Elena's POV The sound of laughter followed me everywhere I went. Sometimes, I wondered whether the Moon Goddess had forgotten about me when she created the rest of the werewolves. Every girl in Moonshadow Pack had a wolf. Every boy could shift into one. Even the youngest children could communicate with their wolves before reaching their tenth birthday. But not me. I was twenty-one years old, and I had never experienced a single transformation. No wolf. No special abilities. Nothing. To everyone in the pack, I was nothing more than a useless Omega. "Move out of my way, wolfless!" I barely had time to react before someone shoved my shoulder. My basket slipped from my hands, scattering the vegetables I had spent the morning collecting across the ground. I closed my eyes briefly. Not again. "Didn't you hear me?" a familiar female voice snapped. I looked up and found Sophia Williams standing in front of me. She wore an expensive red dress, her long blonde hair falling perfectly over her shoulders. Two girls stood behind her, laughing. Sophia was the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in our pack. She was beautiful, confident, and blessed with a strong wolf. Unfortunately, she also enjoyed making my life miserable. "I'm sorry," I whispered, bending down to gather my vegetables. Sophia laughed. "You're always sorry. Is that the only thing your useless mouth knows how to say?" Her friends giggled. I kept my eyes on the ground. Fighting Sophia was pointless. She had powerful parents, influential friends, and the protection of almost everyone in the pack. I had nobody. "Look at me when I'm speaking to you!" Her foot landed on my hand. Pain shot through my fingers, and I gasped. "Please, Sophia. You're hurting me." She leaned closer, a cruel smile spreading across her face. "Maybe you should learn your place. Girls like you should be grateful that the Alpha allows you to remain in this pack." I pulled my hand away. Before I could respond, a deep voice interrupted us. "What's happening here?" Everyone immediately turned. Beta Marcus stood a few feet away, his expression stern. Sophia's attitude changed instantly. "Nothing, Beta Marcus. We were just having a little conversation." His eyes moved to the vegetables scattered around me. "Elena, are you hurt?" I shook my head. "No, sir." He sighed. "Get up. The Alpha wants everyone in the pack hall. There's an important announcement." Sophia smiled excitedly. "Is Alpha Damon coming?" "Yes. He will arrive before sunset." A wave of excitement swept through the courtyard. Alpha Damon Blackwood. The most powerful Alpha in the region. The future Alpha King. Even I had heard stories about his strength, wealth, and terrifying reputation. They said he had never smiled at a woman, never allowed anyone to challenge his authority, and never shown interest in finding a mate. Sophia adjusted her dress. "I can't wait to see him." I quietly gathered my basket. I had no reason to be excited. Powerful Alphas did not notice girls like me. And even if they did, they would never want someone without a wolf. At least, that was what I believed. Until that evening. ### The Alpha's Arrival By sunset, the entire pack had gathered in the grand hall. The atmosphere was different from usual. Everyone was dressed in their finest clothes, and the excitement in the room was almost impossible to ignore. I stood near the entrance, holding a tray of drinks. Since I was an Omega, I had been assigned to serve the guests instead of enjoying the gathering. "Elena!" I turned and saw Mrs. Grace, the pack's head housekeeper, approaching me. "Make sure the Alpha's drink is ready. And please, don't embarrass us tonight." "Yes, ma'am." She gave me a warning look before walking away. I placed the tray on a nearby table and glanced around the hall. Sophia was standing in the middle of a group of young women. She looked breathtaking in her red gown. "Do you think Alpha Damon will choose his mate tonight?" one of the girls asked. Sophia smiled confidently. "I wouldn't be surprised if he chose someone like me." The girls laughed approvingly. I lowered my eyes. Finding a mate was every werewolf's dream. It was the moment when the Moon Goddess connected two souls through an invisible bond. I had secretly dreamed of experiencing that feeling too. Even without a wolf, a tiny part of me still hoped that someone would love me someday. But perhaps I was asking for too much. Suddenly, the large entrance doors swung open. The conversations stopped. Every head turned toward the entrance. A group of heavily built warriors walked in first, followed by a tall man wearing a perfectly tailored black suit. He was breathtaking. His dark hair was neatly styled, his shoulders broad, and his jaw