The atmosphere was cold, and everything around seemed to glitter in Norah’s eyes. It was her eighteenth birthday—the night she would have her first shift.
“I wish my parents were alive to witness this day,” she said softly to Isabella, who was stringing beads for her.
“I feel your pain, my dear,” Isabella replied gently. “But we cannot question the dead.”
“I can still remember the scent of my mother’s wolf. She was brave—known to be perfect.”
“Remember, today is your special day. And guess what?” Isabella teased, drawing Norah’s attention.
“What exactly?” Norah asked.
“After tonight, you’ll be ripe enough to find your mate,” Isabella said with a warm smile.
“I can’t wait to meet the wolf who’ll make me happy, complete me, and protect me,” Norah admitted dreamily.
“You know, Alpha Xavier will be here to witness your shifting. Pray he falls in love with you,” Isabella said teasingly.
“Hahahaha!” Norah laughed.
“Why are you laughing? Isn’t it funny, dear?” Isabella asked.
“Don’t you like Alpha Xavier—the most powerful and feared alpha?”
“Isabella, I wish my mate could be him,” Norah confessed sadly. “But I’m afraid he might not like me.”
“No one knows his heart since he claimed his ex broke it,” Isabella replied softly.
“Maybe he dated a ghost,” Norah joked.
“That’s funny, but I doubt it,” Isabella chuckled, returning to her work.
“Girl, hurry before it gets dark,” Isabella reminded her.
“There’s nothing left to prepare for except waiting for the moon to rise,” Norah said, rubbing her forehead. “Tell me the truth—are you secretly crushing on him?”
“I have my mate already waiting to do the needful,” Isabella answered with a grin.
“Still, I’m nervous. I don’t know what my first shift will feel like,” Norah admitted.
“I know your wolf,” Isabella said seriously. “And my instincts tell me Alpha Xavier might be your mate.”
“You sound like a seer,” Norah scoffed. “Anyway, I’m not worried.”
“Don’t be afraid—it’s not as painful as people say,” Isabella said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I’m right here with you.”
Norah felt a strange warmth in her chest as her eyes met Isabella’s.
“Don’t worry, my darling. I’ll be there,” Isabella promised.
Later, they shared cake with friends. Midway through the laughter, Isabella frowned.
“I just remembered—Alpha Xavier hasn’t given you his gift yet. Maybe he doesn’t know,” she said.
“He usually gives gifts only to his pack members. I’m not one of them,” Norah replied. “If he did, it was out of kindness—he must’ve mistaken me for one.”
“Still, he seemed fascinated by your beauty,” Isabella teased.
“Um! I’m not his type,” Norah replied sharply.
Isabella blinked, hurt by her tone. “You know, I was disappointed too. After my shift and gift presentation, Alpha Xavier only shook my hand—not even a hug!”
“That’s why I won’t expect much from him,” Norah said.
“Well, my boyfriend loves me truly. I think he’s the best,” Isabella said proudly, while Norah drifted into thought.
“Norah,” Isabella called.
“Sorry, I was lost in thought,” Norah replied.
“What’s bothering you?”
“Never mind.”
Three hours later, they arrived at the moonlit field—a bright open space perfect for the ceremony.
“Go on,” Isabella encouraged.
Norah stepped into the clearing just as Alpha Xavier arrived.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” he murmured to Sherman, his beta.
“An embodiment of beauty,” Sherman replied.
Alpha Xavier couldn’t take his eyes off Norah. She, however, looked away and whispered, “I must begin my first shift.”
As she stood beneath the moon, her bones cracked and reshaped. “Haaaa!” she screamed, her fingers turning to claws. Her body shifted painfully into that of a she-wolf.
“That’s her father’s wolf,” Isabella gasped. “Oh no—a weak she-wolf, like me.”
Moments later, Norah collapsed back into her human form. Tears filled her eyes. “I thought I’d be strong. Instead, I’m an outcast from a weak pack.”
Thunder rumbled suddenly, echoing across the field. Everyone turned in surprise—even Alpha Xavier.
“Congratulations,” he said, walking toward her.
“Thank you,” Norah smiled faintly, relieved the pain had ended.
“You’re welcome,” he said softly, still admiring her.
Back at the mansion, Alpha Xavier sat on the couch. “I need her as my mate,” he said firmly.
Sherman nearly choked on his drink. “Alpha, that’s Norah—from a weak pack. You have higher standards.”
“I don’t care,” Xavier said. “I love her.”
“This isn’t right. She doesn’t fit your rank,” Sherman protested.
“She’s the one I want for life,” Xavier insisted.
“I know Lynn broke your heart, but this isn’t the way—”
“I know what I want,” Alpha interrupted.
Meanwhile, Norah shared her excitement with Isabella.
“I think he likes me,” Norah said, her eyes sparkling.
“Really? From the look of things, maybe he does,” Isabella smiled. “But don’t get your hopes too high.”
“No, I’m certain. After the shift, I felt something special,” Norah said.
“Still, he’ll never take a mate from your pack,” Isabella warned.
They were still talking when Alpha Xavier’s car pulled up.
“That’s his car!” Isabella exclaimed.
“Did he forget something? Maybe the gift?” Norah wondered nervously.
“Let’s find out,” Isabella whispered.
Alpha Xavier stepped out, his presence commanding. His chiseled body and dazzling smile drew every she-wolf’s attention.
“He’s so handsome,” Isabella said under her breath.
Norah’s heart raced. This was the mate she’d dreamed of—strong, protective, perfect.
“Let me protect you,” Alpha said, stepping closer.
“What… what do you mean?” Norah stammered.
“I don’t care where you come from. I want you as my mate,” he said firmly.
Norah froze for a moment, then ran into her room and locked the door.
“Norah! Please open the door!” Isabella pleaded.
“Leave me alone!”
“No, Norah,” Alpha said. “I won’t leave until you hear me.”
“I can’t give my heart to someone who’ll break it. Please go,” she cried.
“Norah, my life means nothing without you,” he said with a deep sigh.
“I don’t trust your love. Are you mocking me because of my weak lineage?” she demanded.
“No, Norah. I love you, no matter your pack,” he swore.
She hesitated, her hand trembling on the doorknob.
“Give me a chance to prove it. I’ll never hurt you,” he pleaded.
“Come on, girl, give him a try,” Isabella urged softly.
Norah looked into his eyes. “Just a try,” she whispered.
Weeks later, rumors spread that Alpha Xavier had chosen his mate.
“What do you think of the gossip?” Isabella asked during a visit.
Norah crossed her legs, sipping her wine. “I don’t care what they say. I love him, and we’re a perfect match.”
“Well, you know your heart. Just be ready for his pack’s criticism,” Isabella warned.
“Alpha promised to handle that,” Norah replied.
“So, how’s your adventure with him going?”
“He’s made promises I believe he’ll keep,” Norah smiled.
“You’re lucky, Norah. Maybe it’s destiny.”
“Whatever it is,” Norah said, “nothing matters more than loving him.
