Father Bosco was the reverend at the church located in the heart of our small city, and he harbored a deep hatred for witches. This posed a significant threat to all witch covens in Latan City.
As we continued walking deeper into the forest, the moon shone brightly in the sky, casting its ethereal light upon us. Everyone began to shape-shift into their wolf forms, and I was not exempt. It was an awkward feeling for me to change into an animal in the blink of an eye.I grew fangs, feeling funny and somewhat ugly in my new form. My eyes widened with fear, flashing with grey rays. I struggled to get used to walking on four legs. Since it was my first time in my wolf form, no one dared to mock me.Feeling weird and scared, I wasn’t sure if I was proud of this transformation. Despite my parents’ lectures near the chimney, the reality felt entirely different from what they described. They spoke of how fulfilling it would be, but now, fear gripped me, and my feet grew cold.I shivered as everyone around me began to howl. “What the hell?” I muttered to myself, noticing my mother watching me. Quickly, I joined the rest of the pack in howling, although I knew I was merely barking because I caught many of them peering at me.I closed my eyes, refusing to feel embarrassed, and took a glance at my father, whose brown wolf form glowed through its fur like never before. I had always wished I took after his form, but instead, I resembled my mother, white as the moon.We sprinted into a race, running into the forest as if it had no end. “Is this really it?” I thought, feeling increasingly nervous.I just wanted everything to end at once. I needed to sleep and rest, but then I felt a pang of hunger in my wolf belly, a soft grumble that echoed through the forest. Taking a deep breath, my heart grew cold as I remembered I had a test to write tomorrow. “I didn’t even get to study,” I thought, looking away.Everyone seemed to be watching me, and that wasn’t something I enjoyed. Another grumble from my stomach, and I forgot completely about the test, squeezing my face into an awkward frown.I had always watched my pack kill and feed on dead animals. I would run into my bedroom at the sight of it, feeling nauseous. I wondered if I would finally be made to eat a dead animal today. My father once told me that I needed to feed to activate my wolf form, or else I wouldn’t be as strong as the rest, nor would I heal quickly, making me unfit for the position ahead of me. But that was one thing I loved about being a wolf; we were very strong and healed quickly from our wounds.At least we weren’t like vampires, who fed on human blood to get stronger. They called us beasts, but that’s not who we were. We valued peace, unity, and togetherness. We understood the importance of family and held onto our traditions dearly.As we arrived at a clearing and formed a large circle, a fresh carcass lay in the middle. I had seen my father kill it earlier; he was the strongest in our pack, though not in the Boldclaw pack, where Kayne held that title. It was tradition for the male Alphas of both packs to feed first on the full moon.I shrugged at the sight of the animal, its intestines ripped out of its belly. “I’m never going to eat that,” I thought, raising my claw to stare at it. Everything was beginning to dawn on me. Did I actually turn into a wolf?I noticed the drool dripping from their mouths; the wolves looked hungry, eager to fill their bellies with the flesh of the dead animal. My mother and Kayne’s mother, Emelia, stepped forward. She had a dark wolf form like her son, but my mother was radiant, the most charming she-wolf my father had ever met.Even in her wolf form, she looked beautiful. It was my turn, and fear filled my eyes as my four legs trembled under the heavy stares from both packs. I kept my chin up, ensuring I didn’t let my guard down. It was time to prove that I was truly an alpha and a wolf.My parents stared at me, and I swallowed hard, leaning forward like a lost cat. I couldn’t say no to my parents, or else my father might not take it lightly, and my pack would consider me weak and unfit to be their next leader.With a heavy heart, I plunged my muzzle into the lifeless flesh of the fallen animal, my eyes tightly shut in a futile attempt to shield myself from the pity I felt for the poor creature, now a victim to the voracity of my pack. Taking a sizable bite, a surge of unexpected flavor flooded my senses, eliciting a quiet murmur of “delicious” from my lips.As I consumed the meat, a peculiar sensation washed over me, infusing my being with newfound strength. It was as if my wolf form possessed an innate understanding of my needs, fortifying me with each mouthful. Despite the chorus of laughter that seemed to emanate from the very depths of their growls, I pressed on, undeterred.And then he appeared—my betrothed mate, the one deemed suitable by my father, oblivious to the tumult of emotions raging within me. In his dark, lupine form, he joined me in feasting upon the carcass, a gesture that initially struck me as greedy, until I realized it was yet another tradition. The pack erupted into a symphony of howls, celebrating the unity of our two packs.As the rest of the pack indulged in the feast, Kayne and I stepped back, observing the ritual with a mixture of resignation and detachment. Our packs were small, not exceeding twenty members each, remnants of a once-thriving population decimated by the atrocities of the great war.