sharp. His expression was cold, almost frightening. His eyes were the most captivating part of him. Golden. Not ordinary brown or hazel, but bright golden eyes that seemed capable of seeing through anyone. Alpha Damon Blackwood had arrived. The entire hall bowed. "Welcome, Alpha!" His eyes swept across the room without showing the slightest emotion. "Rise." His voice was deep and commanding. Everyone obeyed. Sophia immediately moved forward, pushing through the crowd. "Welcome to Moonshadow Pack, Alpha Damon. It is an honour to have you here." Damon gave her a brief glance. "Thank you." That was all. Sophia's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. I picked up the tray and began moving toward the guests. I wanted to finish my duties and disappear before anyone noticed me. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. As I approached the table, someone suddenly stepped backward. My shoulder collided with his arm. The glasses on my tray shook violently. One slipped. I tried to catch it, but it was too late. The glass fell and shattered against the marble floor. The sound echoed throughout the hall. Silence followed. I froze. Slowly, I lifted my head. Alpha Damon was standing directly in front of me. And a little water had splashed onto his expensive black trousers. My heart nearly stopped. "I'm so sorry, Alpha!" I quickly dropped to my knees. "Please forgive me. I didn't mean to-" "Look at me." His voice was dangerously calm. I slowly raised my head. His golden eyes met mine. For one strange moment, everything around us disappeared. The noise, the people, the music. Everything. A strange warmth spread through my chest. My heart began pounding so violently that I pressed a hand against it. Then something happened. A whisper. A voice I had never heard before. He's here. I gasped. My fingers trembled. "What?" I whispered. Damon's expression suddenly changed. His nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply. He stepped closer. "What is your name?" "Elena, Alpha." "Elena..." He repeated my name slowly, almost as though he were tasting it. His eyes darkened. For the first time since his arrival, the powerful Alpha looked genuinely surprised. Meanwhile, I struggled to understand the strange feeling inside my body. My chest felt warm, and something deep within me seemed to be waking up. Then the voice returned. Mate. I stopped breathing. Mate? Impossible. I didn't have a wolf. I couldn't have a mate. Before I could make sense of anything, Damon suddenly grabbed the edge of the table beside him. His jaw tightened. His wolf was restless. I watched him struggle with something I couldn't understand. Then he looked directly into my eyes. "Who are you?" he demanded. I swallowed. "I'm Elena Rose, Alpha." He stared at me for several seconds before turning toward his Beta. "Marcus." "Yes, Alpha?" "Find out everything about this girl." My stomach tightened. Why would the most powerful Alpha in the region be interested in someone like me? I lowered my head and hurriedly collected the broken pieces of glass. But I could still feel his eyes following me. And somewhere deep inside me, that unfamiliar voice whispered again. Our mate. I didn't know it yet, but my life had just changed forever. The girl everyone considered worthless had unknowingly caught the attention of the most powerful Alpha in the werewolf world. And the secret sleeping inside her blood was about to awaken.

The word echoed inside my head long after Alpha Damon Blackwood disappeared into the private wing of the pack hall. Mate. I pressed my back against the cold wall, trying to convince myself that I had imagined everything. It was impossible. I was wolfless. Everyone in Moonshadow Pack knew that. I had lived twenty-one years without hearing a wolf's voice or experiencing a single transformation. Even the pack doctor had confirmed that I had no wolf. So why had I heard that strange voice? And why had my heart reacted so strongly when Damon looked into my eyes? "Elena!" I jumped. Mrs. Grace stood a few steps away, her face twisted with disapproval. "What are you doing standing here? The guests still need to be served." "I'm sorry, Mrs. Grace. I'll go immediately." "Sorry is all you ever say. You nearly ruined the evening by spilling water on Alpha Damon. Do you have any idea how important that man is?" I lowered my head. "I didn't do it intentionally." "Then you should have watched where you were going." She handed me a tray filled with empty glasses. "Take these to the kitchen. And stay away from the Alpha's private quarters. I don't want you causing another embarrassment." "Yes, ma'am." I hurried away before she could say anything else. As I entered the kitchen, two maids immediately turned toward me. "Is