A Stranger in the Night

It has been a few weeks now since I left the commune and distanced myself from Lucas and Alex. And although I hadn't seen either one of them, my head was constantly filled with thoughts of them. I tried to as hard as I could not to think about them by doing different things around the apartment. I spent alot of time talking with Shiloh and Bronson. The two of them obsessed with board games and super competitive, which kept us entertained for some time. I also haven't left the apartment. I was fine though, we hadn't seen hide or hair of a Halfling since returning home. This meant I hadn't been to work. I had spoken to George and asked for a leave of absence. He told me it was ok and that he would just give me work when I was ready to return. He had put on a couple of new girls but said they would never replace me. It put a smile on my face to feel valued like that.

I felt guilty alot too. Guilty that because of me, Carter and Shiloh were pretty much my babysitters. Even though they were able to leave and swap out with other pack members, they took it on themselves to be my main caretakers. I felt even more guilty that because of this, their wedding has been postponed. "Would you stop apologising! We are getting married no matter what, a date is just a date, not like we had a big fancy thing planned. Alot of our plans were based at the commune, and so we can sort that out later. At the moment, ensuring you are safe is more important!". Shiloh put her arm around my shoulder, pulling me in and leaning her head on my shoulder. "God you are a stubborn thing. Guess that's why your still not giving in to either Lucas or Alex. Have you heard from either of them.". I nodded. "A couple times.". Shiloh giggled, "have you responded though?". I shook my head. "I don't know what to say. I really don't. I care about them both in different ways.". Shiloh pulled a face, "Well yeah. I understand that, but....at least Lucas never hurt you. But you do have a connection with Alex. Both are absolutely smitten with you but struggle to show it. Anyone can see that. I guess the decision has to lay with you......so what you gonna do?".

I leant my head forward, bringing my knees up to meet my chin and wrapping my arms around my legs to keep them warm. It was cool out here on the balcony, but it was becoming one of my favourite places to be. Carter and Bronson had built an enclosed area, with deck swing for me there. Shiloh loved it out here too, she had already put in an order with the boys for them to build one for their house in the commune. Her and I spent many nights out here talking and seeing as I didn't have access to Jess at the moment, it was nice to have a friend around. "I don't know. I know I need to do something. Just not sure what it is.".

The balcony door slid open and Carter popped his head out. "Hey ladies...we got company.". Shiloh pushed past me to get inside. "What the! What are you doing here?". After sliding the glass door shut, I turned to be surprised by Draven and Jess, standing there in my lounge room. "Oh my gosh!", I ran to Jess and hugged her tightly. "I missed you" I said as I squeeze her a bit tighter, with her reciprocating the embrace and squeezing me back just as tightly. "What are you doing here?" I asked. I had only seen them once since the commune, so this was a rare treat. "We are going out and you lot are coming!" Jess screeched. Bronson bounced eagerly over to us after hearing that. "Hell yes! I'm keen as beans to go out. Come on sis! We haven't been out in ages! Carter please!". Carter looked at Bronson, with a smirk on his face shaking his head. "There's not alot of places we can go though.". Draven smiled, probably one of the most mischievous smirks I have ever seen him give. "Oh yes there is.....we can go to the club.". My heart sank. I didn't want to go there, knowing more than likely Alex would be there. I went to speak but Draven interrupted me. "And before you say anything Luna, he's not here. He's away on business, so you don't have to worry about seeing him. We also still get access to VIP and I've organised extra security for us there.". Carter stood nodding, whilst Shiloh was grinning like a little school girl. "Sounds like a good idea to me. But only if Luna is happy with this. If not, we stay here.". Bronson grabbed onto my arm, "please Luna! I beg you! I need to go out and be social!". I smiled at him and looked at the others. "OK. I guess I could for a little while.".

