Prologue

"Welcome home, Emerald."

My mouth pursed into a smile after reading the big banner hung right in front of the gate before entering the homestead. A few familiar faces are outside, waiting for me to get out of my car.

It's been a decade since I left the homestead to study in the States. Now that I have been a successful doctor, the Alpha wanted me to serve Red Moon.

Going here was never part of my plan, but because I missed my parents too. I took the opportunity. I said yes to the Alpha's proposal. Well, some of my friends really did convince me to come back. They didn't stop until I agreed.

When I stepped out of my car, I received a flood of praise. Some are fakes, while others are genuine. Nonetheless, I just smiled at them all. I foresee their real intentions. Being away from the pack and not receiving sufficient training for my other identity does not make me inferior. My wolf's prowess is comparable to that of the majority.

"How's living abroad?" Amelia, my cousin, asked.

I shrugged my shoulders and sipped my sugarcane juice. "It was good."

Living abroad wasn't as easy as pie, contrary to what most people think. It was a struggle, especially because I was alone and had no parents to rely on. Everything rested solely on my shoulders. Not to mention, it was a completely different realm, a place teeming with humans.

"Have you seen a lot of handsome men there?" she asked again.

I cast a peek at her. "I did. The blue-eyed one with the paper-like complexion, just like your type."

Amelia let out a scream reminiscent of a penguin. She never changes. She acted as though she had the freedom to choose whom she wanted. Our fate as werewolves was predetermined even before our birth. The Moon Goddess had already set our matches. She is the one who determines with whom we will end up. Well, some manage to break that rule but must endure severe consequences.

"You should have brought one here."

I rolled my eyes. "They're human, Amelia. Human." I emphasized the word human just to knock some sense into her.

Humans and werewolves have never gotten along. We, werewolves, are considered dangerous, monsters, as humans have named us. There has always been a fine line between the two races. I'd rather keep things as they are than be the source of potential chaos.

Fortunately, in recent years, there haven't been many incidents involving hunters and werewolf encounters. There are still a few, but they are not as severe as they were a decade ago. Perhaps, the age-old feud between both kinds in this century will likely fade away sooner or later, something I have long hoped for.

It was afternoon when I decided to take a shower. I have a party to attend at the packhouse. I'm unsure what the event was for, but Mathilda said it was like a welcome party for newly hired doctors. Big gatherings aren't really my cup of tea, but for the Alpha, I have to attend.

"My baby girl is already a grown woman," my mother emotionally uttered after entering my room.

Her gray hair had nearly taken over all of the black threads, and the creases on her face had become more prominent. She took the comb I was holding and combed my hair. I've often wondered why moms become so emotional as they see their children grow. What is there to be sad about?

"I'm 22, mother. I can't stay 12 like the last time, or do you want me?" I tried to crack a joke.

My supposed jest didn't do much as my mother stayed emotive. In response, I let her be. I don't have a child; I wouldn't fully understand how she felt.

"I hope you'll be able to find your mate anytime now, Em," Mother blurted out of nowhere. "Otherwise, I and your dad won't be at peace knowing you're already 22 and still... mateless."

Mate.

I've been away from our realm for a decade long. Nor was I able to meet my kind abroad. So it's expected that I have yet to meet the person who was meant for me. Nevertheless, it'll happen at the right time, no matter the circumstances. I'm not rushing things.

"Don't think too much about it, mother. It'll happen sooner or later. Let's leave it all to fate," I reassure her.

By standard, I was supposed to find my mate at eighteen, but unlike the rest, my case is different. Now that I'm back to where I originally belonged, for sure, I'll stumble to my fated mate...one day.

Mother hummed, doubtful of my words. "I'll be looking forward to that day, Em. But for now, continue what you're supposed to do because it's almost time. You'll be late."

She tapped my shoulder before walking straight to the door. I glanced at the wall clock and noticed it was already past six in the evening. The party will start at eight, but I have yet to choose what dress to wear. Girls problem.

In the end, I decided to wear a mauve-fitted silky dress that fell just above my knee. The little lace string was knotted behind my neck; it was backless. It doesn't look quite formal and conservative, but I have nothing else to wear. I left most of my formal dresses in the States and only brought a few here.

It was already 7:53 when I left the house, maneuvering the car at full speed, knowing I'd be late. And I was right: it was past eight when I reached the packhouse.

The queue of expensive cars outside the venue was the first thing that caught my attention. Alpha appears to have invited a large number of people to this event. I wonder if all of them are doctors or if some aren't.

I check myself in the mirror for the last time before getting my purse and exiting my car. The loud music is in full blast as I enter the venue. Lots of different faces made their way to my sight. Somehow, I felt bothered at the thought of not knowing anyone here. The freaking Mathilda is still in the hospital as we speak on the phone earlier.

I am, again, on my own.

I felt so out of place. I have talked to a few people, but there's an invisible barrier that outcasted me from the rest. The urge to go home is tickling the soles of my feet, but the formal ceremony is yet to be done. I waited a few more minutes before the Alpha arrived.

My eyes scanned the entire stage and saw no Luna in there. It was only the feared Nicholas Sainthood and his brother. My visions linger on the latter for a moment, and when our eyes meet, a certain spark shines out of nowhere.

My heartbeat races and Diamond grows frisky. This feeling is unknown, but I know little about what it is.

So when the Alpha called my name, directing me to the stage where I would earn a token for agreeing to his proposition, I was thrilled.

"Welcome back, Emerald. Thanks for heeding my words," Alpha Nicholas uttered, yet my attention was fixated on someone.

It was Matthew who handed me a pin with my name on it. And when our hands made contact, my breath hitched. There's a certain pull that entices me to hug him and to call him mate.

My eyes wander back below and see everyone waiting for me to go down. If not for the large crowd waiting for their turn to come on stage and receive their pin, I might have let myself do the embarrassing thing.

I am so excited, but later that evening, my excitement waned.