As the moon rises

Sienna's point of view. "Thank you all for coming this evening; it's great to see the whole pack back together, and I'd especially like to welcome back a few members who have been away studying at university; it's wonderful to have you back with us." As we sit silently on the rows of chairs set in front of the little stage, Alpha Jon addresses the audience. Pack meetings are conducted on occasion, generally when there is something important to discuss. It is important to talk. When he discusses the university students, his gaze wanders over everyone, hesitating. You can rely on me. In answer, I gently grin. I've spent three years in university. I'm twenty-one years old and long overdue for a companion. I'm completely competent on my own, and the unit has just increased my independence. If I chance to run across my partner soon, I could ask him where the heck he's been. Cassie, one of my dearest pals, comes into view. She yawns and rolls her eyes. I give her a smirk. knowing how much she despises pack gatherings. Cassie is a free-spirited individual. She has no desire to meet her partner since she likes male attention much too much. She claims she is too young. I haven't met him yet, and I'm having much too much fun to be tied down right now. She isn't very promiscuous, but she has slept with more men than I have. Kayla, our other buddy, is the polar opposite. She's an innocent virgin with a filthy mind, thanks to Cassie and me. She wants to preserve herself for her friend, which I appreciate, but that was not my intention. Nowadays, most friends lose their virginity before meeting. My companion is unlikely to be a virgin, so why should I be one simply because I'm a girl? Alpha Jon eventually finishes his speech, and people begin to trickle out of the crowded hall, towards the pack home, where a celebration is being hosted in honor of the approaching Summer Solstice. "I'm going to see Cass and Kayla," I explain to my folks. My father frowns. I know he wants me to spend the whole evening with them, and I also know he isn't a huge fan of Cassie and her influences. My father and I have a complex connection. He is, or tries to be, fairly rigorous. I refuse to pay attention to him. Our pack is protected because we have erected a massive wall around our area to keep us safe. Because we are a tiny pack with a little territory, no other packs see us as a danger or a prize to be captured. My parents, like me, were reared in this pack. They, unlike me, have totally embraced its principles, but I have misgivings. My parents are They don't understand why I want to move to the city; they're content with the town we live in on pack territory. "All right, darling. We'll see you at home; text me if you're going to be out late," my mother says before my father can disagree. "Great, see you later," I say over my shoulder as I weave my way over to Cassie. Cassandra Blake is stunning. Her hair cascades in inky black waves down to her shoulders. Her waist and eyes are the most beautiful grey. If she wasn't my closest friend, she'd have great hourglass curves. I'd probably despise her out of envy. I'm also envious of her age, which is 53. At 5'7, I feel like a giant, which I despise. Cass is self-assured, seductive, and sometimes much too daring. "Please, Goddess, tell me we're going out tonight because it's your first night back!" Cass pouts, and I sigh, knowing my father would frown. Oh well, screw it. "Yeah, come back to mine to get ready," I answer, beaming at the thought of how angry my father would be. "Oh, look! There's one!" Kaylal" Cass points over my shoulder. Kayla Blackwood is 5'5 of pure innocence, and I turn to see her smile and sprint over 10. She has enormous boobs and a flat stomach, both of which most females would kill for. She has shoulder-length blonde hair and the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen. She is cheerful, friendly, and terrible at carrying grudges. Then there is me. I'm the tall, slender one with an average body, large thighs, and a mysterious ass, and I'm bottom heavy. The girls return to my room, much to my father's chagrin, and we prepare to go out. After two hours and three bottles of wine, the three of us are dressed to the nines in tight gowns and fake eyelashes. We head to the most popular club in town, which is only beyond our border. It is mostly a human settlement and is not held by any pack. Shifters like coming here since there is no trespassing. Cass and I arrive to the pub two hours later. More drinks for the three of us, please. "It's beyond me how she's still a virgin," Cass says as we watch Kayla dance with a man, rubbing her exquisite body all over him. "I know, but I feel for her because when guys find out, it drives them insane." I roll my eyes, eagerly drinking the drink the bartender places in front of me. "I know! It's like they go into heat or something?" Cass quips as we go closer to Kayla. I push the man away and take his position, dancing behind Kayla while Cass dances in front, putting my pal in a protective sandwich. We remain until the club shuts; Kayla pulls heavily that night, as does Cass, but I don't hookup with anybody. At four a.m., the three of us drop into Cassie's bed and sleep until the afternoon. I wake up with a pounding headache and find myself drowning in a bed of half-naked females. I fall over the edge of the bed. I didn't want to wake up the females on either side of me. Cassie lives alone since her parents purchased her this home. I hop in the shower, thankful that I removed my make-up before going to bed last night. I attempt to dry off by wrapping a towel over myself. When I return to her room, the girls are up and enjoying tea. A third mug is waiting for me on the desk. "You're an angel, thank you," I say as Kayla offers me the cup. "What are we going to do today?" Kayla inquires. I look out the window, relieved to see that the sun is shining. "I have to go home and unpack all my stuff from university; Dad is irritated that it's all piled in the corridor," I stop to roll my eyes. "But let's go for a coffee first," I propose, and the girls agree. --------------- I go through my front door an hour later. As I go into the kitchen, Mum glances up and approves of my clothing. I'm dressed in a long pencil skirt and a silk top that she got me. My parents are constantly concerned about my appearance. To my mother's chagrin, I often wear sweatpants and hoodies. "I spoke to Alpha Jon last night, there's a male shifter joining our pack for a few weeks, and I said you'd love to help him settle in, show him around and introduce him to everyone," Mum adds happily, prompting my father to drop his paper and scowl. "Is he mated?" my father inquires, and I sigh deeply. "Relax, Dad. He's not gonna ravish me," I joke, and he narrows his eyes at me. "That's not funny," he says glumly, returning to his paper. "No, he's not mated," my mother says, a malicious smirk on her face. She can't wait to meet my partner. "All right, I'll show him." "I sigh once more." I'm fed up with Mum continuously volunteering me for things. I take my purse and keys and drive over to the Alpha's and his family's pack residence.