Artemis

The evening shadow soon fell upon the Celestial Eclipse Pack, everyone moved around the Packhouse getting ready for the dinner that was to come.

After leaving Aarons office I fooled around with Athena and Apollo outside for a while. Playing an intense game of tag, until Aaron told us to come inside and get ready.

Honestly, Aaron reminded me of someone's father, or was it we just acted like children?

Nope, it's definitely Aaron.

The three of us went upstairs and into our separate rooms.

Once I reached my room an idea popped in my head. Stepping out my room I looked down at Apollo's door only to see him stand by his door also. I guess we were thinking the same thing.

We both rushed into Athena's room seeing that she was laying on her bed probably still deciding what to wear.

She looked up from her phone but before she knew what was happened Apollo and I jumped right on top of her.

She complained about us being too heavy, when we refused to get up she pushed us on the floor. We were then scolded on how we were supposed to be getting ready for dinner like Aaron told us, not goofy off. She was always such a goodie-two-shoes like she's gonna tattle on us if we didn't do what we were told.

After rubbing our sore bums we told her how cute it would be if we all matched.

Of course, she called us idiots and told us to get out of her room.

But we didn't give up.

It was a silly idea but something about it made it fun in our eyes. We could take pictures together, people would stare, some would think we were being extra, while others would think it was cute.

I think we just wanted something to our selves. A privilege that has been neglected since arriving at the Celestial Pack. Apollo was always off with Serena or Hazel and Raven, Athena was either with Ezra or Serena practicing, and I was with Mrs.Mary or Aaron.

It was good that we were finding our own things to do apart from each other but I would be lying if I said I didn't miss being silly with my siblings.

So with a few guilt-tripping words and a twin pouty face, Athena caved.

She told us we had to it right though. Color schemes and themes were important. After a bunch of her fashion tips and tugging and pulling we were finally ready.

We ended up walking downstairs like we were supermodels, in slow motion and everything. Gosh, I wish someone was recording.

Our theme was preppy rich snobs with our colors being green and grey. The green matched well with Apollo and I's hunter green eyes while the grey complimented Athena's misty grey eyes and my silver highlights.

I wore a simple green sweater over a white button-down with a grey skirt, white knee-high socks, and black boots.

Athena wore a thin grey turtleneck sweater under a green dress that went to her knees, topping it off with some white sneakers.

Lastly, Apollo wore olive green pants that stopped above his ankles, a grey sweater over a white button-down shirt, and black lofters.

All of our hair was styled in slicked up buns that looked and were pretty painful.

We really looked like those snobby rich kids you would find in any cheesy Highschool movie. The ones who everyone admires as they walk down the hallway dramatically.

We stopped at the bottom of the stairs which had a mirror and played with some dramatic poses before we were rudely interrupted.

"What the hell are you guys doing and why do I feel like I'm watching some kind of bootlegged Mean Girls?" We heard Aaron asked from the front door.

Turning to face him we saw that Serena and Franco were standing with him ready to leave.

I scuffed.

Looking at the two on either side of me I spoke.

"Can you believe this guy? He actually thinks he can talk to us," I said rolling my eyes with my hand on my hip.

I watched as Aaron's eyebrow rose.

"Oh look now he has some stupid look on his face!" I heard Athena say.

"Omg, he really does!" I said as the three of us began to laugh.

With the snap of my fingers, they stopped. I'm not gonna lie we had to work on that part a few times before coming downstairs. Along with a whole argument on who got to act like the leader. I said Apollo, while Apollo said Athena, and Athena said me. In the end, I got to play as the bad chick I was born to be.

By now the three figures opposite of us looked as confused as ever.

We walked in sync to the three stopping face to face with them.

Looking at Aaron's face I wasn't sure if I could keep up the act for long. His eyebrows were arched up with confusion and by now he had his arms crossed but in his eyes held amusement to see what we would do next. 

I took the chance to look over his attire and I had to say he looked as charming as ever. In a sky blue button-down and grey pants that hugged his legs tightly in some areas. He finished it off with some simple dress shoes. He looked like a dashing Alpha male.

"Are you three done acting like idiots now?" A voice spoke from the couch.

Turning our heads we saw Ezra sitting on the couch looking bored.

"Are you done acting like some snot-nosed teenager?" I asked childishly sticking my tongue out at him.

He stood up from his seat on the couch.

"Oh shut it and finish drooling over my brother!" Ezra exclaimed rolling his eyes.

My eyes widened.

Walking up to him quickly I put my finger right in his face.

