Moonrise Betrayal: The Alpha's Son

I stirred from my slumber, my mother's insistent tugging jolting me awake. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I grumbled as she sneered and left my room, her words ringing in my ears. "Why do you always wake up this late?" she spat, her disappointment cutting through the air like a bitter gust of wind. With a sigh, I made my way to the bathroom, glancing at my reflection in the mirror. Today was my eighteenth birthday, a milestone that should have filled me with excitement, but the reality of still not having experienced my first shift weighed heavily on my heart. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, as if my own wolf were playing a cruel game of hide-and-seek with me. My mother saw it as a dark omen, but my father reassured me that it wasn't a cause for concern. I hurriedly brushed my hair, hoping that today would be the day my inner wolf would awaken, finally allowing me to embrace my true nature. Heading downstairs, the sulking shadow still clung to me. My mother's eyes immediately fell upon me, and she wasted no time in assigning me chores. "Wash the plates," she commanded, her voice laced with authority. As I begrudgingly scrubbed the dishes, a wave of resentment washed over me. It felt unfair that while my friends had already discovered their werewolf counterparts, I was left behind, trapped in a state of uncertainty. But just as my frustration reached its peak, my mother dropped a bombshell that shattered my self-pity. "By the way," she said nonchalantly, "the grand ball is tomorrow, and you'll be attending." I could hardly believe my ears. The grand ball was the event I had been yearning for since I was old enough to understand its significance. It was the ceremony where werewolves found their destined mates, those who completed their very essence. The thought of attending the grand ball filled me with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, my heart fluttering with the hope that I might finally meet the one who could help me awaken my dormant wolf. After finishing my daily chores, I couldn't wait to meet up with Selene, my best friend. She possessed a striking beauty, with her tall frame, fiery red hair, and a well-tanned complexion that contrasted against my own pale skin. Selene had experienced her first shift at the tender age of twelve, and ever since, I had bombarded her with endless questions about her life as a werewolf. Today was no exception. As we met, I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. "Are you going to the ball?" I asked eagerly. Selene's eyes lit up with a mischievous glimmer as she nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I'll be attending," she replied with a playful grin. I couldn't help but let my nervousness seep through as I prodded further. "Are you nervous about the ball?" I asked, my voice betraying my anxiety. Selene shook her head, her carefree demeanor intact. "Not really," she replied, her voice casual and nonchalant. Her ability to remain unfazed by life's uncertainties was something I truly admired about her. Feeling a mixture of relief and desperation, I confided in her, "I'm terrified about the ball. I can't help but feel like I'll find my mate there." I awaited her response, hoping for some reassurance. Selene burst into laughter, her mirth filling the air between us. "Oh, come on," she teased, her laughter contagious. "It's not always as eventful as you think. Don't worry so much about it." I couldn't help but smile at her dismissive words. Selene's carefree nature provided a much-needed perspective, helping me realize that sometimes, it was best not to dwell on things beyond our control. We continued chatting, losing track of time until dusk descended upon us. Reluctantly, we bid each other farewell, promising to meet again soon. As I made my way back home, anticipation for the grand ball continued to consume me. The day had finally arrived, and I could hardly contain my excitement. However, my enthusiasm quickly dissipated as my mother tugged at my hair, causing me to yelp in pain. "Hold still!" she scolded, attempting to perfect my appearance for the ball. I fidgeted nervously, eager to get ready and leave. Once she was satisfied with my hair, I slipped into a stunning gown, the fabric flowing elegantly around me. My excitement grew with each passing minute, and I slipped into a pair of matching shoes. Following my mother's lead, I followed her to the waiting car. As we embarked on the drive to the ball, I gazed out the window, my heart pounding in my chest. The anticipation and nervousness mingled within me, creating a whirlwind of emotions. The journey felt like an eternity, as my mind was consumed with what awaited me at the grand ball. Finally, we arrived at the venue, the grand ball in full swing. The place was abuzz with excitement, the air alive with laughter and music. We made our way towards the entrance, surrounded by a sea of elegantly dressed attendees. My mother hugged me tightly before leaving, leaving me to navigate the ball on my own. Once inside, I scanned the crowded room, hoping to catch a glimpse of a familiar face. Unfortunately, no one stood out amidst the throng of strangers. The disappointment began to settle in, and the atmosphere felt stifling, claustrophobic even. As I stood there, feeling a tinge of disappointment wash over me, my mind lost in a sea of thoughts, Julian approached. He was the son of the alpha. My heart skipped a beat as he drew nearer, his eyes locking with mine. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. And then, he extended his hand towards me, his voice filled with a mix of confidence and intrigue. "Care for a dance?" he asked, his words hanging in the air. My mouth went dry, and I could hardly believe what was unfolding before my eyes. I was about to dance with Julian. Numb with disbelief, I found myself unable to form a coherent response. Thoughts raced through my mind, questions vying for attention. Why would he choose to dance with me? What did this mean?