Moonlit Deceit

Chapter 1

Valerie’s pov

The 18th year in the life of a werewolf is always significant because that is when you would meet your soulmate, the person whom the moon goddess has destined for you, and just like any other werewolf, I woke up with the hopes of finding my mate.

“Knock, Knock,” the sound coming from the door was enough to grab my attention. I hesitated for a while because it was rather strange. Since moving to the attic, I have never had a visitor except when Alpha Ryder comes in to melt out his usual punishment on me, and even with that, he doesn’t knock.

“Who’s there?” I yelled when the knock sounded again.

The door opened, and I was left in shock when Luna Racheal peered from behind the door.

“Can I come in?” she asked.

I nodded wordlessly as Luna Rachel walked in, staring at the place. "I never knew this was where you lived," she said.

“You have never really cared for anything else aside from yourself,” I thought but didn’t dare to say it out loud.

"Let me get straight to the point," Luna Rachel began softly. "I know you are wondering what must have brought me here".

I remained quiet as I didn’t know if that was a question.

"Today is your 18th birthday, correct?" she said.

I lifted my head in surprise and stared at the Luna in shock. I didn’t think anyone would know about that, especially Luna Rachel. "How did you know?" I asked.

I watched on, still in shock, as Luna Rachel smiled. "You’re a part of this pack, Valerie, and as such, we have the records of every pack member". She said

"Oh," was all I could say.

“I brought a gift for you so you would look presentable for when you would find your mate,” Luna Rachel said.

She took a bag I had noticed with her earlier and gave it to me. Unsure of what to expect, I opened the bag, and my eyes widened with surprise and delight as I unwrapped Luna Rachel's gift. Inside was a beautiful white dress that seemed to glow in the soft light. The dress was like something out of a fairytale—it was made of delicate lace and had a flowing skirt that looked like it could catch the wind.

I touched the lace and was amazed by how intricate and detailed it was. The fabric felt cool and smooth; I couldn't help but smile at the thought of putting it on.

"You like it?" Luna Rachel asked, smiling.

"I love it, Thank you, Luna." I sniffled

"I’m glad you do," she replied, getting up. "I will be on my way now, goodbye Valerie".

"Goodbye, Luna," I replied.

I clutched the dress to my chest. Staring at it made my heart swell with emotions that had long been suppressed.

************************************************************************

The sun had set, and I had yet to find my mate. My earlier feeling of excitement had Vanished. I had gone around the pack, even to the warrior’s training room, hoping to find or even get a whiff of my mate's scent, but all to no avail.

Disappointed and exhausted, I sat beside the pack house on one of the benches. Just as I began to get comfortable, a black car drove and parked in front of the pack house, and three men stepped out of the sleek black car. Almost immediately, the hair on my body stood at an edge because of the dangerous aura emanating from the men. Their presence seems to cast a shadow, simultaneously drawing attention and caution from those around them.

I stood awkwardly as the first man approached me with a self-assured smile. He had a wavy dark hair and blue eyes.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” he purred, his voice having a dangerous glint as he took my hands and kissed the back of it.

Almost immediately, I removed my trembling hands from his. “Hello,” I replied, offering a small smile while begging my racing heart to remain.

He smiled in amusement as if he had somehow noticed the effect he had on me. “Why are you sitting all alone?” he asked.

I raised my eyes and met his gaze for a few seconds before bringing it back down. "Just enjoying the evening," I replied politely.

He chuckled. The sound had a dangerous edge to it. "You're a sight to behold, my dear. Mind if I join you?"

I took a small step back, keeping some distance between them. My movement didn’t go unnoticed. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm good by myself."

The taller and more reserved second man leaned against the car, his ice-blue eyes fixated on me, making me nervous. His presence held a mysterious air, like a predator observing its prey. "She's a smart one, Adrian," he said in a deep voice that sent a shiver down my spine.

Adrian, the first man, merely grinned, undeterred. "Smart and lovely—a rare combination," he said, his eyes still locked on Valerie.

Valerie shifted a bit, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "Thank you for the compliment, but I think I'll be on my way," she said politely, her voice conveying her intent.

The third man, with tousled blond hair and a playful glint in his eyes, finally spoke up from where he was watching. "Adrian, you're not scaring her away, are you?"

Adrian chuckled again, his gaze still on me. "Not at all, Lucas. Just enjoying a pleasant conversation with the beautiful lady."

I took a steady breath, trying to calm my racing heart, my instincts on high alert. "Gentlemen, it was nice talking to you, but I must be going."

Adrian's smile continued. "Very well, my dear. Until we meet again."

As the three men walked ahead, there was still something about them that lingered. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I felt they were involved in something dangerous.

“Valerie, such a beautiful name”. Adrian called over his shoulder

“Wait, what the hell!”