the pack leader Jyrus

Chapter Three: The Full Moon Festival

The Shadow Emerald Pack was buzzing with energy, the air thick with the scent of anticipation. Tonight, the full moon would rise high, casting its silver glow over the clearing where the pack had gathered. It was the night of the Full Moon Festival—the most important celebration of the year. For some, it marked rites of passage; for others, it was simply a time to honor the bonds that held the pack together. But for Cyrus, it was a night that would change everything.

Cyrus stood at the edge of the clearing, trying to blend into the shadows, his gaze lingering on Jonah in the center of it all. The 18-year-old future Alpha of the pack was already surrounded by people, laughing with his best friend Marty, who was always by his side, as well as his right-hand man TJ. But no matter how much Jonah mingled with the pack, his presence never quite reached Cyrus. Jonah was a born leader, and his energy was magnetic. Ash, his wolf, was strong, as was his aura, and it was impossible for Cyrus to ignore the pull between them.

"Hey, Cy, stop staring." Buffy nudged him, her bright smile teasing. Buffy, as usual, was confident and full of energy. As the captain of the dance team, she was always the life of the party, but tonight there was something else in her eyes—a quiet concern.

Cyrus looked up at her, slightly startled. "I wasn't staring," he muttered, though his gaze quickly returned to Jonah. Buffy knew him too well, and it wasn't like he could hide his feelings anymore. She gave him a knowing look, her wolf, Christy, pacing restlessly beneath her skin.

"Cy, it's obvious," Buffy said softly, glancing at Andi, who stood by her side, her hand resting casually on Buffy's arm. Andi shot Cyrus a small, comforting smile. She, too, knew the weight of the situation. As an omega, Andi understood what it was like to have a crush on someone who was way out of reach—especially when that someone was going to be the future Alpha.

"I don't think he even knows I exist," Cyrus muttered, feeling that familiar ache in his chest. He had been in love with Jonah for what felt like forever, but now, especially with Jonah stepping into his role as Alpha, it seemed like an impossible dream. His feelings for Jonah weren't just about admiration—they were deeper, tied to the very core of his being. But how could someone like him, an omega, stand a chance against the pull of someone as strong and destined for greatness as Jonah?

Buffy shook her head, squeezing his shoulder. "You have no idea, do you?" She rolled her eyes and glanced at Andi, who sighed in agreement. "Trust me, Cy, Jonah's been watching you more than you realize. It's just—" she glanced around before lowering her voice, "He's scared too."

"Scared?" Cyrus repeated, his brow furrowing. "What's there to be scared of?"

Andi snorted softly, her eyes sparkling. "Are you kidding? Jonah's always known you were his mate. The whole pack knows it. It's just... he doesn't want to mess things up. There's a lot of pressure on him, Cy. A lot."

Cyrus blinked, his heart skipping a beat. The thought of Jonah actually being aware of the bond, of the pull between them, sent a shiver down his spine. But how could that be true? Jonah was always surrounded by others—alpha males, confident pack members, the future of the pack. Why would he ever look at me?

As if on cue, Jonah's eyes shifted toward the group, and for a brief, electric moment, their gazes locked across the clearing. There was no mistaking it. Jonah's deep green eyes held something—an intensity that caught Cyrus off guard. It was fleeting, but it was enough to send a thrill through his chest.

"Go talk to him," Buffy encouraged, giving him a playful shove.

Cyrus felt his pulse race. Talk to him? What if I mess everything up? What if I'm not ready?

But before he could retreat into his usual self-doubt, Marty appeared at his side, grinning widely. "Cy! You're not planning on missing the opening ceremony, are you?"

Cyrus managed a weak smile. "I don't know... I'm not really a fan of all the rituals."

Marty chuckled. "Oh, come on. You know it's tradition. Plus, if you miss it, Jonah'll probably be annoyed. You know how he gets with formalities." He nudged Cyrus with his elbow, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Mack, his wolf, was restless beneath his skin, no doubt excited for the event. But Marty wasn't here to talk about the ceremony—he was here for something else.

"Besides," Marty continued, lowering his voice, "Jonah's been looking for you. I think he wants to talk."

Cyrus froze. "What?"

Marty just winked. "You heard me. He's been keeping an eye on you all night. He probably wants to... you know... figure things out."

Cyrus felt his breath catch in his throat. Was he hearing this right? Jonah wanted to talk? The idea seemed almost absurd to him, but Marty's grin told him otherwise.

Jonah, the future Alpha, the guy Cyrus had admired from afar for so long, was actually looking for him.

Before he could gather his thoughts, he found himself moving—his feet almost carried him toward Jonah before he could make a conscious decision. Snow, his wolf, seemed just as eager, pulling him toward the center of the gathering. His nerves were at an all-time high, but a strange sense of calm settled in when he finally reached Jonah's side.

Jonah turned, his face softening as he met Cyrus's gaze. The alpha's presence was overwhelming, yet comforting, and for a moment, it felt as if the entire world faded away. All Cyrus could focus on was the warmth in Jonah's eyes, the steady thrum of their bond that seemed to hum louder the closer they were to each other.

"Hey," Jonah said, his voice low and surprisingly shy. "I've been looking for you."

Cyrus felt his heart race, and he cleared his throat, trying to sound calm, even though his words came out rushed. "You have? Why?"

Jonah smiled, though it was small, almost uncertain. "You really think I wouldn't notice you, Cy?" His eyes softened as he took a step closer. "You've been on my mind for a while now."

Cyrus froze, stunned by the admission. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words didn't come. Instead, he took a step forward, the connection between them palpable. He could feel the pull of Jonah's wolf, Ash, reaching out, and without thinking, he leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Jonah, I—"

"Shhh," Jonah interrupted gently, closing the distance between them. His hand brushed against Cyrus's arm, sending a spark of warmth through his body. "We don't have to say anything right now. But tonight—" He paused, his voice soft but firm. "Tonight, let's just be."

And then, in front of the entire pack, Jonah leaned in and kissed him.

The world seemed to blur, and for a brief, fleeting moment, nothing else existed except them. The bond was undeniable, and in that kiss, it was clear—Cyrus was his, and Jonah was his mate.