Night had fallen and Azura made her way to the underground compound where the cars were parked. She wore her gear for tonight's mission and had her mind on the hunt and the hunt alone. There was definitely no one named Cherry on her mind. But as much as she told herself that, it wasn't working. Azura placed her hand on the gun strapped to her waist as her long trench coat flowed behind the thick heel of her boots. She remained calm and made her way down the slope towards her team. Hearing a few voices, she spotted Hunter in his gear standing with Lupin, Brandon and Conner.

"Is everyone ready?" she asked as she joined them.

They all looked at her approaching. "We are," Lupin told her.

Azura glanced at the other five standing by the massive jeeps. At the end of today's class, she picked the five best recruits to join this mission. Leo, Dante, Scarlett, Ava and Chase. These five were the top of the class and their grades were untouchable. However, it was tonight's mission that would allow Azura to fully access their capabilities to be an enforcer.

"Should we go over the plan one more time?" Azura asked.

"Let's do it," Hunter ushered the five recruits to the table.

All of them faced the map that was laid out on the steel table with Hunter explaining the territory. The mission was simple and easy to follow, so there shouldn't be a reason for any of the recruits to be afraid. However, Azura wasn't a novice. She knew that any mission could become about life and death. Each of these recruits were geared up with weapons and blades that had no safety measures on it. These were real and if they used them then someone would get hurt or die.

Hunter used the map and pointed at the territory that they'd cover tonight. It was the east side of the forest where many thugs or drunkards camped thinking it was empty. Sometimes rogue wolves even made this their turf, but it was this pack's job as enforcers to keep this land clean. Hunter explained all the details and the five recruits were listening carefully. Azura even wondered if Leo would crack a joke, but he didn't do that. She was glad because Hunter would've kicked him off the team right then and there.

A mission isn't a joke, she thought the same words that were told to her. There are lives in her hands to keep safe and bring back home. Everyone around this table was a comrade and part of the pack. She wasn't going out there on the field alone, but she had to carry nine other lives with her.

"Alright, does everyone get the plan?" Hunter asked as he looked at the them.

Everyone agreed and Lupin gave the new recruits their ear-piece and radio, so they could all communicate on the field. Hunter lead them to the three jeeps for the mission, since there were that many squads. Hunter had Brandon and the recruit Scarlett who had black and red hair, which was the only colour on her with all the black clothes. Lupin, Conner got Ava and Chase. Ava was soft-spoken but she was intelligent and she could infiltrate without making single sound. The girl was quick on her feet but silent too. She also had great pheromone control that allowed her to go undetected. Chase on the other hand was a strong fighter. He had the best combat skills in the class along with Dante. He had black hair and domineering grey eyes that made everyone uncomfortable around him. But Azura knew that he was great for this job. Azura didn't need to talk about Leo and Dante, these two were trained by King specifically. Both of them had the best marksmanship grades and combat skills. They both passed any written test with flying marks. Nothing touched the golden duo. Azura just hoped that they don't fail this mission, otherwise all that training was for nothing.

Azura grabbed the key to the jeep for her team. She had Leo and Dante with her and they were leaning on the dark green and black jeep.

"Aren't you happy you got us?" Leo jested then.

Azura chuckled when she faced him as he stood in his gear. He didn't have a jacket over his long- sleeve shirt, so his holster was on display. He had his guns strapped under his arms and blades on the belt of his cargo pants.

"Very," she answered him. "Can't you see I'm jumping with joy." Leo chuckled as she stood in front of him with a stern expression.

Azura unlocked the car and let the boys into the jeep. She got into the driver's seat and shut the door. The jeeps reversed out of the underground compound onto the track outside the forest. Each of these jeeps were equipped to travel on the rough terrain, so over rocks and tree trunks, it was quite the bumpy ride. However, Azura was used to it. The boys in the back that were holding onto dear life were having a great time.

"How long until you reach your mark?" Hunter asked through the comms.

"Five minutes," Azura answered through the ear-piece and so did the others.

