Disappointment colored my thoughts as I blinked my eyes open, taking in the dim surroundings. Tony sat perched on a weathered log, his gaze locked onto the enigmatic depths of the forest. The notion of slumber eluded me as long as he remained alert.Summoning my resolve, I ventured over and cautiously took a seat on the log, maintaining a respectful distance. "I understand you may doubt me, but I want to assure you that I'll leave as soon as I'm capable."With his attention still focused on the darkness ahead, Tony responded, "You won't be prepared for a while. You're stuck with us."The vague response left me irked, and I pressed for clarification. "What exactly do you mean by that?"He finally turned to face me and explained, "You're a shifter who doesn't know how to shift, and you have one of the most formidable packs actively searching for you."Disputing his claim, I asserted, "They're not looking for me. They believe I'm dead."His gaze fixed on me, Tony asked, "Did you sever th
"Wolf Bay is the only magically sealed shifter pack in the world," Malcom remarked. "Y'all are like a cult."I quickly retorted, "Not by choice, I assure you. If I could have left, I would have."Our group continued our journey in a contemplative silence, each step taken with care to avoid any potential injuries, even though my newfound ability to heal faster offered some reassurance. There was a lot on my mind, and growing up secluded from the rest of society had left me blissfully ignorant of so much.Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't help but inquire, "What's your pack like?"Danielle responded, "We're more of a group of like-minded individuals than a true pack."My confusion was palpable as I pressed for clarification, "What the hell do
Grateful for Danielle's hospitality, I followed her deeper into the cluster of tents. As we approached, I noticed that the tents were elevated on platforms, connected by well-maintained dirt paths, forming a makeshift village.Although the tents had ample space around them, they were arranged in a general circular pattern, encircling a larger open area.Around this central space, I observed multiple fire pits, a few charcoal grills, and several picnic tables scattered across a grassy common ground. Even in the early morning, a few inhabitants were already active.A small group brewed coffee over an open fire, its enticing aroma triggering my hunger. My stomach couldn't help but protest with a loud grumble, reminding me of how long it had been since I'd eaten."You could use some breakfast,
"Why are you here?" I inquired.Danielle rolled up her sleeve, revealing an angry, circular scar. "I was chosen. Or something like that. But my pack said women can't be chosen. So they burned it off.""A crescent mark?" I'd never heard of a woman receiving a mark from the goddess.She explained, "The mark of a protector. Ironic, isn't it, that I ended up discarded after it appeared.""I'm so sorry," I expressed my sympathy."It's better this way. I didn't need their nonsense. I'm happy here. I've found a home and a kind of family. Sure, people come and go, but some of us will never leave. We have each other's backs," she shared.Curiosity led me to inquire, "What about Tony? What's his story?"
"I didn't do anything in that regard; he was already asking around on your behalf," she said."Probably ready to be rid of me," I remarked.She shrugged nonchalantly. "Could be. But I heard he was trying to find you a cot, too. So, he must not be counting on you leaving too quickly.""Well, that's very kind of him," I said."He's got a nice guy streak. He just doesn't let it out often. Especially not around people he just met. You've made quite the impression on him," she said playfully.I responded with a hint of skepticism, "I'm not sure I like what you're insinuating.""You do know sex is normal, especially after a shift," she commented. "Plus, there's the whole perk of being a shifter and not having to worry abou
From my earliest memories, I recalled being told I'd never shift. That I was cursed, broken, no good. I'd been told it wasn't even possible before I ever tried. But that wasn't right. You couldn't try to shift. The first shift happened. It wasn't anything done on the part of the shifter."Why didn't I shift at the full moon like everyone else?" I asked, my voice tinged with frustration."Because you didn't want to," she said, her tone calm and matter-of-fact."Sure I did. If I could shift, I wouldn't have been so weak," I replied, my memories of those helpless moments haunting me. I would have given anything to be able to protect myself."You had a plan in place, didn't you?" she asked, her eyes keenly studying me."Yeah. I was going to run," I confesse
I trailed behind Megan as we ventured deeper into the woods, leaving the campsite and its tents far behind. It dawned on me that without her guidance, I'd have been utterly lost. Tony's warning about not making it to town was proving accurate. I had no sense of direction in this unfamiliar wilderness. Every direction appeared identical, an endless sea of trees.I halted in my tracks, pointing towards a small cabin nestled among the trees. "What's that? Are there humans living out here?"Megan chuckled softly. "Nah, that's Tony's place."I stared at the quaint cabin and wondered if Tony was inside at that very moment. What did he do all day as the non-alpha of this wild pack? And why did his home seem so isolated from the others?"Why does he live in a cabin while everyone else is in tents?
