Jayden grasped my hand and gave it an assuring squeeze. "We're not eighteen yet. We have time to figure it all out. And we have each other. That's what truly matters."

I smiled and leaned in to kiss him. Maybe he was right. We had time to figure things out, and for now, I was grateful to have him by my side.

Returning my gaze to the window, I watched as other students made their way to cars and buses as we departed from the parking lot.

Upon arriving home, Eleanor was already waiting for us in the living room. "Hey, losers," she greeted us with a smirk.

"How did you get home so quickly?" I asked.

"Sebastian brought his bike today," she said, smiling as Sebastian emerged from the kitchen with a sandwich.

"Yo."

Sebastian, not particularly tall but taller than Eleanor, boasted a physique honed from countless hours on the football field and in the weight room. He exuded a self-assured confidence and raw masculinity. His dull gray eyes and rugged jawline lent him an air of danger, while his easy smile and quick wit made him irresistible to many. His muscles bulged with every movement, demanding attention and igniting passion in nearly everyone around him.

I, on the other hand, found him utterly insufferable and tedious. "Sebastian. Hi," I greeted, keeping my tone polite.

"El."

"Hey, Harm," Jayden said, embracing her.

"Ugh, must you two be so affectionate?" I quipped, a twinge of jealousy creeping in.

"Jealous, Ava?" Eleanor teased.

"No, not jealous. I just don't understand why you have to be so mean all the time," I responded.

Eleanor shrugged. "It's just my way. But seriously, Ava, what's been going on with you today? You've been acting strangely all day."

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to confide in her. However, the concern on her face prompted me to open up. "I don't know. I just have this feeling that something's off. Like I'm missing something or that I'm not supposed to be here."

Eleanor's expression softened. "It's probably just pre-mating jitters. You're turning eighteen soon, and your wolf is probably getting restless. Don't worry; it'll pass."

I nodded, feeling a bit reassured. "Maybe you're right. It's just been a weird day."

"It's probably because our birthday is in two days, and you're getting a bit paranoid," Eleanor offered with a reassuring smile.

Jayden, Eleanor, and I shared the same birthday, and it had long been expected that one of us would be mated to him. Our father, Ethan, had held the position of beta in the pack since the passing of his father, and it was anticipated that our older brother, Jack, would succeed him as the next beta. Given this lineage, it seemed only natural that one of Ethan's daughters would be destined to become the alpha's mate, and most assumed that someone would be me.

"So, we're still on for Sunday?" Jayden inquired.

"Huh?" I glanced over at him.

"The party? We're still planning to have it, right?"

"Oh, yeah, of course. Your mom and my mom have been organizing it for months. It's practically all they talk about."

"It's a significant birthday for all of us."

"I suppose it is," I replied as I opened the car door and stepped out. "We'll talk later?"

"Yeah," he agreed.

I waved and made my way into the house. Inside, servants and pack members bustled about, and my mother shouted out orders, acting more like a Luna than the actual Luna.

In contrast, Jayden's mother, Luna Charlotte, was a gentle and sweet woman, nothing like the no-nonsense matriarch who held an iron grip on our household.

"Ava! You're home! Where's your sister?" my mother inquired eagerly.

I kissed her on the cheek. "Hi, Mom. She was right behind me. Probably chatting with Sebastian."

My mother rolled her eyes and marched off to another room. "I don't like him."

"Nobody does," I muttered, heading to my room.

The weekend flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to prepare for the grand birthday celebration. Our parties were always held late at night, with the moon as our goddess and source of power. We celebrated not only our lives but also expressed gratitude to Benjamin for her blessings.

I stood before the mirror, admiring the icy blue dress my mother had meticulously crafted for me. It perfectly complemented my eyes and silver hair, hugging my curves with precision.

Eleanor's dress matched mine in design but was amber in color to accentuate her eyes.

"Hurry, girls! The guests are arriving. There's a big surprise for all three of you tonight!" our mother exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

"What is she talking about?" Eleanor inquired.

I shrugged, slipped into my matching blue shoes, and descended the stairs with my sister.

"I love you," she suddenly declared as we reached the bottom of the staircase.

"What?"

"I love you. I know I tease you a lot, but I genuinely love you."

I smiled at her. "I love you too."

"Are you ready?"

"I guess. Let's just get through this."

Together, we entered the grand ballroom, where high-ranking members of our pack, their families, and leaders from other packs had gathered.

"That's quite a crowd," Eleanor whispered.

"How often do the future Alpha and twin daughters of the Beta celebrate their eighteenth birthdays on the same night?"

"I guess it's a rare occurrence," I replied.

Eleanor pulled me onto the dance floor as the music began. The lights flashed, and a smoke machine enveloped the area in a thick fog. We danced and laughed while our friends and some other kids joined us.

