CHAPTER 3

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm golden hue across my room. Today was my 18th birthday, a day I had been eagerly awaiting for as long as I could remember. I couldn't contain my excitement as I stretched and yawned, reveling in the feeling of adulthood that came with it.

I made my way to the bathroom, and as I caught my reflection in the mirror, I was taken aback by what I saw. My hair, which had always been a silvery-white, seemed to have grown even longer overnight, cascading down past my waist in shimmering waves. It felt like a waterfall of moonlight, and I couldn't help but run my fingers through it in amazement.

Turning my attention to my body, I noticed the subtle yet undeniable changes that had taken place. My figure had blossomed into a more feminine shape, with curves that accentuated my waist and fuller breasts that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. It was all a bit surprising, but I remembered Sharma, our family witch, explaining that these transformations were a part of embracing my wolf heritage. I couldn't deny that I liked the feeling of becoming a grown woman, especially if it meant a bit more independence.

With newfound confidence and a sense of anticipation, I decided to dress for the day ahead. I chose a stunning white dress, tailored to perfection, with tasteful slits that revealed just enough of my legs. The dress hugged my body in all the right places, accentuating my curves and making me feel like a true queen of the day. It was a symbol of my transition into adulthood, and I couldn't wait to wear it.

After a quick shower, I let my hair fall loose around my shoulders, allowing it to cascade down like a silken waterfall. It framed my face in a halo of glistening strands, enhancing my ethereal appearance.

As I stood before the mirror, dressed in my birthday outfit, I couldn't help but smile. Today was not just about turning 18; it was about the anticipation of finally meeting my wolf, a part of myself I had yet to discover.

As I walked through the bustling marketplace, the solemnity that permeated the air caught me off guard. Whispers and hushed conversations surrounded me, forming an invisible shroud of disapproval and skepticism. The words of my fellow pack members, my peers, stung like an invisible swarm of bees.

"Can a female truly be the next heir to the throne?"

"I've heard they're hoping for a son. Otherwise, Alexander might have to take another mate."

I couldn't help but grit my teeth in frustration. The audacity of some to openly question my right to inherit the throne as a female infuriated me. The gossip and rumors were nothing more than baseless assumptions, yet they cast shadows over what should have been a day of celebration.

Though tempted to retort, I knew it would be futile. Instead, I pressed on, determined to let their ignorance slide off me like water off a duck's back. I refused to let their opinions tarnish the significance of my 18th birthday.

Further into the market, I spotted a group of familiar faces - Amiri, Taya, Lena, David, and Greg. They were my usual training companions, but our camaraderie had always been a bit strained. They often regarded me as an oddity, labeling me as "weird" behind my back. Today, however, I longed for some semblance of normalcy, even if it meant joining them.

With a polite smile, I approached the group, but I couldn't help but notice that their greetings lacked sincerity. Taya was passionately discussing a new threat in our territory, Alpha Jeremiah, who had been causing trouble.

"He's incredibly powerful," Taya gushed, her eyes gleaming with infatuation. "Rumor has it he took down three Alphas single-handedly."

Greg, on the other hand, couldn't hide his disdain. "He's ancient, Taya. You shouldn't be fan-girling over someone that old."

As I listened to their conversation, I felt a strange, inexplicable connection to the name Jeremiah. Something deep within me stirred, a curious heat that demanded my attention. I tried to hide my newfound interest, but my thoughts raced with questions. Why did Alpha Jeremiah's name affect me so? It was a mystery I couldn't dismiss, even amidst the judgmental whispers and the complicated dynamics of our pack.

I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and had to ask Taya and Amiri about Alpha Jeremiah and the trouble he was causing. Taya's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and fear as she began to explain.

"Astrid, you have no idea. Alpha Jeremiah is one of the strongest and most notorious Alphas out there. He leads the RedDevils pack," she said, her voice filled with both respect and unease. "They're known for their audacity - raiding other packs, causing chaos, and leaving no trace behind. Nobody knows where their territory is; it's like they're off the grid, invisible."

