Thank you so much for your reviews, everyone! I am so happy to know how much this story is appreciated! I will keep writing and up-dating whenever I have free time on my hands, so please know there will constantly be more to come, even if work and life gets in the way and I am unable to up-date for a week or so.

Anyway, thanks for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy this chapter! I am getting to the point where the next chapters are starting to get hazy, so let us hope the plot bunny keeps nipping me in the bud. Haha!

Responses to questions: In case any are unaware, this story's Wolf is my own creation, and is not a werewolf or necessarily a shape shifter, though the latter would be a closer truth than the prior. Yes, when they are in human form their fur covers their human essentials, and yes, that is all the clothing they have, for it is all they as a race need. I like to imagine the men wear different variations of fur-shorts so-to-speak, in varying lengths, but I like to think the women change their style a bit to please them. With Serenity, I like to imagine her fur travels up and over one shoulder, or around her upper arms in an off-the-shoulder manner. I leave the imaginings of style to you, but keep in mind they are magical creatures, and can change the shifting of their fur however they see fit. ~.^ Also, yes, they live in the wilderness—and make their home in the cave located there. They don't need much, as far as physical comforts go, and can easily sleep in their fur and in dog-piles to keep warm. I like to think they live in ways similar to Native Americans, but with a touch of otherness about them, seeing as how they are supernatural. I will allow you all to make your own conclusions as you continue to read.

Further responses to questions: Makoto's son, Keitaro, is around a year old—very young by human standards. When he is in wolf form, however, he is more astute, and can move and play in ways he can't in human form. (Yes, he can take both forms, but he can't change easily, and needs either a command from his alpha to instinctively know what is expected of him, coaxing from his parents, or the simple want and need to change on his own from time to time during the day, without his really understanding what it is he is doing.) For the purpose of my made up race, I like to say his being in human form is to keep him more dependant upon his mother and other pack members when he is at his most vulnerable. He understands more through instinct than through human speech, which is why Makoto told him the words for friend and Sister in both human talk, and wolf utterances. No, wolves do not have their own eloquent language in this story, but they have barked sounds for conveyed feelings of whether someone is friend or foe, along with instinctive sounds any of their kind would understand without words, and howls that convey different meanings. I hope that wasn't too much information for you, and it wasn't too hard to digest.

Thank you for reading my story~!

I, Sapphire Midnight, do not own Sailor Moon.

Wolf Wind

Ch. 5

Fire swept over and through Serenity's petite frame. Her mind was floating hazily in a heated landscape far outside of the cool night's gentle reach. Fingers and fur brushed across heated flesh, and Serenity lashed out to get the added heat away. Soft sounds echoed softly in her fuzzy mind, but she never fully woke to realize it was she who was voicing them. Something blissfully cool finally settled over the clammy flesh of her forehead, and along the back of her neck. The young woman stilled her erratic movements, calming and relishing the brief respite from the inferno that seemed to be eating away at her from inside and out.

"She needs…"

Serenity didn't hear what she needed, though she recognized the soft, feminine tone of voice. While her human mind couldn't string any human words together with the state her mentality was in, her inner Wolf understood the soothing notes to be ones of comfort, and acknowledged that the petite woman at her side meant her no harm. For that, and that alone, her Wolf did not reply on defensive instinct, and allowed the unknown woman to work on her—touch her—heal the weakened state of her overtaxed body lying limply in human form.

The scent of this new woman was now engrained in Serenity's Wolf senses. Ami, her name was. It took Serenity a lot more effort to bring that knowledge to the forefront of her mind than should have been necessary, which greatly worried her. Ami's scent was gentle yet consuming, slowly converging on her new Sister before washing over her unrelentingly as the woman persistently remained by her side, no matter how much Serenity kicked and growled warning. Ami's movements were always calmly calculated, as if she knew not to make hasty movements that might startle Serenity's instincts to fight and defend herself in her moment of weakness. Every sound that escaped from the woman was soft and pleasant, and every touch a soothing balm.

Only two other scents penetrated Serenity's sick-induced mind—that of her Sister, Makoto, and her new Alpha.

Endymion.

There had been a moment in the night where Serenity thought the heat had finally given way to such icy temperatures she was afraid her clammy skin would dry frozen to her frame. Her lungs filled with liquid, and coughing rent her form as shivers racked over her body so thoroughly she accidentally bit her tongue until it bled and her brain seemed to bounce around in her skull, making her already garbled mind increasingly dizzy. It was during those freezing moments when fur suddenly pressed intimately against her human flesh from all sides, scents overwhelming her. She thought she might have scented her brother, having fallen asleep and the later awoken, but her tired nose was having difficulties in placing so many new scents into any organized fashion.