that the girl who spilled water on the Alpha?" one whispered. "Yes. I heard he was furious." "He should have punished her. How could someone so careless be allowed to serve him?" I pretended not to hear them. I had become used to whispers. They followed me everywhere, just like the label of being wolfless. But tonight, something was different. For the first time in my life, I felt as though something inside me was listening. Something was awake. And it was calling Damon its mate. The grand hall was still crowded when I returned. The Alpha King sat at the head of the long table, surrounded by important pack leaders and warriors. His black suit fitted his broad shoulders perfectly. His dark hair was slightly messy, but it somehow made him look even more intimidating. He barely spoke. Whenever someone addressed him, he answered with short sentences. His expression remained cold, and his golden eyes seemed capable of silencing anyone who dared to challenge him. That was Alpha Damon Blackwood. The most feared Alpha in the werewolf world. Stories about him travelled from one pack to another. Some said he had defeated three rival Alphas in a single night. Others claimed he had never shown mercy to anyone who betrayed him. I had never believed all the stories. But after seeing him tonight, I was beginning to understand why people feared him. "Elena, stop staring!" I quickly looked away. Sophia stood beside me, holding a glass of wine. Her beautiful blonde hair fell over her shoulders, and her expensive red dress attracted attention wherever she walked. She looked perfect. Unlike me. "Do you want to get us all into trouble?" she whispered. "I'm not staring at anyone." "Don't lie to me. I saw you looking at Alpha Damon." I swallowed. "I was only checking whether the guests needed anything." Sophia laughed quietly. "Don't flatter yourself. A man like Alpha Damon would never notice someone like you." Her words stung, but I remained silent. She moved closer. "Listen carefully, Elena. I don't want you anywhere near him. I have been waiting for an opportunity to meet the Alpha King, and I'm not going to let a useless Omega ruin it." "I have no interest in him," I replied. It was a lie. A strange feeling stirred in my chest whenever I thought about him. But I couldn't explain it to Sophia. She narrowed her eyes. "Good. Remember what you just said." Before I could answer, someone called her name. "Miss Sophia, Alpha Damon would like to speak with the pack's senior members." Sophia immediately straightened her dress. "Of course." She gave me one last warning look before walking away. I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Then I felt it. A strange pull. My gaze moved toward the head table. Damon was looking directly at me. My heart skipped. For a moment, the noise in the hall seemed to disappear. His golden eyes remained fixed on mine, and I felt that familiar warmth spreading through my body. There he is, the voice whispered. I froze. Our mate. I gripped the tray tightly. "Stop," I whispered under my breath. "What did you say?" I turned quickly. A young warrior stood behind me, staring with confusion. "Nothing." He shrugged and walked away. I looked back toward the table, but Damon was no longer watching me. I couldn't keep doing this. Whatever was happening inside me, I needed it to stop. Meanwhile, inside the private study, Damon stood beside the large window overlooking the pack grounds. His Beta, Marcus, entered and closed the door. "You wanted to see me, Alpha?" Damon didn't turn around. "Tell me about the girl." Marcus frowned slightly. "Which girl?" Damon finally looked at him. "Don't waste my time, Marcus." The Beta immediately understood. "Elena Rose?" "Yes." "I don't know much about her yet. She's twenty-one and belongs to the Omega section of Moonshadow Pack. She works in the kitchen and helps with cleaning duties." Damon's jaw tightened. "Why was she serving drinks?" "Mrs. Grace assigned her to help with the gathering." Damon turned back toward the window. "Does she have a wolf?" Marcus hesitated. "According to the pack records, no. She's been considered wolfless since birth." Silence filled the room. Damon's fingers curled into fists. Wolfless. The word should have ended the matter. Yet his wolf had reacted the moment Elena's eyes met his. Find her. The growl inside his head made his jaw tighten. Damon had spent years controlling his wolf. He was an Alpha King, not a man who allowed instincts to control his decisions. But tonight, his wolf had become restless. It had recognized something in that girl. Something Damon couldn't explain. "Find out everything about her," he ordered. "Everything, Alpha?" "Her family, her past, who raised her, and why she has no wolf. I want the