CHAPTER 2

I suddenly woke up feeling my heart racing in my chest. It took me a moment to remember why I was feeling so excited and anxious.... Then it dawned on me.. Ah yes, today is my 16th birthday!

Usually, I'd already be up, preparing breakfast for the pack. But today was different.

I quietly left my room. Headed towards the stream. Despite the water being cold, I didn't mind it as I washed myself, trying to cleanse myself of the memories from the past few years. As I was doing my thing in the water, I couldn't stop daydreaming about what could go down later. Would I find my mate? Would it be someone kind? Someone who would protect me from the cruelties I've endured?

“Please, Moon Goddess,” I whispered to the lightning sky. “Let today be the day everything changes.”

Back at the pack house, I snuck into the kitchen. For once, I wasn't there to cook for others. Today, I would make something special for myself. It was a small rebellion, using packed resources for my meal, but it was my birthday. I deserved this tiny luxury.

As I was making my breakfast, which was a bunch of pancakes drizzled with honey, Luna Sarah just barged in. I froze, waiting for the reprimand, and punishment for my selfishness.

But Luna Sarah merely looked at me, her lips pursed in displeasure. “I see you've remembered your birthday,” she said coldly. “Don't forget your duties before the ceremony. The pack doesn't stop functioning just because you're turning sixteen.”

I nodded quickly. “Yes, Luna Sarah. I'll get right on it after I eat.”

She gave a sniff. Chose to remain silent as she walked away. I breathed out deeply feeling a sense of wash over me without noticing I had been holding my breath.

I savored each bite of my pancakes letting myself fully appreciate the moment.. Then, I got to work on my chores. I moved quickly, my mind constantly drifting to the upcoming ceremony.

When I finally returned to my room to get ready, I found something unexpected waiting for me. Laid out on my bed was a dress – simple, but pretty. It was a blue dress with white heels, and it was my size. There was no note, I just stared, hardly believing it was for me.

With trembling hands, I picked the dress. The material was softer, way nicer than any outfit I'd had on in forever. I put it on and turned around to check myself out in the mirror.

The girl I saw in the mirror was… not the same. That dress was hugging my body tight, unlike the old baggy stuff I usually wear. And you know what? For the first time in forever, I felt… pretty.

For a moment, I allowed myself to feel beautiful, to feel hopeful. Maybe tonight, someone would look at me and see more than just the pack omega.

From my window, I could see pack members running around the main clearing area, getting everything ready for the ceremony. The vibe was electric like everyone was buzzing with excitement. I wanted to join and lend a hand, but I had a hunch that if I did, I'd just get the cold shoulder.

Then, out of the blue, Beta Marcus popped up, looking at me like I'd just suggested wearing a tutu to a wolf pack gathering. “Don't even think about messing with the setup,” he grumbled, “Make yourself scarce until the ceremony starts.”

I nodded meekly, shrinking back from his intimidating presence. As he stomped away, I felt my earlier joy deflating. What was I thinking? Dress or no dress, I was still just the omega. Tonight won't be any different.

Feeling the need for some peace of mind, I quietly made my way to the spot in the forest.

I found myself kneeling at the heart of the clearing, closing my eyes and inhaling deeply. “Mom, Dad” I whispered, “I wish you were here, with me. I'm feeling anxious.” I'm freaking out. What if I don't find my mate? What if I do, and they reject me like everyone else?

The gentle breeze moved the leaves on the trees. It reminded me of my parents, as if they were sending me a soothing embrace, from above, like a tender touch. 

As I made my way back to the pack house, Alpha Dominic's imposing voice rang out. “Aurora! My office, now.”

Swallowing hard, I hurried to obey. The Alpha's office was intimidating, all dark wood and trophies from hunts. Alpha Dominic himself was even more imposing, his muscular frame dwarfing me as I stood before his desk.

“You understand the importance of tonight's ceremony?” he asked, his voice gruff.

I nodded quickly. “Yes, Alpha.”

“Good. Because I expect you to be on your best behavior. No embarrassing the pack, understand? You find your mate, and you accept them graciously, regardless of who it is. And if you don't find your mate, you keep quiet and don't make a scene. Are we clear?”

"Yes, Alpha," I replied softly.

He waved a hand to send me away, and I left his office.

As evening came on I joined the other wolves. We grouped together, excited mass. I stood outside, a little coldly, but even I could not help being carried away a little with the excitement.

Alpha Dominic called for silence, and the clearing fell quiet. He began to speak about the significance of finding one's true mate, about the strength it brought not just to the couple but to the entire pack. I listened intently, my heart racing. This was it. This was my chance for everything to change.

Following tradition, those of us hoping to find our mates formed a circle in the center of the clearing. Older unmated pack members created rings around us. The air felt charged, almost electric with possibility.

Alpha Dominic raised his hands to the sky. “Great Moon Goddess,” he intoned, “we ask for your blessing this night. Guide these young wolves to their true mates, strengthen our pack with these sacred bonds.”

When he talked, I felt a sensation as if something within me was stirring. It began in my chest, creating a sense of warmth and comfort before enveloping my being.

Around me, people began to move. Some were drawn to each other immediately, the mate bond snapping into place with almost audible force. Others wandered, following the pull of their wolves.

I stood frozen, overwhelmed by the energy zipping through me. What if I didn't feel a single thing? What if no one was drawn to me?

And then… I felt it. A pull, so strong it was almost painful. I turned, my body moving of its accord, and found myself face to face with Asher, the future alpha.

Time seemed to stop. The noise of the ceremony faded away, Asher's eyes, a warm honey brown, widened in surprise and recognition.

This can't be happening. Asher, the strongest, most respected young wolf in the pack, couldn't possibly be my mate.

I heard all the gasps and whispers going around the room. I looked around, and I saw Beta Marcus and Gamma Tyler giving each other worried looks… Luna Sarah's face was a mask of fury and disbelief.

But none of that mattered. All that existed was Asher and me, and the incredible, terrifying connection between us.

Asher reached out, his hand trembling. When our fingers touched, it was like a jolt of electricity. I gasped, and saw my shock mirrored in Asher's eyes.

“Silence!” Alpha Dominic's voice cut through the growing commotion. Everyone fell quiet, all eyes on us. “It appears,” the Alpha continued, his voice a mix of surprise and resignation, “that we have witnessed the form of a particularly significant mate bond. My son, Asher, future alpha of the Clearwater Pack, has found his true mate in Aurora Nightshade.”

This changed everything. I was no longer just the omega – I was the future Luna.