03

Hey, everyone. I'm Derek Northwest, current Alpha of the Northern Pack. I'm twenty-eight. I've been Alpha since I was nineteen, when my father died in a car accident, leaving me, my mother, and my sister Ketilyn. Since then, I've taken on the responsibility of caring for the pack and my family. I'm well respected across every pack -- not just here. Someday I want to meet the Alpha Queen of the Wolves. They say she had a daughter, but that the girl died along with the Alpha King. My grandfather was an elder; he always told me that my mate was special, but I still haven't found her -- and at this point, I'm starting to think I never will. I've been through many heat cycles, and I'm never alone during any of them -- obviously, an Alpha needs to be accompanied to show strength -- but I've never been serious with anyone, and I've never felt anything close to the mate bond.

I have two best friends I've known since we were kids. We went through the Moon Ceremony together, and now they're both my Betas -- Jorge and Brendo. Jorge is like me: a lone wolf, doesn't get attached to anyone. Brendo is more of a homebody; he always wanted to find his mate, and he already has -- Jorge's sister. She really is very beautiful. Jorge also has another sister whose name I don't even know yet. I'll see her tonight at the Moon Ceremony -- she'll be taking part in the ritual. Today, the pack house is absolute chaos. Every Moon Ritual is a massive undertaking. Jorge and Brendo are here helping me, along with everyone else who works here. The clearing is being decorated, and a small stage where I'll stand with my Betas has already been set up.

"Go get ready, man. Everything's all set here."

"Yeah, I'm heading up. You guys are getting ready here, right? People are starting to arrive."

"Yeah. My parents are coming with Analia and my sister," Jorge said.

"All right. Be right back."

I walked inside and found my mother coming down the stairs with Ketilyn.

Penelope Northwest

"My son, you're still not ready?"

"I was making sure everything was in order, Mom. I'm going now."

"You're the star of the show, little brother -- you should've been ready already!"

Ketilyn Northwest

"Shut up, Ket."

I headed upstairs to get ready. I took a long shower and prepared for the hunt with the new wolves -- I accompany them on their first hunt. I got dressed and checked myself in the mirror, pulled my hair back, and ran a hand over my beard.

"Looking presentable."

I came downstairs, and Jorge let me know everyone had arrived.

Derek's Outfit

We headed outside to where everything had been set up. The clearing was well lit, and everyone was chatting excitedly. I scanned the crowd without really focusing on anyone in particular and made my way to my spot.

"The new members are waiting for your address."

"Good. A few more minutes and we'll begin."

I looked up at the moon. It wasn't at its peak yet. I had drinks and snacks served to the guests, and a few came over to talk to me.

"Alpha, the celebration is beautiful as always. My congratulations."

"Thank you, Elder Gregory. Your younger daughter is taking part in the ritual tonight, isn't she?"

"Yes, we're all very excited for the transformation."

He greeted me and stepped away. I spotted Jorge already chatting up some girls. I sipped a whiskey -- I wasn't in the mood to be with anyone tonight. I noticed a few women eyeing me and trying to flirt, but I looked away. My mother was talking with some people while Ketilyn -- I wasn't even sure she was still here.

"Shall we start?"

I looked up at the moon. It was in the perfect position to begin the ritual. The music stopped, and all eyes turned to me. I stood and picked up the microphone.

"Good evening, everyone. It is with great joy that we begin another Moon Ritual to welcome the wolves of our pack's newest members. As you all know, today is a very important day for these young men and women who will transform for the first time and meet their wolves. I want to thank everyone for being here. Let us begin."

I looked toward the candlelit path leading to the clearing, and the young men and women began to file in -- thirty in total, all wearing the ceremonial outfits we had made for them. As they arrived, they formed rows and faced me.

"It is a great honor to welcome each and every one of you. I hope that from this day forward, you will each contribute to our pack and fight by my side for our people. May the Goddess bless you all."

I handed the microphone to Brendo, sat down, and watched. The lights went out, leaving only the candlelight. The moon illuminated the clearing, and the first signs of transformation began to appear. I watched everyone carefully -- until my eyes landed on a beautiful young woman in a blue dress with golden hair. I could see she was feeling the first wave of her transformation. Something strange stirred inside me. Petrus, my wolf, was restless. My head throbbed with agitation, and I didn't understand what was happening. I called Jorge and Brendo over and asked them to check the radio for any disturbances around the village -- but there was nothing. And once again, my gaze drifted back to her. My chest felt like it was going to explode. I tried to calm Petrus, but it was useless. Some had already transformed. I took a deep breath and tried to steady myself.

"What's wrong, man?"

"I don't know. Petrus is agitated."

And then we heard a howl -- loud and piercing -- that seized everyone's attention. I looked toward the newly transformed wolves, and a white she-wolf caught my eye. Who was she? Without thinking, Petrus seized control, shifted, and let out a thundering howl. My heart was hammering; he was panting.

"What's going on, boy?"

Petrus

"Her."

He stared at the white she-wolf as she howled once more, drawing every eye. And for the first time in my life, I watched Petrus lower his head to another wolf.

"What the hell, Petrus?"

He didn't answer, but I could feel him coiling to charge into the forest and follow the wolves on the hunt. Jorge stepped in and gave the signal to start the hunt, since I was already in wolf form.

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