Twist Of Fate

"Yvonne, dinner's ready!" Yvonne's mother called from the kitchen. "Coming, Mom!" Yvonne replied cheerfully. I was in my room, studying for an upcoming school exam. As I made my way to the dining room, my elder sister, Kathryn, my 12-year-old younger brother Caleb, my mother, Angelina, and my father, Williams Roderick. All were sitting at the dining table waiting for me to join them. Smiling warmly, my father asked. "How was your day at school, sweetheart?" My face lightened up as I told him how my day went, "It was great, Dad! I aced my maths test, and I even made a new friend, Emily. We're planning to hang out this weekend." My mother placed a delicious homemade lasagna on the table. "That sounds wonderful, dear. I'm so proud of you," she said, ruffling my hair affectionately. "Hey honey, stop ruffling her hair; we have food here," my mother playfully scolded my father. My Father chuckled and tenderly caressed his mate’s cheeks. "Oh, sorry, darling," he apologized. She smiled and turned her attention to Kathryn. "How about you, Kath? How's college treating you?.My mother inquired. 18-year-old Kathryn, sighed and pouted. "It's not that easy, Mom. College is way tougher than high school." "When I get to college, I'll score all my subjects; it won't be tough for me," Caleb chimed in excitedly. Hahaha!!!.. We all burst into laughter at Caleb's positiveness. "That's my boy," my father praised him. "Oh, please," Kathryn exclaimed, rolling her eyes. "You'll have to do practicals, stand in front of the class, defend your projects—there's so much more to it than just studying hard. And, Yvonne said, we don't call them subjects; it's 'courses,' dude." Caleb corrected her, "She's not a dude." "Thank you, Caleb," I said, giving him a high five. "Mom!" Kathryn exclaimed. "Please, talk to Yvonne and Caleb; they're being disrespectful." Mom gave us a warning look. "It's okay, Kath. Just ignore them and eat your food," she said, trying to maintain peace. Then, she turned her attention to me and touched my hands. "You always make your father and me proud. You're only 14, and I know you'll do great when you get to college," she said and winked at me. “Thank you, Mom,” I said, appreciating her. Caleb asked, "Mom, what about me?" She smiled and turned to him. "My fearless son, as brave as his father," she glanced at her mate and winked at him before returning her gaze to Caleb. "I know you'll always make Daddy and Mummy proud." My Father stood up, making a toast. "To the most beautiful and understanding mate of mine, you take care of us effortlessly. Thank you for loving and taking care for us all." "Now, let's eat," he declared, as we all started to enjoy Mom’s delicious food in peace. After finishing our delicious dinner, I took the responsibility of washing the dishes. Kathryn, on the other hand, cleared and cleaned the table. Once the kitchen was cleaned up, “Yvonne, tell your sister to come to the living room when she's done, we have something to discuss”. My mom ordered. “Okay Mom, I responded. When we finished, we made our way to the sitting room. Curled up on the comfortable couches, we began talking about the upcoming Full Moon Festival, which was just four weeks away, and also Kathryn's 18th birthday, an important day in her life. I couldn't help but inquire, "Mom, can you tell us more about the Full Moon Festival? I would like to know more about it." My mom smiled, "Of course, sweetheart. The Full Moon Festival is an important event in our pack and the werewolf clan. When a werewolf reaches the age of 18, they experience their first shift into their wolf form under the light of a full moon. It's a ritual of passage." Dad added, "It's not just a ceremony of passage; it's a moment of great pride and celebration. Those who successfully shift are considered full-fledged members of the pack." Kathryn interjected, "And those who don't?" Mom’s face turned serious. "Well, my dear, those who don't are seen as outcasts, and it can be a challenging path for them within the pack." "But let's not dwell on that," Dad interjected, trying to sound positive. "Kathryn, your mother and I have been preparing for your ritual for a long time. We have a special location in mind for your first shift." I added, "It's going to be amazing, Kathryn. You're going to feel so connected to our origin and the pack." "Can you believe it's almost here?" I asked, happily. Kathryn nodded, feeling excited and nervous. "I can't wait. It's going to be a night to remember." "Indeed, it's a big day for our family. We should plan something memorable." Mom chimed … Dad nodded in agreement. "I agree, darling. We'll make it a night to remember for our Kathryn." As we continued to discuss the full moon, Kathryn turned to my mother. "Mom, when we go shopping for my festival outfit, I'm thinking of something that's going to make my mate proud and happy. Something hot and sexy." Mom chuckled, "Of course, darling. We'll find something that suits the event and makes you feel confident." Out of curiosity, I joined the conversation. "Speaking of your mate, what kind of mate are you hoping the Moon Goddess will bless you with, Kathryn?" Kathryn smiled. "I want someone tall, muscular, and incredibly handsome, like Damien Albertson, the alpha's legitimate son. He's always commanded respect. Strong, powerful, and handsome." "Ah, Damien. I've seen how you've admired him before he left our pack, the Crystal Lake pack." I said. Kathryn sighed. "Yes, he's something else. I can't help but imagine what it would be like to have a mate like him." Kathryn's candid admission about her feelings toward Damien, the alpha's son, left her parents momentarily taken aback. Their shocked expressions were difficult to hide as they exchanged glances, their eyebrows raised in surprise. Mom finally broke the silence. "Well, well, well, it seems like our Kathryn has her heart set on quite the catch." "Indeed, it's clear that you've got quite a likeness for him, dear." Dad chimed in. Kathryn blushed, "I can't help it. He's everything I've ever dreamed of in a mate." Mom placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with having high hopes and dreams, my dear. The Full Moon Festival is a time of possibilities, after all." Yvonne added, "And who knows, maybe the Moon Goddess will grant my wish."