Chapter 1: Don't Jinx It

Callie had always dreamt of the day she’d find her mate. That moment when the bond would be formed by the moon goddess. The instant she’d finally feel whole and complete.

And that day was today.

She stretched out on her bed, sheets tangled around her legs from a night of tossing and turning. Her heart was already racing. 

The sun wasn’t even up yet, but she could no longer keep herself in bed.

She kicked the sheets off, padded across her room, and shoved the window open. The cool morning air rushed in, brushing against her bare arms. Without hesitation, she climbed out the window and onto the roof like she had done a thousand times before.

The sky was still dark, with only a sliver of purple bleeding along the horizon. She lay back on the cold roof and spread out her arms, soaking in the moment.

“Happy birthday!” Ember’s voice burst into her mind, practically vibrating with energy.

Callie laughed out loud.

“It’s finally time!” Ember howled with glee. “We’re going to find our mate sooooon!”

Callie rolled her eyes, grinning. “Oh calm down, Ember. You’re acting like we’ve already found him.”

“What?!” Ember gasped. “You literally couldn’t sleep last night. Don’t come for me.”

Callie covered her face with both hands, her cheeks flushed. “Okay, fine,” she whispered, biting back another grin. “Maybe I’m freaking out a little too.”

This was it. The birthday that changed everything. The day the universe would lead her straight to him. Her mate. Her destiny.

And may the goddess help whoever stood in her way.

Callie had lived a quiet life in the omega estate. Nothing too flashy or too wild. Just her, her parents, and her brother in a modest little house tucked at the edge of pack lands. They weren’t rich, but they were happy. 

The sky was already brightening into soft gold, so Callie climbed back through her window, adrenaline buzzing beneath her skin. This day felt different and she knew it.

She threw on her jeans and a soft pink tee, brushed through her curls, and dashed down the stairs.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CALLIE!!”

Her mum, dad, and big brother stood in the kitchen grinning like some fairies. A tiny chocolate cake sat on the table, its frosting was slightly lopsided, and a single candle flickered at its center. 

It was the same type of cake every year, Callie had predicted the exact scene.

But this year was different. This year, everything was going to change.

Callie beamed, cheeks flushed with warmth. She stepped forward, closed her eyes, and whispered her wish.

“I wish to meet my mate today...”

She blew the candle out, and the small room erupted in tiny cheers.

Her mum scooped up a slice of the cake with a fork and held it to her mouth like she’d done since Callie was six. “C’mon, birthday girl.”

Callie took the bite, giggling, just as the front bell rang.

She jumped, nearly choking on the cake. “Gotta go!” she said around a mouthful, hugging her mum tight. Her dad and brother, Ethan joined in the hug. “I love you!”

Her mum kissed the top of her head. “Don’t fall in love too fast!”

Amira’s voice cut through the door. “Good morning, Mrs. Rain!”

Callie rushed outside, nearly tripping over the doorstep. Amira stood waiting, practically bouncing in her boots.

“Is today the day or is today the dayyy?” Amira asked, grabbing her hand.

Callie grinned. “It is the day.”

They squealed together, clutching hands like little kids at a candy store.

“Who do you think it’ll be?” Amira asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

Callie bit her lip, trying to stay cool. “I’ve never really thought about it... but maybe Jules? I mean… he does have cute curly hair.”

Amira gasped dramatically. “Oouuu, I knew it! You’ve got a thing for him.”

“Shhh!” Callie laughed, smacking her arm gently. “Don’t jinx it!”

“Whoever it is, you guys are gonna rock,” Amira said, swinging their joined hands.

Callie nodded, her heart full and thumping wildly. She could feel it in her bones, this year wasn’t going to be anything like the last.

It was going to be her best year.

********** 

It suddenly hit her in the middle of class.

A thick, intoxicating scent, rich, wild, and impossible to ignore. It curled around her like smoke, wrapping into her lungs and pulling her straight out of her seat.

She barely noticed Amira’s voice calling her name or the surprised looks from her classmates as she bolted toward the door. 

Her pulse was hammering. Ember was already growling low and eager in the back of her mind.

“You feel that?” Ember whispered.

But Callie didn’t respond. She couldn’t.

Her feet moved on instinct, drawn down the hall, her nose twitching as the scent grew stronger. The hallway was quiet, with just a few students lingering by the lockers. And then…

She saw them.

The Alpha Owen and his usual crew, Chris, Kade, and Theo. walking toward her like they owned the whole damn building. Which, in a way, they kinda did.

But Callie didn’t even flinch or pause to glance at them. She didn’t care. She moved right past them, not sparing a single thought. 

The last thing she needed right now was trouble. She didn't want to have anything to do with them.

And yet...

With each step she took further away from them, the scent clung tighter.

Her eyes widened. No. No way.

She turned slowly. Her gaze swept the group until it landed on the one person she most definitely didn’t want it to.

Alpha Owen.

It couldn't be. Not him. Anyone but him. But the pull she felt was undeniable. Her wolf was howling within her. Her own heart was betraying her.

The scent was pouring from him, and her wolf nearly exploded.

“Mate! Mate! MATE!” Ember howled inside her, tail wagging furiously.

Callie froze. Every thought, every noise, every inch of reality went silent. Her eyes locked onto Owen like some force surrounded him and her only focus was on it. Her chest rose and fell in ragged breaths.

Chris sneered. “Who the fuck are you? Why the fuck are you staring?”

She didn’t even look at him. Her gaze stayed locked on Owen. Her mate. The Alpha.

Could he feel it too? Could he smell her?

She barely had time to process the thought before someone pushed hard into her shoulder from behind, shoving her to the side.

Callie stumbled hard into the wall with a thud. She caught herself quickly and lifted her head to see who it was.

Lily… with her two minions trailing behind.

The Alpha’s girlfriend sauntered past her like she was nothing, flipping her sleek hair before sliding straight into Owen’s arms.

Callie’s chest tightened painfully.

Owen didn’t even hesitate. He pulled Lily against him and covered her lips in a deep, slow, and possessive kiss.

The hallway erupted with whistles and cheers from the boys. Chris whooped loudly.

But Callie...

She couldn’t move. Or breathe.

No. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. The Moon Goddess couldn’t be that cruel. Why the Alpha? 

Everyone knows that he and Lily were in love. She was his Luna. Callie wouldn't want to come in between that ever. 

Owen pulled away from the kiss and looked up. His eyes, those deep, commanding eyes, locked onto hers.

His expression shifted to something really dark and hard to understand. 

He left Lily’s side without a word and walked straight toward her.

Her heart felt like it would rip out of her chest.

He leaned in, close enough for her to smell his cologne under the mate bond. His lips brushed the shell of her ear.

“Meet me at Angel’s Den. 8PM. Don’t be fucking late.”

And just like that he walked away.

Leaving her heart pounding and her mind spinning.

Her entire world had just shattered.