“It was never like this,” my mother had confided to me one evening in the garden, her voice heavy with sorrow. We had once been numerous, until a blaze, ignited by the vampires, razed our village to the ground, claiming countless lives and leaving us homeless and bereft.I shook my head sadly, pondering the cruel hand fate had dealt us. What would have become of me if I had been born amidst the chaos and devastation of those dark times?As the full moon gradually disappeared behind dark clouds, we unleashed a chorus of howls, our voices melding with the night as we raced back to our starting point. This time, fueled by the energy of the hunt, we were faster, our strides swift and purposeful.Returning to our human forms, I couldn’t help but smile as I gazed down at my body. “I’ve missed you,” I murmured to myself, reveling in the familiarity of my own skin.“You mean me?” Kayne’s voice sounded behind me, causing me to startle slightly. I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that I was now clothed, sparing myself the discomfort of his unwavering gaze.We had emerged naked from the forest, but we had all managed to find a secluded spot to redress ourselves. “How did you find me here?” I inquired, turning to face him.“Have you forgotten that wolves can pick scents?” he replied with a smirk.I shrugged, conceding his point. “I guess that’s how you found me, then?”He nodded, his expression softening. “By the way, you did remarkably well back there.”I couldn’t help but scoff incredulously. “Tell me you’re just mocking me, Kayne, because I know full well that I was dreadful.”A genuine smile graced his lips as he shook his head. “I thought you would be, but you proved me wrong. At least you didn’t let your guard down.”I regarded him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, uncertain of his intentions. “As an alpha and my mate-to-be, you need to be strong and brave for the challenges that lie ahead,” he explained, stepping closer and taking my hand in his.I gazed up at his face, noting the warmth in his brown eyes that lent him an air of gentleness. Kayne was undeniably handsome, but his demeanor often left much to be desired.“Soon, both packs will be joined together, and our union will make that possible, Yvonne. Our union will unite us as one,” he stated, his tone laced with conviction.“Is that truly why I must marry you? To unite our packs?” I questioned, feeling a sense of disillusionment creeping in. This rationale failed to capture my interest, and I doubted he was aware of that.Releasing my hand, he locked eyes with me. “I’m surprised your father hasn’t told you.”“Told me what?” I inquired, my curiosity tinged with apprehension.“Our union is an apology and a reconciliation,” he revealed, his lips curling into a smile. “You see, your dear father inadvertently caused the death of my father, the leader of my pack, many years ago. Although it was a mistake, to prevent further conflict, we turned to our tradition.”“And what tradition is that?” I pressed, my impatience growing.“Your mother was pregnant with you at the time, and it was prophesied that you would be my mate after your first full moon transformation. Together, we would lead our packs to greatness,” he explained, his pride evident.I averted my gaze, absorbing the weight of this revelation. It seemed I was about to be swept up in a destiny crafted by the sins of my parents, a fate I had no say in. Closing my eyes, I drew a deep breath, grappling with the enormity of it all.“Our wedding has been arranged, Yvonne, yet I can’t comprehend why you always remain so distant,” he remarked, cupping my face tenderly and planting a kiss on my forehead.I remained silent, feeling like a lamb being led to slaughter, resigned to a fate beyond my control.“Are you pleased to marry me, or are you merely content that our marriage will bring unity between our packs?” I ventured, hoping for a response that might sway me or at least satisfy my parents’ wishes.“Both bring me joy, Yvonne, my beautiful bride,” he replied, a smirk playing on his lips.“Beautiful bride indeed,” I muttered under my breath, my heart heavy with resignation.I couldn’t suppress a scoff, my mind consumed by the dread of the impending title of “mate.” “I’ll be in my car, awaiting the others,” I declared, sidestepping him. Kayne swiftly intercepted my path, blocking my way. “You don’t appear pleased. Don’t you wish to be my mate?” he probed, his brow furrowing in concern. I maintained my silence, casting him a steely gaze. “We used to be fond of each other when we were younger. What changed?” he pressed, a note of desperation creeping into his voice. “Nothing has changed, Kayne. And I didn’t say I wouldn’t want to be your mate. Now, may I go?” I replied tersely, my patience waning by the second. Reluctantly, he stepped aside, allowing me to pass. With my heart racing in my chest, I hurried away, eager to escape his presence. Unbeknownst to me, my father, Arthur, had been eavesdropping nearby, and now emerged from his hiding place, joining Kayne. “It seems your daughter isn’t particularly enthused about this union,” Kayne remarked, feig
The next day, my mind was consumed by thoughts of the previous night as I sat in class. We had taken a test early in the morning and endured a series of lectures afterward. Despite the mundane routine, I found solace in the presence of my two gorgeous friends after the long weekend. However, beneath my facade of normalcy, I couldn’t shake the nagging fear of what would happen if they ever discovered my lupine secret. Unable to concentrate on the lectures, I fidgeted at my desk, tapping my pen softly against its surface. The memory of the raw animal flesh I had consumed flashed through my mind, causing my stomach to churn. “Did I really eat that?” I pondered, feeling the urge to vomit overwhelming me. Hastily, I rushed to the restroom, my insides heaving with each retch. As I wiped my mouth, gasping for breath, doubts flooded my mind. “Perhaps I was never meant to be a wolf,” I mused despairingly. Interrupting my solitary moment, Susan, a witch, approached me with a knowing smirk. “Wh