Part of her realized Ami, Makoto, and Endymion took turns in tending to her. When a switch was made, Serenity would open tired, fevered eyes for all of three seconds before closing them once more, her inner Wolf entrusting her fate to these three brethren of hers, mind too far gone to even wonder at the meaning behind her instinct to simply trust these new pack members of hers.

Her body went from burning, to freezing, and back to overbearing heat all over again, her only respite from vulnerable misery being the short naps she somehow was able to blissfully sink into. Waking currently from one of those naps, Serenity felt a pounding behind her skull, and could feel the clammy cool moment of having just cycled through a shivering bout, two bodies nestled snugly against each of her sides. Senses bleary and dulled from sleep as well as her fever, it took her a moment to focus on the sounds of two female voices, and the human words they were speaking. Serenity had given up on trying to use her nose—it only added to the banging going on inside her skull.

"…fever's spiking again…"

"We need to…"

"No, …not until the fever…"

"But…"

"No."

The Wolf in Serenity snapped to attention at that tone, and she tried a little harder at picking up Ami and Makoto's conversation. She didn't remember Ami ever using anything but the gentlest of touch, and the gentlest of reassurances.

Had Serenity been in her Wolf form, her ears would have perked atop her skull.

Tension filled the small alcove of the cavern the three female Wolves wearing human skins occupied. When Makoto spoke, there was an edge to her tone she tightly grasped at for control. "He is our Alpha and if my Sister's condition worsens…"

Serenity shivered at the compressed emotion in those words, then stilled as she felt all attention angle in on her. Holding her breath, Serenity almost sighed with relief when two bodies simply moved closer to offer her warmth and comfort. Those gentle hands were on her again, and her inner Wolf gave a sound that was almost a purr. She felt cool magic trickling through her, and wondered at this new Wolf kin's potential and ability. Ami's healing magic seemed to gently settle and ease, making the fever just bearable enough that her brain wasn't turned to mush.

A frustrated noise brought Serenity out of her muddled calm.

"It's not working. Not as it should. I am able to ease hurts and pains, but not cleanse her body from this illness or rid her of her fever."

More hands brushed against Serenity, then, and a sigh rattled out of her aching lungs. Hair was brushed away from her face.

"…Why is that?" Makoto's voice had gone soft, her attention focused on Serenity's form, and Ami's words. Serenity could feel the surprise rolling off Ami's petite frame.

"I would like to claim it is because I am not Sister—not pack—but even probationary wolves have the magical protection of the pack in which they are hoping to claim as their own." Ami's tone brought a light pain to Serenity's chest, the woman's whisper-soft words stilling something inside of her. Was Ami one of those probationary Wolves?

Roaring heat began consuming Serenity's frame once more, and she gave a single wriggle, attempting to displace the warmth along her sides now that the relentless cold had gone. She wished to pay attention to her Sisters' conversation, though, and would battle the heat of their bodies if they would keep talking.

Thankfully, both women seemed to instinctively know what was wrong, and shifted away to give Serenity room. Their conversation picked up again—they were obviously used to this routine. How long had this sickness invaded her being for this to be so? Thought ceased when Makoto's voice broke the quiet of their little alcove. Distantly, Serenity wondered how removed she was from others of the pack, seeing as how she couldn't scent or hear them.

"So… what is it, then?" Makoto's voice turned whisper-soft as well. Serenity wondered if the soft hurt in Ami's voice had brought pain to the Brown's chest as well.

Silence settled a bit. Ami seemed to be fussing more with Serenity's state, and Serenity wished she'd just allow her to burn in peace, so long as they kept talking.

"It's old magic. Healing—only a rare few can do it. Some Wolf kin are touched by the moon's gifts differently. When moonfire courses through my veins…" A shift—a shrug. "I feel the old magic consume me. It works in its own way, however. It's like it has a mind of its own. When some are fighting death, the magic can sometimes pull from me fiercely and abruptly, and I am so drained I am the one to almost meet death's embrace. Other times, the magic feels dead inside of me, no matter how hard I am attempting to heal whomever it is that is dying, or has serious injury."

Another soft silence.

