The midnight breeze swept my face and my wolf howled in excitement. The pressure of today was almost suffocating and Spark, my wolf, he was itching to get out. "Alpha Zane" the tall blond man started, proceeding with caution. "You and I know you need to find a Luna. You need heirs if we are to grow in the future." Grant, my Beta and second in command placed his proposal. "I know we can't bring back Lila but we can keep your legacy alive" he tried but failed miserably at hiding the sadness in his voice when the previous Luna's name was mentioned. He had been trying to get me to find a new mate. But I wasn't sure I was ready to forget about Lila so soon. She was the only one who understood me. She saw through the tough exterior I put up. Her warmth spread through my cold walls, melting them away. I knew he was saying this for the good of the pack but the death of a fated mate could deal great damage. I grunted without saying a word. My pack knew me to be a man of little words, succeeding my father at just nineteen. I learnt over the years that it was better to act than talk. "I'll think about it Grant" I finally gave a reply. I also knew half of the reason he was insisting on this was because his daughter was coming of age. She was a suitable match for me on paper but something was missing. In no time I shifted and Spark let out a liberating howl, strong enough to shake the ground. He ran through the forest with lightning speed and halted at the edge of a cliff. We stayed there for a while till he picked up a scent. It was sweat but it smelled delicious making me groan inwardly. He took a bigger whiff of it and he wagged his tail in excitement. I could tell he was curious about where it was coming from. Whenever Spark got excited it never ended well. "Spark?" I warned him with our mind link but knowing him, he darted straight for the trees ignoring me. He ran through the forest, stopping a few feet away from a lake. The dark veil of night was brightened by the moonlight and I saw her... The sweat glistened on her pale skin and her black hair fell gracefully to her back, damp strands sticking to her forehead Her luscious chest was heaving as she stared at the reflection of the moon dancing on the lake. Mate Spark was so riled up that he took a step closer to see her properly but stepped on a twig earning a head turn in our direction. Before I could protest he lunged out from the shadows pinning her to the ground. The shock on her face was evident as she trashed under his hold but it was a wasted effort. I was about to caution him again when we felt a surge of electricity. At initial contact it burned making Spark to finally jump back but after a while we missed the lingering feeling. Run. That would be the reaction of anyone who saw a ten foot wolf, werewolves included, but she came closer and her tiny hands reached for the back of his neck. Spark lowered himself a bit for her to touch him. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. She was petting him like he was a home groomed dog. The contact was intense with every stroke and he let out a low growl. I could hear the violent pounding of her heart. She was afraid but held her position. The proximity was getting to Spark, her savoury smell intoxicated us and I had to shift before he did anything extreme. I thought things would be better in my human form but my body moved on it's own and before I realized I was holding her. "Mine" I almost didn't recognize my own voice. It was laced with raw desire and my vision blurred with need and the next minute my lips found hers The kiss was desperate. I was desperate. I hadn't felt anything like this. Even with Lila. It was infuriating. Spark's voice was writhing in my head. His need seemed to surpass mine "Mark her!" His voice growing louder as my head was buried at the crook of her neck. I would have done it. Without hesitation. I would have made her mine... if she didn't just knee me in the damn nuts. But thankfully that did the trick and I snapped out of the trance. Guilt washed over me as I watched her pick up a frail branch and pointed it at my direction. Fuck. Nice going Spark. "I-I'm sorry" "Yeah dude... you should be" Her voice sounded like a sweet melody in my ears even as they trembled "You almost marked me... I don't even know you" An amused chuckle escaped me. "You didn't seem to be complaining when you were kissing me" "Are you serious?" she almost screamed her voice going up an octave. The face she made was adorable as she stood there gaping at me in disbelief but she didn't appreciate my reaction much as she turned to leave. Whiney Spark made a sound of protest. "Wait... wait I'm sorry" "I don't know what came over me" I grabbed her hand stopping her mid action. I couldn't help but glance at her bottom lip trapped between her teeth. "It's fine" she said but her face told a different story. She wiggled out of my hold and ran into the trees. Follow her. No Spark. Most of this was your fault. And I knew that it wouldn't do us any good. She needed to process whatever just happened... alone. So did I. I ran back to where I shifted initially and picked up my clothes from the ground before returning to my house. As Alpha, I made sure our kind lived closer to the woods where we could shift without being seen by the humans. But you could never be too careful, precautions were still put in place. I ran my hands over my hair and tried to push away the feelings gnawing at me. Another fated bond? I've never heard of anyone having more than one mate... In the instance where your mate rejects you or dies, you stay alone till you die. There were no two ways about it. But considering what just happened, I started doubting everything I had ever known. I shook my head... mostly at myself since Spark decided to give me the silent treatment for not marking her quicker. As I entered my room a sharp movement caught my eye and I instinctively pulled out the dagger I always kept in my boot. In a flash it was on the neck of the intruder but his blue eyes just shined with excitement back at me. I lowered the weapon and let out a disapproving grunt "What are you doing here Brent" "Is that anyway to treat your brother?" his crooked smile always found a way to ruin my mood.