"Listen hear Pipsqueak I was not drooling over him you got that?" I said fiercely.

He stood his ground though.

"Oh yeah, so what do you call it?" He asked, folding his arms and giving me a smirk.

'Athena better get her little friend before he ends up hurt.' I thought to myself as my eyes narrowed down at him.

He looked similar to Aaron but was a lot shorter he had a lean figure. With tight muscles and rare blue eyes that reminded me of the ocean. His face was firm and I could tell he was growing a light mustache over his lip. His hair was full of loose curls that fell into his face but the sides were shaved down.

Finally deciding to speak I cleared my throat and folded my arms also.

"Its called none of your business twerp," I said readying myself to walk away when he mumbled something under his breath.

Stopping in my tracks I walked closer to him.

"I'm sorry can you say that again I didn't quite hear you?" I said leaning into his face more.

"Um, I don't think-" Apollo began to say.

"No Ezra here said something and I wanna hear him say it again," I said putting up my finger behind me to hush Apollo.

Ezra looked up from the ground right into my eyes.

"I said why not just mate already and save us all the drama," Ezra said confidently.

I felt the air tense once he finished his sentence.

Straightening my back I placed my hand firmly on his shoulder bring him closer to me so I can speak into his ear.

"Listen here, kid," I said slowly.

"You don't know me. What I do has nothing to do with you so watch what you say to me." I said I felt the chill that ran through his body but he still chose to speak.

This boy doesn't know when to quit.

"I-I t-think it does when it concerns the future of my pack and my brother." He said his voice shaking slightly.

Squinting my eyes at him I spoke.

"When you begin to act like he's your brother, maybe I'll take your opinion into consideration. As for your pack, I'm doing my role here to help out. How about you stop playing with your little horsies and get involved in what's going on." I said letting some of my power slip out.

He tsked and moved his head to the side. I could feel his hand form a fist as it brushed against my skirt.

"Artemis that's enough," Apollo said firmly.

Sighing I let go of Ezra's shoulder and walked passed everyone and opened the door.

I began walking to the dining hall not even checking to see if the others were following behind me.

I took it too far.

He was pissing me off though....but I shouldn't have said that.

I felt Apollo take my hand and squeeze it as he walked beside me.

Apollo is always there to keep me in check I guess. My anger and frustration sometimes get the best of me, Apollo was the one that always kept his cool. I loved that about him but it was a trait that I didn't have and it was one of the things I hated about myself.

Sometimes I can be a real bitch just because I can.

My sharp tongue always got me into trouble.

Especially growing up but back then the consequences were different, harsher. The days I had the courage and energy to stand up to my mother I would feel powerful even for a split second before a hand crossed my face. Even then I would smile and Gosh that would piss her off.

Seeing amusement and happiness in my eyes made her so angry. She would yell at me to stop mocking her. That I had done enough to torture her in this lifetime and I didn't deserve to smile.

My mouth was always there to protect me and others. To keep them away from me and to piss my mother off so much she would forget about my siblings and just focus on me.

But now I need to learn not everyone is out to hurt me. My guard doesn't always have to be up.

It's hard though. Letting people in when I feel like I'm still trying to fix the shatter pieces of my self.

I didn't want to start drama.

I didn't want a Mate.

But I have one and the drama is here whether I like it or not.

This pack needs a Luna.

It won't be me but I think it's time I tell Aaron why.

I was thrown from my thoughts as I heard Apollo whisper in my ear.

"Apologize." He said softly.

Pursing my lips I nodded my head quickly.

He was always my voice of wisdom. He reminded me of dad that way.

When we arrived at the dining hall a few people from Aarons pack were already shuffling in. I didn't see any members of the Phoenix Pack yet, but it was still early.

The dining hall was a fairly large building which was understandable considering Aaron's large pack.

The inside looked like a canteen, with long tables in rows on both sides of the room. It left the middle open and a straight path to an elegant table that was placed at the front of the room. There were six chairs, they were different from the simple grey and black wooden chairs and benches that were at the main tables. These chairs were bigger with cushioned red backings; these were obviously for the Alpha and the ones he saw fit.

The room was decorated for Christmas that would be the following week. A large tree stood in the corner of the room and the tall ceiling was full of fairy lights that twinkled beautifully over the room.

I saw Aaron's parents come in and they quickly greeted everyone before taking their seats at the grand table.

Serena walked us over to a table closest to the Alphas table and we began to sit down.

Before I could sit down though, Aaron gently grabbed my arm making me turn around to face him.

He looked nervous making me give him a confused look.

