The shrill sound of her alarm clock cut through Aria's dreams at exactly 7 AM. She groaned and rolled over in her king-size bed, her hand blindly searching for the annoying little device. Instead of finding the snooze button, she knocked the clock straight to the floor.

The alarm kept on ringing.

"Shut up," Aria growled, her voice thick with sleep. She rolled over again and grabbed the fallen clock, jabbing at buttons until the noise finally stopped. But her victory was short-lived. The thing started beeping again.

"That's it!" Aria sat up and hurled the alarm clock across her room. It hit the wall with a satisfying crash and went silent.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you!"

Aria spun around to see her best friend Lexi bouncing through the door, somehow managing to dodge the flying alarm clock pieces. Lexi Chen was the Beta's daughter and had been Aria's closest friend since they were five years old.

"Lexi, what are you doing here so early?" Aria rubbed her eyes, trying to wake up properly.

"It's your eighteenth birthday!" Lexi practically vibrated with excitement. She was holding a small wrapped box in her hands. "I couldn't wait any longer to give you this!"

Unlike Aria, Lexi hadn't followed the path to become the future Beta. Her older brother Ryan was two years older and had been training for that position since he was sixteen.

Ryan had found his mate on his eighteenth birthday six months ago, and now he was ready to take on the challenges of being Beta to the Silver Crest pack alongside Aria.

Lexi jumped onto Aria's bed, making the mattress bounce. "Open it now, Aria! Open it right now! I almost gave it to you yesterday, but I forced myself to wait!"

Aria wiped the sleep from her eyes and tried to focus on her friend's eager face. "Lexi, slow down. Let me wake up first."

"No time for that!" Lexi shoved the gift toward her. "Today is the day you turn eighteen!"

Suddenly, the importance of the day hit Aria like a lightning bolt. She sat up straighter, her tiredness disappearing. "Wow. I nearly forgot about that. I guess it is my birthday today, damn."

"Finally!" Lexi laughed as Aria jumped to her feet on the bed.

Both girls started bouncing on the mattress like they were ten years old again. "It's my birthday! It's my birthday!" Aria chanted, her serious Alpha-in-training persona completely forgotten.

Everyone who knew Aria understood that she was serious ninety-nine per cent of the time. She had to be.

The weight of leadership, the constant training, the endless lessons in pack politics; it all required her to be mature beyond her years. But birthdays were different. They brought out the carefree, silly side that she rarely let anyone see.

After a few minutes of bouncing, both girls collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily and giggling.

"Okay, okay," Aria said, picking up Lexi's gift. "Let me see what you got me."

The box was wrapped in silver paper with an emerald green bow - the colours of the Silver Crest pack.

Aria tore open the wrapping paper without any attempt to save it. Lexi was the best gift-giver in the world, and Aria couldn't wait to see what she'd come up with this year.

Inside the box, nestled in soft tissue paper, was the most beautiful necklace Aria had ever seen. It was an emerald green stone pendant on a delicate gold chain.

"Lexi," Aria whispered, tears forming in her eyes. "This is gorgeous."

"Do you really like it?" Lexi asked, though Aria's expression had already given her the answer.

"I love it!" Aria threw her arms around her best friend as she laughed. "Go on and put it on me, I know you want to."

Lexi carefully fastened the necklace around Aria's neck. Aria walked to her full-length mirror to see how it looked. The pendant rested perfectly just below her collarbone, catching the morning light and making her eyes shine even brighter.

"I'm never taking this off," Aria declared, admiring her reflection. "It's perfect, Lexi. Thank you so much."

"Well, maybe take it off before you shift into your wolf," Lexi laughed. "Kestra might not appreciate jewellery."

"Good point," Aria agreed, though she was still staring at the necklace in the mirror.

Lexi had turned eighteen a month ago, but she still hadn't found her mate. In the werewolf world, even a month could feel like forever when you were waiting for the Moon Goddess to reveal your destined partner.

She tried to stay positive about it, but Aria could see the disappointment in her friend's eyes sometimes.

