Prologue

5 Years Earlier

"Are you sure we won't get caught?" Eloise nervously asked, looking around the empty attic as if somebody would emerge from the shadows at any moment. Gerwulf smiled at her, his honey eyes calming her childish fears instantly.

"Of course we won't. Everybody should be on the lower floors," Gerwulf snickered to himself, elbowing her gently as he took her hand. He lead her across the room to their secret hideout, a door hidden behind years of clutter that had been forgotten by previous alphas. Eloise helped as they quietly pushed the old door open.

Eloise watched in amazement as Gerwulf waved his hand, all the candles they had managed to sneak over the years instantly lit. Chalk drawings and books littered the room, showing the progress of their friendship. This was their safe space to speak freely and for Gerwulf to practice his magic.

"I still remember when we had to bring flashlights, because you could barely get one candle to light," Eloise quipped, laughing loudly as a deep red blush spread across his face. "Yes, well... maybe if... maybe if I didn't have this on I could develop my magick faster," Gerwulf sighed hard, referring to the thick red woven collar around his neck.

His father had made sure to place it there when his abilities began to show when he was a child. Luna Hylda despised Gerwulf, him being a constant reminder of her mate's infidelity. She managed to convince them that Gerwulf was dangerous and would hurt his younger siblings. They called upon a high priest, having him bind the child and limit his powers.

Eloise tried giving a smile, situating herself on the floor," how about we think of something else? You should be excited! Your ceremony is tonight, and you'll find your mate." Every wolf looked forward to their 18th birthday, it was when their wolf would fully awaken and the search for their soulmate began.

Gerwulf only gave a short laugh," Eloise I have a bad feeling about tonight.... maybe my mate is going to reject me? I'm a bastard, I was born with bad luck." He ran a hand through his blood red hair, the only thing that gave him away as a hybrid. Only somebody born of a witch could have such a color. "My claim to being a future alpha is... well, it's nonexistent. Even if I bare the mark, Hylda will always fight for either Keifer or Delmar to succeed. What could I possibly offer somebody?"

Eloise frowned hard, trying her best to stay happy for him. It was her job after all, morning to night. She was his servant. They sat in the room, talking for hours until the sunlight finally faded from the sky and the moon was high in the sky.

They quickly made their exit downstairs into Gerwulf's room, servants busily buzzing around them as they prepared the pack house for the feast and celebrations after the shift. Eloise made quick work of things, helping Gerwulf dress for the ceremony. He wore only a tight fitting pair of black briefs and a long forest green silk robe with intricate designs stitched into it. It was simple and customary for the alpha bloodline to dress as such for their first shift. Easy for them to remove and shift, which would happen rather quickly once the time reached midnight.

Gerwulf walked slowly outside, Eloise following behind him with her head bowed as the crowded pack members moved out of the way. At the entrance of the forest sat Alpha Finn and a high priest holding the ceremonial dagger. "Why isn't Hylda here?" Gerwulf nervously whispered, Eloise only being able to shrug. A Luna always attended such things.

"My son," Finn greeted him, extending his arms for a brief hug. The crowd quieted, Eloise helping to remove the ceremonial robes. Gerwulf stood there, trying his best to look confident as his younger brothers stared hard at him in disapproval. Finn began his speech, talking on the history of the bloodline and why this ceremony was necessary for the strength of their bonds.

He picked up the ceremonial dagger, making a small slit in his hand and one one the palm of Gerwulf. This action solidifies the bond between father and son, a way for them to pass strength onto their children. A few people in the crowd began drumming, signaling that it was finally midnight. Gerwulf looked up at the moon, his honey colored eyes almost seeming to glow brightly.

Suddenly a scream rang out, the crowd turning to see a disheveled looking Hylda walking towards them quickly," how dare you allow that bastard to have this ceremony! He has no claim to leadership!" She marched up, grabbing the ceremonial dagger and in an instant began lunging at Gerwulf as he was transfixed with the moonlight. Eloise screamed loudly as the blade struck him deeply across the chest, Keifer and Delmar making quick work as they covered her mouth telling her to be quiet. She struggled hard, trying to be loud over the crowd of pack members that were now all gasping and speaking in disbelief of what they were witnessing.

