Chapter 2

Willow’s POV

I woke up with a smile on my face; even the air was enough to tell me that I was going to have a good day. I have been waiting all year for today to finally come.

Today is the Moon Dance. It is a festival that comes every year to celebrate the moon’s blessings. It is also a time for eligible unmated males and females to find their fated mate or desired partners within other packs.

The festival brings together different packs to come together in a common ground and celebrate the moon as one. And luckily for me, it is set to take place in my pack territory this year.

It is like the moon goddess planned it for me. 

From the age of 19, every shifter can try their luck at a chance for a true mate. I didn't get the opportunity to try last year when I became eligible since I'm not allowed outside pack territory. I have been biding my time ever since.

Even though not every wolf gets lucky enough to form a true bond, some take their fate into their hands and choose life partners for themselves. But finding a true mate bond is a big blessing to the werewolves and a treasured gift.

I, for one, cannot take my fate in my hands. I have come to realize that I can only be loved by the one ordained by the goddess herself. I just hope this time she doesn't forsake me.

"Willow, are you down there?” Denise called out,

I could hear her footsteps as she marched down the stairs of the dungeon.

My first duty of the day is to clean out the dungeon before helping the rest of the pack get ready for the festival. Denise needed someone to listen to her daydreams.

“Today is the day, Willow,” she announced joyfully.

“I can already see it happening the moment Dwane realizes we are fated to be together.

When I will finally become Luna, leading side by side with him.”

She turned to me.

“What do you think? I will make the perfect Luna by his side, won't I?”

“Of course you will Denise.”

“Willow, do you wish to come with me as my servant once I become Luna? It's better than living here in the pack.”

I looked up in surprise. 

“Would you really do that for me?”

“Of course,” she replied, smiling.

“We are friends, aren't we?”

My heart felt heavy and my eyes teary

"Yes, we are; thank you for always thinking about me.” 

“Have you brought out the dress I will be wearing to the moon dance?” she asked

“Yes, I have. It's spread out in your room.”

Good, she said, standing. 

“All that is left is for Dwane to sweep me off my feet.”

And like that, she hummed happily and left me to do my chores.

I know she cares for me in her own way, and while I'm grateful for her company and kindness, it hurts to know that everybody seems to have forgotten that I am an Alpha’s daughter. I wish to be seen as more than just a servant or a slave, but as a regular person with dreams and desires. Which means no matter what I do. I can't fail tonight. 

By the time I was done with my duties, the whole pack was bubbling with the young females dressing their best and the males flexing their muscles. Everybody was looking forward to the gifts of the moon. I have to feign ignorance. If I act interested, I might be locked inside the dungeon till the night is over.

Luckily for me, no one seemed to pay me any attention, as it never crossed their minds that I might also seek a mate.

* * *

Blood was rushing through my head to the point that I felt a headache, adrenaline spiking through my veins, my hands sweaty as I pushed through the trees and up the hills, following the shortest route I knew to the square.

I had waited till everyone left before I snuck out. My plan was to blend in with the crowd and avoid my father and packmates as much as I could. 

I craned my neck to see over the tents, but there were people everywhere, covering every square inch of the ground. This was not just a ceremony for the young; every member of a pack comes out in numbers to showcase the strength of their pack. Both old and young Alpha’s take the opportunity to do pack business, figuring out land disputes, negotiating alliances, and checking for weaknesses.

Werewolves are all about strength and dominance. An Alpha is easily overthrown if challenged by another Wolf with higher dominance, and his pack can be wiped out or overthrown by a new Alpha.

This was my first time seeing this many werewolves gathered in one place. Excitement thrummed through me, mixing with the anxiety I have been trying to hold down for weeks. I said a quick prayer to the goddess; my entire fate rested on whatever happens this night.

As I moved past a couple of wolves, someone shoved me hard, nearly knocking me over; maybe he noticed I shouldn't have been knocked over by his push or my scent seemed different to him. He stopped and looked me over.

“What's with you?” he asked.

I bit my lips in anger. I was not supposed to draw any kind of attention to myself.

Out of habit, I kept my head down and apologized.

“I'm sorry, it's my fault, I wasn't looking where I was going.”

“Raise your head,” he ordered.

I raised my head and looked into his brown eyes.

“What pack are you from?”

“The Crescent Moon pack,” I replied.

“And what is your name?”

“I'm Willow Marrock.”

For some reason, he exchanged a knowing look with his group. Then one of the males looked closer at me.

“You are the wolfless healer of the Crescent Pack, right? You are barely a shifter, so what the hell are you doing snooping around here?” 

“I'm not here to look for trouble, please.” I replied, desperate to escape. 

People were beginning to gather around us, taking a peek at the Mutt on display. At this rate, words could easily get to my pack.

Just then the elders sounded the horn, announcing the start of the festival. And the group ignored me and went to join their pack. I heaved a sigh of relief and moved closer to the center of the festival.

A group of elders dressed in white robes started humming a song praising the moon goddess; their voices got louder as they moved their bodies in unison. Their beautiful voices filled the air. 

It was like magic before my eyes, like the song was a spell cast on special ears. 

You could hear squeals of joy coming from different directions as the mating bond worked; it's magic. When mates recognized mates. Growls of frustration from the wolves who weren't able to feel the moon’s blessing and have to wait another year.

I stood still, rooted on the spot, trying to make sense of it all. Has it really passed me by? Was I going to wait for another hellish year before I find my mate? Suddenly I felt a sudden rush of cool air, and just like that, everything around me paused.

I was filled with an overwhelming need; it drew me forward, moving me like I had no will of my own. I pushed through the crowd, searching for him, my mate. My mind blank except for the irresistible pull towards him.

And there he was, my mate. Standing beside him was my only friend, Denise. And in his eyes I could see it; the look I know a bit too well.

Anger, hatred, disgust.