Everyone departed to their own spots through the forest. But since this was the east side, she got the side with the abandoned cabins and other forts built by criminals. Once they reached their target location, Azura parked the car behind the shadow of a few trees. She got out and the boys jumped out from the back to be by her side. She didn't need to say anything to them because they already had their guns in their hands, as they joined her left and right side. Frankly, she didn't expect any less from King's trained duo.

Since it was dark outside, they were going off the light of the moon that would come and go behind the clouds. She noticed that there was a cabin on the far-left side and that would need to be investigated. However, there was another smaller cabin behind it. She's never seen that one before, which was strange as hell.

Azura pulled out the glock in her hand as she signalled the two boys to follow her. She guided them through the terrain under the trees towards the cabin. She climbed up the wooden stairs and saw a bunch of beer bottles laid out on the porch. Dante came around and stood by the door as Azura pointed the head of the gun inside. Leo was the one who came up behind her and pushed it open as she was deployed inside. The area was dark, Dante turned the flashlight on behind her and quickly scanned the four corners. This floor was empty, apart from a rugged couch, more bottles on a table and cards. Someone was here but they left a while ago, she observed.

With the signal of her hands, she told Dante and Leo to check further into the cabin together and she took the upper floor on her own. They separated and Azura turned on the flashlight in front of her gun as she climbed up the creaky stairs. There was only one room up here and a bathroom. She spotted an old, torn mattress that was left on the ground. There were condom packets, cigarettes and magazines. Azura guessed that this was some hangout place. She searched for weapons or any sign of life, but there weren't any, which was a good sign.

Through the comms, she signalled Dante and Leo.

"Did you two find anything?" She asked.

"Nothing," Dante answered.

"Nothing on my side," Leo added too.

"Return to the door," she commanded as she climbed down the stairs.

The two boys were already waiting for her as they surveyed the forest outside. She joined them and went out the door as Leo shut it behind them. They went back to the car and Azur opened the trunk door revealing tanks of gasoline. She handed one to Dante and the other to Leo. They knew what to do with it already, so they silently went back to the cabin and poured the gasoline around the structure. This way no one could use this cabin as they hideout near the Centauri pack. Azura grabbed the matches from her pocket and walked towards the house. She lit the tiny bud as the flame flickered in front her eyes. Azura flicked the twig towards the stairs of the cabin and it immediately exploded. The red flames ignited, spreading their scorching hot claws and ate everything in its path. Erasing this cabin from existence, just like her past was once erased from her mind.

However, they weren't done yet. There was that other cabin behind this one that needed to be cleaned and executed. Leo and Dante threw the empty canisters into the fire before they joined her.

"Isn't it a bit dangerous to light a fire in the forest?" Azura asked them just to pull their leg.

"You forgot your own lesson, Azura," Leo remarked. "Is the smoke getting to you?"

Leo glanced at Dante. "There's a jet in the sky ensuring that if a fire does start then they'd control it," Dante informed.

"Azura, make sure not to forget this time," Leo raked his dark, golden hair.

Azura rolled her eyes as she led them towards the second cabin. "Leo, guard the door," she ordered taking Dante with her inside.

Leo was stunned. "Is it because I made fun of you?" he remarked.

"Should've kept your mouth shut," Dante smirked at his friend.

Azura opened the door to the cabin and it was dark in here too and empty. However, she felt this vile scent in the air. The skin on her bones turned cold as she surveyed the dark room with her silver eyes. There was something here and she could sense it with her wolf. As she entered the cabin, the cool air engulfed her in its bony, sly clutches and she could tell that there were eyes here. Someone watched her, someone walked in the shadows. Dante must have sensed it too because his eyes darkened and his shoulders tensed just like the hands that were gripping the gun.

This cabin didn't look anything like the other one. No one lived here, it didn't seem like some place thugs hung out to do drugs or fuck around. Azura crossed the hallway ahead and saw a few rooms. Dante went inside one room while she turned to the left and secured it. There was a chair and table, but nothing else, still no weapons. She guessed that she'd find something here, especially since her gut never lied to her.

