An Alpha With An Alpha-female

The sun kissed the treetops with gold as the entire Blackwood Pack prepared for the sacred ceremony, the one that had always happened based on tradition. Laughter rang through the air, and sweet-scented petals were scattered along the ancient path that led to the ceremonial grounds. Every house had its lanterns lit, every banner bore the sigil of unity—and everywhere Ava walked, heads turned in admiration. “Ava,” a young girl gasped, clutching her mother’s hand. “She’s so beautiful!” Ava offered a soft smile, dipping her head with grace. She had worn a long, silver-threaded robe that shimmered with every step she took, and her signature hair—rich white hair streaked with a rare silver hue—floated behind her like a royal banner. It was a gift from the Moon, her mother had always told her. A mark of something deeper. And today, it would all become real. The ceremony. The shift. Her future. Everyone couldn't wait to behold her shift. It was as though the ceremony was about her. A lot of dignitaries were coming, Alphas and Lunas of different packs. It was obviously going to be huge. She turned a corner toward the training field, where she knew he’d be waiting—just like he always was. “Late again,” Stephen teased, leaning against a tree, his robe already abandoned in favor of his favorite tunic. “Future Luna duties can’t be done during forest time, you know.” Ava rolled her eyes. “Maybe I just wanted to make an entrance.” He grinned and pulled her into a spin before she could protest, his laughter warm against her neck as he whispered, “You always do.” Their feet found rhythm in the grass, like they had a hundred times before—training, sparring, dancing to music only they could hear. With him, everything always felt easy. Whole. “I still remember the first time you beat me in a fight,” he said, eyes glowing with amusement. “Tiny little Ava with the sharp tongue and sharper reflexes. You were twelve. I limped for two days.” “You let me win.” “I really didn’t,” he confessed, placing a hand over her heart. “You were always meant for more. I saw it then.” They sat beneath the willow tree, the one near the training field that had always been their spot. The leaves rustled like a lullaby. Stephen reached into his tunic and brought out a tiny wooden charm carved in the shape of a moon. “I was going to give you this tonight—after you shift. But I think now feels right.” She took it with trembling fingers. “What is it?” “A token,” he said softly. “For the future Luna of Blackwood. For the girl I love. You’ve waited for this day your whole life, Ava. I want you to know that after the shift, nothing changes. I’ll still be here. Proud to be yours.” Her breath caught in her throat. “What if I shifted into a monster, something I can't control?” He pulled her closer, tilting her chin up until their eyes met. “Then we will embrace it together. I won't leave you, Ava. Nothing about who you are will ever make me leave you.” The words wrapped around her like armor. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder as the wind carried the soft hum of the drums in the distance. “It’s almost time,” she whispered. He nodded. “I can’t wait to see you—your wolf. I know she’ll be breathtaking. I am rest assured.” --- As the sun dipped low and the moon began to rise, the ceremonial grounds lit up with firelight and sacred chants. Ava had arrived and stood at the edge of the circle with Stephen by the other end of the table where royalties and dignitaries sat. Ava was surrounded by the cheers of her people, the pride in Stephen's father’s eyes, and the gentle confidence of Stephen’s presence. She was about to shift. She could feel the bond humming just beneath her skin. Tonight, everything will change. Tonight, she will become what she was born to be. The night was alive with power. The moon hovered high, round and silver, casting its blessing upon the sacred clearing. One by one, the girls stepped into the center of the glowing circle—barefoot, heads held high—as tradition demanded. Each of them stood proud, bathed in moonlight, before surrendering to the call of the wolf within. Bones cracked. Fur burst from flesh. Growls and gasps filled the air as elegant forms replaced fragile human ones. It was beautiful. It was expected. And then it was Ava’s turn. Her heart thundered as she stepped into the ring. Every eye turned to her; the girl they’d called the future Luna. The one with the rare hair, the calm strength, the grace of a queen-in-waiting. Stephen’s gaze met hers, steady and encouraging. His smile told her you’ve got this. She closed her eyes. She reached inward. Nothing. A flicker of panic sparked in her chest. She tried again, harder this time, calling to the wolf that had always been quiet—too quiet. Her breath hitched. Still nothing. Whispers began. The crowd began murmuring in shock. Her legs wobbled uncontrollably. She clenched her fists. No, this can't be happening. Not now and obviously not here. But her body still stayed human. Her soul stayed locked. Her wolf still remained silent. A murmur spread through the crowd like fire. The Elders exchanged glances. A child of twenty-one not shifting? It was unheard of in Blackwood’s sacred line. She turned to Stephen, desperate. “Stephen,” she whispered. “Something’s wrong—I can’t—” He stood up slowly. And something in his face had shifted too. His expression wasn’t confusing. It wasn’t even a sense of concern. It was all disappointment. People began to leave, they couldn't believe their eyes and no one wanted to behold the fierceness of Stephen. “You were supposed to be different,” he said quietly, stepping toward her. “At least I waited, Ava. But this…?” “I don’t know why it’s not happening.” Her voice cracked. “Please, I just need time—” He lifted a hand, silencing her. “This isn’t just about time. It’s about destiny, power, unity. And you—” he paused, letting the weight of the remaining crowd’s attention fall on her— “have nothing to offer. Like what am I to do with a lady who can't shift. Obviously not me.” Her throat tightened. “You said you’d stay, no matter what. You said—” “I said a lot of things,” he cut in, his voice now cold and clipped. “Before I knew the truth. And besides, people lie to get what they want. It's not new, Ava.” Ava blinked at him. “Stephen… I love you.” He didn’t blink. He didn’t soften. “And I reject you, Ava. I thought I loved you, but now I realised it was all a sham” The words hit harder than any blade. A low gasp rolled through watching the pack leave and some stayed to watch the humiliation. Ava turned, hoping for someone, anyone to attend at least defend her. But all she saw were turned backs and averted gazes. Stephen turned away. He left her broken and disgraced. But little did Ava know that there was a dignitary patiently lurking in the shadows watching everything unfold but chose to be quiet. Not because he didn't notice her but because he knew the rules of the Royals. Alpha Troy, the alpha of Crimson pack.