CHAPTER ONE

At the sound of approaching footsteps, I look up from the dough I've been kneading.

A young cub stands at the door of the kitchen.

"He's here!" she cries. "He's here!"

The kitchen descends into a flurry of excited activity.

The time we have been anticipating is finally upon us.

Today, Alpha Maxwell of the neighboring Blood Moon pack is visiting.

It is the first time our pack, the Crescents, have met peacefully with our neighbors in centuries. It seems we've been at loggerheads since the dawn of time, fighting over resources, territory, and even which laws to abide by in relation to the human population nearby.

But finally, with this new, young Alpha, things are changing.

The meeting between Alpha Maxwell and our own leader, Alpha Nico, is to herald in a new era. An era of peace. Prosperity. Progression. It's a big deal and everything must be perfect.

Me and the other Omegas have been tasked with preparing the den for the visit.

We've cleaned and scrubbed every inch of the place.

We've cooked a feast fit for a king.

We've even sewn together a new, fancy shirt for Alpha Nico to wear, and a silk dress for Luna Tatiana, our beloved leader’s wife.

I could never imagine a love like theirs.

I always dreamed of something more...something deeper...a love that would make me feel safe, secure, and wanted.

But the Alphas only ever accept the best females into their packs.

If they were to see me, they would never choose me.

And anyway, I am an Omega. A servant. I know my place, and I make the best of it. You won't find a better cook in the whole of the lands, mark my words.

The whole den is abuzz as news of the impending arrival spreads through the pack.

I follow the other Omegas outside and line up in rank order as the carriages slow to a halt.

Alpha Nico and Luna Tatiana are clearly nervous about the visit.

Diplomatically, it is a big deal. If it goes well and without a hitch, we may never see bloodshed between the two packs again.

Alpha Maxwell is a handsome man. Tall, with a broad chest. His eyes are a light brown and his hair is black. He wears a leather tunic.

He is sprightly, hopping out of the carriage and landing on the ground.

I find myself staring at him.

He heads straight for our Alpha and the two embrace, slapping each other's backs.

"It's good to see you," Alpha Maxwell says.

He has the energy of a pup, I think, rather than a distinguished grandfather like Alpha Nico.

"You, too," Alpha Nico responds. "May I introduce my mate, Luna Tatiana."

The Luna steps forwards and shakes hands with the visiting Alpha.

She is a beautiful, elegant wolf. Her hair is the color of a fox's fur. Her eyes are the color of fresh grass.

Alpha Nico smiles proudly at her.

I've never seen two people look so much in love.

Everyone in his entourage bows their head.

"I am honored to meet you," Alpha Maxwell says.

"Your reputation precedes you," Luna Tatiana replies.

He smiles, devilishly. "A good reputation, I hope?"

"Of course." She smirks. "We've heard you are peaceful. Forward thinking. That you're not stuck in the old ways like..." Her voice trails off.

"Like my father was?" he finishes for her.

She blushes.

"Don't worry," he butts in. "You can say it! It's the truth. I loved that old man but he was a traditionalist, and I'm glad the old ways are going to die out with him."

His attitude is refreshing.

I can't help but notice that the visiting Alpha does not have his own Luna to introduce.

Alpha Maxwell turns to the crowd, raises his arms and speaks in a booming voice.

"My fellow wolves. We have gathered here today to make history. This is the first time we have ever visited with our neighbors in peace. And I hope it will not be the last. For years now, the two packs have been fighting over territory and resources. But not today. Today, I want to thank you for your hospitality."

He hands Alpha Nico a bottle of wine.

A servant takes the wine from him and our Alpha leads his visitor into the main house.

As they go, I find myself staring at Alpha Maxwell's backside.

Then suddenly, he stops walking, turns around and looks right at me.

My heart skips.

The look in his eyes makes me quiver.

I feel like I'm about to melt on the floor.

I quickly avert my gaze, not wanting to get caught staring.

But when I raise my eyes, he is still fixated on me.

He winks, then he disappears inside.

My whole body turns to jelly.

An Alpha just winked? At me? A lowly Omega?

I've heard of imprinting before, could that be what just happened...?

It's a rare phenomenon, from what I understand.

Something that happens when two wolf soul mates meet.

Could it be? Is it possible? Or is it just my imagination?

I'm so confused. My head is all over the place.

"Hannah," my friend Sarah whispers.

I look up to see everyone is beginning to file inside.

"Come on," she says, beckoning.

I hurry to catch up to them, eager to see the Alpha who has made my whole body tremble with need again.

We file into the great hall.

The large feast we have spent all day preparing is laid out on the table.

The higher ranked wolves sit at the head table.

We take the smaller tables dotted around.

"I want to thank you all for your hard work in preparing this day," Alpha Nico says. "You've made us proud."

It is strange, this new era we are living in.

We will trade. Goods. Resources. Perhaps even people.

"I heard he's going to select a chef," the lady opposite me says.

My heart races.

"Really?" I gasp.

I may not be one of the most beautiful or popular girls in the pack, but I have my cooking. And my cooking is good.

I'd like to get closer to him. Perhaps this is my opportunity?

Could it be that fate has finally given me my chance at happiness?