Leaving the room, she spotted Dante and he signalled that the room was clear. He followed her down the corridor in the back and there was another room. This time, she saw a weapon, there was a gun on the table and some bullets. Dante already knew what to do since she taught them this in class. He had a glove on his right hand already, as he produced a bag from his pocket. She was impressed that he didn't tamper with evidence and put the gun securely in a bag and held onto it. He got bonus points from her.

But now, this meant that the cabin wasn't empty. Someone could be here and they would try to attack. They left that room together and Azura saw the other door in the far back of the cabin. Azura grabbed the knob of the door and Dante flashed his light at the bottom of the stairs that were revealed to them.

"Guard the door," Azura commanded.

Dante gave a curt nod.

"If you hear gun shots-"

"Report it to Hunter and come save you, I know," Dante interrupted.

Azura smirked. "Leave me and go to Leo," she corrected.

Dante understood and he was the one that didn't argue back unlike the one guarding the other door. Azura held her gun in front of her as she stepped down the stairs. The darkness engulfed her, even though the light of her flashlight guided the way. However, Azura stopped in the middle of the steps as she felt this evil emitting in front of her, like something died and it festered with its soul turning demonic.

Azura shut the light off and stayed in the darkness of the basement. If she was going to hunt, then she'd do it with her style. And everyone in the pack knew that Azura walked in the shadows. This darkness wasn't her enemy, it was her ally. The darkness would be her guide and she used it to her advantage. She held her gun but she didn't make a single sound as she climbed all the way to the final step and landed on the bottom level by herself. She viewed the dark room, but with her wolf powers, her eyes were stronger than humans. She could see the metal beams holding this structure up. There was no one here, but she noticed the chains like something was tied down here.

She scanned the empty room, except it didn't feel uninhabited. Azura could sense another presence here, it was hidden as this vile shadow kept his eyes on her.

Azura noticed that there was another door at the other end of the room. She crossed the space and grabbed the knob, turning it down, she pushed the door open and a prison was revealed. There was a long walkway and cages on each side. The red light flickered above her, but that was when she smelled the putrid scent of rotten blood. She raked her eyes on each side and she stepped inside and the door shut behind her on its own.

The metal floor clanked under her boots as she viewed each prison, but they ended up being empty. However, as she crossed down the path, the scent of blood grew stronger. Just as she reached the last cell, she saw a dead pig hanging from the ceiling like it would at a butcher's shop. The pig was decaying slowly as the red light showed its pale skin and how it was hung from the ceiling with its hooves. Azura didn't notice anything else here. This was the only cage that had the door open, she didn't know why it was left like this.

Azura heard something drop behind her. Turning with her gun pointed ahead, she caught the figure that walked across the hallway. She felt stifled in this room with the disgusting scent, but she followed after the figure. She walked to the end of the hallway and saw a bulky figure standing on the right side of the hallway by himself. She knew it was a man because he was strangely tall and his broad shoulders gave it away.

"I've missed you," his voice was cunning.

Azura felt it cut deep to her bones. "Fuck you," she growled as she put her finger on the trigger.

Suddenly, the light above her turned on one by one. The red brightened the hallway and it turned on right above the man, revealing his dark clothes and the white mask on his face, that was sickening.

"Azura," his voice crept over to her like a centipede would climb a wall. "Don't you remember me?"

Azura saw the black eyes of the mask. "I don't, asshole," she cursed.

He tilted his head to the side. "I didn't expect anything less from Gabriel," he revealed.

Azura raised a brow. "Don't talk about my alpha," she said as she was about to bury this man's face with bullets.

He laughed at her. "You don't know anything, sister," he said.

Azura gaped. "Wh-what?"

He went quiet. "You heard me," his voice was vile. "You're my sister, Azura Solomon."

Azura's blood went cold as ice. "Who are you?" she said sternly.

"I'm Zyran," he revealed. "Your big brother and the leader of the fallen Shadow District."

