Author's note: Hey y'all! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter. Just a warning there is a cliffhanger. I'm sorry! D:

ENJOY

When they returned to the gym Elizabeth was waiting by the door.

"Aurora can I talk to you?" She asked impatiently.

"Hello Liz." Derek said curtly.

Elizabeth gave him a dirty look before pulling her best friend out of Derek's ear shot. Or at least what she thought was out of Derek's ear shot.

"Can you please explain to me what's going on?" Elizabeth asked crossing her arms.

"Nothing is going on. Let's enjoy the dance." Aurora said but she knew she was just wasting her breath.

"Bullshit Aurora." Elizabeth spat narrowing her eyes.

"I told you already. I was confused. I'm good now, Derek and I are good." Aurora sighed.

Elizabeth wasn't convinced in the slightest.

"I'm not letting this go Aurora. You might not want to tell me now, but I'm going to get you to tell me." Elizabeth warned.

"Whatever you say bestie. Now, be civil with my boyfriend." Aurora said knowing she would have to make up something later to make Elizabeth stop being so suspicious of Derek.

She just didn't have a clue what she was going to say.

"Yeah, yeah." Elizabeth said reluctantly.

Walking back over to Derek, Elizabeth gave him a fake smile.

"So glad you could make it, Derek." She lied.

Aurora choked back a laugh as Derek smiled back.

"I think she likes me." Derek joked whispering in Aurora's ear.

They followed Elizabeth back to the table that they were sitting at when Derek showed up.

"Hey Ethan!" Derek said clapping him on the back.

"Derek! Glad you could make it!" Ethan said with a smile. "This is my boyfriend, Danny."

"Nice to meet you." Derek said shaking Danny's hand.

"Likewise!" Danny grinned.

"Where is Ian?" Aurora asked Elizabeth who had taken her seat next to Paul again.

"Over there with some of his friends." Elizabeth said pointing across the gym to another table. Ian was sitting with three other guys and it looked as if he was telling a funny story because they were all laughing.

"I'm going to go talk to him really quick. I'll be right back." Aurora told the table but mostly Derek.

She watched as the color drained from his face.

"Aurora-" Derek began.

"I owe him an apology. I will only be a minute. Sit here and talk to Ethan. And for the love of all that is holy don't freak out. I'm going to talk to him. Just talk." Aurora said before Derek could argue.

With an exasperated huff Derek reluctantly took a seat next to Ethan at the table. Ignoring the raised eyebrow and inquiring looks her friends were giving her, Aurora made her way over to Ian's table. When she arrived the three other boys sitting with Ian became quiet. Ian looked at her curiously.

"Hey Ian. Can we talk?" Aurora asked shyly.

"Sure." Ian replied. He didn't sound angry in the least bit. Bless him.

The other boys made some excuse about going to get something to drink so Aurora and Ian were left alone at the table. Aurora sat down in the chair next to Ian and turned it to face him.

"I'm so very sorry I just ran out on you like that." Aurora said in a small voice.

"Yeah, what was that?" Ian scolded but it wasn't malicious. Aurora could tell he was just joking.

"My boyfriend, Derek. I had no idea he would be here tonight. We were having an…issue. And he completely shocked me by showing up." Aurora explained.

"It's really okay Aurora." Ian smiled. "I'm assuming since he is still here you guys are good now?"

Aurora couldn't believe how amazing Ian was being about the whole situation.

"Yeah, we are good." Aurora grinned.

"Well then that's all that matters! You go and dance with your boyfriend. I will be just fine hanging out with the guys." Ian told her.

"You are way too good of a guy. Thank you so much for being so sweet!" Aurora gushed as she stood up.

Ethan followed suit and gave Aurora a huge bear hug. She squeezed back smiling into his shoulder.

"Now," He said releasing her. "Go dance with your boyfriend…who looks like he's going to remove my lungs with a rusty spoon." Ian cringed looking over to see Derek seething.

"I apologize for that as well." Aurora giggled. "He's a little protective."

"A little?" Ian teased.

Aurora gave Ian one last small hug before telling him goodbye. Walking back over to Derek she had to suppress a smile. Derek looked like he had just been slapped with a wet dish rag.

"Just talk, huh?" He scolded turning his neck slightly to look back at Aurora who had walked up behind his chair.

Running her hand through his hair she leaned down and whispered into his ear, "Don't have a conniption fit Mountain Man. I belong to you."

That was enough to calm Derek down and even bring a cocky smirk to his face.

"Shall we dance?" Derek asked her, his confidence oozing off of every word.

"Soon. There is one more thing I have to do." Aurora said scanning the gym until she spotted the person she was looking for. "I need to have a little conversation with the head cheerleader."

Derek looked confused but didn't argue. Aurora walked over to Stacy who was sitting at a table with a bunch of members of the football team. She looked at extremely bored and even more agitated.

"Stacy. We need to talk." Aurora said firmly.

Stacy looked at her like "who the hell to you think you are?" but Aurora didn't back down. Rolling her eyes, Stacy stood up from the table and followed Aurora to a quiet corner. Stacy's date didn't even realize she was missing because he was too busy having a burping contest with his fellow jocks.

