Chapter 5

　　Damon 　　The way from Blood Rose to Goldenridge was quite long. As I looked outside the window of the car, my eyes were focused on the magnificent view of the forest. Compared to Blood Rose, the vegetation and trees here were denser. The magnificent view was very pleasing to my eyes. 　　It must have been magical to explore this on foot. I feel jealous of the members of this pack! 　　My eyes went to Ashford when he groaned. When I looked at him, his eyes were closed and it was as if he was uncomfortable with the long ride. I smiled. The playful Beta-to-be was really not in the mood. 　　"Damn it, I'm tired of sitting for hours," he muttered under his breath. I chose to stay quiet since I didn't want to make him even more annoyed. I knew he'd rather be running on foot with the other warriors surrounding our car if he had the choice. But his duty as my main security compelled him to sit inside the car with me, which also bothered me. 　　I'm a werewolf, so naturally, I should be using my feet to run. However, the council disagrees and wants us to keep a low profile by traveling this way 　　Finally, we reached the pack’s border. As expected, a group of trackers guarding the territory made their presence known. One of the warriors showed the seal of Blood Rose and probably stated why we came here. The tracker called his leader and after a few discussions, they let us go inside. 　　As we crossed into the Goldenridge territory, nervousness gripped me. It had been a week since I'd been with Serena, and I'd eagerly awaited this day. Finally, I was about to see the wholeness of her face I'd been picturing all this time. 　　We arrived in front of their pack. From inside the car, I saw their council and warriors waiting and gathering in front. It was their way of welcoming us, a gesture that had long been tied to both our past and tradition. 　　"The Heir of Blood Rose Pack has already arrived," I heard Ashford announce the moment he got out of the car. That was my cue to get out of the car, and I could see most of them eyeing my direction. That was a casual and very normal scene for me. 　　A dignified man, whose eyes bore the same resemblance as Serena's, stepped forward. "Welcome to Goldenridge, your excellency. I am Janus Mitchell, the Beta of this pack. We apologize for our Alpha’s absence, as he was busy with his daughter’s mateship to one of your own." 　　"I was informed," I replied. 　　Just then, a woman dressed in elegant attire stepped forward. 　　"Greetings, Your Excellency. I am Mathilde Mitchell, the Beta's wife." 　　"Where is she?" I demanded, causing the woman to momentarily appear taken aback before I dismissed her. I could no longer wait to see Serena, and I had no patience for unnecessary pleasantries. 　　“Right this way,” the woman exclaimed. Beta Janus took the lead, guiding us into their home. 　　Upon entering, Mathilde leaned over the staircase and called out, "Serena, sweetheart! The Alpha Heir has arrived." 　　Footsteps echoed down from above. My breath caught in my throat as the woman descended. Her face was concealed by a hat adorned with a delicate veil. The atmosphere seemed to feel heavy, as I waited for the girl I had come all the way here to see. 　　When she finally stood before me and gracefully inclined her head, I found myself struck by a jolt of surprise. Memories flashed in my mind and doubt began to creep within me. 　　“Serena?” I asked and as soon as she heard that, she lifted the veil, revealing her face. Shock rippled within me as I glanced at her face. 　　The magical feeling that had surrounded her before was gone. Why do I get a feeling that this girl was different from the one etched inside my memory?