Chapter 2

Serenity Age: 18

My friends and I sat on the cliff, watching the sunset. The orange-red hues light up the night sky. When I looked at the sunset, I felt at peace. There was something about it that was soothing.

We lay gazing at the night sky. “Has your wolf spoken to you yet, Smurf?” Corey spoke, breaking the tranquility.

“No, my parents believe that I'm a late bloomer, and she might come on my birthday.” I let out a deep sigh.

It has been nerve-racking knowing all my friends can converse with their wolves, and I haven't heard from mine.

“I guess we get to meet her tomorrow at the Grand Celebration. Your mom throws the best parties. Our graduation party was epic. She didn't hold back any punches.” Camila's bubbly self giggles.

“Yeah, I'd rather she be late than not at all. I'm a freak as it is."

“You are not a freak; you are special! Stop doubting yourself. Now, please make me an animal. It's finally dark enough for me to see them.” Camila responded.

I shook my head at her demand and shut my eyes. I channeled the heat in my body to my palms and summoned my fire magic. I imagined my first creature and snapped my fingers, returning my gaze to the sky to see a red dolphin jumping through ripples. They watch the fiery show as it comes to mind. Sitting up abruptly, I heard a noise in the distance. It almost sounded like a gasp.

“What's wrong?” Camila mumbled.

“I heard somebody.” Looking around at the tree line and listening for breathing.

The guys stood up and checked behind the nearby trees.

“Serenity, turn your eyes back to gray, just in case,” Camila directed.

Following her suggestion, I immediately regained control. I would hate for a pack member to discover my well-hidden secret. The stories I have heard about The Elders were not pleasant.

"Maybe it was an animal. I don't hear or see anything.” Corey called back to us.

The guys laid back on the ground, talking amongst themselves. Camila and I played connect the dots with stars until we nodded off.

The sound of the birds chirping woke me up from my peaceful slumber. Stretching my limbs and cracking my back, I sat up to see that my friends were nowhere to be found. Checking the tents, they were huddled together, speaking quietly.

“What are y'all doing?” I snuck up behind them.

They screamed at the same time, "Get out; your present is not ready.” Camila shoved me out of the tent.

In my tent, I packed our necessities to travel back home for my party. I wished last night would never end. I had a bad feeling that tonight was going to go badly. There is still no sign of my wolf. Once the tent was all packed up, my friends stood outside, holding an orange box.

“Happy Birthday!” They shout in unison.

I took the box out of their hands and shook it lightly. Opening up a lid to find a scrapbook. It had our memories from the past 4 years. On the cover were us in our cap and gown on graduation, with the caption “Friends til the End." My eyes were welled with tears of joy. This was the most thoughtful gift.

“Thank you, guys,” grabbed them in a group hug.

“Wolf or no wolf, you will always be our friend. Don't forget, we are going to the same university this fall.” Camila kissed me on the cheek.

“Even as Gamma, I will never turn my back on you. I love you, Smurf.” Corey kissed the top of my head.

Their words of encouragement brightened my day.

At home, getting ready for my party, I selected a glittery gold tube top with flare pants to match. I did a sleek ponytail with a braid down to the middle of my back and added a few faux lashes. I look stunning.

“Happy Birthday, baby girl, you really outdid yourself today. You look amazing.” My mom gave me a small box, and inside was a car key. Running to the front door, my dad was polishing up my new car.

“Go pick up your friends, meet us at the party, and be on time. You are not too old to be punished.” My dad laughed while closing the car door.

I rounded up all my friends and drove to the city. They were chatting nonstop and singing to the music. The venue was in the heart of the city, on neutral territory. My mom had invited so many pack members and hoped for me to find my mate tonight.

The party was amazing; my mom had a live band playing at the venue she rented out for the evening, and the food was catered by Embermoon Steakhouse.

Just before midnight, we returned to Shadow Pack. Alpha Kevin and Beta Rich were waiting for me at the training ground to witness my first shift under the moonlight.

I strip down to my strapless bra and boy shorts, waiting for the clock to strike midnight. In my peripheral vision, I see my friends sneaking into the training ground and giving me a thumbs-up.

The clock struck midnight, and nothing transpired. Glancing at the clock once again and still nothing. Shuffling from foot to foot and twiddling my fingers. A layer of sweat formed on my face when Alpha Kevin got out of his seat and headed my way. The closer he got, the clearer I saw a scowl on his face. He was beyond pissed off.

“She’s woofless." Alpha Kevin roared. His aura poured into the entire arena, bringing all of us to our knees. “Have Serenity tested at the pack hospital for the wolf gene?” He commanded.

“She’s not a wolf.” Debbie's snobby voice came from behind the bleachers, holding her phone. Sending daggers my way, I know what she has to say wasn't good. When she handed Alpha Kevin her phone, my heart stopped. I knew it was her last night in the woods.

Alpha Kevin held the phone, strolling through the screen. “Send her to the dungeon instead.” He commanded Beta Rich.

My stomach dropped at his orders.