Chapter One

Everyone came. Everyone, including Zoe Parker, my best friend. She moved across the country to get away from her mother for five years but when she found out that she was a werewolf, she decided to stay with her mother in the pack. 

Sadly this was the day of my parents funeral, it was all my fault. They would never have died if they were not trying to get me a cake for my birthday.

Minutes later, three limousines arrived at the house. The family filed into the vehicles while the drivers loaded the hearse with the numerous roses. I loved roses; they were red, I loved anything red except blood.

The atmosphere not only looked gloomy but felt gloomy for me... I hate this, why did they have to die? I thought momentarily before she took his seat at the front. "I'm so sorry for your loss." Tess whispered to my brother who just stayed mute.

Kayden was my younger brother and I didn't even think for a second if he cared about our parents death cause he never wanted them around. He was not always at home and he always cursed them when he got the slightest chance. 

I wiped my tears with a tissue and stared at the sky. Even the seats weren’t very comfortable. I had to re-position the rear end a few times before I could sit properly. And to top it all off, the chairs were one of my favorite color - Red

But was there really anything to complain about? It was a sunny day, with birds chirping and flowers blooming. My mother would have given anything to see this day. 

On each side of the casket sat two large candles. Both were, of course, red in color. Above the casket were the roses brought from the house. As the casket lowered into the ground, many tears were shed. Kayden even had a tear shed.

"Hey hailey, I'm so sorry for what happened. I'm really sorry for your loss." Tess told me as the funeral ended and everyone went back to their various homes.

I nodded and tried to keep a bright smile on my face even though my heart was bleeding. "Yeah, it's nothing. I'll get over it in a few days." I replied. 

"Get over it?" She inquired with a light chuckle. "Why don't you and your brother stay with my mom for a few days?" She suggested.

It felt like a relief but I didn't know what to think. I reckoned I could stay with them for a few days.

"You guys would be going to the pack and I'm human, I'm not allowed to follow you."

She let out a frustrated sigh as we walked into her apartment. "Where's Kayden?" She asked. 

"Right here!" Kayden answered as her parents set the food on the dining table. 

They looked excited to see me as I greeted them and sat at the dining table. "How are you doing now, dear?" Her mom asked.

How was I supposed to be doing? Was I really supposed to feel okay?

"I'm alright." I lied because I didn't want them to be worried about me. That was not my intention and I just wanted to have peace of mind.

"So momma, I'll soon be mated and I can't wait." Tess said and giggled excitedly.

I didn't really understand them because I was not a Werewolf but it sounded like fun. "What's that?" Kayden asked as soon as we began eating.

Kayden was an inquisitive person, he loved to explore things a lot.

"Mates are like soulmates, each werewolf has a mate and the mates are their destined soulmates. They are chosen by the moon goddess (their god). The stronger werewolves usually find their mate after their first shift which is usually between the ages 16-17." She explained gently.

Wow, that definitely sounded like fun. 

"So you can reject a mate?" 

"Yes," she answered and winked at me before the light smile playing at the corner of her lips faded. "I just hope Alpha Blake doesn't choose me." She said and her parents frowned.

"Don't even think of it. If that boy chooses you, reject him and let him die. We don't even want a cursed alpha in our pack." Her dad chipped in violently and stood up, climbing the stairs, angrily. I didn't know what made him angry but I felt he overreacted.

I felt bad for Tess, she was confused. 

"Mom, did I say anything wrong?"

Her mom nodded. "No one wants to be with a cursed alpha and you know that. After his third rejection, he'll certainly die. I'm sure he already knows no girl would pick him."

"Who is this Alpha Blake?" Kayden asked.

"One of the strongest werewolves in the pack, after sacrificing some of his powers to save us from the first blood moon, the moon goddess cursed him." Her mom answered.

"He was cursed right from birth. That's what I heard, there are so many rumors that's too hard to keep up with." 

"I'd like to meet him." Kayden said with a smile.

"I was actually thinking if you guys would love to follow us to the pack tomorrow." Her mom suggested.

I stared at Kayden, he seemed to love the idea as he giggled excitedly. "Are humans allowed in the pack?"

She nodded. "It's easier for the males to get into the pack without having to do anything but it's a little bit hard for the females to get into the pack." She answered and also left the dining table. 

Maybe I was also overreacting but something did feel a little bit suspicious.

I and Kayden exchanged an uneasy glance. He definitely wanted to go and I couldn't stop him. "Alright then, we'll follow you to the Werewolf pack tomorrow." I told her and she smiled.

"You've made the best decision, you'll certainly love the pack." 

Once Kayden and I walked into the room, I shut the door and looked at him. "What's this crazy thing about werewolves? Don't you think we should escape from this house? We could find somewhere else to stay."

He frowned and gave me a cold stare. "Are you scared? You should definitely have fun, I'm sure you'll love the pack and meet a couple of hot werewolf Alphas." He assured me.

How could I expect him to understand me?

This was really a dumb idea.

"Alright, we'll leave tomorrow. I just hope we've made the right decision."

I fell into the bed laughing as I tried to make myself happy. He copied me, also falling on the bed. "I certainly can't wait to meet a Luna and seduce her, I'm sure she'll fall in love with me." He said and grinned with excitement.

I chuckled shamefully as it felt like I was the only one who didn't know a thing about werewolves. "Do you think I'll also find a mate?"

He shrugged. "Well, I don't know since we're both humans but I hope you find an Alpha, you certainly need someone to make you happy." 

"Not the cursed Alpha," I reminded him and he let out a loud chuckle.

"Definitely not the cursed Alpha!"