Chapter 2: The Moonstone
I awoke with a gasp and my heart beating. Something tingled beneath my skin, like small sparks moving through my body. I sat up hastily and checked my arms in the low morning light.
Nothing seemed altered, but everything seemed wrong. Perhaps not wrong, just different.
"Happy birthday to me," I said softly, placing my tingling fingers to my face.
I’m eighteen today. The age at which wolves become adults. The age when the Moon Goddess may reveal your mate during the ceremony.
I hadn’t gotten much sleep after what occurred with Lucien the night before. His words echoed in my head: "No, you are not. My brothers can also sense it." What exactly did he mean? Was I more than just an omega? And why did he walk away immediately after saying that, vanishing into the shadows before I could ask?
My roommates had already gone. They never waited for me. I hurriedly splashed water on my face and braided my hair, attempting to ignore the strange buzzing sensation beneath my skin.
When I stepped outdoors, the pack grounds were in disarray following yesterday night’s celebration. Empty cups, food leftovers, and decorations were scattered about. Guess who would be cleaning everything? The Omegas.
I went straight to the kitchen, hoping Cook wouldn’t notice my disappearance from yesterday. The back door was propped open with a rock. Just as I reached for the handle, I heard voices from inside.
"...all three of them acting strange." It was Cook speaking.
"What do you mean?" someone else inquired.
"The Triplets. At the feast, they kept glancing around, as if looking for someone. Alpha Darius was upset because Kael had ignored Elira all night. "