Something was definitely amiss here, but I couldn't determine if it had malicious intentions behind it. Regardless, I had no intention of going to Tony's cabin for a shower, even though the idea of one seemed heavenly right now. I was determined to find the lake on my own.I retraced my steps, following the path I had taken with Megan, but it didn't take long for me to realize that I was hopelessly lost without guidance. Damn it, why was I so terrible at navigation? My sense of direction left much to be desired.Finding the lake seemed like a lost cause, but I figured I could at least locate Danielle's tent. I turned around and managed to make my way back to camp, heading towards Danielle's tent. As I walked, I couldn't help but ponder the true nature of the situation I had gotten myself into.My mind was a jumbled mess as I weighed the limited information available, trying to assess the pros and cons. There was so much I didn't know about my newfound friends. Throughout my life, I had
I rose to my tiptoes, enveloping Billy in an embrace. "You’re going to be an amazing alpha."Returning the hug, he urged, "Be careful, okay?""You too," I replied before stepping back. "I’ll be in touch soon.""I’ll be okay," he assured me."I know you will," I said with certainty."You will too, you know. You were born for this," he smiled warmly. Our bond, forged through trials, felt unbreakable, a connection that would last a lifetime.Billy rejoined his pack, and I walked over to my waiting entourage. "Malcom, would you stay with Billy for a few days? Just so he has someone loyal here.""Of course," Malcom agreed. "Now, go. See your mom. Billy’s got this, but just in case, he’s got me."The drive back to the house felt endless. Conversation attempts failed, leaving us engulfed in a heavy silence. Most of us were too drained or overwhelmed to speak."She’s going to be fine," Tony reassured me, squeezing my hand from the backseat.I glanced at him, grateful that it was just us in th
The shifters surged forward, enveloping us in cheers and exuberant shouts. Billy was hoisted onto shoulders and paraded around the field. Amidst this whirlwind of jubilation, I felt a wave of relief, joy, and peace emanating from the gathered shifters.Billy was about to face a challenging task, but if anyone could lead Wolf Bay to its rightful place, it was him.The entire household buzzed with activity as preparations for the Solstice celebration reached their climax. The longest night coinciding with a full moon promised an epic party.As I readied myself to greet the guests, a surge of nerves accompanied my anticipation. Tony grasped my hand reassuringly. "You’re going to be great. Nothing bad is going to happen. This is what you’ve been working so hard for the last year."He was right, and his unwavering support had been invaluable. Together, we had strived to mend pack relations and lay the groundwork for positive change among the shifters.Tonight was pivotal. Our efforts to re
Ace’s gasps punctuated the silence, his wide eyes reflecting sheer terror. The punishment I had delivered was the ultimate blow. He thrived on adoration and the capacity to instill fear in others. Stripped of his position of power, he was left with nothing. Executing him would only grant him martyrdom.Murmurs rippled among the gathered shifters as the sentence resonated among the crowd. Gradually, those murmurs evolved into applause.Billy, taking a step forward, approached Ace. I wasn’t privy to their exchange, but Billy sought closure here too. Whispering something to Ace, he withdrew, a smile gracing his lips. Though Ace appeared enraged, he didn’t retaliate.It wasn’t my place to know; Billy, like me, suffered under Wolf Bay's rule. He may have made mistakes but always sought to balance the good amidst adversity. What potential might he have realized without the constant struggle to please Ace for his sister’s sake while trying to do the right thing?"Well, this wasn’t what I exp
Ace’s punishment warranted a unique approach. Death seemed too lenient, risking his transformation into a martyr. I wasn’t oblivious to the entrenched mindset of males accustomed to unchecked authority; they wouldn't simply yield to a female monarch. Rectifying the injustices demanded extensive effort.For every tale akin to mine, numerous others remained untold. Danielle and Clara had been unjustly divested of their positions bestowed by the Moon Goddess herself. How many others suffered at the hands of feeble men intent on preserving power?Ace would serve as an exemplar. Stripped of strength, divested of authority. I required his survival to serve as a cautionary symbol, illustrating what lay ahead, rather than providing grounds for shifters to rebel against me.His punishment wasn’t solely for his sexism but for exploiting all members of his pack. I needed clarity on that point.My guards halted, creating space between our contingent and the leaders of my former pack. Ace and his
