Chapter 1

I never liked going to parties. But tonight, I made an exception.

My best friend pulled me through the crowded room with astonishing determination, navigating through the sea of party-goers. I, on the other hand, threw my head back in unattractive laughter and enjoyed the ride. Eventually, we reached our destination: the refreshment table.

Faith and I had already visited the booze-station thrice before, and there was no end in sight. A variety of bubbling wines and dark-colored liquor lined the table, an impressive display that promised intoxication. But no one seemed to mind. Not even the lightest of light-weights. We were werewolves, after all.

Werewolves supposedly possessed immunity to the effects of alcohol, at least to some degree. But, at the moment, I seriously doubted the fact. My best friend, Faith, swayed drunkenly as she reached for another glass.

It was the Summer Solstice. The only night of the year when all four werewolf packs of our region came together to celebrate the beginning of the packs. Only adults pack members have access to the celebrations, and Faith and I each turned eighteen a few months ago. We passed the final examinations and graduated just in time to join the rest of our pack members.

Most werewolves regarded The Summer Solstice as a formal event, a time for the packs to mingle in peace. But that did not stop Faith and I from fully indulging in our newfound freedom.

My red-haired best friend downed another glass of champagne, burped, and offered me a sly grin, “Look Charlie, some boys from the Celestial Pack are checking us out! Can we please go talk to them?”

I glanced over my shoulder, hazel eyes scanning the crowds to find the boys in question. I could easily separate the packs based on their clothing—each dressed in their own pack’s colors. Finally, I spotted the boys watching us from a distance.

I wrinkled my nose in unashamed distaste, “You can go talk to them. I’ll stay here and laugh at you.”

The boys looked our age. Their silvery-blonde hair sleeked back against their heads, a bit too greasy for my taste. But the polished appearance and airy color pallet of their clothing came with membership with the Celestial Pack. I shouldn’t reject the boys based on their appearance…

Faith pouted, her lower lip jutting out. She knew I couldn’t say no to her.

I groaned, “Fine! Lead the way.”

Faith squealed and clapped her hands in quiet celebration before painting an award-winning smile on her pink lips. Once again, she practically dragged me over to the Celestial boys, whose eyes traveled up and down our bodies. I fought the urge to gag.

“Hello ladies,” One of them stepped forward, although his eyes were glued on Faith. “You both look gorgeous tonight.”

Faith rolled her eyes, activating whatever obscene powers the Moon Goddess had gifted her for talking to boys. “Ugh, gods no. These dresses that they make us wear…The oranges and yellows do not work with my skin tone.”

I looked down at my own dress, considering her words. Our pack, the Dandelion Prime, traditionally dressed in golden yellows and oranges, an array of colors that resembled the sunset. Truthfully, the warm colors had always brought me joy. I liked them.

The boys laughed and the same one smiled, flashing a row of hyper-polished teeth. “No, I like your dresses. But you would look even better in Celestial silver.”

Faith giggled, taking on the personality of an air-headed bimbo to gain their attentions. I’d have to have a talk with her later that evening about changing for a boy… Nonetheless, I couldn’t help the blush that crept onto my cheeks at their forwardness.

I dared to open my mouth, intent on trying my hand at a bit of flirting, but a sudden hush overtook the room. My eyes immediately flickered toward the ball room’s massive entry-way, where at least two dozen men and women now stood. They exclusively wore variations of black, and every soul in the room tensed. The Black River Pack had arrived to the party.

Their arrival visibly dampened the care-free celebrations, probably because the Black River Pack had been pushing boundaries lately. I’d heard rumors of violent border fights and brawls between Alphas. A few werewolves growled, confirming my suspicions. Even I found myself wanting to snarl at the sight of them.

A voice from across the room laughed loudly, an obvious effort to diffuse the sudden tension, “Why am I not surprised that you are late?”

I stood on my tippy-toes to see over the crowds, as the Celestial Alpha walked over to greet the newcomers. The male’s smile could have charmed anyone—except, perhaps, the Black River Alpha.

I could only see the back of the infamous Alpha’s head as the two males shook hands and muttered greetings. After a few long moments, the rest of the room seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief. Thank the Moon Goddess…

So occupied in my own thoughts, I didn’t catch that the Celestial boys offered to take Faith and I dancing. When I snapped back into reality, I realized that the trio were already pushing through the crowd toward the dance floor. Not a single one looked back to see if I was following, but I supposed I didn’t mind. Faith had always been the better dancer.

Having been abandoned by my best friend, I began to wander aimlessly around the huge room. I stuck to the outskirts, admiring the tall ceilings and various archways that decorated any entrances. Massive windows allowed the moonlight to shine into the room, and I leaned against the wall to admire the splendor of night.

Behind me, a group of adults reclined in their seats, leisurely discussing the new arrival of the Black River Pack. Their voices mingled with the upbeat melodies of a distant orchestra, creating a pleasant background noise.

“It’s such a shame that she is gone. She was so young and bright… only twenty!” One of the older werewolves stated, and her words piqued my interest.

“Alpha Sergio hasn’t been the same—not since she died,” A man’s voice agreed solemnly.

A pang of sorrow struck my chest. Everyone knew the story of the Black River Alpha’s mate. Except she was not just his mate. She was his Fate Mate.