Chapter 1 MATE 🌖

Tonight was a night to remember in the kingdom of Silver Moon pack..

The full moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the town. The air was alive with the howling of wolves, their haunting cries echoing through the streets.

It was a special celebration, one where the pack members would shift into their wolf forms and roam the town, letting their wild side shine. Lysander sighed sadly, his eyes fixed on the ceiling of his small bedroom. He lay on his bed, feeling bored and alone. He couldn't dare to go out and join the celebration.

As an omega, the lowest rank in the pack, he wasn't welcome among the others. They would mock him, tease him, and maybe even hurt him. "Lysander," he heard, and a small smile played on his lips as he saw his father approaching. His father's footsteps were light, but Lysander's ears picked up the sound easily. "Welcome back," Lysander said gently, sitting up on his bed. His father smiled wearily, his eyes tired from a long day of work. "Why aren't you outside?" his father asked, sitting beside him on the bed. "It's a full moon night. Everyone's out celebrating." He added. Lysander shrugged. "I am not going. What will I be doing there, Father? You can go and have fun. I'll be okay alone here." He said. His father sighed, his eyes filled with concern. "You're missing out on the pack's traditions, Lysander. It's a time for us to connect with our wolves and with each other. Your brothers are having fun already" He said. Lysander looked away, feeling a pang of sadness. He knew his father was right, but he couldn't bring himself to join the others. Not when he was so different from them. "I won't be going too," his father finally said, standing up. "I have to be at the palace very early tomorrow morning anyway. I'll be in my room if you need anything." He added. He is actually a cleaner at the palace. Lysander nodded, watching as his father left. He lay back down on the bed, feeling the weight of his loneliness. The howling of wolves outside seemed to grow louder, a reminder of everything he was missing out on. As he closed his eyes, memories flooded his mind. He had always loved a private life, content to spend his days alone, reading and exploring the woods.

Two years ago, he was virtually invisible, and he liked it that way. But everything changed on his eighteenth birthday, when he was supposed to shift into his wolf form for the very first time. It didn't happen. Rumors spread quickly through the pack, and soon everyone knew that Lysander was different.

He was weak, unable to shift, and that made him a target for bullying. The other pack members would tease him, call him names, and sometimes even hurt him. Lysander couldn't defend himself, couldn't fight back. He was just too weak. He didn't know much about his wolf, hadn't even sensed its presence. It was as if he was just a human, without any connection to the supernatural world around him. Lysander's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his father's footsteps outside his room. He heard the creak of the door, and then his father's soft voice. "Lysander, are you okay? Do you need anything?" Lysander opened his eyes, feeling a surge of gratitude towards his father. "I'm fine, Father. Just trying to sleep." His father nodded, his face lit by the moonlight streaming through the window. "Okay, son. Get some rest. We'll talk in the morning." Lysander watched as his father left, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. He closed his eyes again, letting the sound of the wolves howling outside lull him into a restless sleep. As he drifted off, Lysander's mind wandered to the future. What would happen to him? Would he ever find his place in the pack? Or would he always be an outcast, a weak omega who couldn't even shift into his wolf form? The questions swirled in his mind, but Lysander couldn't find any answers. All he could do was wait and see what the future held. . . . Astra walked through the large temple, her two best friends behind her. The people they passed bowed and waved, and Astra kept a bright smile on her face. She looked stunning, and her friends couldn't help but notice. As they arrived at the altar, Astra bent down to place the contents of her hand on the sculpture of the Moon Goddess. Her friends followed suit, and they all closed their eyes in reverence. After a moment of silence, they stood up and started leaving the temple. "What did you wish for?" one of her friends asked as they walked out. "I know," the other friend chimed in, and Astra faced her with a smile. "What is it?" "Your eighteenth birthday is in two days, which means you'll be having your first transformation and getting your mate soon," her friend said. "I know you wish Kieran will be your mate." She added. Astra's smile grew wider. "Why did you think I'd wish for that?" She asked. "Because he's your boyfriend, you both are in love, and he's the Beta's son," her friend replied. "He's strong and powerful, and the right person to become the future Alpha." The other friend added. Astra nodded, her smile still radiant. "That's exactly what I wish for, and I'll be glad if that works out." She said. As they walked, they started hearing murmurs from the crowd. "Look, your man is here," one of her friends said, and Astra turned to see Kieran entering the temple. He was handsome, with a smile on his face, and he greeted everyone respectfully. "Your parents like him so much" Her friend saos while watching as the Alpha and Luna were hugging him. "Yeah" Astra smile. "All you have to wait for is when he will become your mate" the other friend said. Astra's friends watched as Kieran approached them with a smile. "You should have fun with your man," they said, before leaving the two alone. Kieran went to meet Astra and grabbed her hand, taking her to a private place. He immediately kissed her, and Astra responded eagerly. Soon, he broke the kiss and hugged her tightly. "I've been thinking about your birthday," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want to make it special for you." Astra smiled, feeling happy and loved. "I'm a little worried, what if you aren't my mate?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Kieran looked into her eyes, his gaze intense. "We'll face that together," he said. "I love you, and I want to be with you, no matter what." Astra's heart swelled with emotion, and she hugged him tightly. "I love you too, very much," she said, feeling grateful for his love and support. . . . .

