Luna’s Replacement

*** Naomi's POV ***

-"Naomi, dear. We are going to be late!" - my mom yelled through the mind link.

-"I am almost done." - I replied.

I analyze my reflection in the mirror.  My A-line navy knee-length dress is perfectly paired with nude champagne heels and a purse. I pull my long black hair to the right side of my neck and lean closer to the mirror.

- "Almost Perfect! Just missing a little bit of make-up." - said Artemis, the voice in my head.

She is not just a voice, she is my wolf, and together we are a werewolf. Yes, her name is Artemis, just like the Greek Moon Goddess. My wolf swears the Goddess named her, herself.

The Moon Goddess didn't have children like the other Gods, so she picked a handful of humans, paired them with their soulmates, and blessed them with the ability to shift from human to wolf form. She called them werewolves, and they were her children. Although the werewolves had a human appearance, they possessed enhanced senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste) and supernatural strength, agility, and healing. There were the most common skills set.

The bond between human and beast is sacred. The higher the compatibility between the human and the wolf spirit, the higher the skill set. The bond was so deep on rare occasions, allowing unique abilities such as healing others, mind control, precognition, scent masking, and much more.

The Moon Goddess didn't want her children to forget about her, so she gave them the moon in the night sky, and when the moon was at its fullest, it allowed them to shift into wolves. This happened millions of years ago. Now, the rare abilities are even more infrequent, and we only need the first full moon after our 18th birthday to shift into our wolf forms for the first time. After that, we can do it when we please or when someone steps on our toes (I don't mean it literally. I am trying to say that we are more likely to shift if someone gets us angry.)

You see, after their first shift, werewolves are bound to meet their mates. A mate is like your other half created especially for you by the Moon Goddess. Finding your mate and marking them allows both parties to become stronger, and in some instances, new skills will arise.

Stay with me here, I know I am overloading you with a ton of information about us, but it all will make sense in the end.

Werewolves live in packs, and a hierarchy system rules the pack. The strongest werewolf is the leader of the pack and is called Alpha. His mate, and equal, is called Luna. They are the head of the pack. The second in command is the Beta, the third Gamma, and so on. You get the idea. They all help lead the pack, but the Alpha is always the last to have the final say. The werewolves whose connection with their inner wolf is weak, or are unable to shift, are called omegas. They are the lowest rank of the pack.  Most of them work as servants. There are regular pack members such as our warriors, doctors, teachers, etc.  They have good connections with their wolves but are not strong enough to make it to the ranks.

Now, if you belong to the ranks, it means you and your wolf have a strong connection. This affects your abilities and your chances of finding a mate. The higher the rank, the higher the link with your wolf, the higher the possibility of having a rare ability and finding a mate.

As a werewolf, we are naturally drawn to our mates. Some find them straight away; others take a bit longer, and others might never find them. One thing is for sure; the Moon Goddess always gives you your mate when you need them the most.

My brother Gabriel and I are Alpha blood, my best friend Lee is our Beta's son, meaning the connection with our wolves is strong. Thus, the chances of finding a mate are higher than anyone else. But, Lee and I are 21 years old, my brother is four years older than us, and we still haven't found our true mates.

I still have hopes, but my father,  Alpha of my pack, thinks differently. He promised my hand in marriage to his Beta's son and my best friend, Lee Benson, if I was still unmated by the age of 25.

Anyhow, where was I? Oh yes! Make-up. Not my thing, but since we are going to a royal party, I figured I would apply some mascara and lipstick. Many people are expected to attend the party, and who knows, maybe I will find my mate there.

- "Naomi Owens!"

- "You better hurry up, doll, or we are going to be in trouble." Artemis points out.

- "Yikes, you are right. When mom calls me by my full name, nothing good, and I mean nothing good, comes out of it!" I commented, making Artemis giggle.

-"I am coming, mom." I mind-linked. Werewolves can communicate with their pack using mind-link. It's like a 24/7 cellphone that never runs out of battery. I finish applying the red lipstick and rush down the stairs, trying not to trip or break a heel.

