Quick Rundown (READ FIRST)
Hello, this part will be for you if you haven't read werewolf romance books before.
Otherwise, feel free to skip! :)
(This is generalized information but will hold true in this story)
In these types of books, werewolves are one yet two creatures at the same time. They can still transform between human & wolf, but they have their distinct human side & their wolf sides, so the two sides can actually talk to each other in their minds. Whenever one side is in control of the body, the other just kind of sits back and watches what happens.
Generally, the human side is in control, and yes, werewolves can understand "wolf-talk".
Whenever you see the word "pack", it's probably referring to a werewolf pack. It's kind of like a huge joint family comprised of multiple different ones. They usually have a decent-sized territory, and it comes with its perks such as pack telepathy called the mindlink, where everyone can speak to everyone through their minds via their wolves. Usually, werewolves cannot talk to others outside their pack with the mindlink.
The hierarchy goes:
Alpha (strongest/leader of pack)
Beta (right hand man)
Gamma (left hand man)
Delta (sibling of current reigning Alpha/extra hand man)
Warriors/Healers (fighters/doctors)
Normal wolves (Like regular civilians in superhero movies)
Omegas (weakest of the normies & usually take on domestic chores)
Where a werewolf stands in the hierarchy 90% depends on their wolf side.
Rogues are werewolf outcasts that don't belong to a pack, and they're a little deranged because their wolves go crazy from not being in a pack.
The Mate Bond is a connection between two werewolves that tell them if someone else is their mate (AKA soulmate) that comes with huge benefits but huge emotional risks. Because humans don't naturally have this handy thing themselves, their wolves are what hold the connection together.
Major Items in the Mate Bond:
Acknowledgement
- Requirements: Mate is officially recognized by both wolves
- Effect: Werewolves become attracted to one another
Temporary Marking (makes a "tattoo")
- Requirements: Mate bites the other (with a more romantic intention than a normal chomp, I guess, and it's a LEGIT bite)
- Effect: Telepathy is available between the two regardless of whether or not they're in the same pack, euphoria, and the mates feel closer to each other
- It will fade after some time
Full Marking/"Sealing the Deal" (makes a "tattoo")
- Requirements: Same as temporary marking except both wolves have to consent & do the horizontal tango while they do it
- Effect: Enhanced telepathy is available (they can read each other's minds & emotions), euphoria, the mates feel closer to each other, mate bond is strengthened/enhanced
- This is permanent
Rejection (doesn't appear in book as of now)
- Requirements: "I [name] of [pack name] reject [mate's name] of [mate's pack name]."
- Effects: Mate bond broken if successful, and it's more difficult/painful depending on the stage of the mate bond.
- This is impossible without knowing who your mate is, interestingly enough.
And that's it! I tried to keep it short & sweet, and I hope you have a fun time reading my first novel :D
