Lunar Love

The anticipation hummed in my veins. My twenty-first birthday was looming, a milestone that would mark a turning point in my life. As a werewolf, I was faced with a choice: remain within the confines of my pack, the SilverShield, or venture out into the world to seek my destined mate.

The annual masquerade ball, a spectacle of mystery and intrigue, was the traditional kickoff to the mating season. Held on neutral territory, the location shifted each year to ensure safety and accommodate potential threats. Only those of our kind were invited, a stark reminder of the divide between our world and the human one.

However, my plans were far from traditional. My father, Alpha Theo, had been found dead on our own land, a tragedy that had cast a long shadow over the pack. There were no signs of foul play, no wounds, and no clues. His sudden demise had left me questioning the safety and security of the very pack he had led.

As the days to my birthday approach, I know that leaving SilverShield was the only option. I yearned for answers, for justice, and perhaps, a chance to find solace in a world beyond the confines of my pack.

I have nowhere specific. I wanted to go just that I could not stay here. Especially after my mother found a new mate with my our Beta Andrew. He also lost his mate shortly after my father passed. He treats my mother and my two brothers well, so I can not complain too much. Andrew is Alpha until my brother's and I turn twenty-one.

No, we are not triplets... We were just born in the same litter. Our elders state that when there is more than one in the running for Alpha, we get a choice.  We can accept or decline to an extent. If we decline, it shows a  great dishonor to our family, some say weakness. If we accept, then great, but you can be challenged during the first week of becoming Alpha. Fight to the death...

**BUZZZZZ BUZZZZZ**

Breaking my deep thought process, I hear my phone going crazy on my nightstand. Only to realize I am sitting in a cold bubble less bath.

Jeez... how long was I in there for!

As I rushed to get ready for my shopping trip with my mother and brothers, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. The excitement of the upcoming ball was tempered by the uncertainty of my future. I yearned for independence, a chance to forge my own path, but the weight of tradition and family expectations weighed heavily on my shoulders.

After arriving at the mall, I see my mom pacing while my two brothers, Zeke and Mathew, are goofing around. Clearly annoying her more than I have already.

"Where the hell have you been, young lady... I have been trying to reach you for the last hour. I know you think this is a joke, but you are still going to show for what little respect you may still have for this family.  Do I make myself clear!"

My brothers stop and stand behind her, frozen, and watch as I get scolded.

"I know, mom... I am sorry, truly. I got lost in my thoughts while taking a bath it wont happen again."

She gives a light sigh and shoo's her hands forward for us to go in. I know she will get over me being late, but I was not expecting her to say the joke part... I never told anyone. I am excited for the ball, but I do think mates are a joke. Especially because I thought we mated for life, if one dies then so would the other and you have to accept it because it will be ur only choice.

We arrive at the dress and tux store, and the guys go off knowing mothers' expectations. While her and I go and find our dresses.  As we browsed through the racks of dresses, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy. The idea of finding a mate, a lifelong bond, seemed distant and unattainable. The events of the past year had shattered my idealistic view of love and commitment.

**EEEEEP**

I squeal in excitement, startling a lady behind me, and my mother jumps too.

"Chloe, calm down, sweetheart," she says with a chuckle behind her words.

"Sorry ma'am, sorry mom! This is the dress!"

"Well, go try it on silly girl."

With her smile of approval, I practically rip it off the rack and rush full speed to the dressing room.

I am a little star-struck as I stand looking at myself in the mirror. 

"Are you okay in there?" Mom says as she lightly knocks on the door.

"More than okay..."

I opened the door and slowly walked out, I suddenly got a little shy when I realize it seemed all the oxygen in the room left and everyones eyes were glued to me.

"Woah, you look like an actual girl, Chloe," Mathew yells, and Zeke punches him in the arm.

"he means you look like a princess, Chloe..."

I feel myself blush a little. The dress is a bright red ball gown with a lace corset. It hugs all the right places, it's like this dress was made just for me. My eyes finally meet my mothers.

"Mom?? Why are you crying?"

After a few attempts to collect her mini meltdown, she finally forms words.

"Chloe, my sweet baby girl, you... you are so beautiful. I can not express how stunning you look or how grown up you look. You are going to make someone very happy. I am so proud of you."

I walk over to my mom and wrap her into a loving hug. I dont ever remember her saying anything like that to me before. Not that she has ever been mean to me, but we just never had bonding time together or many affectionate moments shared.

"Thank you, I love you, mom,"

"I love you, honey." she slowly steps back, wiping her tears and looking at me again in the dress one more time, clearing her throat.

"If that's the one you will wear then,go take it off."

Her attitude seemed to have flipped a switch from heartfelt to distant pretty quick. I did not ask why, I just did what I was told. Mathew and Zeke also found the suits they would wear to the ball.