"Are you going to be okay by yourself kiddo?" he asked as he caught me staring emptily outside the window of the car. I rolled my eyes to cover up the tension I was feeling "I'm not ten dad.. I can handle highschool" I paused and grimaced "Even if it's swarming with a bunch of human teenagers and raging hormones" A chuckle rumbled from him as he parked outside the school "I love you kiddo" "Love you dad" I closed the door behind me and sucked in a breath, preparing myself for the unknown. I went to the administration office to get my schedule and did the first thing that has been on my mind... register for the track team tryouts. Normally I wouldn't even be allowed to be on the team given the fact I'm not human... well almost... but since my wolf hasn't called out yet, I was an exception. Still, I was faster than most humans. A loud shriek drew my attention and I snapped my attention to the sound. It was coming from a girl, she was pretty with short blond hair and dressed like a rich princess. I recognized that crazy girl anywhere "Summer!" I squealed as I ran to embrace her. "I miss you so much Nini" she said, her head buried in my long hair. "I missed you too" I smiled to myself hugging her even tighter. She pulled away from me and smacked my arm "This doesn't mean I forgive you for leaving me" she said as she cleaned an imaginary tear off her eye. "I know" I murmured distracted, my eyes were now on a beautiful tall blond smiling at me and I furrowed my eyes in confusion. Summer followed my line of vision and when it stopped at the blond she burst out in laughter. "Who is that hot guy staring at me?" I asked still staring at him Summer scrunched up her nose "Ew... that's my brother" My eyes almost bursted out of their sockets. If I was drinking something I definitely would have choked. When did Chase have a major growth sprout. The dude was shorter than even me. How exactly was it fair that he now looked like a freaking model. Summer's laughter only seemed to increase as she saw the way I was gawking at her brother. Summer and Chase were the children of the Beta of our pack. Their status was way up there but we grew up together regardless. In a few strides he was beside us and bent over just to talk to me "How's the weather down there chipmunk" Yep. That was the annoying prick I knew. He stretched out to pinch my cheek until they turned red. I swatted his hands from my face "I see time hasn't washed down your annoying personality" I said scowling at him but that only seemed to excite him "That's not the only thing the only thing that hasn't changed" he winked at me and I twisted my face in fake disgust. "Okay lovebirds break it up" Summer put her hand between us like a ref. "Come on Nini, there's too much testosterone in the air" she linked her arms with mine and waltzed away. The day went by really quick. Summer and I didn't have any classes together but promised to meet after school and truly after the last bell, she was waiting outside my class with a smile plastered across her face. "So.." I said with a mouthful of chips that her butler placed on their very expensive table "What did I miss?" She let out an esparated groan "You know nothing ever happens here" "It's been the same old thing for the last seven years" she turns on the couch to face me "Hopefully I'll get out of her after high school" I hummed in response The grin on her face morphed into a crazy smile "But... the Alpha is single. His wife died a few years back. God rest her soul" she did an imaginary cross in the air and continued "My dad said he might be looking for someone knowing he can't find another fated mate" "Isn't he... old?" she laughed hard like I just said something really funny "He's twenty nine Nini, not prehistoric" she said deadpanned "And... he's really hot" "And