Lunar Vow

The First Shift

It’s the morning of Fenris’s eighteenth birthday, and he’s up bright and early. A wolf turning eighteen is a big deal in shifter families. He makes his way downstairs, where his mom is making his favorite breakfast. “Good morning, Fenris, and happy birthday, my sweet little wolf. Are you excited for your first shift with the pack tonight?” She asks me with a bright white smile on her face.

“Of course, I am, mother, but I am even more thrilled to find my mate, whoever she may be,” I reply, sitting at the table as my mother brings me a plate full of eggs, bacon, toast, and pancakes.

As I begin stuffing my mouth with food, my brother Blaze walks into the kitchen. “Ah, there he is, my little brother, finally becoming a man today. How’s it feel, little brother?” Ignoring him, I continue eating. My brother is always picking on me because I’m the youngest male of the pack.

Right behind him is our little sister Ember, the youngest female in the pack, but she wolfed out much sooner than the rest of the females at the age of seventeen, which has never been heard of before her. “Happy birthday, big brother. Here, I got you something for when you find your mate tonight at the lunar vows,” she says as she hands me a little red box tied neatly with a bow.

“Open it! I hope you like it.” She says excitedly, opening the box. I see an elegant ring encrusted with deep, vibrant green emeralds,

gleaming in the light, the band a gleaming gold, smoothly polished.

“It’s beautiful, little sister. Where did you get it?” I ask her, in awe of how she could afford such a gorgeous ring.

“No worries as to where it came from. Just make sure you give it to your Luna when you complete the bonding ritual. I need my future sister-in-law not to think her new mate is a cheap skate with bad manners, okay?” She replies, giggling. “Besides, you’re supposed to have a gift for your mate after you complete the bonding ritual anyways as a way to “mark” them, and I know you didn’t get one yet because you LOVE to procrastinate, so I figured since you have to marry her anyways, a ring is the best gift you can give, right, mother?” Looking at my mother as if she’s waiting for her to confirm or deny her statement.

“Well, technically yes, dear, but the bonding ritual isn’t exactly a marriage purpose, so although it is a suitable gift, a ring might be a bit much, and you don’t want to scare his new mate off.” Mother replies.

“You guys act like I’ve already found her. Can we at least get through the lunar vow first before you start ringing the wedding bells?” I reply in a slightly annoyed tone.

“Yes, dear. We are sorry, we don’t mean to stress you out or scare you. Now, no more mate talk. It’s time for school, and you are going to be late for your first day at the Shifters Academy, Fenris. Run along now, kids, and have a good day.” Mother said, basically pushing us out of the door quicker than we could say I love you.

Later at school, I meet my friends Nova, who is eighteen, and Zephyr, who is seventeen, and has not yet shifted for obvious reasons. Which, technically, the school is supposed to be for students who have already shifted or are of age to shift, but being the Dean’s son has its perks. Greeting them, they both wish me a happy birthday, but do not speak of the lunar vow, as I have already expressed that it is the last thing I want to talk about, and as my best friends, they respect that boundary.

Walking to class together every day has been our ritual since we started school together, especially seeing as we usually have the same classes for first, second, and third period. Then, in comes the fourth period, we go our separate ways and just meet up at lunch in the mess hall.

During first period, I couldn’t focus on whatever bullshit we were learning today; all I could think about was what it would be like to finally have my mate. I dream about it constantly, picturing her every feature, and she is absolutely ravishing every time, though I know the real thing will be better than I could have ever dreamed.

*ring ring ring* The bell ending first period chimes. “Welp, time for the next nightmare,” I mutter to myself, packing my things and heading to my next class, dreading every second of this entire day, knowing once school is over, I have to go home to one big, giant celebration for my “birthday,” when in reality, it’s a reminder that my parents shagged each other during the crimson moon, cementing their mate bond, quivering at the image I just pictured in my head.

Hours later, the day is finally over, and as I pack my things to leave from eighth period, my friends are waiting at the door for me. Nova, holding a small box wrapped in black paper (black’s my favorite color), says, “Here ya go, buddy. It’s from both of us,” handing me the gift.

“It’s not something weird, is it, guys?” I asked cautiously, not knowing what these two knuckleheads had gotten me as a gift. Before I opened it, I saw a card that read, “To the best friend we’ve ever had and ever will have, may you find your mate and live a long and joyful life,” written on the inside of the card in what had to be the world’s worst handwriting. Inside is a small metal pendant engraved with my name. I let out a little snicker. “What is this, a dog tag?” I joke, knowing that it’s not.

“Don’t be a jackass, Fenris. It’s for your keychain,” Nova says, pushing at my shoulder.

“I know, I know. I’m just f*****g with you guys. For real, though, thank you, guys. Seriously, I love it.” I reply to her, giving them both a hug. “Now, enough with this sappy s**t. Let’s get home and party till we drop.”

Arriving at the house, hanging up on the front door, was a banner that read, “Happy Birthday, Fenris,” in big black letters. “Let the festivities begin,” I mumble to myself as I get out of the car and head into the house. Upon entering, my mother greets me with a party hat and a smile. “Really, Mom? A birthday hat? What am I, six?” I say sarcastically as I roll my eyes and walk to the kitchen for a snack.

“You know, Fenris, you could act a little more enthusiastic for your birthday. We are going through a lot of trouble to make this birthday the most special one yet, with it being your first official shift and all,” my mother says, following behind me. “What’s wrong? Why are you glum?” she asks me, grabbing my shoulder and spinning me around.

“I don’t know, Mom. I just don’t feel right. It’s like the closer we get to the lunar vow, the more depressed and angry I feel. Something feels….Wrong,” I reply to her, sighing.

“Oh, honey, that’s just your nerves talking. Most wolves don't have their first shift a line with a lunar vow. It is normal to feel the way you do. The unknown and expectation can be overwhelming, but you will be fine. Nothing is wrong. You’re going to shift and then find your mate, and once you do, you’ll realize you’re just overreacting.”She says, smiling and hugging me. “Now, let’s get you ready for your party, and then after, we’ll set up for the lunar vow,” Mom says before leaving the room as if nothing I said mattered.

After about an hour or two of setting up and cooking. One by one, the pack members start showing up with gifts and happy birthdays from all of them. The party goes on for roughly two hours before the sun starts going down, and we all prepare for the next set of festivities. All of the pack members slowly start clearing out, and after everyone was gone, Mom starts picking up the house and putting all of the food away.

“Can I help with anything, Mom?” I ask her, hoping she’ll say yes, so I don’t have to leave for the hillside yet.

“No, honey, you go get changed and into something more… fitting for the lunar vow, but maybe shower first. You want to make a good impression on your mate when you meet her, don’t you?” Mom says in reply.

“Yeah, yeah, alright, Mom,” I begrudgingly reply as I head upstairs to my room. Once I get out of the shower, I stare at myself in the mirror. “Okay, Fenris, you’ve got this. You’re going to do great,” I say out loud as I give myself a pep talk before getting dressed and heading to the hillside.