CHAPTER ONE
859 Words
FIFTEEN YEARS LATER
Alison descended the grand staircase with effortless grace. At fifteen, she had grown into a striking young girl. Her deep-blue eyes and long, raven-black hair, which fell just below her shoulders, were gifts from the grandmother she had been named after.
“Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Mom,” she greeted warmly.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” her mother replied.
“Good morning, baby girl. Hope you slept well?” Diego asked as Alison walked over and hugged him.
“Yeah, I did,” she replied with a smile.
Alison was affectionately known as the baby of the family—a title she had carried since birth, especially because her mother had been unable to conceive another child after her.
She took her seat at the dining table before glancing at her brother.
“Diego, when are you going back to school?”
“In a fortnight,” he answered.
“Why do you ask?”
“Nothing. Just curious.” She grinned.
Just as their grandmother had predicted years ago, Diego had earned a scholarship to one of the most prestigious business schools in the province after emerging as the highest scorer. Despite his family's expectations, however, Diego had no interest in taking over the family business. He dreamed of building something of his own.
The family settled around the dining table. As tradition demanded, the youngest member of the family usually said grace. But this morning, Alpha Leo decided to do it himself.
When the meal was over, he cleared his throat.
“Well, as you all know, today is the Luna Wolf Gathering. It is the ceremony where newly discovered wolves are formally welcomed into their clans. And as members of the Luna Pack, our presence is highly expected.”
“Why is that, Dad?” Alison asked.
“Because we are the Luna Pack,” he explained. “As the Alpha family, we have a responsibility to be there.”
Alison's smile disappeared.
She hated the thought of attending.
The last gathering had been a nightmare. While every other wolf her age had shifted, Alison had remained human. Since then, she had become the subject of endless whispers, teasing, and cruel jokes from her peers.
And now, at fifteen, she still hadn't shifted.
“I’m not attending,” she said firmly.
Her mother looked at her with concern. “Why, dear?”
“Because I never feel like I belong!”
The words burst out of her.
“Ever since I failed to shift at the last gathering, everyone has made fun of me. I’m tired of it.”
She looked from her mother to her father, her voice trembling.
“Dad… Mom… can I ask you something?”
“Go on,” Alpha Leo said gently.
“Why can’t I shift like every other wolf out there? Am I an outcast or something?”
Silence fell over the table.
Before either parent could answer, Diego reached across and squeezed her hand.
“Hey, don’t say that.” His voice was firm but comforting. “You’re a member of the Luna Pack. You’re my blood, my baby sister, and nothing will ever change that. You are not an outcast. And no one has the right to make you feel inferior.”
Alison looked down, fighting the tears threatening to form in her eyes.
Her mother reached over and gently touched her hand.
“Your brother is right, dear. There is a reason you haven’t shifted yet. You have us, and we will always stand by you. Don’t let what other people say define you.”
Her father smiled reassuringly.
“Worrying too much will only slow you down, love.”
Alison couldn't help but smile at that.
“See? There’s my girl,” Alpha Leo said.
Diego leaned closer.
“And Alison…” he continued softly. “You don't have to be scared just because you haven't shifted. Don't be so hard on yourself. I believe your wolf will appear when she is ready. Until then, you just have to be patient and give her time. Okay?”
For the first time that morning, Alison's face brightened.
She nodded.
Alpha Leo leaned back in his chair, watching his daughter carefully.
“Well, you’ve heard everything we have to say. So tell me, dear… will you be attending the gathering with us, or are you still planning to stay home?”
Alison hesitated.
She knew exactly what she wanted.
She didn't want to go.
But the hopeful look in her family's eyes made her heart soften.
“Sure,” she finally replied.
Alpha Leo smiled, knowing his daughter could never bear to disappoint them.
“Well then, that's settled. We'll leave at dawn. Go get yourself ready.”
He paused before adding gently,
“And remember, Alison… your time will come. Just give it time.”
“No worries, Dad. I’m good,” she said with a small smile.
But as Alison rose from the table, an unfamiliar feeling stirred deep inside her.
For a brief moment, her heart thudded strangely.
She stopped.
Something had changed.
She just didn't know what.
Not yet.
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD