Introduction

I can see it now in my memory, the precise moment that my world came crashing down. A moment where time seemed to slow down and come to a stop.

It all started when my ex boyfriend challenged my father.

Austin and I briefly dated when I was fifteen.

Not even a full year before I became caught in our high school’s sports teams and called it quits.

To say he was crushed was an understatement.

At the time pursuing a state championship with my teammates and best friend, Bailey seemed more important. Especially considering how entitled Austin was becoming as the son of our Alpha.

He just made the decision that much easier and proved me right when he immediately started dating one of my teammates.

Now, almost three years later his attitude has grown worse with each passing day. Pushing everyone’s boundaries, including my father who is the pack Beta.

With graduation under our belts, Bailey and I were ready for a summer of fun before our required year of Pack Training began. I can still see it now, throwing our caps in the air with dramatic flare while our moms take photos.

That’s when I noticed it. My father suddenly stiffened. I turned to look in the direction he was facing. Stalking over with a smirk on his face and Ashley (his current girlfriend) under one arm, was Austin. The strong smell of alcohol coming off him could make anyone in a ten foot radius drunk, even for a werewolf.

He cackled looking at my father, “Old man, you look like your time is almost up.”

“Austin, I think your mother is looking for you,” my mother cuts in trying to direct the drunken fool somewhere else.

Not taking the hint, he looked my father up and down then chuckled again to himself. Something seemed very off today, even for his usual antics.

“Austin, you seem like there’s something on your mind son,” my father says hiding his annoyance.

Without hesitation, thanks to the alcohol flowing through his system he states, “Beta Daniel, this full moon I challenge you to defend your title.”

A loud gasp escaped my mother’s lips, “Daniel, he didn’t mean it he’s clearly intoxicated!”

Silence fell around us as the conversation had drawn an audience. My father came from a long line of Betas and had already earned his title in the usual way by defeating his father in combat. Not to mention he had stood by Alpha Atticus (Austin’s father) through countless pack wars through the years. The last one that claimed Alpha Atticus’ life left my father with a blown-out shoulder and an ankle that did not heal properly giving him a slight limp. He gave his all for his Alpha and I know he would until my brother came of age for the title.

Calling him out like this was a challenge coated in disrespect no wolf could ignore. Not even my level-headed father would be able to step away without being viewed as weak. It is the pack way. That did not mean though that the pack agreed with it. Our pack valued and respected loyalty. Two things Austin clearly did not see as valuable.

“Son, I have been avoiding this as long as possible but if you insist I will accept your challenge.” My fathers words came out strong but I could feel his concern.

“It’s about time we start some new traditions around here. Meet me in the pack house tomorrow and we will discuss the terms,” Austin shrugged and walked off leaving what should have been a beautiful moment for our family in pieces.