The White Wolf

Birthdays are a new start and to pursue new goals. Have confident and courage to move ahead. ROSE The sun’s gentle rays filtered through my bedroom window, accompanied by the melodious chorus of chirping birds. Stirring from my slumber, I blinked away the remnants of sleep and realization washed over me like a warm wave. Today is my birthday, and I’m finally turning eighteen. Excitement bubbled within me, for today is the day I will find my mate—the one destined to love me unconditionally and walk by my side through life’s twists and turns. My heart fluttered at the thought, and I couldn’t wait to embark on this new chapter of my journey. “MORNING, ROSE! YOU BETTER GET READY OR YOU’LL BE LATE!” Mom’s voice rang through the house, urging me to start my day. Anne, my best friend since birth, would be here soon, and we had plans to celebrate my birthday before the evening party. She’s practically family, considering her Alpha lineage and our long-standing friendship. I hurriedly scrambled out of bed, my mind buzzing with anticipation. As I stepped into the en suite, I reached for my favorite shampoo, the scent of roses and coconut filling the air. The familiar fragrance brought a sense of calm, and I closed my eyes, savoring the tranquility it provided. Strange how a simple act like shampooing my hair could make me feel so relaxed. I wondered if others experienced the same sensation, a momentary escape from the world. With care, I massaged the shampoo into my hip-length, curly black hair—gifted to me by my mother—and let the warm water rinse away the suds. Applying conditioner, I let my fingers glide through the curls, ensuring they were well-nourished. After cleansing every inch of my body with my favorite body wash, I stood under the soothing stream, allowing the water to wash away any lingering fatigue and leave me feeling refreshed. Wrapping myself in a fluffy towel, I entered my room, contemplating what to wear for the day. Oh, how rude of me—I forgot to properly introduce myself. I’m Rose, a werewolf, standing at 5’7” with a curvy figure. My long, curly black hair cascades down my back, a trait inherited from my mother, while my striking green eyes mirror my father’s gaze. Today, on my eighteenth birthday, I’m filled with anticipation as I approach the pivotal moment of shifting and meeting my wolf, as well as my destined mate. Adding to the uniqueness, I’ve always possessed the ability to communicate with my wolf, even though I haven’t been able to shift yet. Mom insists I’m special, but I’m not entirely convinced. Slipping into my chosen undergarments, I contemplated my outfit for the day. Opting for black ripped jeans, a white top, and a cozy beige cardigan, I hoped to strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. Entering the kitchen, I was greeted with a burst of song and applause from my wonderful family. Mom held a cake adorned with candles, while Dad clutched an armful of gifts. Anne, ever enthusiastic, joined in the celebration, and my overprotective brothers—Jared, Liam, and Owen—expressed their joy. I couldn’t help but smile, feeling immensely grateful for the love and support that surrounded me. “You guys really didn’t have to,” I said, touched by their gestures. “We wanted to, sweetie. It’s your eighteenth birthday, a momentous occasion. And tonight, you’ll be shifting and meeting your mate,” Mom beamed with pride. My heart fluttered at the thought of finally discovering the person who was meant for me, yet nervousness crept in as well. What if he didn’t love me? What if he rejected me? The prospect of such pain felt overwhelming. Sensing my emotions, Mom approached and enveloped me in a comforting embrace. “Everything will be alright, Rose. Don’t doubt yourself. You’re a beautiful young woman, and I’m so proud of you,” she reassured me. “She’s right, cupcake. And if anyone dares to hurt you, they’ll have to answer to me,” Dad chimed in, with my brothers nodding in agreement. Anne added, “Count me in too! We won’t let anyone hurt you, Rose.” Their unwavering support brought tears of gratitude to my eyes. I hugged them all tightly, feeling a renewed sense of courage and determination. Mom clapped her hands, redirecting our attention to the cake. “Now, let’s have some cake! Make a wish, Rose.” Closing my eyes, I made a silent plea to the universe for a future filled with love and happiness beside my mate, then blew out the candles. Anne nudged me playfully. “What did you wish for?” she inquired. I tapped my nose, smirking mischievously. “It won’t come true if I tell you,” I replied, teasing her. She pouted and stuck her tongue out, playfully pretending to be upset. Laughter filled the room as we all settled around the table, indulging in a delightful birthday breakfast. After savoring pancakes topped with fruits and whipped cream, relishing a slice of chocolate cake, and enjoying a refreshing glass of apple