(This is not a chapter but a short explaination of some of the concepts in this series)

Ranking and Pheromones

Dominants: are the most respected of the shifters. They are known to be aggressive, authoritative, and protective, making them great leaders.

Betas: are a neutral party. While they have less potent qualities than a dominant, they still hold a great amount of respect authority in their own right.

Omegas: hold little to no authority. They are last in priority. Omegas can experience a small percent of the respect shown to their mate or family as long as that omega is claimed by them.

Rank is decided at 16 years of age. While physical and behavioral characteristics may give clues to rank, only the release of pheromones can give a definite rank.

One can not change their rank. They can only change the amount of authority they hold within their rank.

A shifters pheromones are released on their 16th birthday. Prior to this day they posses no natural scent. Once their pheromones present themselves the shifter instinctually knows their rank.

Pheromones are used to attract a Mate. Your mate’s scent will be irresistible.

There is a way to hide your pheromones called masking. This hides your natural scent allowing shifters to mistake you for human. Masking is rarely used and takes a great amount of skill.

Pack leaders

The Alpha- is the shifter in charge of looking after their pack. This includes the political endeavors of the pack, wars, medical care, and anything the pack might need. They are the strongest in the pack and are most always a dominant.

The Luna- is the Alpha’s mate and may share in their responsibilities. Their rank does not matter.

Future Alpha- is the pack member the Alpha sees the most potential in. They will lead the pack when the Alpha steps down or is unable to lead for any reason. They act as the Alpha’s right hand until such a time occurs.

Representatives- are chosen from each rank as the leader of the rank. They are the strongest in that rank. Speaking for their rank and participating in pack meetings. In pack meetings, representatives are to be treated equally regardless of their rank.

Challenges

All positions aside from Luna can be won. A shifter moves up in their rank by winning a formal challenge. If challenging for a position, the position must be within your rank. All challenges require at least five witnesses. No weapons are allowed. If a fight is not officially declared a challenge it does not affect the shifters ranks. While it is always an option, leadership positions are not often challenged. Challenges are mainly used to gain respect within a rank.

Take over: an absorbtion of another pack.

Merger: Two packs become one normaly through marriage.