Phoenix

Chapter 1

Bethany's POV:

 I smiled, my eyes closed, as I danced to the music coming from my phone, which I'd placed on the floor of the studio. I was alone in the room, as everyone else had already left. My older sister, Loraina, was going to pick me up, but, she was a little late. Not that I minded. It gave me more time to work on my ballet. I loved ballet. It's beautiful, graceful, and complicated. A single dance can hold so many emotions and so much meaning. Ballet was the way I dealt with my problems and feelings. It was what I used when I wanted to hide from the world. Instead of facing my problems and fears head-on, I just go to my own little spot and dance.

 Well, Loraina finally arrived a half hour after my dance class ended. I didn't mind. But, of course, she kept apologizing. "I really am sorry for being so late. Marcus and I were having a meeting with Luke, Kyle, and a few of the warriors. It went on longer than expected. And then of course I had to get Cassi ready to go out and get her buckled into her car-seat-"

 "Lori, it's ok! Really. It gave me more time to dance." I repeated for the fifth time.

 "I know, I know..." Loraina looked at me and smiled before turning back to the road. "Just, sometimes I feel bad with you being all alone."

 "I'm alright being alone, Lori. I don't have to worry about bumping into anyone. I can just...be myself and dance to my heart's content." I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

 "I know you're alright being alone, Beth. But I really think you should try to make more friends. You won't find your mate by just dancing around the yard, after all. You need to socialize more."

 I sighed, looking out my window. Easy for her to say. I wouldn't say I'm shy, but I'm also not what you'd call a social butterfly. I find it hard sometimes to make friends. One reason, I suppose, is because of my birthmark. I was born with a fiery orange mark just below my left eye. It reminds me a little of a jagged streak of lightning.

 Another reason, is just because I'm just not the best at socializing. I'm a dancer. I dance on stage with other people when I get a role in a show, but that's it. My friends are all in my dance class. But it stops there. That's about all we have in common. My close friends, are my sister, my niece, my brother-in-law, and their friends. But, they're busy a lot of the time, so, I'm on my own with my ballet slippers and tutus.

I turned my head to look back at my little niece, Cassie. She was playing with her favorite stuffed kitty. I sighed and looked at Loraina. "I know, Lori...I know...But it's hard. I just can't make friends as easily as you can." I gave her a small smile. She often worried about how I'd find my mate because I don't socialize much with other people. We have established though, he isn't in our pack. "But hey, maybe I won't need to socialize with others to meet him. Maybe he'll come with a visiting pack and we'll meet that way. Or maybe he'll be visiting and he'll come to one of my recitals." Loraina and I chuckled.

 "Maybe." my sister smiled. We went silent a few minutes after that. But finally, I broke the silence.

 "Sis, what exactly was the meeting about? Marcus doesn't usually call warriors, you, Kyle, and Luke unless it's something urgent." Kyla and Luke are the Beta and Gamma for our pack.

 "A rogue has been sighted near the edge of the pack. With the rogue attacks that have been happening to the North Wood Pack, Marcus is taking this seriously." Loraina answered.

 "So, he's expecting rogues to attack us?" I asked. The North Wood Pack are close allies with our pack.  

 "Yes. He's already preparing a safe spot for the pack members. Especially our women and children." she glanced at me. "He wants to send me there, and I understand why. But I don't know if I can just sit there while my mate is fighting rogues who want to kill him!"

 I frowned a little, placing my hand on her shoulder. "Lori, you won't be doing nothing. You will be keeping the pack members safe. Yes, Marcus will be at the front. But you are going to be doing something just as important. Keeping the pack safe and reassuring them. You've known since you first became Luna that this would be your duty. Working with the pack."

 Loraina sighed. "I know...You're right...It just scares me when I think of the risk Marcus will be taking on his life...The fact my mate could die just breaks my heart..."

 "As it would any woman. But Marcus is strong and a skilled fighter. So are Kyle, Luke, and our warriors. I think Marcus will be alright. We just need to think positive." I told her, giving her a reassuring smile.

 "You're right, Beth...Thanks.." Loraina smiled at me.

 "Of course, big sister." 

 We fell silent for the rest of the trip. I was a little worried about the threat of a rogue attack. But, part of me didn't think this rogue was a threat. I don't know why, but I feel a little giddy when I think about the rogue. Come to think of it, I had a strange feeling all day today...I could barely focus on my lesson...It's like....Something is going to happen. But what?