Tara
My eyes fluttered open, and sleep retreated, slowly at first. Then I remembered that today was the day. The day I'd waited twenty-one years for. The day my life would change, as I became something more than human.
Fully awake in record time, I leaped out of bed, darted to the window, and flung open the curtains. A beautiful early spring day greeted me like a friend, with abundant sunshine, puffy white clouds, and blue skies, above newly green grass. It looked like a landscape of hope at the end of the frozen tunnel of gray known as winter.
Outside, farmers were already tending to the fields, planting crops, while squirrels launched daring assaults on my dad's bird feeders. Though he often grumbled about their antics and the mess they made, I suspected he secretly admired their cleverness, tenacity, and the odd set of ninja skills that allowed them to bypass even the most sophisticated anti-squirrel technology.
Happy birthday, Tara!
The voice startled me so much I jumped, landing on my backside on the plush beige carpet. What in the world? It had come from inside my head. Was I losing my mind? Or was this one of my sister Talia's pranks?
Ah, yes. My sister. As a Lunar werewolf, my older sister Talia was able to use power harnessed from the moon. She could move objects with her mind, and I was her favorite guinea pig. Once, she had an Amazon package follow me home from the bus stop. My socks mysteriously disappeared. The pen I reached for would slide just out of reach, until I was slapping the table like a cat chasing a laser light.
Sometimes I wished I had developed some kind of amazing ability, like my sister, and my mother. I had high hopes for a while, but it would seem I was meant for a more ordinary kind of life. Well, other than serving as the target for my sister's random magical arrows. She sent them flying at me with wild abandon, always managing to catch me off guard. It was annoying at times, but I loved my sister. I had long since moved past my feelings of jealousy.
Voices in my head? This was different. Perhaps she'd awakened a new kind of moon magic.
Then, the realization hit me, and I felt like an idiot. Of course. "Are you… my wolf?" I asked aloud.
Trinity, at your service, a cheerful voice answered. You can talk to me without speaking, unless you like walking around talking to yourself.
I could sense her, a new presence, radiating love and acceptance. Finally! I had my wolf!
What a beautiful name, I told her, silently this time, marveling at how much this would change my life. I'd always been a solitary soul, often feeling lonely. Trinity's arrival marked the end of those lonely days.
Tonight, I would stand in the sacred circle and undergo my very first transformation. The moon would be full, allowing the Moon Goddess to assist. A full moon was only necessary the first time. It would get easier thereafter, becoming as natural as walking. I was lucky, most werewolves had to wait until the next full moon after they came of age to shift, but not me.
I was a little sore from training last night, so I decided to run a hot bath, adding my favorite coconut and caramel-scented oil. The sweet scent transported me to sun-drenched childhood beach days, before school and then warrior training took over my life. I pushed myself hard, knowing what was at stake. Blue Moon was a peaceful pack, but being peaceful doesn't guarantee safety. We were peaceful, but always prepared.
As I watched the water rise, I remembered the time I'd used bubble bath instead of oil and turned on the jets. After digging through my closet to find my scented candles, I'd returned to a bathroom full of suds, clear to the ceiling.
In my defense, it had been a great way to clean the bathroom!
Very creative, Trinity told me.
Exactly. I smiled. My wolf got it!
I glanced at the beautiful silver and white dress hanging on my closet door that my mother had spent months making for me. I was dying to wear it tonight. I wanted to be beautiful. Irresistible. Just in case I was lucky enough to find my fated mate. Once I shifted, if he was there, my enhanced wolf senses would help me find him. He might not be, but I could be patient. The Moon Goddess would make certain that our paths crossed when the time was right.
This year, my birthday coincided with something even more exciting, a visit from the Lycan King, the ruler of werewolves and our cousin species, Lycans. Guests from allied packs had already started trickling in yesterday, to join us for the massive celebration. Blue Moon was this year's host. As werewolves, we loved our festivals, our traditions, our special events. Any excuse to let loose and party like wild animals!