TWO DAYS LATER

Lysander walked toward the school, his eyes scanning the crowded hallways with a mix of caution and fear. He wore a hoodie to cover his face, trying to blend in with the other students. His steps were quick and nervous, his heart racing with every step. He knew he was taking a risk by coming to this school, but he had no other choice. As he turned a corner, he was suddenly surrounded by a group of boys. They were tall and muscular, their faces twisted with cruel smiles. "Think we won't recognize you, loser?" one of them sneered, his voice dripping with malice. Lysander tried to step back, but they closed in around him. "Can you please just let me go?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. But they didn't listen. The boys charged at him, their fists flying. Lysander tried to defend himself, but he was no match for their strength. He stumbled backward, his vision blurring as their blows landed on his face and body. He managed to push one of them away and took off running, his legs pumping as he sprinted down the corridor.

The boys quickly shifted into their wolf forms, their howls echoing through the hallways as they pursued him. Lysander ran as fast as he could, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The students around him parted, watching with a mixture of fear and indifference. No one dared to intervene, knowing that these boys were the sons of the palace ministers and Kieran, the beta's son, was their leader. Lysander's heart sank as he realized he was being hunted. He spotted a door and quickly slipped inside, closing it behind him. He leaned against the door, panting heavily, and listened as the boys sped past, their howls fading into the distance. As he caught his breath, he noticed that he wasn't alone in the room. A girl was dancing in front of a large mirror, her movements graceful and fluid. She was lost in her own world, oblivious to his presence. Lysander tried to sneak back out, not wanting to disturb her, but her melodious voice stopped him. "Why are you here?" she asked, her voice gentle but curious. Lysander turned to face her, and his breath caught in his throat. She was even more beautiful up close, her features delicate and refined. He felt a flutter in his chest, and his words hung in his throat. "I was lost," he stammered. "I...I didn't mean to intrude." The girl's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze piercing. "You could get punished if you're seen here," she said. "You should get out." Lysander nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Sure, thanks," he said, turning to leave. But the girl's voice called out to him again. "Hey." He turned back, and she approached him with a handkerchief. She gently cleaned the bruises on his face, her touch soft and soothing. Lysander felt a shiver run down his spine as he stared at her, mesmerized. "You shouldn't let anyone bully you," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. Lysander felt a lump form in his throat as he gazed at her. He was tempted to touch her cheeks, to feel the softness of her skin. But he restrained himself, muttering a quick "thanks" before turning to leave. As he stepped out of the room, he saw Kieran approaching, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the door Lysander had just exited. Lysander quickly hid at a corner, watching as Kieran entered the same room he had just left. Lysander's heart sank as he wondered what Kieran wanted with the girl.

