Raina's Reign

The night was closing in when a message was sent to all the werewolf packs in Europe. The message was simple yet clear. One of the most famous and strongest packs in Europe was holding a one-week festival in order to find a Beta for their pack.  The Lightclaw pack was famous not only for their strength but also for their unity. Located deep in the mountains of frozen Iceland, the Lightclaw pack was surrounded by an air of mystery. All the Alphas of Europe were wondering about the pack. They of course agreed to attend. This was an opportunity to see up close the mystery... Not many werewolves had the privilege to enter the Lightclaw's territory and when someone did their stories were told for many months after their visit. Everybody had a common assumption for the pack. The Lightclaw pack was rich, mysterious, unified, and powerful. They did not socialize much outside of Iceland but when they did, even if it were to help in bringing peace and safety to other territories it was always done in a quiet, simple, and agile manner. The invitation from the Lightclaw pack felt more like an invitation to a trap.  The Alpha of the pack was also surrounded by mystery as well. When the packs held ceremonies in order for the future alphas to find their mates, or even to introduce their mates, the Lightclaw pack would always politely refuse and send gifts in order to show true sincerity. If a pack was lucky, they would also send a representative. When someone was to visit the pack, the Alpha was nowhere to be seen. Some even started to believe that the pack had no Alpha and that’s why they were holding the festival after all..  The Icelandic pack was always the one you would send a message whenever you wanted help. Oblivious humans could not understand the dangers of the supernatural world that was under their nose. Yet if they did they would be thanking the Alpha, because every time the Lightclaw pack was involved, everything was solved discreetly. They acted as the force that balances the werewolf across Europe. They showed no sympathy and they favored none. The secrecy that surrounded the pack was also the reason of the other pack's fears. They never knew what would happen upon inviting the Lightclaw pack. But they were sure of their fairness.    ----- Raina’s pov: -----    After sending the message to all the European packs, I tried to rest my head on my laptop. This was a brave move and the one it should be done a while now in order to fulfill destiny's wish. As soon as I felt relaxed, I heard steps coming towards my office doors.  ‘Come in.’ I said in a low voice not waiting to hear the knock on my doors. My head was pounding as I tried to raise it up from my laptop. Not a second after, the doors opened and a tall, well-built black-haired man entered the office. His eyes were hazel but lifeless.  ‘You shouldn’t be working so late. I’m afraid you are turning into a zombie. One more sleepless night and I will start worrying for your health.’ I said looking into his eyes. It was Hyde, the Gamma of the pack. The last days were very busy for the Lightclaw pack since we started preparing for our festival. Almost all the responsibilities fell to Hyde since the pack did not have a Beta. However, he always compares his workload with mine and feels disappointed with himself. He always tried to take more responsibilities from me but unfortunately there are certain things that only I could handle.. ‘I’m not trying to question you.. but..’ before Hyde could finish I cut him off. I knew what he was thinking for days now.  ‘I know. I understand your concerns. But this is the only way. We cannot let anyone question our superiority. Especially now that we do not have a Beta. Do you think I did not consider other alternatives?’. With this last remark, Hyde reported to me about the process of the preparations for the festival as well as other matters that needed my attention. After almost 2 hours, Hyde finished and went to finally rest following my comments about how tired he looked. I, on the other hand, went outside my office’s balcony and stared at the crescent moon while the clouds tried to hide it. Iceland's skies are so clear. It feels like if you reach out your hand will touch the moon. The stars were shining so bright and clear I could not help but smile. The coldness of Iceland is one of a kind. Merciless for outsiders and bittersweet for us that we call this country our home. ‘Moon Goddess, once again I ask for your blessings. May you help my pack get through these rough times.’ I whispered. I stayed outside for some time. The shivering cold was finally entering my lungs, filling them and my brain with the hopes that it would deal with my headache. I tried to relax while my thoughts started flooding my mind again. Tomorrow, werewolves from every pack of Europe would start sending their representatives in order to try and win the festival, in the hopes of becoming a part of the Lightclaw pack. I'm sure the Alpha's won't pass on this opportunity. Our little town will be flooding in Alpha's auras, lust, and pride. I'm sure that the werewolves have also thought of this festival as a mating ceremony and soon they would be fighting not only in the name of becoming the Beta but in the name of love also. If they can't be the Beta, they can mate with one of our members. That's also a way of combining a pack..  I just hope the pack is ready for the new challenges to come. I hope I am ready for them too. I know not every Alpha wants the prosperity of the Lightclaw pack. I know they are waiting for a simple mistake to take us down..  -------------------------------------------- This book is for the ages 18+. Graphic scenes will be mentioned in the book and this is a warning for the chapters following. There won't be any warnings at the start of the chapters as this one is considered the one for all of them.  Please note that this is my first novel and English is not my native language! I really hope you like the rest of my book and I would really love to read your review Clarifications: -Alpha: Chief, first in command for a pack. -Beta: second in command. -Gamma: third in command.