CHANGE OF TIDE

Moonlight shone across the land, where the 5000 shifters made the Grey Wolves pack gathered, white gowns and shirts as far as the eyes could see.

I stood at the edge of the path in my red dress and boots. I knew my mother would kill me if she saw me, but she didn't know how it felt to be without a wolf. At least once a month, she was accepted as one of them. I wasn't.

I sat on the grass, looking ahead at the shifters. Alpha Buick would soon make his arrogant speech, and then at midnight, everyone would tear off their clothes and shift, running under the moonlight, paying worship to Luna. I was here to replace every cloth for their return, since they were not really comfortable with nudity.

“Clarissa,” a nasal voice. Gwendolyn Buick, the alpha’s mate, walked past me. “What a waste,” she said, sneering at me. “You should be with the normals, banished. You don't belong here.”

I grinned at her. “Too bad your mate can't get enough of my mother,” I retorted. Her face turned red, and she shifted partially, her fingernails turning into claws, and she launched at me.

Feeling blood drop from where she had struck me, I knew I shouldn't have agitated her, but I was getting sick of the bullshit. She cackled, pleased at the marks she left on my face. “Ugly bitch.”

I watched her walk towards her alpha. He furrowed his brows, clearly irritated about something. The second in command, Hudson, came over to him and whispered something in his ears, but he shook his head and took his place in front of his people.

Grey wolves occupied one of the largest lands, Enchuria. Buick was in charge of more shifters than some other Alphas, and I knew he thought he was a hot shot because of that. Everyone knew he was a weakling, though his father was the one who had built this pack.

“My people,” he began, the moonlight casting shadows behind him, “we have gathered today to celebrate the festival of lights once again.” He paused, looking around, trying to create suspense.

“As you know, we are going through difficult times right now in Shifter Kingdom,” he continued. “The Dark Blood clan has gotten greedy, wanting all the Shifter Kingdom to be one under them. That wasn't the will of our goddess Luna.” Loud murmurings of praise for Luna followed. “I, your alpha, promise today that I will protect you from the dark one.”

No one knows where they came from. Suddenly, about 500 large black wolves surrounded the people. Buick's eyes bulged as he realized what was going on.

I stood, shocked at the scene that was unfolding in front of me. The Dark Blood clan was here. How did they get into the land?? I ran towards them, looking for my mother, as whispers of the destruction they brought rang in my head.

That's when I heard it.

“Calm,” a voice said. Who was that? There was no one next to me, yet I heard the voice again.

“Calm,” the voice said again.

Then I smelled cinnamon and spice. It was so strong, I gasped out, needing fresh air.

I kept running, watching the wolves growl and snap at the people. My pack members were scared, most people were not fighters. This land had known peace for a long time.

A larger wolf stalked Alpha Buick. He was shaking, yet trying to be calm, while the wolf kept stalking him, sniffing, prowling like he was about to attack. I saw my mother, standing at the corner, scared, and ran towards her.

The wolf started shifting, becoming the most handsome man I had ever seen.

He was at least 6’5, broad-shouldered, with the clearest eyes I have ever seen. He was also very naked, I noticed. Furthermore, he grinned at Alpha Buick, and stretched his hands out.

“Alex Lister,” he drawled, "I don't think we've ever met.

Then he turned his head and locked eyes with me.

I stopped, shaken under his gaze. My whole body was on fire, and I couldn't speak. It was like we were the only ones that existed, and I knew that he was the one I had been smelling.

“Who are you?” His voice cracked, taking heavy steps towards me. Alpha Buick snapped out of whatever he was in and started screaming.

“You can have her, spare us, please.”

Alex paused, looking at the alpha. “I didn't come here for her,” he said, his voice low. “I came to celebrate the festival of lights and claim this land back.”

Back, what did he mean by back?

Everyone was on their knees, heads bowed, shaking with despair. The black wolves surrounded them, growling occasionally.

The waves of power emitting from Alex were undeniable, only Alpha Buick seemed to be able to withstand it. Alpha Buick and I, it seemed.

Alex turned towards me, and moved so fast, I couldn't see him till he grabbed my jaw. “You smell like mate, " he said. I was frozen, scared at what was going on.

Taking a deep breath to make sure I wouldn't stutter, I replied to him.

“I am not your mate.”

Buick's eyes bulged out. He rushed at me, intent to murder me for saying that. I wondered if he had forgotten about the man that stood before me. Alex shot him a stare that had him halting.

“Take her if you want, but please, spare us,” Buick begged shamelessly. So much for protection. I always knew he was weak, but I had not expected how weak.

I looked up at Alex, into his clear eyes, to show him I wasn't afraid of him. He smirked, obviously seeing the power play, then I heard a voice in my head.

“Mate”.