juice, my hunger was satiated, and I was ready to face the day. (Scene break) Minutes later, Anne and I found ourselves sneaking into class just in the nick of time, escaping the prying eyes of our teachers. As I settled into my seat, I couldn’t help but giggle at our successful maneuver. It was unbelievable that we hadn’t been caught. Unfortunately, today’s class was incredibly dull, and my mind wandered incessantly, fixating on thoughts of my imminent meeting with my mate. The remaining class period became a blur, my attention drifting in and out. The bell mercifully rang, signaling the end of the tedious lesson. Gathering my belongings, I joined Anne and made our way to the bustling canteen. “Hey, Rose! Over here!” Lily waved us over to her table. Lily, mated to my brother Liam, had become a cherished friend. Although it felt odd at first, seeing her with one of my brothers, I grew accustomed to their relationship, and it no longer bothered me. Joining Lily and the rest of our friends at the table, warm greetings and birthday wishes filled the air. Lily leaned closer, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, and asked, “Any news about your mate yet?” Shaking my head, I sighed. “No luck so far.. Maybe I’ll meet him at the party tonight." “Maybe,” she shrugged, and we settled into a comfortable silence, each of us immersed in our own thoughts and activities. The shrill sound of the bell interrupted our tranquility, signaling the end of lunch. “See you at the party, guys!” I waved goodbye to my friends, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation for the evening’s festivities. Anne and I, having finished our meals early, found ourselves with a free period, affording us some much needed downtime. As Anne and I walked towards the car, my mind was already drifting towards the comfort of my home. I couldn’t wait to kick off my shoes and relax. But Anne had other plans. “Next stop, THE MALL!” she exclaimed with excitement. I let out a groan, knowing what was coming next. “Anne, we’ve been here for hours already. Can’t we go home now?” I pleaded, my feet already protesting from the long day ahead. She gave me a playful eye roll. “Oh come on, Rose. We still haven’t found the perfect dress for your birthday party tonight. Just a little bit longer, please?” Her puppy dog eyes were hard to resist, but my growling stomach had other ideas. “Pleeease,” I pouted, exaggerating my lips and giving her my best pleading expression. She sighed, defeated. “Fine, but only because I know you’ll starve to death if we don’t get you something to eat,” she said, giving in to my hunger-induced manipulation. I grinned triumphantly and hopped into the car. The Mall was bustling with people, and I could feel the exhaustion creeping up on me. We went from store to store, trying on countless dresses that didn’t quite fit right or weren’t my style. My frustration grew with each disappointing outfit. I let out a groan of defeat, earning a disapproving look from Anne. “Come on, Rose. We’ll find the perfect dress, I promise,” she reassured me. I followed Anne to another store, my spirits slightly lifted by her optimism. After what felt like an eternity, I finally found it. The dress. It was elegant and flowing, with a touch of sparkle that caught the light just right. As I tried it on, I felt a surge of confidence wash over me. This was the one. “Wow, Rose. You look stunning,” Anne exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. I twirled in front of the mirror, a smile spreading across my face. “You think so?” I asked, genuinely pleased. Anne nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely. Your mate won’t be able to take his eyes off you.” With the dress safely in hand, we made our way back to my house. I collapsed onto my plush bed, relishing in its softness. Anne joined me, teasing me about my lazy nature. I stuck out my tongue at her playfully, and we engaged in a pillow fight, laughing like children. In that moment, all my worries and nerves about tonight’s party faded away. Hours later, after getting our makeup done and dressing up, we arrived at the party. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, music, and the scent of alcohol in the air. Bodies moved and danced to the rhythm, and I followed the enticing aroma that called to me. My wolf was restless, sensing something I couldn’t quite grasp. As I maneuvered through the crowd, a rude remark caught my attention. “Ay, watch it, b***h!” I ignored the insult, not in the mood to engage with someone so insignificant. I focused on the scent that grew stronger with each step, pushing past sweaty bodies and intertwined hands. Suddenly, I collided with something solid, throwing me off balance. I braced myself for the impact of the floor, but instead, strong hands caught me, preventing me from falling. Sparks seemed to ignite in the air, and confusion clouded my mind. What just happened?