The Offering

Arrow Winsdor

The twelve packs scattered across the globe away from the magical lands where the kingdom was located. They dedicated their packs to the moon.

The strongest among the wolf packs was Red Moon Pack, located in Africa. Their moon symbolized the multiplying of species, procreation, or new life.

The second strongest was Death Moon Pack, located in the eastern coordinates of the United States. Their moon symbolized the last full moon of the Winter season.

The third in ranks was the Pink Moon Pack, located in Italy. Their moon symbolized the start of a new season.

The fourth was the Flower Moon Pack, located in China. Their Moon symbolized the blooming of the flowers that brought beauty to the world.

The fifth was the Snow Moon Pack, located in the western coordinates of The United States. Their moon symbolized the harsh winters that would scatter the land.

The sixth was the Harvest Moon Pack, located in South America, specifically in Brazil. Their moon symbolized the Harvest of the crops.

The seventh was the Thunder Moon Pack, located in Colombia. Their moon symbolized the raging storms that would come to pass.

The eighth was the Ice Moon Pack, located in Russia. Their moon symbolized the howling of the wolves in the cold harsh winters.

The ninth in ranking was the Hunters Moon Pack, located in the southern coordinates of The United States. Their moon symbolized the hunting of prey.

Tenth strongest was the Frost Moon Pack, located Britian. Their moon symbolized the beginning of preparation for the coming Winter.

The eleventh was the Cold Moon Pack, located New Zealand. Their moon symbolized that Winter was arriving.

The final pack in the rankings was the Rose Moon Pack, located South Korea. Their moon symbolized the harvesting of fruits from the spring.

When it is time for the offering, those out of the country are flown into the Kingdom. Those in America are taken to the meeting grounds by car.

Twenty-four years ago, Alpha and Luna Windsor of the Snow Moon Pack welcomed their darling girl into the world. They named her Arrow Grace Winsdor. The pack celebrated the birth of their future Alpha.

Arrow quickly became the favorite of the pack. She was born with silver hair, deep grey eyes, and an interesting birth mark on her neck at the base of her hair line. A crescent moon.

Arrow was most certainly different, but the pack never treated her as such. Her early years were like a fairytale dream.

At six years old her mother began training her on their pack’s culture and history. Shifting, their wolf laws, and the importance of taking care of the pack.

Arrow was always intrigued during her teaching lessons and always paid very close attention to all her mother had to say.

From the ages of ten through twelve, her father began training her physically. He started with cardio to increase and teach stamina. He would take her on his morning five mile runs.

At thirteen Alpha Winsdor began teaching her self-defense. He would always tell her, “No matter the size of your opponent, everyone has a weakness that can be found.”

Alpha always added extra training time to her schedule. He knew she needed to be very well trained. A female Alpha would be challenged more than that of a male. Yet, he knew Arrow was special and a force to be reckoned with.

Arrow took to her training like a fish to water. She found it more of a hobby than work. Other kids her age were partying, going to the mall, and seeing movies. Not Arrow, she was determined to make her father proud and be the best female Alpha to ever live.

She had one friend though, Sarah Plum. She never judged Arrow on her way and would always be there for her when she needed a friend. She made Arrow feel like a normal kid even though deep down she knew she wasn’t. They quickly became best friends.

When Arrow was fourteen, her mother began talking to her about mates. Arrow was hooked. It was like the fairytale books she used to read. She spent many nights wondering and dreaming of the day she would find her mate. She sees the way her father looks at her mother and she wanted that.

Luna Winsdor then taught Arrow about the peace treaty with the kingdom and about the Offering. Arrow always found herself asking, “What happened to the wolves who didn’t return home?”

The answer would always be the same, “No one knew.”

Arrow wouldn’t have life any other way. Her life was great, and she appreciated everything she had. That was until the night of her fifteenth birthday.

The rogues attacked that night, and that was when her mother, the Luna was brutally murdered. From that day on Arrow’s life was drastically changed.

She trained longer, harder, and more every day. It was the only way to help mask her heartache. She also used the training to keep her father distracted because he was heartbroken too.

By eighteen, she gave up on her dream of finding her mate. She was too focused on her training and becoming Alpha. She needed to help her father out.

To her shock when wolves from another pack came to visit, she found her mate.

David Merelli. He was six feet, slender, but still muscular. Deep brown eyes and curly brown hair on his shoulders.

