Chapter 2: Marking Ceremony

~ Anna/Victoria ~

“Want me?” I frowned, as I couldn’t recall anything about this Cameron guy. “How?”

“I don’t know.” Melanie shrugged. “From his stare, I think there is something between you two.”

“Like what?”

“Uh, well, he often stares at you when he might think you didn’t see him. But I’m confused that he has done nothing to you. I mean, he must like you. But why hasn’t he done something about it?”

“No,” I shook my head, “you must be wrong, Mel. Maybe he just dislikes me.”

“For what? You have sexy eyes, hair color, and body. I envy you sometimes.” Melanie sighed. “While I’m too skinny for any werewolves to see me twice.”

“I disagree. The beauty is in the beholder’s eye.” Then I remembered something. “About Jack, why does he often bully you?”

“Before the last time, I thought he might hate my clumsiness. But when he kissed me and wanted to touch me ....” Melanie’s face was red. “I don’t know. Maybe he wanted to tease me.”

“Don’t tell me you like him.”

Melanie said nothing, but I could see that she liked Jack from her blush and fingers twirling her skirt.  

“I will help you with Jack.”

“No, Jack is impossible to fall for me. I’m not his type at all.”

“His type? How do you know he has a certain type of woman he likes?”

“He often spends time with plump girls. I’m too skinny for his liking.” Melanie bit her lower lip and hugged herself.

“Hey, don’t give up before you fight. I will help you.”

Melanie gave me a weak smile. “Thanks.”

Then a loud sound of growl filled the air. “Wild Wolves Pack, gather immediately in the field.”

Melanie patted my hand. “I must go. You can take a rest.”

“No, I’m okay. I want to see what is going on until we need to gather in the field.”

“It’s Cameron and Lisa’s marking day.”

“What?”

“The marking day. You know, the day when a werewolf and a she-wolf bite each other neck as a sign that they are mates.”

Suddenly, I remembered I had done the marking with Constantine in my past life as a vampire. The agony and longing for him filled my heart. I wonder if he was reincarnated in the same life as me. If it is the case, I will find him. Would he recognize me if we met again later? 

I still remember the last words before I let out my last breath. Constantine told me he loved me. I longed to hear the three words all my life, but we couldn’t be together in our past life. 

Constantine, where are you? Could it be that the Highest One gave us another chance to be together? No matter where you were, I would find you ….

Then Melanie held my hand, which helped me not think of Constantine for a while. “Let’s go to the field now. We may get the front seats.”

We walked to the field. Many sat there already, while some were standing while waiting. Then we sat on the ground. But after a while, Melanie’s body was tense. 

“What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” She doesn’t want to see me.

“Your body is tense so suddenly.” But before asking more, I saw Jack and his gang were on the field. Jack glanced at me, but his stare locked on Melanie. “He stared at you right now.”

“What are you talking about?” When Melanie raised her head, she gasped to see Jack, who observed her a few feet away. Melanie bit her lower lip and lowered her head. Her face was flushed. 

“If you truly like him, you must be brave, Mel. Don’t worry. I support you. But you should give him a lesson first so he won’t look down on you.”

“What do you mean?”

I smiled, recalling my experience in my past life. “Some men can’t express their feelings well. So, they bother the women they like to be closer to. I think it’s what happens with Jack too.” 

“But ….”

“Relax! I will teach you how to conquer him. He will be yours soon.” I grinned at Melanie. 

“Thanks, Anna.”

I shook my head. “Please, call me Victoria from now. Victoria Lewis.”

Melanie nodded. “Okay, whatever you want, Victoria.”

Then some werewolves joined us in the field. They wore different clothes. 

“They are from Hurricane Dawn Pack,” Melanie whispered. 

I nodded. “Where is Lisa?”

“She must be with Cameron.”

I didn’t ask for more since, later, two old men walked in the middle of the field. 

“My people, we welcome our ally among us. Welcome, Hurricane Dawn Pack.” The old man shook the hand of another person. “It is an honor for me to introduce you all to Alpha Fred Shadow, the Alpha of the Hurricane Dawn Pack.”

“Who is he?” I asked Melanie.

“He is our Alpha—Horace Black.”

Some werewolf howled to greet Alpha Fred. He howled back and smiled. 

“It is great to be here. But I am so excited to see my daughter’s marking day. But, most importantly, we will be great allies,” Alpha Fred said.

“Yes, it is wonderful that we can bind the alliance by having our children be mates.” Alpha Horace nodded. “Delta Lisa Shadow and my son, Beta Cameron Black, will come here soon.” He looked around, then nodded. “I have a special announcement. After the marking, I will retire and let Cameron be our Alpha. So, it will strengthen the alliance between our packs.” 

Alpha Fred smiled and patted Alpha Horace’s shoulder. “What a great idea! I think I want to follow your steps too. After the marking, I will retire and let my son, Beta Bill Shadow, take over and be the Alpha of my pack. It is the time for youngsters to lead our packs.”

“Agree!” Alpha Horace laughed, and both of them howled together. 

Later, a man and woman walk to the field. My heart was beating fast. 

“Ah, here they are. Our marking ceremony will start soon. Cameron, Lisa, please stand here!” Alpha Horace said. 

Before I could stop myself, I stood and walked to approach them. “Stop it! The marking ceremony should be stopped!”