CHAPTER ONE
Ember Moon Pack is a fast-growing community/county of werewolves only hidden in the outskirts and mountains of Montana, U.S.A. It's strictly closed to humans and non-wolves. Although we're hidden from the outside world, that doesn't mean the outside world is hidden from us. We've got electricity and nice cars, but phones have been banned. The previous alpha marked it as distracting and unnecessary since we're not to contact non-wolves.
We've got good buildings like the mall, eateries and the likes. Our school is actually a training center for young wolves. The mall consists of clothes and accessories shipped in by an appointed person in the community, who has been authorized to go out to human cities to bring them in according to the needs of the community from time to time. That is the only contact we have with non-wolves.
There are other wolf territories all around the world with almost the same law, but this is how the Ember moon pack is led.
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I walked stealthily, my feet barely touching the ground, my hand pressed tightly against my mouth, trying to hold back a giggle. I hid behind a tree, listening to both of them grumble and complain about how late I was. I stifled a giggle and gave them a jump scare. They both jumped up, screaming in fright.
“What in…. Aries!, do you plan on giving me a heart attack???” June asked with a hand against his chest, heaving heavily.
“Relax, you're too young to get a heart attack” I replied, still laughing.
" It's so annoying how I knew you were going to jump scare us, but I still got frightened. What is wrong with you?!” Isla yelled at me, trying to call herself down.
“Alright, I'm sorry. I just felt like, since these few days were going to be our last days being kids, I felt like really spicing things, I'm sorry”, I apologized with my head down feigning guilt.
"I know you, you're not actually sorry, I know your apology is all a facade”, June said, walking away. Isla and I both trotted after him.
“I heard my dad discussing with alpha Dominic about how the ceremony would go”, Isla announced.
" Really, what was it about ?" June asked, showing interest.
“Alpha Dominic was worried about a rogue on the far outskirts of the village, although they'd chased it away, but he was worried it might sneak in during the ceremony and attack someone. My dad told him not to worry, that he'll send people to cross-check the forests to make sure it's gone," Isla explained and shivered.
" A rogue! In the village!!?, that's scary” I exclaimed in fear.
" Oh don't worry Aries, I'll protect you and Isla from it," June said proudly.
Isla and I burst into laughter, which generated a frown from June.
" I won't say anything further, but one day, I'll be the only one around to protect you. Maybe by then you won't laugh like you're doing now," he murmured.
“Well till then big man.... I wonder what the color of my wolf would be," Isla wondered.
“I want a black wolf. I'll blend the night with only the glow of my eyes visible. That will be my most powerful weapon, invisibility,” June said proudly.
“I want brown, it'll look so cool" Isla chipped in.
“What about you Aries, what color do you want your wolf to be?” June asked me.
I stared into space lost in thought.
“I don't have a specific color, I just want to be a strong wolf," I replied nonchalantly.
The wolf call ceremony was an event where all the kids that were turning 18 shifts for the first time. It's a practice that has existed since I can remember. Whether your birthday was before or after that memorable day, everyone who's turning 18 must get their wolf on that day. The wolf call ceremony is done in the middle of the year.
We separated and headed to our homes after hanging out for a while. I was excited to get my wolf. I can finally join in the morning run with my dad and brother, and do the night howl with other wolves.
I had all these in mind, ignorant of the plans the moon goddess had in store for me and even the village as a whole. We all prepared for the ceremony unprepared for an event that will change what we've come to believe in.