CHAPTER ONE: Darker Side of the Moon

ALLISON.

I took a deep breath while I stood in the middle of the crowd, feeling the gust of wind and listening to the loud cheers of the people around me. Their voices thundered across the field as my opponent advanced towards me, her razor-sharp claws ready to tear me apart.

“Not today, Vanessa,” I muttered calmly as I open my eyes and easily dodged her attack.

“Damn it!” she exclaimed in apparent frustration when I swiftly slid behind her and landed a powerful kick on her back, enough to send her rolling to the ground while howling in pain.

“That’s my girl, Allison!” Emily proudly cheered, along with our other pack mates who had been watching the match.

Vanessa coughed blood, her claws retracting as she reverted to her human form. Tears well in her eyes while lying on the ground and unable to move a muscle from the excruciating pain.

My bad, I think may have overdone it. Looks like I almost snapped her spine or something.

“Vanessa can’t get up. That means, Allison is the winner! Better luck next time, Vanessa,” Quinn grabbed my hand and raised it in the air, officially ending the match and proclaiming me as the winner.

“That was quick,” I chuckled.

“Tsk. I’ll get ya next time, Allison. You’re not gonna keep winning forever,” Vanessa hissed when she finally managed to stand up after her humiliating defeat.

“Yeah, right. That was a quick 3-minute win. Maybe, you would stand a better chance if you could last for at least 5 minutes next time,” I chided, smirking.

Vanessa’s face flushed in crimson, her teeth gritting in sheer annoyance. Oops, looks like I’ve hit a nerve.

This isn’t the first time that Vanessa asked me for a duel. Heck, she’s not even the first person to do this. For some reason, ever since Quinn has given me a place in the council as her Gamma, things turned shittier for me. Some people thought I didn’t deserve the honor of holding this position, so they always found ways to take it from me. Quinn is the Alpha of Flower Moon Pack and her words are absolute, so they couldn’t just bitch around and complain in front of her to have me removed. The only way to strip me of my title is through an official duel. If they beat me, then they could have my rank and title.

But here I am, undefeated even after my 25th duel. They’re not gonna take me down easily. I am my father’s daughter, after all.

“Don’t be full of yourself, Allison. You think you’re cool because you won again?” Vanessa spat.

“Uh… yeah?”

“Tsk. The only thing you’re good at is being barbaric and sadistic. That’s probably the reason why you haven’t found a mate at 24!” she mocked. “Honestly, I’m not shocked. I guess even the moon goddess thought you weren’t decent enough to get paired with anyone. You’re going to be alone forever, Allison.”

“You bitch—"

“Enough!” Quinn marched in between and stopped another brewing fight. Vanessa threw me one final condescending look before turning around and backing away.

I would’ve gone after Vanessa and probably snap her spine for good but Quinn firmly held my shoulder, as if she was ready to break my bones if I didn’t contain my rage.

“Show’s over, folks. Now, scram off,” Quinn barked at the other spectators to which they immediately followed. Now, there’s only me, Quinn, and Emily at the field. Quinn heaved a sigh and finally released my shoulder from her ironclad grasp.

“Don’t take Vanessa too seriously, Allison. She’s just bitter that she lost to you for the third time. Girl can’t even last for three minutes without getting flung in the air,” Emily said while stroking my back for comfort.

“Vanessa is a bitch, but I have to admit, she might have a point…” I sighed and shook my head. “Her words stung because, well, she’s not entirely wrong. I’ve won every duel, but I’m still here, mateless and feeling like a permanent loser.”

Quinn gave me a reassuring look. “Hey, you’re not going to be mateless forever, Alli.”

“I don’t know, Quinn. Almost every she-wolf in our pack has found their mate, and I’m just here, still waiting. Do you think I did something to seriously annoy the moon goddess? Like, did I accidentally step on her sacred garden gnome or something?”

“To be honest, you do have a talent for getting under my skin,” Quinn chuckled. “But I don’t think it’s enough to get you cursed with eternal singlehood.”

“Great, I guess my mate is just fond of playing hide and seek from me.” I rolled my eyes and sighed.

“Alli, you may have yet to find a mate but that doesn’t mean you’re a total loser. You’re still an asset to this pack. You’re my Gamma and you’ll always be one of the strongest here.”

Emily nodded her head and threw her arm around my shoulders and smiled. “You can’t let Vanessa’s little meltdown ruin your day, Alli. You’ve got to shake off the bad vibes.”

“Exactly! It’s the last night of the Super Flower Blood Moon Festival. Time to enjoy yourself. Who knows? Maybe your mate is out there, waiting for you to trip over him on the dance floor.” Quinn smirked and wiggled her eyebrows.

