Prologue

     Life isn’t fair, and I never expected it to be. I never wished for this life. Then again, who would? No one wants to be an orphan, seen as baggage always weighing down the pack. Once I turned eighteen, I was leaving to travel, find myself, and see what the world had to offer.

      When the war started, my father had to leave to help fight with the others—protecting our pack, the midnight pack, from the neighbouring pack, the bloodstone pack—leaving me alone to take care of myself and our land. My father never returned. The last thing I remember about him was the smile on his face and the pride that sparkled in his silver eyes, worn with age. His hair was almost white, making his tan skin stand out even more. He hugged me and then left for what would be the last time. 

    My mother passed when I was young. She was killed while out on patrol. My father never talked about it. I could see his heartbreak every time I mentioned her. Losing your mate was like losing your soul. I could never imagine a loss like that. I feel that losing my father felt similar in ways, but I never hope to know the feeling.

   After my father’s funeral, I was moved from my home and placed in the packhouse to begin my training and learn how to connect and bond with my wolf. Once I turned eighteen, I would be able to turn to allow my wolf the freedom she craved and deserved. But, unfortunately, with that freedom also came the chance of finding my mate.

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