Chapter 1

Freya paced about in her room. She bit her nails anxiously.

The mating ceremony was here again and she is finding it hard to attend. She couldn't bring herself to attend the gathering that is meant for finding her mate.

She wanted to live a free life and be free from such things. They were really a bother to her.

In all her twenty years of existence, she has always been shy and wary of many things. She wanted it to remain that way.

She looked outside through the window of her room.

The evening air was blissful. The stars shined brightly and it made the environment lively.

She could see people on different attires conversing. They chatted happily as some made their way to the mating ceremony and some to their various destinations.

She smiled.

It was a good sight to see; people being happy.

Her smile suddenly turned sour. The thoughts of her dead parents came to her mind and she clenched her fist.

Even though she felt lonely because of their absence, she was still skeptical about attending the mating ceremony.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up and was met with the smile of a pretty lady.

"Hi, Reyna," Freya greeted and sat down.

She exhaled.

Reyna could see the worry on her face.

"Freya, what could it be? Don't tell me you're not attending the mating ceremony," Reyna asked. She was curious.

She was Freya's best friend and knew her better than anyone.

Freya has always been shy and hesitant to attend the mating ceremony since she clocked '18.'

She walked to where Freya was and sat beside her. She took Freya's hands in hers.

"Freya, this is a chance you shouldn't miss. I'm sure you will find your mate."

"Attending the mating ceremony wouldn't kill you? Will it?" She asked. She looked into Freya's eyes, searching for answers.

Reyna knew Freya was still in pain from the loss of her parents, but she wanted to make her feel better.

"Do it at least, for the sake of your parents," Reyna urged.

Freya looked at the pleading eyes of her best friend. She decided she was going to give it a try.

"Okay! Let's do this, Reyna," she sounded.

They both laughed heartily.

Reyna helped Freya in choosing her dress.

She also assisted her in applying some makeup and when she was all dressed, her appearance was like that of a goddess.

Her green eyes glittered like gem stones.

Her auburn locs flowed on her shoulders like an endless river. She smiled.

Reyna was dressed already, so she held Freya's hands and they headed to the mating ceremony.

Freya hung her head low as felt the stares of people on her. She almost tripped on her heels, save for Reyna.

She looked at Reyna and they chuckled.

Freya looked up at the moon at intervals. It was yet to become full.

She caressed her arms. It was getting cold.

Chatters and laughter filled the air.

Freya was standing all alone now.

Reyna was conversing with some pack members. Freya was becoming more scared as the midnight drew closer.

She was the lone one. She looked around and saw everyone smiling happily.

Reyna approached her with two glasses of wine and passed one to her.

She was hesitant to take it from her.

"Come on, Freya, you shouldn't continue with such behavior for so long. You're a woman now."

"You know that better than anyone. A sip wouldn't harm you. Go ahead," Reyna urged as she forced the wine glass into her palms.

She looked at her and grinned.

"Make sure you have fun. And, this is your chance. Don't miss it!" Reyna advice and made her leave.

"Wait, why don't you stay with me for now before I get hold of my mate. You can't leave me all alone here," Freya pleaded. She held Reyna's arm.

"I have to look for my mate too, 'miss shy,'" Reyna teased.

Freya loosened her grip on Reyna. Reyna patted her shoulder and gave her a 'thumbs up' before leaving.

Freya looked around and felt empty.

From the look of things, the entire pack was happy since it was the mating ceremony.

She was this lonely because she hardly showed herself outside. She preferred staying indoors because of her shy and reserved nature.

Although her wish was to be mated to someone who would become her second half forever, she didn't expect it to be this soon. She didn't want to take in the talks of her being a 'late bloomer.' it seemed abnormal that at 20 years, she was yet to find a mate.

She exhaled and raised her head upwards.

Her eyes widened in anxiety and immediately she saw the full moon shining brilliantly.

She looked around and saw male and female making different moves.

Some held themselves as they kissed passionately caressing each other.

She could do nothing but stare in awe.

She stood, transfixed.

The voice of a man brought her back to her senses.

A young man in his 'late twenties' stood in the middle of the gathering as he called the attention of the pack members.

"We are here for the mating ceremony which has begun already. But, we are also here for a purpose."

He paused and observed the reactions of people.

There were some murmurings. The people were wondering what the other purpose might be.

"As we might have heard, a new Alpha was appointed. One of the reasons for this ceremony is to find his mate, who would become his Luna."

He continued, "As we carry-on with the ceremony, the first female to turn is the one destined to be the Alpha's Luna. Enjoy yourself and let the mating ceremony be a memorable one," he concluded and walked out of the gathering.

"The first female to turn?" Freya questioned herself.

She could see some ladies were already feeling anxious and excited. Of course, who would not want to be a 'Luna.'

She began to fear that she might not turn, since there was no male close to her to trigger her wolf.

She bowed her head in worry. She began to regret why she came to the mating ceremony.

At least, she would not be feeling this way if Reyna had let her be. Her eyes darted across the gathering in search of Reyna.

She suddenly felt a spark when her eyes met with someone. She shook her head and tried to focus on looking for Reyna.

It happened again.

She looked at the figure. A man stood with an intimidating height. His hair was tied into a 'ponytail.' His dim blue eyes stared directly at her. It seemed as if he was unable to look away from where she stood.

A force was holding them in their place.

"Could he be my mate?" Freya screamed in her mind.

Her legs unexpectedly felt low. Her bones made cracking sounds as furs grew on her skin. She couldn't control it.

She made a loud sound while seated in the position of a wolf.

She looked at her body and was startled to see she had turned.

The man stood at the same spot where she had seen him. He stared at her intently, trying to comprehend what just happened.

She moved backwards, shyly.

At this time, the pack members already took notice of what was happening and came forward to have a look.

Reyna pushed herself through and found her friend in a wolf state. She watched her friend, mouth agape.

It happened faster than she expected.

Freya was still sitting shy at a corner.

"What is the meaning of this nonsense!" The man who had been watching Freya, roared!

"Alan, what do you mean? Is there a problem?" The man who had made an announcement earlier came running to him. He was confused!

"I ask again, what is the meaning of this rubbish, Simeon!" His voice resonated throughout the gathering.

His dim blue eyes became bright..