Chapter 1 Hours Left

Vanessa's POV

Today is the day. My eighteenth birthday.

As the sunlight filters through my curtains, I stretch and exhale slowly, my heart hammering with a mix of excitement and nerves. Tonight, everything changes. I'll finally get my wolf and become a full werewolf. The thought fills me with an uncontainable giddiness, and a wide grin spreads across my face. I wonder what my wolf will look like-dark brown like Dad's, strong and commanding, or golden like Mom's, radiant and graceful? The possibilities whirl in my mind, making my stomach flutter.

Mom and Dad will be so proud. I can already picture their faces, filled with pride and love, as they see me shift for the first time.

Oh! How rude of me-I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Vanessa Novastra, daughter of Lucian and Victoria Novastra, the Alpha and Luna of the Moonlight Pack. Not to brag, but being their daughter means expectations run high, and tonight, I plan to exceed them.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I spring to my feet. There's no time to waste. I run into the shower, cleaning up rather speedily and bounce out. I throw on my favorite sundress-light and flowy, yet elegant-and rush to tame my bedhead in the mirror. After brushing my hair and applying some lip balm, I'm ready. Today needs no embellishment; it's already perfect.

Bounding down the stairs two steps at a time, I catch the faint sound of voices coming from the dining room. Mom and Dad must be talking about the preparations for tonight. As I step into the room, their hushed tones and serious expressions immediately catch my attention.

Dad leans against the table, his brow furrowed, while Mom sits with her hands clasped tightly, her golden eyes clouded with concern. Whatever they're discussing feels heavy, but the moment they notice me, it's as if someone flipped a switch.

Dad's face transforms, his frown replaced by a warm, commanding smile that I've always admired. Mom's eyes brighten, and she rises gracefully from her chair, her earlier worry melting into the radiant warmth I've known my entire life.

"There's our birthday girl," Dad says, his deep voice filled with pride. He opens his arms wide, and I rush into his embrace, his scent-earthy and comforting-wrapping around me like a shield.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Mom murmurs as she joins the hug, her voice soft and soothing. For a moment, everything feels perfect, like the world outside this room doesn't exist.

"Thank you," I say, grinning ear to ear. "I can't wait for tonight. Are the preparations going well?"

"Everything is on track," Dad assures me, his hand resting protectively on my shoulder. "But what about you? Are you ready for this?"

"Ready?" I repeat, my excitement bubbling over. "I've been dreaming of this day for as long as I can remember. I'm more than ready."

Mom chuckles, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I still can't believe my little girl is turning eighteen. Tonight, you'll discover who you truly are, Vanessa. And no matter what, we'll always be proud of you."

Her words touch something deep within me, a mixture of joy and longing. This ceremony isn't just about getting my wolf; it's about stepping into a new chapter of my life, one where I'll finally stand tall beside my parents as their equal.

"I won't let you down," I say, my voice steady despite the lump forming in my throat.

Dad's smile widens, and he squeezes my shoulder gently. "We never doubted you for a second, little pup."

"I'm not a pup anymore, I'm a grown wolf," I said half jokingly while pouting.

"Yeah, but you'll always be my little pup." I couldn't refute that, not that I minded. I feel so grateful to have parents who love me this much.

As we sit down for breakfast, I can't help but feel like tonight will mark the beginning of something extraordinary-something that will change everything.

~~~~

As I sliced into my breakfast, the delicious aroma of eggs and toast filling the air, I glanced at my parents. Something about their earlier conversation lingered in my mind. Their lighthearted demeanor now felt like a thin veil over something heavier.

"So," I ventured casually between bites, "did something happen with the pack? You both seemed... tense earlier."

The shift was immediate. Dad's hand paused midair, and Mom's soft smile faltered just enough for me to notice. Her golden eyes darted to Dad before she turned to me, her fingers brushing against my cheek in that familiar comforting way.

"It's nothing serious, sweetie," she said, her tone soothing but not quite convincing.

I tilted my head, narrowing my eyes slightly. She was good at deflecting, but I wasn't easily fooled. Still, I let it slide-for now. "Alright," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "If you say so."

Despite the unease tugging at the edge of my thoughts, I decided to focus on the day ahead. Tonight was about celebration, not worry. I quickly polished off my breakfast and stood, gathering the plates.

"Thanks, Mom, Dad," I said, flashing them a quick smile. "I've got to run. Susan and I are going shopping for my dress."

Dad raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into an amused smirk. "Shopping now? Cutting it a little close, aren't you?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Not my fault! We've both been busy. It's the only time we could manage."

Mom chuckled, her melodic laugh easing some of the tension in the room. "Well, you better hurry before all the good dresses are gone. Just don't rush too much-you know how you get when you're flustered."

Grabbing my purse from the counter, I moved toward the door. "I'll be fine, Mom. Susan and I have a plan. Sort of."

"Honey, where are you rushing off to?" Mom called, her voice warm and teasing.

"Dress shopping," I replied, pausing at the door.

"Alright, take care, darling. Love you."

"Love you too, Mom!"

"And what about me?" Dad chimed in, his deep voice laced with mock hurt as he crossed his arms and pouted dramatically.

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling out of me as Mom joined in. "Love you too, Dad," I said, grinning. "Bye, both of you!"

As I stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted me, refreshing and full of promise. Glancing back, I caught a glimpse of my parents standing together in the doorway, their expressions soft and full of love. That image stayed with me as I walked away, their smiles sparking one of my own.