Eighteen-year-old Anne sat in her last class of the day, her eyes flicking to the clock every few minutes. She could hear the faint buzz of excitement that filled the school. The upcoming Moon Festival and Mating Ball were all anyone could talk about.
Finally, the bell rang, and Anne swiftly gathered her books and slung her bag over her shoulder. As she stepped into the hallway, she was immediately joined by her best friend, Nicky.
"Hey, Anne!" Nicky chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can you believe it's almost time for the Moon Festival and the Mating Ball? I'm so excited!"
Anne smiled, but there was a hint of hesitation in her expression. "Yeah, it's definitely the talk of the school. I'm just… I'm not sure how I feel about it."
Nicky gave her a playful nudge. "Come on, aren't you even a little excited about finding your mate?"
Anne shrugged. "I guess. It's just a lot of pressure, you know? What if my mate isn't who I expect? Or worse, what if I don't find him at all?"
Nicky laughed. "You're overthinking it, as usual. Besides, it can't be any worse than listening to Jessica go on and on about how she's going to bag Alpha Damien as her mate."
Anne rolled her eyes. "Oh, God, don't remind me. She's been insufferable lately."
"Can you blame her?" Nicky teased. "I mean, Alpha Damien of the Blood Moon Pack is apparently the hottest and richest Alpha around. Every unattached female wolf is drooling over him."
Anne laughed. "What if he is a total jerk ?"
Nicky grinned. "That would be a match made in heaven for Jessica !"
Anne burst into laughter. Although she didn't admit to anyone but in her heart she yearned for her mate. After her parent's death she had been very lonely, she wished to find her mate and finally have a family of her own. She had been disappointed when she didn't imprint on anyone in her school, or pack after turning 18, which meant her mate was somewhere out in the world. And these pack balls were the only way to find her mate.
The two friends laughed and chatted as they made their way to the football field. The sound of cheering and the thud of feet against the ground grew louder as they approached.
"Let's go check out Aaron's practice," Nicky suggested. "You know he'll be happy to see us."
Anne nodded. "Yeah, let's go."
Aaron, the son of the current Beta, was not only popular with the girls but also a genuinely good friend to Anne. They'd known each other since they were kids, and he was one of the few people who could always make her laugh.
As they reached the field, they spotted Aaron in the midst of practice, his athletic form cutting through the air with precision and power. He caught sight of them and waved, a broad grin spreading across his face.
The air was filled with the sounds of cheering and the rhythmic thud of feet against the ground. Aaron was in top form, as usual, leading his team with precision and energy.
"Go Aaron!" Nicky shouted, clapping her hands. Anne joined in, a smile on her face as she watched her friend dominate the field.
Their moment of camaraderie was interrupted by the arrival of a group of girls led by Jessica. Jessica, the Alpha's daughter, was the head cheerleader. She strutted to the front of the bleachers, her cheer squad following closely behind.
"Look who's here," Nicky muttered under her breath. Anne sighed, knowing trouble was imminent.
Jessica took her place in the centre of the bleachers, her friends flanking her. She wasted no time in continuing her favourite topic of conversation.
"So, as I was saying, Damien is practically mine already," Jessica bragged loudly, ensuring everyone could hear. "It's only a matter of time before we're officially mated. I mean, who else could be worthy of him?"
Nicky rolled her eyes. "She never shuts up about it, does she?"
Anne shrugged, trying to ignore the comments. "Just let it go, Nicky."
Jessica's gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Anne. Her eyes narrowed, and a malicious smile crept across her face.
"Anne!" she called out, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "Could you be a dear and get me some juice? It's so hot out here."
Anne stood up without a word, nodding obediently. "Of course, Jessica."
Nicky frowned and got up to follow her. "I don't know why you let her treat you like this, Anne. It's not right."
As they walked to the concession stand, Anne sighed. "It's my duty as an omega, Nicky. Besides, it's easier to just do what she says."
Nicky huffed. "That's nonsense. You're a beta by blood. Your father was the beta, for crying out loud. Jessica is just jealous because you're prettier and more talented than she'll ever be."
