Before the horn sounded, I was already at the Manor grounds, but I was suddenly nervous when the Alpha went out of the magnanimous doors of his huge house.

He was being tailed by several guys my age or so, including Drake.

He was smiling and when he saw me, he winked. I just shook my head.

I noticed the arrival of the cubs who just had their first ever shift last night.

"Goodmorning." The Alpha greeted us. "As tradition goes, the cubs have to be assigned to their respective packs after their first shift."

But how about me? I haven't shifted yet. Maybe there is some sort of mistake?

"Your pack will serve as your stronghold as the children of the moon. They will be your companions; your support. Without a pack, a wolf is weak." The Alpha continued.

I noticed Loraine and her pack already standing beside the other packs. She waved her hand at me which I discreetly returned.

But I really felt someone was watching me and when I tilted my head, I caught Kendrick looking at me. But the sad part is, his looks is murderous.

I looked down and bit my lip.

One by one, the cubs as what they're called were assigned to their respective packs. I really do not know the basis, but I just go with the flow.

"And lastly, Allen." The Alpha called.

I stepped forward.

"You will be assigned to the Alpha's pack."

And after those words, I just felt warmth and a tingling sensation in my right arm. When I stared at it, I saw a tattoo! Good gracious!

It was a circular tattoo with labyrinthian design just like what I had seen in Drake's arm.

"Wait a minute Dad." I heard someone spoke.

I looked up and saw Kendrick stepped in front. "He should not be in my pack." He said, pointing at me.

"Why would that be?" The Alpha questioned.

"Because he isn't qualified. He cannot even shift. And he's not a real son of Marcus!"

"My decision is final, Kendrick. Allen will be in your pack and that's not going to change." The Alpha spoke then went inside the Manor.

I, on the other hand was rooted on my place and dumbfounded after I heard the low, authoritative voice of the Alpha.

Kendrick casted me a deadly look and for the first time in my life, I felt inferior and hurt. It was a look of rejection and there's something in me that seemed so affected by it.

I shook my head. Then Kendrick walked past me without another word.

The other members of the pack, however, went towards me and awkwardly extended their hands.

"Welcome to the pack." Chris said with a hint of sorry in his face. I don't know if he felt sorry for me or if he felt sorry for Kendrick.

I stared at their hands and smiled bitterly. "Thanks." I muttered.

I still cannot concentrate because of the way Kendrick treated me. Added with the fact that he was the leader of this pack.

Then I felt someone tackled me to the ground. To my surprise, I wasn't able to react faster and the other members of the pack followed.

They all jumped towards me, tackling me further towards the ground.

They then rolled away after a moment and they were all laughing.

I stared at them in awe as I hugged myself closer afraid that they might do it again. And upon seeing my action, the laughter seems to become more boisterous.

Then I felt someone put his arms around my shoulder and saw Drake misty-eyed while holding his stomach as he laughs beside me.

"Welcome to the pack, Allen." He said when he recovered then he tousled my hair.

"Err. Thanks." I said.

"I'm sorry if we startled you." Drake apologized as he ran a hand at the back of his head. But his lips are a proof that he is still amused.

"Why did you do that?" I asked.

"It's sort of a tradition in the pack. Or the right word is initiation." Chris muttered.

"I see. But you could have at least informed me beforehand." I complained.

"Oh finally, we have a princess in the pack." One of the guys beside Chris spoke which caused them to laugh again.

"Excuse me?" I raised my brow.

And they all laughed again which made me rolled my eyes.

But somehow, I felt good after they did this. They kind of make me feel welcomed in spite of Kendrick's hostile attitude towards me.

I understand that he is a homophobic, but I think I deserve some respect too. It's not like my "gayness" is contagious.

And why does he really have to get so angry with me? It's not my fault why I'm like this.

The rest of the pack brought me to their hangout which turned out to be a large house east of Ravenwoods.

Drake opened the door and ushered me in.

I was quite shocked with the scene before me.

It was a mess! The packs of chips and empty beer cans were scattered on the floor, on the sofa and basically everywhere.

There were even condoms! What?

Chris and the others picked them up immediately.

"Err. We apologize." Drake muttered. We hadn't cleaned up. "These were the aftermath of a party that the pack hosted."

I just nodded. And I think I know what role I'm going to play for these people...

Maid!

I sighed.

They toured me around the house which was basically large. And it was cozy despite the mess around.

"This is the Alpha's quarters." Drake said pointing referring to the room behind a large door.

"The Alpha goes here?" I asked.

Drake chuckled. "No. I mean, Kendrick. He is the Alpha of this pack."

I nodded. "So, I have to avoid this room." I muttered.

"Nah. Don't worry, he seldom goes here. This room wasn't even used for several months now." He said.

All in all, there were 10 rooms upstairs including the Alpha's and three rooms below added with the large living room and a porch.

I have such a large house to maintain.

"So, since you are a pack member now, every day, you should be here. And when the pack is doing the rounds, we usually sleep here."

"So, I need to sleep here too." I stated.

"Exactly." Drake said.

...

"So, how was it?" My father asked when I arrived home.

"It was okay. The pack members were good to me except for Kendrick." I said.

"You've been placed in the Alpha's pack. That's great. But what did Kendrick do to you?"

"He doesn't approve that I'm in his pack." I said and slumped on the couch.

"Let's give him some time." He said. "By the way, do you feel any sign of shifting?" He asked.

"I don't know. What signs exactly should I be observing?"

