CHAPTER 5

Sierra's POV

After the incident, my parents and I went home. They didn't give me a chance to talk to Asher. They said that it is for the better. They didn't want to cause any scene since Asher had accepted my best friend, Shelly, as his mate.

"How are you feeling, dear?" my mother asked me the moment we entered the house.

I gave her a weak smile. "I didn't shift and my boyfriend is mated to my best friend. I don't know what to feel."

"Sierra, you know that some of us had the incident of not shifting the moment we turned 18," my father said.

I shook my head. "It was just written in the books. I haven't met one."

I thought Shifting was only written in the books. I thought it was only fiction. In my 18 years of existence in this world, I never met any wolf who didn't shift at the right age. So, I don't know what to believe. I can't explain my feelings right now.

"Sierra, can we go to your room?" my mother pleaded.

I just nodded and we headed to my room. The moment I opened the door, I saw a little box at the top of my bed. It was wrapped in brown paper and had a ribbon on top.

"Mom," I cried.

"Honey, it was still your birthday and I want to give you my present," my Mom said smiling.

I went to my bed and picked up the little box. I opened it as I sat down in my bed. It was a gold necklace with a fang-styled pendant in it. I was mesmerized for a moment as I looked at the necklace.

"It is so beautiful," I said in awe.

"That came from my grandmother. She told me that I would wear it if only I didn't shift at the right age."

I looked at her out of confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You said that you haven't met any wolf who didn't shift at the right age. Well, my dear, I met one. And that is my grandmother."

"Really?"

Mom nodded. "She shifted when she reached the age of 21. So, she has worn the necklace for 3 years."

"You mean, I can only wear this until I shift?" I asked.

"Yes. That necklace is a protection against the rogues and other enemies we have. Rogues love to attack the weakest. And a late shifter like you is their target," she explained.

It is a bittersweet truth. My father trained me in a human form, and yet, without my wolf, I am still the weakest. Even the whole pack already doubted my existence. It's like they treated a late shifter as a curse.

"Am I a failure? The Beta daughter is a late shifter," I asked in a disappointed tone.

"Of course not. A late shifter is not a failure. Always remember that," my father said while standing at the door of my room.

He walked towards us and helped me wear the necklace. "What happened tonight doesn't define who you are, Sierra. What always matters is your heart. You have a good heart, and I know that the Moon Goddess has better plans for you. You just need to trust her."

"But what will they say? I am afraid they will remove you from being a Beta," I said.

My father had a good reputation among our pack. Even though I am a girl, everyone is expecting that I will take his position in case I am not the mate of Asher. Even Alpha Julius is counting on me.

"It doesn't matter anymore, Sierra. As long as I know that you are happy, I am fine. Our family will be fine."

I was about to speak but suddenly, there was a knock on our front door. My parents stood up as if they knew who it was. Of course, they have a high sense of smell. Unlike me, I am still ordinary.

"Come with us, Sierra," my father said in a serious tone.

I didn't ask. I just followed them downstairs.

"Good evening, Alpha Julius and Luna Ferran," my father greeted as he opened the door.

"I am sorry that this can't wait 'till tomorrow. We need to talk about Sierra," Alpha Julius said.

"I understand, Alpha Julius. Let's have a seat."

We sat on the sofa. My mom is on my right while my dad is on my left. The Alpha and Luna were seated in front of us.

"We have talked about the future of the kids. Sierra will be the future Luna if she is the mate of our son, Asher. And if not, she will become the next Beta. But the thing is she didn't shift," Alpha Julius said.

"Yes, Alpha. But what happened tonight, we know that Sierra is a late shifter. And we don't know when her wolf will come out," my father said.

"The wedding of Asher and Shelly will happen in three months."

My heart once again shattered into pieces. I was about to cry but I calmed myself. I don't want the Alpha and Luna to see me at my weakest. So, I took a deep breath as I endured the pain I was feeling right now.

"And Asher wants Sierra to be his Beta," Alpha Julius continued.

My mother held my hand and squeezed it a bit. I wear a faint smile telling her that I am fine.

"But of course, it still depends on if she shifted before the wedding. Sierra, I know it is painful for you. But you still have an obligation in our pack. So, can I ask you?"

"Yes, Alpha Julius."

"Once you shifted, you will tell us. And you will accept the obligation as the future Beta of our pack. Can I count on you?" Alpha Julius said.

I didn't have any choice. I can't disobey the Alpha.

"Yes, Alpha Julius."

"Very well then. Thank you, Sierra."

After the short meeting, the Alpha and Luna went home. I just looked at them while they were walking away.

"How they can be so heartless?" my mother asked.

"Honey, you know how the Alpha is so particular when it comes to the welfare of the pack," my father defended.

I understand it. Knowing Alpha Julius, he still wants the safety and welfare of the pack. That's why he is one of the greatest leaders who ever existed.

"Yes. But how about Sierra?"

"Mom, I am okay. You don't have to worry about me. I can live with it," I said to her.

"Let's just wait. We can relax as long as Sierra doesn't shift. For now, just let's wait and see."