Chapter-1

Age 14 - CYNTHIA

I was sweating like crazy when my eyes roamed the dark sea from the edge of the highest mountain of Wolf's valley, the water was as clean as the air around me but together in the ocean, it was dark as a deep black hole. I was standing on the edge with joy drumming in my heart and body all hot from the heat of summer's sunshine.

"THIA! you are crazy!" Riley panted beside me, still bent on her knees trying to catch her breath from the race we had.

I laughed at her condition "Don't be silly, it was the best fun I ever had."

Riley huffed but stood up straight and admired the beauty of our island beside me. We might be teenagers but still being a werewolf and living the life we lead; we know how to admire the beauty. Dad being an artist also might have played a role in our mutual love for adventure and finding unknown places and things on this island.

"I am going to jump," Riley said and then laughed in delight. "You should have seen the look in your eyes, relax we have done this before."

I shook my head at her tactics. "Not this high! No Riley, this is too dangerous." I pleaded as she took a step outside the edge. I knew It was reckless to bring her here, being just 12 years old, she was too careless and daring. Being werewolf pups, we might be stronger and more mature than an average human kid but that doesn't mean we don't go through the same emotional and physical growth.

"Oh, come on Thia! Stop acting like our parents, look at the water! It will definitely cool us down." She said and JUMPED! Right before my eyes.

I screamed as fear ran through my whole body. "NOOOO!!!" but then I saw Riley shift in mid-air, the sight left me speechless but delighted. My baby sister has started shifting. That's why she was being so reckless. I should have known. Urghh! Riley and her idea of surprises.

As soon as I saw her beast penetrate the water, I giggled in joy and clapped with delight but when she didn't resurface, I started feeling anxiety and fear. I shouted for her but there was no response. As the time passed my anxiety turned into a full-blown panic attack and I knew I have to jump too, no matter the consequences.

"Please help me moon-goddess" I prayed and jumped behind her. As soon as I jumped, first I felt the air surround me and in the next second all I felt was the cold water, all around me, surrounding me, drowning me. With great efforts I opened my eyes and realized not even the bright sunshine of summer couldn't penetrate this water. It was all dark and silent around me still I tried to look for Riley's brown fur beast but it was all in vain.

Finally, I couldn't bear the pressure of low oxygen and tried to swim up but my legs couldn't move and my hands became too heavy, in another fit of panic I tried to scream which only resulted in more drowning. Slowly I started to feel my consciousness leaving me and my eyes turning heavy but before I left the world for good, I finally saw a golden ray of sunshine penetrate this dark underworld, or maybe it was moon-goddess here to take me.

I was feeling too heavy, I couldn't even breathe but the warmth was new yet the air was too cool. I could feel something amazing, out of this world tingling in my heart. It was a new, never felt before feeling. I wanted to giggle and jump in joy but my body wouldn't move.

I want to hug something- wait! hug? Before I could find the answer to my question, I found my eyes opening to a weird situation. His royal highness the King was pushing my chest while sitting on his knees. What universe I am in? slowly everything started to came back, again in panic for my sister, I dared to push his hands and sat up to look around me only to Riley again pushing me in a lying position with her breath-taking hug.

"You stupid, idiot, silly, crazy girl! I thought I lost you." I screamed at her as my eyes released big fat tears. "Where were you Riles?!!"

"I-I was just pranking you, I thought if I scared you, your instinct will let you shift like me, I am so sorry Cynthia, please forgive me." She sobbed back.

The guilt was back and drowned my anger. I could shift but nobody knows that. Although I love my beast, I could never shift in front of anyone because of the unnatural and unique color it has. I am hoping that either at 18 or when I find my mate, my beast will turn a golden shade but before that, I just can't. I was so busy in my inner musing that I didn't even notice King Aaron standing there beside us until he spoke, "Ahem! You ladies gave me a good fright as well." The deep voice mused above me.

Riley left my arms and smiled at the Alpha King Aaron himself. He was here; I was not imagining him. My eyes widened in amazement as I saw the tall and strong alpha of our whole island, the king himself with his classy trousers and marron shirt drenched in water and golden mane and blue eyes sparkling with the sun, standing near me.

I hiccupped; this was not the first time we were meeting but it always feels like that. He was my father's best friend actually but because of his status he visits us very rarely and even when he does, he spends all his time with Dad inside his artist den.

I tried to stand up but couldn't muster the strength that's when another wonder happened, the king extended his hand towards me. I again looked in his deep blue hypnotizing eyes and saw his strong jaw spread in an amused smile. I was embarrassed but still dared to put my small hand in his large hand and that's when my life changed and fate turned.

I felt the most pleasant current run through my body and my heart jump in its paces. My temperature went up and my beast screamed one clear word to me, which by now I already knew. 'MATE' king Aaron was my mate and I was fucked for good.

I was still lost in my newfound knowledge when I found him tugging me in a standing position. I looked at him to see his reaction but he was still smiling his amused smile. I frowned thinking this knowledge was funny to him but then he spoke to Riley and started scolding us both like we were just two annoying kids he found cute.

"Ladies! I am not sure, what you both did was anyone's idea of fun! Imagine the scare your father would have if he knew what you both were up to." He said in his stern voice while his eyes were still squinting in amusement.

"No King Aaron! Please don't, not Daddy!" Riley pleaded to make him lose his cool and finally laugh out loud.

"Oh! I am sorry, it's just you both were looking too innocent and I couldn't help myself. Fine, I won't tell your Dad but you have to promise me no higher cliff jumps until you both are 18, promise?"

Riley eager to please him, nodded her head at him with full enthusiasm while I was still frozen.

He smiled at us and patted our heads, patted like we were just two pups he knew, that meant he didn't know, didn't felt our bond. I had just found my mate and he was already leaving me. A sole tear escaped my eye as I saw his strong back fading in the shadows of trees. My mate doesn't recognize me.