Anne laughed softly. "Thanks for the flattery."
"No, I am not flattering you; it's true; you are the most beautiful one in the pack. Haven't you noticed how boys check you out?"
Anne pushed back a few tendrils of her blond hair, which had escaped from her long plait. Her green eyes were sparkling with amusement. "Well, I guess I'll have to start paying more attention," she said with a grin.
Anne was indeed beautiful, with her flawless complexion, slim, tall figure, and graceful movements that seemed to captivate everyone around her. But her crowning glory was her long hair, which gave her the appearance of a wood nymph.
They reached the concession stand, and Anne ordered a juice for Jessica. As they waited, Nicky continued her tirade.
"I'm serious, Anne. You shouldn't let her push you around. Just because she's the Alpha's daughter doesn't mean she can treat you like dirt. You have every right to stand up for yourself."
Anne smiled at her friend's fiery spirit. "I appreciate it, Nicky. Really, I do. But sometimes it's just easier to avoid conflict."
Nicky shook her head, clearly frustrated.
Anne handed the juice to Nicky, and they started walking back to the bleachers.
They returned to the bleachers, and Anne handed the juice to Jessica, who took it without a word of thanks. Anne resumed her seat next to Nicky, trying to focus on the game once more.
After practice, Anne, Nicky, and Aaron walked down the tree-lined path leading away from the school. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. Nicky, as usual, was venting her frustrations.
"I swear, Jessica is unbearable," Nicky complained. "If I hear one more word about how she's going to be mated to Alpha Damien, I might scream."
Aaron chuckled, shaking his head. "Did she trouble you again, Anne?"
Anne sighed but smiled. "Not really. She was too busy dreaming about her future with Damien to bother with me today."
Aaron laughed with a deep, hearty sound. "Damien, huh? Well, she's got high hopes. He's not just an Alpha, you know."
Anne tilted her head curiously. "What do you mean?"
Aaron's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Damien is the Alpha Prince. When he takes over the Blood Moon pack, he'll be the Alpha of all Alphas. The Blood Moon Pack is the most powerful pack there is."
Nicky's eyes widened. "Alpha of all Alphas? That sounds...intense. What makes the Blood Moon pack so powerful?"
Aaron grinned, clearly enjoying his role as the storyteller. "Well, it's a long story. The Blood Moon Pack has been around for centuries. They're the largest pack, with the most territory and the strongest warriors. Their Alpha line has always been exceptionally powerful, both in terms of physical strength and leadership. And I have heard he is also very good looking. He has just finished college and is now looking for a mate."
Nicky nodded, impressed. "No wonder all the girls are after Damien. It's not just about his looks or wealth. He's got serious status."
"So, if Damien is the Alpha prince, does that mean he's already super powerful?"
Aaron nodded. "Yep. Even though he hasn't taken over as the main Alpha yet, he's already got a lot of influence. Everyone knows he's next in line, and from what I've heard, he's more than ready for the role."
"Do you think we'll meet him at the Mating Ball, Anne?"
Anne shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Maybe, but I doubt it. The Alphas have their own separate party. We're not invited to that."
Nicky pouted. "That's so unfair! Why do they get their own party?"
Aaron grinned mischievously. "Well, if you really want to go, I might be able to sneak you in."
Nicky's eyes widened. "Really? You'd do that for us?"
Anne laughed, shaking her head. "I appreciate the offer, Aaron, but I don't think it's a good idea. Getting caught would be a disaster."
Aaron shrugged, his grin widening. "It wouldn't be the first time we've gotten into trouble together. Remember that time we snuck into the Alpha's meeting to eavesdrop?"
Anne chuckled at the memory. "How could I forget? We were grounded for a month."
Nicky giggled. "Yeah, but it was worth it. We learned so much gossip that night. Think of all the juicy details we could find out at the Alpha party."
Anne rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile. "Fine, but if we get caught again, it's on you," Anne warned playfully.
Aaron winked. "Deal."