantha.

Serene's lips curled in disgust.

She came?

She watched as Samantha walked into the clearing beside Ronan and Alex, their easy laughter drawing attention from nearby wolves. The firelight caught the highlights in Samantha's striking hair-vivid, colorful strands that shimmered unnaturally beneath the moonlight. Her eyes, too bright and mesmerizing, made her stand out like an ember in a pile of ash.

Everything about her screamed at others. Wrong.

Serene's stomach churned with jealousy, sharp and sour.

Cassius, following her gaze, let out a groan. "Ugh, what's she doing here?"

"I don't know," Serene muttered, her voice low and dark. "But I don't like it."

And then Derek turned.

His eyes found Samantha.

In that instant, something shifted in his expression. Curiosity. Surprise. Interest.

He didn't look through her like the others usually did.

He saw her.

And then, to Serene's absolute horror, he moved.

He crossed the clearing with the graceful confidence of someone used to being followed but this time, he wasn't heading toward Serene. He was heading straight for the girl with the wrong hair, the wrong blood, the wrong everything.

Samantha, distracted by the unfamiliar sights and chaotic energy of the gathering, didn't notice him at first. But then he was there suddenly and undeniably real standing right in front of her.

She blinked, startled.

"You're Samantha, right?" Derek's voice was low, smooth, almost too calm.

She hesitated. How does he know my name?

"Yes," she answered, cautious and unsure.

"I've seen you around." His gaze lingered, thoughtful. "You don't come to these gatherings often."

Samantha shifted on her feet. "Not really my thing."

He raised an eyebrow. "Not a fan of the pack's traditions?"

She shrugged, her voice honest. "I wasn't exactly invited."

His smirk faded, and something harder entered his eyes. He glanced over her shoulder toward Serene.

He understood. Quickly.

"Well," he said, turning his attention back to her. "You're here now. Enjoy the night."

Samantha nodded, the brief conversation leaving her disoriented. Derek, of all people, had just spoken to her like she mattered.

Before she could say more, a voice rang out sharply.

"Derek!"

Serene appeared at his side like a ghost, sliding an arm through his as though it belonged there. Her voice dripped sweetness. "Didn't see you come in," she said with a practiced smile. "I was hoping we could spend some time together."

Derek didn't step away, but he didn't lean into her either. His eyes lingered on Samantha.

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

Serene's smile tightened. She recovered in an instant. "I'm sure she has better things to do," she said lightly, but the poison behind her words was unmistakable.

Samantha stiffened.

Ronan, ever the shield, stepped closer. "We were actually about to grab some food," he said, voice firm. "Come on, Sam."

Derek looked like he wanted to say something else but Serene had already hooked his arm again, steering him away. Samantha watched, confusion swirling in her chest.

Serene's nails dug into Derek's arm as they walked. Cassius trailed behind, smug.

"Did you see her face?" he laughed. "She didn't belong here, and she knows it."

Serene didn't answer. Her mind was spinning.

Derek had looked at Samantha.

Derek had talked to Samantha.

Derek had been curious about Samantha.

Her rage simmered beneath her skin, bitter and burning.

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 behind her and the music began to rise into the night air, Serene's lips slowly curled into a dark, dangerous smile.