A short time later and after a few costume changes, we arrived at the club. The bouncer again led us straight through to the VIP Area again, with drinks and snacks already there waiting for us. "I called ahead and made arrangements." Draven smiled, showing off to the others. Shiloh, Carter and Bronson were blown away by what they saw. "Oh my God! This is amazing! Shiloh, I am coming here all the time from now on!". She laughed at Bronson as he looked like a kid in a candy shop with so many things to look at. "Oh my God! There's a dance floor. Luna come dance with me!". Before I even had a chance to respond, Bronson had grabbed my arm and was leading me down the stairs to the dance floor. As we pushed through the crowd, Bronson was already dancing. He tried to weave in and out of the crowd, whilst making sure he didn't crash into anyone or lose grip of my hand. Once we arrived in the middle of the dance floor, the song changed and an awesome song came on. I couldn't help but dance along, giggling to myself watching Bronson look like one of those car dealer inflatable tube men. It was hilarious to watch. We danced a few more songs together before I signalled to him that I wanted to go get a drink. He nodded and we made our way back up to the VIP area. "I am no longer your sister Bronson! Who the hell taught you to dance!". Shiloh roared with laughter as she sat back on the lounge, leaning on Carter. "Oh sis, you're just jealous that I got all the good moves and you look like a bouncing stick when you dance.". The two continued to bicker back and forth for a bit. Carter, Draven and Jess laughing at the siblings. I turned my back to them and looked over the dance floor again. There were so many people there. "You're looking for him, aren't you?". I didn't even notice Jess creep up beside me, now leaning on the rail as well. She handed me a drink, which I gulped down. The burn in my throat caused me to choke and cough, which she found amusing as she nudged me and offered another which I refused. Whatever it was, one was enough. "No....I'm not. I'm just watching everyone. You know...there might be Halflings here". The corner of Jess' mouth turned upwards, "Hmmmm ok....I believe you....by the way, there will never be Halflings here again. Alex had them all banned from here after the attack.". Distracted by Alex's actions, I turned back to the dance floor and continued to watch everyone dancing. "Oh my God! Alex is here!". My heart stopped for a second and I scanned the room harder. Not able to see him. Her laughter broke my concentration. "See! I told you, you were looking for him!". I shoved her, almost making her topple on to Draven. "No! I'm not. I told you. I was just shocked that he might be here, cause you said he was away on business!". She smiled and nodded at me, almost reassuring me. "He is. So stop worrying. Just loosen up and have some fun for once.". I nodded, taking a long sip on the drink she handed me. It had been a while since I had been here, and it just reminded me of him. I couldn't help but reminisce over the moments I've had with Alex. But now the club felt different. This was his place and I felt like an intruder, not welcome here and about to get caught. "OK! I'm ready Luna! Dance floor round two?" Bronson called out to me. I nodded and wrapped my arm around his, wanting to distract myself from all the thoughts of Alex running through my head.

Back on the dance floor and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Bronson was the most uncoordinated and bizarre dancer I had ever seen, but he completely owned it. A girl nearby noticed him and his dance moves and had made her way over to us. The two of them dancing just as bizarre as each other, it was kind of cute. I didn't mind and was enjoying dancing by myself still, even though I was beginning to work up a sweat. As I looked around the room whilst dancing, I noticed the tall woman with long dark hair and electric blue eyes watching me by the bar. At first I played it off as nothing, just some random girl watching me and my uncoordinated dance partner, but now, she was moving towards me. Her eyes locked in on me with a deathly stare. Bronson had moved a little further way from me and was dancing with the young woman by this time. There was probably about 3 people between us and as I watched the woman get closer, I began to feel nervous. The look on her face was definitely not friendly and it made my heart jump into my throat and my hairs stand on end, almost as if they were sensing danger. I looked up to the VIP area, where I knew the others were, but no luck. No one was at the rails watching us. I looked back to her, she was merely a few feet a way. I tried to move closer to Bronson and called his name several times, to get his attention but he didn't see or hear me. Before I knew it, she was standing in front of me. I took a deep breath in, trying to calm myself. "So.....You must be the infamous Luna....".

"Hmmmmm". She began walking around be, sizing me up like a lioness circling her prey. I started to panic and even started looking for a bouncer. This is crazy. What did she want with me. "Some competition you are! I don't know why you are so damn special!", she smirked at me, her tone of voice changing completely. "Excuse me?", I asked, wondering what the hell she was referring to. She grabbed my hair and flicked it up, almost into my face. "I can't believe he would want this over me.". She moved her body closer to me, that her nose was level with my eyes. Within a flash, she had wrapped her hand around my throat and was beginning to apply pressure. I began waving my arms and screaming as best I could, trying to get the attention of those around us, but it was no use. I tried to call for Bronson, which I assumed only made her angrier as she continued to tighter her grip. I could feel her nails digging into my skin and the blood beginning to creep down my neck towards my chest. As I tried to pull her hands away, the commotion finally gained Bronson's attention as he began to storm towards us, "Hey! What the hell are you doing? Get away from her!" He demanded. She turned her head towards him, never letting go of me and held her hand out towards him. Suddenly a white burst shot her hand that looked like a lightening bolt. Bronson dropped to the ground, and began to howl. Instantly I heard to more howls followed by 2 roars. I could feel her grip on my neck tightening and I couldn't breathe any more. I was struggling to keep my eyes open as I tried to fight off her hands from me. "He will never be yours! He is mine! He deserves someone like me, not a pathetic human like you!". It was at that moment I spotted Carter, Draven and Jess forcing their way through the crowd to get to me. Shiloh had gone straight to her brother and was trying to move him away.

"Meredith! Let her go!" Draven cried out. He was trying to hide Jess behind him, but I could see the crimson red of her eyes were about to unleash all the layers of hell within her. She charged at this person holding me but dropped to the ground after another bolt of lightning shot out from the bitch's hand. I watched as two of my favourite people were laying in agony on the floor. I could feel the panic and anger rising up in me. I placed my hands on her arms, no longer on her hands. "No Luna! Don't!". Draven sounded like he was begging me. "So you are a part of all this too Draven. I will have to make sure I deal with you as well afterwards.". She turned her face back to me, she smiled and gleamed her fangs at me. I felt my anxiety overtaking me as she began to draw closer to me, rearing her fangs and getting ready to bite my neck. "I am going to enjoy this! Stupid human, ruin my plans!". I felt her grip on my neck tightening before her fangs press against my pulse point, when all of a sudden I saw a hand placed on her shoulder. The hand suddenly ripped her backwards, causing her to drop her hold on me and fly across the room. Knocking several people over as she did.