Azura had no fucking clue what this man was blabbering about but she had enough. "Put your hands where I can see them," she warned and she couldn't tell what he was thinking through that mask.

"Don't you want to know about your family, Azura?" he asked. "I know where you are born and who your parents were."

"I don't give a fuck," Azura growled.

"Must be Gabriel's influence," he said. "He took everything from you."

Azura frowned as she glared at him. "You have three seconds to explain yourself," she offered.

"Black hair, silver eyes as bright as moonlight," he told her. "You have the Solomon bloodline. The legacy of a powerful family that was killed because of Gabriel."

"Why would he do such a thing?" she asked.

"Because he was jealous of our power," Zyran said. "Our family was the largest organization that ran this city. But he came like a snake and killed our family."

"It seemed he missed you," Azura remarked.

"And you," Zyran added. "His two mistakes from that night."

"How did you survive?" Azura asked.

He shook his head. "I didn't," he said. "Everyone thinks I died, even Gabriel."

Azura had enough of this nonsense.

"You don't know everything about Gabriel Centauri, sister," Zyran said. "He's hiding many secrets of all the sins he committed all those years ago. Gabriel knows he's evil and he's making you do his work for him now."

"Don't talk about him like you know anything," Azura snapped.

Zyran laughed, it echoed through the hall. "Fucking hell," he said. "You can't be his slave. Not when you are the heir of the Solomon lineage, Azura. That's why I'm going to destroy him. You'll see what I mean soon enough."

Azura held up her gun and was about to shoot that mask off him. However, he threw a card towards her and it fell right at the tip of her boot.

"Find me once you want to know about your family," Zyran said. "I'll show you what you're truly capable of, Azura." The lights shut off and Azura heard something explode in front of her. She ran towards it and saw the door in front of her open, revealing a route out to the forest.

The phantom was gone and this whole thing felt like something her brain merely conjured. However, she knew it was real when she saw the card on the ground and lifted it in her hand. Azura left the cellar and came back upstairs to Dante. She didn't want to but the words Zyran Solomon spoke rang in her ears.

"Is everything okay?" Dante asked.

Azura passed him. "Burn this place to the ground," she gritted out as she walked out of the cabin with him following behind her.

She went to the car and grabbed the gasoline. Leo behind her with Dante, they sensed her darkened mood, but she didn't say anything to them. Opening the lid, she poured the gasoline on the stairs and around the cabin. Leo and Dante already did the other side. She grabbed the matches and lit the small stick before she flung it at the house. The small flame exploded and it blazed alive like a monster made from flames and its massive mouth gobbled up the cabin. She watched the red blazing sparks conquer the wood and scraps.

Azura didn't believe this foolish stranger at all. His words meant nothing to her, but his threat lingered in her head. Something wasn't right about all this, she thought. He was going to threaten Gabriel and she needed to get back to his side to ensure that he was safe. Gabriel was at Centauri Enterprise for a shareholder meeting. He had River and Ryder with him, but that wasn't enough to keep him safe. If whatever Zyran Solomon claimed was true, then he was taking a legion to kill Gabriel or worse hurt his family, including Viola who was with him.

"Leo! Dante! Back to the jeep!" she commanded.

They followed after her and jumped into the jeep as she opened the driver's seat. She reversed out of there and drove with speed down the terrain.

"Dante, connect me to the team through the intercom," Azura ordered.

Dante was leaned forward and pressed the Bluetooth button on the radio in the front of the car. The call was answered and Hunter spoke with his domineering tone.

"Hunter, Gabriel's in trouble," she revealed.

"How do you know that?" Hunter asked sternly since he didn't like any threat against his brother or jokes about it.

"I just do," Azura grumbled. "We need to-" another call interrupted them and it was River on the call. "Answer it," she ordered and Dante clicked the button for her. "River, what-"

"Gabriel's under attack-" River revealed in a rush. "Secure the pack and-"

Azura wasn't going to the pack. "Fuck that," she growled as she swerved the jeep around and sped through the forest terrain and the car jumped onto the concrete road. "I'm coming there."

