Prologue

It’s the day of my Alpha ceremony. My father, Liam Holstin, couldn’t wait to pass the Alpha title over to me. He’s been training me to take over our pack, the Shadow Falls pack, since I was a child. Unlike him, I’ve had my parents to help raise and guide me. I’m ready to take over the pack. And, unlike many Alphas that don’t want to give up the power and control that comes with being an Alpha, my father couldn’t wait to spend all his time with his mate, my mother, Angel.

My parents are disgustingly happy. I may be the oldest, but I have six brothers and sisters ranging in ages from 6 months younger than me to three years younger. Four of us are only two years apart if that gives you any idea of how much my father enjoys my mother. The thought of my parents together still makes my stomach churn. I've walked in on them in a compromising position way too many times.

My parents plan to take my three youngest sisters with them to the house that they built for their retirement, but my brothers and oldest sister will stay here in the packhouse with me. Since I haven’t found my mate yet, it’s no problem having them here. My sister, Leana, can help with Luna duties until she finds her mate, or mom can come and fill in as needed until I find my mate.

I’m the first child of our allied packs to reach adulthood and take over as Alpha for my pack. While the first child of Canyon Ridge pack, Lily, is my age, she is a female and has known that she was mated to fae royalty her entire life. There was never a plan for her to take over their pack. Cohen, Rik and Cara's first-born son and my brothers’ best friend, is still a couple years away from reaching adulthood. Emerson, the Alpha heir of Safe Haven pack, is still a year away from taking over for his father, Eli. So, that makes me, Richard Holstin, the first to ascend to Alpha.

The children of the three packs have all grown up together. Our mothers are all Guardians, werewolves blessed by the Moon Goddess with extra strength and senses compared to other wolves, including Alphas. Cara Nelson, the current Luna of Canyon Ridge pack, was the first Guardian born to two Guardians. However, this generation, my generation, has shown that when a Guardian mates with their fated mate, they produce more Guardians. Every Alpha female in all three packs has the Guardian gene. None of the males show the tell-tale signs of the Guardians, the golden eyes, but we are stronger than most Alphas our age. And, if we happen to be mated to one of our neighboring packs’ Guardians, we will take on their strengths as our fathers have done.

My father comes to find me. He and my mother have always told me how proud they are of me. Compared to the lives of my parents, my brothers, sisters and I have led charmed lives.  We’ve always been safe, loved and well cared for. Our pack has thrived and our alliance with our neighboring packs is strong. I plan to continue this pattern when I take over as Alpha.

“Are you ready son?” My father asks me. He comes to stand behind me in the mirror. I am a perfect replica of my father except for my gray eyes. I have my mother’s eyes. But, I have my father’s curly, unruly dark blond hair, his tall, muscular build and his dominant personality. I am my father’s son in all ways.

“I’m ready.”

After standing in front of the pack, taking my oath as Alpha and having the entire pack swear their loyalty to me, it’s time to party.