what about your mate" She shrugged "I can just reject him" I blinked a couple times shocked at my friend's attitude. She rolled her eyes at me and sighed "Look... having a mate is good and all" "But being the Luna? That's a whole different thing" the look in her eyes were unmistakable. It was the same look she gave before she snapped a boy's finger in two on the playground when we were younger because he didn't give her the toy she really wanted. I always feared that part of her. She was really sweet but when she wanted something, she got it... at any cost. I was about to tell her all the reasons why rejecting her mate was a bad idea when the doors flung open. The first to step in was Summer's father, Beta Grant, then came Chase. The third person to emerge through those doors was someone I didn't expect to see... not so soon at least. Confusion, fear, attraction, I didn't know it was possible to feel all three at once. The images of last night flashed through my mind and I tried to duck my head under one of the pillows but it was too late. His head snapped in my direction like he could sense me and he froze. Panic flashed through his eyes for a split second but he quickly gained his composure, his gaze still fixated on me. I bit my lip nervously and he trailed down to them, his eyes darkened. Even from across the room I could feel the electricity in the air. The same one that made me loose control. Summer stood up hurriedly and strutted to them. She stopped in front of the green eyed man and fluttered her lashes at him. "Alpha Zane... we weren't expecting you today" her cheery voice was higher than usual. I lump caught in my throat as the air stilled around me. Did she just say alpha? I almost let out a dry chuckle at my cursed fate. I half expected the alpha to be a wrinkly old man, not the man that almost marked me. And besides there had to be some kind of mistake. I was a delta by blood. Our rank wasn't low but it wasn't high either. I couldn't possibly be mated to higher ranked members of the pack. Let alone the alpha of the Moonlight pack. I was a wolfless delta, my dad was convinced I was just a late bloomer but I always knew something was wrong with me. And even though I had gotten my wolf, my duty would be to serve the alpha in battle. Not get involved with him. He didn't give Summer a reply, didn't even look in her direction. "Who is that?" his deep voice carried authority as he spoke. How did I not notice till now? His aura, his composure, the crushing weight of his command. It was so obvious. Summer gave him a quizzing look before turning to me, her confusion must have left her speechless. "This is Nina Smith" Beta Grant signaled me to come over and pay my respect to the alpha. Despite my legs feeling like jelly under me, I managed to stand up and close the space between us. "Her father is Xavier Smith. Your commanding officer and Delta." Beta Grant explained further and Zane's eyes widened slightly. "This is Xavier's kid?" He said with a disbelieving tone. The way he said that irked my skin "Xavier's kid can speak for herself" I blurted out before I even could think and face palmed myself for being dumb as I felt all eyes on me. I expected him to be like off with her head for treason but after a long uncomfortable silence, a deep laughter echoed. Everyone including me was shocked as we watched Alpha Zane. His pearly whites peeked out as he laughed heartily. It took a moment before he could stop then his suffocating gaze fell on me. "She's quite feisty isn't she?" His question was directed at his Beta but he was too stunned to speak. "Come. We have a meeting to attend" And with a fleeting glance he left me there, utterly shocked and confused. But mostly confused. The mess I made because of my damn hormones were bigger than I thought.

