The Reincarnated Wolf

The Day of My First Shift

I died that day. The day I met my mate, I lost everything. I lost my mate, my family, my wolf, and my life. I watched it all. I felt the bonds between them snap one by one. It felt like I died many times that day.

My name is Emelda Mori. I am the daughter of Alpha Declan of the Moonweaver Pack. I have always had a small frame and delicate stature. My mother said that the members of our bloodline are blessed by the Goddess. My mother always said the powerful wolves in our line appear sickly before they shift. This was always used to explain my fragile appearance.

As an only child and heir apparent, I have always been spoiled. The entire pack treats me like a princess even though other wolf packs would throw me out as a runt. Most werewolves determine power by the outer appearance and size of the human, even prior to their first shift. I was aware of this bias but was always reassured that my weakened body was a sign that my wolf would be especially powerful.

I was born under the Wolf Moon, the first full moon of the year. For wolf shifters, the moon phase the day you are born is very important. Likewise, the moon phase of your first shift is also important. It just so happens my birthday and first shift will fall on the night of the Wolf Moon again. My parents were very proud of this, just furthering my belief that my wolf spirit would be powerful.

My birthday celebration was treated like a pack holiday every year. This year was even more exciting since I would become one with my wolf spirit. I would also be able to scent out my destined mate. A thought that made me blush.

Wolves from other packs from all over will be attending my birthday festival. All hoping to be the mate of a mystic wolf blessed by the Goddess herself. There was a lot of pressure. A werewolf’s first shift is an incredibly intimate moment.

Usually only someone’s parents or direct family are present. One person takes the role of your guardian. The guardian wears a matching talisman binding them to the shifter temporarily. This allows the guardian to take on some of the pain of the shift. Your guardian wolf helps you through the process and goes on your first run alongside your new wolf. The talisman also keeps track of where your wolf goes, so a new wolf doesn’t run off and get lost. Usually, a parent takes on this role, but I have seen my dad, as the alpha, take on the role of guardian for orphan pups before.

My mother, Luna Evangeline, took the mantle of my guardian. She also has a mystic blooded wolf. I have always been closer to my mother. Though my dad whines whenever I admit this. I have truly only ever known love here. I am truly blessed.

[EMELDA POV]

The moon was huge tonight. The orb of light took center stage among the vast array of stars over the Moonweaver Pack. The festival was already in full swing. The rhythmic folk music was thumping all around the town square. People danced, laughed, sang, and played games. It was a vision of pure bliss.

“Emmy!” the excited voice of my close friend Danielle called out.

“Dany!” I responded, wrapping my arms around her.

“You look amazing tonight! Are you excited to make your grand entrance?” Danielle asked while looking me over.

My ceremonial tunic was made of the best fabrics. It was long and dark purple with embroidered stars and wolves in a silver thread. My mother’s family sigil was embroidered on the back. This was the symbol of the Moonweaver pack and its ties to the Goddess. My father’s family crest above my heart. When my father married my mother, his pack merged with hers.

“I am actually nervous. What if I meet my mate and make a fool of myself?” I admitted.

“Are you crazy? Who wouldn’t want to be mated to the mystic princess?” She teased me, but I couldn’t help the gnawing feeling inside me.

“Will I be able to scent them before my shift?” I asked Dany. Danielle met her mate shortly after shifting. His name is Zach, and we’ve known him since we were kids. He’s the son of our Delta and a fierce fighter. He’s beaten Alpha wolves by himself and he’s barely an adult.

“No. Though I have kind of always had a thing for Zach. I was always drawn to him like a magnet, so you might just know.” She explained excitedly. She loved talking about her mate.

“You ready princess?” My dad’s voice came from behind me as he pulled me into a bear…wolf hug.

“Dad! You’re gonna mess up my hair,” I complained through laughter. My mother spent a while braiding wisteria flowers and other sacred plants into my thin hair.

“Declan,” my mother's voice purred as she pulled my father out of our hug. She then took my face in her delicate hands. Her eyes were bright like stars.

My mother was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Her gown looked a lot like my tunic. It was all white though she looked like the northern star. She will be my guiding star tonight. I was in awe of the amazing woman I get to call mom.

We walked through the archway my mother designed as the entry point to the festival. It was covered with flowers. I heard a sea of gasps as people took in the scene. My mom has always drawn everyone’s attention and in that white dress she looks like the Goddess herself. Her long silver hair flowed as she walked.

She squeezed my hand to pull me forward with her. I did my best to mimic her elegant walk as I always did when we walked together. If I could have even a modicum of my mother’s grace, I’d be happy. I heard people whispering their compliments, mostly about my mother, a few about me.

Against my mother’s tutelage, I stole a look over the crowd. My mother always insisted on maintaining a straightforward gaze when walking through a crowd. ‘Head up, shoulders back, chest out’ she always instructed. But something was urging me to look over.

In the crowd leaning against one of the giant pillars in our town center was a tall man. Even by werewolf standards, he was tall. His dark hair fell messily, and his eyes were dark. I couldn’t make out the color of them. He looked aloof and like he was looking for an excuse to leave early. But when our eyes met, he held the gaze. He was a sight to behold. How was everyone not looking at him? I wasn’t sure how I would be able to look away from him. Then his face shifted to an agitated look.

What did I do wrong? I didn’t notice the audible whimper escape my lips until I felt my mother squeeze my hand a little.

“Head forward little one. No need to be scared, I am with you,” my mother said. She thought I whimpered out of nervousness. It was true that I didn’t do well in large crowds, but that was the last thing on my mind when I looked at that man.

I tried to steal another glance at him. To make sure he wasn’t mad at me. But he was no longer there against the pillar. I fought the desperate urge to frantically look for him.

‘I have kind of always had a thing for Zach. I was always drawn to him like a magnet, so you might just know’, Dany’s words perked up in my mind.

Could that man be my mate? I thought excitedly.