The forest blurred in my vision as my paws sprinted through the muddy tracks. All creatures within my range got startled but that didn't make me stop. I could hear the low thump of my paws against the ground. A rhythmic beat yet a panting heart. I saw light in front of me. The forest was clearing and soon I could see the meadow. The meadow that sheltered me and the pack I was in. I pounced in the air and blurred into my human vision mid stride. I found the tree where I kept my spare clothes. There wasn't much to choose from. I made do with a tan shirt that was crumpled and had holes. I pulled out a pair of sweatpants and went with the black one. I didn't bother with the shoes. The matter at hand was more important than anything. 

Striding fast through the field, I made my way to the council meeting, barefoot. Some stones bothered me on the way, but I was past the point of caring. Some people on the way stared at me, obviously knowing about all this before. I paid them no mind as I furiously stomped inside the meeting room. 

A sophisticated and unfamiliar scent wafted through my nose as I furiously glanced at the man who was sitting at the extreme end. He was in a black suit. Similar men stood behind him. I was sure I had seen some cars on my way here. He gave me a certain look when I bursted in. An unconcealed disgusted look. I looked at the head of our village. The head of our pack. He looked up and down at me with a disapproving look. I glanced at the arrogant man again. And that was when I saw for the first time, the mark that I dreaded.

A pale crescent moon mark on his hand. 

I looked down at my hand. The faded mark throbbed. I was going to get mated with my soulmate soon. Yet, there was no unbound happiness and extreme joy I had been promised through folktales. There was only disgust and remorse. Because the arrival of this man had ruined everything.

"I have something to say." I said with gritted teeth. The council leader didn't bother to look at me. He simply ignored my existence. Just because the Alpha was here. The council leader meant nothing to the Alpha, but he was a pawn to keep the villagers in check. If there was any young wolf born, he would be immediately set off to the city where the Alpha trained his pack. 

The villagers were nothing but a mere source to get his human resources. And there was no way I was sending my younger brother to a place like that.

"You can say anything you want here." The man said. I didn't hesitate.

"My young brother is not going anywhere." I said determined. He looked at me flabbergasted for a few seconds and then he burst into a laughter. The council leader looked more disapproving than before. 

"Who said anything about your brother? But I am sure you'll beg me to take him too." He raised an eyebrow at the council leader. "You said she knew?" 

Now that I saw, this man was certainly attractive, but he was too arrogant. And I didn't miss the crucial point.

"What was I supposed to know?" I asked to the council leader. I knew he wouldn't have told me anything important even if it was about my life and death.

"Is this the Luna I have come for?" He smirked looking me like I was a horse at an auction. "Interesting." 

I stared at him for a few moments before I heard myself gasping. My heart skipped a beat.

"What?"