"Azura!" Hunter warned. "Don't be reckless. You have the recruits with you."

Azura pressed her foot down on the gas since the man in the cellar claimed he was going to kill Gabriel and now there was an attack on him. She wasn't taking chances, not with the one she swore to protect. Azura would drop these kids off here.

"If Gabriel's in danger then we don't want to be left behind," Leo spoke from the back to Hunter and Azura.

She didn't stop the jeep now.

"You three!" Hunter growled.

"I'm not letting anything happen to Gabriel," she told Hunter. "Go secure the pack. I'm bringing our alpha back." Azura cut the phone and she raced down the highway down the mountain towards the Centauri Enterprise to save their alpha.

-Cherry Brighton's POV-

Cherry was exhausted as she collapsed on her new couch in the cabin, which was soft and smooth. It was still black as night, so she should change it out for something brighter. But right now, on her stiff back, it was like sleeping on a cloud. Cherry laid her head on the pillow as she stared up at the ceiling. Today was her first day at the Institute and it was amazing.

She had a big, goofy grin on her face all day and it still wasn't going away, it was starting to hurt her cheeks. All compliments fell short to what she felt today. First off, the Institute was straight out of a novel, it had cozy hallways and it was built to be comfortable and safe, rather than a prison for kids. On top of that, she met the headmaster today and he was nothing like she imagined all night.

Klaus Centauri was a kind man with gentle emerald eyes and golden hair that seemed to soak the light of the sun. Frankly, she thought he was a sun god from the way he stood in front of her with that radiant smile of his. She had to pinch her arm to get herself to snap out of it. The man was gorgeous but he was also her boss and she couldn't drool over him. She may be a lesbian, but that didn't mean she couldn't recognize a good-looking man.

However, Cherry forgot her words when she saw that pack enforcer, Azura in front of her. She couldn't even face her properly as she stood there on the field with nothing but leather covering her body. Cherry freaked out when Klaus took her to introduce them. She felt her throat go dry as she saw the leather corset snug around Azura's waist and then her pants that clung to her like it was skin. She had a long coat that fell to her boots but it did nothing to hide the weapons on her body.

Cherry finally conjured some courage to utter a greeting but that went out the window the moment she faced Azura's silver eyes. They were the colour of moon beams that cut through the darkness at night. The silver was mystical but there was this streak of danger in them, like Azura wasn't merely a woman. She was a hunter who made it a habit to destroy anything in her path. Cherry felt like she was the one being hunted when she stood in front of Azura.

And then, it didn't stop there. She met Klaus's mate who oozed sex appeal from his dark suit, wicked sapphire eyes and that tousled hair with those tattoos. God, she thought perfect couples didn't exist, but those two stood in front of her.

Cherry got up on the couch and faced the roses as she thought about Klaus and King. They were gay and mated and no one was freaking out about it. This pack accepted different sexualities like it was normal. For so long, she hid this part of her because everyone in her old pack thought she carried some sort of disease. She used to think that she was disgusting because everyone made her think that way. Her own parents scorned her like she was covered in blood that couldn't wash it away. Everyone, including her friends thought she wasn't safe to be around. Cherry remembered being in the middle of the pack as they turned their backs to her and closed their eyes as she cried to them that she wasn't a monster. But they merely claimed that her blonde hair and blue eyes made them think she was ordinary and sweet. Who could've thought that looks could be so deceiving?

Cherry trembled as she forced herself to forget those thoughts. She wasn't living in the Silver Crest pack anymore. She had a new home and she was happy to be part of the Centauri pack. A sliver of her red hair fell over her shoulder and in front of her eyes. This was why she dyed her hair in the first place. She didn't need anyone looking at her and thinking that she was a 'normal' person. The red in her hair should be a clear sign that she wasn't ordinary.

