Silver Moon Huntress

Emma

“Oh s**t!” I chirped. “Is he taking over the pack immediately?”

“Pretty much. I guess the big switch will be happening at the winter festival”, Caleb replied.

“That’s only two months away! Ada is gonna lose her s**t. You know how much she likes to party.”

“God help us”, laughed Caleb.

The winter festival is one of our biggest celebrations. It’s held on the pack house grounds, and pretty much everyone in the pack is invited, except for children younger than fifteen. Many people used it as a chance to meet their mate, and it was not uncommon for pups to be conceived that night.

It’s also a chance for us commoners to get a glimpse of the Alpha and Luna. They’re usually so busy with diplomatic matters that we rarely see them. It’s even more rare for a commoner to set foot inside the pack house.

Caleb grew up there, since he’s the son of the Beta. Once, when we were younger, he snuck me in for a tour. His father caught us sitting behind the big desk in the library. I’d never seen him so angry. I still don’t know what the big deal was. It’s not like we were there to steal anything or assassinate anyone. Pack elders are so dramatic.

“WAIT!! Do you think he’ll make you his Beta?”, I asked.

“I’m not sure”, Caleb said, laying his chin on his paws. “It’s traditional to pass on the Alpha and Beta bloodlines, but he could always choose someone new. We have quite an age gap too. I feel like he’d want to choose one of his friends. You know, someone he’s actually had a conversation with. Either way, I’ll be happy. I’m trained for the Beta role, but if it doesn’t happen I’ll just have more freedom”.

While he talked, I watched him carefully. Although it was dark, I could see the river reflected in his green eyes; sparkles from the water glinting brightly. His fur was glossy. I longed to bury my nose in it and inhale his fresh citrusy scent.

Ugh. I’m hopeless.

“Well if he’s smart he’ll choose someone new”, I said with a smirk. Caleb flicked his ear at me and rolled his eyes in mock irritation.

“I’m all seriousness though, I know you’d make a great Beta”, I said.

“Thanks, dork”, he said, getting to his feet. “I better get back. I’m supposed to be helping my dad prepare for the homecoming. I’m taking Ayla to a movie tomorrow night though—You should come!”

Wow. Third-wheeling with my crush and his adorable new girlfriend. Sounds terrific. Not.

“As delightful as that sounds, I think I’d better let you lovebirds have some time alone. That way she’ll realize quicker what a dummy you are”, I teased.

Caleb whipped his tail, hitting me in the face, then laughed and took off running toward the pack house.

I stayed by the water for a while longer, not thinking about anything in particular. There was something so soothing about the sounds around me—rushing river, croaking frogs, an owl hooting somewhere in the distance.

It was surprisingly warm for late October. Not that I would’ve been cold anyway, with such thick fur to protect me.

I used my enhanced wolfsight to scan my surroundings in the dark, zooming in on a little line of ants marching back to their hill with their day’s plunder. I could see little fish hiding near the rocks at the edge of the water. Even though they couldn’t see me, they had some biological instinct that knew danger was near.

I heard a howl from the south, then another from the north, signifying the nightly patrol change. I hadn’t realized it was that late. I stood, shaking gently to remove the leaves that had stuck in my fur, and started toward home.

***

By the time I got home, all the lights were out. I snuck in the side door, moving quietly so I wouldn’t wake my parents, and crept up to my room to started the shower.

As I let the hot water run over my face, I thought about Caleb and wished I hadn’t been too chicken to tell him how I felt, years ago. I was sad that he was going out with Ayla, but she obviously wasn’t his mate. They would’ve known by now. I couldn’t bring myself to dislike her, even though I was a little jealous.

She was just such a nice girl. One of those people who makes you feel like a b***h in comparison because they’re so pure and good.

Much like my sister, Ayla was cute and sweet and tiny. She had honey colored hair that fell to her shoulders and a perfect button nose. I had to admit they’d make a pretty couple.

I groaned and washed the shampoo from my hair, wrapping it in a towel and stepping out into the steaming bathroom. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I gasped—I had a hunter mark!