Shape-shifters are basically human beings endowed with certain supernatural powers, making them capable of 'shifting' - or morphing themselves into animals.
Eg. - Werewolves, cats, lovebirds,etc.
They are also commonly called Hybrids, but certain mega-verses and universes consider these two terms to be entirely different.
In this book, the focus is on werewolves shape-shifters.
Wolves belong to family groups called packs, they usually consist of eight to fifteen-members. The rare exception is what is popularly know as a "lone wolf", this wolf would most likely be the lowest member of a pack (the omega) that was driven out of the pack, if it is lucky, the "lone wolf" may find a mate and start a new pack.
The pack works together as a family and the ranks are the jobs each pack member has.
Ranks, whether high or low, are given or earned. You may request a rank, but the absolute of you getting that depends entirely upon the alpha.
High RanksThe higher ranked of the pack have an air of dominance about them and may often display it.
Alpha - The alpha of the pack is the leader. He is the main one in control and sets the laws of his pack. They are not required to hunt with the pack, but most normally do. They demand respect and are in the position to exile, banish, or even kill those who do not show it. Though it is rare, this position can be challenged and if the challenger wins the fight than the challenger, being the new alpha, can do what he/she pleases with the previous leaders. This does not normally happen because it would result in a huge change within the pack.Luna - Kind of like female alpha of the pack. The shifter is entitled with this rank when they are mated with the alpha of the pack. Their main role is taking care of their alpha, bearing litters of pups for their mate and ensuring peace in the pack. The trivial and inner functioning of the pack is usually left up to the Beta.
Beta - The Beta is the second in command and enforces the law when the current alpha is not present. If both of the alpha die than the beta(s) take the alpha position and lead the pack, unless the alpha has said otherwise. This position cannot be challenged without the alpha approval.
Sentinel - There are four sentinels, two mated pairs, in the pack. Each pair is specially chosen by the alphas and betas. The alphas and betas train the sentinels to take their places if anything should happen to them. The sentinels, since becoming one can start as early as one year, don't usually have authority over the pack unless the alpha or beta have publicly given it to them. They are respected though. Messing with a sentinel is messing with the alphas and betas themselves. This rank cannot be challenged whatsoever.
Elders - The elders of the pack are seven years and older. They are filled with wisdom and renowned strength. They are the ones that the alphas normally go to for advice. If they are wise, the elders are the only ones to whom the alphas may submit themselves to. The are respected as much as the alphas by the entire pack.
Assassin - This position is given only to a Changer. Assassin is the most fitting name for this rank because it is self-explanatory. They are also spies for the pack. There can be a total of only three assassins in each pack.
Low Ranks
The lower ranked of the pack respect the higher ranked wolves and will ultimately submit themselves to the alphas and betas.
Lead Warrior - The lead warrior takes his/her orders directly from the alpha, and sometimes the beta. They are the main leader, general, or captain of the warriors in the pack. There is only one.
Warrior - The amount of warriors depends on the size of the pack. For a small pack there can be up to 5 and for a much larger pack there can be up 15. They are the guardians and protectors of the pack. The warriors will roam the pack lands ensuring it's safety. They are the ones that will keep watch at night. The warriors must be quick to think and remain calm in any given situation.
Lead Hunter - The lead hunter is the one who leads the hunts. There is only one lead hunter. Whoever becomes a hunter must be quick to think as well.
Hunters - Like the warriors the amount of hunters depend on the size of the pack. Every member of the pack hunts, but these are the main hunters.
Lead Scout - The lead scout is the leader of the scouts.
Scouts - The scouts are the scavengers of the pack. They will hunt small creatures and will help survey the land with the warriors.
Pup Watchers/Phi(s) -These are the pup sitters of the pack. They will keep watch over the pups when the others may be out hunting or at battle. Don't be fooled into thinking that they are weak and soft. On the contrary the pup watchers can be the most vicious members of the pack, as long as you don't mess with their pups. They only watch pups up until the age of nine months. There is only up to about three pup watchers in a pack regardless of the size.
Subordinates - These are the non-ranked members of the pack. They will still participate in fighting and hunting though.
Omega- The omegas are the lowest of low in the pack, lower than the subordinates. Don't be surprised if they don't receive much respect if any at all. They are only placed in this position if they've done anything to disrespect the alpha. Sometimes a new member may be placed with this rank if the alpha is a bit mistrustful of them.
Pups - They are the children of the mated wolves. It is forbidden for unmated wolves to conceive pups. And if it happens, they're forcefully married off, kind of like a 'shotgun wedding'. They are small, weak and defenseless, and hence, need to be looked after. The Phi(s) usually take care of them as their parents are busy with taking care of the pack. Also, in case one of the mate turns out to be infertile, they can have a surrogate mother/ insemination father for the pups, but they wouldn't be respected as much, irrespective of their ranks. Homosexual couples usually opt for this method of conception.
YOU ARE READING
FIGHTING MY DNA
WerewolfHana Lee was an omega, and being an omega and a female meant, she was powerless and vulnerable. With the heating season near, her pack members select someone to help her through it, out of concern. But who knew that the man who held her in his arm...