-"Moon Goddess, why did you take so long?" my mom rhetorically asks while lifting a hand and stopping me from saying anything. "No! I don't want or have time for your excuses, Missy. Your father, brother, and I will go in one car, and you will go with Beta Martin and his family."

- "Yes, Mom."

- "Now chop-chop. Go on." she signals me to move on and go to the car.

Approaching the vehicle I am supposed to ride in, I notice Lee standing outside the car with the backseat door open, waiting for me. He looks very handsome, I must say. Lee wore a navy-blue suit with a white shirt and black tie. Mom must have told him what I was wearing, so our outfits match. His golden hair is perfectly groomed. Goddess, help me. He is so handsome. His muscular figure and his sky-blue eyes always sent the girls to head over heels for him.   

- "You look gorgeous, Naomi." He compliments me while extending his hand and helping me into the car.

- "Ditto" - I blush, returning the compliment.

Lee's father, Beta Martin Benson, is driving our car. On the passenger's seat next to him is his wife, Kim. Lee and I sat in the back.

Four cars take off from the front of the packhouse. The destination is Crescent Moon Pack's territory, Blue Pine Creek, Northeast from where we are. Our pack's territory is called Misty Falls, two hours away, give or take, from Blue Pine Creek. It was named after the waterfalls that were located within our domain. Often, the waterfalls create a mist around the whole area, like a veil. This usually happens first thing in the morning. It's always breathtaking to watch the sun rays peek through the mist.

We are not a super-rich pack, but yes, we are wealthy. You can tell because we all ride in Black Land Rovers. The first and last cars are for our protection. The pack's best warriors ride in them. My father's name is Sam Owens,  he is the Alpha of Silverfalls Pack, and my mother's name is  Krystal Owens, his Luna, and mate. They ride in the car ahead of us along with my brother, Gabriel, who is next in line to become Alpha. My dad will transfer the title once my brother finds his mate, whenever that is.

The cars finally came to a stop. A beautiful, substantial Victorian Mansion stands before us. The front yard has a French vibe to it. On either side of the broad walkway are two perfectly trimmed boxwood hedges leading towards the house's front door. By the door, also on each side, can two spiral-trimmed junipers be observed in its glorious cement urns. Standing beside the junipers, two Crescent Moon Warriors welcome and check the guests' invites.

Two of our warriors walk from the front car and escort my parents. A third warrior goes into the driver's seat and drives the vehicle to the parking location. We had the same escort treatment, but our warriors came from the car behind us.

- "Wow, this mansion is soooo beautiful. I love the French-style garden." - I expressed my admiration emphasizing the "so."

- "If you like the front yard, wait till you see their private garden!" Lee's mother, Kim, pointed out.

The Crescent Moon Pack was the biggest and strongest pack in the USA. They were so respected by the other packs throughout the centuries that they earned the "King" title. Their Alpha was King of all Alphas and their Luna, the Queen. The pack's population is about a thousand, and they have their mini-city. It's nice.  The mansion was situated more towards the mountains and was surrounded by forest, making it even more charming.

The warriors escorted us to the front door and went back to the cars. Thankfully, Lee offered his arm for me to hold. Otherwise, I would have tripped over myself in these heels. I love them, but I am more of a flats girl. I can't wait to see how the house is decorated on the inside or stroll through the garden. Who knows, maybe even find my mate. It would be so romantic.

I know what you are thinking. I am looking for a man while holding another. Well, the truth is, besides being promised to Lee, he is also my best friend. We grew up together. So having his arm is like second nature. Plus, the engagement only becomes valid on my 25th birthday! Four years from now.

We waited in line to have our invites checked. The sun is setting down, and you can tell it's going to be a chilly night. Brrrr, I wish before I left, I had grabbed a cardigan.

We slowly get closer to the door when I feel Artemis getting anxious, fidgety, and unsettled.

-"Naomi, He is here! I can feel it." - She says through our link.

-"Who's here?"

-"Our mate! He is here".  Artemis states.

-"OMGoddess! He is here!"