Chapter 1

The Blue Mountain Pack had always been home for Zoe Reed. With towering pines stretching toward the sky and the scent of fresh earth filling the air, she felt safe here. But as the sun dipped behind the horizon, her excitement grew because tomorrow, everything would change.

Zoe’s heartbeat quickened as she jogged up the dirt path toward her house. Tomorrow is her eighteen birthday, and she’ll finally experience her first shift. Her wolf will be awaken, and she’ll run with her family for the first time.

As she approached the house, the familiar sight of their cozy wooden cottage came into view. Smoke rose from the chimney, carrying the scent of roasted chicken and herbs. She slowed her pace, grinning at the thought of a big family dinner—the last one she’d have as just Zoe.

“Zoe!” Her mother, standing on the porch with her hands on her hips, smiled as Zoe reached the steps. “You’re cutting it close. Dinner’s almost ready. You know how your brother gets if we start late.”

“Yeah, he turns into a bottomless pit,” Zoe teased, wiping sweat from her brow.

Her mother laughed. “Better hurry, or there won’t be any food left.”

Zoe stepped into the house, greeted by the warm, rich smell of dinner. Her father and younger brother, Ethan, were already at the table. Ethan had his hand halfway to a plate of roasted vegetables when Zoe walked in.

“Are you serious?” Zoe shot him a look. “You can’t wait five minutes?”

Ethan shrugged, stuffing a carrot in his mouth. “I’m a growing boy.”

Zoe rolled her eyes. “You’re a greedy boy.”

Her father, sitting at the head of the table, laughed. “He’s just excited. Tomorrow, you’ll have the appetite of a wolf too, Zoe. Better enjoy these calm meals while you can.”

Ethan grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “You’re gonna be just like me. Always hungry. Welcome to the club.”

Zoe raised an eyebrow. “I highly doubt I’ll turn into a food vacuum like you.”

“Just wait,” Ethan said, wagging his finger. “Once you shift, you’ll be raiding the fridge at 3 a.m., eating everything in sight, even Dad’s secret chocolate stash.”

Their father shot Ethan a mock-glare. “You’re lucky your mom and I love you, or you’d be finding your own dinner.”

“Isn’t that what hunting’s for?” Ethan grinned, then quickly ducked as their father playfully tossed a napkin at him.

“Alright, alright,” Zoe’s mother interjected with a laugh, bringing the chicken to the table. “Before you all start a food fight, let’s eat. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

They settled down, and as they ate, Zoe felt a warm sense of belonging. Her family, with all their jokes and teasing, was her anchor. Tomorrow would change a lot, but she knew they’d be with her every step of the way.

Later that night, Zoe lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The moonlight streamed in through the window, bathing her room in a soft glow. Tomorrow, she would turn sixteen, and her whole life would shift—literally.

She sighed, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach. She had heard stories about the first shift from other pack members. It was supposed to hurt—a lot—but the thrill of running free as a wolf would make it all worth it. Still, a small part of her couldn’t help but feel nervous.

Zoe closed her eyes and tried to relax, but sleep wouldn’t come.

“Zoe...”

Her eyes snapped open. The voice was soft, almost a whisper in her mind, but it was there.

“Zoe...”

Her heart skipped a beat. This time she knew she wasn’t imagining it.

“Who... who are you?” she asked, her voice barely more than a thought.

“You already know.”

Zoe sat up in bed, her pulse quickening. It was her wolf. She could feel it. Nila.

“It’s you,” Zoe whispered, the realization sinking in. The voice was warm and calm, wrapping around her like a protective embrace. “Yes. I’ve been waiting, just like you.”

Zoe’s excitement bubbled to the surface. “I can’t believe this is happening. Tomorrow, we’ll finally meet.”

“We’ve always been together,” Nila said softly. “But tomorrow, you’ll see me. You’ll feel me. And I’ll be there to guide you.”

Zoe closed her eyes, trying to focus on the connection. “Will it hurt? The first shift, I mean.”

“Yes,” Nila replied honestly, “but only for a moment. After that, you’ll feel stronger than you ever have. The pain will pass, and we’ll be one. You’ll run faster, see clearer, and you’ll never be alone.”

Zoe felt a warmth spread through her chest, easing her nerves. “I’m ready,” she whispered, more to herself than to Nila.

“I know you are. And I’ll be here, every step of the way.”

Zoe smiled, feeling the bond between them strengthen, even if they hadn’t fully merged yet. For the first time since her birthday loomed, she felt at peace. “Thank you,” she thought, her mind finally relaxing.

“Goodnight, Zoe. Tomorrow, we begin.”

With those final words from Nila, Zoe’s eyelids grew heavy, and she finally drifted off into a deep, restful sleep, knowing that tomorrow, everything would change.