Disclaimer: I do not own Daughters of the Moon. The plot so far is the only thing that is my own and therefore belongs to me. Everything else is property of Lynne Ewing.

A/N: Hey I am so sorry to everyone for keep you all waiting so long. You have no idea how hectic things have been. I plan to be writing everyday so updates should be soon, as long as enough people review. I wrote this at 1 am, so if some things seem weird or misspelled I am sorry.

Chapter 3:

Serena shivered as she walked through the quiet streets. The night had taken on a chill and she had no jacket. As much as she knew people were probably worrying about her, she didn't want to go home just yet. She looked up at the moon. There was only a sliver of it left. She sighed. She no longer felt afraid of the dark moon, but she would have preferred it be closer to being full than being new. She was still thinking about Stanton. She wished his arms were around her right now, to shelter her from the chilly air. As these thoughts came to her, silent tears began to make their way down her face. She hated it when she fought with Stanton. She loved him so much, and now she had no idea how things were going to turn out. And to be honest, it scared her.

She looked up, and with a start realized she had been walking and not paying attention to where she was going. She cursed silently. Looking around, she saw she could cut across the park and wind up a mere 2 blocks away from her house. Originally she hadn't wanted to return home, but now she had a sense of impending danger and she wasn't in the mood to deal with anything tonight so she thought it would be best to get home as soon as possible.

She hurried and walked through the park as quickly as she could. It was extremely dark and her sense of impending danger increased with every step she took. Suddenly her moon amulet glowed brightly. She tucked it under her shirt, she didn't want to draw any attention to her at the moment. She would just be glad when she was home and safe in her room.

Midway through the park, she stopped, terror seizing her heart. She felt another mind in hers, and it was unfamiliar at that. She used all her mental force to push the person out. Slowly, two dense shadows began to take human form in front of her. In a matter of seconds, Tymmie and Karyl stood in front of her. She gasped and took a step back. Tymmie's hand shot out and grabbed her, pulling her close.

"Goddess," he whispered to her. Serena could feel Tymmie trying to get into her mind. It took all the strength she had to block him out. Her power was strong, but she wasn't sure how much longer she could hold him out. Then out of nowhere, Karyl sent a burst of energy at her, and she lost her mental barrier. Within moments, Tymmie was inside her mind, soothing her and coaxing her to look into his eyes. Serena refused to do anything of the sort. She tried to push him out, but now she could feel Karyl in her mind as well. She didn't have enough power to fight them both, they were both stronger than her. Plus, she had been really distressed early and had had no time to regain her composure. While holding up a mental barrier against Tymmie and Karyl she summoned to powers of dark, from Hekate. She felt the orb around her neck pulse, and she could feel her power being summoned. Tymmie and Karyl must have noticed the change, because Tymmie gripped Serena's wrist more strongly. She let her power build and sent a powerful burst forward. Tymmie and Karyl were so close, that they both got hit.

She had hoped they would flee, but she had no such luck. The two boys were enraged and combined their powers to hit Serena, she deflected their attack, but she could feel her strength waning. She had used too much to keep them out of her mind.

Suddenly. Karyl melted into a shadow, but reappeared right behind Serena, "Hello Goddess, we have you now," he said.

As she had turned to face him a burst of energy hit Serena from the other side. Tymmie had sent it forth. She deflected the hit Karyl had sent to her, but the other one Tymmie sent at her, while her attention had been on Karyl hit her and threw her into Karyl's arms. He smiled at her, and she attempted to get out of his arms, but he held her tight. She tried to struggle free, but Karyl enjoyed her struggle and therefore let her. Tymmie walked up behind her and snickered. He grabbed the back of her neck, and Karyl let go of Serena so Tymmie could turn Serena to face him. She was trapped. She had no way to get out. Her energy was depleted, and she couldn't even try to run because Karyl stood alert right behind her. She had to try to think of something, or else...she didn't even want to think of what would happen.

She knew what to do, but suddenly she felt another mind in hers. She immediately made it blank.

Goddess, I have you now, just where I want you. It was Tymmie.

I have no idea what you want, but I can promise you I won't do anything for you and I will fight you to the end. Serena replied.

Last time I checked, you weren't in a position to be bargaining.