"Are you okay Dimples?" I asked trying not to show that I was concerned.

I saw him swallow and play with a small curl on the back of his head.

"Um well I was just, you know uh-" He said, fumbling over his words.

His eyes then shifted to look at the table and quickly looked back at me.

Clearing his throat he shook his head.

"You know what nevermind." He said giving me a weak smile.

I didn't like that smile. It didn't show me his dimples and I could see a hint of sadness in his eyes.

He turned away but it was my turn to stop him.

Grabbing his arm he faced me again.

By now I knew concern was written on my face.

Looking deeply into his eyes I asked again.

"Are you okay?"

His body relaxed and he brushed his fingers softly against my arm easing my worry.

He smiled again as I let out a sigh.

"I'm fine Snowflake. I'll talk to you after dinner okay?" He said holding my arm.

I nodded my head.

He walked to his table and Franco rose from his seat at our table and followed him, sitting in the empty chair next to Aaron.

By now along with his parents, Shaw and Dawn were seating at his table.

I then realized what he was trying to ask me.

That empty seat next to Aaron.

The one Franco now sat in.

That was for me.

Sitting down in my seat I looked down at my empty plate and felt Apollo touch my knee.

I gave him a small smile and then looked around the table for Ezra.

Of course, he was talking with Athena happily just across from me.

I decided to say something to him now before dinner started.

"Hey," I said quietly grabbing his attention.

He looked in my direction.

"I'm sorry about earlier that was uncalled for of me and I shouldn't have said those things," I said sincerely.

I saw Athena's mouth gap open in slight shock.

He nodded his head.

"I was out of line. I'm sorry too. What you and my brother have going on is none of my business." He said giving me a small smile.

"Wow Ezra you should feel honored," Athena said with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Ezra asked confused.

I rolled my eyes knowing that Apollo was about to jump in.

"Arty here just rarely apologies to anyone. Like ever." Apollo explained.

"Like never?" I heard Serena asked from across from Apollo.

I shrugged my shoulders.

I wanted to say it was only when Apollo tells me to and while that was true that might discredit my recent apology.

"Most of the time I don't do anything that requires me to apologize. I'm right most of the time if I did anything to you, you probably deserved it." I explained.

Apollo pinched my arm.

"Which leads me to apologize for her sassy mouth," Apollo said.

"No one asked you to do that," I said rolling my eyes.

"No, I was just born with that task thrown upon me huh?" He said with a smirk.

"Whatever," I said simply.

Just before dinner was served I saw Ella and the girls enter. Apollo and I waved them over since there were seats available at our table. Nancy wasn't with them, they said she had a headache and was resting.

Dinner began with Aaron giving a short thank you for everyone coming. And the food was served.

Our table was the loudest one there, I would blame it on having a 6 and 7-year-old sitting with us, but honestly, it was Apollo and I playing with our food making everyone laugh.

I felt a certain Alphas eyes on me most of the night but then again we had a few odd looks sent to our table from people the entire night. I would be lying if I said I didn't sneak a few peeks at Aaron a few times throughout the night. Especially when I would hear a loud laugh come from the table that belonged to Dawn.

The food was delicious and wine was served to the adults. Of course, it had to have a spike of wolfsbane for it to affect us and get us at least tipsy.

I was never really a drinker when I did drink I would feel all giddy and feel the need to just goof off. So after my first glass Apollo turned away the server that offered me another.

The music was light Christmas music with some pop songs here and there. I couldn't help but notice that with the middle of the room clear, it was a perfect dance floor.

Quickly getting up from my seat I ran over to Hazel and Raven and grabbed their hands.

"Why you two look like such beautiful princesses tonight, may you honor me with a dance?" I asked them with a silly posh voice.

They both giggled and nodded their heads.

Throwing their legs over the bench, they jumped onto the ground making their new yellow and pink dresses bounce.

I ran with them to the middle of the floor and began to twirl them around.

Soon Apollo and Serena joined us on the dance floor. Apollo made Hazel step on his feet so they could dance, while Serena and Raven spun around together.

I ran back to the table and grabbed Ezra and Athena along with Ella.

We all jumped around to the songs as Ella simply watched and cheered.

I wasn't satisfied having her just watch so I started to dance randomly around her in a circle. She laughed happily as I grabbed her hands and shimmied with her and twirled her around slowly.

We honestly looked like crazy people but we didn't care we were having fun! I made sure to snap some pictures of everyone but someone was missing.

No one else from the tables joined, just watched and laughed.

