## Chapter One: The Dawn of Destiny
The morning of my 21st birthday burst into life like a symphony, each note resonating with the significance of the day. I leaped out of bed, propelled by excitement, and darted into the bathroom before making a beeline for the window. With a flourish, I flung the curtains aside, revealing a stunning late spring morning. The sun had risen a few hours before me, casting a warm glow over the Pack House, where the grass shimmered in a vibrant green that could only be found in early spring.
Outside, farmers busily tended to the fields, planting crops, while squirrels mounted daring assaults on my dad's bird feeders. Though he often grumbled about their antics, I suspected he secretly admired their cleverness and knack for thwarting even the most sophisticated squirrel-proofing attempts.
"Happy Birthday, Tara!!"
The voice startled me so much that I jumped, landing on my backside on the plush beige carpet. What in the world? The sound had seemed to come from inside my head yet felt undeniably real. I wondered if I was losing my mind or if Talia, my older sister, was playing one of her infamous pranks on me. She had a penchant for mischief; once, she had orchestrated a delivery of an Amazon package that followed me home from the bus stop!
Talia possessed special gifts that allowed her to do extraordinary things ordinary werewolves could not, like make Amazon packages follow her sister around. She always used her magic for good... and, of course, to mess with her kid sister. Despite her antics, I loved her dearly. She was not just my sister but my best friend.
My own gift seemed far less exciting—musical talent, which wasn't exactly supernatural. But then it hit me: it was my birthday! Voices in my head… wait a minute, duh! I facepalmed, realizing how I could have overlooked it.
"Are you my wolf?" I asked aloud, only to hear a chuckle in response.
"Yes, I am your wolf, dear Tara. You can speak to me silently; we have a strong bond. My name is Trinity. I am so happy to finally meet you."
Her voice was warm and kind, radiating love that I immediately felt in my heart. I embraced that feeling wholeheartedly. Finally! I had my wolf!
"What a beautiful name," I told her silently, realizing how much this would change my life. I had always been a solitary soul, often feeling lonely, but now I had my wolf. I could hardly wait for my first shift this evening—a rare occurrence, as the full moon coincided with my birthday. Most wolves had to wait for the first full moon after their day.
The ceremony was set to take place in a special clearing at the forest's edge, where all pack members shifted for the first time. I knew a small group had spent the day before decorating the area, making it even more special.
Today was going to be a whirlwind of activity! I dashed into the bathroom, running a bath infused with my favorite coconut and caramel-scented oil. The fragrance transported me back to sun-soaked days at the beach when I was a little pup. A memory surfaced of the time I accidentally filled the bathroom with bubbles while using bubble bath and turning on the jets. My family had erupted with laughter when they found me amidst the frothy chaos. Initially, I was embarrassed but later joined in the laughter, pretending I had planned the bubble explosion all along.
With a bathrobe, my phone, fuzzy pink slippers, yoga pants, and a tank top at the ready for after my soak, my eyes were drawn to the beautiful teal and white dress hanging on my closet door. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of it. My mother had specially made it for me, and I had been longing to wear it for months.
This birthday coincided with another significant event: the annual pack visit from the Lycan King, the ruler of all werewolves and Lycans, our "cousin" species. He was set to arrive shortly before my shift, and the whole pack was buzzing with preparations for a grand celebration, welcoming guests from our pack and allied packs.
I recalled King Maddoc as incredibly handsome, exuding a power and confidence that was somewhat intimidating. I had only one direct interaction with him, which I still remembered vividly. When I was younger, I had wandered away from a party, seeking solace at the piano in the music room.
He had entered quietly, captivated by my playing. I hadn't noticed him at first, lost in the melodies. When I finally caught sight of him, I fell off the bench, and his smile lit up the room. He had complimented my playing, and I had stammered out a flustered introduction.
"Do not fear me; I promise, I do not bite. What is your name, little one?" he had asked, his voice gentle.
"T...Tara, your highness, I am Beta William's pup of the Blue Moon Pack," I had replied, barely able to contain my nerves.
His response was warm and inviting. "Ah, yes! William mentioned having a daughter with musical talent. I am The Lycan King, Alpha Maddoc of the Moon Shadow Lycan Kingdom."
I had been acutely aware of how extraordinary it was to meet the King. He had complimented my playing and promised to return, leaving me in a dreamy daze for weeks. Talia and I had squealed about it later, and I had fallen asleep that night thinking of him, feeling a strange stirring that I was too embarrassed to admit to anyone.
As I soaked in the tub, Trinity and I engaged in a lively conversation, like two best friends who had just reunited. I found comfort in her playful nature, and soon my thoughts drifted back to the Lycan King and the celebration to come. Would he understand that we had to leave the festivities for my shift? Did he know it was my birthday? Would he witness my transformation?
"Tara, I think you have a crush on the Lycan King!" Trinity teased, her laughter ringing in my mind.
