Alpha Rising

The air was heavy with anticipation as I stood at the edge of the pack's gathering circle. My heart thudded in my chest, each beat echoing the unspoken hope I'd clung to for years. Tonight wasn't just my 18th birthday-it was the night I would meet my fated mate.

The moon hung high, bathing the forest clearing in silver light as the pack buzzed with energy. Friends and family mingled, but I couldn't focus on them. My eyes were drawn to him: Dante Nightshade, our alpha. His tall, commanding figure seemed to radiate power, and his dark eyes scanned the crowd with purpose.

For as long as I could remember, I'd admired Dante from afar. He was everything an alpha should be-strong, fearless, and untouchable. Deep down, I'd always imagined he could be mine, that the Moon Goddess might have woven our fates together despite my omega status.

But as the ceremony began, a gnawing doubt crept into my mind. What if he wasn't my mate? Worse, what if he was and didn't want me?

"Grace," my father's gruff voice broke through my thoughts. "Stand tall. You represent our family tonight."

I nodded silently, straightening my shoulders. The Hunters weren't a high-ranking family, but my father was respected as a beta, and he demanded the same from me.

One by one, names were called, and new bonds were celebrated. The air grew thinner with each passing moment until it was my turn.

"Grace Hunter," the elder called, his voice steady and commanding.

Every eye turned to me as I stepped into the circle. My heart raced as I looked around, searching for the spark-the undeniable connection that would reveal my mate. My gaze stopped on Dante, who was watching me intently.