Shadows in Moonlight

Jayden grasped my hand and gave it an assuring squeeze. "We're not eighteen yet. We have time to figure it all out. And we have each other. That's what truly matters."

I smiled and leaned in to kiss him. Maybe he was right. We had time to figure things out, and for now, I was grateful to have him by my side.

Returning my gaze to the window, I watched as other students made their way to cars and buses as we departed from the parking lot.

Upon arriving home, Eleanor was already waiting for us in the living room. "Hey, losers," she greeted us with a smirk.

"How did you get home so quickly?" I asked.

"Sebastian brought his bike today," she said, smiling as Sebastian emerged from the kitchen with a sandwich.

"Yo."

Sebastian, not particularly tall but taller than Eleanor, boasted a physique honed from countless hours on the football field and in the weight room. He exuded a self-assured confidence and raw masculinity. His dull gray eyes and rugged jawline lent him an air of danger, while his easy smile and quick wit made him irresistible to many. His muscles bulged with every movement, demanding attention and igniting passion in nearly everyone around him.

I, on the other hand, found him utterly insufferable and tedious. "Sebastian. Hi," I greeted, keeping my tone polite.

"El."

"Hey, Harm," Jayden said, embracing her.

"Ugh, must you two be so affectionate?" I quipped, a twinge of jealousy creeping in.

"Jealous, Ava?" Eleanor teased.

"No, not jealous. I just don't understand why you have to be so mean all the time," I responded.

Eleanor shrugged. "It's just my way. But seriously, Ava, what's been going on with you today? You've been acting strangely all day."

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to confide in her. However, the concern on her face prompted me to open up. "I don't know. I just have this feeling that something's off. Like I'm missing something or that I'm not supposed to be here."

Eleanor's expression softened. "It's probably just pre-mating jitters. You're turning eighteen soon, and your wolf is probably getting restless. Don't worry; it'll pass."

I nodded, feeling a bit reassured. "Maybe you're right. It's just been a weird day."

"It's probably because our birthday is in two days, and you're getting a bit paranoid," Eleanor offered with a reassuring smile.

Jayden, Eleanor, and I shared the same birthday, and it had long been expected that one of us would be mated to him. Our father, Ethan, had held the position of beta in the pack since the passing of his father, and it was anticipated that our older brother, Jack, would succeed him as the next beta. Given this lineage, it seemed only natural that one of Ethan's daughters would be destined to become the alpha's mate, and most assumed that someone would be me.

"So, we're still on for Sunday?" Jayden inquired.

"Huh?" I glanced over at him.

"The party? We're still planning to have it, right?"

"Oh, yeah, of course. Your mom and my mom have been organizing it for months. It's practically all they talk about."

"It's a significant birthday for all of us."

"I suppose it is," I replied as I opened the car door and stepped out. "We'll talk later?"

"Yeah," he agreed.

I waved and made my way into the house. Inside, servants and pack members bustled about, and my mother shouted out orders, acting more like a Luna than the actual Luna.

In contrast, Jayden's mother, Luna Charlotte, was a gentle and sweet woman, nothing like the no-nonsense matriarch who held an iron grip on our household.

"Ava! You're home! Where's your sister?" my mother inquired eagerly.

I kissed her on the cheek. "Hi, Mom. She was right behind me. Probably chatting with Sebastian."

My mother rolled her eyes and marched off to another room. "I don't like him."

"Nobody does," I muttered, heading to my room.

The weekend flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to prepare for the grand birthday celebration. Our parties were always held late at night, with the moon as our goddess and source of power. We celebrated not only our lives but also expressed gratitude to Benjamin for her blessings.

I stood before the mirror, admiring the icy blue dress my mother had meticulously crafted for me. It perfectly complemented my eyes and silver hair, hugging my curves with precision.

Eleanor's dress matched mine in design but was amber in color to accentuate her eyes.

"Hurry, girls! The guests are arriving. There's a big surprise for all three of you tonight!" our mother exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

"What is she talking about?" Eleanor inquired.

I shrugged, slipped into my matching blue shoes, and descended the stairs with my sister.

"I love you," she suddenly declared as we reached the bottom of the staircase.

"What?"

"I love you. I know I tease you a lot, but I genuinely love you."

I smiled at her. "I love you too."

"Are you ready?"

"I guess. Let's just get through this."

Together, we entered the grand ballroom, where high-ranking members of our pack, their families, and leaders from other packs had gathered.

"That's quite a crowd," Eleanor whispered.

"How often do the future Alpha and twin daughters of the Beta celebrate their eighteenth birthdays on the same night?"

"I guess it's a rare occurrence," I replied.

Eleanor pulled me onto the dance floor as the music began. The lights flashed, and a smoke machine enveloped the area in a thick fog. We danced and laughed while our friends and some other kids joined us.

Suddenly, the music abruptly stopped, and the lights came on.

"Is it time already?" I asked, glancing at the clock. It was only 9:00. Everyone was here, but why had the music stopped?

"Attention, everyone. Please welcome our esteemed rulers, King James and Prince Edmond of the Winter Lake pack," Alpha Oliver announced. An older man with gray hair and a commanding presence entered the room, followed by a younger version of himself.

The prince was exceptionally tall, towering over me at least six feet. He was a striking sight to behold, with sandy blonde hair cascading in perfect waves, framing his chiseled face and piercing ocean blue eyes. His physique appeared perfectly toned beneath his suit, hinting at the underlying strength and power. He exuded an enigmatic intensity that was both captivating and mysterious, possessing a magnetic presence that drew people in. His striking looks were matched only by his air of confidence and authority, making him the epitome of masculine beauty. His gaze alone had the power to quicken hearts.

Standing beside the king, he remained unsmiling, jaw clenched. His nostrils flared as he surveyed the room, as though he detected something unusual. His gaze lingered on me for an uncomfortably long moment, and I noticed the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. The entire room bowed and curtsied to him, but his attention remained fixed on me. Gamma Noah stepped between us, breaking the gaze.

"Oh my goddess," Eleanor exclaimed, covering her mouth. "He's the most stunning man I've ever seen."

"He is quite striking," I agreed.

"Striking? Ava, he's utterly breathtaking!"

She dragged me over to where Alpha Oliver and Jayden were conversing with the royal wolves.