"Who doesn't? I bet you'd have a crush on his wolf if you saw him," I shot back, convinced of the truth in my words.
"As if. I want only my fated mate, dear," she huffed.
"As long as it isn't Jake," I said, pushing away thoughts of my stalker, the Alpha-son of the Moonshine Pack. My mind swirled with excitement about my shift, the celebration, and yes, King Maddoc.
Rumor had it that he was still searching for his fated mate, which was one reason for his yearly visits to the packs. These gatherings often led to bonds being formed, and the idea that I could find my mate tonight filled me with a mix of hope and anxiety.
Just then, Trinity chimed in, "And sometimes one might meet a mate who has come of age since the last event!"
"Stop being silly," I retorted, squashing the flutter of hope in my chest. "He would never be interested in a little she-wolf like me."
As I dressed in my comfortable outfit and prepared to head downstairs for breakfast, I reflected on the day ahead. My dad would be busy with pack duties, ensuring security during the King's visit—after all, a King had a target on his back. Trinity's playful quips about the "big bad wolf" had me laughing again.
Breakfast was a lively affair, filled with the scent of fresh pancakes and sizzling bacon wafting through the air. My family greeted me with warm wishes, their smiles brightening the room. Talia, ever the jokester, presented me with a homemade birthday card that was an over-the-top collage of glitter and photoshopped images of me with the Lycan King, which she had labeled "Tara: Future Queen."
"Very funny," I chuckled, rolling my eyes, though secretly, the thought sent a thrill through me. I could hardly believe that I was about to shift for the first time, and the Lycan King would be present.
As we ate, my mind wandered back to the stories I had heard about the Lycan King—the legendary feats of bravery and the challenges he had faced. He was revered among the packs, a figure of strength and leadership. It was said that he had fought for peace among the packs and had a heart as fierce as his wolf.
"Are you excited for tonight?" Talia asked, breaking me from my reverie.
"Excited and a bit nervous," I admitted, glancing at her. "What if I mess up my shift? What if I embarrass myself in front of everyone?"
She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You won't! You'll be amazing. Just remember, you have Trinity by your side. Plus, everyone will be too busy fawning over the King to notice anything else."
I couldn't help but smile at her encouragement. "Thanks, sis. I just hope I don't trip over my own paws or something."
Trinity chimed in, her voice smooth and confident. "You won't. We are a team, remember? You'll be graceful, just like you are at the piano."
Her reassurance filled me with warmth, and I felt a flicker of excitement igniting within me. I finished my breakfast, but my mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming ceremony, the Lycan King, and all the possibilities the night held.
After breakfast, I decided to take a walk around the Pack House grounds to calm my nerves. The day was beautiful, with a gentle breeze rustling the trees, and the sun shining brightly overhead. The world felt alive, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me.
As I walked, I spotted a few younger pups playing tag near the edge of the woods. Their laughter echoed in the air, and I felt a pang of nostalgia for simpler times when life was carefree. I smiled, remembering my own childhood adventures, and how Talia and I would race through the fields, pretending we were running wild and free.
"Do you think we'll ever have pups of our own?" I mused aloud, though I knew Trinity could hear my thoughts.
"Perhaps, one day," she replied thoughtfully. "But first, you must find your mate. It all begins tonight."
The thought sent a shiver of excitement down my spine. Would I meet my fated mate at the celebration? The idea felt both thrilling and terrifying. As I approached the edge of the forest, I paused, gazing at the clearing where my transformation would take place. It was beautifully adorned with flowers, and I could already envision the ceremony unfolding.
Suddenly, I heard laughter and voices approaching. I turned to see a group of young werewolves making their way toward me—friends from the pack, all animated and buzzing with excitement about the night ahead.
"Happy Birthday, Tara!" they shouted in unison, their cheerful energy infectious.
"Thanks, everyone!" I beamed, feeling a rush of warmth at their enthusiasm.
"Are you ready for your big night?" one of them asked, a girl named Elara whose bright spirit always uplifted me.
"As ready as I'll ever be!" I replied, though the flutter of nerves returned.
"Don't worry! We'll all be there to support you!" Elara assured me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "And King Maddoc will be there too, right? He's so dreamy!"
The mention of the King brought a blush to my cheeks, and I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety swirl within me. Would he even notice me? Would he remember our brief encounter?
As they chatted about the festivities and who they hoped would find their mate, I found myself lost in thought again, the weight of the evening pressing down on me. Would I be brave enough to embrace this new chapter in my life?
After a while, the group headed back toward the Pack House, but I lingered a moment longer, taking in the beauty surrounding me. The trees whispered secrets, the flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and I felt a profound connection to the land and my wolf.
Trinity's voice broke through my reverie. "We are part of this world, Tara. Tonight, you will embrace who you are meant to be. Trust in me, trust in yourself."
With one last glance at the clearing, I turned and made my way back to the Pack House, excitement bubbling within me like a melody waiting to be played. Tonight would be a night to remember—my journey was just beginning, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.