Chapter 2 – The Gift

Ayla’s POV

Luna Ria disappears into the packhouse the moment she sees me moving. Someone must have called her — she would've waited otherwise. She and Alpha Jack took me in after my pack fell. I push the thought aside before it can settle.

The closer I get to the packhouse, the harder it is to breathe—not because of the cold, but because of the noise.

Laughter spills out into the night—too loud, too easy. It echoes around me, mixing with music that thumps low and steady, like a heartbeat I don’t belong to. It’s... alive in there. Too alive.

I stop at the door, lingering a second longer than I should. Then I push it open. Heat hits me all at once, making my skin sting where the cold had settled deep. I just stand there, letting it wash over me — smells, sounds, movement, too many bodies in one space. Then I step inside.

The room is perfectly decorated — definitely Luna Ria's doing. Garlands twist along the beams, red ribbon threaded through them. A huge Christmas tree stands in the corner, its lights flickering warm and steady.

People fill every corner—talking, laughing, leaning into each other like it’s natural, as if they’ve never had to wonder if they belong.

I stay near the wall.

It’s easier there.

No one really looks my way. A few glance over, then look away just as quickly, like I’m something they shouldn’t be caught staring at.

That’s fine.

I don’t want their attention.

My hoodie stands out immediately—too thin, too dull compared to the thick knits and bright colors everyone else is wearing. I tug at the sleeve without thinking, fingers twisting the fabric.

There's a table near the tree piled with expensive-looking gifts — bright paper, shiny bows, too many colors all at once.

Kael stands nearby, calling names like he owns the moment. People step forward, laughing before they even open anything. Someone pulls out a pair of ridiculous socks, and the whole room erupts as if it's the funniest thing they've ever seen.

I watch from where I am. No one has ever given me anything that's truly mine.

“Ayla.” My name lands wrong, out of place in all this noise.

I don’t move at first, but then I realize everyone is looking.

Kael’s eyes harden. “Get a move on!” he barks. “The rest are waiting.”

“Give it to me,” Ryker sneers.

I step forward slowly, my heart already racing. Ryker shoves a small box into my hands and whispers, “Guess someone actually thought of you.”

I ignore him. It's plain — no colorful wrapping, no pretty ribbon. Just a simple brown box. I turn it over, running my thumb along the edge where it's bent.

The cardboard is rough and soft in places where it's been handled too much. I wonder who would give me a gift.

I open it. Inside is a pair of simple gray gloves. Nothing special, but useful.

“I guess they were someone’s extras,” someone mutters.

A few quiet laughs follow—not loud enough to draw attention, just enough to settle under my skin. I ignore them. Whoever gave me these must have noticed I didn’t have any.

I nod once in thanks—a reflex, a habit.

I don’t trust my hands not to shake, so I close the box again and retreat to the wall. No one stops me; they’ve already moved on.

Another name. Another laugh. Another moment that isn’t mine. The air feels too tight, so I move toward the door.

My hand is on the handle when I hear my name again. This voice isn't sharp or mocking — it's gentle, but it still stops me cold.

I turn slowly. Alpha Jack stands a few steps away, Luna Ria beside him.

She smiles at me — not like everyone else. Softer. As if she can feel my grief. “Come here, child,” she says, extending her hand. “I have something for you.”

I hesitate a moment before moving.

They lead me off to the side, where the light is softer and the noise doesn't bite as hard.

Alpha Jack looks at me, his blue eyes kind and hopeful — like a father. He really sees me. It's uncomfortable, but not in the way I'm used to.

Luna Ria places something in my hands. A small box, wrapped in deep green like the forest, silver ribbon like the moon. I just stare at it.

“It’s for you,” she says gently. “Open it.”

I do, my fingers curling around the box as I carefully lift the lid.

The breath leaves me when I see the silver necklace. It isn't new — but I'd recognize that pendant anywhere.

I look up at Luna Ria, the silent question hanging between us. Her gaze shifts to Alpha Jack.

“We found it in what remained of your old pack,” he says quietly. “We thought it might bring you some closure.”

I know what he means.

His words don’t hit all at once. They sink in slowly, and then everything tilts.

Alpha Jack steps closer, steadying me by the shoulders, but it’s too late.

Images of that night flash in broken fragments:

Fire.

Blood.

Red eyes.

My mother’s voice—

Don’t let them find you—

“Oh dear, Ayla, are you alright?” Luna Ria’s voice rings in my ears.

I blink hard. The room comes back, but it doesn’t feel steady.

The necklace shakes in my hands. It’s mine. It’s really mine.

I don’t notice the tears at first, only the heat of them as they fall.

I try to stop them, but I can’t.

Alpha Jack guides me to a chair and eases me down. Luna Ria's hands close over mine.

“Easy,” she murmurs. “I know you’re hurting. We’re here for you. You know that, don’t you?”

I nod, though I’m not sure what I’m agreeing to.

With clumsy fingers, I fasten the necklace around my neck. The metal is cold against my skin, but it warms quickly, settling as if it belongs there.

Alpha Jack’s voice breaks the quiet.

“Tonight is your eighteenth birthday.”

I nod again.

He holds my gaze. “Are you ready for your first shift?”

My wolf stirs inside me, as if she heard the question. She’s awake—truly awake.

Fear comes first, then something sharper—not quite excitement.

I’ve always been alone. That won’t change tonight.

I lift my chin and nod. It’s the only answer I have.

Luna Ria’s expression softens. “You won’t be alone anymore. You’ll have someone by your side—always.”

I know she’s trying.

A feeling moves through me — electric, impossible to name.

Whatever's coming... it's already on its way.

****