I remembered King Maddoc Moonshadow as impossibly handsome, with a presence that made it hard to breathe. I'd only had one real interaction with him, but it still played in my mind like a song I couldn't forget.
I was fourteen, and I'd slipped away from a crowded party, looking for a more peaceful vibe, a search that led to the piano in the music room. I'd started to play, pouring my heart into the music. He must've entered quietly because I didn't notice him until I finished.
Startled, I'd fallen right off the bench, and into a teenage crush that had outlived my teenage years. To be honest. It was still alive and kicking!
King Maddoc looked like he belonged on one of those "smoking hot firemen" calendars, with his fashionably disheveled, sandy colored hair and blue eyes that twinkled mischievously. His body was fine art, based on what I'd seen, and even more on what I'd imagined.
And I'd imagined plenty!
That night, he'd smiled, his presence somehow filling the room and taking up residence in my memory. "Don't be scared. I promise, I don't bite. What is your name, little one?" he'd asked, gently.
"Tara, Your Highness. I'm Beta William's daughter, of the Blue Moon Pack," I'd squeaked. "You're so tall!"
"Tall enough to pull stars out of the sky, and if you ever want one, Tara, just let me know," he'd joked. Oh, MY HEART! "William mentioned a daughter with musical talent. I am the Lycan King, Alpha Maddoc of Moon Shadow Pack."
He'd complimented my playing and promised to return some day. After that, I was in a dreamy haze for weeks. Talia and I squealed about it later, and when I fell asleep that night, I'd had dreams I couldn't tell anyone about.
Now, soaking in the bath, I chatted silently with Trinity. I wonder if he'll remember me?
Tara, I think you have a crush on the Lycan King, Trinity teased, her laughter echoing in my head.
Who doesn't? I shot back. I bet you'd have a crush on his wolf.
I want only my fated mate, thank you very much, she huffed.
I agreed, of course. I would settle for no less than the mate I was destined to, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. Once I met him, my silly crush would fade into a memory that I would probably laugh at when I got older.
"As long as it's not Jake," I muttered aloud, shivering at the thought of being mated to the Alpha-heir of the Moon Shine Pack. Jake had stalker vibes, and he was as arrogant as they come. Definitely not mate material. If he had to have an official title, Male Chauvinist Pig would suit him far better than Alpha.
King Maddoc, on the other hand, was rumored to be a gentleman, kind and generous. Not surprisingly, he was popular with the ladies. He was always on the cover of gossip magazines and featured in celebrity blogs.
He'd had a string of relationships with gorgeous women, all of them ending abruptly. The reason they ended? He was searching for his fated mate, which I suspected was the real reason for his visits. He wouldn't stop searching until he found her. How romantic!
Sometimes, Trinity said, still with that same teasing tone, a mate just might come of age since the last gathering.
Stop, I said, scoffing as my heart gave a hopeful, delusional flutter. He'd never be interested in someone like me. He could have anyone he wanted. I can only wish I was that fabulous.
Someone like you? You ARE fabulous, WE are fabulous! Trinity insisted.
If you say so, I admired her confidence.
After my soak, I changed into my comfy clothes and headed downstairs for breakfast. The smell of fresh pancakes and sizzling bacon filled the air. My family greeted me with hugs and birthday wishes.
Talia, taunting me like only a sister could, gave me a homemade birthday card. It was covered with glitter and photoshopped images of me and King Maddoc. Across the top, like a headline:
"TARA: FUTURE QUEEN."
I rolled my eyes. "Very funny."
But secretly? The idea sent a thrill through me. As we ate, my thoughts wandered back to the stories I'd heard about him. Feats of bravery. Fierce battles. A relentless fight for peace among the packs. He was a legend, not just among werewolves and Lycans. Humans were equally enthralled with him.
