Cara’s pov
I couldn’t hide my shock. The Rogue King?
I felt like I was drawn into another story within a story. I had heard that name numerous times in my former pack, the bluecreek pack, we had gossip about it and talked about the coming of the so-called Rogue king who has destroyed packs and is a merciless alpha.
I had thought that it was just a made up story told to scare us the omegas and keep us in check, but seeing the serious look on Alexander’s face, I know it’s not just a made up story. He is real.
The ‘ master’ title, caught my attention the most, as my mind went to the only person who I know is know as master, but I quickly shocked my head, there’s no way Brian is the rogue wolf, I have been in his pack and I have seen how it’s flourishing, the stories told about the rogue king doesn’t match up with him.
Everything I have known is falling apart, I couldn’t tell where the truth began and where the lies ended again. I felt that I was being pulled in multiple places as my knowledge of the world was being turned upside down every time.
Before I could ask more, the bonfire erupted in cheers, and Alexander’s expression changed. “It’s time for the howling ceremony,” he said, standing up and extending his hand to me. “Everyone shifts into their wolves to honor the moon. Come on, it’ll be fun.”
“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “I…I can’t.”
“Why not?” He frowned, looking genuinely confused. “You’re part of this pack now, Cara. You have every right to join in.”
“I can’t,” I repeated, more desperately this time. “My wolf… she’s different. Everyone says she’s an abomination.”
“That’s nonsense,” Alexander said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re not an abomination, Cara. You’re special. And it’s time you showed everyone just how special you are.”
I pulled back, shaking my head. “I can’t. My wolf… It’s different. They’ll know I don’t belong.”
He gave me a reassuring smile, taking my hand gently. “You belong more than you know, Cara. You’re one of us. Besides, I want to see your wolf.”
I hesitated, fear bubbling up inside me. But the warmth in his eyes, the way he looked at me with the eyes that said to trust him, made me want to trust him. “Okay,” I whispered.
With his guidance, we walked back toward the bonfire. I watched as each wolf took turns shifting, their fur glowing in the moonlight, their howls filling the air. Finally, it was Alexander’s turn. He stepped forward confidently, his body rippling with power as he shifted into a majestic brown wolf. The crowd howled in admiration, and for a moment, I forgot my fear, captivated by his beauty and strength. He was a big wolf.
Then it was my turn. Jacob’s voice rang out, calling my name, and I felt every eye turn toward me. “Come on, Cara!” Alexander’s voice echoed in my head, urging me forward.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the clearing. I felt my body tremble, my heart pounding wildly. “Please don’t let them see me as a monster,” I prayed. Closing my eyes, I let go, and the shift began.
When I opened my eyes, I wasn’t prepared for the gasps and murmurs around me. My wolf… she was small and doesn’t look any menacing like a wolf should look like.
The first time I had shifted in the bluecreek pack, they had called my wolf a puppy. Her fur was pure white, almost glowing under the moonlight, with streaks of gold running through it. Her eyes were bright blue, and the most remarkable feature was a red bright dot on her forehead.
I took a step forward, my heart pounding as I waited for the disgust, the fear, the rejection. I braced myself for the mocking and scoff that usually follows after I turn into my wolf, but it never comes.
My wolf stood there, her coat glowing in her own majestic way. Her fur was pure white, streaked with threads of gold that shimmered like moonlight. I could see the awe and wonder in everyone’s eyes, and for the first time, I felt… proud.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, one by one, the wolves around me began to bow their heads. I felt tears well up, not from fear or sadness, but from something else… acceptance. For the first time, I felt like I wasn’t just an outcast. I was something more, something special. I felt Emma and the now lost but found Emily also in their wolf form that was both big and majestic, just like their brother’s trudge near me, rubbing their snout on me, offering me assurance.
“Cara you are amazing” Emma said to me through telepathy.
“Am so jealous, I can die of jealousy right right now” Emily said, whining
I brought my head down. I was a little shy and overwhelmed with the compliments.
Us werewolves can only communicate through telepathy to one another, irrespective of packs when we transform into our respective wolves.
“Your wolf is beautiful” Alexander, still in his wolf form, transmitted to me. He approached me, his eyes shining with pride. He let out a howl, and soon, the entire pack joined in. It was a song of unity, a song of belonging, and for the first time, I felt the urge to howl back.
For a moment, I allowed myself to bask in their acceptance. Their howling resonated with my wolf, I threw my head back and howled, my voice mingling with the other wolves’, rising up to meet the stars.