CHAPTER ONE

Tiny's POV

The dew from the night before glistened on the ground with the sun climbing into the sky above. Tranquility of the peaceful forest rests on my ears, and I pinch my temples in an attempt to wake myself. Mornings are my favorite, even if they can start abruptly and consuming. It's a reminder that I've made another day. And here lately, I've been testing my luck.

Rogues have never shied from trespassing borders. They follow their King's orders and only take. Wolves often become rogues when they've broken the laws of their origin pack by performing petty crimes, theft, assault, or even death. They become savages of the night. Sparing no one- woman or child- and only take. They filled their lack of morale with razor-sharp teeth and beady, hungry eyes.

I partook in another patrol, only to end up snuggled into the nook of an old oak. Judging by the sun's staggering position, I dropped my slender makeshift bow before sliding down the tree's body. All I want to do at this moment is curl back into the forest with a book tucked in my hands, escaping to a world that isn't my own. But I know that's a feverish dream- a selfish fantasy I cannot indulge in.

If I hurry, I may make it in time to finish breakfast. Every member of a pack carries a role. Even if they haven't shifted yet. My job is to become the next den mother and run the orphanage. Being punctual is one of my greatest assets. Living with a handful of wolf-shifting orphans like me means endless responsibilities in the chaos I gladly call my home. The unfortunate part of my reality is the never-ending expenses that follow. This is why I carry out hunting parties and work extra on the side to contribute to my siblings and their needs.

"Akila is going to kill me," swearing under my breath, hooking my bow to the sling attached to my back. I should've taken my car, but it would've made the night harder to hide from sight. I began to run at a steady pace, ignoring the gnawing pain beginning to eat at my legs.

If it wasn't for our magnanimous alpha, Akila and I wouldn't be here. Our Alpha, Gahiji, is a kind man who accepts rogues and shelters the young and vulnerable. He protects those who are less and eradicates those who quench their hunger for innocence. Surrounding packs have often referred to him as "the father of all," Some bring their abandoned or rejected young ones to Alpha Gahiji. After all, he gave the same kindness to me fifteen years ago.

I'll be twenty-one in a matter of days, and the fear bites my stomach hard. The act of shifting is said to be achieved through potent emotions, adolescence, or will. A wolf-shifter will know when their time is approaching, and prophetic dreams follow the brief period. So the elders proclaim. But the only dreams I have are from a past I don't recognize. I prefer it that way.

My feet find the long waning gravel driveway to home. Towards the end of the driveway, I spotted Akila waiting on the rugged mahogany porch. The white paint was worn and scuffed throughout the boards as Akila sat in a rocking chair with a book tucked neatly in her lap.

Godspeed, she looks pissed; I thought to myself.

Akila lifts her head from her book. She's a natural beauty. Her hair graced her shoulder blades with an auburn tint in perfect spirals. Her nose was peppered with light freckles, and the irises of her eyes were a sparkling blue. Not to mention, she's tall with the right curves and a toned body. Akila's meant to be a warrior, but part of me thinks she's still here to protect me.

Akila smiled at me as she clasped the leather spine of her book closed. "It's about time."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. The forest was calling to me."

"Well, I doubt you've had breakfast." She stands with her arms extended, followed by a yawn.

I shook my head sheepishly with a grin, "no. You know everyone is preparing for the Harvest Festival. Gahiji wants patrols to be doubled so rogues can't get in like last year."

"Right," Akila grins back at me, "I've heard that Gahiji invited the Redwood and Walker packs."

I nodded, replying quietly, "too bad it's on my birthday."

Akila reaches over and places her hands on my shoulders. She lowers herself to meet eye-to-eye with me, "hey, we're still going to celebrate you. I have a feeling your shift will happen soon. It's an exciting time! Lighten up, sis."

"Yeah," I replied dimly with a smile.

I see a faint glimpse of pity on her face as she shrugs, "come on Tiny, Teresa is driving me up the wall doing chores. At least we can suffer together."

I nodded slightly again and watched Akila as she began to retreat inside our home. The floorboards creak quietly from our weight. Most of the house's residents are still nestled in their warm beds, tucked in soft pajamas and tranquility. But for our den mother, Teresa, and her apprentices- that's a luxury we've outgrown far too early.

I set my bow in the mudroom, kicking my frayed shoes off. Planning and organizing the festivities for the children left Teresa a distraught mess. Leaving it up to the older ones, like Akila and me, to fend for the orphanage. Redwood and Walker members would be arriving soon to celebrate the upcoming days of the festival. This means I'm seven days away from a forceful shift; my twenty-first birthday. Important figures would settle among us for the occasion; oracles, famous warriors, betas, and possibly the bloodline of alphas.

One thing is clear: outsiders must never know of my strengths. My abilities defy the logic behind an alpha's hierarchy. The rare occasion of the moon goddess giving her blessing to an impure person would've been blasphemy. Until the gods cursed me.

I am one with the forest, and the forest speaks. I am a speaker for the dead who roam the forest seeking their passing. I am condemned to dwell among the living and deceased.

I am a cacique.