The Missing Heir

TheWhiteWolf

Chapter 3

Running through the forest, Elizabeth looked breathtaking beneath the full moon. The silver light spilled across her pure white fur, turning her into a glowing streak of light weaving between the ancient Scottish pines.

Her wolf, Elana, was a creature of rare beauty. Pure white. Uncommon. Powerful. A wolf born once in a generation, always tied to ancient bloodlines and destiny.

Elana moved with a grace that felt almost otherworldly, a magnificent creature shaped by legacy and fate.

It had been a year since Elizabeth came to Scotland. Nine months since Elana awakened. Three months until her eighteenth birthday.

She should not have her wolf yet. Wolves only surface on the eighteenth birthday — that is the rule, the tradition, the biological certainty.

But Elizabeth was different.

She felt it now, every time her paws pressed into the soft earth. The forest welcomed her, the wind whispered around her, and the moon seemed to follow her with knowing eyes. Elana ran faster, her white coat shimmering like frost as she darted through the trees, powerful and silent.

The Scottish woods were ancient, older than any pack she had ever known. Moss‑covered stones glowed faintly under the moonlight, and the scent of pine, damp soil, and distant rain filled her senses. Running like this always soothed her, the rhythm of her paws, the cool air rushing past, the steady beat of her heart syncing with the pulse of the land.

Elana slowed as they approached the clearing near the castle, a designated shifting area reserved for nobility. A place where wolves could safely return to their human form without fear of being seen.

The castle loomed beyond the trees, its stone walls glowing in the moonlight. Torches flickered along the outer walkways, casting warm light across the courtyard.

Waiting at the edge of the clearing stood her great‑aunt, Marie Elizabeth Reid, regal as ever, and beside her, Marie’s assistant, both prepared for Elizabeth’s return.

Marie held a thick cloak in her hands, ready to cover her niece once she shifted. Her posture was straight, her expression calm, but her eyes softened when she saw the white wolf emerge from the shadows.

Elana stepped into the clearing, her fur glowing like snow under the moon. She lifted her head, inhaled deeply, and then allowed the shift to take her, bones reshaping, fur receding, form changing with the smooth ease of a wolf who had already mastered the transition.

Elizabeth stood barefoot on the grass, the night air cool against her skin. Before the chill could settle, Marie’s assistant stepped forward and draped the cloak around her shoulders. The fabric was warm, soft, and comforting, not that wolves truly felt cold, but the gesture was tradition, respect, and care.

Marie approached, her voice gentle but firm. “Well done, child. Elana grows stronger every night.”

Elizabeth pulled the cloak tighter around herself, breathing steadily as her heartbeat slowed from the run. “She feels… different tonight,” she murmured.

Marie’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “She is preparing you. The moon is watching closely.”

Elizabeth looked up at the sky, the full moon glowing bright and heavy above the castle towers.

Northern Territory

The lift doors slid open on the twentieth floor of Twilight Industries, revealing the heart of Barrington Tower, a modern marvel of glass, steel, and concrete. Sleek lines, reflective surfaces, and towering windows made the entire floor feel like a throne room of the future. It was a symbol of power, wealth, and dominance in the Northern Territories.

Michael Barrington stepped out, his stride confident, his presence commanding. His assistant followed closely behind, tablet in hand, already listing the day’s obligations.

“You have a board meeting at twelve,” she said crisply. “And the President called. He wants to know if you’ll be joining your father at his annual gala.”

Michael let out a soft, amused breath. “I’ll let my father handle that.” Micheal as the Vice President of Twilight Industries, he’s expected to attend these functions. He cannot bare them.

Twilight Industries wasn’t just a company. It was the economic backbone of the Northern Territories. With alliances spanning all three packs, they employed wolves from every pack. A dynamic, universal enterprise, not the oldest pack, that honor belonged to the Silvermoon Pack, but certainly the wealthiest.

Michael entered his office, a spacious corner suite with floor‑to‑ceiling windows overlooking the city. The skyline stretched endlessly, a testament to Barrington's influence. He barely had time to sit before the door opened again.

Alpha Theodore Barrington stepped inside.

His father carried authority like a second skin, sharp suit, sharper eyes, and a presence that made the air shift. He closed the door behind him.

“I’ve scheduled a business trip next month,” Theodore said without preamble. “We need to review our interests in Europe.”

Michael’s expression tightened. He wasn’t impressed, not with the suddenness, not with the timing, and certainly not with the implication.

Theodore continued, “We’re making it a family trip. We need to reaffirm alliances with a few packs.”

Michael leaned back in his chair, jaw tightening slightly. A family trip. Europe. Alliances.

His mind flicked. To the Silvermoon Pack. To the girl with auburn hair and quiet beauty. To the wolf he had felt before he even knew her name. He still does not know her name where she disappeared too nobody remembered the girl at the banquet for six months, he searched and asked, but she was gone. His mind snapped back to reality.” We have been in constant contact with the other pack abroad and at home,” Theodore said, his face indifferent and stern, “There has been a threat to the alliance and to the packs”.

Micheal's mind was sharp and strategic, always thinking a few steps ahead of the rest,” We will have to establish a base of operation to get to the source,” his father nodded. “All the packs in the alliance must send a representative," Theodore, a hint of pride, flashed briefly on his face for his sons thinking. Micheal continues: “We should try and establish the base in Europe,” he looks at his father with uneasiness. “I have the strange feeling that the threat is beyond our scope,” Theodore with a smile at his son's wording.” If you mean it is magical, the answer is yes.”

Theodore reflects: “About three years ago we faced a similar situation. It did not last as long, external forces influencing the packs”. Micheal started resembling his father each day. The look on him was stoic: “how did it end” his father signing “it lasted for two months, three months, at most and just stopped”, Micheal look out at the Northern Territory skyline “could this be a re-emergence and what triggered it this time” Theodore looking surprised “ we never thought of it” the look on his face was stark “ if it is we need to establish what changed”