report before morning." Marcus nodded. "Understood." He turned to leave, but Damon stopped him. "One more thing." "Yes, Alpha?" "Do not let anyone harm her until I know what she is." Marcus looked surprised. For a moment, he seemed as though he wanted to ask a question. But he knew better than to question the Alpha King. "Of course." When Marcus left, Damon loosened his tie and closed his eyes. His wolf was still restless. Mate. Damon opened his eyes sharply. "No," he muttered. He would not accept it. Not without knowing why his wolf had chosen a girl who supposedly didn't even possess one. By the time the gathering ended, my feet were aching. Most of the guests had returned to their rooms, while the servants were busy cleaning the hall. I carried a basket of dirty glasses toward the kitchen. I was almost at the doorway when I heard footsteps behind me. "Elena." My entire body went stiff. I knew that voice. Slowly, I turned around. Alpha Damon stood a few feet away. Without the crowd surrounding him, he seemed even more intimidating. His hands were tucked into his trousers, and his golden eyes were fixed on me. "Y-yes, Alpha?" He studied my face. "How old are you?" I blinked. "Twenty-one, Alpha." "How long have you lived in Moonshadow Pack?" "Since I was a child." "Where are your parents?" My fingers tightened around the basket. "I don't know." His expression changed slightly. "You don't know?" I shook my head. "I was told they died when I was very young. The pack took me in." He remained silent for a moment. Then he stepped closer. I instinctively moved backward. "Why are you afraid of me?" I lowered my eyes. "I'm not, Alpha." "Look at me when you speak." I slowly raised my head. The moment our eyes met, my heart began racing again. A wave of warmth travelled through my chest. Mate! I almost dropped the basket. Damon's expression hardened. "Did you feel that?" I stared at him. "Feel what, Alpha?" He studied me for several seconds. "Nothing." His voice was cold again. I wanted to ask him what was happening, but the words refused to leave my mouth. Instead, I lowered my head. "May I leave, Alpha?" He didn't answer immediately. Then he stepped aside. "Go." I hurried past him, but his voice stopped me once more. "Elena." I turned. "Yes?" "Stay away from the other girls tonight. Especially the blonde one." My stomach tightened. Sophia. "Did I do something wrong, Alpha?" "Just do as I say." "Yes, Alpha." I walked away without looking back. I didn't return to the kitchen immediately. Instead, I slipped into the small courtyard behind the pack hall. The night air was cool against my skin, and the moon shone brightly above the trees. I sat on the wooden bench and pressed my hands against my chest. "What is happening to me?" I whispered. For twenty-one years, I had believed I was wolfless. I had accepted that I would never find a mate, never transform, and never be anything more than an unwanted Omega. But tonight, a voice had spoken inside my head. A voice that called Damon Blackwood our mate. I closed my eyes. "Please, Moon Goddess. If this is some kind of joke, make it stop." A sudden sharp pain shot through my head. I gasped and gripped the bench. For a brief moment, I saw something strange. A woman with long silver hair stood beneath a glowing red moon. Her face was blurred, but her voice sounded familiar. Protect the bloodline. Then the vision disappeared. I opened my eyes, breathing heavily. "What was that?" A soft growl echoed inside my mind. Not an angry growl. A frightened one. They're coming. My blood ran cold. "Who is coming?" There was no answer. Only silence. I stared at the moon, feeling a strange fear settle inside me. I had spent my entire life believing I was nobody. But what if I had been wrong? What if the truth about my past was more dangerous than I could ever imagine? And what if Alpha Damon Blackwood was connected to it?.

I barely slept that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I remembered the strange vision I had experienced in the courtyard. The woman with silver hair, the glowing red moon, and those mysterious words kept repeating in my mind. Protect the bloodline. What bloodline? And who was coming? I had so many questions, but there was nobody I could ask. Mrs. Grace would probably call me crazy if I told her what happened. I turned toward the small window beside my bed. The sky was beginning to brighten. Another day had arrived, but I felt as though I was still trapped in the previous night. Then I heard the voice again. Wake up. I sat up immediately. "Who's there?" Silence. I looked around the tiny room. My roommates were still asleep, and nobody had entered. I pressed my palm against my chest. "Are you the voice I heard yesterday?" A faint warmth