"You know," Lexi said, sitting on the edge of Aria's bed, "I have a good feeling about tonight. Your party is going to be amazing."

Aria's parents had invited teenagers from all the local packs within their alliance network. It wasn't just about celebrating Aria's birthday, although that was important too.

These gatherings gave young wolves the chance to meet and possibly find their mates. Everyone hoped that several matches would be made during the evening.

"I hope so," Aria said, touching the pendant at her throat. "I want tonight to go great for every wolf attending, not just me."

"It will be," Lexi said confidently. "Your parents invited over a hundred people. With numbers like that, somebody's bound to find their mate."

Aria nodded, but her stomach was doing little flips. Turning eighteen was huge for any werewolf, but being the Alpha's daughter made everything more complicated.

She knew she would find her mate eventually; the Moon Goddess blessed every wolf with a destined partner. But when she did find him, he would have to be ready to help her lead the Silver Crest pack.

"What if my mate doesn't want to be with a future Alpha?" Aria asked quietly.

Lexi stood up and put her hands on Aria's shoulders. "Then he's an idiot who doesn't deserve you. The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes, Aria. Whoever she's chosen for you will be perfect."

Aria smiled at her friend's confidence. "You're right. I'm just nervous, I guess."

"That's normal," Lexi said. "I was terrified on my eighteenth birthday. But nervous or not, tonight is going to be incredible."

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. "Come in," Aria called.

Alpha Damon and Luna Celeste entered together, both beaming with pride and joy. Celeste had tears in her eyes as she looked at her daughter.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Celeste said, her voice thick with emotion. "I can't believe my baby is eighteen today."

"Thanks, Mom," Aria said, hugging both her parents.

"You look beautiful," Damon said gruffly, eyeing the new necklace with suspicion. "What is that you're wearing?"

"Lexi gave it to me," Aria said, touching the pendant again.

"Well, Lexi has excellent taste," Celeste said, wiping at her eyes. "Now, we should start getting ready. The party begins in a few hours, and there's still so much to do."

As her parents left to continue the party preparations, Aria looked at herself in the mirror one more time.

The girl looking back at her was eighteen years old today. Tonight, she might find her mate, and soon, she would officially become the Alpha of the Silver Crest pack.

Everything was about to change.

"You clean up nice for someone who fights in the dirt all day."

Aria stood in front of her mirror, smoothing the emerald green dress one last time. She absolutely refused to spend the entirety of the evening stumbling about in heels, so she pulled on a pair of black flats instead.

Then she turned to find her father leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed.

"Damn, thanks for the glowing review, Dad."

"I'm serious." Damon stepped into the room, his expression shifting to something softer. "You look beautiful, Aria. Your mother's probably crying in the hallway."

"She'd better not mess up her makeup. I refuse to be responsible for that disaster."

"I understand that I can be hard on you sometimes, but it's for the best. One day it will be you standing in my place, and I want you to be prepared when the time comes."

Aria adjusted her necklace and faced him. "Aren't you nervous? About me officially taking over?"

"Should I be?"

She considered this seriously. "Probably. I have... different opinions about how things should be run around here."

"I'd be worried if you didn't." Damon moved closer. "The pack needs a strong leader, Aria. Someone who isn't afraid to make hard choices."

"Even if those choices upset people?"

"Especially then."

A knock interrupted them. "Are you two having a heart-to-heart without me?" Celeste peeked in, her eyes already glassy.

"Mom, no crying," Aria warned. "I mean it."

"But you used to be so tiny, and now look at you, all grown up. " Her mother held Arias' face in her hands. "My perfect daughter, my pride and joy."

Lexi bounced through the door, announcing. "Ready to find your mate?"

Aria's stomach fluttered, but she kept her voice steady. "It's just a birthday party, Lexi. Don't take it so seriously."

"Ha! I bet you won't be singing that tune when you find him." Lexi grinned. "Come on, I can hear the music. And I may have already spotted three potential candidates from my bedroom window."

