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Chapter 1

Elena’s POV

My breath simmered, and I felt ecstatic for no reason. A sudden purge of strength well up in me, and I felt a little restless. My wolf growled in my head, panting and jerking. I don't know what it is, but something feels terribly wrong, and I can't place a finger on it. 

“I'm sure it's nothing but nervousness.” I muttered under my breath. A knock came on the door, distracting me from my thoughts.

“Elena, your dress is here.” I heard Lisa's voice and jumped out of the bed excitedly. Today is my eighteenth birthday, and I have never been more excited in my life.

“Come in, Lisa!” I sang my words, and the door opened. I frowned, seeing the gown was all covered. 

“Open it,” I grabbed the zipper of the cloth bag, and she snatched it away from me.

“Be careful Elena, you do not want to ruin your birthday dress. This is one of the most important ages you will turn in life. Every age has its significance and comes with something special.” Lisa began her lecture, and I just sat there on the bed listening to her. 

“When you turned sixteen, you met your wolf. Now you are turning eighteen, you might just meet your mate.” Lisa said, and my heartbeat accelerated at the mention of that word, mate. 

It felt as though something in me was being called and pulled away. A part of me seemed to be somewhere, lost and buried. I shivered, my breath heavy and fast. 

“Elena are you okay?” Lisa asked worriedly.

“It's nothing, I've just been feeling a certain type of way since I woke up this morning. I'm sure it's because of my birthday. I'm really nervous about the party.” I said, discarding the feeling. 

“Are you sure? You seemed quite shaken just now. Tell me if you are not feeling well. We can always postpone the birthday party.” Lisa said, and I shrugged.

“Nonsense! Why would you do something like that. We put in a lot into organising this party. Tell me, are the guests arriving? What of Father?” I asked her dismissing the previous topic.

“None of them have arrived yet, but they will soon. That's why you need to get ready as well.” Lisa said, and I nodded my head in agreement. 

Finally, we were done with dressing me up. I looked beautiful in the short sleeveless gown. The golden jewellery sat perfectly on my neck, dropping down to my cleavage. 

Lisa escorted me to the garden where my party was being held. The red and purple decorations lightened up the atmosphere and of my mood as well. 

My father is one of the council elders, and so my family is a titled one in the pack.

“You look beautiful!” One of the boys complimented, and I smiled at him. The party started, and I didn't know if I was just in my feelings. But something felt wrong this night, and I don't know what.

It's the same feeling I've been having since this morning. I felt my breath seized, and I could barely lift my head up.

My stomach twisted in a knot, and I knew I had to retreat to my room. 

“Lisa! I will be in my room in case anyone needs me.” I whispered into her ears and walked away. I was not about to let her scold me for walking out of my own party. 

I pushed the door to my room open and slumped on the bed. I felt suffocated and restless. I sat up, but I still didn't feel calm. 

My wolf whimpered in my head, and I panicked.

“What's wrong, Keila?” I asked her, but she said nothing to me.

“Now is not the time for you to go silent on me. Something is happening, and I need to know what the problem is. What's happening?” I asked her, but she kept panting. 

All of a sudden, I felt my claws extending and my body growing heavy. Keila is willing to take over, which can only mean she wants to go for a run in the woods. 

I didn't bother stopping her. Maybe it's one of those things you experience when you turn eighteen. I contemplated going through the front door. 

“No… That's a bad idea, Lisa and Father won't let me leave.” I concluded and looked out the window. The garden is on the other side, so no one would see me leave if I were to go out right now. 

I exhaled sharply and placed one of my legs out the window. I did the same with the second one. And with a push, I jumped out the window. My body hit the rough ground slightly, and I rolled over. 

I peeped to see if there was no one lurking around. Good thing we don't have much staff. Immediately, I tiptoed out of the house gate successfully, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.

I made it to the woods, running and yelling.

Damn…

I have never felt better. This must be the reason why I have been moody all day. My wolf just wanted to have some fun. I thought about the party going on at my house, but shunned the thoughts. 

They can go on and have fun without me. This is what my wolf wants. I brought myself to a stop and surrendered by a big tree. The squirrels and birds ran off seeing a wolf, but I only giggled at them.

Suddenly, the full moon shone over me, and I felt excitement shoot up in my bones. My blood boiled in my vein, and I felt a snap in my heart.

Strength, agility, and raw emotions welled up in me, and I felt so powerful. It felt as though I was munching on something very powerful. 

My eyes became wet with tears, and my wolf panted hard in my head. I turned around and began to sniff the air, looking for a piece of me carried by someone else. 

A stranger appeared in front of me, and I felt a sharp pull within my very core. 

“Mate!” Those fragile words escaped my lips.