Ruthless Desires: Between Brothers

You might think that being the only daughter of the Alpha of the Nightfall pack would earn you respect. Not at all. To them, I am "The Alpha's Plague"—a werewolf that has never taken wolf form, a shame to the pack. Since my wolf never showed after coming of age, their sneers and whispered comments follow me. I had been a future leader—erect and capable—but now no better than the punch line of a joke. My life partner seemed to be the same; it always kept me company as the days passed by. But tonight, for the first time ever, I could see a spark of light. The pairing ball was tonight. . The night any and every young werewolf looked forward to. It's the night when we found our fated mates. My father, Alpha Daxton, thinks that when I find my mate, it will open the part of me that's missing,andt my wolf will finally emerge. I cling to that hope, for without it, I have nothing. I started to head down the hall, toward the big hall. The sound of my heels clattered against the shiny floor. It had been worth the hours tonight to get ready. My black gown fell perfectly, my hair twisted into a neat bun, and a few loose curls framed my face. The air was thick with it, and although I was beyond worried, a spark of it just couldn't help but course through my blood. Maybe tonight everything changes. The closer I get to the door of the hall, the more laughter and talk I hear. I am briefly frozen, taking a deep breath. I can do this. I step across the entryway, and instantly my eyes scan around the room. The hall was beautiful—flowers draped over colored walls, delicate lanterns sending warm glows over the pack members moving around. Everyone was so happy and so excited to meet their mates. And then I hear them. "I cannot believe she showed up," one voice whispers, just loud enough for me to hear. "Does she really think anyone will take her?" "Who'd want the Alpha's plague?" another sneers. "A woofless werewolf? She's a shame." Those words are like a knife to the gut, but I stand up tall and refuse to show them how it cuts. They have said worse all these years, and I know how to hide the sting. Tonight is too important to let them ruin me. I keep going, head held high, while inside I am barely keeping myself together. Clara!" My father's voice booms above the din, and my head snaps toward him instantly. He stands near the head of the hall, tall and proud, like the center of gravity around which everything else swirls. "Father," I answer with a smile, shaking off the hurt brought on by whispers. I walk toward him; the sea of people politely parts to make way for me. "The hall does look great. Mom outdid herself again. "She does," he says, his stern features relaxing as he looks at me. "And you, my dear, are beautiful." "Thank you," I say in quiet thanks, knowing Dad would always have my back. Where the pack would turn a cold back on me, my parents have never abandoned me in any way. Where my wolf would ever appear, my father—the Alpha—has never given up. This event in its entirety, right down to every small detail, was planned by my mother, Luna Priscilla. They have done everything in their power to protect me, but even their influence cannot hide me from the cruel truth of being different in a pack that values strength above all else. We take our seats at the front of the hall, and my heart starts to beat and pound. The expectation rises to a fever pitch. Soon, the ceremony will start, and I will find him—my mate. The one that will accept me, even in my woofless state. The one that will make everything right. "Are you nervous?" my father asks, his voice low as he turns to me. "A little," I admit, playing with the fabric of my dress. "What if... what if he doesn't want me?" "Nonsense," my father says strongly. "You are the daughter of the Alpha. Any man who rejects you would be a fool." I smile at his confidence, but that fear is still there. What if meeting my mate doesn't change anything? What if I stay woofless, an outsider in my own pack? I force the thoughts away. I just can't think like that. I have to believe tonight will change everything. Out steps the message. His voice rises and re-echoes around the hall to mark the start of the mating rite. A wave of excitement washes over me; I can feel the rise of my energy. This is it. This was the moment I knew I had been waiting for. I stood, touching my dress for the very last time, and then looked around the room as if looking for something.. The pack members were also on their feet, their eyes lit with eagerness. The stress increased in the air; it became thick and heavy. The room is filled with a lot of possibilities, with so many lives at stake. I take a deep breath and step forward to join the event. The memory of my father's words still rings in my head: *You will know him when you see him.* My heart pounds in my chest, joy mixed with fear. Who would he be? What would he look like? More importantly, would he accept me just the way I was? The ritual kicks in, and I stand at the very edge of my future, waiting for that one moment that will change it all. Welcome to our yearly mating ceremony. We are all aware that this practice is performed on the night of the full moon. This ritual unites two young werewolves and ties them together as one. After they have mated, they will howl under the full moon to accept each other as mates and join to form one. I just want you to know that from now on, you and your chosen mate are one and should always protect one another. So now, let the yearly mating ceremony begin." Miranda the pack witch spoke as the drum rolls started. "Who do you think will be your mate?" My father asked me. "I have no father. I just hope the moon goddess has something good planned for me. Witch Miranda began chanting some words as the entire hall light flickered before going out all at once, leaving the hall in darkness. The hall fell silent as a ray of light lit the center. Everyone couldn't help but shiver as they watched this amazing sight. The temperature dropped suddenly. Even though there was no obvious presence, it felt like one had come. Two blue rays of light fell from the sky, entering the castle and landing on werewolves. They both shrieked when they saw the light on their head and moved to the center of the hall to see who their fated mates were. The palace fell silent again. Two lights appeared once again. One of the lights shone on me, and I moved to the center of the hall. The hall was dead silent as I waited to see my mate. Who would it be?