I blew a frustrated breath and crossed my arms. "Isn’t there a more exciting way to spend the night, like, I dunno, napping?"

“Come on, Allison. You can’t spend the night napping. The festival’s got music, dancing, and probably a lot of questionable fashion choices. It’s a spectacle you can’t miss!” Quinn urged. “And you know that this festival is the biggest Lycan party—it only happens once every ten years! Tonight’s the Howling Moon when the true beauty of the moon finally shines through,” she added enthusiastically.

“Yeah, this is the last night of the festival. You can’t miss the Howling Moon. It’s like the grand finale of a fireworks show, but more beautiful and lots of howling,” Emily chimed in, sounding even more excited.

If they weren’t the Alpha and Beta of this pack, you’d think that they were just ordinary party girls. By the looks of it, these two won’t stop pestering me until I go with them. Worse, they’d probably just drag my ass out there.

“Fine,” I surrendered.

They exchanged a triumphant high-five before grabbing me in both arms and dragging me to Quinn’s house to get me all dolled up. Well, looks like we’re off to the Lunar Valley tonight.

--

The Lunar Valley is brimming with werewolves from every part of the country—and all from different packs. Now, that’s not something you see every day. Werewolf packs don’t usually mix with each other unless there’s a war or a party. Luckily, it’s the latter this time.

The usual serene expanse of grassy plains has been transformed into a rave paradise for lycans. Lanterns hung from every tree, casting a warm glow over makeshift bars and dance floors. Cottages dotted the valley like little inns and A DJ werewolf was spinning energetic beats that had the crowd in a frenzy.

These people know how to party, alright.

The cool night air was refreshing against my skin as I took in the spectacle of frantic werewolves who seemed to be having the best night of their lives.

“Who wants to get started with some drinks?” Emily offered while holding a tray of liquors.

“Gimme that.” I eagerly grabbed the strongest one she offered. I was determined to drown my worries in alcohol.

“Easy, girl. We the night is still young,” Quinn preached.

“Come on, this is the only way I could enjoy this party!” I complained and emptied another glass.

As I downed myself glass after glass, the bustling energy of the festival seemed to fade into the background. Emily joined her mate on the dance floor, probably to dance and make out. Who knows? Quinn, on the other hand, was off chatting with acquaintances, leaving me alone at the table. This is better. I wanted some time to enjoy being alone and get used to it. Because it seems to me that I’m bound to be alone forever, anyway.

A sigh escapes my lips as I stare at my reflection through the glass I just emptied. Being mateless feels like punishment for any werewolf. It’s an endless feeling of loneliness as if there’s a void inside your chest that you cannot fill.

It feels like you’re missing a part of yourself and you have to spend all your life trying to find that piece, only to fail time and time again. Because the only way you could ever fill that hole is once you find your other half, your mate.

Without a mate, a werewolf is just… incomplete.

I was in the middle of chugging yet another drink when a low, sultry voice tickled my ear. “You look like you could use a little distraction there, miss…” his hot breath strokes my nape, making me turn my head. Standing there was a drop-dead gorgeous guy with tanned skin, silver eyes, and jet-black hair. His smile was as smooth as his approach.

He’s hot, alright.

“Uh, who are you?”

“Just a man trying to party. I couldn’t help but notice you’re alone. Mind if I join?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Not really.”

He chuckled, clearly amused by my response. “I like a girl with a bit of fire.”

“Sorry, but my plans are clear tonight: keep drinking until I pass out. So excuse me while I go get more drinks.”

“Let me buy you some drinks, then,” he urged.

“No, thanks. I can buy my own.”

I stood up and headed toward the bar counter, hoping for more alcohol. The bartender caught my eye—blonde hair, blue eyes, and a smile that could melt hearts. Is it just me or is this place filled with handsome men?

The bartender greeted me with a charming grin. “What can I get for you?”

“Something strong enough to make me enjoy the night without burning my tongue,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

He laughed, clearly entertained. “I’ve got just the thing. Try my signature cocktail, I call it the ‘Lunar Bliss.’”

“Sounds fancy. Gimme that.”

“Coming right up, milady!” He winked at me and proceeded to whip his special cocktail.

He spun the shaker with smooth, practiced movements, his hands a blur of motion. I couldn’t help but raise my eyebrows in awe as I watched his bartending skills.

Damn, he’s pretty good with his hands.

With a final, dramatic twist, he poured the golden concoction into a glass, the liquid catching the light and shimmering enticingly. Smiling, he slid the drink across the counter.

“Have a sip and tell me if you like it. I’ll make you another one if it’s not to your liking.”