I dropped to the floor, coughing and spluttering whilst rubbing my neck hard, trying to catch my breath and regain my energy. I tried to look up but there was still too many people around, almost as if they hadn't notice anything that was going on. Carter had come to my side and was helping me up, moving me slightly backwards towards a wall as he did. I scanned the room, looking for the woman that had just attacked me. I tried to stand up, but Carter moved me to a seat, holding me back on it. It was then I saw her. She stood with her back towards me, grabbing at her throat and trying to hit away the hand that was now wrapped around her throat. It was Alex! He growled in her face, rearing his fangs like some wild beast about to tear her limb from limb.

At that moment, almost all of the club stopped moving and bowed lowly to Alex. Probably about 30 people, more than likely humans kept dancing for a few moments before noticing what was going on and made a run for it. The others who bowed to him as well then made themselves scarce as Alex screamed at them, "LEAVE NOW!".

Once the room was mostly empty, Shiloh, Bronson, Jess and Draven to made their way over to Carter and me. Alex's concentration and focus did not waiver from her though throughout all of this.. "Meredith! How dare you! This is my place and you have the ordasity to come in here and attack my human! Who the hell do you think you are!". His eyes were glowing red, like hot embers in a fire. I could see the flames beginning to erupt from his hands. She screamed loudly, "Alessandro! Stop! You're hurting me!" He snarled at her. "Why did you organise the attack on Luna! Why are you here attacking her now?". She began crying and trying to swipe away his grip on her. "Please Alessandro! Stop! I didn't do it! It wasn't me!" The deepest roar came from him. It actually scared me a little. "LIAR!" He shouted in her face. His arms were now completely covered by flames and I could see the skin on her neck burning and turning to ash. "Alessandro, I beg you. Please! I love you! We did this for you! For us! You shouldn't be with some pathetic human! You should be with me! We can rule the clans together! That's my destiny! That's our destiny!". Alex pulled her closer to him, looking deep into her eyes. "That's not my destiny. You will never be a part of my destiny!". He took a step back and stared at me for a moment, "my destiny is with her.". What he said must have awoken some crazy demonic beast within her, as she started snarling, grabbing and clawing at him, before she stood perfectly still, her eyes turning white and sparks coming out from her hands. "Holy shit! She's gonna kill us!", Draven shouted. My panic turned to anger as I stood, no longer able to control it. It came over me like a wave and I felt like I was just watching as my body took on a mind of it's own. I stood and began to step towards the two of them. Alex noticed me approaching, "Get back Luna!", he shouted but I couldn't stop. Meredith turned around to face me, sparks still shooting out from her hands. "Luna! Stop!" I heard Shiloh shout, but it was no use. Meredith held her hand out and shot a bolt of electricity at me. It hit me, hard in the chest and knocked me back, causing me to fall. Alex leapt at her, grabbing her neck. The next moment, she was covered in flames. She shot another bolt in my direction but missed. The flames on her intensified instantly, but then began to suddenly die down as she placed her hands on the sides of Alex's head. His scream echoes through the room The pain and anguish on his face shook me to the core. He laid there, lifeless on the floor. "Alex!" Draven screamed, charging at her. She shot a large bolt at him which sent him flying across the room and crashing down on some stools. She slowly returned her hand to Alex's head. "No!!!!!!" I screamed before a blast of ice shot forward from my hand, knocking her completely away from Alex. I ran at her and grabbed her, her eyes no longer white, but almost black. "Stupid bitch! I will kill you!" She screamed at me. I could see small flecks on ice begin appear over her neck, throat and chest. I gave her everything I had in me. A light blue glow started to slowly encase her, before she was completely frozen from head to toe. I stepped away, not believing what I had done. I ran to Alex's side, where he laid motionless on the floor. "No....you need to get up.". Draven moved me aside. "We need to get out of here! Now!". I turned to spot bouncer carrying Bronson whilst Carter and Shiloh were helping Jess. All headed towards the door. "We can't leave him Draven!". He looked me dead in the eyes, "I'll get him!". He scooped him up and laid him over his shoulder. He helped me up and we ran for the door. He stopped and shout something at a group bouncers waiting for us, but I wasn't stopping to hear. I ran to where Carter and Shiloh were standing by the street. "What do we do now?"., i asked trying to catch my breath. "Well, we can go back to the commune....". Carter started to speak, he looked worried and still trying to grasp everything that just happened. Draven then reached us, shouting at us to get into the limousine parked nearby. We all fumbled in before slamming the door shut. "What the hell happened Draven!" Mason screeched through the drivers' window as it rolled down. "Take us to the House now Mason!".