The Middle

About 11 pm

"What the hell do you think you're doing to my best friend Darien?" Violet eyes flashed with fury as Raye stalked up to the panting couple. Her hands were clenched in anger as she tried to stop herself lashing out at her older brother. Sending her raven hair flying with a shake of her head, she thought back to when she'd first stumbled upon the two and how her heart had frozen in fear and anger. Darien was known for his "less than honourable" antics under the cover of night and Raye didn't want Serena to be another notch on his belt.

Reaching out, she went to pull Serena towards her, but her hand only met air as Darien manoeuvred Serena behind the safety of his body. Again Raye reached out, but her hand froze in mid air as she felt Darien's warning growl bite along her skin like little mosquito stings. She knew that that would be the only warning she got and if she tried to reach for her friend again, she'd be bringing her hand back a bloody stump.

Serena's body tensed as she heard the growl emitted from Darien's mouth. In the moonlight, he seemed to possess animalistic features that drew Serena closer to him like a moth to a flame; she knew it was dangerous to touch, but that didn't stop her trying, no matter the degree of the burn she'd receive. However, that didn't stop her feeling angered at the way he was treating her like a possession he didn't want to share……… Heck! She didn't even know the guy and he was already showing signs of possessiveness, and the way he was treating her best friend like the enemy was totally uncalled for. Jerking her arm out of his hand, Serena clicked her way towards Raye, annoyance pouring off her in droves.

"Where the hell does she think she's going? Doesn't she know she's mine?!"

"Excuse me?" Serena whirled round on her heels to face Darien again. "What do you mean I'm yours?!"

"I never said that out loud."

"What do you mean you didn't say that out loud? I heard you clear as day!"

At Serena's words, Raye shot a sharp look to Darien, who looked as if Christmas had come early. Glancing at Serena she said, "Ummmm……… Sere? Darien hasn't said anything out loud."

Serena's face paled at an alarming rate as she processed Raye's words and the two wolves thought she was going to pass out. They both reached forward to touch her before the words she was now mumbling under her breath registered in their minds, "Not again……… Not again……… It's not happening again, I'm just imagining things." Concerned, Raye reached out a hand to touch Serena and as soon as her fingers brushed lightly across Serena's shoulders Serena jerked back with a shriek, stumbling as she backed herself up against a wall, all the while screaming "Stop, thinking! Stop thinking so hard!" over and over again like the refrain of a haunting melody.

Instantly, Darien was by his little nymph's side, arms locked tight around her as he cradled Serena to his body, words meant for soothing trickling from his lips. The sight of the once strong spitfire now reduced to tears snapped something inside Darien. Usually, he felt no emotions apart from anger, frustration and a sick pleasure at other people's sufferings (especially at his hands) but now he felt overwhelmed by an unbelievable sadness.

Moving his right hand up to her chin, he tried to lift her chin so that their eyes would be level, but he was met with some resistance. Adding more force he was able to lift her chin and couldn't help let out a soft gasp as he met her eyes.

Her eyes shone like midnight blue sapphires, with her unshed tears acting as miniature diamonds that hung underneath the main gems. Drawing back until he could see her whole face, Darien let out a curse. She looked like a fucking angel. Be it a fallen angel, but still an angel and like a System of a Down song once said, "I cry when angels deserve to die…….." He felt as if he was shattering into a million pieces as he gazed upon her silky pink lips, swollen from her efforts to silence herself, her silvered tresses curling round her moonlight face.

To everyone's surprise Serena's hands formed small fists in his shirt as she began to sob into his shoulder. Picking her up in his arms, he carried her towards the entrance of the alleyway; Raye hovering over his shoulder like a concerned mother, only this mother would tear the throat out of anyone who tried to hurt her baby. There were no sounds coming from her now, but he could see her body rise and fall as she was assaulted with sobs.

Rushing down a series of back alleys, the trio wound up outside an apartment building. Taking quick strides, Darien led the way (with Serena in his arms) into the elevator and then out onto the penthouse corridor. Opening the door, he wasn't surprised to find Chad and Andrew playing video games on the plasma screen, bottles of beer and empty pizza boxes scattered around them.

Their guilty expressions at having been found lazing around were soon replaced by expressions of alarm as they saw a slightly flustered Raye behind Darien, who was cradling a petite blonde in his arms. Exchanging looks, they pushed themselves to their feet with an ease that betrayed their first nature as wolves……… in sheep's clothing. Before anyone could speak though, the little bundle of fire in Darien's arms let out a small whimper. Everyone's eyes became riveted on her form as they realised that she had fallen asleep, tear stains still damp on her cheeks as her eyelids fluttered. Again she let out a whimper, her body beginning to struggle against Darien's hold as she fought an enemy that they could not see.

Just like before, Darien set about soothing Serena, ignorant to the amazed looks he was receiving from the three parties present. Even more astonishing was the way the Serena immediately calmed down, her face smoothing itself out and giving her an angelic presence.

About 2 am

Serena woke up with a cry, her body shivering from the layer of cold sweat pouring down her body. The nightie she was mysteriously dressed in, stuck to her body along with the silk sheets felt and they felt like they were slowly constricting her, tangling her up and confusing her. Shrieking, she tried to free herself from her constraints, only to find herself in a worse position than before.

Suddenly, she was lifted up out from the covers and found herself being held above the bed in very familiar arms. Looking up at her 'rescuer' she found Darien grinning down at her, a trace of worry lingering in his gaze. Seeing him again, seemed to elevate Serena above her fear, "Where the hell am I and what the hell happened?"