Cherry got up from the couch and went to the bedroom to freshen up. She turned the lights on to the stairs as she walked into the room. Stripping out of her clothes, she walked into the bathroom. In need of a good long soak in the bath, she filled up the tub with hot water and a bath bomb that were already stocked here. She grabbed the one in the shape of a rose and tossed it in the water, letting it bubble and fizz up into pink glittery foam. She grabbed a towel and rested it on the counter before she tied up her hair in a clip.

Cherry stepped into the tub and took a seat on the cushion already set in there, so her butt didn't hurt on the marble. She leaned her head back on the pillow and let the rosy, pink foam ease away the tension in her body. She couldn't believe this was her life now. Perhaps, to cheer herself up, she should start shopping for some decorations for the cabin. She needed some pink, blue, green and anything but black. Even though, black never looked better on anyone then Azura.

Cherry groaned as she sunk into the water wondering how she was going to stop thinking like that about that particular pack enforcer. She couldn't help herself, it was like her body reacted to Azura. Pulling her towards that woman as if they were connected.

Hold on, Cherry stiffened in the tub as she grabbed the edges. Why was she feeling this attraction to Azura? This pull between them wasn't normal. She had the same feeling yesterday at the bonfire. This couldn't be what she was thinking. No, there was no way this was anything. Right? she wondered.

Cherry laid back down and thought about her day at the institute. She got to see the enchanting library that took her breath away. The tall shelves with the hundreds of books was enough to make her heart hammer in her chest with excitement. She walked in with Klaus and Bone by her side as they showed her around. There were a bunch of students sitting at the tables where they were studying or reading. Bone was able to teach her computer system that logged the books. It was pretty straightforward, but she still wrote it all down in her notebook. Tomorrow, she was going to learn about the return room where all the books were dropped off. She didn't mind since spending the whole day with books was her dream.

Once she soaked long enough in the tub and the water started to grow cold, she got out and dried off with the towel. She rubbed lotion all over her body and moisturized her face before she shut the light off and went to the closet. Cherry grabbed the mesh, pink nightgown and pulled it over her body as she made her way downstairs for dinner.

Cherry didn't forget her phone as she made it into the kitchen and played some music. She opened the pantry door and grabbed the packet of spaghetti, when suddenly, an alarm went off on her phone. She turned back and looked down at the screen that was glowing red and read alert on it. What was going on? she thought as she put the spaghetti down.

Abruptly, there was a sharp knock on her door.

"Cherry!" It was Bone's voice on the other side.

Cherry grabbed her phone and rushed to the door to open it. "Bone," she alarmed as she saw the tall, stern librarian before her. "What's going on?"

"The pack is under lockdown," Bone told her. "I need you to come with me."

Cherry slipped on her sneakers by the door and ran out with him. She knows exactly what it meant if a pack was under lockdown. They were under attack or there was a threat of some kind targeted against their alpha. As she hurried behind Bone through the trail of the forest towards the field, she wondered if alpha Gabriel was alright. Who would dare to threaten him? she thought. Alpha Gabriel was a legend and he was untouchable.

"Where are we going, Bone?" Cherry asked as he took her towards this tall tower at the edge of the property.

"The bunker," Bone opened the door and ushered her inside.

It was freezing in here and she trembled in her sneakers and nightgown. Crap, she just remembered that she wasn't even dressed properly. Bone took her down the hallway to an elevator as they got in and he clicked the basement level. In a second, the doors opened and a huge compound was revealed where the entire pack had already gathered. Cherry stepped out and saw them sitting on the chairs and couches.

"Cherry," Hailey rushed over to her with a blanket.

She wrapped it over herself. "Is everyone okay?" Cherry asked her.

"Yeah," she assured as she brought Cherry to a seat. "This is just protocol. You've never done this before, so Bone came for you."

"Thanks, Bone," she smiled at him.

Bone nodded before he walked away towards Klaus who was managing the other pack members. She saw that Sabrina, the alpha-female who also happened to a top supermodel held her daughter, Rose in her arms. She stood with Zoya Knightley, the famous wedding dress designer. Cherry couldn't believe she was a part of this pack and now sat in a room full of celebrities.

