The moon hung full and bright above the Great Pack grounds, bathing everything in silver light. Wolves from neighboring packs gathered in a wide circle, murmuring with anticipation.
Tonight was special.
Tonight was Hailey Black's first-shift ceremony—a sacred event honoring her transformation into her wolf. As the daughter of Liam Black, Alpha of the Greatest Pack—the most powerful pack in the entire region, her ceremony drew massive attention.
Hailey stood at the center, her family close behind her: her mother Della Black, powerful and fierce; her brother Jason, already a respected warrior; and Claire, quick-tempered and protective. Their pride wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
Everything should have been perfect.
And then he arrived.
Alpha Ricky Wright of the Blood Sigma Pack stepped through the crowd. His posture was confident, but even his wolves lowered their heads when Liam Black turned to look at him. Blood Sigma was strong, yes—but nothing compared to the domination and respect commanded by Liam's Great Pack.
Hailey inhaled—and froze.
A scent hit her like lightning.
Her wolf rose instantly.
Mate.
Ricky's eyes widened for a moment when he looked at her… then hardened with cold disbelief.
The elder's voice boomed across the clearing.
"The Moon Goddess reveals the mate bond between Hailey Black and Alpha Ricky Wright!"
Gasps echoed around the circle. A powerful Great Pack daughter matched with the Alpha of a lesser pack? Unexpected, but not impossible.
Hailey's heart fluttered with hope.
She stepped toward him—
But he took a step back.
"Hailey Black," Ricky said loudly, voice slicing through the ceremony, "I reject you as my mate."
The crowd fell silent.
Hailey felt her smile collapse. Her wolf whimpered in shock and betrayal.
Ricky's voice grew more cutting.
"You are ordinary. Weak. A Luna must be strong. My pack deserves a leader who can command respect. You can't even shift yet."
Jason stepped forward instantly, fury blazing in his eyes.
"Say that again," he growled, "and see how fast you lose your teeth."
Della Black's aura exploded like wildfire.
"You dare insult my daughter at her ceremony?" she roared.
Ricky did not even glance at her.
"I will not mate someone unworthy. Blood Sigma cannot be led by a fragile Luna."
Liam Black—Alpha of the strongest pack alive—stepped forward. His dominance hit the clearing like a thunderclap. Several Blood Sigma wolves dropped to their knees under the pressure.
Ricky stiffened, struggling to remain standing.
"You speak boldly for someone who leads a pack weaker than mine," Liam said, eyes cold. "And you insult my daughter in my territory?"
Ricky swallowed but did not back down.
"My rejection stands."
Hailey's breath trembled. Her heart cracked.
But she lifted her chin.
"If you reject me," she whispered, voice shaking but proud, "I accept the rejection."
The moment she said it—pain slammed into her chest like claws tearing through her heart. Her wolf howled in pain, and her body collapsed to the ground.
"Hailey!" Claire cried, dropping beside her.
Her bones began to twist. Her skin glowed.
The shift had begun.
"She's shifting early," Della whispered, voice breaking. "From heartbreak."
Hailey's scream turned into a howl as her wolf burst free—silver fur glowing under the moon, larger and more powerful than anyone imagined.
Gasps rippled through the gathering.
Jason whispered, stunned,
"She's… magnificent."
Claire's voice trembled,
"She's stronger than any of us."
Even Liam Black stared at his daughter with awe.
"She was never weak," he murmured. "The Moon Goddess blessed her beyond any Luna."
Ricky's eyes widened—not with pride, but with sudden regret.
He had rejected a wolf more powerful than he could ever understand.
Hailey, in wolf form, lifted her head and let out a howl—part agony, part promise.
Ricky Wright had made the biggest mistake of his life.
And the world would soon learn:
Hailey Black was destined not just to be a Luna.
She was destined to reshape the entire region.