After twirling Ella to Apollo I walked over to the grand table and saw Aaron already smiling at me like a goof.

I did a silly bow.

"Alpha Dimples may I have this dance?" I asked holding in my laughter.

I was still looking down when I heard a chair move against the floor.

Looking up I saw Aaron walking toward me.

He took my hand and bowed giving it a kiss before saying.

"You may." with a smirk.

Jumping happily I dragged him further onto the dance floor and he spun me so I was pushed tightly against his chest.

We swayed like the night in his office.

I looked up at him, my chin resting against his chest.

He was looking down at me.

"You know Snowflake you're full of surprises." He said with a smile.

Moving his head down close to my ear.

"And I have to say I like it." He whispered softly as I felt his lips brush against my earlobe.

"You've seen nothing yet Dimples!" I said with a smile.

Moving his head back up he continued to look at me with amusement in his eyes.

"You're Drunk Ms.Snow," He said chuckling.

"I'm tipsy Mr.Dimples," I said sticking my tongue out.

He laughed and twirled me around so now my back was against his chest.

"Oh look your pack has decided to join in on the fun! I guess it just took their Alpha to take the floor huh?" I said looking around at the number of people dancing around us.

"Hmph and you," Aaron said.

"You think?" I asked trying to look up at him.

"I know," he said simply.

The rest of the night was fun I danced with Aaron's father and even pushed around Ms. Mary. I could have sworn I saw a hint of a smile.

It was nice.

At one point Shawn and I got into a whole dance battle having the crowd circle us and cheer. I totally won after I nailed a split, which Aaron did not appreciate and immediately got me off the floor.

I told him he was acting like an old man.

He just flicked my forehead.

The party slowly died down and Hazel, Raven, and Ella were found sleeping at the table. The girls snuggled closely to Ella both with a hand on her stomach. I quickly took a picture.

I, unfortunately, got sent back to the Packhouse early while we were cleaning up when Apollo caught me sneaking another glass of wine.

I was carried out on Apollo's back screaming that the party never stops!

Once we got to my room Apollo told me to get ready for bed. 

I went on and on about random things from the evening as I readied myself for bed. Apollo just added small comments and "Ummhmmm's" as I went on.

When I came out from the bathroom he was laying on his back on my bed.

"Why are you still here anyway?" I asked as I sat on the bed.

"Because you can never hold your alcohol and you'll end up running around if I leave you by yourself." He mumbled as his arm was covering his face.

"I thought about doing that actually," I said laying against my pillow.

"I wonder what Aaron's doing," I said looking up at my ceiling.

"Probably helping clean up the mess you made when I tried to get you to give me the glass of wine," Apollo said chuckling tiredly.

"Hmm, maybe I should go and find him," I said sitting up.

"No, you don't. You're going to bed," Apollo said sitting up to push me back down into my pillow.

"I'm sober!" I exclaimed with a huff.

"No your not. Your mind is foggy and it's making feel me tired. Just go to sleep Arty." He said laying back down.

"Fine," I said not wanting to bother him anymore knowing how grouchy he can get when he's tired.

Before I could close my eyes I heard my door open. Turning around I saw Athena standing in the doorway.

"Hey what's up?" I asked sitting up.

"Nothing just wanted to check on you guys." She said as she walked further into the room.

"Apollo you hear that!" I said excitedly tapping Apollo's shoulder making him groan.

Athena shook her head.

"Hey, can you guys sleep in here tonight?" I asked timidly.

It was quite until Athena sighed and playfully pushed my shoulder.

"Your such a baby when your drunk. Honestly why even drink you know you can't handle your alcohol," Athena said.

"Hmph, I'm not drunk. And I'm the big sister!" I said with a pout.

"Whatever just scoot over," she said climbing into the bed.

"Apollo you getting under the covers or what?" I asked kicking him softly with my foot under the covers.

He let out another groan before I heard his shoes hit the floor. He groggily crawled inbetween us and his head hit the pillows.

I chuckled.

"Go to bed." He said sleepily.

Rolling my eyes I turned on my side and said my good night to the two and closed my eyes.

Authors Note
Hello, my lovely readers! I just wanna give a huge thank you for getting this story to 1k reads!! It's honestly crazy I'm so happy!  I want to do something special for you guys, I was thinking maybe you can pick a character other than Artemis's POV for the next chapter? Or I can draw a scene from one of the chapters or a character and I'll post it in my book the Artist Playground. Just let me know in the comments! Still adjusting to my new update schedule so sorry for the late chapter!
Again thank you so much!
Lots of Love!
~Niya