"What is this place?" Cherry asked as she sat down.

"It's just an untraceable bunker just in case we get attacked," Hailey told her as she held her son who was happily playing with the ribbon strings on his mom's sweater.

Cherry's stomach lurched. "Are we really getting attacked?" she asked her.

"I don't think so," Hailey mumbled as her icy-blue eyes grew with concern. "I've never been in a lockdown before."

"What about Gabriel?" Cherry asked. "Is he in danger?"

Hailey drew in a wary breath. "I really hope not," she laid her hand on Cherry's shoulder. "But don't worry, Gabriel is not a weak alpha."

Cherry felt her hands grow cold. "I know," she said. "It's just-" she remembered when her father used to be under a threat and she'd have to sit with the thought of perhaps this was the night she could lose them. Frankly, it was bit funny to her now. She spent so many years worried for her parents and they didn't even care when she was all alone after exile.

"What?" Hailey asked softly.

"I'm just worried," she told her.

"Gabriel has the best team of enforcers with him," Hailey assured. "No one can touch our alpha, I promise."

Cherry smiled as she felt her heart calm a little. "I'm starving," she said then.

Hailey magically pulled out a bag of chocolate-chip cookies from the pocket of her cardigan. "Don't ask," she said as Cherry gaped at her.

"I should start doing that," Cherry laughed as she opened the bag and had two because they were delicious. Hailey was definitely blessed in baking.

Klaus joined them. "Are you two alright?" he asked.

"We're fine," Cherry answered.

"Cookie?" Hailey offered.

Klaus sat down on the chair and took one. "Everyone is a bit on edge," he said. "I can't blame them."

Cherry glanced at all the pups huddled on the colourful mat. They could see that the adults were tense and that something was going on. No matter how much someone tried to reassure them it was going to be fine, it wasn't convincing. Not until they saw Gabriel and the other wolves came home safely.

"I can't believe it's your second day here and it's already this chaotic," Klaus said.

Cherry glanced at Klaus's warm green eyes. "I'm used to it," she sighed. "My life has always been chaotic. This is actually a good day." Klaus chuckled and so did Hailey.

She didn't see Bone anywhere, he must have left the bunker because now two guards blocked the doors. Cherry also noticed that Hailey's mate wasn't here nor was Klaus's mate. The only two Centauri's here right now were Klaus and his older brother Vincent who was stood with some guards in his suit. The man looked like a model off a vogue magazine.

Klaus and Hailey got into discussion about something concerning the school. Cherry got up and went to the pup sitting on the mat all alone. She went over and took a seat with them on the ground.

"Do any of you know about a ship called the Jolly Roger?" she asked them.

All of their eyes peered up at her with curiosity. "No," they answered her.

"Well, it was a pirate ship ruled by ruthless man," she said. "His name was Captain Hook." The pups let out a small gasp as they whispered to each other. "They said that he got his hand cut off and eaten by a crocodile." The pups gasped again as they huddled together with her.

"What happened then?" Little Lucy asked in her small voice.

"He replaced it with a sharp, curved hook and that's how he got his notorious name," she told them.

"Who cut his hand off?" A boy named Ron asked.

"His rival, Peter Pan," she informed.

The kids gasped again. "Who is that?" They asked her.

Cherry continued to tell them the tale of Peter Pan as they finally cheered up and lost track of time. A whole hour passed as more joined them as they listened. Cherry wasn't the best story-teller but it was better than these pups being worried. She brought the smile back on their faces and that's all that mattered. Hailey, Klaus and their family joined too on their chairs as someone handed warm milk to the pups with Hailey's cookies to eat.

The night had just began and Cherry had a few stories in her head that she could tell, but she just prayed that this was all over soon. Everyone here was worried about Gabriel and the pack enforcers that were out there fighting for them against the threat. Just like how Peter Pan cut off Captain Hook's hand and then the pirate ran him off into the distance. Cherry hoped that the enemy was chased away as well because she wasn't going to let anything happen to this pack. Her pack. 

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