1

Skylar

As I wake up from a dream from my childhood, I can’t help but smile. Back then, things were so simple. While things are much more complicated now, I still look forward to the future. What I’m most excited for is my eighteenth birthday tomorrow.

'It won’t be long now,' Jaden says excitedly, and I sense him wagging his tail. 'Ebony will know the truth, and I’ll finally get to meet her wolf!' I picture him prancing around like a pup and chuckle.

I’ve known all my life that Ebony is my mate and soon-to-be Luna. Werewolves normally find their mates when they turn eighteen, but I happen to be special. Well, not me personally—my mother is special.

Born as a “true Luna,” marked by the dark crescent moon on her shoulder, she is incredibly powerful. That trait passed down to me, so I was born with my wolf already awakened.

Jaden has been with me all along, whispering into my mind before he even understood what he was saying. He was once a pup, just like me, and only knew he needed to keep Ebony safe. It wasn’t until we got a little older that the word “mate” came to mind.

The first time it happened was when I found my way back home. I vaguely remember our shared dreams, where everything became clear.

However, one annoying problem became obvious: she doesn’t know we’re mates yet, and she won’t until we both turn eighteen. She’s slightly older than me, and I had hoped she would know immediately, but that never happened. Now I have to wait—and I’m not the most patient person.

I get up to head for the door but blink as it suddenly swings open. My baby siblings tumble into the room, and I can’t help but chuckle. It seems Lily has once again dragged Davin along to wake me up.

“Oh good! You’re awake!” Lily jumps up and puts her hands on her hips proudly. She looks so much like our father, Aiden, though her skin tone has lightened as she’s grown. Her bright red hair and icy blue eyes contrast beautifully.

“Mama is almost done with breakfast!” Lily continues before noticing Davin on the floor. “Oh, I’m sorry!” She helps the timid boy up as he rubs his eyes.

Davin has albinism, just like our mother, with white hair, purple eyes, and very pale skin. I suspect he’s a lot like me, especially since he always likes to hang out with the Beta’s daughter, Rosalina. I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up as mates in the future. Having my little brother as my Beta someday would be awesome.

“I-it’s okay, sissy…” Davin says quietly, dusting himself off. “B-big brother isn’t ready for the day yet, so… um…” He fidgets with his hands. “L-let’s let him get ready… he has to get dressed and stuff.”

Lily sighs but nods. “Fine… but you better hurry up!” She points at me firmly. “We’re hungry, and Mama says we have to wait for you! So don’t be late!” With that, the twins walk off together.

I can’t help but chuckle at the pair. Just like me when I was younger, Lily is impatient. That must come from Mother’s side. As for Davin’s shyness, I have no idea—Father is definitely not shy.

I shake my head and quickly change out of my pajamas into comfortable workout clothes. I plan on going for a run with Ebony before sparring with my father.

Alpha training can be intense, but it’s a piece of cake nowadays. I don’t plan on taking over the pack anytime soon—I don’t feel ready. When I voiced this before, Father was very understanding.

“Of course, my son.” Father patted my head and smiled. “I don’t plan on stepping down until I know you’re ready. Besides, your mother wants to help the next Luna as well.”

I pause as the memory comes back to me. After speaking with the Alpha King, I realized they’ve known about Ebony being my mate ever since I returned all those years ago.

Well, at least they don’t tease me about my first crush anymore. I chuckle before heading downstairs. The house is filled with the smell of bacon and pancakes. Some things never change, and I’ll never complain about that.

“Yay! We can eat now!” Lily cheers. “I thought you fell in or something! Chow time!” She immediately starts digging into her food.

Mother sighs and shakes her head. “You’re definitely your father’s daughter with that appetite.” She sets a plate down on the table. “Here you go, kiddo. Nice and warm.”

Knowing she’s talking to me, I walk over and sit down. “Thank you, Mom,” I say with a smile before taking a bite. As the delicious taste fills my mouth, I can’t help but grin. Nothing’s better than Mother’s homemade pancakes.

“So what are your big plans for today?” Mother asks as she sits down to eat. She asks this every morning, always with an affectionate gleam in her eyes. I’m so happy she’s truly my mother—and not that other…

Lily’s bright voice snaps me out of my dark thoughts. “I’m gonna play with Davin and Rose!” she says cheerfully.

Davin winces but nods. “Y-yes… w-we’re going to play with Rose all day… U-uncle Sammy is watching us today,” he whispers.

For a brief moment, Mother’s eyes darken, but Father takes her hand and smiles. “That’s wonderful, you two. Be sure to have lots of fun! Oh, and Lily—don’t get into any trouble, please.”

“Daddy~!” Lily whines, pouting. “It was only one time, and nothing bad happened! It wasn’t even my fault!” She glares at Father before going back to eating, clearly sulking.

“What about you, Sky?” Mother asks softly, tilting her head. “More of the same, or something different?”

I chuckle and finish my last bite. “I’m going on a run with Ebony, then doing some Alpha training with Father. So… yeah, probably more of the same.”

Mother smiles knowingly. “At least you’re staying busy… though I bet you can’t wait until tomorrow.”

I can't help but smirk as I stand while nodding. “You have no idea.”