My Destined

Chapter 4

Adriel

The Choosing Ceremony is not just about finding mates but gives a chance to discuss pack issues amongst the attending pack Alphas, Betas, and Lunas. I am not fond of attending pack meetings... With an exasperated sigh, I finished getting ready with a quick run through my thick, black hair with my fingers and left my bathroom.

I had decided to leave the more formal suit to wear later this evening and instead wore a pair of black slacks, a dark purple button-up shirt with the top two buttons left undone, and matching black socks and shoes.

I knew I had to be there on time and ensure Cleo's lazy self was ready. I exited the bedroom provided for this Choosing Ceremony weekend and walked across the hall to Cleo's room. Without knocking, I let myself in.

"Bro! You always walk in with no care for privacy!" Cleo feigned embarrassment and covered herself up even though she was already dressed. In response, I rolled my eyes and sat on the lounge chair.

Cleo stands only two inches shorter than me at 5'8. Like me, she has thick black hair, except hers is long, ending at her lower back, and she has bangs that fall across her forehead. We've always been told we look like twins, with similar black hair, grey-blue eyes, thick eyebrows, and olive-colored skin.

"You know we should have already been going to the conference room to meet with the other packs, Cleo." Cleo left her hair down and wore an open grey-blue pantsuit and a black spaghetti strap crop top.

"I know, I know. We both know you don't even want to be there." Cleo snickered as she put on her short, black, closed-toe heels.

I didn't. It's not that I don't think pack meetings are essential or I dislike Alpha Grant and Alpha Cael. The formalities of these meetings can be suffocating, and not having my Luna yet makes me feel like I need to catch up or something. I sighed for what felt like the millionth time this morning, which Cleo picked up on.

"Hey. You're going to find her. I have a feeling that this is our year." Cleo hugged me quickly as she spoke earnestly, which she often does. I admire her ability to be optimistic and easy-going all the time, a trait I did not inherit from our father. I am much more like our mother - stern and by the book.

"I hope so." Cleo gave me a knowing smile and nodded before walking toward the conference room together.

I felt a sense of doom looming over me as we got closer to the conference room doors. Things have been in a high-stress mode regarding rogues, the Crystal Blood Pack, and this mysterious illness that has only been affecting werewolves. My fists clenched at the thought of this mysterious illness; we call it the Darkness, and my mom has it.

It came out of nowhere two years ago, seemingly from rogues, but we have yet to pinpoint how, who, and when this came from. The Darkness starts with typical flu-like symptoms, which is pretty strange for us werewolves to experience so intensely. Then it starts to impact our ability to shift at will and normally into our wolf forms and makes communication with our wolves difficult. It is almost like stripping us of our wolf side, hence, the Darkness. Some wolves have gone mad, not having their connection and becoming rogues, ending their lives, or becoming aggressive. It is as if the Moon Goddess has disconnected from them, leaving them to fend alone with this mysterious illness.

Luckily, my mom is on the lower end of the symptoms, but my dad and the pack doctor carefully watch her. I can see in her eyes when I visit the sadness and emptiness of not having the real connection with her wolf that she used to. Some people wonder if the Moon Goddess sees what is happening.

My dad stepped down from the Alpha role sooner than usual because he wanted to focus all his time and energy on my mom. I admire his intense devotion and loyalty to her; their relationship has always been one of pure joy and love. Of course, they still disagreed and fought like any other regular couple. So, I took over as the Alpha at 21, even though I had yet to find my mate and future Luna.