As the sun set below the horizon, it cast a soft, amber tone across the vast expanse of the pack's territory. In the heart of the forest, amidst the ancient trees that whispered tales of generations long past, Garrett, the young alpha-to-be, stood in silent contemplation. His gaze turned toward the distant mountains, his eyes as deep and blue as the sea. He then surveyed the land soon to be under his protection. With each passing moment, the weight of his impending responsibilities bore down on him.

Since he was a child, Garrett had been prepared to take on the role of leadership. His father, the current alpha leader, had recognized the potential within him—the same fiery determination that had characterized their ancestors. Garrett was fully aware of the significance of his lineage; he understood the weight of his impending position and the towering expectations that loomed over him like an imminent storm.

Garrett's father was a stern but fair leader, his strength tempered by a deep well of wisdom. He recognizes the shifting tides within their pack, the subtle shifts in dynamics brought about by the prophecy that revolved around his kid. It was an unpredictable and transformative period, and the young alpha needed to be ready for the difficulties that lay ahead.

Under the fading light of the sunset, Garrett's father approached him, his eyes holding the same ancient knowledge that seemed to be etched into the very fabric of their being.

“Garrett,” he began, his voice a deep rumble that echoed through the clearing,

“The moment has arrived for you to grasp the full importance of leading our pack,” he said, his gaze fixed upon his son.

Garrett sighed and cast his eyes over the horizon, then to the scattered werewolves in the area and the territory that would soon fall under his leadership. A heavy responsibility weighed on his shoulders. Born into an alpha family as the son of the alpha leader, he couldn't help but question his ability to fulfill all his duties.

“You will excel, my son. The power of our pack and the traits of our bloodline flows stronger in you than in any other member of our pack,” his father reassured him, noticing the doubt in Garrett's expression.

“Yes, father,” Garrett replied.

As he roamed the territory, he couldn't help but overhear the whispers of discord that lingered in the air. Approaching the campfire, he couldn't help overhearing their conversation.

“I can't believe that she comes from an omega family,” one voice murmured.

“Indeed, her fur clearly doesn't belong to an omega,” another agreed.

“It's truly unfortunate to be born into such family,” he overheard in the whispers of others.

He shifted his gaze towards the subject of their discussion. A wolf with fur as white as snow stood in the shadows behind the trees. In the dimly lit area where the campfire's illumination barely reached, its figure was barely discernable. Nevertheless, despite the darkness the wolf's coat shimmered under the moonlight.

“I hope omegas know their place. They should know not to overstep their boundaries,” Lyka spoke sternly, her gaze fixed on the wolf, before tossing her hair and turning to her pack mates, who were whispering and chuckling at the sight of her.

He continued to watch them closely, and then the wolf quietly slipped away into the shadows. He felt as though invisible threads were tugging at him, urging him to follow the wolf.

He decided to follow the wolf, heading towards the cliff where most werewolves gathered to gaze at the moon and offer prayers to the Moon Goddess. There, he watched the wolf, as its eyes closed in solemn prayer beneath the moonlit sky. As he continued to stare, he recognized the wolf as a female omega—Emma Howler. Her name had stirred discussions within the pack ever since she shifted. Born into the omega family branch, she possessed a distinctive coat, a trait associated only with a destined Luna, sparking controversy among the pack members.

He was mesmerized by the way her fur shimmered under the moonlight, so much that he lost his footing on the tree's roots, creating a faint rustle in the bushes. The wolf sensed the movement and swiftly turned in his direction, startling him. Without hesitation, he hurriedly fled from the spot.

He felt a sense of relief upon returning to the campfire without Emma realizing he had been observing her from a distance. As he reached the campfire site, his father called out to him.

“There he is, Garrett, come here,” he beckoned.

Garrett walked over to his father and noticed the presence of the female wolf beside him—Lyka Wildeye, a daughter from one of the elite families in their pack. These elite families were not part of the alpha, beta, or gamma lineages but were distinguished by their wealth. Standing next to her was her father, Ragnar Wildeye, a wealthy businessman whose family had long supported the pack.

“I've heard wonderful things about you from your father, young man,” Ragnar remarked as Garrett joined them.

“I've never encountered someone like him in our pack or the previous one,” his father proudly stated.

“I believe he'll find his mate soon,” Ragnar added, expressing his anticipation.

Mate.

The concept of finding a mate left a bitter taste in his mouth. Garrett didn't believe in the concept of a Fated Mate, a belief held in their world. It was said that upon finding your Fated Mate, you would live joyfully together and be bound by love for eternity. However, for Garrett, the idea of a Fated Mate was nothing but just a word or term that the elderly used to coerce arranged marriages between an Alpha and a Luna. He witnessed firsthand that finding one's mate and being together didn't necessarily lead to a happily-ever-after, contrary to the fairy tales. His own mother had suffered because of this so-called Fated Mate. He believed it was this belief that drove his mother to flee from their pack; his father's stern and strict demeanor had made life unbearable for her.

Garrett didn’t know the complete narrative, but he was aware that his mother had been condemned by the pack for her betrayal to her alpha and for her decision to leave the pack. The details of what had happened remained mystery to him, but it was obvious that her actions had drawn a great deal of scorn and criticism from the pack.