The air crackles with energy as the Moon Goddess casts her gaze upon the Lunar Crest Pack.
It's the first night of the mating season, and the forest is alive with the sounds of wolves preparing for the sacred rituals.
The full moon hangs low in the sky, bathing the clearing in silvery light that dances on the edges of anticipation and anxiety.
Alpha Kieran steps into the heart of the pack's ceremonial grounds, his presence commanding silence.
The usual confidence in his stride is missing tonight, replaced by an invisible weight that settles heavily on his broad shoulders.
Around him, wolves murmur, their voices tinged with excitement and expectation.
Tonight is not just about finding mates—it's a celebration, a tribute to the Moon Goddess, and a reaffirmation of the pack's unity.
For Kieran, however, it feels like a noose tightening around his neck.
The elders, dressed in ceremonial robes, step forward to lead the evening's rites.
A large bonfire roars in the center of the clearing, its flames leaping skyward as if reaching for the Goddess herself.
Wolves pair off instinctively, their bonds solidified under the moon's influence.
The pack's eyes turn to Kieran, the Alpha. He is expected to step forward with his mate, to present them before the pack and the Moon Goddess as a symbol of divine favour.
Rila, standing at the edge of the gathering, catches his eye. She is dressed in a flowing white gown, her beauty undeniable but hollow in its effect on Kieran.
Their deal was simple: pretend to be mates to protect both their reputations. But as the moment approaches, Kieran's wolf snarls in defiance, the bond between them nonexistent and glaringly false.
One of the elders, a sharp-eyed wolf named Elder Magnus, steps forward. His voice booms over the crowd.
"Alpha Kieran, tonight we honor the Moon Goddess and her blessings. You told us you will present the Lunar to us, the one destined for you by goddess divine will! We excited to meet her."
The pack erupts in cheers and howls of support, but Kieran's blood turns cold.
His wolf paces restlessly within him, its growls filling his mind. The false bond with Lila hangs heavy, a chain that tightens with every passing second.
Lila approaches, her steps hesitant but determined. She loops her arm through Kieran's, offering a warm smile to the pack.
But even as she stands beside him, the emptiness between them is palpable.
The pack erupts in whispers, __so this werewolf from the neighbouring pack who they considered cursed is their Lunar?!
But even so, the pack still cheers , happy that their alpha will remain to be.
...
Every year, the pack performs a ritual where true mates must transform together under the moon's light.
It's a sacred act, one that strengthens their connection and demonstrates the Goddess's favor.
And since their alpha just got his mate, the pack cheers for him to take part in the ritual too.
Kieran's stomach drops. He knows what's coming.
But even so, he confidently steps forward, his wolf growling in protest.
He can feel the tension in the air, the pack's eyes burning into him. Lila stands beside him, her expression betraying a flicker of fear.
Kieran tries to summon his wolf, to allow the transformation to take place. But nothing happens.
His body remains stubbornly human, the bond with Lila nonexistent and the Moon Goddess's punishment tangible.
Whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd.
"Why isn't he transforming?"
"Could the bond be false?"
"What's wrong with our Alpha?"
Kieran's claws dig into his palms as he fights to maintain composure. The elders exchange concerned looks, but Kieran's beta__ Marcus, steps forward to smooth over the tension.
"The Goddess works in mysterious ways," he says diplomatically. "Perhaps she wishes for privacy between mates tonight."
The pack quiets, but doubt lingers in their eyes. Kieran knows this isn't over.
As the rituals continue, Kieran retreats to the shadows, his wolf thrashing inside him.
You can't deny it anymore, his wolf growls. We need him. We need our mate.
Kieran's heart pounds as he feels the bond pull him in a direction far from the clearing, far from Lila.
The scent of cedar and honey invades his senses, sharp and intoxicating. He closes his eyes, fists clenching as he tries to resist.
But he can't.
The need for Ace burns hotter than the fire in the clearing, a primal ache that consumes him.
He slips away, unnoticed by the pack, and follows the invisible thread tugging at his soul.
The night air cools his burning skin as he races through the forest, his steps driven by instinct.
He tries to distract himself from the thought of Ace but he is unable, he needs him , he needs to mate with him , to claim him , and this is made sure by his wolf's demand.
His body burn hot with desire, desire to feel his mate who he doesn't want , the pull is irresistible.
He makes his way towards the pull , not being able to control it anymore.
And the closer he gets, the stronger the bond feels, wrapping around him like a lifeline.
The sound of his footsteps sound determined , mirroring the determination of his wolf, As he wonders the town streets.
Looking for what he desires most at that moment.