"So… with Serenity… what is it you feel?" Makoto's words were halting, almost as if she was afraid to ask.

Another rare, frustrated growl slipped past Ami's lips. "That's the thing! The old magic is coursing and roiling inside of me, wanting so desperately to break the surface, but it is as I said. I do not understand what it is it needs, or wants from me. It desperately wants to heal her, I know that much, and my Wolf is in complete agreement there. Sometimes when I don't feel any particular attachment to the Wolf I am trying to save, no magic will flow through me. That is most certainly not the case right now. Though tendrils of my magic keep reaching for this White before me, I know I am failing even as I attempt to ease the slightest of her discomforts!" Another small growl released, and Serenity sincerely wished she could ease this new Wolf kin's distress.

"She's burning up again."

A sigh. "I know." The tone of Ami's voice held both defeat, and determination—an interesting combination.

"What should we do?"

Silence was met with Makoto's question. Then Serenity's bleary mind focused on the displacement of air to her left, and heard the sound of Ami lifting to her feet.

"If my healing ability isn't working properly, we do things the old way. Help me help her up, will you?"

Arms reached for her—grasped Serenity and attempted to carefully lift. A growl reverberated from Serenity's chest, turning into a hacking cough, and she twisted and jerked weakly to let it be known she did not feel up to moving anywhere in that moment.

"What are you doing?" Makoto's voice, guarded though it was, contradicted her movements as she helped Ami lift Serenity to buckling knees, keeping most of the White's weight for herself.

"We need to get this fever out of her system. In times of sickness, I have found our kind are sometimes able to miraculously heal underneath the light of the moon. Since it is the moonfire within me that so desperately wishes to be let loose, I believe the moon is our best chance at healing her. And," Ami continued as the three began walking to the entrance of the cave, "if magic continues to refuse us, then we will need the icy temperature of the stream to break her of this fever once and for all."

Serenity shuddered, muscles refusing to relax or work as those words sunk into her very being. The world tilted, and she belatedly realized she was being carried by Makoto, cradled against the strong woman's chest. Her brain couldn't focus on her new relative position to the ground, however, knowing what it was Ami had just admitted aloud.

Oh, merciful Moon, please don't let it come to that.

Fear trekked up and down her form, but the cold feeling that came along with it was a nice brief respite against the furnace burning unrelentingly from within.

A soft whimper escaped.

"We know, Sere. We're almost there. Hold on, okay? I thought you were stronger than this, giving into such a fever." Even though Makoto's worried tone still held a small bit of teasing, Serenity couldn't help the small, belligerent pout that crossed her lips for all of a second as a soft growl escaped her. Makoto's raspy chuckle eased a little of the temper that had risen to the surface; the light, affectionate nuzzle at her temple eased the rest.

They were at the entrance to the cave now, and Serenity heard a ruckus. She was feeling lethargically sleepy again, her mind floating up and away for a moment before sinking back into its rightful place when she heard a very male, very threatening growl rip through the night after the soft cadence of Ami's professional tones.

Serenity frowned.

"…not permitted to leave…" The male's voice was unfamiliar, and Serenity wondered why Makoto's form was suddenly so tensed while holding her.

"…permitted to come and go as I please, and…" Ami's voice was tightly controlled, but remained soft yet persistent. Serenity's ruffled nerves settled at the reassuring sound.

A loud snarl from the male quickly changed Serenity's perception, and her eyes slit open, seeing nothing, but her head tilted slightly to one side as she paid keen attention to what was now being said.

"You will let us pass." Ami's tone was still light, almost friendly, but her demeanor in tone brooked no room for argument. It was as if she expected this to be so.

The male before her snorted out a laugh. "You really think so?"

There was the sound of the shifting of feet. Makoto's chest was vibrating silently against the Wolf she cradled in her arms, and Serenity distantly wondered if she should be worried about the start of a fight.

"I know so." Now Ami's tone was anything but sweet and pleasant. "Stand aside, before I make this unpleasant."

The man scoffed. "You, a probationary Wolf with no standing in this pack, threaten me?" He found this outrageously funny, and Serenity found her persistent headache throbbing all the more as she clenched her teeth at this unknown male's tone and words. He was really starting to piss her off, and she wished she wasn't sick, so she could wipe the floor with this mutt.

"Goro…" Makoto's voice positively rumbled with the word, but Ami quickly intercepted anything Makoto was about to say.

