lis

nd it’s time to get the new

e is void of makeup, and my newly washed and dried hair flows down my back, unadorned. It's been a while since I look at myself in the mirror this bare. I'd have enjoyed t

e to their character. At least they would be present there, even if it's tradition d

s bad luck for the Alpha to see the girls before we arrive at our coming-of-ag

your place, and then we can go out to dinner. I’ll

greet as well as senior members of the pack to ming

an’t wait t

darling. Are you

s. What if every

erything will be okay. Don’t worry if you don

mate. I don't know what I will

ate. We love each other, right? M

ah. Lo

a good night, you know you’re my

e prettiest girl there you kn

I can’t wait. Lo

is:

bus to reach the ceremonial circle near the

enches that have been laid out for the guests. Lilies are strewn over the seats and in the aisles - another ritual symbol for our ceremony. The scene before me seems ethereal and dreamy. I catch a glimpse of my family on the sideline

cup that has belonged to the pack for generations. But before that, the attendees will perform a traditional dance with white

speech about new beginnings and talking about the accomplishments of the young adults in the pack. There are also guys in our group who are turning ei

ces, letting the music guide us. The otherworldly atmosphere is only disturbed by the wolves revealing themselves to the dancers, twirling them away from the group

ibly the f

I pray, “Show your

t for our turns to walk up to the podium and accept the cup from Farris. Some of the girls before me are dizzy from the first stirrings of the wolves inside them. I watch with curiosi

in me. Faintly, I hear Farris’s voice yelling at me, but the pain keeps me from deciphering what he’s saying. I feel someone wrap their arms around me, and Farris’s voic

onto me. I see them approaching through tear-blurred eyes, I hear Farris growl at them. Then I feel hands,

d her at last,” o

her mate…” s

ne!” says

m, trying to get away

my brain as the revolting touches increase in frequency. I cannot move,

y out to them, “Mother,

th stone-cold eyes glistening with anger, stoic

ushing them away, trying to claim me as their own. I’m shoved around like a

k members, shove the men away to make a p

ut!” Farris says

fleeing