Hey, don't judge me! Hero worship is a cross cultural phenomenon, right? If he was a human rock star, and I had him sign my boobs with a sharpie…
"Tara!" My mom waved her hand in front of my face, "come back to earth, Tara!"
"Are you excited for tonight?" Talia asked, breaking my reverie.
"Excited… and a little nervous," I admitted. "My wolf seems amazing, though, I can't wait to show her off."
"She's going to be super fluffy," Talia said, and we both giggled. For some reason the word "fluffy" always made us laugh. "Too bad everyone will be too busy drooling over the King to notice your fluffy wolf."
I would be one of them, probably drowning the pack with my drool. "Thanks. I just hope I don't fall over my own paws."
You won't, Trinity added. We are a team, remember? You'll be graceful, just like you are at the piano. Her confidence steadied me.
I finished my breakfast, and spent the rest of the morning playing the piano. My fingers flew over the keys, always finding the right notes, even when I closed my eyes.
Later, I went for a walk around the Pack House grounds to calm my nerves. The air was cool and clean, the spring breeze soft against my skin. Pups played near the edge of the woods, and I paused to watch them. Their adorable camaraderie reminded me of Talia, the times we raced across these same fields, pretending we were patrol wolves on secret missions.
Do you think we'll ever have pups of our own? I asked Trinity.
Perhaps, Trinity replied. But first, you must find your mate and make them! The words sent a shiver down my spine, which she found amusing.
As I reached the edge of the forest, I gazed at the ceremonial circle. It was beautifully adorned with flowers. I could already imagine the moonlight shining down, the energy surrounding me as I transformed into my wolf.
Footsteps and laughter caught my attention, and I turned to see two packmates heading my way.
"Hi, Tara! Happy Birthday!" Jason greeted me, hand in hand with his mate, Elara.
"Are you ready for your big night?" asked Elara, her happy-go-lucky energy always infectious.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied.
"Don't worry! It hurts a bit, but after- when you run on four paws for the first time- it's worth it." Elara grinned. "I, for one, am excited to see that hottie King Maddoc."
Jason rolled his eyes, pulling Elara towards him for a hug. "How am I supposed to compete with him?" He complained, pretending to be jealous. "The mysterious, sexy billionaire. I wonder if he has an alter ego? Like Batman?"
"Of course he does. Don't we all?" I mused, "humans, upgraded to the PLUS version, with all those extra fluffy features."
Subscribe now and get your free three day trial of Trinity Pro, my wolf snorted. For some reason, that made me laugh until my sides ached.
"My wolf is offering a free trial, I guess I have to subscribe to access all her features," I explained.
"At least your wolf has a sense of humor," Jason told me, "my wolf is so serious. He'd be the reminder to cancel your trial before the subscription period ends."
I glanced back at the group of pups, now staring at us. One of them put his hands on his hips, asking us, "now what is so darn funny?"
"You," Jason told him, "you're too cute. We can't handle it." He clutched his chest, then fell to the ground. The pups looked at each other, alarmed, and rushed over to us. "Good Goddess, these cute pups are everywhere! Somebody help!"
The pups caught on, and all three of them pounced on Jason, as Elara and I howled with laughter.
Blue Moon werewolves were the best. I knew not all packs were like us, and my pack pride swelled.
Eventually, Elara and Jason wandered to the Pack House, and the playful pups headed home.
I lingered, letting the moment settle into my bones. I took a deep breath, filling my senses with the familiar scent of my homeland. The trees rustled gently as the wind picked up a bit, and something inside me stirred. I felt a beautiful connection to nature. To the earth.
As the guests began to arrive in droves a few hours later, I stepped away from the window and took one last look in the mirror. Somehow it felt like I was saying goodbye. It felt like tonight was both an ending and a beginning, like I was watching fate and destiny twirling gracefully in an eternal dance.
Come on, birthday girl! Let's go party it up! Trinity encouraged me. I laughed.
I guess I'm as ready as I will ever be, I replied, and headed out to meet my future.