"What?" Stacy asked sounding overwhelmingly put off.

"You are going to ask Ian to dance." Aurora stated.

"Ian? Who the hell is that?" Stacy asked but Aurora could see right through her.

"Oh drop the act Stacy. You know exactly who he is. He's tutored you in math for the last year. And don't think I haven't seen him make you laugh. He's the only one that doesn't treat you like an idiot when it comes to academics. And he is definitely the only one who likes you for you not just because you are the captain of the cheerleading squad." Aurora lectured.

Stacy opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it.

"I'm here with someone else." She said indifferently.

"Yeah. Someone who doesn't even know that you aren't sitting next to him anymore because he is too busy trying to be the biggest loser between him and his friends." Aurora said looking over to see Stacy's date giving on of the freshman on the football team a wedgie.

Stacy made a disgusted noise at the sight.

"Classy." Aurora said sarcastically. "Why would you rather sit next to that dumbass and be bored all night when you could be dancing with Ian? Someone who truly enjoys your company." She asked.

"Fine." Stacy sighed.

"Thanks Ice Queen." Aurora mocked as Stacy walked away.

She threw Aurora a dirty look over her shoulder before she reached Ian. Turning to face him Stacy asked Ian to dance. Aurora watched his face light up as he took her hand and walked out to the dance floor. The song All My Life had just begun to play. Putting his arms around Stacy's waist Ian looked over at Aurora like he had just won the lottery. She gave him a huge grin and two thumbs up. Aurora was about to make her way back over to Derek when she saw him heading her way.

"If you are done playing match maker I would really like to dance with you, woman." Derek joked grabbing Aurora's hand and leading her out onto the dance floor.

Aurora wrapped her arms around Derek's neck as he held her close swaying their bodies to the music.

XXXX

Derek took Aurora home from the dance that night.

"I'm really glad you decided to crash the dance. I had a great time." Aurora said unbuckling her seat belt as Derek pulled the Camaro up to the sidewalk in front of her house.

"I'm really glad you are still my girl." Derek replied sincerely.

Aurora leaned forward and gave him a kiss.

"You can't get rid of me that easy…Silky." Aurora teased with a little tug at Derek's hair.

"You are not calling me that anymore." Derek groaned.

"HA! Try and stop me." Aurora challenged playfully.

Derek rolled his eyes.

"Are you still staying at my house tomorrow while your parents are gone?" He asked.

Aurora had almost forgotten about her parents' trip. She figured learning that her boyfriend could shape shift into a giant wolf was a perfectly good excuse for that.

"For sure. Can I still get my tattoo?" She asked hopefully.

"Tyler actually asked me yesterday if you were still up for it." Derek said softly.

Aurora could tell he was thinking about the fact that she wasn't speaking to him as of yesterday and it made her sad.

"I didn't know what to tell him, obviously." He continued. "So I just said I would get back to him as soon as possible."

"Call him up and tell him hell yes!" Aurora smiled.

"I will as soon as I get home." Derek chuckled.

"Well, I better go before one of my parents notice a random black Camaro parked out in front of our house." Aurora teased giving Derek another kiss goodbye. "I'll be over at like noon if that's okay?"

"I can pick you up?" Derek asked hopefully but wasn't surprised when Aurora turned him down.

"It's all good Mountain Man. I would feel better having my car. Plus, I know my way to your house now." She told him.

"I'll see you tomorrow princess." Derek said in defeat his lips curled up at the ends fighting a smile.

"See you then…Silky!" Aurora giggled hopping out of the car before Derek could retort.

She walked quickly up the porch steps and turned to wave at Derek when she reached the front door. He waved back and waited until Aurora was safely inside before driving away.

"Did you have a good time darlin'?" Mr. Montgomery asked when Aurora entered the living room.

Mrs. Montgomery and he were watching TV on the couch. Nathaniel sat on the floor leaning over the coffee table doing what Aurora assumed was homework.

"I had an amazing time!" Aurora beamed taking off her heels.

"Did you and four eyes smooch?" Nathaniel teased.

"None of your business, brat." Aurora said walking over to mess up her baby brother's hair.

He tried to dodge but Aurora was too quick for him.

"Mom! Tell Aurora to stop it!" Nathaniel whined.

"I think you might have deserved that son." Mrs. Montgomery laughed.

"Well, I'm glad you had a good time sweetheart." Mr. Montgomery stated.

"Thanks daddy! So, what time are you and momma leaving tomorrow?" Aurora asked sitting down on the reclining chair beside the couch.

"We have an early flight. Probably five in the morning." Mr. Montgomery answered.

"The only reason we are up right now is because we wanted to wait up for you." Mrs. Montgomery smiled.

Aurora looked at the clock which read 10:00 p.m.

"You two better get your butts to bed." Aurora joked. "I love you both! Have a safe flight!" She said getting up to hug her parents.

"Are you staying with someone while we are gone?" Mrs. Montgomery asked.

Aurora nearly fainted.