Gerwulf yelped, holding his arm up in defense trying to protect himself from more blows.

Hylda attacked him, slashing the air like a mad woman. Eloise finally found the opportunity, biting Delmar's hand hard and screaming for Gerwulf to run. At her words, his head snapped to the side, their eyes locking. Both of them stood as if time had stopped, Eloise unable to understand what was happening as he began running towards her. An earth shaking howl erupted from him, causing crowd goers to fall and drums to tip over. Even Hylda and Finn held their ears in pain. Gerwulf jumped, transforming as if he'd done it his entire life. A large blood red wolf with piercing amber eyes emerging as it barreled towards Eloise. He bit and snapped madly, quickly removing his brothers from her and growling at everybody trying to get closer.

Eloise stood frozen in fear, shocked by what she'd witnessed. She reached out, holding onto Gerwulf. He seemed to calm suddenly, turning to look at her again and sending a mind link,' climb on my back, NOW!' She nodded, not wanting to see what Hylda would do to him and quickly jumped onto his back. He bolted off into the forest, guards quick on his trail as his fur began to glow and the red collar suddenly broke off. It flew up into the wind, and almost instantly there were flames everywhere. Fire licked Gerwulf's fur, leaving a burning trail where he ran. Eloise looked down at her hands, her body completely fine.

The fire didn't hurt her! She blinked hard, unable to understand what was happening. Why couldn't he hurt her? What had happened back then? Eloise didn't have much time to think as Gerwulf sprinted quickly through the forest, leaving a path of fire and destruction where he went.

When they were far enough away he ran in a circle, creating a barrier around them. His fur slowly stopped igniting and he walked to a tree letting Eloise step off. She looked at him nervously before laying down his robe and turning. The crackling of bones and painful groaning was heard behind her, followed by silence.

"Look at me," Gerwulf spoke, his voice sounding more commanding as he came closer to her. She turned slowly, locking eyes with him. Just as before a deep pull locked them in, she swore there was a loud static ringing it was so intense. They stayed this way for what felt like forever before Gerwulf turned away and began cursing to himself, running his hands through her hair. He started pacing and laughing to himself," of course it would be you."

Eloise furrowed her brow in confusion, not quite understanding what he meant," what are you talking about? Did I do something wrong?" she let out a little whimper, pulling her knees to her chest and starting to rock gently. Gerwulf stopped pacing and bent down to her height. "Eloise. This isn't your fault, Hylda and those awful excuse for brothers must've triggered something inside me." He sighed hard, slowly reaching out a hand to touch her's. Eloise's head shot up at the touch, static electricity again between them as their skin touched. Soon it became overwhelming and she pulled away.

"I have to leave, El. I never had a proper place in this pack," Gerwulf gave her a defeated smile, this time grabbing her sleeve to pull her onto her feet and into a tight hug. Eloise grabbed onto him tightly, tears threatening to fall as she thought of him living life as a rogue... or worse, dead. He had been her only friend, she'd be so empty without him.

They hugged for what seemed like hours before Gerwulf pulled back," I won't be gone forever... even death couldn't keep me from you, okay?" he asked, Eloise feeling unable to bring herself to form words and only giving a meek," ... okay." She looked at him, avoiding his eyes and settling on his chin. "I'm going to miss you a lot Gerwulf. Please be safe out there... maybe when I come of age I'll become a rogue and find you.. I can't imagine wanting to be in this pack without you," Eloise almost whispered.

Gerwulf chuckled nervously, hearing howling off into the distance," don't worry about me, I always keep my promise. I'll still be with you." The howling grew louder and he cursed under his breath," for now... sleep." Eloise began to look up in confusion, Gerwulf quickly grabbing her chin and placing a kiss on her cheek. It stung, badly as if she was being burned.

"What did you do?" Eloise spoke, her voice coming out slurred as it felt like gravity worked against her and her knees buckled. "Sleep," Gerwulf repeated, helping her to lay down and tossing his robe onto her to keep warm. Her eyelids fought with her as she became unable to move or speak. The familiar sounds of bones cracking and pained groans filled the air. She could sense him leaving and the darkness took her, her body lulling into a deep sleep as she became unaware of the horrors of the night.