Chapter 1 - Before the Heat
Diana checks herself in the mirror of her car one more time to check for any imperfections. She cannot look anything but perfect, even though she is only going out for coffee with her friends. There is a certain expectation that comes from being the Beta’s daughter, which includes making sure she does not show any of her flaws.
Looking back at her was her dark blue eyes that are framed with eyelash extensions and neutral eye makeup. Her dark, shiny hair has been curled to a soft wave and her lipgloss is soft pink colour. She has her favourite expensive cashmere sweater on and her nicest jeans, paired with suede boots to give her some much needed height.
Her look is meant to be casual and effortless, even though it took her hours to get ready. She and her friends are brunching at the most popular cafe in town, so she needed to look the part. There is always a chance she could run into someone that she could make a new connection with. It’s not what you know, its who you know, as her step mum likes to say.
Satisfied with her appearance, Diana got out of her car and made her way into the cafe. Before she could properly take in her surroundings, an excited squeal came from her left.
“Diana! Over here!”
Looking over, Diana spotted her best friend Michelle, who waved excitedly with a big smile on her face. Michelle was the daughter of the pack enforcer, the title given to the best warrior of the pack. They are in charge of training and boarder security when the Alpha is unavailable. A very good person to have on your side in a fight, especially since Michelle is quickly becoming a great warrior in her own right. Other people at her table include the daughters of various ranking pack members, many who are dressed in their own expensive outfits provided by their family’s money.
The Silvermoon pack was one of the largest and richest packs in the country. They are known for their successful business ventures and rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. Diana, being the eldest daughter of her father, is expected to take over her father’s buisnesses when she is ready. However, she is only 21 years old and still working on her business degree, so those days are far into the future.
Diana sat down next to Michelle, careful not to scrape the chair against the wooden floor.
“Are you guys exited for the heat coming up?” Piped up Kara, daughter of the pack doctor.
A round of giggles circle the group.
“I certainly am” Michelle says, laughing. “I wonder which pack we are paired with this time?”
“The Royal pack” Diana confirms.
Seveal girls gasp at the news.
“Oh wow! If I hadn’t mated last heat, I would run wild with them” Isabelle, the Gamma’s daughter, giggles.
“Isabelle! You must tell us your plans for your mating ceremony!” Diana exclames, attempting to change the topic.
“Yes! Let me tell you all…” Isabelle starts babbling about her ceremony plans, even pulling out her planner to show the group. Mating ceremonies are like the wolf equivalent of a wedding, with just as much money being thrown around to make it the most extravagant event a family can throw. Diana should be paying attention, but her mind wonders to the upcoming heat. She is nervous, because unlike her friends, she is still a virgin.
Werewolves gain their ability to shift and their wolf at 16, often celebrated as a coming of age ceremony. Heats start at 18, and wolves gain the ability to recognise their fated mates. Heats happen twice a year, one in the spring and one in the autumn. By royal decree, two packs must come together temporarily to help fated mates find each other. This heat, the Silvermoon pack is with the Royal pack.
The Royal pack is dedicated to the protection of the Alpha King and the Luna Queen. Silvermoon is not only hosting a visiting pack, but also the King and Queen. As a Beta’s daughter, Diana has had additional responsibilities to make sure their stay is as comfortable as possible. Hopefully her hard work for the past two weeks will be recognised.
“Earth to Diana! I’m thinking of wearing an orange and brown mating dress with purple hippos on them!”
“What?” Diana blinked.
“I told you she was spacing out” Michelle signed, “Are you alright, babe?”
“Yeah, sorry,” Diana smiled to Isabelle apologetically. “My heads full of preparing for the heat. What do you need help with?”
Isabelle shook her head with a smile. “Don’t worry about it. It’s understandable with the Royal pack coming. I bet you have your hands full already, especially since its going to land on the Blood moon.”
The girls fall quiet. The Blood moon is a significant event for wolves, even more so since this Blood moon lands during the heat. Wolves conceived on a Blood moon are said to be the strong warriors and great leaders. Many she wolves will be wanting to make good matches this heat.
“Have any of you guys found a good partner this coming heat?” asked Isabelle, expectantly looks around the group to the other unmated females.
“I’ve already snagged myself a Royal wolf” Michelle says, wagging her eyebrows.
The girls gasp and beg for more details. Michelle happily obliges as Diana’s mind wonders again. She remembers that she needs to make a quick stop over to the post office, where she sends all her mail too. Instead of picking a male to satisfy her heat, she prefers to order he partner online, one she can control herself and hide in the bedside table.
Most she wolves loose their virginity on their first heat cycle, and it’s not a special event for them. For Diana though, it is one of the few things in her life that she can control. So she is determined to wait for her mate. However, with every passing heat, it is getting harder and harder to resist her wolf’s desire to mate.
“I wonder who the prince will be pair with this heat” Kara said. “Maybe I could give him a shot,” she says with a cheeky smile.
“Good luck with that,” Michelle grumbles, “My dad has so much work screening all the people that will be meeting the royal family, that I doubt the prince will be picking any strangers.”
Dissapointed noices circle the group. The Prince is the most eligible bachelor in werewolf society, and many females seek him out during the heats. Thankfully, you can only seek out partners for the heat within your own pack or the pack that you are partnered with, just to keep some measure of order during one of the most primal times.
“I’m sure you can get me in Michelle. Afterall, what are friends for?” winks Kara.
Michelle laughs. “I can try,” she says as she picks up her phone.
“Oh shoot!” Michelle says with a frown. “Might have to run off ladies, my dad needs me to go over the security details again before the King and Queen arrive.”
“Do you need any help?” Diana asks, seeing an out.
“Sure” says Michelle with a smile. “Did you bring your car? I could use a lift back.”
“I did” Diana says, standing up.
Diana and Michelle wave goodbye to the group, and head towards Diana’s car.