“Hey, Yvonne, where were you?” Lora asked, grabbing my hand as I approached.“I got your text. Why were you looking for me? I don’t recall stealing your boyfriend,” I teased, making faces at them as I settled between my friends.They laughed, playfully pushing me. “You’re crazy,” Lora exclaimed.I chuckled, enjoying their company.Grace pulled me closer. “Great! I knew they wanted to gossip,” I thought to myself, remaining silent.“Father Bosco was here. They caught a new girl, and she’s a witch,” Grace informed us, her hands trembling.“Oh, that’s unfortunate. Did the witch girl try to harm anyone?” I feigned ignorance, watching their reactions carefully.They gasped, staring at me in disbelief.“We can’t wait around until they start hunting us down, Yvonne. I’m relieved Father Bosco is targeting the witches. I can’t stand the thought of being bewitched,” Grace confessed.Suppressing the urge to laugh, I maintained my composure. What did she know about witches and being bewitched?“Ar
That day, I arrived at school in high spirits, having celebrated my birthday the previous evening with a lavish party my friends couldn’t attend. While I didn’t reveal the true reason for their absence, I made it up to them the following day, treating them to a joyous celebration of my new ride. Here at school, my affluent background and regal demeanor drew attention and admiration from my peers. Despite the allure I held for many, my betrothal to Kayne served as a barrier to romantic pursuits. While I rebuffed advances from admirers, some speculated about my sexuality. Yet, here I was, contemplating approaching a boy the next day. Life’s ironies never failed to amuse me. After dropping off my friends, I found myself lost in thought, the loud beats of hip hop music failing to drown out thoughts of Alexander. Despite my efforts to push him from my mind, his captivating presence lingered, igniting a newfound attraction within me. Glancing into my side mirror, I noticed a sleek black L
A few hours later, Susan stormed into the science laboratory, accompanied by Helen, both looking visibly frustrated. Lucy, Martha, and Geraldine sat at a round table, their expressions stern. “You’re late,” Lucy reprimanded sharply, her fiery eyes flashing with irritation. As both a teacher and a witch, her authority was undeniable, and her anger was palpable. She was the most powerful among them, having lived for centuries, her blonde hair cascading behind her ears as she glared at Susan and Helen. “We apologize, Lucy,” Susan murmured, bowing her head in deference. “You better be,” Lucy snapped, her gaze unwavering as she stared them down. Susan wasted no time in addressing the pressing issue. “This isn’t working at all, Lucy, Geraldine. You’re the remaining elders of the black witches, the oldest among us. How many more must Father Bosco kill before we take action?” Martha, with her dark skin and striking white eyes, chimed in sadly. “I’ve been wondering the same thing. He manag
Alexander and Drake arrived back at their luxurious apartment after a long day at school, their fatigue overshadowed by their cheerful demeanor. They parked their expensive ride in the garage and ascended to their apartment using the elevator.“The city has changed so much, don’t you think, brother?” Alexander remarked, loosening the buttons on his shirt.“More beautiful women, I must say,” Drake replied, sinking into the couch.Alexander raised an eyebrow. “If you’re referring to that silver-haired girl you were talking to earlier, I suggest you look elsewhere.”Drake chuckled. “Why? Is she out of my league?”“Don’t be oblivious to the way she looked at me,” Alexander retorted, pouring himself a drink. “She wouldn’t spare you a glance if she knew who I was. I doubt you stand a chance with her.”Drake sighed. “We’re in the twenty-first century now, Alexander. She’s innocent.”“Nobody is innocent, brother, not even her parents,” Alexander countered, a wry smile playing on his lips. “And
Grace looked visibly irritated, her arms raised in frustration, while Lora mirrored her discontent as they waited outside the club for me. “She’s always making excuses,” Grace vented, her voice tinged with anger. “Come on, Grace, she promised she’d come tonight. Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt,” Lora urged, attempting to diffuse the tension. “Like this is the first time she’s stood us up?” Grace retorted, her tone sharp. “She’ll be here tonight, Grace. She gave us her word,” Lora insisted, her voice steady despite the brewing frustration. They had been waiting for me for hours, a scenario not uncommon given my father’s strict rules. They feared I might bail on them once again. “And here she comes,” Lora exclaimed excitedly as she spotted me driving in. Grace’s grin was infectious. “Wow! She actually showed up. Tonight is going to be a blast.” Excitedly, they rushed to my car as I stepped out, clad in a pair of hot shorts, a stylish jacket, and heels, while my friends da
I chuckled, feeling reassured by the support of my friends as they waved at Alexander. Alexander followed my gaze and acknowledged them with a nod. “You do have pretty friends,” he remarked. “And the best of them too,” I added proudly. He laughed. “That’s cool, isn’t it?” “Sure.…” I replied, nodding, though inwardly I was feeling quite nervous. “So, where did you come from?” I asked, eager to learn more about the guy I was crushing on. He shrugged nonchalantly. “Just moved into town. My family lives in the States, and we decided to study here.” “Really? And they let you?” I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise. “Of course they did,” he replied, rising to his feet and retrieving two drinks from a passing waitress’s tray. “Bills are on me,” he muttered as he handed me a glass of wine. “Thank you,” I murmured, taking the glass and sipping tentatively. “My parents would never allow me to leave town, let alone study in another state,” I remarked with a laugh, marveling at his f