Just tell me what you want

Serena, you are dangerously beautiful, and such beauty shouldn't be wasted. I know what happened between you and Stanton earlier. What can I say, he's an idiot. He kept the truth from you for so long, knowing how much pain it would cause you. I don't see the love in that. If it were me, I would be completely honest with you and we could be happy. There would be no secrets, everything would be in the open. I can love you, even better than Stanton did or does. I mean, how do you know that he does anymore. He has no soul. He is the Atrox...he is the embodiment of evil. Serena, do you honestly think someone like that can feel. He just wants to use you, then he'll cast you aside—

I don't want to listen to your nonsense. Serena replied, she could feel her moon goddess power build.

Its almost the dark of the moon, goddess, I am still stronger than you.

Serena was about to reply, when his mind seized her completely. His grip around her neck tightened and he forced her to look into his eyes. She tried to shut her eyes but it was too late. She was compelled to look into his eyes. With horror, she felt her resistance waning, but it was as if Tymmie now had control of her mind. She felt defeated. She was at a loss. Tears ran down her face, and Tymmie caught one with the tip of his finger and looked at it.

Tymmie looked back at Serena smiling. He began pulling her into his mind. She fought with all the might she could, because she knew if he got her there, she might never get back out. In the distance, she heard Karyl yell and she wondered what was happening. Out of the nowhere, a fist collided with the side of Tymmie's head and a strong hand pushed her backward forcefully. Her mind was wretched from Tymmie's and pain filled her head immediately. She fell backwards and landed painfully on her back. She winced as pain filled her body. Then the air around her went cold. She could feel an unholy power gathering at her rescuer. The amount of power in the air terrified her. She had a feeling she knew who had rescued her, but she couldn't see through the darkness. Without warning the air crackled and the ground shook as the unholy power was released into the night.

Next thing she knew, she was being scooped up into someone's arms. She look up and saw Stanton staring down at her, his blue eyes filled with concern. She was overcome with a sudden wave of sadness. She longed for Stanton. She looked away. As much as she hated it, Tymmie's words about Stanton came back to her.

Stanton's angry words jarred her to her senses, "You would really believe Tymmie over me, Serena? After all we've been through. I came back and saved you tonight, doesn't that show you I still care."

Serena fought the tears in her eyes, her voice shaky she said, Stanton, I can get home fine on my own."

Stanton's reply came quickly and anger filled his voice," Yea, you know, Serena, it really looked like you were doing a fine job of things when I came."

"I can get home from here," she replied quietly.

Stanton ignored her, and continued on the way to her house. Serena looked down and closed her eyes, letting the tears that had welled up at the sight of Stanton roll slowly down her face. Abruptly, Stanton stopped, and Serena opened her eyes, they were in front of her house. Stanton leaned back and dissolved. They floated up to Serena's bedroom, and Stanton set her down gently on her bed. He looked at her and noticed her face was tear-stained.

"Serena, are you ok? Did Tymmie and Karyl hurt you," Stanton asked, concern replacing his previous anger.

"I'm just bruised, I'll be fine..." her voice trailed off. Then abruptly she asked," Why did you come tonight? You didn't have to save me. I'm not the type that needs to be saved or protected."

Stanton's shocked reply came after a moment," Serena, I thought you would be glad I helped you. I didn't want them to just use you. You are worth so much more than that, and—"

Serena cut him off, with anger in her voice," It hurt you know, everything that happened today it hurt me. And then seeing you again, brought back all the hurt I had been trying to push away. I don't want to live my life like this. I lost my best friend in a way, and she doesn't even know it. I have to constantly lie to her and go behind my back, and that hurts. I had been looking forward to seeing you and being with you because I know you understood, and now...now I've lost you too, and that hurts even more."

"Serena, you haven't lost me. Despite what you may think, I love you and always will. Tymmie was right, I am the embodiment of evil, but I have never lost my love for you. I've always kept it safe inside me. He was also right in saying I have a lot to gain by just using you, but that's not what I plan on doing. I love you too much, " Stanton said softly.

"That's all nice, but its your destiny. To use me is the whole point. You don't honestly plan to live you life and not use me at all. I'm the key, you need me to carry out your destiny. If not, that defeats the whole purpose of the Atrox."