"Yes. Me. Probationary though I may be, I give as good as my word," Let that be all the warning he received from her. "I have been given a duty, and I will see it through. Step aside, Goro, and let us pass."

Electric heat sent nerves buzzing, and Serenity found she was holding herself very still in Makoto's arms, breath refusing to leave her lungs. She would have to intervene. She couldn't let the gentle Ami get hurt on her account. She would have to intervene, fever running amuck or no.

"Well, you see: I have been given a duty to perform as well. As guard. And, seeing as how our Alpha is out running a perimeter check right now, you are just going to have to turn that little tail of yours around, probationer, and be a good little—"

He didn't get a chance to finish whatever it was his sneering mouth was about to spit out. Serenity breathed finally, brows coming together as she tired to get her floating mind to anchor just enough so she could piece together what it was that was going on. She heard a strangled voice convey a sharp sound of shock before a low, unforgiving growl pierced the heavy feeling in the air.

"I told you already," Ami ground out, tone disgusted and angry she had to go to such lengths to simply take her charge into the cool night air so she could heal. "I take my responsibilities seriously, and while you jeer and gloat and sneer, I will tell you this once, and once only. My alpha has told me to watch over this new White Wolf, and to not let her condition worsen. Probationary or otherwise, I will obey those orders, and I will not allow one such as you to stop me. Understood?"

Serenity turned her head to the side, and her eyes cleared suddenly as if she was meant to see the image of a petite Ami crouched dangerously low over the form of a larger male, a hand at his throat with a knee balancing her weight on one of his wrists as her other hand tightened around his fist. Well. Serenity's Wolf was impressed.

"The only reason you remain uninjured is because then I would have to heal you, and this White needs me more than you realize." Serenity couldn't quite believe the gravelly, angry tone of voice was coming from the soft woman whom had been so careful and meticulous with her just moments before. "Makoto." Ami's tone softened just enough to not be threatening, and she motioned for Makoto to exit with a tilt of her head.

The woman cradling Serenity snorted, and moved to where the man was sprawled on his back instead. Serenity felt a shift, followed by a strong jolt, and hazily wondered why Makoto, whom had been all grace just moments before, would seem so careless now. She quickly found the reason as all the air whooshed out from the lungs of the downed Wolf on the floor, and the man grunted and gasped in pain.

"She may be lenient enough to let this go this time, but I have no such stipulations. Ever cross us again, Goro, and I swear to you your standing in the pack will have shifted down a few pegs—and I'll make you black and blue to prove it. No one in this pack deserves a good healing for sheer stupidity."

Then the world was moving again, and Serenity inhaled her first breath of fresh air in—she didn't know how long it had been. She was relieved when she heard Ami softly following them, not wanting her to face off with Goro on her own. Her relief was short lived, however, when the first burble of the stream penetrated her fevered senses.

No.

She jerked in Makoto's arms, glazed eyes snapping open in panic as she kicked and attempted to claw her way out of Makoto's embrace. Her Sister gasped and gave a soft shout, her arms tightening around Serenity like steel. Serenity fought all the harder, the heat of her body rising sharply as she struggled and clung to her fear and need to escape in a desperate attempt to get away.

"No, no, no…" She wasn't aware she had been uttering the words beneath her breath, but suddenly Ami was there, running cool fingertips over the flesh of her face and sending soothing mutterings and cool, calming magic into her panic-stricken mind.

"Shh, Serenity, it's alright. It's alright. Please. You have to trust us."

Trust them? She did trust them. She realized that with another wash of feeling and shock coursing over and through her. She paused in her struggling for a moment to wonder at it, but then she was squirming again, unrelenting in her attempt to break Makoto's hold. This wasn't about trust. It was about fear.

She couldn't. She couldn't…

"Ow! Dammit, I'm afraid I'm hurting her! What do we do?"

Serenity couldn't focus on the unease and panic beginning to form in her two Sister's minds. She couldn't focus on the emotions that would have otherwise left her immobile and boneless to their need and desire to protect her. Her mind was too far gone from both the fever and her fear, but her body was weak and her squirming and straining muscles were beginning to tremble and slacken.

Fingers, icy when they came in contact with Serenity's brow, pulled away quickly, and Ami hissed in concerned displeasure. "Her fever's spiked again! We need to cool her down now! Serenity, listen to me. On all that is moon-bound, I swear to you no harm or pain of any kind will come to you this night. You must trust us. Please."

