The Blue Moon Packhouse stood tall and proud, its ancient walls holding the whispers of generations.
The mansion had seen love, war, suffering, and triumph... all etched into its very foundation. It had sheltered werewolves through plagues and famines, offering them sanctuary in times of need.
Today, however, it bore witness to something else entirely, the impending ascension of a new Alpha.
On the spacious balcony, Bernard sat with his parents and five of the pack's elders, forming a circle of authority as they discussed the night's rite for the late Alpha Jackson and his Luna.
One of the elders, an older man with graying hair and piercing eyes, turned to Bernard. "Has Maria been informed about tonight?"
"Yes," Bernard nodded, his expression so calm. "I've already explained everything to her."
"And she didn't resist?" Another elder raised a skeptical brow.
"She did, but everything is under control." Bernard exhaled, rubbing his temple.
After his response, a scoff came from Victoria, Bernard's mother. Disgust was evident on her face.
"Even if she's not okay with it, she doesn't have a choice. The pack has decided." She uttered with a condescending tone which made Bernard stiffened.
"I already spoke to her myself, Mother."
"Good," one elder murmured in approval.
The elders exchanged nods, clearly impressed with Bernard's handling of the situation. The past three days had been chaotic, but he had kept the pack steady—exactly what they wanted in an Alpha.
"Since Alpha Jackson will be laid to rest tonight," Elder Donald began, stroking his beard thoughtfully, "we should proceed with Bernard's swearing-in as soon as possible."
Bernard remained silent, his gaze flickering to his father, Beta Gilbert, who looked hesitant.
"I believe we should slow things down," Beta Gilbert suggested cautiously. "Maria needs time to mourn her parents. It wouldn't be right to rush into this."
Disapproving murmurs rippled through the group.
"Whether she mourns or not, nothing changes," Elder Donald said, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. "Bernard is ready, and the pack supports him."
Another elder chimed in, "A vacant Alpha position weakens us. We must act quickly."
Bernard listened, weighing his father's concerns against the elders' impatience. He agreed with Beta Gilbert on some level, but he also knew the pack wouldn't wait.
"A month," Beta Gilbert pushed again. "Just a month."
"That's too long." Victoria's lips curled in irritation. "Three days. That's all."
Excited whispers filled the air as the elders quickly agreed with her.
Beta Gilbert opened his mouth to argue again, but his wife shot him a sharp look, silently warning him to back down.
"We'll inform the pack immediately," an elder declared.
A moment of silence followed before Elder Donald leaned toward Bernard, eyes serious.
"Bernard, are you sure Maria is your chosen mate?" He asked and Bernard's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his expression neutral.
"Yes, she is."
"The pack has never seen her shift." Another elder added with a frown. "Yet, Alpha Jackson swore she had. Is this true?"
"She has," Beta Gilbert interjected quickly. "You have nothing to worry about."
Another pause. Then Elder Donald nodded. "She must be present for the coronation. As your mate, she will be Luna."
"She will be." Bernard gave a curt nod.
The moment the words left his mouth, Victoria's eyes darkened with fury. Her lips thinned, but she didn't argue. Not yet.
With all decisions finalized, the meeting ended. The elders left, murmuring among themselves, while Bernard remained with his parents.
"I can't believe you'd lie to protect that cursed girl." Victoria turned to her husband, her voice sharp.
"Lower your voice," Beta Gilbert warned, glancing around cautiously.
"If she becomes part of this family as a Luna, then you and I will have a serious problem." Her voice was cold, filled with barely restrained rage.
She stormed off before either man could respond.
Bernard exchanged a glance with his father, both trying to process her words. The silence stretched until Bernard's phone buzzed in his pocket.
Checking the caller ID, he excused himself and walked toward his car. Answering, he spoke with an icy tone.
"Speak."
A voice on the other end relayed information, making Bernard's jaw tighten.
"Good. Make sure she doesn't escape. Keep an eye on her. I'm on my way."
Ending the call, Bernard climbed into his car and sped off...
***
Back at the hospital, Maria sat on the bed, glancing at the clock. Evening was approaching, yet Cassandra hadn't returned. A frown creased her forehead.
'Where is she?'
They had planned everything perfectly. Cassandra was supposed to bring the wig so Maria could disguise herself.
Their plan was simple... switch clothes, sneak past the guards, and get to the packhouse undetected. But Cassandra's absence made Maria uneasy.
Her gaze darted to the door every few seconds, hoping to see her friend walk in. But each time, she was met with silence.
Growing impatient, she shifted to the edge of the bed, about to stand when the door finally creaked open. Her eyes lit up for a brief moment, only to dim again when she saw the doctor enter alone.
Suppressing a sigh, Maria flopped back onto the bed, folding her arms across her chest. The doctor, oblivious to her disappointment, approached and began his routine check-up.
His hands paused as he unwrapped the bandage on her arm, his eyes widening in surprise. The wound was completely healed.