As they door shut behind them, the tension in the room remained thick. Summer's eyes were practically bulging out of her head as she turned to face me slightly flushed. "Okay, WHAT was that?" she demanded, hands on her hips, her questioning eyes squinted. I flopped back onto the couch, my mind racing. "I don't know" I shrugged but avoided her gaze. I started packing up my things in a hurry when she stopped me. "Nina. Tell me the truth" she said in a stern voice I peeled my hands away from hers and flung my bag over my shoulder. "I am. I don't know what that was Summer" "I'll see you tomorrow. My dad said he needed my help with some work back at the house" I lied as I literally ran out of the house. ***** After my altercation with the Alpha of the Moonlight pack and my supposed mate, I gave that dumb excuse to leave the house to avoid any more run-ins or questions from summer. I gave myself a pep talk in my room and was determined to actively stay away from the Alpha. I mean it wouldn't be that hard. He was the leader of the entire pack and I was a highschool student. I doubt we would have any reason to bump into each other like earlier. Not to question the moon goddess but this had to be a mistake right? For starters Zane already had a mate but she died. No one got a second mate, not even an alpha. Secondly, I was a delta, the match was just not heard of. I let out a frustrated sigh and slumped on my bed. The whole situation was awkward and I shuddered, then I remembered the elephant in the room. Summer. I was convinced she didn't fall for my half baked lie back there and she sure as hell won't just let it go. I had to prepare myself to tell her. Maybe she would have a solution to this mess. A knock on my door saved me from my thoughts "Hey kiddo. Dinner is ready" My stomach rumbled at the sound of food. His muffled steps retreated but stopped and came back "Oh and the Alpha is gracing us with his presence so wear something nice. Please" My stomach dropped and just like that my appetite disappeared and was replaced with anxiety. Great. Just great. I tried to weigh my options at the moment. I could just run away till dinner was over and deal with my dad's wrath later. No, no. My dad and I were in a good place right now. I didn't want to ruin it by doing something stupid. The best thing I could do right now was to tough it out. It'd just be a few minutes. I could do this. I could do this. I chanted to myself over and over again before running to the shower to freshen up. I stood in the mirror. I put my hair in a lazy bun with strands hanging around my face, my hands brushed over the strapless short blue dress I wore and I sighed satisfied with how I looked and made my way to the dining. The laughter of my dad and Zane echoed through the dining forming a knot in my stomach. I said a small prayer before stepping into the space and the sounds stopped. I sucked in a breath as his eyes fell on me. Zane's gaze was crushing and sent spirals of heat through my frame. He hungrily raked my body and clenched his jaw. My dad, being oblivious to the situation, stood up and ushered me to the seat closest to him. "Alpha Zane. This is my beautiful daughter. Nina" "Nina..." the way my name rolled off his tongue sent a signal to my core. His gaze was fixated on me till I sat down then reluctantly tore them to face my father. The weights of his presence was suffocating yet intoxicating. His piercing gaze lingered even when he looked away. My dumb heart raced, and I struggled to appear calm lightly touching my food. "So, Alpha," my dad began, breaking the silence "What are the plans for the expansion to the south" Zane shifted slightly in his seat "We've had a few challenges" his eyebrows knotted as he stared at his plate "The southern expansion is progressing well, though we've been encountering some... unexpected resistance." he replied, his voice deep and smooth. he tried not to be obvious but his eyes flicked back to me briefly, sending another wave of heat through my body. I barely touched the food on my plate, my nerves were too jumbled to work up an appetite. Every time I dared to glance at Zane, I found his gaze either on me or shifting away quickly, as if trying to be discreet. It wasn't working. "I'll go with some of my people to scout the area," my dad said, taking a huge bite of his steak. "You've always had a way of leading the pack with strength and precision. A true Alpha." Zane gave a polite nod, but his attention was clearly divided. I felt his energy pulling me towards him. "So, Nina," Zane suddenly said, his voice cutting through my thoughts. I froze with my fork halfway to my mouth. "How's school?" My dad beamed proudly, clearly thrilled that the Alpha was taking an interest in me. "Nina's doing great! Top of her class in all the subjects at her old school and she's got a sharp mind for strategy. Must've gotten that from me." He chuckled. I forced a small smile, feeling Zane's weighted gaze settle on me again. "School's... fine," I managed to say, keeping my voice steady. "Nothing too exciting." I mumbled The corner of Zane's mouth lifted slightly, as if he found my awkwardness amusing. "I'm sure you're life has been exciting Nina" he said, his tone hinted with amusement. I furrowed my brows before understanding what he meant by that. My cheeks flushed as my mind went back to the night I first saw him. My stomach flipped, and I quickly looked down at my plate. He chuckled then his expression grew serious turning to my father before he spoke again "I'm sure you aren't aware of this but your daughter is my mate" My eyes widened at the sudden declaration, all clattering stopped and my father almost choked on his steak, he grabbed a glass of water and gulped greedily. "I-I have to use the bathroom." I scraped my chair back and darted away from the chaos, my mind racing. I bolted for the corridors, barely walking in a straight line when I felt someone pass me quickly and a pair of hands pulled me into the bathroom. My eyes widened and I looked anywhere else from the gold haired man in front of me. I was a few inches away from Zane. His breath wafting around me, dulling my senses. His ragged breathing matched my drumming heart.