The petite woman's voice cracked, and Serenity wondered at the pain she could hear in Ami's voice. The world shifted down, and Serenity gasped and grabbed tightly onto Makoto, trying one last effort to crawl up and over the woman's broad shoulders. Makoto held her firmly, however, and Serenity heard a deep, reassuring rumble begin to vibrate in the Brown's chest, and Serenity put her ear to the sound.

"I won't let you go, Sere. I promise," The tall woman vowed, kneeling into the spring as Ami cupped a handful of water and trickled it over Serenity's burning flesh.

Serenity gasped and bodily jerked, a loud whimper escaping as her hands shook and she clung to Makoto all the more desperately. Both Ami and Makoto continued voicing comforting sounds as they ran water by the handful over her form, and finally Serenity didn't have the strength in her to fight them any more. She shivered and continued to whimper weakly as they bathed her, and Serenity found that if she closed her eyes, the night would take her pain and fears away, even if she was left nearly stripped bare for both Ami and Makoto's eyes to see.

The moon shone bright and high overhead. When Serenity's eyes opened, she found herself staring up at the pale moonlight, feeling as though she was suspended somewhere between her body and the moon. A placid calm entered her, and Serenity inhaled her first, true breath of air since her sickness began. As her two Sisters bathed her with cool water from the stream, and the moon bathed her from above, Serenity finally felt the sickness flicker and begin to fade from her form. She embraced the feeling of both Ami and Makoto cradling her between them, and when she studied the clear blue gaze that could only belong to Ami, Serenity felt something snap like electricity between them, before something lightly clicked into place. Ami's expressive eyes widened as she stared with something akin to awe in her face, and then a determined light positively gleamed in Ami's cerulean gaze, and Serenity felt the woman's hands on her form as Ami's healing magic spread over her in ways it hadn't been able to before. Serenity's gaze widened as her lips parted in a slight gasp. What she felt was close to the baring of one's soul.

Eyes locked, blue on blue, and Serenity breathed slow, short breaths as Ami's magic coated every aspect of her from inside and out. Moonfire leapt to life in Serenity's body, and both her own magic and that of the healer before her seemingly worked together to purge every bit of sickness from her form. Makoto had gone completely still, as if her Wolf could sense what was transpiring, and Serenity briefly wondered what kind of magic this was.

Old magic.

Ami had mentioned it before. Was this old magic as well? Serenity didn't know, but her mind was finally beginning to clear, and her body's aches and pains lessened until she realized how wonderful it was to not feel so utterly and completely miserable. Shuddering as the moonfire ebbed and receded, Serenity felt the final traces of her illness recede along with it. Testing muscles and limbs, Serenity seemed to be almost as shocked as her two companions when she managed to stand on her own—no hint of fever visible on her frame or in her eyes. Serenity turned to look at Makoto, whose green eyes stared back at her with just as much shock and slow-growing awe Serenity was sure was mirrored on her own face, and then turned to Ami.

"Thank you…" Serenity breathed the words, memorizing the open expression visible in Ami's clear gaze.

The young healer shook her head slowly, scarcely daring to breathe as she stared and wondered at the White before her. "I would not have been able to turn my back on you even had you wished it…though, I don't believe your cure was purely my doing. I am, however, very grateful you are well."

Serenity smiled. It would be forced pleasantries between them, then, would it? Her eyes grew mischievous, and her smile turned slightly predatory at the edges. Not if her Wolf had anything to say about that.

"No. I thank you." She stepped toward the short young woman, but Ami flinched and bowed her head, backing up a step. Serenity had to force down a growl at the act. Stepping forward once more, stride full of purpose, she tilted Ami's head up until they were eye level, and when she was sure she had the attention she was waiting for, she swooped in and lightly nipped Ami's small nose.

Gasping, Ami's hands flew up to her face as she took another backwards step away from Serenity, eyes impossibly wide with shock. Serenity simply grinned widely—intimately—before turning her attention to Makoto, who seemed vastly amused and wasn't even trying to hide it.

"Thanks, Mako," Serenity voiced, running her cheek lightly against Makoto's to show her love and respect, before awareness surged through her and Serenity made a beeline out of the stream, not relaxing until there was at least a couple feet between her and the running water.

Serenity turned to her two Sisters once she was on the bank and beamed, motioning to them with both hands. "Well? Are you coming? I'm famished! Think we could go for a hunt?"

