Moonbound: The Rogue's Second Chance-Chapter 23 - TWENTY-THREE - DOWNTIME

Darius dipped Serena low as the song came to an end. A cheer erupted around them, hands clapping in rhythm. He caught the way her cheeks darkened, a shade pinker than before.

He pulled her upright, and they looked at each other before he gently removed her hands from around him.

"I’m not that great of a dancer," Serena said, trying to catch her breath.

Darius scrunched up his nose and did a double take. "Well, you had me fooled because you can dance."

She smiled and clasped her hands. "Thank you, then. I enjoyed the dance."

Darius’ ears rang hollow, but he grinned. Darius rolled his shoulder as if to brush off the feeling.

This light feeling in his chest was nice. She finally smiled at him, really smiled and not just at his words, not out of politeness, it was really genuine. And Darius liked it.

As Serena’s attention was drawn away, Darius followed her gaze to one of the wolf Elders he hadn’t expected to show up.

Nana and Cedar were already here, but Iris? That was a welcome development. The thin, willowy woman kept her gaze on Serena, completely ignoring him.

"Ambassador," Iris said coolly.

Serena glanced at Darius before exhaling and greeting her in return. "Elder."

The room remained lively with wolves making merry and feasting, but time seemed to slow between the three of them.

Iris made the first move, stretching out her hand, which Serena took promptly. "I am Elder Iris, in charge of the pack treasury and other events."

Darius stuffed his hands into his pockets, observing Elder Iris and Serena. The Elder was taller than Serena though the woman was taller than most.

Iris’ eyes finally landed on Darius, and he nodded at her. They had mutual respect for each other.

As the Alpha of Ironshade, he commanded the utmost respect from all pack members, and in turn, he gave it to the Elders of his council when it was due. All five of them were older, and in most cases, wiser.

Serena’s voice was steady. "I’m Serena."

"Yes, yes, I already know that. I’m sure everyone does," Iris said, waving a dismissive hand.

"Ah, I suppose so," Serena said, brushing her hair back. "How are you enjoying the dinner?"

Darius watched as Iris raised a brow before giving a small smile.

"It’s not really my thing," Iris admitted, her voice softening ever so slightly. "But I wanted to honor the hostess’ invitation."

The two conversed briefly before Iris left. Serena turned to him, exhaling.

"You did pretty well," Darius said.

"I think I did," she replied with a small smile, looking triumphant. "Elder Iris is intense, and she seems tired."

"Tired?" Darius asked, nodding to a passing wolf.

"Yes, like she just needs to sit down, maybe have a hot bath," Serena answered.

His lips twitched with amusement. "Well, I do think so too, but it’s quite the accomplishment coming to that conclusion in such a short time."

Serena brushed off his statement and shrugged. "I could be wrong."

"Each Elder has a lot on their plate, but she is very passionate about what she does and she does tend to ignore her health," Darius explained.

He wasn’t entirely sure why he was being so forthcoming with Serena, but he couldn’t ignore the pull in his heart whenever she looked at him. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

And his wolf, the ever-present spirit, was never silent. It was even worse whenever she was within arm’s reach. Self-control and something else he would never admit held him back.

"I see," she replied.

—

Darius stuck to her side for the rest of the night. Whenever Serena drifted too far, he found an excuse to get closer to her.

A pup ran between her legs, giggling before insisting Serena pick her up. She carried the child without hesitation.

"She’s a beautiful little girl," Serena said with a smile.

The pup held Serena’s face, touching her cheeks and playing with her hair. Serena laughed and asked for her name.

"Naomi," she whispered.

"I like it," Serena said, nuzzling the girl’s cheek.

Darius leaned against the wall, watching them, a smile creeping onto his face. It was a welcome distraction, pulling his mind completely away from his worries.

"Naomi," called a familiar voice.

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice. It belonged to Cedar, the Elder in charge of pack welfare.

"Is she yours?" Serena asked.

Cedar nodded, and the girl reached for him. Serena handed her over and gave her a little stuffed wolf to play with.

"I was looking for her everywhere," Cedar said. "I suppose I have to thank you for bringing back another family member of mine."

Serena looked away before waving at Naomi. "Please, it was nothing. She’s a joy."

Cedar turned to Darius, nodding at him. Darius returned the nod and walked toward them.

"Well, won’t you introduce us?" Cedar asked, giving him a pointed look.

Darius sighed before glancing at Serena. "Serena, this is Elder Cedar. He oversees the welfare of the pack."

"It’s nice to meet you, Ambassador."

Darius didn’t miss the way Serena smiled, another genuine one.

She was silent for a moment before replying.

"Thank you."

Cedar briefly touched her shoulder and smiled. The little girl in his arms waved at Serena before the two left.

"I told you they’d treat you as you deserve," Darius said. "It’s getting late now."

"Yes, yes, it was a nice night. I’m ready to leave."

The two said their goodbyes. Serena hugging Annamarie and waving at Jack.

Darius was held back for a few minutes, listening to some wolves’ complaints and concerns.

When he finally stepped outside, he found Serena staring up at the moon. She turned to meet his gaze and gave him a small smile.

—

Darius opened the carriage door and helped Serena inside, his hand lingering on hers a bit longer than he cared to admit.

He climbed in after her, closing the door before instructing the coachman to take them to Blackthorn Keep.