Chapter 1: Unfulfilled Birthday Wishes

Just like every year, my dad ensured that I experienced the annual torment, which in my case, happened to be my birthday.

Today is my 18th birthday. For an ordinary werewolf this is a day of celebration and fulfillment.

But not for me, as I, Annette Lockhart, do not have a wolf.

WOLF-LESS is a really big deal for werewolves as you know, and it seems even more serious to me because I'm the daughter of the goddamn Alpha Henry Lockhart of the Silver Night pack. One of the strongest packs in the region.

I sat in the dining room alone with my birthday cake sitting in front of me.

It’s a chocolate cake decorated with strawberries, which I made myself. The buttercream on top had begun to melt into a velvety pool because I had waited too long, and the strawberries were lying crookedly on its surface.

Every year being reminded that I was alone. Tonight was no exception. Even the house staff made it a point to avoid me. As I sat, I let the memories of past birthdays play in my head.

Every year is getting worse and worse.

"Bang!" The door was kicked open.

My thoughts were interrupted when my father stumbled into the room. The smell of bourbon filled the air, burning my nose. He always drank on my birthday. A stark reminder that I was alive, and my mother was not.

My entire existence has always been a stain in my father’s eyes after my mother was killed during childbirth with me. I learned at a young age that I was an outcast with my straight ice blonde hair, porcelain skin, and emerald, green eyes. All physical characteristics were handed to me by my mother who shared the same physical attributes.

My father leaned on the wall and stared at me with disgust evident on his face. He looked disheveled with his black tie loosened around his neck and his white dress shirt half untucked. The glassiness of his eyes confirmed that he was inebriated.

“Eighteen years…” He slurred. “Eighteen fucking years "I've had to endure with you!”

My face fell. I’m not sure why I expected anything else. I gulp and wait for him to finish his angry episode.

“You killed the only light I had in this world. It should have been you who died, not my beautiful Amelia.” He points at me, waiting for a reaction.

I stare at him and try to push the tears away. “I’m sorry father. I wish she were here too.” I whisper.

This only angers him more. He grabs one of the crystal decanters on the bar cart in the room and throws it at my head. Thankfully due to his intoxication he misses me and the glass shatters against the wall and splatters on the floor.

“You don’t deserve to make any wishes Annette! Especially that! You are the reason she is dead!” He scolds me while pushing out his alpha aura onto me.

The force of his aura slams into me, making me cry out and shrink back into my chair.

His chest heaves as he looks at the table and back to me. “Tomorrow at the celebration you better be on your best behavior. Now get out of my sight!” He growls with rage.

In the midst of the chaos, my sister was conspicuously absent. This is nothing new. She had long since given up pretending to participate in these chaotic celebrations. Her apparent disinterest in my birthday was a painful reminder of how isolated I was, even within my family.

I jump out of my seat and run up the stairs to my safe haven. Quickly I closed the door behind me and ran to my bathroom.

I look at myself in my ensuite bathroom mirror.

my emerald-green eyes shimmer like they've got a secret to share. Could it be because it's supposed to be the day I'm gonna shift into a wolf?

Some sort of sign that the Moon Goddess hadn’t forgotten me.

"Alright, deep breaths," I coach myself, eyes shut tight.

One breath…….two…….three….

Ten deep breaths later, my wild heartbeat finally takes a chill pill. I bravely look in the mirror.

My face was blotchy, and my eyes were red from crying. Oh, how I wish Mom were here to help me. Talk to me, encourage me. But all I've got now is my own reflection staring back.

Guess miracles don't drop on me.

I wish I could go back to the days when my father was indifferent to me. While all of my peers had gotten their wolves at the age of 12, I was painfully aware that I would not be blessed with mine. Although it was uncommon for late bloomers, it did seldom occur. I however, am beyond the point of being called as such. My pack members caught on quickly to the fact that my wolf was not present. They made sure I knew I was an outcast and a disappointment to them all.

After finally gaining some composure, I turned on the shower and climbed in. Allowing the water to wash away my pain and memories. The hot water relaxed my tense shoulder muscles. I closed eyes as I massaged the shampoo in my hair, letting the familiar scent of rose calm my racing thoughts.

I needed to focus on tomorrow as it would be the day that would change my life forever.

Tomorrow was the Annual Spring Mating Tea where unmated teenage werewolf from surrounding packs would join the celebration in hope of finding their mates.

The tea would start with some socializing, then it would morph into an organized event. According to our pack’s tradition, those females who haven't found a mate yet have to perform something on stage.

With all of my being, I prayed that Haiden Montgomery would be my mate. As Beta’s son, we would not only continue strong bloodlines, which would please my father. But also, he was the only person who ever showed me any sort of kindness.

Since we were young pups, he was always kind to me. Helping me pick up my spilled books after someone had pushed me in the hallway; hanging out with me while our fathers sorted out pack business; and always gave me a helping hand when I would fall during pack training. Haiden was the fish that all the girls wanted to catch with his tan, toned skin, light brown hair, and baby blue eyes.

After finishing my night routine, I climbed into my made bed and stared up at the ceiling. I was mentally exhausted from yet another “lovely” conversation with my father. I took a couple more breaths and closed my eyes.

Tomorrow will change my life. I just knew it.