The moment they locked eyes was just as her mother described. The feeling of the bond forming between their souls was breathtaking.

“Hello beautiful, my name is David. What is yours?” His voice was low and gentle.

“Arrow. Nice to meet you, David.” She responded a bit shaky while blushing.

Arrow quickly introduced him to her father. Alpha Winsdor was happy that she found her mate. He hoped she would have the love he had for her mother.

Arrow was one of tradition. Most mates complete the mating process days, sometimes hours after meeting their mate. Being the future Alpha there was a tradition that needed to be followed.

High ranking members of the pack would introduce their mates to their Alpha. Then a marking ritual was to be performed in front of witnesses. You temporarily mark your mate on the wrist instead of collarbone to show your acceptance of one another.

Then for them it would be the Alpha and Luna ceremony in front of the entire pack. Then they could complete the mating process.

David fully understood and agreed to follow her traditions.

After a few weeks the pack seemed to be fond of David. In return made Arrow swell with pride. Which gave Arrow an idea.

She went to her father and pleaded to do the rituals right away. She didn’t want to wait another minute. “Daddy, you know I am ready. You need a break, and it is time for you to find happiness again.” She told him.

The Alpha knew she was ready, and he trusted in her decision.

The Alpha, Beta, Gamma, David, and Arrow all met in the Moon Room. This is where each marking ritual was held. To prove to the goddess under her moonlight that they accept the bond she has gifted upon them.

David grasped his hand around Arrows right hand with his left as Arrow did the same with her left hand. The Alpha stood before them smiling proudly at his daughter.

“Under our creator, the Moon Goddess Selene, she has bestowed upon us a gift. The Mate Bond. A night where half of our soul becomes one. We are here to show our acceptance and appreciation of her gift to us.” Alpha spoke loudly.

David smiled at Arrow, “I David Merelli, accept the bond given to me by the Goddess. I will cherish the bond always.”

He then bent slightly and brought Arrows wrist to his mouth where his fangs extended. He bit lightly into her wrist causing Arrow to gasp lowly.

David licked the blood from her wrists and released her.

“I Arrow Winsdor, , accept the bond given to me by the Goddess. I will cherish the bond always.”

Arrow then repeated David’s actions. Biting into his wrist to create the temporary mark.

“The marking ritual is now complete. In Honor of my daughters wishes it is time for the Alpha and Luna ceremony.” The Alpha shouted with an open mind link to the pack.

The pack rejoiced in the honor of Arrow finding her mate and all gathered at the hall for the ceremony.

Arrow wore a simple white flowing dress with a red bow. David wore a white dress shirt and black slacks. They stood at the altar beneath the Alpha.

“Do you David Merelli, pledge your loyalty to the Snow Moon Pack? Vow to lead them as those have done before you? Look out for the pack, to protect, and serve as a fearless leader?” Alpha Winsdor asked.

“I Do.” David said with a smile.

“I Alpha Winsdor, accept your pledge to the Snow Moon Pack.” Alpha Winsdor said as he then shook Davids’s hand.

The powers and title of Alpha transferred from Arrow’s father to David. Arrow was feeling so much pride and joy watching the scene before her.

David then approached Arrow for her pledge and vow, or so she thought.

“I Alpha David Merelli, of the Snow Moon Pack, reject you Arrow Winsdor, as my mate and my Luna. I demote you to the status of omega. I sentence you to life within the Pack Cells.” David shouted.

Everyone gasped in horror as Arrow dropped to her knees in tears. She was frozen in shock at David’s words to her.

Strange men came out of the shadows grabbing her and her father. The gathering hall became unhinged. People shouting and screaming at what has occurred. Arrow was being dragged by silver chains that were burning into her skin. The silver weakened her wolf and there was nothing she could do.

They threw her in the cell as if she were nothing more than garbage. In the midst of her heartbreak all she was worried about was her father and what had happened to him.

A few days went by and she never slept, only overcome with guilt and worry. A familiar voice began calling her name. Arrow mustered up the strength to go to the small window in the cell.

“Benett,” she whispered in shock.

“Yes Arrow, I do not know how long I have. His orders are growing stronger somehow. We are unable to reject him as our Alpha. We did manage to help your father escape. I am so sorry, Arrow.” He said before the Alpha command took hold and he left.

“They will no longer be able to speak to you. For every day your father is gone you will be given ten silver lashings. You will only get enough food and water to survive. Good luck.” David spat at her.

This would be her life for the next six years.