Wolves and the Water

Chapter One

Autumn pushed her unruly, auburn hair from her face as she plugged in the Keurig and turned it on through sleepy, ocean-blue eyes. Thinking to herself that it always takes too long to heat up, but still, it was faster than brewing a whole pot. It was September 22nd, her 18th birthday, and also, the Autumn Equinox which is where she got her name. Tonight she would meet her wolf for the first time.Tonight her Alpha would fight for his crown and her hand. But all of that was besides the point. She just wanted coffee.

She sat on the deck in her family's home and watched the waves crash onto the sand. Peaceful. This was her routine every morning while she watched the sunrise. Watch the waves, drink coffee, and breathe. It was going to be a long day. She raised her right hand and waved her fingers in the air slightly turning her wrist, and she watched as two dolphins emerged from the water to chase each other. She loved the powers she had over the water. Only the ascending Luna had them, and she cherished feeling the power in her fingertips every time she used it. Using her water magic felt like putting your hand into a stream. It licked over every muscle and rushed towards the tips of each nail. Depending on the size of the spell that was what determined the strength of the current in her hands.

She looked around her and she saw colorful beach houses in every direction. Their house was right on the water on the ocean side of the Outer Banks. The waves were stronger here. You could surf if you wanted to when you got closer to Cape Hatteras you could even wind surf, but only the pros would risk doing it there with it's rocky and dangerous shores. Autumn loved her home. They lived in Avon near the pier. It was a quiet town without a whole lot of tourist destinations like Kitty Hawk had. It was a great place to blend in.

"Good morning Princess."

Autumn was slightly startled. Not because she didn't know her father was there, but because she was lost in her own thoughts. With it being so close to time to shift her wolf sensed every thing. Scents, colors, details, sounds were all so much more intense over the last week.

"Good morning sir."

"I hope you've gotten plenty of rest. It's going to be another 24hrs before you can sleep again." Alpha Mitchell was a powerful man both in and outside of the pack, and as usual he was scolding her. She had to be perfect. She had to be in pristine condition for tonight.

"I slept very well father. I promise that I am completely ready for the ceremony tonight."

Mitchell looked her over with scrutiny in his eyes.

"Very well then. Your mother and sisters are waking up now. Once everyone gets in a nice breakfast then it's time to head to the preserve and start getting everything ready for the festivities tonight. Have you gotten your outfit ready?"

" Yes." Autumn's eyes lit up and she smiled. The dress and her wolf were all that mattered to her. Having a mate was just her duty. Everything was always business with her father. He wasn't exactly the most affectionate person. Loyal to a T, but loving wasn't a word that people would associate him with. Alpha Mitchell was about 6' tall, broad in the shoulders, with a dusty brown business style haircut (he was a broker outside of the pack), and his eyes were a deep shade of blue. Today, he was wearing his usual suit and tie because he was going into the office for a few hours before the ceremony.

"Have a good day. I'm sure tonight you will make me proud." Then he got up, rinsed out his coffee cup and headed out the door.

Autumn breathed a sigh of relief. Now that he was gone she and her mother and sisters could finally relax while they got ready. All of the cold air was sucked out of the house as he left, and only the warmth of the girls was left in it. She didn't hate her father. No one hated Alpha Mitchell. She just didn't enjoy his company as much as she did her Mom and sisters.

*****

Luna Desiree was sitting in front of her vanity with her twin daughters, Rachel and Michayla, sitting on the floor next to her. Autumn smiled at them before coming in the door.

"Good morning everyone!"

"Good morning Princess!" they all chorused together in a warm greeting.

"Today is the big day Sissy!"

"What are you more excited about?"

"Meeting your wolf or your mateeee?"

"I bet you're more excited about the hunt!" Both of the twins fired off rapid questions quickly finishing each other's sentences. A strange trait they've had since they were born.

"Ohhh wait! We bet it's wearing the Luna dress!" they both said excitedly. They knew her so well. Since she was a little girl she'd been dreaming of her Luna dress. The one passed down through the years from Luna to Luna. Each year it was altered slightly from the next. This year she couldn't believe it was FINALLY meant for her. Autumn smiled at her sisters and hugged both of them tightly. She kissed both of them on their cheeks to which the girls squeaked and started rubbing at their cheeks trying to wipe away the "cooties."

"Girls settle down," her mother said it with such gentleness and power that everyone went silent.

"Now then. Let's get ready and then we'll have breakfast."