Ravina

Chapter 1 – Ravina's POV

Help From The Neigboring Pack

The cold wind tousled my fur as I padded between the trees. The border was quiet, but I knew I wasn't supposed to take a chance. The packs didn't get along. There was no food around, and everyone was nervous.

I was the only female warrior in my pack. My wolf came late to me, but she was a fierce one. Our bond would be weak at times, but I had worked harder than all the rest to claim my place.

I walked on, reaching out through the mind-link. Damon? My mate. Our pack's future Alpha.

Suddenly, a searing pain through my head. I gasped, my sight blurring to black. My legs buckled beneath me. The world spun, then went dark.

I came awake on the ground. My head pounded. My body was lax. I tried to sit, gasping.

What had happened?

I tried the mind-link again. Damon, I need help. Nothing. Blank silence.

Panic stormed through me. I called for my wolf. Sierra? Still nothing.

Panic. I tried the mind-link again. This time, I hit a brick wall. Then one message broke through.

"Your sister needs me."

I stared at the words, my heart pounding. What?

Shaking, I tried to stand. My legs were jelly, but I pushed myself forward. Step by step, I made it home.

I came to the packhouse and there were lights on. My parents, my sister, and Damon were sitting in the living room. But my breath was caught when I saw them—Damon was standing with my sister's hand.

I was stunned. My chest tightened.

"What is going on?" I asked sharply.

Damon stood before me, his face serene. "Ravina, I was going to tell you."

"Tell you what?" I asked, my voice sharp.

He tightened his hold on my sister's hand. "Amira's condition is not good. The healer tells me she won't last much longer."

I stared at my sister. She was thin, white. But there was something else in her eyes.

"She has one last wish," Damon continued. "She wishes to be my mate. My Luna."

The words hit me like a punch.

"She grew up with us, Ravina. She loves me too. And she's going to die. I want to grant her wish. Just until she..." He sighed, his head shaking. "And then, when she's dead, you and I can be together again."

I was sick.

I had struggled for this pack. Trained harder than anyone. Stood by Damon's side through it all. And now, just like that, he was tossing me aside?

You want me to be fine with this?"

I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Damon smiled softly. "Ravina, we are living in a time of peace. As the next Luna, you have to have a good heart. Be kind. She's your sister. You have to understand. Once she's dead, I'll make you my Luna. Just give her this."

Amira coughed softly. "I love him, Ravina," she whispered. "I always have. Please... let me have this."

I clenched my fists.

My parents stepped in. "Ravina, there is a good doctor in another nearby pack. Maybe he can do something for Amira. There are still three months until the mating ceremony. You can go search for him."

I made a bitter laugh.

So I would go and find this doctor and rescue her, but never see Damon again. And even if I succeeded in rescuing her, I'd still be waiting for her to die and hoping he returns to me?

I looked at Damon, my sister, and my parents.

"You know what?" I bit out, my tone cold. "Congratulations."

They were looking at me in dismay. They were expecting me to get this. To be nice. To be thoughtful.

Not today.

Just as I was sitting there, a familiar voice hit my mind. Ravina? Where are you? I've been trying to reach you.

Anna. My best friend. Our pack's healer.

I need you to take me for a ride, I told her.

I got into Anna's car within minutes. My hands were shaking.

"What happened to you?" she asked.

I swallowed hard. "Damon... my sister..." I couldn't even say the words. Anna's face turned somber. "That son of a gun."

I pushed a hand against my chest. "I just wish someone—anyone—could help me."

Anna went quiet for an instant. Then she spoke, "There's a doctor in the pack that lives near us. They're strict, but they're good people. If we leave now, we might get help."

I looked at her.

A chance. A way out. "Let's go," I said.