Chapter 2
My father, the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack, had always admired hardworking werewolves from modest backgrounds. That’s why he took an immediate liking to Jaziel Shaw, a Beta of the Silver Fang Pack known for his diligence.
When I followed my attendant into the gathering hall, my father greeted me with a warm smile. "Analia, this is Jaziel Shaw," he said, his voice brimming with pride. "I’ve told him about you—how you’ve studied and grown into a fine young she-wolf."
Jaziel’s gaze burned into me as he spoke my name. "Analia Payne."
I averted my eyes, giving him a polite nod. "Father, Laura Carlson is waiting for me outside. She’s taking me to the Moonlit Grove for a ceremony today."
Laura Carlson, the Luna of the Northern Frost Pack, had been my mother’s closest friend. She had recently returned from the Northern Territory to arrange a marking ceremony for her son, Fernando. As the mate of a respected Gamma, Laura commanded respect wherever she went, and my father didn’t argue.
We arrived at the Moonlit Grove, where I lit a long-burning candle in honor of my mother. Laura watched me with tears in her eyes. "Analia," she said softly, "your mother and I made a promise long ago—to unite our families through the mate bond. If you’re willing, I’ll speak to your father and arrange for you to bond with my son, Fernando. I’ll treat you as my own daughter."
I reached into my bag and pulled out a pair of thick, handmade gloves. "Before she passed, my mother spoke of this promise. I’d be honored to bond with Fernando and join the Northern Frost Pack. These gloves are for him—please give them to him when you see him."
Laura’s eyes lit up with joy. "You’re just as thoughtful as your mother. The Northern Territory may be harsh, but our pack values loyalty and unity. Fernando may not be the most scholarly, but he’s a warrior at heart. He’ll treat you with the respect you deserve."
I smiled softly, memories of my past life flooding back. In that life, I had been too infatuated with Jaziel to consider Laura’s offer. I had even thrown a handcrafted sachet to him during a pack run, right in front of Winter. Jaziel had looked back at me with a smile that seemed to say, *Analia, wait for me.*
But now, I wouldn’t make the same mistake. When Laura had asked me then, I had blushed and said, "Father will decide." By the time Laura’s mate returned to propose, my father had already accepted Jaziel’s offer. Laura, though disappointed, had still treated me like family. "Analia," she had said, "if you ever need anything, send word to the North."
In that life, when the Northern Territory was under attack by rogues, I had donated half my dowry to support the pack’s warriors. It was a decision that had angered Jaziel, but I had no regrets. This time, I wouldn’t let Laura down.
---
Later, when Winter accompanied me to the pack’s central territory, I met Laura again. She introduced me to her daughter, Winter Cooper—a spirited Delta with a fierce loyalty to her family. Winter and I quickly became close, and I admired her strength and straightforwardness.
During a pack run, I stood among the crowd, watching Jaziel shift into his wolf form as a newly promoted Beta. My eyes, however, were drawn to Fernando Ryan, a Gamma from the Northern Frost Pack. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his aura commanding yet kind. When our eyes met, I felt a flicker of something deeper—a scent that tugged at my instincts.
Winter nudged me playfully. "Analia, did you see how he looked at you?" she teased.
I smiled, but my thoughts were already made up. This time, I wouldn’t let Jaziel’s charm sway me. I had a second chance, and I would choose wisely.
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