A/N- Hey guys! I know I promised this would be up quicker, but the puppy has kept me busier than I thought I would be. I've also been using a lot of my free time for catching up on sleep. Please forgive me! Enjoy this chapter!

Dertupio- I understand how your point. It was more that the news was too urgent that they couldn't get out and for the most part the were's don't talk in their animal form. It would be more suspicious to see a wolf and owl conversing than two men…

Jeanniestorm- Yes I know it was abrupt, but it was also being dragged out far too long. Her allegiance could come in question, but there's also her family that she has to consider as well.

chibiangel413- Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

Tamchan- Thanks for the luck! I did pass all of my classes and now I only have one more quarter of chem. before I can start my biology courses. I don't really go into what they think of each other's character, just mainly their love and the confusion about that. Thanks for the review, it's always loved!

Munyo- They will be getting together soon, but in soon I mean a few chapters… I'm glad you've liked it so far!

shantie1984- Well… you'll just have to read to find out…

AtlantaGeorgia- Thank you! I'm glad you like it!

kagome032000- You'll see… ;)

Silver Moon Goddess1- Thank you! I'm happy you like it!


When Serena woke up the next morning she could hear the rustling of the maid's skirts in the halls. Her father was talking to someone and a few of the maids were gossiping as usual. Serena sat up in bed and smiled, until she remembered last night. That's when she looked over at Shadow's spot to find it empty. Darien walked out of the bathroom, fully clothed this time.

"And I was hoping it was all a dream…" Serena muttered.

"Sorry Sere, but it wasn't." Darien grinned.

"What if I maid walks in? I don't even want to think of the rumors that could spread or my father's wrath." Serena said.

"Don't worry. I have better hearing than you. I would know before they walked in and I could be back in my wolf form before they even opened the door." Darien grinned.

"I still don't like you. Now leave, I need to change." Serena said as she got out of bed.

"Aw come now, I've already been in here before…" Serena smacked Darien in the arm. "Alright, I'll go into your bathroom."

"I think I hate you." Serena said.

"You could never hate me." Darien grinned.

"I could never hate you before I found out you were a werewolf!" Serena growled. "Now leave!"

"Keep it down, the maids are coming." Darien grinned. He walked into the bathroom right as two maids walked in.

"Miss, are you alright? We thought we heard someone in here." One of the maids said.

"I'm fine. I was just talking to myself." Serena said.

"Yes ma'am. Would you like some help this morning?" The first maid asked.

"Yes please." Serena picked out a soft yellow riding dress and set it on her bed.

"Miss, your dog was in the bathroom!" The second maid said. Shadow slunk out of the bathroom and walked over to his spot under the window. Serena could have sworn and the winked at her.

"The door must have shut while he was walking around." Serena said, coming up with a poor excuse in her opinion. The two maids helped Serena into the dress. When they were done Serena thanked them before leaving. Her mother was still in the dining room with Sam in her arms.

"Serena, dear, are you going to have some breakfast or should I say lunch?" Ilene asked.

"I was going to ask the maid to pack it. I thought a nice ride through the back fields would be nice today."

"I guess that will be ok. Make sure Andrew goes with you." Ilene said.

"Of course, I wouldn't have thought otherwise." Serena said with a smile. The cook quickly prepared a sandwich for Serena and added a second for Andrew before packing everything into a basket and handing it to Serena.

"Andrew!" Serena said, a smile on her face.

"Good morning Serena." Andrew said.

"Andrew, I had this strange dream last night."

"And what happened in this dream?" Andrew asked. He took out a mare for Serena and started brushing her down.

"Well you see, I saw Shadow transform into a man. He had dark hard and handsome features." Serena watched Andrew's face, but she couldn't see any reaction.

"That is strange indeed." Andrew said.

"Too bad it was true." Darien said. He stepped out from the shadows in his own riding garb.

"Your majesty." Andrew instantly bowed.

"Stand up Andrew." Darien said. "Serena saw me last night. It seems she was pretending to be asleep while I was talking to Malachite before he left."

"So I know everything." Serena added. "You're the stallion I rode when I went looking for Shadow…err… Darien."

"That's true."

"Have you been using me to spy as well?" Serena asked.

"No, I have been her just to work for you. I was hurt when I was a boy and your father had a doctor look me over. When I was healed I staid here to work for me. It was because I'm a were-horse that I was able to work so well with the other horses and move up to becoming stable master so quickly. But I never used you for information. Darien's the first were-animal I've seen in years." Andrew explained.

"I'll believe you… only because I trust you." Serena said, giving Andrew a hug. Darien let out a growl and Serena released Andrew to glare at the other man. "I still don't like you."

"Are we going out for a ride or what?"

"Andrew and I are, but I'm not sure about you." Serena said.

"I'm coming." Darien said.

"No you're not!" Serena yelled.

"Sorry, but I am." Darien said.

"Andrew!"

"I can't say anything Serena. He is my prince." Andrew said.

"Fine, but I'm not going to talk to you." Serena said. She got on the horse Andrew had prepared for her before heading out. Andrew and Darien both jumped on two stallion without bridles or saddles. "Show offs…" Serena muttered under her breath when they passed her. When they reached a good spot in the back fields Serena got down and set everything up. Darien and Andrew both sat down on opposite sides. Serena sat down next to Andrew, making Darien glare at the other man and growled low in his throat. Andrew just gulped while Serena pretended like she didn't care. Serena kept the conversation light and flowing, though mostly with Andrew. When it was time to go she helped repack everything before letting Andrew help her onto her mare.

Once they had returned Serena quickly left the stables, leaving Darien and Andrew alone. "You like her like a sister?" Darien growled.

"Prince Darien, I swear, that's it. She's never acted like that!" Andrew gulped. "You saw her before she knew your… our secret."

"I'm still not so sure…" Darien said.

"Prince Darien, shouldn't you be looking at another were-animal for a mate? One of the women of your court, especially since she's engaged." Andrew ducked as Darien threw a brush at him. Darien walked out of the room, into an empty stall, changed back into his wolf form and took off for the house. Andrew picked up the clothes and put them back in a dark corner for the next time Darien needed them.

oOoOoOo

That night Darien watched Serena sleep. He couldn't find the sleep that had come to her so quickly. He had changed into his man form and found the clothes he had hid earlier. He sat on her bed and just looked at her. Her golden hair was flowing behind her and her face was so peaceful. Andrew was right, he needed to find someone from his court to marry, not the human's prince's fiancée. But still he felt completely entranced by the human. There had always been rumors about were-animals mating humans, but no one believed them anymore, especially since the wars. Both races hated each other. Or so Darien thought, but as he looked down at Serena he knew it wasn't hate that he felt…