"Everyone give it up for Lexi Chen, future matchmaker to the supernatural community," Aria said dryly.

"Hey! Don't you dare mock my talents."

They headed downstairs together, Aria's parents standing beside them. The evening air was perfect, and the conference centre glowed with lights and music.

"Nervous?" Lexi asked quietly.

"Of course not." Aria rolled her eyes. Her Alpha bravado was coming back on as Kestra raised her head. She had everything under control, nothing could possibly go wrong.

"It's going to be amazing."

"I'm sure. It's definitely going to be something."

They reached the entrance, and Lexi practically vibrated beside her. "Okay, game plan. We walk in, you look stunning and mysterious, I scout for potential mates..."

"Lexi."

"...and we definitely avoid Jessica because she's been talking about her mate-finding strategy for weeks, and frankly, it's exhausting..."

"Lexi."

"What?"

"Breathe."

Lexi took a dramatic gulp of air. "Better?"

"Just calm down is all I'm saying."

They stepped through the doors, and even Aria had to admit the place looked incredible.

Twinkling lights created a canopy over the dance floor, the food spread was impressive, and the energy was electric.

"Wow, looks like your parents don't do anything halfway, do they?" Lexi murmured.

"We love a great party. Runs in the family."

"Speaking of which--" Lexi's nose twitched and she went still. "Oh. Oh wow."

"What?"

"I think I... excuse me." Lexi drifted away, following her nose through the crowd.

Aria watched her friend weave between groups of people, then abruptly stop and turn around, shoulders slumping.

"False alarm!" Lexi called out, trudging back.

Aria sighed and facepalmed.

"Story of my life. One month, Aria. One whole month of being eighteen and nothing."

"Patience isn't your strong suit."

"No one likes waiting too long," Lexi perked up as music shifted to something with a heavier beat. "Do you hear that? It's our song! Come on."

"I should probably mingle first, then thank people for coming."

"You should probably have fun first. It's your birthday, remember?"

Aria considered this. Lexi was right; when was the last time she'd just enjoyed herself without thinking about pack politics or training or responsibilities?

"Alright, fine. One dance," she decided.

Lexi let out a small scream and took Aria's hand, dragging her off through the crowd.

They made their way to the dance floor just as Jessica rushed over, practically glowing with a tall, dark-haired guy attached to her arm.

"Aria! Lexi! This is Derek!" Jessica's voice was breathless with excitement. "We just found each other!"

Derek looked like he'd been struck by lightning. "She's incredible," he said, never taking his eyes off Jessica.

"Congratulations," Aria said warmly. "You both look very happy."

"We are! Oh, Aria, when you find your mate, you'll understand. It's like... like everything just clicks into place."

"I'm sure it is."

As the new couple floated away, lost in their own world, Lexi sighed heavily, losing all her desire to dance.

"See that glow? That's what I want."

"You'll get it one day, Lexi. Everyone does eventually"

"But when?" Lexi whined.

"When you're supposed to."

Lexi shot her a look. "That's not helpful."

"What do you want me to say? At least it's honest, right?"

"I don't want honesty right now. I'd much rather be optimistic, thank you very much."

Aria smiled, the first genuine smile she'd had all evening. "Fine. You'll find your mate tonight, he'll be devastatingly handsome, and you'll live happily ever after."

"Thank you. Was that so hard?"

"Ehh... A little."

The music pulsed around them, and despite her nerves about the future, Aria found herself relaxing.

This was nice; just being eighteen, just being Lexi's best friend, just being herself for a few minutes before everything changed.

"So," Lexi said, scanning the room, "ready to meet your destiny?"

Aria followed her gaze across the crowded room. Somewhere in here might be the person who would stand beside her as she led the Silver Crest pack. They would understand the weight she carried and they would be strong enough to share it.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

The music pounded through Aria's chest as she walked around the room, accepting birthday wishes and dodging overly happy aunts who wanted to pinch her cheeks.

The emerald pendant Lexi gave her caught the bright lights, and she'd lost count of how many people had complimented it.

