CHAPTER ONE: Wolf Up
As midnight strikes, the echoing call of the midnight crow will signal the transformation.
Every wolf will transform and shift into their destined form, to ease the search for finding their mates.
This is your chance to truly know one another – to learn the strengths, weaknesses, and kindness that lie within your person.
The mate fest will soon follow, but this is your time to connect, find your destined mate.
Remember, if you remain without a mate, you'll face a four-year wait, alone.
You won't have a partner to grow alongside."
Alpharan, the elder wolf, spoke, her words followed by a collective howl of anticipation and agreement.
Valka looked around at the swirling scene of laughter and chatter, a wave of nervousness washing over her.
The only transformations she'd undergone in recent years had been into pups, a source of both embarrassment and worry.
She jumped when a hand touched her shoulder. It was Hake, her dearest friend.
“Valka, my friend, may I have this dance with you before the night decides my fate?"
He asked, a hopeful look in his eyes. She giggled, exhaling deeply as she placed her hand in his.
“Hake, I'm so nervous,"
She confessed.
“What if I transform into a pup again? That's all I've been turning into lately."
He laughed, but she playfully swatted at him, feigning annoyance as he began to lead her towards the dance floor.
He grabbed her hand, twirling her before pulling her closer, his arm settling around her waist.
She laughed, playfully tapping his chest.
"My love, there's no need to worry. You're of age, and midnight is not far."
"Well, if that happens, I can always mate with you, my girl. You know you can’t live without me.”
He said, but she rolled her eyes,
“You wish!” Then the song ended, but instead of going to different partners, they ignored each other and stayed locked in each other’s arms.
“Seriously Valka, no wolf can stay hidden forever. Your wolf might not show now, but it will…”
“When? When did all my mates meet them? What happens to me then?”
She asked, furiously, and just as he was about to respond, the countdown began as every eye turned to the wolf's clock. A giant clock sat in the middle of the hall for all to notice.
Embracing her tightly, he exclaimed softly,
“Don’t give up!”
She held on, her eyes shut as she nodded nervously.
"3... 2... 1... Howl!"
Then, she felt Hake letting go, her hair loosening as she quickly opened her eyes, witnessing everyone transform into wolves, already locating their mates.
Looking down and realizing she hadn't wolfed up, she fled the hall in shame as Hake howled sadly after her, his mate, a grey extra fury she-wolf, standing by his side.
Suddenly, everything became a blur as she looked around, instantly taking to her feet.
Hake stared at her and howled in sadness as she ran out of the hall in tears.
As she ran through the forest, she heard movements and came to a halt.
She turned and huffed,
“Who’s there? I have a sword!”
She lied.
But the response was a howl from a wolf perceived to be from the much older pack.
She rolled her eyes,
“Great, thanks for rubbing it in my face!”
She exclaimed and continued running.
Just as she got home, she saw her parents seated outside, but at her sight, her father got up to his feet.
As he was entering, she ran to him and fell on her knees, grabbing onto his hand,
“Forgive me, Papa. I’ve failed you!”
She exclaimed, and he turned, glaring at her and then at Misty, her mother, who instantly looked to the side.
“You should have given me another child or at least a boy.”
He exclaimed and pulled his hand from Valka’s grip as she fell to the ground.
Misty wiped her tears with a sudden snuggle as she stared at her.
Then Valka turned and crawled to her mother, their gazes meeting.
“I tried, Mom.
You have to believe me. I tried, but I just couldn’t change.”
She said, her hands on her mother's lap, but Misty stood up, her disappointment clear.
"I love you, Valka, you know I do.
But perhaps Wolf Cade is best for all of us.”
She said, and Valka looked up, her temper flaring as she stood.
“I won't go, Mother! They become the most ruthless..."
“Perhaps that would be good for you. You will at least be able to change into something meaningful and less embarrassing than pups.
You know that only shames your father and me in this city. It's tiring, honestly.
Consider it my love, because I can't keep convincing your father. This is too much for us.
I mean, how does everyone get to change so easily, including us, but our daughter doesn’t?
Wouldn’t you like to find out why? Anyway, no food for you tonight, maybe that'll toughen you up.
Hopefully, you’ll magically wolf up someday..."
Misty said, a sharp grin on her face as she went inside.
Valka slumped onto the couch, her face in her hands, sobbing bitterly.
“Marro hold on…hold on.”
Marro paused, his gaze meeting Misty's in a sharp turn.
"I'm through with being humiliated in this city.
Everyone knows me and how much of a disappointment I am for having such a child,"
He complained, as Misty approached, her right hand on his chest.
She smiled,
“She's not a disappointment, Marro said. She's just facing a challenge."
“A challenge? Really?
Give me a break Misty! Every other wolf in this city has found their destined mate, so why can't mine shift?
Did I do something wrong? Is it a curse or something?"
He thought out loud, but she silenced him with a finger to his lips,
Their eyes locked in a passionate stare.
She took his hand and placed it on her waist while she wrapped her arms around him, pressing him against the wall.
“My love, some wolves take time to change, but I'm fine with whatever you decide for her.
Just don't hurt her, okay? She's too delicate for that. Hasn’t really matured yet.
She said, dropping to her knees, unzipping his pants, and freeing his p***s.
With a soft moan, he cupped her head, moving it rhythmically with his right hand, his left hand gripping the wall as his head tilted back.
After a few minutes, Valka walked in and immediately closed her eyes.
“Seriously, guys, s**t!"
She yelled, expecting them to stop, but instead,
Marro moaned louder, his hand wrapped around Misty’s neck, lightly choking her.
