Chapter 4

Serenity

It took us a while to settle in; city life was busy. My parents found a house in the heart of City, near the university. Living in a pack was different from living as a human. As werewolves we didn't have to worry about paying bills. Now, we had bills to pay, worry about food to eat, and being discovered. I decided to get a part-time job to help pay for college and any other expenses I may have.

I was stocking new shoes, when a familiar voice graced my ears. "Serenity." Camila's bubbly self engulfed me in a hug.

“I thought you weren't coming down until this weekend for orientation.” I hugged her back.

“Nope, my parents allowed me to move in with you this week. I was tired of being away from you. Corey got promoted yesterday to Gamma. He also found his mate, and it wasn't Debbie. Thank you, Moon Goddess!” She exclaims.

“What time do you clock out? I'm hungry.”

“In 30 minutes. Go to the house; dinner is normally ready by now.” I hugged her goodbye and finished stocking the shelves.

At home, my mom was fixing up the spare room for Camila.

“Mrs. Moon's dinner was delightful. I missed your cooking. Where do we go to let our wolf run?” Camila cleared the table.

“On the weekend, Josiah and I travel to the mountain range and run for hours if you want to join us. Please remember not to let your wolf out in the human population. The city is full of supernaturals.” My mother warned.

“Noted.”

We stayed up all night gossiping about the latest pack drama. It was back to the good old days.

We grab a cup of coffee from a nearby cafe on our way to orientation. We selected our class schedule for our computer science degree. We had this game idea we thought would be a hit.

During our tour, is where we met Franklin Keys. He was about 6’5 with olive skin, dark green eyes, dark brown and tan hair, a chiseled jawline, a trimmed beard, and toned muscles. He was built like a football player.

While walking around the dormitories, Franklin bumped into me knocking down the flyers and brochures in my hands. Reaching down to grab them when he stepped on them. I gave him this cold and sharp stare.

Bending down together, he mumbled “A rogue like you doesn't belong here.”

He kicked the papers in my direction and returned to the group. Crumbling the papers up and breathing heavily trying to calm down.

Why is he being a dick?

Rejoining the group, Franklin was flirting with Camila. I interlock my arms with hers and kiss her on the cheek. His jaw nearly dropped to the ground. I gave him this devilish grin.

“Camila, you shouldn't be chatting with worthless trash.” She glanced between us.

“Did I miss something?” She asked.

“No, your friend here just took offense to a joke I made.” Franklin chuckled nervously.

“You must be horrible at making jokes.” I turned on my heel and pulled Camila with me. He murmurs incoherently, but I didn't care to ask him to repeat himself.

We left the tour and wandered around the neighborhood, sightseeing. We passed by the Whimsical Emporium. Something about this business intrigued me. Stopping in, the clerk had sage burning and a freaky crow perched on her shoulders.

I felt this weird kinetic energy surrounding her. Who is she?

I guessed Camila felt it too; she shuddered and stepped closer to me.

“What brings you, ladies to the shop today?” The clerk asked.

“I'm just browsing. We just moved here.” I strode around the shop, touching an array of candles, books, jewelry, and much more.

The shopkeeper came back and handed me a book. I ignored her creepy smile, and read the title, Birth of Witches.

“Why did you hand me this book?” I studied her expression.

“You look like a lady who likes history, and from the way you were browsing my store, you seemed to be drawn to witch relics.” She clarified, removing my doubts.

Maybe that smile was not so creepy. I thought to myself.

“Oh ok. I do love to read history books. Do you have a book on werewolves?”

She giggled. “My favorite genre is supernatural creatures.” She eyed Camila before waltzing to a room behind a beaded curtain to go fetch the book.

I paid for the two books and left.

There was something magical about that place and the clerk. There was this strange connection between her and I. I could say for sure.

But at least now, with these books, I have a starting point to figure out who I am.

“What the hell is all this about? That place gave me the heebie-jeebies, and that woman gave me the creeps. Even her crow would not stop gazing at me.” Camila vibrated and rubbed her hands down her body.

Franklin POV

Camila was gorgeous. She was 5'5 and thick in all the right places. Her light brown skin glowed in the sunlight, her glasses laminated her brown eyes, and she had some juicy lips, especially when she applied lip gloss. She was mesmerizing.

Why did she have to be friends with that freak? I knew Camila was a pack wolf, but the scent surrounding Serenity made me gag. I guess that's why my dad sent me to this university to spy on her.

My phone rang just as the tour ended “Hey dad, what’s up?”

“Did you make contact with Serenity?” He had become obsessed with her since he left the Slasher Pack.

“Yeah, something like that. She is a little feisty.”

“You need to get her to trust you and let down her guard. She is our ticket out. Discover her secret.” My dad conveyed.

I placed my phone on speaker and organized my dorm room while he went on a long-winded rant. My roommates made their way to the room. All of them were likable.

I sat at my desk, planning how to get near Serenity and make amends for insulting her earlier. If that fails, I will settle to date Camila, as a backup plan; especially after witnessing how close she was to Serenity.

I cut off my bedside lamp and pondered over my plan. I had a few months to expose Serenity before my 18th birthday. Camila would make a perfect mate. I fantasized about the appearance of my mate, but she was nothing compared to what I had envisioned. She was better.