Suddenly, the music abruptly stopped, and the lights came on.

"Is it time already?" I asked, glancing at the clock. It was only 9:00. Everyone was here, but why had the music stopped?

"Attention, everyone. Please welcome our esteemed rulers, King James and Prince Edmond of the Winter Lake pack," Alpha Oliver announced. An older man with gray hair and a commanding presence entered the room, followed by a younger version of himself.

The prince was exceptionally tall, towering over me at least six feet. He was a striking sight to behold, with sandy blonde hair cascading in perfect waves, framing his chiseled face and piercing ocean blue eyes. His physique appeared perfectly toned beneath his suit, hinting at the underlying strength and power. He exuded an enigmatic intensity that was both captivating and mysterious, possessing a magnetic presence that drew people in. His striking looks were matched only by his air of confidence and authority, making him the epitome of masculine beauty. His gaze alone had the power to quicken hearts.

Standing beside the king, he remained unsmiling, jaw clenched. His nostrils flared as he surveyed the room, as though he detected something unusual. His gaze lingered on me for an uncomfortably long moment, and I noticed the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. The entire room bowed and curtsied to him, but his attention remained fixed on me. Gamma Noah stepped between us, breaking the gaze.

"Oh my goddess," Eleanor exclaimed, covering her mouth. "He's the most stunning man I've ever seen."

"He is quite striking," I agreed.

"Striking? Ava, he's utterly breathtaking!"

She dragged me over to where Alpha Oliver and Jayden were conversing with the royal wolves.

Clearing her throat, she smiled expectantly.

"Oh, my apologies, girls!" Alpha Oliver said. "Let me introduce you. King James, Prince Edmond, these are Beta Ethan's daughters, Eleanor and Ava."

We curtsied to the two men as they looked us over.

"Happy birthday," King James said. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."

That's when I felt it - a faint, indescribable sensation. I glanced up at the prince and found him staring at me once again. Jayden, noticing, stepped in front of him and began speaking. Eleanor and I excused ourselves and returned to the dance floor. As we danced, I couldn't shake the feeling that the prince's eyes were still on me. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but it was a strange and unsettling sensation. Despite this, I continued to enjoy the rest of the party with my sister and our friends, grateful for the love and support of our pack.

...

"Alright, everyone! It's time!" my mother announced with enthusiasm. "It's the moment our new wolves have been waiting for. Men, you will gather in the northern gardens, while ladies, we're heading to the southern gardens."

I observed as Jayden entered through the front doors, joining Alpha Oliver, the king, and the other high-ranking men.

"Come on, weirdo," Eleanor urged, seizing my hand and leading me toward the patio doors that opened into our flower garden. "Oh, wait a second!"

Eleanor glanced around the room, her eyes landing on Sebastian. She smiled and waved at him.

"I just want to say goodbye real quick," she explained.

"We'll be right back," I chuckled.

"I know. But I'll be returning as a woman," she giggled.

I watched as she skipped across the room and into Sebastian's arms. He spun her around, kissing her passionately. She whispered something in his ear, and a grin stretched across his face.

Eleanor hurried back to my side as we walked to the center of the circle formed by the ladies. I reached out for my sister's hands and held them tightly.

The moonflowers that adorned the garden were in full bloom as we took our positions.

Our mother approached us, wearing a hopeful smile. "Alright, girls. It's time. The moon is nearly at its zenith. Benjamin herself is watching over you both. The first shift may sting a bit, but don't worry about it. It's just your body adapting to the change. I love you both, and I am immensely proud of you!"

"Thanks, Mom," I said softly, hugging her.

"Love you, Mom," Eleanor chimed in, joining the embrace.

"Together?" I asked.

"Always," she replied.

A tingling sensation began in my toes and fingertips, swiftly spreading throughout my entire body. I watched as Eleanor's body sprouted long, blonde fur. Her facial features contorted as her nose vanished, replaced by a snout. Glistening fangs caught the moonlight as her grip on me weakened. Glancing down, I saw that both of our hands had transformed into paws.

A searing pain surged from deep within me. I felt as though my body might ignite into flames. The agony seemed to emanate from my bones, accompanied by a nauseating crunch and snap, forcing me to my knees. A scream escaped my lips as the moon shone brighter and brighter, its brilliance enveloping me until I saw nothing else.

Just as suddenly as the pain began, it ceased. However, I was no longer in the circle, nor on my family's grounds. It was emptiness, a complete void.

"Dear child."

I looked around as best I could with my wolf-like neck.

"Do not be afraid. I have waited for this day for a long time."

Who's there?

A magnificent young woman materialized before me, surrounded by the radiance of the moon.

Who is that?

"I am Benjamin. Goddess of the moon. Goddess of the woodlands. And your mother."