spread through my body. Yes. My mouth fell open. I wasn't imagining it. There was really someone speaking inside my head. "Who are you?" I am yours. "Mine?" Your wolf. I stopped breathing. My wolf? The one thing I had been told I would never have? Before I could ask another question, the voice disappeared. I stared at the empty room, tears gathering in my eyes. For years, I had prayed for a wolf. I had watched other girls transform beneath the full moon while I remained human. I had endured their laughter and insults. Now, after twenty-one years, something inside me was finally answering. But why now? And why did it happen after meeting Alpha Damon? "Elena! Are you planning to sleep all morning?" Mrs. Grace's angry voice came from the doorway. I quickly wiped my face. "No, ma'am. I'm coming." "Then get up. The Alpha King's delegation is staying another day, and we have a lot of work." I climbed out of bed and hurried to get dressed. Mrs. Grace looked at me suspiciously. "Why do you look so pale?" "I didn't sleep well." "That's not my concern. Make sure the breakfast is ready before the guests arrive." "Yes, ma'am." She turned to leave, but suddenly stopped. "One more thing. Alpha Damon requested that you take breakfast to his private study." I froze. "Me?" "Did you suddenly become deaf?" "No, ma'am. I just thought someone else would be assigned." "Well, you're the one he requested. Don't make me regret sending you." My stomach tightened. Why would the Alpha King ask for me? Had I done something wrong? Or had he discovered something about me? I couldn't decide which possibility frightened me more. The private wing was quieter than the rest of the pack hall. I stood outside Damon's study, holding a tray containing coffee, fresh bread, eggs, and fruit. My fingers trembled slightly. I knocked twice. "Come in." His deep voice sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. I pushed the door open. Damon stood behind a large wooden desk, reading some documents. He wore a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing his muscular forearms. His dark hair was slightly dishevelled, and his golden eyes looked even brighter in the morning sunlight. For a moment, I forgot why I had come. Then he raised his head. "You're late." I quickly looked at the clock. "I'm sorry, Alpha. I was told to bring your breakfast only a few minutes ago." He stared at me. "Did I ask for an explanation?" "No, Alpha." "Then put it on the table." I hurried toward the small table beside the window and carefully arranged everything. I was about to leave when he spoke again. "Elena." I stopped. "Yes, Alpha?" "Come here." My heart began pounding. I approached his desk and stood in front of him. He studied my face for a long moment. "Did you sleep well?" The question surprised me. "Yes, Alpha." "You're lying." I lowered my eyes. "I didn't sleep much." "Why?" I hesitated. How could I tell him that a voice had spoken inside my head and claimed to be my wolf? "Just a headache, Alpha." He leaned back in his chair. "Have you experienced anything unusual recently?" My fingers twisted together. "No." His eyes narrowed. "Look at me." I obeyed reluctantly. The moment our eyes met, the strange warmth returned. My chest tightened, and a faint buzzing sensation travelled through my fingers. Mate. The voice sounded stronger this time. I gasped. Damon immediately stood. "What happened?" "Nothing." "You just reacted to something." I shook my head. "I'm fine." He moved closer, and I instinctively stepped backward. "Don't move." I froze. His gaze travelled over my face as if he were searching for something hidden beneath my skin. "Do you feel anything when you're near me?" My throat became dry. I wanted to say no. I wanted to pretend everything was normal. But the truth was becoming impossible to ignore. "Sometimes," I whispered. His expression changed. "Sometimes what?" "I don't know how to explain it." "Try." I looked down at my hands. "Whenever you're close to me, I feel strange. My heart beats faster, and sometimes I hear a voice." Damon went completely still. "What voice?" I swallowed. "It calls you..." I stopped. I couldn't say it. His eyes sharpened. "Calls me what?" I shook my head. "Please forget I said anything." For several seconds, he said nothing. Then his voice dropped. "Elena, I don't like secrets." I forced myself to look at him. "Neither do I, Alpha. But I don't understand what's happening." Something flickered across his face. It almost looked like concern. But it disappeared so quickly that I wondered whether I had imagined it. "Marcus will take you to the pack doctor after breakfast." My eyes widened. "No, Alpha. I'm fine." "That wasn't a question." I lowered my head. "Yes, Alpha." I left the study