You don’t have to tell me twice. I took the cocktail from him and chugged it straight down. The bartender whistled as he watched me drain his special drink in one swift gulp.

“Someone’s thirsty…” Blondie chuckled.

“And now, I want another one,” I demanded after I cleaned it down to its last drop.

“You just down that cocktail like it was water and now you’re asking for seconds?” the guy beside me spoke, his lips curved into an amused smirk. He looked dashing with his black hair and monolid eyes behind a pair of glasses. I didn’t even notice that he has been watching me gulp that cocktail down.

“I guess I’m just trying to keep up with the festivities,” I said, giving him a playful grin. “Besides, what’s a party without a bit of booze?”

He chuckled, leaning in a bit. “You’re bold, I’ll give you that. But have you considered that the Howling Moon might make this night... more intense? Especially for you.”

I waved my hand at him dismissively. “We’re werewolves. Alcohols are as good as water to us.”

“Have you forgotten? The Howling Moon heightens everything. Senses, instincts, and apparently, even the taste of alcohol in your tongue. You’re bound to get drunk tonight, missy.”

“Okay, nerd,” I fired back, not caring a bit even if I get drunk tonight. I mean, that’s the goal, right?

The bartender burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the banter. I grabbed another drink and headed back toward the dance floor, ready to see what else the last day of this festival had in store.

I grabbed another drink and headed back toward the dance floor, feeling a bit more confident with each step. The festival was in full swing—werewolves from all packs were mingling, dancing, and letting loose under the glow of the Howling Moon. As I moved through the crowd, I stumbled upon a man with neck-length brunette hair and piercing green eyes, his bad-boy charm practically radiating from him.

Another hottie. I’m convinced that the Howling Night is just an excuse to gather all the handsome werewolves in one place.

He leaned against a nearby tree, his gaze fixed on me with a knowing smirk. I know that look. He’s interested.

I equaled his intense gaze and walked towards him. He straightened up and offered a casual nod. “Hey there, seems like you’re making the most of the night.”

I gave him a lazy grin, taking a sip of my drink. “Yeah, just trying to enjoy the party. You?”

“Just taking it all in,” he replied smoothly, pushing off from the tree. “Need a hand with that drink or are you planning to go it alone?”

Before I could respond, another figure appeared beside us—a platinum-blonde man with striking amber eyes and an effortlessly charming demeanor. He had an air of confidence that was hard to ignore.

This man just sealed the night. It’s official: this festival is a place for eye candies.

“Seems like there’s a lively conversation happening here,” he said with a smooth smile. “Mind if I join in?”

I glanced at him and raised my glass. “As long as you have something fun to offer.”

He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Looks like you’re looking to be entertained tonight.

I cleared my throat and emptied the glass that I was holding. For some reason, I’m starting to get even more thirsty.

“Well, what do you have in mind to keep me entertained?” I asked.

The brunette raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at his lips. “How about a friendly competition? Let’s see who can get you to smile the most tonight.”

The platinum-blonde nodded, leaning in with a charming grin. “Or maybe we just keep it simple and see who can make your night unforgettable.”

While they banter around, I could feel my body slowly burning up, as if someone lit a match inside of me and set it aflame. A strange, tingling sensation spread throughout my body. I felt feverish and itchy… and every part of me wanted to ease it.

What is happening to me?

The man with platinum-blonde hair turns to me, his expression worried when he noticed my agitation. “You look flushed. Are you okay?”

Before I could answer, the crowd erupted in cheers, drawing my attention to the sky. The Super Flower Blood Moon was finally making its grand appearance, its pinkish glow casting an enchanting hue over the entire lunar valley. The festival’s energy seemed to surge, and I felt a sudden wave of heat flood through me.

Shit. Why do I feel so… hot?

I tried to brush it off, but the heat only intensified, leaving me feeling unsettled and strangely… horny. My breath catches in my throat and it felt as if my body is craving for a man’s touch.

Oh, no… I think I’m in heat! Damn. Why does it have to happen now of all time?

I glanced back at the two men, who were now staring at me with eyes that glowed molten gold. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

A pair of golden eyes… there is only one type of werewolf who has that kind of eyes… ALPHAS!

These men are Alphas!

The brunette stepped closer, his gaze intense as he inhaled deeply, his eyes fluttering closed momentarily. “You smell... so sweet,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. Something about the way he whispered to my ear sent shivers down my spine.

The platinum-blonde followed suit, his expression shifting to one of barely contained desire. He leaned in, his breath hot against my neck. “I’ve never smelled anything quite like this. It’s irresistible.”

With my heart pounding, I backed away and took a deep breath. I think I’m about to become a prey tonight.