Chapter 1
Coraline's POV
"It's only a popular myth that Hell doesn't exist. And it's also cruel not to believe in Hell. For isn't it cruel to tell skaters on thin ice that there's no water underneath and that they can't possibly drown?" - Peter Kreeft
June 24, 2021.
Though the war between werewolves and vampires ended two years ago, skirmishes continue, often leaving humans as mere collateral damage.
To forge a stronger pack capable of resisting vampire assaults, other supernaturals, and hunters, the Alphas of the Black Skulls and Dark Moon Packs hope their offspring are destined mates. They've agreed that Coraline McMillion from the Dark Moon Pack, should join Alpha Jack Davidson at his pack house at the Black Skulls Pack to meet his children, especially his eldest son Lestat, to determine if she is the fated mate of any of his progenies.
Coraline, who has just celebrated her twenty-first birthday, is the beloved daughter of Phill McMillion, Alpha of the Dark Moon Pack, and Luna Jane McMillion. Unlike her parents, Coraline is pale with long, curly white hair and bright blue eyes. Her wolf form mirrors her unique appearance, with pure white fur, light grey 'socks,' a grey dot on her tail, and a black teardrop mark beneath her right eye. Her twin brother Blake shared her features but in reverse, with an all-black coat and similar markings in light grey, and a white teardrop under his eye. He also had jet black hair, midnight-dark eyes, and a pale complexion.
Tragically, Coraline is the sole surviving child of the Alpha and Luna. Her brothers, Blake and Aiden McMillion, were both casualties of the last global conflict two years prior. Aiden, the eldest, led their forces to aid in the war but never returned, leaving behind no offspring. Blake, seeking vengeance, also departed and failed to return. Their loss has irrevocably altered the family dynamic.
Coraline toyed with the hem of her black dress as the car crept into the Black Skulls' territory. Her mother clasped her hand firmly, whispering, "You'll be okay, love. You're beautiful and unique. Any of his sons would be foolish not to be charmed by you." Coraline struggled to keep from scoffing, aware of the rumors surrounding the three sons and praying they weren't true, for her heart was already fragile without Blake's comforting presence. As the vehicle halted, her father exited first, courteously opening the door for her mother and planting a tender kiss on her forehead as she stepped out. He then extended his hand to Coraline, guiding her out to meet the pack members who were all smiles, seemingly there just to gawk at them.
The McMillion family entered the pack house, and Coraline struggled not to groan aloud as a divine scent mixed with musk, wood chips, sage, orange, and dark chocolate hit her; her mate was somewhere close by. She pondered who it could be as her mother nudged her forward. "Phil and Jane, what a pleasure to see you again! And Coraline, you've grown so much since I last saw you!" exclaimed a woman, about the same age as Coraline's mother, who had the looks of a supermodel yet seemed down-to-earth enough to devour a burger and then strut in a bikini without a care. "Sarah! It's been too long!" my mother exclaimed, embracing her warmly, while my father and I exchanged glances, wishing we were anywhere but here. "Phil, Jack will join us shortly; he's just resolving an issue. Meanwhile, Coraline, would you like to meet my children? You were only six the last time you visited, I believe," she said cheerfully. I have no recollection of this place or ever visiting, but I simply smiled and nodded, not wanting to reveal my discomfort around her, the reason for which I couldn't fathom.
As we entered what I perceived as the formal seating area, the room was engulfed in the same scent that had greeted me upon arrival. My gaze wandered, searching for its source, until it collided with that of a tall man standing at the back of the room. He appeared neither pleased to be there nor to see her. From a distance, his eyes seemed black, but a closer look revealed hints of purple, a trait common to his pack. His dark brown hair, shoulder-length, was partially tied up in a bun, revealing a tattoo that adorned his shoulder and neck, peeking out from under his tight black shirt that accentuated his muscular build. The urge to explore the firmness of those muscles with my hands, to feel his arms envelop me in a tight embrace, was overwhelming. "Are you alright there?" he snapped, jolting me back to reality. I was taken aback by his towering presence, a good two heads taller than me. Unbeknownst to me, I had been standing before him, my hand gripping his arm. I quickly withdrew, my face flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, um, I'm, um, sorry," I stammered, as laughter echoed from behind us.
