I stood in the clearing that plagued all of my dreams. Familiar howls of the enemy echoed in the forest, making my heart race. The sounds of Xavier calling my name could be heard in the distance. “Breathe, Ana.” I heard the familiar melodious voice sing out to me. Across from me stood the woman wearing her signature sage green cloak. Her face continued to be covered in shadow from the hood of her cloak. Tendrils of white blonde hair peeked out of the sides of her hood. I looked at the woman with a panicked expression and began to pull at my hair. “Just tell me who you are!” I cried. I knelt on the leaf covered ground and closed my eyes. I was so tired of having this dream over and over again. A gentle hand touched my shoulder. To my surprise, when I looked up, I was met with piercing emerald green eyes, and a face that looked similar to my own. “Mom?”The woman brushed some hair away from my face. “Hi my sweet girl.” Her voice was as beautiful as she was. She knelt in front of me
Ana POV It seemed like in a blink of an eye the Winter Solstice was right around the corner. The palace had changed from regal beauty to a winter wonderland paradise. Evergreen garlands with red and gold ornaments cascaded down the railings of the lavish staircase. In the foyer a fifteen foot tree stood tall with warm ivory lights and continued to extend the gold and red theme. I counted ten real trees throughout the palace and dozens of artificial trees. All were decorated immaculately. I learned quickly that Xavier’s mother was very particular about decorating for the Winter Solstice. Luckily for me, she seemed to have no problem with my decorating, or if she did, she didn’t say anything. After keeping busy each day, I spent my nights dreaming about the women of the Winter Solstice Tribe. Each night, I learned more about the powers each pack member had. I realized after a couple of weeks that each pack member had a common denominator, their wolf Miya. “Have you figured out wh
avier had been acting strange the past week, making me wonder if I’d done something to make him upset. But I couldn’t think of how I could have when he had been dealing with some rebellion threats and training with his guards.I knocked on Xavier’s office door before letting myself in. Ethan and Xavier were hunched over a map that had dozens of colored push pins pressed into it. Something about the way Xavier looked at me when he looked up from the map made me take a step back. After realizing who was walking in the room, he put on a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He stood in between me and the map. Ethan gave me a small wave to which I returned. “Hi love, come in.” He waved me into the room. Something in the air was off. But it was getting late, and I wanted to stop agonizing over whether or not Xavier would like the gift I bought.I laced my fingers in front of me. “I wasn’t sure how long you thought you might be?” I cleared my throat. “I was just hoping to exchange gifts l
Just like every year, my dad ensured that I experienced the annual torment, which in my case, happened to be my birthday.Today is my 18th birthday. For an ordinary werewolf this is a day of celebration and fulfillment. But not for me, as I, Annette Lockhart, do not have a wolf. WOLF-LESS is a really big deal for werewolves as you know, and it seems even more serious to me because I'm the daughter of the goddamn Alpha Henry Lockhart of the Silver Night pack. One of the strongest packs in the region.I sat in the dining room alone with my birthday cake sitting in front of me. It’s a chocolate cake decorated with strawberries, which I made myself. The buttercream on top had begun to melt into a velvety pool because I had waited too long, and the strawberries were lying crookedly on its surface.Every year being reminded that I was alone. Tonight was no exception. Even the house staff made it a point to avoid me. As I sat, I let the memories of past birthdays play in my head. Every y
The annual Spring Mating Tea Day has arrived.. Where all unmated werewolves gather in hopes of finding their perfect match. Thanks to the endless flow of drinks and snacks, even some lovebirds who've already found their mate crash the party. It's a high-energy hullabaloo that's got most folks counting down the days.I walk into my closet to try to find something that will not make a beacon for unwanted attention; but also classy enough where if I were to find my mate, I would be in acceptable attire. I put on a light violet floor length gown that crosses the back and showcases my curves just right without being scandalous. Regardless of the modest neckline of the dress, my well-endowed breasts are still showcased.I look at the clock in my room and begin to hurry. Only 30 more minutes before I am supposed to be downstairs in the ballroom of the packhouse. I quickly apply some make up, making sure not to look overdone and natural. I finish the look with nude lipstick and a spritz of my
I am not sure how I got to the lake as my body seemed to be in auto pilot. I look out at the lake before me with water covering my ankles. I welcome the coldness of the water as it numbs my feet. The mountains in the distance are covered with fog making the peaks impossible to see. Birds dive into the lake to catch their next meal. The environment around me seems to ignore my existence and continues to live their lives. Just like it is in my regular life. My heart and soul felt void from Haiden’s rejection. I looked out over the water. The dark depths of the lake are calling to my soul, ready to drown my sorrows away.As tears stream down my face, I take another step further into the water. A siren song seemingly pulling me further. My skin is itching from glue and fur. The water does nothing to absolve the itch and pain I feel. A few more steps and I will be able to drown my sorrows and my pitiful self into the watery abyss that awaits.I take a moment to reflect on how I got here a
My father scoffed at Auntie Leeanne’s antics. I was hit with a wave of anxiety when my sister’s gaze was on me. “Well, speaking of representatives… I think we have the perfect person for the job.” Talia said with a smirk at me. "I'd prefer to call them sacrifices," Auntie Leeanne corrected. Before holding out her invitation like it had a disease on it. My father remained silent, but his gaze fell on me. My anxiety turned to panic. I knew where this conversation was headed. I looked down at the floor and back up to my family, who were now all staring at me with a knowing look. They were eyeing me like a lamb being prepared for the oven.This couldn’t be happening. I didn’t want to be sent to my death. I looked to my father and felt my knees give way, sending me to the floor. "Please...,father.” I didn’t care how desperate I sounded. His lips fell into a thin line while his eyes turned black from his wolf. "I won't allow our family to have daughters who can't be married off, Annett
Ana POV "How dare you defile the future Luna candidate offered to the Lycan King!" The voice belonged to the gentleman who delivered the invitations earlier.His voice was stern, but his face radiated disdain toward my father. Talia and Auntie Leeanne looked at the newcomer with shocked expressions. Both of them opening and closing their mouths like a fish rendering speechless. Who knew all it took was the consorts of the royal family to get my family to stop their torture. I rubbed my cheek as I stayed on the floor. A sudden feeling of unease overtaking me. I met the eyes of the gentleman and pushed back the bile that was coming up my throat. "Get ready quickly, our convoy is prepared," he continued. He straightened his peacoat as he addressed us. My father awkwardly stopped his actions. He cleared his throat, adjusted his appearance, and then led my sister by the hand towards the door. My Auntie Leeanne in tow. I struggled to stand and the gentleman offered his assistance. “Are