1

Jane

Last month, my mom sewed a simple sundress and folded it neatly for me. It felt silky and had the prettiest colors, but I didn’t put it on until today because today is a special day.

The dress envelops me like a gentle breeze, accentuating every curve. I wonder how my mom got my measurements so perfectly. When I twirl in my room, the hem of the dress sways gracefully, and my auburn hair, styled in a neat ponytail, joins in the dance.

Even the sandals I’m wearing are new; my mom bought them from the local market.

My lips curl into a smile, satisfied with how pretty I look. But there’s a knot in my stomach, tightened by nerves. Today is the happiest day of my life, the day I get to meet my fated mate, yet my anxiety is getting the best of me.

Our pack is celebrating today, and alphas from different packs have been invited. It’s a mating ball where unmated werewolf alphas get the chance to meet their mates, and it happens once a year. It will also be my chance to meet mine finally.

I was born into a werewolf family, and my father is the beta of the Red Moon Pack. As prestigious as that sounds, it hasn’t been easy for me. As the only daughter of the beta, there are a lot of eyes on me—a lot of expectations.

I’m expected to have a wolf by now, to be a future female beta, but I’ve remained a clumsy, wolf-less girl. At least, that’s how the members of the pack see me. And they bully me for it. Despite being the beta’s daughter, they poke, shove, point, laugh, and curse at me.

So, of course, I have no friends, and my father sees me as a disgrace. I’m the 18-year-old infamous werewolf without a wolf, and he hates me for it. All he wants is a strong daughter who will take over when he can no longer serve as the pack’s beta. And he doesn’t see that daughter in me. When he looks at me, sometimes with a frown, other times with a cold glare, all I see is disappointment in his eyes. Maybe his disappointment will end when I finally meet my mate—the one who will turn my life around in a good way.

If my mate turns out to be strong and respected, perhaps my father will finally see me as valuable. Maybe, just maybe, he will look at me with pride instead of disdain.

Since my early teenage days, I have wanted nothing more than to meet my mate. I have the hopeful thought that he will make my wolf awaken when he marks me. Our mate bond will unleash my wolf’s side. And even though there is no guarantee of it, I still hold on to that thought.

My mother has always been there for me, grooming me and teaching me about my mate—a mate who will love and cherish me. A mate who will accept me for who I am and embrace my flaws with a warm heart.

I’ve had enough criticism and bullying to last a lifetime, and I don’t think I can take more of it. I pray for a mate who will show me nothing but unadulterated love, and I believe the ever-kind moon goddess will grant me this wish. As I stand here in my beautiful dress, I can’t help but hope that today marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where I am no longer a source of shame but a cherished and respected member of the pack.

“Jane,” my mother knocks on my door. “Are you in there?”

“Yes, Mother. I’m coming.” I rush to open the door.

My mother is all dressed up, and she glances at my sundress. I notice a small smile on her face—a hint of pride.

“What are you doing?” she asks. “Why aren’t you downstairs yet?”

“I’ll be down in a minute. I still need to fix my hair,” I say hurriedly, feeling nervous again.

She notices the discomfort on my face and cups it with her hands.

“Jane, what’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?”

“No, Mom. I’m fine, just—” How can I tell her that I’m afraid?

“Aren’t you happy that you’re finally meeting your mate today?”

“Of course I am, Mother. I’m the happiest girl on earth. I hope the moon goddess blesses me with a mate,” I force a smile.

“Sure, you will, sweetheart. I’m sure you will meet your destined mate, who will love and cherish you,” she says.

Hearing her say those words so firmly chases away my doubts. I feel confident again, all thanks to her.

“Thanks, Mother.” I smile and give her a quick hug.

“Now... go finish up quickly. You don’t want to miss the celebration. I will be waiting for you downstairs. Don’t take too long, alright?”

I nod. When she leaves, I close the door and hurry back to my full-length mirror. I take a deep breath, bracing myself for tonight.

It’s okay, Jane. You’ll be fine.

“Jane,” my mother calls again.

“Coming!” I do one last quick twirl and scurry downstairs to meet my mother.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” my mother compliments me as I reach the bottom of the stairs.

“Thanks, Mother,” I giggle, linking my arm with hers. We head out of the house and arrive at the ball a few minutes later.

The enormous hall is beautifully decorated, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, glowing like the moon, and the air is filled with the soft hum of conversations and the occasional burst of laughter. The scent of fresh flowers mingles with the aroma of delicious food, creating an inviting yet elegant ambiance. Music from a live orchestra gently echoes through the hall, adding to the enchantment of the evening.

The she-wolves are clad in their fanciest dresses, smiling and giggling among themselves, and their makeup is done beautifully. I don’t have a fancy dress or any makeup, but my sundress is more than enough for me. All I want to do tonight is meet my destined mate.

The mated alphas have their tables on one side of the hall, where they sit with their Lunas, and the unmated alphas have their tables on the other side. The unmated she-wolves at the party are bubbling with excitement.

Soon, our Alpha makes his grand entrance with his Luna, and they go to their seats. My father sits beside the Alpha since he is the beta of the pack.

My gaze lands on one of the unmated alphas. I wish to know more about this remarkable alpha. He is perfectly made, so beautiful that it makes me jealous.

How can a man be so perfect and, at the same time, so beautiful? Is he my mate? I don’t know, since I have no wolf, but he couldn’t be. He seems like a powerful man.

I doubt such a man would be mated with someone like me. Maybe I am just drawn to him because of his stunning looks.

“What’s wrong? Who are you staring at?” my mother demands, interrupting me.

“Nothing. I just feel a bit attracted to that man over there,” I answer, pointing at the Alpha.

“Will you stop it, Jane? Do you know who that alpha is?” she yells. Why is she angry? “He is the most notorious and ruthless alpha in history. You don’t want to provoke the beast in him.”

But he doesn’t look cruel or ruthless. With his looks, he could be an actual angel from heaven. But then again, they did say looks can be deceiving, right?

“Don’t ever point at anyone again,” Mother adds. “If I were you, I would focus on finding my mate.”

“I’m sorry, Mother,” I mutter.

Soon, my mother’s friends drag her away, leaving me all alone. I roam around in search of my mate.

The sweet aroma of food infiltrates my nostrils, and my stomach rumbles in hunger, so I go to indulge in some snacks, still admiring the aesthetics of the hall.

Without looking where I’m going, I bump into a hard chest. I almost fall, but a firm hand catches my wrist.

“Watch where you’re going.”

The voice is a deep baritone, and soon the firm hand lets go of me.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize, quickly stepping away from him, feeling the sensation of his touch.

My mind races with conflicting emotions as I try to make sense of what just happened. Part of me is drawn to his touch, craving more, while another part is filled with confusion.

Is he my mate? Is he the one? I look up to see who saved me from falling, finding his dark, brooding eyes locked on mine. I let out a soft gasp. He’s the alpha my mother just warned me about.