Chapter 3 3

Elena Winslow

As I walked with other girls toward the center of the forest, someone caught my attention. He was incredibly handsome, much older than me, with long black hair, dark eyes, very tall, and masculine. Completely different from my ex-husband. He had an irresistible charm. He was Alpha Zane Quimby.

We had seen each other a few times at certain meetings, but I had never truly participated in any of them since I hadn't awakened my wolf yet. This was the second time I had seen him up close, and now, I would become part of the pack.

"New members, step forward," one of the wolves beside the Alpha commanded.

The rest of us and I approached slowly. In the heart of the sacred forest, under the silver cloak of the full moon, we gathered to begin the wolf awakening ritual.

The scent of nature surrounded the clearing as anticipation hung in the air. Kneeling beside the others, I looked up at the Alpha and the other wolves.

The elders' necklaces, as well as the majestic adornment worn by Zane, were carefully placed on an ancient tree trunk. The atmosphere was thick with energy, and everyone awaited the start of the ritual.

The pack's matriarch, a she-wolf, began to sing an ancestral song known to all the wolves present. Her melody echoed through the trees, resonating with tradition and a deep connection to nature.

We were all kneeling around the trunk. At that moment, I felt a mix of anxiety and nervousness but tried to relax. When I looked at the elder, he began to recite the words of the oath, and we repeated them in unison.

"We swear to obey the Alpha's orders, uphold the pack's traditions, and never disobey. In the name of the moon and the pack, we shall be one," we said in unison, looking into each face present.

With the oath complete, the wolves placed necklaces around our necks-a symbol that we were now part of the pack.

The song continued to echo, and the full moon, a silent witness, poured its light over all of us. The other new members and I began to feel a change-something different within our bodies, a transformation on the horizon.

The agony began as our bodies shifted, bones realigning and pain ripping through our skin. I lowered my head, feeling the pain linger, as if I were dying from it. Screams echoed through the forest, mine included.

I began to sweat, my hands grasping the cool earth, trying to hold on to something to lessen the pain, but it was futile.

I panted harder with each passing moment, feeling my bones break. My mother's soft voice echoed in my mind, encouraging me to be strong and focus on positive thoughts. Despite the pain, I persevered.

"I can do this..." I thought, squeezing my eyes shut and concentrating.

My skin tore, and as I looked down, I saw sharp claws and pointed fangs.

"I did it." A relieved smile spread across my lips as the pain subsided.

The reflection in the nearby lake revealed my glowing pink eyes, making me unique in that moment. The transformation was complete.

Everyone stood up, now wolves in their true forms. The celebration began, and the sacred forest bore witness to the pack's unity under the full moonlight.

Once we shifted back to human form, I sat with the others to eat. After finishing, I wandered over to the lake, appreciating the beauty of nature.

"Welcome, Elena."

The firm, velvety voice of Zane startled me. I turned to him and forced a smile.

As I looked at his face, a faint memory of him from my past life surfaced. He was the man my ex-husband hated so much. Our packs had been enemies for many years. I often heard Cassius talk about him, about how much he despised him, how he wanted to destroy him. But I couldn't recall ever speaking to Zane in my previous life.

I quickly glanced at his face and then looked away, awkwardly focusing on the ground.

"Thank you, Alpha," I said, feeling a bit shy.

When I looked back into his eyes, I realized he wasn't like my ex-husband. He was serious yet welcoming, gentle-something I wasn't used to.

He stepped closer, standing in front of me, and spoke.

"The first time I saw you, your beauty moved me, Elena."

As he said this, my eyes widened, and he smiled at me-a stunning smile, no less.

His compliment made my heart flutter a little, but not like it had before. I felt something I had never experienced in my life-something good.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I returned his smile. The Alpha moved even closer but then turned his gaze to the moon, admiring it.

"I'm flattered, Alpha."

I continued looking at him until he turned back to me and extended a drink, which I hadn't noticed in his hand.

"This drink is warm. It's a bit chilly, so it will keep you warm. Enjoy the rest of the night. I'm sure you'll get to know everyone well soon."

I took the cup from his hand and thanked him.

"Thank you very much. I hope I get along with everyone," I said awkwardly. Zane nodded and walked away, joining the other wolves.

I stayed alone for a while, admiring the moon and taking deep breaths. I wasn't sure what had happened, but my heart raced wildly in his presence.