Lunar Legacies: The Eleven

7.

Mates

The reunion at camp is filled with warmth and excitement. The councilors, recognizing the intensity of the training and the challenges ahead, decide to gift the ten teenagers a weekend with their families and friends. The air is alive with joy and laughter as the young werewolves reunite with their loved ones. Seth is especially excited, feeling the thrill of seeing his parents again. The scent of the forest mingles with the smells of food being prepared for the celebration, creating a homey, comforting atmosphere.

As Seth and his father, Dean, walk towards a group of the other Alphas, Seth feels a sense of pride in his father's presence. They join the conversation with ease, discussing future opportunities for alliances and partnerships between the packs. Seth listens in, absorbing the wisdom exchanged but also letting his mind drift to thoughts of the training. The moment feels surreal, the calm before the storm of what's to come.

Nearby, the other nine gifted werewolves are scattered, spending time with their families. Laughter rings out from various corners of the camp as parents and siblings catch up with their loved ones, sharing stories, hugs, and quiet moments of connection. Amanda is deep in conversation with her father, her face lit up with joy, while Erik is sparring with his younger cousins, showing off his energy manipulation with a playful edge.

The entire scene feels like a peaceful respite, a reminder of the love and strength that each young werewolf carries with them. It’s a brief but precious moment of normalcy before they return to their training and the looming threat of the ancient evil.

As the reunion carries on, Seth’s mother catches his eye and gestures for him to follow her away from the crowd. He feels a spark of curiosity as they walk toward a quieter part of the camp, away from the noise and activity. His mother’s expression is full of warmth, her eyes hinting at a surprise she’s kept hidden.

When they reach a secluded spot near the treeline, Seth’s heart skips a beat as he sees two familiar figures leaning casually against a tree. Leroy, his trademark grin in place, waves lazily, while Cody, the quieter of the two, gives a nod, his usual calm demeanor intact. For a moment, Seth just stands there, stunned, as memories of their childhood flash through his mind. He hadn’t expected to see them here.

Leroy breaks the silence with his usual humor. "What’s with the look, Seth? Not excited to see us?"

That joke pulls Seth out of his shock, and a huge smile breaks across his face. "I thought you guys were busy with pack duties!" he exclaims, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat, pulling both of his friends into a tight embrace. A wave of emotion hits him, the nostalgia and the sense of home that these two have always given him.

Cody, ever the quiet one, shrugs. "We couldn’t miss this," he says with a small smile. "Besides, we’ve got a lot to catch up on."

Leroy nudges Seth playfully. "Yeah, man. And let’s not act like you haven’t been missing us. It’s written all over your face."

Seth laughs, feeling a sense of relief and joy wash over him. This was just what he needed—reconnecting with his best friends, the ones who had been there through everything. His mother watches the scene with a soft smile before giving them their space, leaving Seth to catch up with the friends who feel more like brothers.

As the three friends settle into their familiar rhythm, Cody, usually the quiet observer, speaks up, his tone more serious than usual. "Actually, Seth, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you." He pauses, his expression softening in a way that Seth hasn’t seen often.

Seth raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "What’s going on?"

Cody looks to Leroy, who gives him a supportive nod, then back to Seth. "I found my mate," he says simply, but the weight of the words hits Seth like a punch to the chest.