Emmeline’s POV
I am proud to call The Granite Pack my home. It is the largest packs in the United States. Located within in the west surrounded by woods and mountains, it holds the elders who oversee all the packs within the nation. It sits on 280,000 acres of land consisting of beautiful wilderness and small, charming towns made up of pack members and humans. Our Alpha has maintained several businesses in the area making our pack not only the largest but also the wealthiest. Our Alpha also encourages us to coexist amongst humans, as we share this world.
I’m pulled from my thoughts to the sound of someone knocking on my bedroom door. It flies open to reveal my annoyed older brother Matthew. He leans against the doorframe staring at me. My brother is almost the spitting image of my father. He has dirty blonde hair with bright green eyes. He stands at 6’1” and continues to grow. He is 18 years old and has just shifted into his wolf three weeks ago. I, on the other hand, am wolf less as I am only 16 years old and we don’t get to meet our inner wolf until our 18th birthday.
“Well good morning sleeping beauty.” He states with a small smirk making me roll my eyes.
“I’m not in the mood Matty, I promise I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
“What? I was being honest.” He states holding his hands up in surrender.
“Yeah, right. Now get out so I can change.” I push him out into the corridor and shut the door. I hear him huff in annoyance before walking away. I quickly run to my closet and put on a simple black tank top, jean shorts, and a long gray cardigan. I choose a pair of black and white converse for the day. I make my way to the bathroom and quickly brush through my hair pulling it into a ponytail. I grab my book bag before heading out the door into the corridor.
My family resides in the pack house due to my father’s status within the pack. He serves as the Beta to Alpha Blackwood. We live on the fourth floor, while the Alpha and his family are on the fifth floor. The second and third floor hold additional offices and guest rooms. The main floor has the front foyer, ballroom, library, game room, and movie theater. A kitchen and commons room is in an adjacent building that is connected by a glass hallway to the packhouse. The packhouse is a large stone building with a dark beautiful wood interior.
I make my way around the large staircase to my parents’ room that sits across from the staircase. My room is at the end of the hall that wraps around the staircase, while my brother’s is on the opposite side of mine. On either side of my parents’ suite is their offices.
As I approach my parents’ room the door flies open and my mother pulls me into a tight hug. My mother is beautiful and everything I wish I could be for the pack. She has dark brown hair with green eyes. She loves to entertain and spend time with our Luna.
“Happy last day of the school year!” She sings making me laugh at her enthusiasm.
“Morning mom.” I state while hugging her back. She pulls me into the room and directs me to the bar counter in their room where she has a plate of food waiting for me. Matthew is sitting with our father discussing pack stuff.
“Are you excited for the day?” My mom asks while tending to some of the dishes on the counter. I avert my gaze not wanting my mom to know the truth. While my family has higher status in the pack and are treated with respect, that has not been the case for me. My peers like to torture me knowing that fighting is not one of my skills. Bullying is something I endure every day.
“Yeah, but I’m more excited to have my summer freedom.”
“Well of course that makes sense. Maybe you can help your brother find his mate this summer.” She winks at me making me giggle while Matthew overhearing our conversation starts to growl.
“Don’t growl at your mother or sister.” My father reprimands him.
“I don’t need help.” Matthew grumbles crossing his arms across his chest.
“I’m sure Matty will find his perfect mate in his own time.” I state shooting my brother a smile. Though we butt heads I will always love my brother, and I do believe he deserves an amazing mate. This summer my brother will be busy starting his training to be the future Beta of the pack.
“Thanks Emmy.” He states coming over and pulling me into a large hug, basically squeezing the life out of me. I start to fear for my life, but he lets me go when there is a knock on my parents’ door.
“Well it’s nice to see some families still have morning breakfasts together.” Alpha Blackwood states as he enters the room with Luna Maria. We all bow our heads slightly greeting our Alpha and Luna.
“Alpha.” My father says shaking the Alpha’s hand.
“Oh, quit the formalities you guys are like family.” He chuckles hugging my father. “Matthew! Are you ready for this summer? We have big plans for both you and Clark when it comes to training.”
“Yes sir. I’m looking forward to more responsibilities,” Matthew replies continuing to be formal.
“Emmeline, you are looking more and more beautiful like your mother every time I see you!” Luna Maria says coming over and hugging me briefly.
“Thank you. Where is Lily this morning?”
“Oh she had to go in early and tend to some missing assignments. I tell you, that girl has everything but her responsibilities on her mind. Maybe she can learn something from her best friend.” Luna nudges me making me giggle.
My best friend Lily is the youngest of the Blackwood family. The Luna is right, Lily has had her mind on other things. She has been drooling non-stop over one of the warriors who is a year older than us. She is hoping that they will be mates, and that this will force him to give her the attention she deserves. Lily’s older brother Lewis is also one of my friends. He has not really expressed what his goals are as we get older, but I know he has been training in kickboxing recently so I would put money on him being a warrior in the future. These two have always been my friends, and accept me for who I am. I love them both immensely. The oldest of the Blackwood family is Clark. He is our future Alpha. Everything about him demands respect and attention. I have always had a small crush on him, but honestly what girl wouldn’t. I keep myself from wanting to throw myself at him by reminding myself that he is way out of my league.
“Emmeline, I hope to see you around at events more often. I hear you have an interest in studying the world we live in.” The Alpha says taking his wife into his arms.
“Yes, actually I find that stuff to be fascinating.” I tell him honestly.
“Maybe I’ll put that brain of yours to work this summer then.”
“I would love that!” I state feeling like I can do something of value for the pack.
“Good! Hopefully, you can rope Lily into that work too.” He states shooting me a wink. My parents stand there smiling from ear to ear as they watch their children take on bigger roles.
“Emmy, we have to get going.” Matthew says grabbing my bookbag and handing it to me.
We quickly say our goodbyes and head out. Matthew seems to be in his own world as we drive to school. He hums to himself and seems to smile as if he is thinking about something delightful.
“Matthew what is with you?”
“I met someone I kind of like. She isn’t 18 years-old yet but will be soon. I’m kind of hoping she will be my mate.” He states grinning from ear to ear.
“That’s great Matty. I’m sure she is awesome, just like you!” I pinch him slightly and laugh as he jumps a bit. We both suffer from extreme ticklishness.
“Thanks Emmy! You are always so accepting, but just so you know I will kick anyone’s butt who tries to be with you.” He states looking at me seriously.
“Well no problem. No one is interested, so no need to defend your sister’s honor.” I chuckle out making Matthew glare at me again. I sigh and lean back in my seat as we make our way to school.