You can hear me? I thought in my mind.

"Of course, my beloved daughter."

Daughter? What do you mean?

"You are my child, a wolf born under the light of the full moon. It is your destiny to protect the balance of nature, defend the weak, and uphold the ancient ways."

"But how? I don't know anything about being a wolf."

"You will learn. You possess strength and courage, and you have the love and support of your mate. I will always be with you, guiding you on your journey."

"I still don't understand. Why is this happening?" Panic began to grip me. This was too much, too unreal.

"Eighteen years ago, when your earthly mother was pregnant with your earthly sister, I used her body as a vessel to give physical form to myself. You."

"Wait. What?"

"In my divine form, I cannot birth an earthly child. There is something approaching my beloved wolves that will require one with god-like abilities to assist."

"The feeling I've been having?" I inquired.

"Yes, my dearest. It is approaching, and you will need to aid the king in saving your kind."

What is it?

She shook her head. "I do not know, my darling. I only sense its impending threat."

"Why me?"

"Because, sweet Ava, you are my child, a part of me."

"That cannot be, Goddess. I was born. I have lived with my mother and father all these years. If I am your daughter, why did you not come for me sooner?"

"To protect you. If others knew of your existence, it would have placed you in peril, along with all the packs."

"How can I help? I am not a warrior. I am small, and I have never fought before."

"You will discover more. Now go, my child. Embrace your true nature and fulfill your destiny." She kissed my cheek, and the bright moonlight enveloped her before darkness reclaimed the void.

The emptiness around me began to recede, and I felt myself being drawn back to the physical world. I opened my eyes to see Eleanor standing before me, her expression filled with concern.

Queen Aurora took a step closer. "Child, are you alright?"

I nodded, my chest heaving with each breath.

"Uh, what is that?" Eleanor asked, staring at my face.

"What?" I queried.

"On your forehead, right below your hairline. What is that?"

I reached up and ran my fingers along my forehead, feeling nothing unusual. I shrugged.

"Ava, what happened?" my mother inquired, rushing toward me.

"Um, I don't know. What is the first shift supposed to be like?" I asked.

"Well, not quite like that."

"What happened?" I asked again.

"You shifted and then collapsed."

"Oh."

I rose and looked around, steadying myself. "I'm fine."

"Honey?" my mother asked.

"Yeah?"

"Eleanor is right. What's on your forehead?"

"I don't know? Nothing? I don't feel anything. What does it look like?"

"It looks like a moon with a bow in it."

"Odd."

"What truly happened during your shift?" she pressed.

"Can we discuss it when we're not in front of such a large audience?" I requested softly.

She nodded in agreement.

"Alright, everyone, let's return to the party and give the girls some space," Alpha Oliver suggested.

"Are you alright?" my mother asked me.

"I think so," I replied, still trying to process everything that had just occurred.

"Come on, let's explore our new forms," I urged.

Eleanor grinned and dashed off, her wolf form sleek and agile. I followed after her, a growing sense of excitement and purpose filling me. This marked the beginning of our journey as werewolves, and I was eager to embrace my destiny. After some time of enjoying the freedom our wolf forms offered, we returned to the gardens and shifted back into our human forms. We quickly dressed in our gowns and headed back to the grand ballroom, where the men had already gathered. I scanned the crowded room for Jayden.

The spark. It should be time.

Desperation and despair gripped me as each second ticked by.

Where is he? Where is Jayden?

Then, I spotted him. He stood near King James and his father, Alpha Oliver, but there was no sign of Prince Edmond. My heart skipped a beat, and I began making my way toward him. But before I could take more than a few steps, I saw him sniff the air and turn around. Suddenly, I felt a spark in my stomach, and a peculiar scent overwhelmed all others.

Is this it? Is this the moment I've been waiting for?

But as Jayden approached, confusion and uncertainty clouded his face. He furrowed his brow and sniffed the air again before shaking his head.

"This is wrong. This is not right," he muttered, pushing me aside and walking directly toward Eleanor.

I stood there in shock, tears welling up in my eyes, as I watched Jayden approach Eleanor. He wrapped his arms around my sister and kissed her passionately. The entire room fell into an eerie silence as they gazed at the two of them, and then at me. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, and my throat tightened with emotion.

"He's not going to do what I think he's going to do, is he?" Abigail whispered from behind me.

"I-I don't know. It's public. He would never do something so tacky and taboo, right?" I looked at her, tears streaming down my face.

My mouth hung open, my cheeks aflame, and my stomach churned as I felt bile rising in my throat.

But as I watched, my worst fears materialized. Jayden nuzzled Eleanor and then bit her, marking her as his mate in front of everyone.

"Holy... He marked her in public," Abigail gasped.