"Damnit Serena! I am in love with you—"

Steps sounded on the stairs outside of Serena's room.

"Stanton just leave and stay out of my life. I can't do this with you always there. I can't let go. My brother is coming so just leave," Serena hissed.

"Stanton gave up and dissolved, floating out the window.

Serena's bedroom door opened and Collin burst in, followed by Catty, Jimena, Tianna, and Vanessa.

"Serena! Where have you been? DO you have any idea how worried we were about you?" Collin yelled.

Serena just looked at the group in her room. Her brother looked angry and worried. Catty, Tianna, and Vanessa looked concerned. Serena looked at her best friend and her heart broke as she looked at her. Jimena had tears in her eyes and worry was written all over her face. All Serena could manage to say was, "I'm sorry."

Collin's expression softened slightly, but he only looked at her and walked out of the room. Her friends made their way to her bed. She smiled at them weakly.

"We missed you at school last period. Then no one knew where you were. At 9 o'clock we got really worried and got together with Collin. We were just about to go out and look for you when we heard movement up here," Catty said.

"I'm sorry you guys. I hadn't meant to worry you. I just had a really bad day so I had needed time to think, "Serena replied, and technically it wasn't a lie.

"you needed that many hours to think? You know you could have called so we wouldn't have worried," Jimena replied curtly.

"Jimena, I really didn't mean to worry you. I lost track of time," Serena said softly.

"And let me guess...you're covered in dirt and bruised because you lost track of time too, right, "Jimena said angrily.

Serena sighed, "I had an unfortunate run-in with a homeless man in the park. I had gone through there to get home because I had made a wrong turn."

Jimena looked skeptical and instead of replying, jus looked at Serena. After a moment she said, "I'll see you tomorrow" and she left the room. There was a solemn silence in the room and a few minutes later Serena saw Collin and Jimena get into the utility van and drive away.

"Serena, what were you doing that took so long?" Vanessa asked.

"I really didn't lie to Jimena. I had cut last period just o think. While I was thinking though Stanton came to me and we had a fight and I broke up with him—"

Tianna cut Serena off," What did he do? Do you want to talk about it?"

"No," Serena replied," I don't want to talk about it right now. But I went to the beach for a few hours and I took a wrong turn on the way home, so I cut into the park. I ran into Tymmie and Karyl there, they had been following me. I wasn't ready for a fight and I barely had any energy. Stanton happened to show up and saved me. He brought me here. Then I made him leave just as you all came in."

"You're really lucky Stanton found you, "Tianna said.

Serena didn't want to hear anything like that, "I didn't need his help. I could have done it on my own. I really don't want to him again. He hurt me too much."

"I'm sorry," Tianna whispered.

Serena looked up. All 3 girls looked at her with concern in their eyes. Serena sighed. She needed to be alone and get some sleep before she snapped and someone else.

"It's ok," Serena said, "I just need some sleep right now."

The girls nodded. "We'll see you tomorrow, Catty said.

Serena nodded and the girls left. She saw them pile into Vanessa's car. The engine rumbled and music broke the silence. The music faded and moments later she couldn't hear it anymore.

Serena took a quick shower to wash the dirt off her. She then changed into pajamas and crawled into bed. Collin still wasn't home, but she knew he would be home soon. She knew she should wait up and apologize to him, but she was exhausted. She resolved to talk to him first thing the next morning. With that she turned off her light and pulled her comforter over her. Sleep took her instantly. Even when Stanton returned later to check on her, she didn't stir. Stanton stood over her, his expression full of sadness. He bent over her and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

Serena, I love you now and always will. I just wish you would believe me. I promise, I'll never leave you, Stanton said into her mind.

With that, Serena stirred and turned her head towards the wall. Stanton dissolved into a shadow and left her room, sadness filling his heart.

Sorry if this chapter wasn't all that great. I had to get back into the swing of things, and when I started writing this I had no idea what was going to happen. Next chapter should be better and I'm really sorry if this one wasn't as great as you hoped.

PLEASE REVIEW...TELL ME WHAT TO IMPROVE OR WHAT YOU LIKE...I would like to reach a total of 22 reviews before I go on, but I don't want to be demanding. I promise to be back soon, and as long as I get some reviews, you will have a new chapter shortly.