Chapter One

Elissa

It's my birthday today, and everyone in the pack is preparing for my coronation after I turn. Our pack has waited for this day ever since my parents died in a fire when I was thirteen.

The Beta has been in charge, and he has helped the pack immensely. I smiled as Candice walked in holding a bouquet of wildflowers.

"How's my favorite birthday girl doing?" she winked, and I blushed.

"Fine. I'm still nervous about turning today. I don't know if I'll be able to rule like my parents," I sighed, exposing my fear to my childhood friend, and she waved off my words dismissively.

"You are perfect for the role, Elissa. In fact, you're more than perfect for the role. Besides, you're going to have Lucian by your side. That reminds me, are you ready for tonight?" She wiggled her brows playfully, and I looked away, hiding my flushed face.

After turning, I would be choosing my mate. Everyone knows Lucian would be the one. He's the Beta's son and my boyfriend. We've been best friends since we were children, and we started dating when I turned fifteen.

Lucian is just like his father: strong, versatile, and caring. There is nothing more I could ask the Moon Goddess for.

I prayed he would be my mate because I couldn't see a future where Lucian didn't exist. I owed everything to him and his family. They've been like my family ever since I lost mine.

"Let's talk about your dress for the evening. I was speaking with the maids to find the perfect one for you," Candice squealed as she went through my wardrobe.

Just then, Lucian walked in carrying a mini cake on a tray.

"Where is my princess?" he teased.

I rushed to his side. He kissed my hair, wrapping one hand around my waist.

Candice slipped out of the room instantly, and I looked up at my handsome boyfriend.

"Are you ready for tonight? You know you can talk to me. Just say the word, and I'll take you far away from here if you don't want to be overwhelmed today," he proclaimed, and my smile widened.

"I'm fine. It's not going to be easy, but I have you and your father to help me," I shrugged.

He pressed his lips against mine, stealing my breath away.

"I can't wait, and I'll be with you every step of the way," he whispered against my lips, and butterflies took flight in my stomach.

"I'll see you later. If you need anything, you know where to find me. You look extra beautiful today, my love."

He kissed me again before leaving my room.

Sometimes it felt like a dream that I had such supportive people to stand by me. No one treated me like I was inexperienced or unworthy of ruling the pack.

I wished Mom and Dad were here today to see me turn. They would have been so happy.

Tears burned at the back of my eyes when I recalled the day I lost them. It was by sheer luck that I escaped death that day. I would have been inside the house if not for Lucian.

I had been in the woods picking wildflowers when I saw smoke rising above the trees. I rushed to find where it was coming from, only to find my house engulfed in flames.

My parents were inside.

They didn't make it.

I sat down on my bed, taking the tray with the cake, hoping the delicious dessert would soothe my aching heart.

The maids came in not long afterward and started preparing my garments for the ceremony.

The sun was setting beyond my window, and a nervous knot twisted in my stomach as the time drew closer.

What would it feel like to run through the woods in my wolf form?

The smell of fresh leaves lingering in the air.

The cold wind whistling as I led the others who were going to shift today.

I should have been excited, but all I felt was an unmistakable sense of dread.

"Your Majesty, the ceremony is about to start," one of my maids announced, jolting me out of my thoughts.

I nodded and got to my feet.

I needed to find Lucian.

Taking the bouquet of wildflowers Candice had given me, I left my room in search of him.

I came across some members of the pack as I stepped outside the house, and they bowed in greeting. I smiled and exchanged pleasantries with some of them.

"Have you seen Lucian?" I asked one of the Gammas, a brawny man with hard features.

"I think we saw him heading toward the new Alpha house construction site," he answered.

I thanked him and headed in that direction.

I smiled when I spotted the Beta and his wife. They bowed, and I did the same.

"Oh, dear, you look gorgeous," Lucian's mother beamed.

I blushed at the compliment.

"I can say the same. You're always glowing. I wonder how you manage to do it," I smiled.

"How are you feeling today, Elissa?" Beta Lennon asked.

"I'm alright. Just a little nervous. I was actually going to find Lucian," I replied.

They nodded.

"Don't let us keep you here," his wife grinned.

I waved before heading toward the building where the Gamma said he'd seen Lucian.

I looked over my shoulder and saw the Beta and his wife still standing where I'd left them, watching me.

I waved again, and they did the same.

Perhaps they were worried about me.

That warmed my heart.

I didn't have to be afraid with them backing me up every step of the way.

After the Alpha's house burned down along with my parents, I stayed at the Beta's house while mine was being rebuilt.

The building had been reconstructed, but they were still putting the finishing touches on it.

I stepped onto the patio and blinked at the strange noises coming from the living room.

Curious, I walked inside.

The bouquet slipped from my fingers.

I froze.

Candice was bent over with her hands against the wall, her skirt hiked up to her waist. Her moans echoed through the room, pleasure evident in every sound.

The familiar blond hair.

The pale skin.

The unmistakable groans as he thrust into her from behind.

It was none other than my boyfriend.

Lucian.