Two

As she walked through the pack house, her body heavy with exhaustion and hunger, she heard laughter ahead. It was light, carefree, filled with excitement.

A group of girls stood near the staircase, their voices carrying through the hallway. Yasmin’s eyes caught sight of Tasin, her number one tormentors and pack mean girl, in the middle of them, her golden hair shining under the lights as she giggled with her friends. They were dressed in bright colors, their smiles wide, their eyes filled with anticipation.

"The Red Moon is just a few days away," Tasin was saying, her voice filled with excitement. "I can’t wait to find out who my mate is. Can you imagine? Our destined mates, under the light of the moon... it’s going to be perfect."

One of the other girls laughed, nudging Tasin playfully. "Who do you think it’ll be, Tasin? Maybe one of the alphas? Or that handsome warrior from the east?"

Tasin blushed, her eyes sparkling. "I don’t know. But I hope he’s strong. Someone who can protect me."

Yasmin walked past them, her gaze fixed on the floor, but her heart squeezed painfully in her chest. The Red Moon—an event that came every five years, when unmated wolves would discover their destined mates under the light of the moon. It was something most of the pack looked forward to, a moment of magic and promise. But for Yasmin, it was a reminder of what she could never have.

She was wolfless, without a wolf to guide her, to connect her to a mate. It was her greatest shame, the reason for her isolation, her torment. No one wanted a mate who couldn’t shift, who couldn’t share the bond that defined their kind. It was a cruel fate, one she had accepted long ago.

But as she walked on, her thoughts drifted to Ian, the young soldier who had been kind to her when no one else had. He’d brought her food when she’d been starving, had stayed and talked to her when she’d felt utterly alone. He never looked at her with pity or disgust, only with warmth and a gentle smile that made her heart ache.

The thought of him warmed her, and a blush crept up her cheeks, even in her pitiful state. She allowed herself, just for a moment, to dream that maybe, somehow, Ian could be her mate. That he might see her as something more than just a wolfless girl. She imagined his hand in hers, the way his smile would look under the light of the Red Moon. It was a foolish dream, a dangerous one, but she couldn’t help it.

Reality came crashing back, and she shook her head, forcing the foolish hope away. It was dangerous to dream, to wish for things that would never be hers. She had work to do, and she had to survive, one day at a time. Still, as she walked on, the hope lingered, small but impossible to extinguish.

~~~

Zaid walked into the conference room, his mere presence enough to command immediate attention. As he entered, every person in the room straightened in their chairs and bowed their necks demurely, a display of respect ingrained through years of his leadership. He moved with purpose, his footsteps echoing across the polished floor until he reached the head of the long table. His Beta, Khal, stood at his right, awaiting his cue. With a subtle motion of his hand, Zaid indicated for Khal to proceed.

Khal stepped forward, unfurling a set of notes. "Alpha, there's been an ongoing issue regarding a territorial dispute near the eastern borders," he began, his voice calm and composed. "The Blackridge Pack has been encroaching on our land, claiming it's theirs due to an old verbal agreement they made with the prior Alpha."

Zaid's expression hardened slightly, his eyes narrowing in irritation. "Who led the scouting party?" he asked, his voice deep and authoritative.

"Logan led it, Alpha," Khal responded. "They reported three separate instances of Blackridge wolves crossing into our territory this past week. They were warned, but the encroachment continues."

Zaid nodded slowly, processing the information. "Increase patrols in the eastern region. If they cross again, I want them captured and brought here. It’s time they understood that we won’t tolerate any breach of our borders." He gave a curt nod, dismissing the topic.

Khal moved on to the next issue. "The next matter is regarding the upcoming winter preparations. The inventory shows we're running low on preserved meat."

Zaid turned his eyes toward one of the men seated along the table. "Rhett, ensure we have adequate hunting parties to restock. Coordinate with the foraging teams as well. I want all stores filled before the first snow falls."

Rhett nodded firmly. "Of course, Alpha."

After addressing a few more pressing issues—territorial boundaries, resource management, and disputes among neighboring packs—Zaid called on another of the men seated at the table. "Darius," Zaid said, his sharp gaze landing on the man, "how’s the progress with the deal I wanted with Moonbeam Pack’s Alpha?"

Darius looked tense, shifting slightly in his seat. "Alpha, it’s not looking too promising," he admitted, his voice edged with concern. "They’re hesitant to agree to the proposed terms due to a recent alliance they’ve formed with another pack. They’re questioning whether working with us might complicate their new relationship."

Zaid swore under his breath, his frustration evident in the tightening of his jaw. "Enough of this back and forth. Khal," he turned to his Beta, "prepare a small traveling party. We'll pay Moonbeam Pack a visit in a few days. It's time to settle this in person."

Khal inclined his head. "Understood, Alpha."

The rest of the meeting proceeded with the review of documents presented to Zaid. He scanned through them efficiently, listing a number of errors on some and signing others without hesitation. Finally, with a sharp nod, he rose from his seat, signaling the end of the meeting.

As he strode out of the conference room, Khal trailed just behind, falling into step beside him. The two of them walked side by side, the pack members they passed in the building bowing their heads in respect and submission. Khal glanced at Zaid, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Your mother’s been haggling me again, you know," he said casually. "She wants to know when you'll finally find a mate and give her an heir for the Woodland Pack."

Zaid let out a deep, irritated grumble under his breath, rolling his eyes. "She never lets up, does she?" He could already hear his mother’s voice in his head, lecturing him about his responsibilities as Alpha. "It's always about the heir," he muttered.

Khal laughed lightly. "She’s just being a good mother, making sure the pack’s future is secure."

Zaid paused, a smirk forming on his lips as he glanced sideways at Khal. "Maybe you should stop entertaining her. Just tell her I’ve already made my decision to stay a bachelor forever."

Khal chuckled. "Sure, Alpha. I’m sure that’ll go over very well."

Zaid gave a low, amused growl before coming to a stop outside the building. He looked at Khal, his demeanor softening slightly. "Take the rest of the day off," he ordered, his voice gruff but the intent clear. Khal had been working tirelessly by his side for days, and Zaid trusted no one more than his best friend and Beta.

Khal nodded, a genuine smile touching his lips. "Thanks, Zaid," he said, using Zaid’s name in a rare moment of informality.

With that, Zaid took a deep breath, allowing his body to relax as he shifted into his wolf form. The transformation came naturally, the crack of bones and stretching of sinew reshaping his body. His clothing tore away as fur as dark as midnight spread across his skin. His eyes, now an intense and unnerving crimson, reflected the power of the alpha within. With a final shake, his large, muscular wolf stood in place of the man, paws sinking slightly into the earth.

Without a backward glance, Zaid took off into the woods, his powerful legs propelling him forward with ease.

~~~