(Emily's POV) As the sun began to set, the pack gathered in the large open courtyard where the Luna Ceremony was to take place. The courtyard, bordered by tall trees, was beautifully decorated with garlands of flowers and glowing lanterns. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the air thick with the scent of pine and fresh earth. Tonight was a night of celebration, a night where Alpha Rollins would formally acknowledge Cassandra as his Luna. I was given a simple but elegant dress for the ceremony, made of deep green silk that shimmered slightly in the fading light. The color was chosen to represent the pack’s connection to the forest and the earth, and as I slipped into the dress, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging, despite everything. I joined the crowd, careful to keep to the edges, not wanting to draw attention to myself. The pack members were dressed in their finest, the men in tailored suits, and the women in flowing gowns. Everyone was talking in hushed ton
(Emily's POV) The celebration was in full swing, with the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking glasses filling the air. I stood on the outskirts, watching the pack members as they danced and mingled, feeling like an outsider in the midst of it all. My thoughts were elsewhere, lost in the swirl of confusion that had become my constant companion since arriving here. “Emily,” a voice called softly, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see Liam approaching, his expression warm but tinged with concern. He moved with the easy grace of someone who was used to commanding attention, yet there was something gentle in his demeanor that set him apart from the others. His eyes, a soft shade of brown, were kind as they met mine. “Liam,” I greeted him, managing a small smile. “Enjoying the celebration?” He gave a half-smile, glancing over at the lively crowd before returning his gaze to me. “I suppose so. It’s a big night for the pack.” I nodded, though I couldn’t quite share in hi
(Emily's POV) I stopped, waiting as he closed the distance between us. My heart pounded in my chest, not from fear, but from the intense curiosity and confusion that his presence always seemed to stir within me. “Alpha Rollins,” I greeted him, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. “Is something wrong?” He stopped a few feet away, his eyes fixed on mine. There was an intensity in his gaze that made it hard to look away, as if he was searching for something—answers, maybe, or understanding. “No,” he replied after a moment, though his tone was heavy, laden with unspoken thoughts. “Nothing is wrong, exactly. I just… I needed a break from the crowd.” I nodded, understanding all too well. “It’s a big night. A lot of pressure.” He let out a humorless chuckle. “That’s one way to put it.” For a moment, we just stood there in silence, the tension between us thickening with every passing second. I wasn’t sure what to say, or if I should say anything at all. T
I opened my eyes, hoping to see some sign that the shift was starting, but all I felt was the same crushing disappointment that had plagued me every time before. Around me, the sound of bones cracking filled the air as the others began their transformation. I watched as their bodies twisted and changed, fur sprouting, limbs elongating as they shifted into their wolf forms. But I remained the same. Human. Helpless. A murmur spread through the crowd as the other wolves noticed me standing there, untransformed. Whispers filled the air, growing louder and more accusatory. I could feel the weight of their stares, the judgment, the disbelief. My heart sank as the reality of the situation settled over me like a heavy fog. “What’s the matter, Emily?” a voice called out from the center of the gathering. Cassandra. She stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with something cruel. “Having trouble? Or maybe…” She paused, her lips curling into a mocking sm
Mia’s expression softened, and she guided me over to the couch, sitting down beside me. “You don’t have to figure everything out right now,” she said gently. “Just take it one day at a time. And remember, I’m here for you. No matter what happens, you’re not alone.”Her words offered a small flicker of comfort, but the despair still lingered, a heavy weight that refused to lift. I leaned back against the couch, closing my eyes as I tried to steady my breathing. “Thank you, Mia,” I whispered, grateful for her support even if I couldn’t fully accept it right now.She stayed with me for a while, talking softly about anything and everything to distract me from my thoughts. It helped, at least a little, to have someone there who cared. But as the night wore on and Mia eventually left, promising to check on me the next day, I was once again left alone with my thoughts. The days that followed were a blur of whispered conversations and stolen glances. The humiliat
The realization hit me like a lightning bolt, and for a moment, I just stood there, dazed and awestruck by what had just happened. The wolf inside me, my wolf stirred, and I felt a deep connection, a bond that I had never known was possible. It was like finding a part of myself that I had been searching for all my life. I took a tentative step forward, then another, getting used to the feel of my new form. The world seemed different, more vibrant and alive. I could hear every rustle of leaves, every distant call of an owl. I could smell the damp earth, the crisp night air, and something else, something that was uniquely mine. I began to run, my movements fluid and natural as if I had been doing this my whole life. The exhilaration was overwhelming, a sense of freedom and power that I had never imagined. The wind rushed past me, carrying away all the fear and doubt that had plagued me for so long. For the first time in my life, I felt whol
After breakfast, I found myself standing outside the Alpha's quarters, my heart pounding in my chest. The events of the morning had left me on edge, and now, as I waited for Rollins, the tension coiled tighter inside me. I couldn't stop replaying his words in my mind, wondering what he could possibly want to discuss. The door opened, and Rollins stepped out, his expression unreadable. He motioned for me to follow him without a word, and I trailed behind as he led me through the hallways of the pack house. The silence between us was thick, heavy with unsaid questions. Finally, we reached a small, private room, and he gestured for me to enter. The room was well furnished, with a large wooden desk, a few chairs, and a single window that let in the soft morning light. Rollins closed the door behind us, and the sound of it clicking shut echoed in the quiet space. He stood across from me, his gaze piercing as he studied me, and I couldn't help but feel exposed under his scrutiny. After
Emily's POVThe rogue’s grip tightened painfully on my arm, and his sneer grew wider as he leaned closer. “What’s the hurry, little wolf? There’s no need to be shy.” His voice was a mixture of mockery and menace. He brought his hand up, tracing a finger down my cheek, and I recoiled, but he only tightened his hold. I tried to pull away, but he was stronger than me. His fingers trailed lower, across my neck, and then down to my chest. Panic and disgust churned inside me as his touch became bolder, lingering over my breast. “You’re a pretty one, aren’t you? I bet you’d be fun to break in,” he murmured, his breath hot and vile against my ear. My skin crawled, and anger surged through me, mixing with the fear. I struggled against his grip, trying to push him away, but he only laughed, amused by my attempts. “Feisty. I like that,” he said, his voice thick with twisted excitement. I could barely think, my mind clouded with fear and rage. The rogue’s hand moved lower, and I lashed out, k