He waited until Kieran disappeared into the room before emerging from his hiding spot. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he had stumbled into something much bigger than himself. As he walked away, he couldn't stop thinking about the girl. Who was she? Why was Kieran visiting her? And what was the connection between them? Lysander's mind was filled with questions, but he had no answers. He entered his classroom, his eyes scanning the room for an empty seat. He spotted one and quickly took it, trying to blend in with the other students. But his mind kept wandering back to the girl, her beautiful face etched in his memory like a gentle breeze on a summer day. The rest of the day passed in a blur as Lysander's thoughts remained with the mysterious girl. He wondered if he would ever see her again, if he would ever get the chance to talk to her, to learn more about her. . . . THE PALACE Alpha Wynter leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he listened to the ministers' concerns. The Beta, standing beside him, watched the discussion with a keen eye. "I don't think we should allow the omegas at the school anymore," Minister Thorold said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Our pups are complaining about being taught alongside them." Alpha Wynter raised an eyebrow. "And what, exactly, is the problem with the omegas being educated alongside the other pups?" He asked. Minister Thorold hesitated before responding, "Well, they're just so... inferior. It's beneath us to be teaching them the same things." He said. The Alpha's expression turned stern. "As long as I am the alpha, the omegas will be treated equally to others, no matter what you say. They have just as much right to an education as any other member of the pack." He said. Minister Ragnar spoke up, his voice laced with condescension. "But, Alpha, they're already growing too powerful. You're being too lenient with them. What if they become a threat to our dominance?" He asked. Alpha Wynter's gaze narrowed. "I will not tolerate any discussion of persecution or marginalization of our omega members. They are part of this pack, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity." He said. "But....." The Beta cleared his throat, intervening before the ministers could respond. "I think we've discussed this topic sufficiently, and his majesty has said his word, Alpha. Perhaps we could move on to other matters?" He asked with a bow. The Alpha nodded, and the meeting continued, with the ministers reluctantly dropping the subject. Once the discussion was concluded, Alpha Wynter dismissed the council. As the ministers filed out, the Beta fell into step beside them. "Let's discuss the plan," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. The ministers gathered around him, their faces eager as they find a secretive place to stand. "So, how is the plan going?" Minister Thorold asked. The Beta smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "My son has finally caught the princess's attention. Soon, they'll be married, and-" "But what if they're not mates?" Minister Ragnar interrupted. "The Alpha may not allow them to marry." The Beta chuckled. "Trust me, the Alpha always follows my word because he trusts me the most. He'll allow the marriage, and after that... well, let's just say that my son will be taking over as the new Alpha because we will be getting rid of the Alpha and his family." He said. The ministers exchanged sly glances, their faces twisted in cruel smiles. "And when that happens, we'll finally be able to achieve our aim: a pack without the useless omegas," Minister Thorold said, his voice dripping with malice. The group erupted into laughter, their voices echoing off the walls. Lysander's father, Blackwood, stood frozen in the doorway, his eyes wide with shock. He had returned to the store room to retrieve a cleaning bucket he had forgotten earlier. Now, he wished he hadn't overheard the conversation. The Beta's words hung in the air, taunting him: "a pack without the useless omegas." Blackwood felt a cold dread creeping up his spine. He knew he had to get out of there. He slowly backed away, trying not to make a sound. But as he turned to leave, his foot creaked on the floorboards. The Beta's head snapped towards him, his eyes narrowing. "Ah, Blackwood," the Beta said, his voice dripping with false warmth. "What brings you here?" Blackwood bowed low, trying to hide his trembling hands. "I-I was just returning the cleaning equipment, sir. I didn't mean to intrude." The Beta's gaze lingered on him, suspicion etched on his face. "Very well. You may leave." He said. Blackwood beat a hasty retreat, his heart pounding in his chest. The Beta watched Blackwood leave, his eyes narrowing. "Do you think he heard what we said?" Minister Thorold asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The Beta's smile was cold and calculating. