Beta Luna’s Revenge

My Hope

Flashback: Misty twisted the ribbon around the neck of her graduation cape, the smell of pine trees a familiar anchor against the day’s excitement. The glee of the moment radiated from her skin as she smoothed her robe, the fabric heavy but comforting. She caught Donovan’s eye across the stage, his grin wide and infectious.

A warmth swelled in Misty’s chest, pride intertwining with the present.Misty laughed, the sound light and airy. Alpha Mark stood from his seat onstage and crossed over the center front. "Tonight, we come once again to bring forth a new generation of wolves into our pack. Each of you stands here not only as pack members but as a vital part of this unified family."

Misty’s gaze shifted back to Donovan, whose emerald eyes sparkled. "We will have a new set of warriors, healers and Omegas who will join the ranks of our pack to strengthen our numbers and tend to our lands." Alpha Mark turned around to face the prospective group of sixteen-year olds. "In just a few moments, when the moon is at its apex, you will shift for the first time. From here you will find your true place among our ranks. No matter where you are assigned, know that you have a purpose for us all." As Alpha's voice faded into the night, the full moon peeked through the forest canopy, casting a silvery light over the clearing. Donovan moved closer to Misty, his presence grounding her. Misty knew from his touch that nothing would change between them. They both felt the palpable excitement thrumming through the air.

“Are you ready?” he murmured, leaning in, breaking the barrier of formality, his breath warm against her skin. Misty felt a shiver race down her spine, both from the excitement of the moment and the closeness of Donovan. “More than ready,” she replied, flashing a grin that mirrored the joy sparkling in his eyes.

“Just remember, no matter what happens, you’re going to be amazing,” he said, squeezing her hand for reassurance.

Misty’s heart fluttered. “ You really think so?” Her uncertainty simmered beneath the surface, but Donovan's confidence ignited a spark of hope.

“Absolutely. You’ll be the cutest wolf out there,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.Misty rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Cute? I was hoping for majestic.” A chuckle escaped Donovan’s lips, bright under the night sky. “Trust me, you’ll be a sight to behold even if you look like a fluffball.”

Misty swatted playfully at his shoulder, warmth spreading through her. "You just wait," she warned, feigning seriousness. "One day, I might surprise you with my wolf's grace."

Donovan put his hands up defensively. “Grace? I can only imagine what that might look like. A little furball prancing around,” he laughed, his laughter ringing like music in the night air.

“You’ll eat those words when you see how fierce I can be,” she shot back, feigning indignation as Alpha Mark stepped to the side of the stage and motioned for the group to step forward. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time!” Alpha Mark’s voice boomed across the clearing, commanding attention. The energy shifted, a palpable buzz coursing through the crowd.

Misty and Donovan exchanged nervous glances, their excitement merging like the cosmic forces surrounding them.

“Here we go,” Donovan whispered, his voice low yet charged with anticipation. Pups it is now time. Remove your robes and bring forth your wolves!" The command bristled through them all and Misty's heart raced as she glanced down at her robe, reluctant to let go of the fabric that marked her human identity. It felt like shedding more than just a garment—it felt like shedding the weight of expectations and fears. With a deep breath, she unclasped the ribbon, allowing the robe to pool at her feet, and called forth her wolf who had just days ago introduced themselves to her in the back of her mind. The cool night air brushed against her skin, invigorating and freeing. She felt the magic swell, urging her to embrace this moment, to let go of her insecurities. One by one as the robes hit the ground the sixteen-year-olds either shifted into their lupine form or were shamefully standing naked to the crowd. Misty kept her gaze locked on Donovan, determination building as the magical ripple coursed through her. The world around her faded, leaving only the pulsating energy and the scent of pine beneath the moon-lit sky. Misty closed her eyes, feeling the magic intwine with her spirit. Donovan’s eyes remained fixed on her as he too shifted, their green depths urging her forward. She let out a deep breath, and let the warmth engulf her. Imagining the wolf she wanted to become, she shaped her thoughts into a singular desire. A soft whine escaped her lips as the transformation began. It tingled through her body like electric currents, awakening muscles she never knew she had. The world around her began to shift and blur, colors swirling as the magic took over.

Misty felt herself growing smaller until the ground came rushing up to meet her, the night air swirling around her in a vibrant tapestry. She felt the weight of her limbs change, those human hands and feet transforming into delicate paws that sank into the rough wood of the stage beneath her. The world became a kaleidoscope of scents and sounds, more vivid than she had ever experienced as a human. Emerging from the transformation, Misty opened her eyes and looked over at Donovan. The first thing she saw was the imposing figure of Donovan, now a magnificent brown wolf, his muscular form rippling under the moonlight.His features towered everyone else on that stage. His eyes, vibrant and familiar, found hers, and the connection sparked like a flame igniting the night.