Both women gave startled cries before laughing in incredulity, shaking their heads in amazement and smiling warmly back up at her. Both women made a move to follow, then abruptly halted, both pairs of eyes going wide as their attention flicked to somewhere over Serenity's shoulder, and they gaped.

Feeling the hairs prickling along the back of her neck, Serenity closed her eyes as trepidation coursed through her. She knew who was behind her without having to turn around. While one of the two males was someone she preferred not to see for a while—he did things to her belly she didn't quite understand—the other male was someone she knew she couldn't face in that very moment. Not yet.

Taking a deep breath, determined not to show cowardice, Serenity squared her shoulders before pivoting to meet the two men's gazes, each of differing shades of blue. Her gaze flicked from alpha, to second, and back again. She stifled her need to sigh.

"Yes?" She finally asked, somewhat exasperated at the incredulity and attentiveness she could sense from the intense way both males were watching her. She felt and heard both of her Sisters come up the bank behind her, stopping just behind her at each of her sides. They were silently backing her, whether consciously or unconsciously, Serenity didn't know, but she felt her confidence wax and lifted her chin as she hid a small smile. She wrapped the warm emotion their unspoken move brought her around herself, reveling in the feeling she dared not name, lest it slipped through her fingers.

Endymion's dark eyes narrowed slightly and Serenity wondered if he noticed Ami and Makoto's movements as well—wondered if he was angry.

"You left…" His words were softly spoken, and Serenity raised a brow, waiting for him to continue. His eyes raked her form, and seared her skin where they penetrated as if she was afflicted with her fever all over again. Her temper began to rise at the unsteady feelings growing steadily within her, and her eyes narrowed guardedly even as heat rose to her cheeks.

Parting her lips, she was about to give him a mouthful when he quickly interceded.

"You are well, then?"

Any words she had been about to say died in her chest, and Serenity felt that uneasy feeling bubbling within her stumble to a halt and then lift away from her completely. That's what his penetrating look had been about? Did this alpha not understand what the unyielding gaze of such a strong dominant could do to a girl?She almost growled, a snarl suspended somewhere between her chest and throat wishing to be let loose, but she managed to cut it off before it began.

"She is well." It was Ami who answered her alpha's question.

"Ami did brilliantly," Makoto cut in, gaining her alpha's attention. "Serenity needed both Ami's healing magic, and the pull of the moon to allow her tired body to finally cleanse itself of sickness."

Endymion nodded once, eyes trained on Serenity's face even as the two Wolves at her back spoke for her. Briefly, Serenity wondered if they were backing her, or backing their alpha by keeping her from speaking. Internally, she grumbled at the situation.

"Goro said you were being difficult." Kunzite's voice cut across the night air, and Serenity flinched at the icy, unfamiliar tone coming from her brother's mouth. She decided then that she liked this alpha's focus, and she continued to focus her attention on Endymion even as Kunzite continued to speak, just as Endymion had done.

She thought she saw the briefest hint of a smile caress this damnable alpha's face, but she was too focused on her brother's words to know for sure if that was what she saw.

"He said Ami went against protocol, defied one who was above her in rank, and disobeyed orders." Kunzite's words were now a low growl. Serenity felt the blood drain from her face as Endymion's unrelenting stare finally snapped to where Ami was standing.

"Is this true?"

Shiver upon shiver of uneasy trepidation raked Serenity's spine, and she acted before her mind was aware of what her body was doing. She could not allow her Sister to feel the full effect of her Alpha's wrath. She could not allow her Sister to be punished unjustly. Hard, steely eyes bored through Serenity as she stepped in front of the healer, hiding Ami from her alpha's gaze. She would take Ami's punishment if there was no other way.

Endymion's gaze narrowed to slits.

"She did no such thing." Serenity attested, lifting her chin stubbornly and narrowing her own eyes at the powerful alpha before her, attempting to keep the slight trembling of her form hidden. She heard Ami's startled gasp behind her and dismissed it. "Ami did everything you asked of her. She obeyed your orders, which, if I recall correctly, means she could not have possibly gone against protocol, nor could she have defied anyone who outranks you,her alpha."

Endymion's dark brows shot up at some point during her tirade, but Serenity was too concerned for her second Sister to realize any possible danger Ami could have been in had already long since passed.

"You should stop listening to whining men who trouble those who should be Brother and Sister for mere sport!" She advanced on her alpha, who seemed further surprised by such a bold move, before his brows lowered and he advanced an intimidating step towards her in return.

