Mated to A Golden Goddess

The Edge of Eighteen

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Chapter Two — The Edge of Eighteen

The living room felt smaller than usual, like the walls themselves were listening. Owen and I sat shoulder to shoulder on the love seat while Mom, Dad, and the Alpha occupied the couch across from us. The air smelled of pine, wood polish, and worry.

My dad rubbed a hand over his face before speaking. “The Alpha and I went to investigate the southern border,” he began. “There were about twenty rogues. Bigger than most. Stronger too. It took over fifty of our best warriors to bring them down.”

The Alpha’s voice rumbled low, the sound of a man still on edge. “We don’t know where they’re coming from or how they got past patrol.”

Dad nodded grimly. “We’re going to have to tighten security. More scouts. More night runs.”

I sat quietly, listening, my hands clenched in my lap. The peace of our pack felt fragile now, like thin ice underfoot. Mom must have sensed my thoughts because she caught my eye and gave me a reassuring look, soft but firm.

Then she spoke, her voice gentler than theirs. “Owen, Lirella… you two should head to bed. You’ve got school in the morning. And tomorrow after class, we need to talk about your birthday.”

Our eighteenth birthday. The words sent a thrill down my spine. In just two days Owen and I would finally get our wolves. Finally shift. Finally run. I was giddy just thinking about it—imagining fur and speed, imagining finding my mate.

“Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad. Alpha.” I rose, bowing politely to the Alpha, and made my way upstairs with Owen trailing behind me.

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The next morning, sunlight slanted through my curtains, warm and golden. I stretched, grinning, then dressed quickly before heading downstairs. The smell of pancakes and sausage—my favorite—met me at the bottom of the stairs.

Mom had set out plates, smiling as Owen and I sat down. “Two days,” she said as she flipped a pancake. “Your eighteenth birthday is two days away. And the Luna’s already planning a big bash.” She chuckled. “You know how she is about parties. She practically raised you two right alongside me.”

I smiled at that. The Luna was an incredible woman—kind, powerful, and unstoppable when it came to celebrations. If she was planning it, it would be unforgettable.

But when my gaze drifted to the empty chair at the head of the table, my stomach tightened. Dad was gone, probably still with the Alpha, trying to figure out the rogue attacks.

We finished breakfast quickly and headed to school.

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The school building loomed ahead, familiar yet suddenly small compared to the future waiting for me. Today was our last day of classes before graduation. Beyond the usual math and literature, we’d grown up learning werewolf history and training etiquette—our version of a human high school with a wild, hidden heartbeat.

Lucie found me at the entrance and, as always, nearly tackled me with a hug. “Two more days, Ella!” she squealed. “You’ll finally get your wolf. I’m so excited! We’ll go on runs together.”

Lucie had turned eighteen last month. Her wolf was a stunning silver with white streaks named Amy. She was everything I hoped mine would be—strong, beautiful, fast.

The first-period bell rang, yanking me from my daydreams. Lucie and I slipped into homeroom, taking our usual seats at the back.

Mr. Zalls stood at the front, taking attendance. His eyes, as always, lingered too long on the girls, cold and appraising. When his gaze landed on me, a shiver crept up my spine. He knew I was nearly of age. He watched me like a predator waiting for the moment the cage opened.

I sent a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess that he’d leave me invisible.

Thirty minutes later, homeroom ended, and Lucie and I hurried off to our next class, grateful for the reprieve.

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By the time the final bell rang, I practically flew to my locker. Graduation tonight. First shift tomorrow. Everything was changing.

“Lirella.”

I turned to find Zatch leaning against the lockers, grinning. The Alpha’s son. Blonde hair, green eyes, a jaw that could have been carved from stone. Everyone assumed we were destined mates. Everyone except me.

“You look beautiful today,” he teased.

“Don’t I always?” I shot back, giving his arm a playful shove.

Zatch was handsome, sure, but my heart had already been stolen years ago—by someone I barely dared think about. Prince Matthew Brent Valentine. We’d met at a gathering once. He’d smiled at me, danced with me despite my clumsy steps. That night had branded me, heart and soul. Only Lucie knew.

Zatch must have noticed my far-off look because he leaned closer. “Hey, you’re not getting jitters about your first shift, are you?”

“Nah, just daydreaming.”

He nodded knowingly. His wolf, Seth, had come months ago—a black giant with white paws, larger than most thanks to his Alpha bloodline. Zatch would make a great Alpha one day. He deserved an amazing Luna. But I wasn’t her.

He tapped my shoulder, bringing me back. “Did you have Zalls’ class again today?”

“Yeah. And, as always, he stared at us. It’s… uncomfortable.”

Zatch frowned. “You should tell my father. He wouldn’t tolerate that.”

“I’ve thought about it. But it’s his word against mine. He’s a respected teacher. Why would anyone believe me?”

“Because I would,” Zatch said firmly. “And my father. Don’t wait. Think of the girls who come after you.”

His hand landed gently on my shoulder. “Something about him feels wrong. Off. My father trusted his credentials when he arrived mid-year. But maybe we were wrong.”

I nodded slowly. “We’ll talk to your father after the shifting ceremony.”

“Good.”

⸻

Lucie bounded up to me the moment we stepped outside. “I saw you talking with Zatch again,” she teased, eyes gleaming. “Are you sure nothing’s going on between you two?”

“There’s nothing going on,” I laughed. “We were talking about Mr. Zalls and how we’re going to the Alpha after the ceremony.”

Her expression sobered. “I want to be there too. I’d like to say my piece.”

“Of course,” I said. “It won’t be until after the shifting ceremony.”

“That’s fine. Only two days away.”

We linked arms and skipped down the school steps, two girls on the cusp of something bigger than ourselves.

I glanced back at the building one last time. Tomorrow night, we’d graduate. The night after that, my first shift. My first real run.

Right now, though, I just wanted to spend the evening with Lucie, curled on the couch, watching dramas and pretending the world wasn’t about to change.