A beautiful silvery-white she-wolf named Serenity, danced happily through the dense lush vegetation, heading for her usual place of peace – a small pond in the center of the forest. Her bright blue eyes admired the sights around her, as scents assaulted her nose. Her heart pounded vigorously with her blood flowing rampantly through her veins. The forest had always offered her a comforting sense of peace.

As she drew closer to the crystal, clear cool waters of the pond, she slowed her pace, finally coming to a halt at the water's edge. Lowering her muzzle down to the icy fluid, quenching her ravenous thirst caused by her daily jaunt.

This daily outing was her time to relieve herself of the pressures of being the alpha female of her pack. Most of her female pack mates had found their male counterparts – all except her pack beta and the three female enforcers. As the years passed, she began to lose her hope of ever finding her life mate and becoming complete.

With a deep depressed sigh, she laid down next the water, bathing her shimmering coat in the warm spring sun. Closing her eyes, she listened to the sounds of the forest around – a light breeze blew lightly across her body, as she slowly drifted into a restful slumber.

Her serene relaxation was suddenly shattered by another presence located in her vicinity. Noticing the odd silence of the forest around her, Serenity opened her eyes and lifted her head to survey the area. Cautiously, she stood on all fours and glanced across the pond – her eyes landing on a wolf the color of midnight. Its cobalt blue eyes locked with her cornflower ones. A growl erupted from her throat – warning the intruder to leave.

'You do not have to fear me, fair one. I mean you no harm.'

A husky voice spoke in her mind.

She tipped her head to the side, unsure if she had just heard the voice or not.

'Yes, you can hear me. It's not your imagination, fair one.'

Anger invaded her being before she retaliated against his mind invasion.

'Get out of my head,'

her mind roared back angrily, 'You have no business linking minds with me!'

'And tell me, fair one, how do you think I am able to communicate with you mentally?'

His arrogance filled Serenity with rage. She stood her ground – narrowing her eyes – proudly like the alpha she-wolf would and delivered an ultimatum.

'Leave this place at once. You are intruding on my clan's territory. I do not wish to fight you, but I will to protect my people,' her voice reverberated through his mind.

Visions flooded her mind followed by a silky chuckle. Her mind was assaulted with flashes of them fighting then engaged in the mate bonding ritual. Serenity breathing began to increase as her body started to respond to his mind manipulations. As she continued to stare into his eyes, another vision formed in her mind – the figure of a man. He stood about six foot three, coal-black hair that was shoulder length, skin lightly bronzed, and eyes of cobalt blue – the same eyes that were currently staring at her from across the pond.

'Stop!,'

Serenity screamed mentally, 'Leave now!'

From behind Serenity, several of her pack sisters approached – snarling warnings toward the interloper. Realizing that he was outnumbered, he bowed his head with respect before he turned to leave – but not before leaving Serenity with one last remark.

'Very well, fair one. You win,'

He spoke with a pregnant pause, 'for now, my mate.'

Shivers rippled through her body as his words echoed in her head. Shaking off the unnerving feelings he evoked in her, she sent one last message to him as she watched him disappear from sight.

'Never.'

After the intrusive wolf left, a brown she-wolf from Serenity's pack walked up next to her. She bowed her head, acknowledging Serenity's alpha status. The silvery-white she-wolf nuzzled her pack mate lovingly. They two made eye contact.

'Serenity, are you okay?'

'Yes, Lita, I'm fine. Thank you for coming so quickly. All of you,'

she replied to her other pack sisters - in return, they lowered their muzzles and wagged their tails, showing appreciation for her acknowledgment. Slowly, one by one they all turned to leave and return home. Serenity followed her pack mates silently – her thoughts wondering about the earlier encounter.