"I listen to all pack grievances, little Wolf, and I do not pass judgment until all sides of the story have been told." Endymion's tone of voice sounded tight and very controlled as he continued to advance on her, easily closing the distance between them. "You, speaking for her, clears her name and offers me his. I will speak to Goro about his transgression."

Blinking, losing the steam that had been fueling her temper and defiance, along with her slight trepidation of fear, Serenity found herself at another complete loss as she faced the strange alpha before her. He must have seen something open and vulnerable in her expression, because his intensity lessened and he suddenly closed his eyes—from what, Serenity hadn't a clue.

"You are still new to our ways, but you will learn them. All I ask of you, little one, is that you assess me on the truth of actions I have done, and will continue to do. There is a lot that must be discussed, but I sense you are tired—and hungry. Healings take a lot out of you. You will eat, and rest with your Sisters. Tomorrow we shall discuss what we couldn't today."

She was dismissed. She could feel it in the finality of his words. Knowing he was right, desperately wishing tomorrow would never come, Serenity turned away from the cave, and toward the forest. Quick as lightening, Endymion's strong, warm, and very large hand grasped her upper arm and she gasped, turning her wide gaze up at him as slight fear once again bubbled within her. His grip wasn't painful, but it startled her, and even as she relaxed she wondered at this alpha who could move so quickly-grip so unrelentingly—and still have a firm handle on his control to not mark or bruise the skin.

"Where are you going?"

Her brows kissed in confusion, and slowly Serenity shook her head. She didn't think she would ever understand this alpha.

"I'm going hunting. You told me to eat, and sleep. How am I supposed to eat if I don't have any food?" That exasperated tone was back in her voice, and Serenity didn't try to hide it. Endymion stilled beside her, and when his surprised eyes met hers she could have sworn he was laughing at her.

Serenity growled, yanking her arm from his now slackened grip, and he let her go. She turned on him, hands on her hips as anger once again found itself to pinch in her belly.

"What?" She growled out finally, not liking the short intake of breath that came from Ami at the tone she used.

Endymion crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at her, one eyebrow raised. For all he looked angry and intimidating on the outside, his eyes were positively sparkling with his withheld laughter.

The jerk! He was laughing at her!

"You just recovered from three days of sickness."

Serenity gasped. Had it really been that long?

"You just had a Healing, which will tax both your muscles and your magic," Endymion continued, "and you appear as though a whispered breath could buffet your starved frame and knock you to your knees."

Serenity sucked in a sharp breath of air. Well. Excuse her for attempting to take care of her own needs, starved frame or no.

She glowered.

"You will await your meal in the cave, where Ami and Makoto will watch over you."

"I can hunt my own—"

He was upon her in an instant, hot breath suddenly breathing down her neck, and Serenity gasped and shuddered. "When you have regained your strength and fully recovered from your sickness, you may hunt. Tonight, the hunt is mine, and mine alone." His words caressed the side of her neck, and she felt his body sway slightly toward hers before he tore himself away from her and marched to the edge of the forest.

"Kunzite. Guard!" Endymion snapped back over his shoulder, and then he was in the forest and disappeared from view.

Slightly shaken, wondering what had made him so angry when he had been practically laughing at her moments before,Serenity was thankful when both Ami and Makoto wrapped their arms around her from behind and led her inside the safety of their home. Kunzite walked them to the cave's entrance without a word, staying put as he tuned his sharp senses to the open night before him, not once breaking the sudden silence.

It took a while for nerves to calm, and then Endymion was suddenly there, dropping his kills at Serenity's feet before turning on his heel and walking away. She wondered at his silence and jerky movements, but allowed herself to acknowledge it as a brief respite. Staring down at the two small carcasses before her, Serenity suddenly realized the meat was enough for three.

That cool, calm, wondering, vulnerable feeling ripped through her again, and as she tore pieces of meat for her two Sisters, Serenity had to wonder at the warmth now cautiously spreading through her chest. Kindness for her own being she could easily dismiss in confusion—in a need to not want to know why this alpha would do such things or go to such lengths.

Kindness shown toward her Sisters, however…

She ate the meat in silence, and curled up with belly full and warmth surrounding her. That small feeling wouldn't go away, though—it simply continued to grow, and she began to wonder if it would reach her even in her dreams.

She slept soundly and peacefully that night, refusing to wake even as her alpha returned a short while later to ensure she had eaten. He then carried the leftover scraps away.

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