Chapter 5 Serene's First Scheme

The Black Ridge Pack's central clearing was alive with laughter and music. A blazing bonfire crackled in the center, casting flickering shadows across the wide open space. Tonight's gathering was meant to be a celebration, a rare evening where the young wolves let go of their duties and simply enjoyed each other's company. But for Serene, it was something else entirely.

Sitting in a dimly lit corner of the pack's meeting hall, her fingers drumming against the wooden bench, Serene leaned forward. Her voice was sharp, quiet, and venomous. "Tonight, we remind everyone that Samantha doesn't belong here."

Her loyal circle Lina, Mira, and Cassius leaned in closer. They knew the tone. When Serene spoke like that, it meant trouble was brewing.

Cassius, ever eager to win her favor, grinned. "What's the plan?"

Serene smirked, her eyes glinting with malice. "We humiliate her. Publicly. She's already an outcast, but after tonight, she'll be a punchline. She'll never show her face at another pack event again."

Mira's eyes lit up. "How?"

Serene tapped her chin, thoughtful. "We will make her trip. Right in the center of attention. I'll make sure she's pulled into the spotlight, and one of you will"

"I'll do it," Cassius cut in quickly. "I'll make sure she falls hard."

Serene's smile widened. "Perfect."

A Secret Overheard

Unbeknownst to them, Elise Alex's curious little sister had been wandering nearby. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop. But when she heard Samantha's name, her steps halted.

Her heart hammered in her chest. She didn't fully understand why Serene hated Samantha so much, but she knew it was cruel. Elise backed away quietly, then bolted.

She found Alex and Ronan sparring near the training grounds. Alex's sword clanged as she blocked Ronan's strike, but both paused at the sight of Elise sprinting toward them.

"Alex!" she called breathlessly, skidding to a stop.

"What is it?" Alex asked, concerned about rising.

Elise glanced nervously at Ronan before blurting, "Serene's planning something against Samantha. She and Cassius... they're going to embarrass her in front of everyone tonight!"

Ronan's jaw tightened. "Of course she is."

Alex's expression hardened. "We're stopping them."

Nearby, Samantha who had been helping set out training gear froze.

"Stop them from what?" she asked cautiously.

Ronan turned, his voice gentler than before. "Serene plans to humiliate you tonight."

Samantha frowned. "She wouldn't go that far. She's my sister."

Alex scoffed. "Are you serious? Serene lives to make your life miserable."

Samantha's expression softened with uncertainty. "I don't want to retaliate. I don't want to become like her."

Ronan placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "There's a difference between retaliation and standing your ground."

"She's not worth the drama," Samantha muttered, but her voice lacked conviction.

Alex crossed her arms. "Maybe not. But you are. And we're not letting her get away with this."

The Gathering Begins

The clearing buzzed with chatter and music. Pups darted between legs while older teens laughed and shared stories around the bonfire. The scent of roasted meat filled the air. Samantha arrived with Ronan and Alex flanking her like silent bodyguards. She smiled politely at others but kept her head low, unaware of the eyes that followed her every move.

Serene stood on the opposite side of the clearing, her arms folded as she watched Samantha. "She's here. Cassius, you ready?"

Cassius nodded, lingering near the firepit, pretending to engage with others.

Then, Derek arrived.

The Alpha's son stepped into the circle with an easy grace, Cassius trailing slightly behind. He had a presence that quieted a room. As his golden eyes swept the crowd and landed on Samantha, his expression softened into something warmer almost protective.

Cassius glanced at Derek nervously. Suddenly, their plan didn't seem so clever.

But Serene's glare pinned him down. Backing out wasn't an option.

With a syrupy voice, Serene called, "Everyone! Let's hear a speech from our dearest outsider Samantha!"

The chatter died. Heads turned. Samantha's cheeks flushed crimson.

Before she could react, Cassius stepped forward, feigning an accidental bump. His shoulder slammed into hers.

Derek Steps In

Before she could fall, a strong hand caught her arm.

Samantha gasped, looking up and found Derek standing beside her, his grip steady.

"You alright?" he asked, his voice low but firm.

"I... yeah," she whispered, startled.

Derek's golden gaze moved to Cassius, darkening. "What do you think you're doing?"

Cassius stammered, "It was an accident."

"You sure?" Derek didn't blink.

Serene strode over quickly, her voice sickly sweet. "Derek, it's fine. Samantha's just clumsy."

But Derek didn't even glance at her. His focus remained on Samantha, who looked dazed by his concern.

Cassius shifted awkwardly. "I"

Before he could finish, Alex stepped forward and yanked his arm hard. Cassius stumbled and crashed into Serene.

The two collapsed onto the dirt.

Silence.

Then laughter.

Snorts, chuckles, and outright howls of amusement broke out across the clearing. Serene scrambled to her feet, face flushed with fury. Cassius looked like he wanted to vanish.

Ronan stepped forward, arms crossed. "You two like attention? There you go."

Serene snapped, "You always take her side!"

Ronan shrugged. "Because she's not the one acting like a monster."

Serene's lips trembled with rage. But before she could reply, Samantha stepped forward.

She straightened her spine and lifted her chin. Her voice, though quiet, was unshakable. "I never took anything from you, Serene. You pushed people away all on your own."

The clearing fell silent again. Serene stared at her, as if seeing her for the first time. The words pierced her because they were true.

Derek's eyes narrowed as he watched. There was admiration there now. Respect.

Something inside Serene broke.

"You'll regret this," she hissed, her voice cold as ice.

And without another word, she turned and stormed into the night.

As Samantha watched her sister disappear into the darkness, a strange unease filled her. For the first time, she had truly fought back. She should have felt victorious.

But instead, her instincts whispered that this wasn't over.

Something had changed in Serene's eyes.

And whatever came next... it would be far worse.