Amelia huffed loudly, settling herself down. “I can’t help it, I’m excited,” she beamed, barely able to keep her voice even. “You’re gonna be Alpha tonight. I’m so proud of you.” She nudged him with her elbow, teasing him.

Damon glanced down at her smiling. Even though she was taller than most girls, he still towered over her and she loved it. She may be his older sister by mere minutes but he had always taken on the role as dutiful protector and savior. Not like she needed it. She was glad she’d be by his side tonight, standing by him as he became Alpha of their pack. Nerves plagued her over the idea of leaving him behind to travel. He was nervous as well, but no matter what he always supported her.

They all stood still in silence as the vehicles finally pulled up in the circle drive. The SUV in the middle parked in front of the waiting welcoming committee. Amelia felt like there was a hurricane of bats going off in her stomach.

Each door of the SUV automatically opened, letting out a dozen men and women from the Twilight Moon Pack. The men all looked like giants, typical for werewolves. Each pack trained differently but they had a vicious metabolism coupled with daily training, making for some fit individuals.

She couldn’t help but check out the males standing in front of her. Luckily, she had broken up with her boyfriend last night. Maybe she could have some fun before she left tomorrow.

You're disgusting.

Amelia couldn’t help but smirk at her brother's remark. Stay out of my head and we won’t have a problem.

It’s not my fault we’re connected. Stupid twin bond.

Amelia tried to hide the snicker that was trying to escape, earning her a steady glare from her father. She quickly shut up, throwing on her steely mask otherwise known as resting bitch face. A part of her wanted to make her brother squirm even more, possibly make him blush in the presence of the Twilight Moon Pack. Giving her plenty of ammo to embarrass him for all eternity, when her nose caught a whiff of something unsuspecting. She couldn’t help but lift her head up a bit, catching the breeze as it was blown right in her face. Cinnamon, cloves and apples.

Damon tensed at her side. His body responding to hers. She could feel him glancing down at her, taking in her face, her brow scrunched and furrowed. The way she was inhaling the air deeply, clearing smelling something.

What’s wrong? He asked her.

I smell something.

Now he was worried. Rogues?

No, no. It smells, she sniffed the air again as the incoming pack adjusted their ranks, accommodating someone in their midst. It smells amazing. Like coming home.

Now he was the one with the confused look but he quickly became distracted as the Twilight Moon Pack’s Alpha stepped forward, flanked by his higher ranking pack members, approaching his father. The new Alpha was quite impressive. He looked only a few years older than himself, rather tall, even by werewolf standards, and very lean, his skin stretched thin over muscles.

Amelia watched as the new Alpha approached her father. She watched the way he walked, confident and strong, completely void of care. His face was hard and set like he had never been taught to smile. His hair was blacker than a moonless sky and a bit grown out, some of it hanging in his eyes. It was his eyes that grabbed her attention, silver grey. They were so light and mesmerizing she couldn’t help but stare.

The bats that had once been in her stomach were now more like dinosaurs, large flapping pterodactyls beating around inside of her. Her palms were sweating, unable to help but chew on her bottom lip in nervousness. What the hell was wrong with her?

“Alpha Stephan, it’s nice to finally meet you,” the new Alpha said, offering his hand in respect.

Her father instantly took it, shaking his hand firmly. “Thank you for making the trip. You honor our alliance with your presence. Welcome to the Wandering Moon Pack. This is my son, Damon. He’ll be named Alpha in tonight’s ceremony,” he introduced them, gesturing towards his son on his left.

Damon also made sure to shake the new Alpha’s hand, his grip firm and hard. “It’s nice to meet you, Alpha.”

“Please, call me Gabriel,” he said, flashing him a brilliant white smile.

“And this is my daughter, Amelia.”

☾ ☾ ☾

For the first time since arriving, Gabriel finally took notice of the woman standing next to the future Alpha. She was taller than most females he knew, slender with luscious curves. Her long silver-blonde hair hung over her shoulders, grazing her ribs. She looked extremely similar to the future Alpha, same eyes, same face, same hair, except for everything about her was softer and more feminine. It wasn’t until he looked into her ocean green eyes that he felt something like a jolt of lightning pierce his chest.

Gabriel felt frozen, mesmerized by her, the way her eyes widened as if recognizing him in some way when he was positive he had never met her before in his life. The wind had changed direction, blowing in his face, kicking up her hair, when he caught it. The smell. Roses and honey. His wolf was clawing at the back of his mind, desperate and loud. He didn’t realize how long they’d been staring at one another until the sound of someone clearing their throat caught both of their attention.

☾ ☾ ☾

Amelia finally felt free of his gaze, the sound of her brother coughing breaking her free of his spell. She watched him carefully as he composed himself, rearranging his features to something along the lines of emotionless.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Gabriel said formally, his monotone voice taking her by surprise. He extended his hand out to her, same as he did with the Alpha.

“You as well.” Showing no hesitation, she reached out and took his hand, regretting it the instant their skin made contact. Gooseflesh spread across her entire body at his touch, her heart beat wildly in her chest. Her head was swimming with his intoxicating scent but the most famous sign, the tingling sensation of his skin touching hers. Rey howled in her head, excited and eager.

He was her mate.

Fuck.

Damon startled at her side, his gaze flicking down to her hand in Gabriel’s.

She quickly pulled her hand out of his grasp, hiding it behind her back, rubbing it against the back of her leg trying to rub away the lingering feeling. She watched as he moved on from her. Her father continued the introductions to the top members of their pack. She wanted to run, to flee. Get as far away as possible and never look back before this new Alpha had a chance to claim her. She didn’t want a mate, she never did, but it looked like fate had other plans for her.