Amiri nodded in agreement, adding, "They're ruthless, Astrid. People say they'll stop at nothing to get what they want. Crossing paths with the RedDevils is never a good sign."

Before I could process this new information, Gregory chimed in with a mocking tone. "You seem so interested in Alpha Jeremiah and his business, princess," he spat the last word before continuing "but did you know your parents are actually having a meeting about him right now while you're out galavanting" he scoffed

His words stung, and I felt a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. I hadn't expected my curiosity to land me in the middle of my parents' business. "Whatever" I said with a huff, I turned and walked away, leaving the group behind, but my thoughts remained consumed by this mysterious Alpha Jeremiah.

I headed back after a few hours of walking aimlessly, honestly this was turning out to be the worst birthday ever. I had guards following me everywhere which only made people avoid talking to me. I was like a disease, a bad plague that everyone had to avoid at all cost. To make matters worse it was already getting dark and I hadn't even felt my wolf.

I arrived and my parents were apparently still in some meeting. It had to be the Jeremiah thing. I decided to lose my guards by lying about going to use the toilet "please don't follow me that would be so weird, I will be right back" I told Jeff one of the guards. He just nodded they never said much.

I walked straight just so they could think I was actually going to the toilet before taking a quick turn to the right. It would lead me to the hall room were my father held his serious meetings that I wasn't allowed to. I knew how to be extra quiet. I just had to know more about 'him' something inside me kept nagging and nagging that I hear more about him.

"he is becoming a big problem, he has raided more than ten packs already there's nothing stopping him from attempting a raid here" Vladimir said one of my father's most trusted men

Uncle Lewis scoffed "he wouldn't dare, that would be a suicide mission for them. They are not that stupid"

"maybe we should arrange a meeting with them" my mother suggested "it wouldn't hurt anyone to try, maybe we can find out what they are really about" she said

My father hummed but I knew that sudden silence. He knew I was here, he could feel me. Damn it, I thought to myself as I silently sprinted across the hallway. For some reason my father had this strong connection to me it's like we were two strings tied together even as a child he could find me especially when we played hide and seek.

I paced in my room as I waited for my wolf to show up somehow. My parents were so occupied all they managed to do was give me a huge cake that could be a cake for two giants, flowers, more jewelry and a 'we love you so much to the moon and back' note. Obviously my mother wrote that by herself, my father wasn't that touchy.

I was kind of hurt, this was my day and the only thing people cared about today was this idiot Alpha Jeremiah. He was ruining my day, I hoped to the moon goddess he would lose his head. Fine if everyone was so busy then this was the perfect time to go for my secret run. I paced one more time in my room before locking my door and silently jumping out my window. Perks of being a Lycan, I landed softly on the ground and trust me my room was up on the second floor no human would survive that.

I turned off my link to the pack and especially to my father. I did this everytime I went for a run, atleast at this time my father would probably think I'm fast asleep. I had to be extra careful with this or else my father would know in a heart beat. Today I was rebel Astrid I was finally going to cross our border. I was finally going to do it, to feel what it's like not being in my father's territory even if it meant just for a second.

I used my usual route, the one I knew wasn't guarded until I reached the boarder and without a second thought I sprinted across. It was like just I had imagined it, the taste of 'Freedom'.

I didn't mean to go as far as I had gone but I got too excited. I laughed out loud as I sat on a rock breathing out hard. Damn it felt absolutely amazing being free. I looked up at the moon, it was so beautiful, it felt different looking at it from out here.

"beautiful!" I smiled up at the moon as if it could hear me.

"oh definitely... Beautiful" a husky voice said behind me and my heart almost flew out my chest as my head snapped to look at the figure.

I walked two steps back suddenly alert and ready to defend myself "who are you! You better stay right where you are!"

"I am Jeremiah and you... Oh you are my mate. What a blessed night it is" he smirked and my Jaw dropped.