Of course, it is.
Being a werewolf had its advantages. No matter how severe the injury, it healed faster than any human wound.
"You're perfectly fine now," the doctor said, smiling. "You'll be discharged tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow?" Maria sat up, brows furrowing. "Why not tonight?"
"Because," the doctor's smile faltered slightly. "We need to monitor you for the rest of the day."
"Fine... But can I at least step out for some fresh air?"
The doctor considered her for a moment before nodding. "Of course."
"Can you lead me out?" Relief surged through her as she stood.
The speed at which she got up startled him, and he took a cautious step back, studying her carefully. Then, after a brief hesitation, he turned toward the door.
"Let's go."
Maria followed him, careful to mask her eagerness. However, the moment they stepped into the hallway, two guards moved to block their way.
"Doctor, she can't leave the room," one of them stated firmly.
'Why are they treating me like a prisoner?' Maria's hands clenched into fists.
"Why not?" The doctor frowned. "She's my patient, and I know what's best for her. Fresh air will help her recover."
Maria stared at him in mild shock. 'Is he actually standing up for me?'
"It's Mr. Bernard's orders," the second guard interjected. "No one is to let her out."
"Then tell Bernard to come speak to me himself. Until then, she's my responsibility. Let's go, miss." The doctor's face hardened.
He stepped forward, but the guards blocked his path again.
"She's not going anywhere."
A tense silence filled the hallway. The doctor's jaw tightened, and he met their stares with a fierce glare.
"Move, or I'll involve the law."
One of the guards hesitated before pulling out his phone. Maria didn't need to hear the conversation to know who was on the other end. Bernard.
After a few seconds, the guard whispered something to his partner, and then, to Maria's surprise, they stepped aside.
'That was too easy.'
Suspicion crept into her mind. Bernard might have allowed her outside, but that didn't mean she was free. 'They'll be watching me.'
As she and the doctor walked through the hospital entrance, the guards trailed behind, their gazes never leaving her.
Once outside, the doctor turned to her. "I have to go now. Take care."
Maria nodded, watching as he disappeared into the crowd. Her mind, however, was racing.
'How do I escape?'
Glancing around, she spotted five or six patients scattered across the hospital grounds. The guards stood a few feet away, eyes locked onto her every move.
'I don't have much time.'
As she struggled to form a plan, a warm hand suddenly touched her back.
Startled, she spun around and found herself staring at a girl about her age. The stranger wore a black hoodie and blue pants, her long brown hair tied back beneath a black cap.
"Hi," the girl greeted with a friendly smile. "I'm Laura."
Maria hesitated before shaking her hand. "Maria."
"Is everything okay?" Laura's smile faded slightly as she leaned in.
"What do you mean?" Maria tensed.
"Those guys haven't taken their eyes off you." Laura's gaze flickered toward the guards. "Do you know them?"
"Not really," Maria's lips pressed into a thin line. "Someone sent them to watch me."
"Why?" Laura's brows furrowed.
Maria hesitated before giving her a brief explanation, just enough for Laura to understand the situation.
"That's cruel!" Laura's face darkened with anger. "Keeping you from your own parents' burial? That's beyond wrong."
Maria nodded but didn't respond. Her focus remained on the guards.
Then, Laura's voice dropped to a whisper; "Do you need help distracting them?"
"What?" Maria's head snapped toward her and Laura gave her a confident look.
"Just say the word, and I'll handle it."
"Hmm," Maria studied her carefully. "How is that possible?"
"Just trust me." Laura smirked.
After a brief pause, Maria took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright."
Laura discreetly slipped a car key into Maria's hand.
"That door over there," she murmured, pointing. "Once I distract them, go through it. Outside, you'll find the third car in the lot. Get inside and wait for me."
"But," Maria stared at the key. "I… I don't know how to drive."
"What!" Laura blinked. "You're kidding, right?"
"I'm serious." Maria avoided her gaze, feeling embarrassed. "I was supposed to learn… but I never did."
"Fine," Laura sighed, shaking her head. "Just get in the car. I'll handle the rest."
"Are you sure this will work? Those guys seem tough," Maria asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"Just trust me," Laura's expression didn't waver and Maria swallowed her fear and nodded.
"Thank you, Laura."
"Don't mention it." Laura grinned.
Without another word, she walked away.
Maria watched closely, her heart pounding. But instead of heading directly toward the guards, Laura strolled past them and disappeared into the hospital.
'What is she doing?' Maria's pulse quickened. 'Has Laura changed her mind?'
Before she could spiral into doubt, Laura reemerged, but this time, she walked straight up to the guards.
Maria's breath caught as she watched the scene before her. The guards exchanged a few words with Laura before, to her utter disbelief, they turned and followed her back into the hospital.
Maria didn't wait.
She sprinted toward the door Laura had pointed out and slipped through it...