"Nope. Just hanging out here. I have so much homework." Aurora lied.

"I'm going to Ben's." Nathaniel volunteered.

"Aurora, are you sure you will be okay by yourself?" Mr. Montgomery asked with worry in his voice.

She had to think fast.

"You know what? I think I will stay at my friend Lydia's house." Aurora stated.

"Lydia?" Mrs. Montgomery asked.

"Yeah, she's new in town. We hit it off right away." Aurora said which wasn't a complete lie. Derek's house was Lydia's house too and they did get along really well.

"That's great. And your father and I will feel a lot better knowing you aren't staying alone." Mrs. Montgomery told her cheerfully.

Aurora never lied to her parents so they had no reason to believe she was now. Abusing their trust made her feel ridiculously guilty. Pushing her negative thoughts aside she focused on the fact that where she would be staying tomorrow was probably the safest place for her.

"Good night my babies." Mrs. Montgomery said getting off the couch. "See you both Sunday evening."

"Night kids. If you need us at any time just call." Mr. Montgomery told Nathaniel and Aurora following Mrs. Montgomery's action.

"We will." Aurora said. "Love you both!"

"Love you too!" Her parents said collectively.

XXXX

Saturday morning Aurora woke up to something that sounded like an explosion. She shot up in her bed and looked around wild-eyed. It took her a few moments to realize the noise she had heard was thunder. Getting out of bed she walked over to her window and peered out it. The sky was so dark it look like it was still night. She grabbed her cell phone and checked the time.

9:00 a.m.

Taking a deep breath, Aurora decided to get a quick shower before the storm got worse.

She really didn't feel like getting electrocuted.

Aurora grabbed a pair of sweat pants and a long sleeve shirt to wear for the day. Looking through her underwear drawer she picked out a lacy black bra and panties to match. Her last stop was to get some towels from the closet before she made her way to the bathroom. When she was done she headed back to her room to pack a bag to take to Derek's. She picked out two outfits, one for tomorrow and one as a backup. Aurora also decided to grab a couple of her favorite movies to torture Derek with. She held back a giggle as she placed the movie The Covenant in her bag. Aurora then grabbed her backpack and collected all her homework she needed to do. Although that was the last thing she wanted to have to focus on while she was with Derek, Aurora knew she needed to start on the monstrous pile of homework she had. After collecting her hairbrush and tooth brush Aurora zipped up her bag and headed downstairs to the kitchen. By that time it was ten thirty and Aurora decided to eat some breakfast. She was half way through her oatmeal when Nathaniel joined her in the kitchen.

"Morning brat." Aurora said.

"Morning butthead." Nathaniel replied sleepily.

He went over to the refrigerator and grabbed the milk for the cereal he was about to pour.

"It's nasty out there." He observed looking through the small window above the kitchen sink.

"That's no lie. I nearly had a heart attack when it thundered." Aurora complained.

"You're so jumpy big sister." Nathaniel teased sitting down to eat his breakfast.

"Shut it." Aurora joked. "What time are you going to Ben's?"

"Dunno. I was thinking eleven?" Nathaniel said.

"Cool. Be safe while I'm gone. I don't want you over here by yourself. If you want to come home early for some reason, call me. Okay?" Aurora told her brother in a serious tone.

"I will. Don't break out your mom voice. I am going to stay at Ben's till mom and dad get back." Nathaniel said sticking out his tongue.

Aurora stuck her tongue out in retaliation.

It hadn't accrued to her until now how worried she was to leave her brother alone. The thought of Alex crept into her mind. Knowing what he was made her even more frightened of him.

"And if you guys want to go anywhere make sure you have an adult with you. Or call me. I'll take you." Aurora said nervously.

"Dude, chill out big sis. We are just going to play video games not try to cliff dive." Nathaniel joked.

"I mean it brat. Be careful." Aurora told him.

He nodded and rolled his eyes, continuing to eat his cereal.

After they finished their breakfast and cleaned their dishes, Nathaniel ran upstairs to pack for Ben's. It wasn't long before he was making his way out the door. Aurora made sure he got to Ben's safely then turned off all the lights in the house and made sure she locked the front door. Throwing her bag over her shoulder, Aurora walked swiftly to her car trying to move as fast as possible to avoid sharp gusts of wind. Putting her bag in the trunk she ran to the driver's side door and threw it open jumping in quickly. As soon as the door was shut as started the car and turned the heater on full blast. It was so dark that Aurora had to turn on her headlights before pulling onto the street. It started to pour just about the time she made it to the camp site and she couldn't help but start to regret not taking Derek up on his offer to drive her.

'It's fine.' Aurora thought. 'Just drive fast.'

Unfortunately, driving fast was not an option. The woods were black as an abyss and the rain made it even more difficult for Aurora to see. She was forced to keep her speedometer at 15 mph and leaned forward to make the path visible. After about ten minutes, Aurora stopped at the fork in the road that signified she was half way to Derek's house. She was about to make a right when she saw a dark figure lurking in the road.

Its eyes were dark red.

TO BE CONTINUED