One

I groaned as the alarm sounded, pulling me harshly from my cosy dream.

Reality.

“Hallie. You better wake up, or you're be late again.”

My sister's voice echoed through the door, asking if I was awake. Why did she always have to be so perfect? She was always up on time and always going on about how excited she would be to find her mate.

“Go away, Veronica,” I yelled as she continued to bang on my bedroom door.

I rolled my eyes and headed to the bathroom, turning on the shower to drown out her annoying banging and shouting.

Mornings were never my thing, but I knew that if I wanted to be one of the top female warriors, I had to be punctual. Coach Benjamin had already been on my case about my timekeeping; if I kept being late, he would have no choice but to stop my training. No way was I letting that happen, and I wouldn't let him down.

My brother, George, was away at alpha training; he would soon become the near alpha when our father stepped down. He had to train twice as hard as me; we hadn't seen him in a few months, but he was coming back the following week for my birthday, which my parents had insisted on throwing for me.

My father hoped I would soon find my mate, but I refused to be anyone's Luna. Even if I found my mate, I wouldn't let him control my life. I was in charge, and I was ready to take on the world.

As the daughter of Alpha Phoenix and Luna Harriet at Moonstone Manor, I come from a family of great importance in my community. It's a lot of pressure, but I am proud of my family legacy. Our pack is one of the biggest and strongest ones around. My parents worked so hard to make it what it is here. Even our omegas are treated with respect and kindness. My mother says we are all one big happy family.

My hair is one of my favourite features. It's a rich, dark brunette that cascades down my back. It takes a lot of work to keep it looking its best, but I love the way it makes me feel when it's flowing freely behind me. When I'm training to become the best warrior in the kingdom, I tie it back, and I feel like a fierce warrior, ready to take on any challenge that comes my way!

Luckily my annoying little sister had disappeared when I finally emerged from my bedroom dressed in black shorts and a black top, along with my black trainers. Yeah, black is my favourite colour, the same as my wolf, Indie. She is beautiful with black fur and a white patch on the left ear. Indie hates how against having a mate I am, but she will get over it. We are the best on the training team, and I want to keep it that way.

“You're late," Benjamin shouted as I ran onto the training field. I smiled and started running laps before he could say anything else. Benjamin was my father's Beta and a fair trainer, but he always pushed me to work harder than everyone else. I didn't mind, though. I had been training since I was young, and I knew I could beat anyone. I could handle it.

After the intense morning training session, I couldn't wait to wash off the sweat and dirt. I sprinted back inside, eager to jump into the shower and let the hot water wash over me. It was the perfect way to refresh myself and prepare for the rest of the day.

"Miss Hallie, I have not dismissed you yet," Benjamin called out, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I turned back to face him. As if I wanted to stick around any longer than necessary.

But then, something shifted. Benjamin's voice took on a different tone, and I could feel the energy in the room shift. "Listen up, everyone," he called out, and the group gathered around him. My heart pounded as he spoke, and I struggled to focus. It was clear that something big was about to happen, and I couldn't wait to find out what it was.

"After discussing with Alpha Phoenix and a neighbouring pack, we've decided to hold tryouts for our best trainers to attend a year of warrior training."

I was speechless. A year of training at one of the other packs, where they trained warriors to work closely within the Kingdom? It would be a dream come true.

"Hallie, I'm sure you'll give it your best shot," Benjamin said, grinning and slapping me on the back. "Tryouts begin tomorrow. Alpha Peters and his Beta and head of trainers will be here this evening, ready for the tryouts tomorrow morning."

Jax shoved me playfully, grinning from ear to ear. "Looks like somebody better be up before dawn," he teased.

"Nothing will stop me from being there," I snarled.

"You never know; you might just be a little late," Jax joked.

“You never know; you might even meet your mate.” Kel appeared next to us and snuggled into Jax. They were both my best friends, and had found out they were mates only last month on Kel’s eighteenth birthday.

I shuddered at the thought of having a mate. The idea of being tied down and following orders from a man made me feel sick to my stomach. All I ever wanted was to be a top warrior girl, and I had been trained all my life for this.

The thought of popping out pups and giving up my dreams for some "stupid mate bond" didn't sit right with me. I was determined to pursue my passion for warrior training and become the best I could be. Why would I let anything, especially a mate, stand in the way of my dreams?"

My father knew how important it was for me to train with the other males, and he allowed me to do so. I worked hard, and it paid off. Nobody had managed to knock me down yet, and I felt I was on top of the world.

"Tomorrow is the big day! The tryouts for the training are finally here, and I'm so excited to show what I'm made of. Kels grinned excitedly, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline at the prospect of competing.

But Jax had to go and ruin the moment with a joke. "That's if she gets up on time," he chuckled, earning himself a punch in the chest from me. I was determined to make it to the tryouts, no matter what. Nothing would stand in my way of winning a spot on that training list. I was ready to give it my all and show everyone what I could do!