"You're coming with us, Luna."
The voice was firm, and the two strangers standing at the doorway didn't seem like the type who took no for an answer. Their tall frames and piercing eyes radiated authority, making the small living room feel even smaller.
Luna Everhart stepped back, her heart pounding. "There must be some mistake. My name is Luna." She stared at them with widened eyes, then repeated, "Luna Cross. I'm just... nobody special."
The older of the two men, dressed in a sharp black suit, shook his head. "You are not nobody. You are the granddaughter of Alpha Gideon Everhart. It's time for you to return to your family."
Luna froze. She looked at her adoptive mother, Vivian, who had gone pale. Vivian's hands trembled as she clutched the edge of the table, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"What are they talking about, Mom?" Luna's voice cracked.
Vivian sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of the world had just been placed on her. "Luna... I wanted to tell you, but I was scared." She kept invading Luna's gaze.
But she could only look away for awhile, before she sighed and looked at Luna, "You're not my biological daughter, Luna. You're from the Everhart bloodline—one of the most powerful werewolf clans in the world."
Luna blinked, struggling to process the words. "Werewolves?" She let out a nervous laugh. "This has to be a joke."
"It's not," the man in the suit said. "You've been hidden for your safety, but it's no longer an option. Your grandfather, Alpha Gideon, has called for you. The pack is in danger, and your return is critical."
Danger? Luna's stomach twisted. She barely knew how to deal with regular life, let alone anything involving werewolves or packs. "I can't just leave. This is my home!"
The younger man, who had remained silent, finally spoke. "You don't have a choice. Refusing the Alpha's call is treason." His voice was cold, his sharp gaze fixed on her.
Vivian stepped forward, her voice shaking. "Please... just give her time to understand. She's lived as a human her whole life. She's not ready for this world."
The older man's expression softened slightly. "We'll leave tonight. Pack your things, Luna. This isn't a request."
"Mom." I attached out my hands to her as she held me close to her. We both watched the two men leave the room.
"You can do this, Luna." Vivian said as she placed a kiss on my head. "I wish I could delay this, but it was decided from the very beginning."
"I will leave you to pack your bags." With that said, she untangled from the hug and rushed out, leaving me looking destitute.
~
The drive to the Everhart pack was long and silent. The weight of everything Vivian had told her pressed heavily on Luna's chest. Her real parents, Luna and Orion Everhart, had been killed in an ambush years ago. She had been sent away to keep her safe.
Safe from what?
As the car pulled into a grand estate surrounded by thick forests, Luna's jaw dropped. The Everhart mansion stood tall, its gray stone walls and towering arches glowing under the moonlight. It looked more like a castle than a home.
A line of people waited at the front steps, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright hostility. At the center of the group stood an older man with broad shoulders and sharp features. His presence alone demanded respect.
"Welcome home, Luna," the man said, his deep voice echoing in the cold night air. "I'm Alpha Gideon Everhart—your grandfather."
Luna stepped out of the car, her legs shaky. "This doesn't feel like home," she muttered under her breath.
"Give it time," Gideon said, as if he had heard her. His piercing eyes scanned her from head to toe, assessing. "You'll learn quickly. The pack needs you."
Luna frowned. "Needs me? For what?"
Before Gideon could answer, someone stepped forward from the crowd. A young man with dark hair and striking green eyes. His sharp jawline and confident posture made him stand out immediately.
"This is Adrian," Gideon said, gesturing toward the man. "My adopted son and one of the strongest warriors in the pack."
Adrian's eyes met Luna's, but there was no warmth in them—only cold calculation. "So, this is the famous granddaughter." His tone was laced with sarcasm.
"Adrian," Gideon warned, his voice firm.
Adrian smirked but said nothing more, stepping back into the crowd.
Luna clenched her fists, feeling the weight of everyone's stares. She didn't want to be here, and it was clear many of them didn't want her here either.
"Come inside," Gideon said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We have much to discuss."
Inside, the mansion was even more intimidating. The grand hall was filled with portraits of past Alphas, their eyes seeming to follow her as she walked past.
Gideon stopped in front of a large fireplace. "You're here because the Everhart pack is under threat. A rogue leader, Rowan Darkmoor, is preparing for war. We need strength, unity—and a leader."
Luna frowned. "Why me? I don't know anything about this world. I can't lead anyone."
"You'll learn," Gideon said simply. "But there's one other thing."
Luna raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"I want you to marry Adrian," Gideon said, his voice steady.
The room seemed to go silent. Luna's heart skipped a beat as she stared at him in disbelief. "What?"
Adrian's voice cut through the tension. "She's not fit to lead, let alone marry me."
Luna turned to him, her cheeks flushing with anger. "The feeling's mutual."
Gideon's gaze hardened. "This is not about feelings. It's about the future of the pack."
Before Luna could argue, Adrian stormed out of the room, leaving her alone with Gideon.
"This is your legacy, Luna," Gideon said firmly. "Whether you like it or not."
Luna's breath hitched as she stared into the fire. Her ordinary life was gone, and in its place was a future she wasn't sure she wanted.
But one thing was clear—there was no turning back now.
The distant howl of wolves echoed through the night, sending a shiver down Luna's spine. Somewhere in th
e darkness, danger was already closing in.