HOWL'S BEFORE DAWN

The Trip

It was a warm morning, no breeze blowing, no rustling of trees, just the chirp of birds and the quiet hum of a small town waking up. The silver-haired woman stood on the front porch of her two-story home, the same house that once belonged to her father.

The house held many memories, some good others not so much, and she couldn't help but wonder if finding her mate might finally allow her be to leave the pain behind and build a new life for herself. But as the thoughts took hold, she realized it was time to go. The last thing she needed was to fall down the rabbit hole of her past or get lost in the "what-ifs" of the future.

Today she was heading out of town to the city nearby, a trip arranged by the Luna to encourage Ash to leave the small town more often.

"Maybe you'll finally run into your special person," The ever-optimistic and caring woman would say every time she suggested they go out.

As Ash approached the Alpha's house, she saw several women already gathered at the gate by a black SUV, some of the Luna's closest friends, joining them for the mall trip. She wasn't used to being around other women, not because she wanted to avoid them, but because of her role and the way some, though not all, women in and outside the pack viewed it had always set her apart.

But the women the Luna kept close weren't so bad, being around the same age, they didn't carry as much of the old-fashioned misogyny as the older pack members.

As she drew closer, one of the women turned, spotted her, and waved. She had dark red hair, a petite frame, and a warm face that matched her kindness. Her name was Mary, one of the pack's teachers and the kindest person Ash had ever met.

When she reached the car, Ash greeted everyone and hugged Mary. They'd always been close as Mary, with her fiery red hair, was one of the few who had always stood by her.

"So, I was thinking we should start at M&N, there's supposed to be a big sale, then we head to Mr. Prices..." The Luna kept listing stores as they all climbed into the car.

As they drove towards the city, Ash felt her wolf stir, pacing restlessly inside her, filled with something like anticipation. She couldn't tell if it was the thrill of being around other women or something more unsettling. Either way, she decided to keep her guard up. Her heart was racing and until she knew why it was better to be ready.

When they arrived at the mall, they began browsing different stores. Ash's instincs were on high alert, she kept glancing around, wondering if danger might be lurking nearby. Their pack had always came here for supplies they couldn't get back in town, and nothing had ever gone wrong. Humans had never discovered them, and no other supernatural beings would dare break the accords.

"You know, Ash, you should buy something pretty, a dress maybe." The voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

It was Brooklyn, she was one of the packs accountants and one of the few who didn't bother hiding their dislike from her. Even in high school she was what is considered a mean girl, and apparently, she hadn't left that attitude behind.

Before Ash could muster a response, Mary jumped to her defense. "Shut the hell up, Brook, You really shouldn't give advice to someone who didn't ask for it." Her voice was sharp, and she looked ready to take on the brown-eyed woman right then and there.

When Brooklyn opened her mouth to retort, anger flashing in her eyes, Mara-the Luna- stepped in. "I was thinking we should all get something new. According to Raider, a touring pack will be passing through this weekend."

All eyes turned to Mara.

"Which pack?" Mary asked.

"The Silvermoon pack," the Luna answered with a smirk on her face, seemingly happy to get everyone's attention.

The women burst to excitedly chatter.

"And by 'passing through' you mean Alpha Kane is coming in hopes of finding his mate." Brooklyn inquired seemingly bouncing on her feet.

Mara lets out a light laugh, "It would seem so. And we are going to host a gathering for them, so there are plenty of reasons to spruce up"

As the others chatter, Ash's mind began to drift. Her wolf stirred again, not just pacing now but lunging, as if reaching for something just beyond sight. There was something about the mention of one of the most powerful packs in the werewolf world that set her on edge. It wasn't excitement she felt. It was a warning. Like the air before a storm. Something was coming and it was meant for her.