Misty felt the warmth radiate between them, an invisible bond that wrapped around their hearts. She stood before him, a small, fluffy wolf. Through their mental connection, Donovan looked down at her, loped his tongue to the side and said. "Just like I thought, you're a little fluffball." Misty huffed, her fluffy form bristling playfully as she tried to maintain a sense of dignity. “I may be small, but I’ll take you down in a heartbeat!”

Donovan yipped out a laugh in response. "Ohhs and Ahhs filled the night as the crowd took in the sight of each of the pups. Alpha Mark crossed back to the front center of the stage between Donovan and Misty. "My people, take a look at these pups whose futures have just been formed." He looked down at Donovan on his right. "Some have instantly risen to a rank they may have not imagined." He then looked to his left way down at Misty. "Others may have gone a bit lower than they would have imagined." He then took a final look amongst the two teens who had not shifted . "Others, unfortunately have gone far below their and their families expectations."

Misty's heart sank, and she felt the weight of Alpha Mark's eyes upon her, an undertow of judgment punctuating the night air. The laughter that had once fueled her confidence now stung with doubt and insecurity. She could feel the whispers grazing her fur, the expectations hanging heavily in the atmosphere. Despite Donovan’s presence, the weight of those eyes felt suffocating. "Hey he said to her, don't worry. At least you have a wolf. I'm sure all will work out for us. We are strong, we are together. That bond—” Donovan took in a deep breath through his snout, "that magnetic pull between us is undeniable. We’ll rise together.” Misty felt the promise whisper in the air, fueling her desires. Misty’s heart pounded as she caught the confidence in Donovan’s eyes, igniting a flicker of hope within her. “Yeah,” she replied, her voice a soft yip echoing in the crowd. The world around them faded into a background hum, the laughter and chatter of the pack blending into a distant murmur as their connection deepened. Misty felt Donovan’s emotions wash over her—pride mingling with affection, a mingling of comfort that urged her forward. As the applause from the crowd thundered, Misty felt both empowered and vulnerable.

Continued Flashback: The next few days after the shifting ceremony, Donovan was gaining more recognition and praise for his prowess and strength as the pack was settling in to the shifting dynamics. The training ground buzzed with energy, a cacophony of laughter and shouts, each echoing off the trees that stood like sentient wards around the clearing. Misty lingered at the edge, hidden behind a veil of foliage, her heart racing at the sight of Donovan. His powerful frame moved with effortless grace, a sight that sent a pang through her chest. Each punch he threw in the mock battle made the air around him crackle with intensity, while his friends cheered him on with wild enthusiasm. Misty felt a mix of pride and unease; he was blossoming into the leader he was destined to be, yet within her a knot of fear tightened.

“Come on, Donovan! Show us what you got!" Jake, the warrior who sucked up to everyone above his rank, cried out. Donovan charged, muscles rippling beneath his dark t-shirt, and expertly dodged his opponent's swing. “Right here, Jake!” He laughed, his voice booming with confidence. He delivered a powerful jab that sent his opponent staggering back, only to follow up with a swift kick that had the surrounding crowd erupting into cheers.

Misty winced at the sound, feeling the applause wash over her like ice water. Each cheer felt like a reminder of her place in this world — a mere spectator in Donovan’s rise, engulfed in a haze of admiration and bitterness.

As the session was coming to an end, Misty dared walk out closer to the clearing to greet Donovan. "Hiya" She shyly said. "Hey." Donovan a bit of uncertainty ringing in his voice. His eyes flicked to her, then quickly returned to his friends, who swarmed around him, clapping him on the back.

“See you at the ceremony?” Jake called over, laughter lacing his voice.“Wouldn’t miss it.” Donovan smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Misty clenched the strap of her bag, fighting the urge to step closer.“Why waste your time with her?” Jake whispered, loud enough for Misty to catch. “You could have anyone.” Donovan gave out a begrudgeoned groan. “She’s—” Donovan hesitated, brows furrowing. Misty caught her breath. This was it. “You could be with someone powerful. Someone who fits your rank.” Donovan punched Jake in the chest.

“Shut up, Jake.” Donovan’s voice sharpened, though uncertainty rippled beneath. “Misty is…” Jake got closer to Donovan “What?” The taunt hung in the air, heavy like a stone.“She’s… unique,” Donovan ended, casting a glance her way. For a fleeting moment, their eyes locked. A flicker of hope ignited in Misty’s chest, but then he shrugged off the moment and returned to Jake, laughter erupting once more. Misty’s heart sank as the laughter washed over her. She turned slightly, wanting to retreat back to the cover of the trees, hoping the foliage would swallow her disappointment. Her mind churned with frustration. Each passing day she and felt Donovan grow a little further apart.