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." He said. As the ministers dispersed, the Beta's mind was already racing with plans to eliminate any potential threats to their scheme. He knew that Blackwood had overheard something, but he wasn't sure how much. Either way, it didn't matter. The Beta had a plan in place to deal with any potential witnesses. Little did he know, Lysander's life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would change the course of his destiny forever. . . . Lysander lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as Sage entered the room. "Hey, what's up?" Sage asked, his voice casual. He is Lysander older brother. Lysander shrugged, not looking up. "Nothing." Sage's eyes scanned the room before landing on Lysander's face. His expression turned stern as he took in the bruises. "How long is this going to continue?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Lysander finally looked up, a hint of bitterness in his eyes. "Forever, probably." Sage scoffed, walking over to Lysander's bed. "You have to hang out with them if you want them to leave you alone. Look at me, I hang out with them, and they respect me." He said. Lysander raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic smile on his face. "More like their slave, they send you around." He said. Sage's expression tightened, but he didn't deny it. "At least it's better than being beaten. Get up and dress; we're going to the Alpha's princess party. You should try to talk to people and make friends there." He said. Lysander groaned, rolling over onto his stomach. "Do you think anyone will want to be friends with me?" He asked. Sage's expression softened slightly. "Yeah, there are people who will. So, let's go." He said. Before Lysander could protest further, Sage dragged him up from the bed. Lysander stumbled, his legs protesting after sitting for so long. Sage pushed him toward the bathroom. "Make yourself look good; I'll be waiting outside," Sage said. Lysander leaned against the sink, staring at his reflection in the mirror. The bruises on his face stood out starkly, a reminder of his place in the pack's hierarchy. He didn't want to go to the party, didn't want to face the condescending smiles and snickers. But Sage was already gone, waiting outside for him to get ready. With a sigh, Lysander began to clean up, trying to make himself presentable. As he dressed, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. What if Sage was wrong? What if no one wanted to be friends with him? Lysander pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on getting through the night. He would go to the party, try to make a good impression, and maybe, just maybe, things would start to change. But as he looked at himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but wonder if he was fooling himself. . . Lysander's eyes widened as he entered the huge mansion, overwhelmed by the number of wolves present. The air was filled with laughter and music, and the smell of drinks and food wafted through the air. "There are my guys," Sage said, grinning. "Have fun on your own and make some friends." With that, he went to join a group of boys, leaving Lysander to fend for himself. Lysander scoffed, feeling a bit annoyed. He made his way to a corner of the room, where he sat down and grabbed a drink from the table. As he sipped it gently, he took in the scene before him. Suddenly, a loud howling erupted, followed by applause. Lysander's eyes followed the commotion to the front of the room, where the alpha princess had appeared. Kieran, the beta's son, was standing beside her, holding her hand. Lysander's eyes widened as he recognized the girl from the previous day. She was even more beautiful than he had remembered, and he couldn't believe she was the alpha princess. As he watched, the princess cut a huge cake, and the crowd cheered. Then, she fell to the ground, her bones crunching as she underwent her first transformation. Lysander gasped in shock as she emerged as a beautiful white wolf. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and the princess, now in wolf form, loped away. Lysander smiled gently, feeling a sense of wonder. He looked around, but the princess was nowhere to be seen. He decided to have a little fun at the party, but as he stood up, he saw the group of boys who always bullied him. He quickly made a move to exit the party, but a sweet, enchanting smell caught his nose. His eyes widened as he followed the smell, his heart racing with excitement. The smell grew stronger, and he found himself tracing it to a corridor. He kept going until a door suddenly opened, and Astra came out. Astra had been waiting for Kieran in the room, but as she perceived the same smell, she froze. She saw Lysander standing in front of her, and their eyes met in a moment of pure shock. "Mate," Lysander's wolf voice echoed in his head, the word sending a shiver down his spine. This was the first time his wolf had ever spoken to him, and Lysander felt a mix of emotions: excitement, fear, and confusion. Astra's eyes were wide with shock, her face pale. She stared at Lysander, her mind reeling with the implications of what she was feeling. She had been expecting to find her mate, but she had never expected it to be this boy, this omega who was so far beneath her in social standing. The two of them stood there, frozen in time, their eyes locked on each other. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, and the undeniable connection between them.