Chapter 2 The Moon Ceremony Announcement

• Sarah -
• "A pack meeting ? Why? We just had one last month. Is there a special event or activity planned?" James, one of the Gamma, said as he passed by me while I was scrubbing the main hall floor.
• A sudden pack meeting was almost never called, and whenever it was, it was never good. So I wondered, what could this be about? I quickly finished cleaning and headed to the meeting room. Alpha Jacob had demanded that the entire pack attend this meeting. I took my place at the corner of the crowd closest to the exit, near the back and unseen by the alpha. In a small huddle by the steps stood Alpha Jacob Lane, Luna Grace, his daughter Jemma, and all the Betas.
• The alpha stepped forward .
• "Quiet!" he said aloud, shushing down the murmer. "I have an announcement." He paused at this, swallowing almost uncertainly, before he continued, his voice void of emotion.
• "The council has informed me that we will be hosting the next moon ceremony."
• A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. The moon ceremony was a revered tradition, a time when single wolves had the opportunity to find their fated mates in other packs.
• "Our pack will not only be hosting our own members but also welcoming our neighbouring packs," Alpha Jacob continued, his tone filled with pride. "This includes the esteemed Bloodsong pack, among others."
• A hush fell over the hall at the mention of the Bloodsong pack, known far and wide for their strength and prowess. Their presence at the moon ceremony added an extra layer of significance to the event, heightening the anticipation and excitement.
• "As hosts, it is our duty to ensure that the moon ceremony proceeds smoothly and with utmost respect for tradition," Alpha Jacob emphasised, his gaze sweeping over the assembled wolves. "I expect each and every one of you to uphold the honour of our pack and extend hospitality to our guests."
• The pack gave a chorus of approval, our resolute expressions showing how determined we were to honour our guests and maintain our traditions.
• "Prepare yourselves, my pack," Alpha Jacob concluded, his voice ringing with authority. "For the next full moon will be a night to remember."
• There were murmurs of agreement to this request as he finally ended the meeting. "Good, now let us prepare for their arrival." He spoke, and with that, everyone scattered to their duties.
• For the next several days, the entire pack only talked about the impending ceremony.
• Werewolves became adults when they turned eighteen. This is a big turning point in their lives because it means they are ready to start the search for their destined mates.
• For generations, it had been believed that the goddess Luna herself assigned mates to each werewolf, like a second half of their soul. She weaves the threads of fate, guiding each wolf to their destined mate. Not everyone finds their soul mate at the age of eighteen; in fact, it can take years, particularly if they are not from the same nation or pack.
• I have heard stories of werewolves who have travelled far and wide to find their mates, some even crossing oceans. It is said that when the time is right, the bond between mates will lead them to each other, no matter the distance.
• The werewolf council arranges these mating ceremonies to ensure that each werewolf eventually finds their destined mate. These ceremonies are filled with tradition and rituals, all in honour of the Goddess Luna and the bonds she creates between werewolves. I have heard stories of werewolves who have travelled far and wide to find their mates, some even crossing oceans. It is said that when the time is right, the bond between mates will lead them to each other, no matter the distance.
• I am 19, and I have yet to find my mate. I doubt I will ever find my mate because he is not in this pack, and I doubt I will ever be able to leave this pack. I didn't care about finding a mate. I was simply relieved that nobody bothered me since they were too preoccupied with the preparations. In the last week, even the alpha had forgotten about my daily beatings.
• I moved with practiced efficiency through the bustling kitchen as I served dinner to the hungry pack members. My head was bowed; I focused solely on the task.
• As I placed a platter of steaming food onto the table, I caught snippets of conversation from a group of pack sluts.
• Jemma, the alpha's daughter, was complaining about the lack of suitable mates in the pack.
• "I really wish my mate would be the Bloodmoon Alpha. He's so powerful and so handsome. He's the perfect alpha."
• "But isn't he ruthless?" Another girl interjected, her tone cautious. "I heard he killed his own father to take over the pack."
• Jemma waved off the concern with a dismissive gesture. "That doesn't matter," she insisted. "Power and money are everything. And Ashton Rivers has plenty of it. He's fit to be my mate."
• Someone grabbed my butt, making me jump in surprise, causing the platter to slip from my grasp and crash onto Jemma, who sat nearby. Gasps of shock filled the air as I looked up in horror at the person who had grabbed her hand.
• "You've become quite a handful, love." Rory Lane, the Alpha's son, smirked down at me, his eyes gleaming with lust.
• "You stupid bitch !" Jemma yelled at me and slapped me.
• The force of the slap stung my cheek as I stumbled back, falling further into Rory's grasp.
• "Easy there, sister," Rory said, his grip tightening on my arm. "Don't ruin her pretty face."
• "Oh pease ! The first thing you do after you return is flirt with this wretched omega." Her voice was filled with anger. "She's not worth your time."
• I was trembling with fear. The only person who frightened me more than Alpha Jacob was Rory. He had always bullied me and made no secret of his indecent advances. He had been away for training since last year. I knew I was in for a rough time now that he was back.
• " I am really sorry; I will clean up the mess," I pleaded, trying to pull away from Rosy's grasp.
• "Hi Rory, you have become even more handsome." Natasha, one of the pack sluts, smiled at Rory. Showing off her ample clevage.
• Rory smirked at Natasha's comment, his eyes shifting to her with a predatory gleam.
• "Really ? I've been working out." He bragged, showing off his muscles. Natasha giggled, her eyes lingering on Rory's physique. Rory, enjoying the attention, released me from his grasp. As Natasha continued to flirt shamelessly, I ran away, grateful to be out of the spotlight.
• Clutching the kitchen sink, I took some deep breaths, washed the food spots on my hands and shoulders, and grabbed a bucket and a mop to clean up the mess in the sinking area.
• "Leave it; I will clean it up." Bertha, one of the kitchen staff members, said to me:.
• I looked up at her, surprised. " Are you sure?" I replied gratefully.
• She smiled warmly and said, "It's no trouble at all; go home and take rest."
• Feeling relieved, I thanked Bertha profusely before heading out the door.