with my heart racing. The strange connection between Damon and me was becoming stronger, and I didn't know how to control it. I was halfway down the corridor when someone grabbed my arm. "Where do you think you're going?" I turned and found Sophia standing behind me. Her beautiful face was twisted with anger. "Good morning, Sophia." "Don't pretend to be friendly with me." I frowned. "What did I do?" "I heard you were inside Alpha Damon's study this morning." My stomach dropped. "Mrs. Grace asked me to deliver his breakfast." Sophia laughed bitterly. "Is that what you're telling yourself?" I tried to pull my arm away, but her grip tightened. "Listen carefully, Elena. I know girls like you. You think a powerful man looking in your direction means you've become special." "I don't think that." "Then why were you smiling when you came out of his study?" I hadn't even realized I was smiling. Perhaps because Damon had spoken to me without humiliating me. Perhaps because, for a few minutes, I had felt that someone was interested in what I had to say. But I wasn't going to explain that to Sophia. "Please let go of my arm." She moved closer. "Stay away from Alpha Damon. He belongs with someone who can stand beside him, not a wolfless nobody." Her words hurt more than I wanted to admit. Before I could respond, a deep voice interrupted us. "Is there a problem here?" Sophia immediately released my arm. We both turned. A young man stood a few steps away. He had dark hair, warm brown eyes, and a friendly expression. Unlike Damon, he didn't seem to carry an invisible threat wherever he went. It was Lucas Blackwood, the Alpha King's younger brother. Sophia quickly smiled. "Lucas! Nothing is wrong. We were just talking." His eyes moved to my arm. "Then why does she look frightened?" Sophia's smile disappeared. "I wasn't hurting her." Lucas looked at me. "Are you alright?" I nodded. "Yes, sir." "Good. You can go." I didn't wait for Sophia to change her mind. I quickly walked away. But before I reached the kitchen, I heard Lucas speak again. "Sophia, I hope you understand that being related to a powerful family doesn't give you permission to mistreat others." I couldn't hear her response. For the first time since the Alpha King's arrival, someone had defended me. Later that afternoon, Beta Marcus found me near the kitchen. "Elena Rose?" I turned. "Yes?" "Come with me. The Alpha wants to see you." My heart sank. "Did I do something wrong?" "Just come with me." I wiped my hands on my apron and followed him. As we walked through the corridor, I noticed several warriors watching us. Their expressions were curious, and I wondered what they had heard about me. When we reached Damon's study, Marcus knocked. "Come in," Damon ordered. I entered slowly. Damon was standing beside his desk, speaking on the phone. He ended the call when he saw me. "Leave us, Marcus." The Beta nodded and closed the door behind him. I stood near the entrance. "You sent for me, Alpha?" Damon walked toward me. "Yes." He stopped a few steps away. "I've been thinking about what you told me this morning." My fingers tightened. "About the voice?" "Yes." He studied me. "Tell me exactly what it says." I hesitated. "Sometimes it tells me to come closer to you." His jaw tightened. "And what else?" I looked away. "It calls you our mate." The room fell silent. For a moment, I thought he would laugh or tell me I had lost my mind. Instead, his expression became unreadable. "Do you know what that means?" I shook my head. "No, Alpha." He looked toward the window. "Then we need to find out why." I stared at him. "Does that mean you believe me?" He turned back. "I believe something is happening. Whether it is what you think it is remains to be seen." My heart sank slightly. I had hoped for a different answer, though I didn't know what answer I expected. Then Damon stepped closer. "Until we understand this connection, you will follow my instructions." "What instructions?" "You will not leave the pack grounds without permission. You will report to Marcus if you experience anything unusual. And you will stay away from anyone who threatens you." I frowned. "Why?" His golden eyes held mine. "Because I said so." I lowered my head. "Yes, Alpha." But as I turned toward the door, the voice inside me returned. This time, it sounded frightened. Elena, be careful. I stopped. He is our mate... but he is not the only one searching for us. A chill ran down my spine. I slowly turned toward Damon. He was watching me. "What is it now?" I opened my mouth, but no words came out. Because suddenly, I remembered the woman from my vision. The red moon. The warning. Protect the bloodline. And I realized that whatever was awakening inside me might put both Damon and me in danger.