"Smile's getting a bit stiff there, birthday girl," Lexi materialised beside her with two cups of punch.

"My face hurts."

"Thought so. That's what happens when you're being fake-nice for an hour straight." Lexi laughed.

Aria gratefully accepted the drink. "I have to get used to it, it's called diplomacy and it's basically my job."

"It's actually called exhausting." Lexi nudged her shoulder. "When's the last time you actually enjoyed one of these things?"

"I enjoy them."

"Liar. You only like the part where everyone goes home."

Before Aria could argue, she heard excited chatter coming from near the entrance. She turned to see what had everyone's attention, expecting another late arrival from one of the allied packs.

Two wolf men had just walked in, both tall and clearly wolves by the way they carried themselves. The first one was handsome enough with dark hair, nice smile, the type who probably had no trouble getting dates.

But his friend knocked the breath out of her.

He had golden hair that looked effortlessly perfect, shoulders that stretched his suit jacket in all the right ways. He was tall enough that she'd actually have to look up at him, which usually happened because she was 5"11.

"Oh," Lexi breathed. "Oh wow."

"Don't stare at them."

"Too late, half the girls in here just stopped dancing."

The blonde's gaze swept across the room before landing directly on Aria. Even from across the dance floor, she could feel the intensity of his attention like a physical touch.

"He's looking at you," Lexi whispered.

"He's probably just--"

"Nope, it's definitely you. And he's coming over!"

Aria did her best to suppress her nervousness. She forced herself to turn back to Lexi, trying to look casual. "Act normal."

"I am acting normal. You're the one who looks like you're about to run away or something."

The crowd seemed to part as he moved through it, conversations quieting as people registered his presence. He was definitely an Alpha. No one kind of wolf could command that kind of unconscious respect.

"Breathe," Lexi muttered.

"What are you talking about. I'm breathing fine."

"Your heartbeat slowed down, I heard it. You're holding your breath."

That's when the warm and addictive scent of pine and vanilla hit her, cutting through all the smells of perfumes and food and dozens of other wolves. It wrapped around her like smoke, making her head spin till she felt nearly dizzy with desire.

"Holy shit," she whispered.

"What?"

Mate, Mate, Mate. Kestra's voice was barely controlled excitement in her head.

No. Absolutely not. Aria's logical brain rejected the idea even as every instinct told her that her wolf was right. The scent was getting stronger as he got closer, making her feel faint and reckless and completely out of control.

"Aria?" Lexi's voice seemed to come from underwater. "You okay?"

"Fine," she managed, though she definitely wasn't.

He was close enough now that she could see his deep blue eyes, like the ocean right before a storm.

His smile was easy and confident, the kind that suggested he was used to getting everything he wanted, damn the consequences.

Lexi had gone completely quiet, probably sensing the shift in energy radiating off Aria.

He stopped right in front of them, his smile never wavering. Up close, he was even more attractive, so much so that Aria had to look away so she could focus.

"Rafe Southpaw," he said, extending his hand.

His voice was exactly what she'd expected it to sound like. It was deep and smooth with just enough roughness to be interesting, and she knew he could probably talk someone into just about anything.

Aria stared at his offered hand, knowing she should say something polite and normal. Ask which pack he was from, maybe. Definitely do not mention that her heart was trying to beat its way out of her chest.

Instead, she reached out and took his hand. "Aria Blackwood."

The second their skin touched, electricity shot up her arm. His eyes widened as he felt it too; the immediate and undeniable mate bond that crackled between them like lightning.

Tell him, Kestra urged. Now.

But something in Rafe's expression shifted when she said her name. His easy smile fell, replaced by something she couldn't quite read.

"Blackwood." He said her family's name slowly. "As in Alpha Damon Blackwood?"

"That would be my father, yes."

His thumb brushed across her knuckles where their hands were still connected, sending another jolt of electricity through her system.

For a moment, she thought she saw the same want and recognition she had for him within his eyes.

Then his expression went completely blank.

"Well," he said, flinging her hand away like it had burned him. "How unfortunate."