Chapter one: The Mating Ball

Lila's POV

You would think being an Alpha of the Nightshade pack's only daughter would grant you respect.

No.

To them, I am "The Alpha's Plague" a werewolf that has never taken wolf form, a shame to the pack. Since my wolf never showed after coming of age, their sneers and whispered remarks follow me.

I had been a future leader, erect and capable, but now no better than the punch line of a joke. My life companion seemed to be humiliation; it always kept me company as the days passed by. But tonight, for the first time ever, I could see a glimmer of hope.

The mating ball was tonight... The night any and every young werewolf looked forward to. It's the night when we found our fated mates.

My father, Alpha Daxton, believes that when I find my mate, it will unlock the part of me that's missing, and that my wolf will finally emerge. I cling to that hope, for without it, I have nothing.

I started to head down the hall, toward the grand hall. The sound of my heels clattered against the polished floor. It had been worth the hours tonight to get ready.

My black gown fell perfectly, my hair twisted into a neat bun, and a few loose curls framed my face. The air was thick with it, and although I was beyond nervous, a spark of it just couldn't help but course through my veins.

Maybe tonight everything changes.

The closer I get to the entrance of the hall, the more laughter and chatter I hear. I am momentarily paralyzed, taking a deep breath. I can do this. I step across the threshold, and immediately my eyes scan around the room.

The hall was beautiful-flowers draped over colored walls, delicate lanterns casting warm glows over the pack members milling around. Everyone was so happy and so excited to meet their mates.

And then I hear them.

"I cannot believe she showed up," one voice whispers, just loud enough for me to hear. "Does she really think anyone will claim her?"

"Who'd want the Alpha's plague?" another sneers. "A wolfless werewolf? She's a disgrace."

Those words are like a knife to the gut, but I stand up tall and refuse to show them how it cuts. They have said worse all these years, and I know how to mask the sting.

Tonight is too important to let them ruin me. I keep walking, head held high, while inside I am barely holding myself together.

“Lila!" My father's voice booms above the din, and my head snaps toward him immediately. He stands near the head of the hall, tall, proud-like the center of gravity around which everything else revolves.

"Father," I answer with a smile, dusting off the hurt brought on by whispers. I walk toward him; the sea of people politely parts to make way for me. "The hall does look great. Mom outdid herself again.

"She does," he says, his stern features softening as he looks at me. "And you, my dear, are beautiful."

"Thank you," I say in quiet gratitude, knowing Dad would always have my back. Where the pack would turn an indifferent shoulder on me, my parents have never abandoned me in any way.

Where my wolf would ever appear, my father, the Alpha, has never given up. This event in its entirety, right down to every minor detail, was organized by my mother, Luna Alina.

They have done everything in their power to protect me, but even their influence cannot shield me from the cruel reality of being different in a pack that values strength above all else.

We take our seats at the front of the hall, and my heart begins to flutter and pound. The anticipation rises to a fever pitch. Soon, the ceremony will start, and I will find him-my mate. The one that will accept me, even in my wolfless state. The one that will make everything right.

"Are you nervous?" my father asks, his voice low as he turns to me.

"A little," I admit, fidgeting with the fabric of my dress. "What if… what if he doesn't want me?"

"Nonsense," my father says firmly. "You are the daughter of the Alpha. Any man who rejects you would be a fool."

I smile at his confidence, but that fear is still there. What if meeting my mate doesn't change anything? What if I stay wolfless, an outcast in my own pack? I force the thoughts away. I just can't think like that. I have to believe tonight will change everything.

Out steps the messenger. His voice rises and re-echoes around the hall to announce the start of the mating ritual. A ripple of excitement washes over; I can feel the rise of my adrenaline. This is it. This was the moment I knew I had been waiting for.

I stood, caressing my dress for the very last time, and then looked around the room as if searching for something.

The pack members were also on their feet, their eyes lit with anticipation. The tension increased in the air, it became thick and heavy. The room is filled with a lot of opportunities, with so many futures stacked.

I take a deep breath and step forward to join the ceremony. The echo of my father's words still echoes in my head: *You will know him when you see him*. My heart pounds in my chest, excitement tangled with fear.

Who would he be? What would he look like? More importantly, would he accept me just the way I was?

The ceremony kicks in, and I stand at the very edge of my future, waiting for that one moment that will change it all.

Welcome to our annual mating ceremony. We are all aware that this ceremony is performed on the night of the full moon.

This ceremony unites two young werewolves and bonds them together as one. After they have mated, they will howl under the full moon to accept each other as mates and unite to form one.

I just want you to know that from now on, you and your chosen mate are one and should always protect one another. So now, let the annual mating ceremony begin." Miranda the pack witch, spoke as the drum rolls began.

"Who do you think will be your mate?" My father asked me.

"I have no idea, Father. I just hope the moon goddess has something good planned for me.”

Witch Miranda began chanting some words as the entire hall's lights flickered before going out all at once, leaving the hall in darkness.

The hall fell silent, as a ray of light illuminated the center. Everyone couldn't help but shiver as they witnessed this incredible sight. The temperature dropped abruptly. Even though there was no visible presence, it felt like one had arrived.

Two blue rays of light fell from the sky, penetrating the palace and landing on werewolves. They both shrieked when they saw the light on their head and moved to the center of the hall to see who their fated mates were.

The palace fell silent again, Two lights appeared once again. One of the lights shone on me, and I moved to the center of the hall. The hall was dead silent as I waited to see my mate.

Who would it be..?