Chapter 001

Valeria’s Point of View

The urgent tone in my mom's voice echoed through my thoughts as she warned me, "Valeria, honey, we’re going to be late!"

With my outfit nearly complete, I replied before adding the final touches to my dress. As I looked into the mirror, my reflection appeared with an undercurrent of nerves mixed with predominant excitement.

The navy A-line dress that reached my knees turned out to be the perfect choice for tonight. The simple nude heels completed my look, and my purse matched their style. My cascading dark hair fell to my shoulders, but I swiftly pulled it to one side near my neck before checking my reflection again.

“Almost perfect. Selene, my wolf, suggested a little more makeup.

I chuckled, even though she wasn’t wrong. Selene existed beyond being a voice inside my head because she represented my wolf, and together we made a complete unit. The Moon Goddess picked Selene's name, and Selene believed it wasn't by chance. She insisted the Goddess gave her the name after Artemis, who was the Greek Moon Goddess.

I shook my head with a smile. Werewolves are the offspring of the Moon Goddess who possess the ability to transform between human and wolf form. Our birth was accompanied by enhanced sensory abilities,, including touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Along with strength, speed, and healing. Those were the basics.

Grabbing my mascara, I whispered, "Let’s apply some makeup before we start."

Selene was right, though. Werewolves possessed varying abilities, and certain individuals were born with uncommon skills. We possessed special skills such as healing abilities, mind control powers, future sight capabilities, and scent masking techniques. The strength of our connection to our wolves determined how powerful our abilities became.

The Moon Goddess ensured her memory lived on by establishing the moon in the sky. The full moon allowed us to transform into wolves at any moment and location. Our power to transform freely started after our first change happened around our 18th birthday. Previously our ability to shift wasn't guaranteed, but we typically transformed when we encountered someone who made us angry.

I frowned as I thought about it.

Werewolves encountered their destined mates following their initial transformation. The Moon Goddess chose each person’s soulmate, who would become their mate. Finding your mate made you stronger. And sometimes, it unlocked new powers. Our connection with our mates embodied a sacred relationship.

Some werewolves found their mates early. Just like me, some werewolves experienced delays before finding their mates. As Alpha blood ran through both Emiliano and me while Mateo’s father held the position of Beta leader in our pack. We had excellent odds of finding our soulmates. Despite our strong potential for finding mates, we remained unpaired. I was 21, and so was Mateo. Despite being four years senior to us, Emiliano had yet to find his mate.

My mother’s voice cut through my thoughts, asking me, “Valeria, are you finished yet?” The sound of her voice now filled the entire house instead of being transmitted through the mind link.

I quickly replied, “I’m coming!”

There were no additional responses before my mother received them. “Hurry up! We’ll be late.”

I swiftly put on my mascara before reaching for my red lipstick. The red color always boosted my confidence, and my pale skin made me appear bolder when wearing it. I took a brief look in the mirror before dashing down the stairs without stumbling over my heels.

“Valeria Owens!” my mother shouted from the living room. If you don’t hurry, we’re going to run into serious trouble.

I rushed downstairs while muttering a quick "Yeah, yeah." “I’m coming, Mom!”

Selene laughed through our link. Looks like your fate has been sealed now.

I couldn’t help but laugh along. Whenever she uses my full name, nothing positive happens.

My mom raised her hand to stop me from speaking. She snatched the words from me before I could respond as she said, “No excuses, Missy.” The family car will have seating for your father, your brother, and me. Your trip will be with Beta Martín and his family.