"Nothing specific, really. It is not same with everyone actually. You will just eventually find out." He said.

I nodded.

Sometimes, I really wonder if I'm really a werewolf or there was some sort of mistake.

...

The following day, I decided to go to school with Loraine to settle any unfinished business we had with our subject teachers.

Since, we don't have uniform schedules, we definitely have to separate our ways.

The school was somewhat quiet. There were only a few students who pass along the corridors. Summer is indeed coming.

When I turned into the alley towards the office of my subject teacher, I got a feeling that someone is following me. So, I turned around and saw Tyler.

He was sort of surprised when I caught him following me. But he immediately concealed the expression and replace it with his signature smile.

I wonder why I didn't feel the usual reaction of my heart when I see his smile.

"Hi." He said and walked towards me.

"If you are thinking of doing something to me again, please don't." I said.

"No. I'm not." He stopped when he saw me backing away every time he steps closer. "Just let me talk to you."

"I don't think there's something to talk about." I answered.

"Look. Just listen to me." He said. "I just wanted to apologize for everything that I have done to you." He said.

I laughed. "So, you're apologizing now. What are you up to now?" I asked.

"Allen, there is no plan behind this. Nothing. Brett and Cole don’t even know this." He said.

"And what is your purpose then?" I asked.

"Nothing. I don't know." He said as he glanced sideways.

He's acting weird.

"You know what, make up your mind first." I said and turned to walk.

"Wait!" He grabbed my hand that surprised me and somewhat scared me. "Sorry." He muttered and released my hand.

"What do you want?" I asked.

He looked at me. And his eyes were full of pain. "You." He said softly but enough for me to hear.

I stared at him.

"Allen. It may seem hard to believe but I liked you for so long now. All those things I do to you are just ways to have you near me." He looked down. "I can't think of any other ways."

"Do you know what you're talking about?" I asked.

"Of course, I do." He said as he advanced towards me. "I like you Allen."

"Does it mean you're gay too?" I asked resisting to laugh.

"I don't know what I am. Laugh if you want but I'm telling the truth."

"Maybe you have eaten something bad." I said, enjoying the taste of revenge. Bad me.

"Please Allen, just tell me what you feel towards me."

Okay I admit Tyler was hot. But that was before.

"You are asking me after all the things you did to me." I sarcastically said.

"I'm sorry." He uttered. "But please give me a chance."

I don't really understand why I don't feel the same towards him as before. "I'm sorry." I said.

He heaved out a deep sigh. "If that's your decision. I guess I really have hurt you so much." He blinked his eyes.

What? Am I dreaming? Is Tyler on the brink of crying? Goodness, I'm so bad.

"Damn." He cursed silently.

But I could still hear him.

"Before you go, can you please let me hug you?" He asked.

Before I could answer, he pulled me and hugged me as he put his forehead against mine. Then without a word, he walked away. I watched his back dumbfounded.

Did all of that just happened?

I finally recovered but I somehow felt bad for Tyler. That confession was mind blowing!

Later, I found out that Loraine has gone home without me.

Ugh. That girl.

I decided to visit the house and perhaps take some of the things I left.

When I arrived at the place, the air seems eerie. Or maybe, I'm just overthinking.

I was surprised to see large men with eerie faces. They had big bikes. These men were like gangsters judging on their get ups.

I swallowed and decided not to pursue. But when I turned around, I was surprised to see ten more men standing in the way with evil grins.

"We finally found you." One said.

I suddenly felt fear.

"There must be an understanding." I muttered.

"Really?" The largest one spoke, showing his darkened teeth.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"Boss will be happy to have you."

I swallowed hard. Who are these people?

"Now, if you come peacefully with us then you shall feel no pain." He snickered.

"But if you want some fun, I suggest you run." He said.

But I didn't let him finish the sentence because I was running fast toward the forest.

I could hear their laughter behind followed by an eerie howl.

Oh god.

Then just a few steps behind, I know there were wolves running. And my running speed is no match for them.

Suddenly, a brown wolf snatched me and put me in its back.

Hold tight Allen.

I heard.

"Dad?" I asked.

Later Allen. You're in danger.

Then I heard a deafening shot.

And dad's movement wavered and I slumped on the ground with him.

A moment later, I watched the pack of werewolves from Ravenwoods running towards our pursuers.

From the heavy fall, I managed to get up and ran to my father who is now naked against the dirt.

"Dad!" I screamed at him. And I was filled with fear upon seeing a pond of blood dripping from his wound.

He weakly opened his eyes. "Allen." He smiled. "You're safe now."

"No. No. Stay awake. Don't move. Your wounds should heal now." I muttered expecting it to happen, but it didn't.

My father held me. "Allen, listen. I'm not going to last long." He said.

"No. You are going to live. This is just a gunshot, right? Your wounds will heal right?"

"You still have so much to learn." He chuckled. "So sad I won't be there to teach you."

"No. Don't say that. You are still going to teach me how to hunt right? We'll hunt together." I said, putting pressure on his wound.

"I'm afraid I can't" His voice were going weaker and weaker.

"No. Stop talking." I said and saw the Alpha's wolf running toward us.

Then he shifted into his human form.

"Marcus!"

"Michael. Take care of Allen for me." He uttered.

"Dad! Don't talk like that." I yelled supressing the tears.

The alpha examined his wound and he shook his head.

"Allen. No matter what happens, always remember that you are special." He said weakly.

And he closed his eyes.

I screamed at the top of my lungs.