Chapter 001
Valeria’s Point of View
The urgent tone in my mom's voice echoed through my thoughts as she warned me, "Valeria, honey, we’re going to be late!"
With my outfit nearly complete, I replied before adding the final touches to my dress. As I looked into the mirror, my reflection appeared with an undercurrent of nerves mixed with predominant excitement.
The navy A-line dress that reached my knees turned out to be the perfect choice for tonight. The simple nude heels completed my look, and my purse matched their style. My cascading dark hair fell to my shoulders, but I swiftly pulled it to one side near my neck before checking my reflection again.
“Almost perfect. Selene, my wolf, suggested a little more makeup.
I chuckled, even though she wasn’t wrong. Selene existed beyond being a voice inside my head because she represented my wolf, and together we made a complete unit. The Moon Goddess picked Selene's name, and Selene believed it wasn't by chance. She insisted the Goddess gave her the name after Artemis, who was the Greek Moon Goddess.
I shook my head with a smile. Werewolves are the offspring of the Moon Goddess who possess the ability to transform between human and wolf form. Our birth was accompanied by enhanced sensory abilities,, including touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Along with strength, speed, and healing. Those were the basics.
Grabbing my mascara, I whispered, "Let’s apply some makeup before we start."
Selene was right, though. Werewolves possessed varying abilities, and certain individuals were born with uncommon skills. We possessed special skills such as healing abilities, mind control powers, future sight capabilities, and scent masking techniques. The strength of our connection to our wolves determined how powerful our abilities became.
The Moon Goddess ensured her memory lived on by establishing the moon in the sky. The full moon allowed us to transform into wolves at any moment and location. Our power to transform freely started after our first change happened around our 18th birthday. Previously our ability to shift wasn't guaranteed, but we typically transformed when we encountered someone who made us angry.
I frowned as I thought about it.
Werewolves encountered their destined mates following their initial transformation. The Moon Goddess chose each person’s soulmate, who would become their mate. Finding your mate made you stronger. And sometimes, it unlocked new powers. Our connection with our mates embodied a sacred relationship.
Some werewolves found their mates early. Just like me, some werewolves experienced delays before finding their mates. As Alpha blood ran through both Emiliano and me while Mateo’s father held the position of Beta leader in our pack. We had excellent odds of finding our soulmates. Despite our strong potential for finding mates, we remained unpaired. I was 21, and so was Mateo. Despite being four years senior to us, Emiliano had yet to find his mate.
My mother’s voice cut through my thoughts, asking me, “Valeria, are you finished yet?” The sound of her voice now filled the entire house instead of being transmitted through the mind link.
I quickly replied, “I’m coming!”
There were no additional responses before my mother received them. “Hurry up! We’ll be late.”
I swiftly put on my mascara before reaching for my red lipstick. The red color always boosted my confidence, and my pale skin made me appear bolder when wearing it. I took a brief look in the mirror before dashing down the stairs without stumbling over my heels.
“Valeria Owens!” my mother shouted from the living room. If you don’t hurry, we’re going to run into serious trouble.
I rushed downstairs while muttering a quick "Yeah, yeah." “I’m coming, Mom!”
Selene laughed through our link. Looks like your fate has been sealed now.
I couldn’t help but laugh along. Whenever she uses my full name, nothing positive happens.
My mom raised her hand to stop me from speaking. She snatched the words from me before I could respond as she said, “No excuses, Missy.” The family car will have seating for your father, your brother, and me. Your trip will be with Beta Martín and his family.
“Of course, Mom,” I replied while making an effort to keep my frustration from showing.
“Go on now. She gestured towards the door as she instructed me to hurry up.
Mateo stood waiting for me by the car I was scheduled to ride in with his arm extended to assist me. He looked good, as usual. Mateo matched my outfit perfectly with his navy-blue suit and black tie, so I thought my mom informed him of my dress choice. Mateo's golden hair looked perfect, and I couldn't resist admiring his handsome appearance.
Mateo opened the door, and I received his dazzling smile, which accompanied the compliment, "You look amazing, Valeria."
“Thanks,” I said, feeling a little flustered. “You look great too.”
He assisted me into the vehicle so I could slide into the seat beside him. Beta Martín drove the car while his wife Camila occupied the passenger seat. Mateo and I took our seats in the back while we engaged in small talk during our drive.
I looked out the window when our car sped past the recognizable pack grounds while the trees rushed past. We were traveling towards the Manantial de Luna Pack’s territory. The drive would take about two hours. The Cascada Plateada pack inhabited the misty mountains while its territory boasted the renowned Cascadas Brumosas waterfalls. The beauty of this place was magnified as the mist around the waterfalls created an enchanting veil-like appearance.
As we approached our final stop, I noticed my nervousness begin to fade. After all, this wasn’t just any party. The big event united Colombia's top packs in one gathering.
Despite not being among the wealthiest packs, we managed to achieve success for ourselves. The Black Land Rovers served as our transportation, and the initial and concluding vehicles provided security. The safety of our group was ensured by our pack warriors, who rode in both the front and back cars.
As we arrived at the venue, my jaw almost hit the floor. The beautiful mansion stood before us in all its glory. A beautiful Victorian-style mansion sat in front of us together with a broad French-style garden. The path leading to the front door featured neatly trimmed boxwood hedges, while tall junipers trimmed into spirals stood in urns positioned on both sides of the entrance.
I whispered my admiration of the place while my eyes remained wide open. “I love the garden.”
Camila smiled and said, “Their private garden will blow your mind.”
Two warriors from the Manantial de Luna Pack guided us to the entrance. I needed Mateo’s arm for support as I walked because these heels were difficult to manage. I really liked my shoes, but wearing high heels was new to me. Flats were more my style.
We paused to verify our invitations when I felt a chill run through me as the nighttime breeze turned chilly. Before I left home, I should have taken a cardigan with me.
We soon entered the mansion after our walk. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. The gathering included numerous pack leaders, powerful werewolves, and high-level members representing different regions of Colombia. The leader of the Manantial de Luna Pack held the highest respect throughout the nation. He held the Alpha position along with the superior rank of King of all Alphas. And his Luna, the Queen.
The mansion displayed luxurious yet inviting decorations while the space buzzed with lively conversation and the sound of glassware touching. While I took in the faces around me, Selene’s voice unexpectedly interrupted my thoughts.
“He’s here,” she whispered through our link. “I can feel it.”
“Who?” I asked, confused.
“Our mate,” she replied excitedly. “He’s here. I know it.”
My heart skipped a beat. Could it really be him? After all this time of waiting?
"Oh my Goddess, he's here," I whispered under my breath while struggling to contain my excitement.
My eyes darted across the room as I surveyed each man in sight while seeking to find the one destined to be with me. The tension in the space grew heavy, and waiting was my only option. The future was uncertain to me, but tonight I knew it would stay in my memory forever.