The four of us strode through the grand double doors, prompting the council members to rise from their seats arranged along a long wooden table, adorned with a dozen chairs. At one end sat a conspicuously larger chair, set against the backdrop of a crackling fireplace casting a warm glow in the room. The floor boasted dark wood, accentuated by a regal red and gold rug. Above, chandeliers crafted from antlers lent a distinctive touch, deviating from the crystal fixtures I had seen elsewhere in the estate."Thank you for your patience," I addressed them, endeavoring to convey a sense of composure and authority."Of course, your highness," one of the men responded.I made my way to the larger seat and settled into it. The men gathered around the table, one side occupied by my family and the other by the four males constituting my predecessor’s council. It was an unconventional arrangement, but if Harold deemed it necessary to hear their counsel, I was willing to entertain their perspect
Breakfast with my friends felt familiar and safe. Danielle, Malcolm, and Billy had mostly waited to eat until we arrived. The guards stood outside the room, and at my instance, the staff was willing to leave the food and let us serve ourselves.To my friends’ credit, they all steered the topic of conversation toward random things that were unrelated to our current situation. It was as if they knew I needed a little break before I had to figure out how to do the job I’d committed to when I took down the old king.We ate till we were all stuffed and laughed at Malcolm’s stories about trying to learn how to fix a car and accidentally setting it on fire. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pictured Mario’s face. “I bet he never let you near his car again.”“Only if I’m trying to fix it. Driving I’m fine with. It’s when you give me tools that it causes an issue.”“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said.“Your highness,” a male voice said.I turned and saw one of my guards. Malaki, I think.He was
The group departed, leaving me surrounded by friends, guards, and a handful of staff. Turning my focus back to them, I reaffirmed, "For real, though. I keep my promises."An older woman with white hair nodded to her companions, affirming, "Told you Claire was telling the truth." She glanced at me. "If there's nothing more for us, we'll get back to work."I nodded in acknowledgment. "Find me if you need anything."With a smile, she guided the group away from me. As the extra people dispersed, I surveyed those who remained. The guards stood their ground, making this as private as it could get. My impatience surged—I needed answers. "Where's my mom? How's she doing?"Harold hesitated. "I'm not sure.""What do you mean? Weren't you with her last night?" I pressed."I was. She was in bad shape. Didn't even recognize me," he admitted, shaking his head.My chest tightened. "Where is she now?""Star's been with her all night," Malcom chimed in. "She prioritized helping your mom before the res
The other guards introduced themselves, a touch of ease evident in their demeanor. Spending ample time together, it felt comforting to begin to acquaint ourselves."James, Malaki, Ruben, and Cole," I acknowledged each, prompting smiles and nods in response."Shall we check in on the others?" I suggested."After you, Elisa," James replied.Summoning courage, I led the way. The ballroom burst with music, vibrant lights, and spirited revelry. Blue-uniformed shifters circulated trays of food while bartenders manned stations amid a dancing crowd.Amidst the party's vibrancy, I felt the fight's aftermath. Stiffness and soreness seeped in, reminders of the battle with my uncle.Making rounds among the guests, I sought a respite. James directed us to a guest suite, a refuge from the festivities.Stepping into the room, opulence surrounded me. A fireplace, plush furnishings, and lavish décor overwhelmed my senses. Wounded and exhausted, I yearned for solace.Stripping off my soiled clothes, I
His body tensed, signaling his intent, yet his position was flawed. Almost missed it, but my human side caught the subtle adjustment—he was about to feign an attack, aiming to turn my own game against me. I swiftly moved, anticipating his altered angle, and narrowly evaded his strike. Passing control to my wolf, she veered around, slashing her claws deep into his side as we darted past.His howls echoed, but my wolf pressed on, delivering another fierce blow to his face. The king, dazed and unprepared for our speed, struggled to match our agility. Each time he adjusted, we were there, ready to strike again with teeth or claws.Aware of our limitation in strength, we adopted a relentless and swift strategy, refraining from a power play or flashy moves. The king's wolf retaliated, pinning us a few times, yet we wriggled free, persistently attacking.Exhaustion began to slow us down, and the king, though limping, persisted. Unexpectedly, he charged, knocking my wolf down. The impact diso