Howling at the Moon (Sample)

(flashback)

I stared at the girl whose smell intoxicated me. She was beautiful no doubt, but something was not right. It seems the woman across the field looks to court you. My best friend, Kiyiya said.

It would seem she is my mate. I said turning to Kiyiya who jumped my and down laughing joyously. Her dress crumpling and her petticoat showing. She fixed it as she pushed me along. Youve found her and your over here with me? Go speak with her Channing. She said, practically glowing.

I approached her with caution. Mate she said smiling. My name is Aniya Smith. She said bowing her head. Channing Parker. I murmured. Her hair was platinum blonde and had blue eyes. She held out her hand for me to shake and grasped it in my huge palm. She was sturdy and thin but somehow her hand didnt feel tiny and sparks flew across my skin.

Something didnt feel right. I looked back to see Kiyiya talking with a warrior of the pack. A growl rumbled through me. Is something the matter Channing? Aniya asked. Somehow, even with this beautiful woman holding my hand, I still felt jealousy flood through me when another male touched Kiyiya.

Maybe we love Kiyiya..? my wolf murmured. I thoroughly agreed with him and turned back to my mate. Yes, something is wrong and Im really sorry for this but Im in love with someone else. I said pulling my hand from hers. I, Channing Parker, reject you, Aniya Smith, as my mate. I said. Her face fell and she shook her head. I guess mates arent for everyone are they? she asked lowly. I shook my head. Im sorry. I said before jogging back across the field into the forest.

I could hear her foot falls as she followed me, calling my name. Channing? I turned. You rejected her? she asked, worry written over her face. What are you thinking? Your will never find anyone as perfect for you as she was. Why would you throw that away? she asked. You wouldnt understand Kiyiya. Your only fourteen, and only a beta. I said just knowing she would get angry.

So what Channing?! Your only two years older and not even Alpha yet. She yelled. I loved it when she got angry, her cheeks would colour and her face would scrunch up. I knew I loved her, I also knew I wasnt supposed to.

(Six Months Later)

Unlike her mother and father, she did not wear black to the funeral of her older brother and my best friend. Instead she wore a flowing floral dress that hugged her torso and flowed to her knees and her best accessory; her smile. It puzzled me why she just did not care for her brothers death but around her family I dared not to ask. Yet once we were alone against a tree at the lake I gave into the need to know.

Why do you not mourn for your familys loss? I asked. She smiled even more brightly than before.

Mourning is for those who will miss. I must be going Channing.

She sprinted off and her dress flowed out behind her and that was when I vowed to be there for her every step of the way so she didnt have to hold such secrets. So she didnt have to shut anyone out.

Especially me.

(The Year After)

Channing!! she screamed as I caught her in my embrace. Youre an Alpha! her smile always intoxicated me and I felt my breath hitch. Your Alpha. I added to her and her smile widened. Oh so I should curtsey? she asked lowering herself as she curtseyed in front of me. I lifted her and shook my head. Never bow to me Kiyiya. Dont ever think that you are lower than me I whispered and her cheeks coloured.

So, why did you wish to meet me at the lake? she asked.

It was time. In six months time, she would find her mate, and live her life without realising that I loved her. Two years ago, I rejected my mate Aniya. Every moment it has come up in conversation you have wished to know that reason and I finally shall tell you Kiyiya. I said cradling her face in my hands. I love you, Kiyiya. I always have and I always will. I love you. I whispered.

And finally I closed the distance between our lips. And she finally kissed me back. And I felt the fireworks I had been waiting for my entire life.

(Present day)

The pack gathered in the main field waiting for the coming of age ceremony. We had a coming of age ceremony for most high ranking members and anyone else that wanted one.

It was moments before the ceremony was to begin that I saw Kiyiyas mother Cecilia stalking towards me. It would comfort me so, if the Alpha could explain as to why my daughter trails such a scent she said bowing her head as a sign of respect. Her voice and movement sent signals of respect but the words and her tone fought the all the respect she was showing. My wolf growled inside and I didnt even try to explain.

Your daughter is of age and what she does behind closed doors is not of your concern. I said, venom dripping from my voice. It was not your place to snatch her innocence from her mate. She whispered in a deathly tone which made the hair on my neck stand up.

I may explain this only once and only once miss Lennyion; one, I did not snatch anything from anyone. Two, her innocence was not taken from her mate, it was hers from her. I could hear my wolfs authority touching my voice as I uttered to the woman.

You will not touch her again Channing Parker, you are not her mate! she breathed.

I understood that she was the mother of a young woman who just lost her innocence before finding her mate. Its a lot to handle and grasp at first but I didnt understand how she could provoke an Alpha like she was.

Dont forget who you are addressing Miss Lennyion. I growled and several heads turned our way. Talk to me like that, you may just find your self facing banishment from Blue Moon territory and become a rogue. I said before turning and walking from her.

I searched for Kiyiyas blonde hair amongst the people waiting. Some were chatting and others simply waiting. I saw her waiting for waiting at the edge of the platform waiting for the ceremony to start. I approached her and breathed in deeply but realised she no longer held my scent. Suddenly I noticed the worried expression plastered on her face.

What is it Kiyiya? I asked her as her beautiful brown eyes widened. Oh Channing, what must people think of me when they smell your scent on my skin. She whispered and my heart broke at every word as I shook my head. They cant my sweet Kiyiya, your dearest mother must have made sure of that. I said and she sighed in what seemed like relief.

Something about not being able to smell my scent on her made my stomach churn. I wanted people to think she was mine even if she wasnt. I pushed those thoughts away and focused on the task at hand; letting her go.

Are you ready? I asked her but found myself surprised when she shook her head. I can smell him Channing. How can I be the perfect mate if my heart belongs to another? she asked, a tear slipping from the corner of her eye. You can do this my love. I believe in you. I answered, wiping away the tear from her face and without any further ado her parents flanked her and we stepped onto the platform to begin the ceremony.

The pack hushed when they realised that we were beginning and I addressed the crowd in my alpha voice as it boomed across the field. We all know why we are here today; your beta is coming of age. So please stand quietly as Miss Kiyiya Imogen Lennyion seeks to find her mate. I said trying to smile.

I stepped to the side and watched at my dear Kiyiya sought to find her forever.

At first she stood deathly still, her eyes closed before they opened and she took a hesitant step backwards. I looked out to the sea of hair and heads and glared as one man sauntered forward.

Phelan was my best warrior. He was fierce and smart when it came to the battle field and as he stepped forward it appeared he was also the mate to my beloved Kiyiya as well.

I watched as Lowells face fell. I couldnt blame him either. His daughter was destined to mate with the packs biggest asshole. And thats just it, if the whole pack made a body, he would be either the dick because of his undying obsession with sex, or he would be the asshole because he was a shitty person.

I watched Kiyiyas eyes drop and travel across the ground and up to my face where I saw the plea in her eyes.

He would hurt her.

I couldnt help her until after it happened.