A Moon for the Alpha

Two years ago.

I was sitting at my small desk, focused on the books in front of me. The room I rented near my university was modest but cozy. The walls were painted a neutral beige, decorated with a few posters of old movies that reminded me of the times when I still had the luxury to enjoy them. My bed, on the left side, was covered with a gray quilt, scattered with books and papers I had been reviewing for days. The light from the desk lamp illuminated the yellowed pages of the thick history book I was reading, while a bowl of cold coffee rested forgotten next to my laptop.

The sound of the door bursting open startled me, and before I could turn around, Amber's unmistakable energy filled the room. My best friend stormed in like a whirlwind, carrying several paper bags from brands that needed no introduction. Her dark brown hair fell in perfect waves over her shoulders, and she wore a short red dress that accentuated her figure.

"Put that down for a while, Karin!" she exclaimed with a big smile, holding up the bags. "Get gorgeous with these pretty things I bought for you, because in an hour, we’re leaving."

I watched her with a mix of disbelief and exhaustion. I raised an eyebrow, shook my head, and returned to my book as if she hadn’t said anything. My old jeans and my wool sweater, full of fuzz balls, were more than adequate for my study session, though I knew Amber wouldn’t agree.

"I don’t like your parties," I muttered without looking at her, flipping a page. "Besides, passing my exam is more important than wasting time surrounded by 'dogs' who give me dirty looks."

My comment made her pause for a second. I heard a faint growl that made me roll my eyes. I refused to look at her, but I could feel her presence beside me.

Don’t call us dogs, it’s offensive,” she replied, her tone half amused, half irritated. Before I could protest, she slammed my book shut and grabbed my arm with an unexpected firmness.

“Amber!” I protested as she pulled me up from my chair. “I’m not going!”

She smiled at me with that blend of patience and determination that was so typical of her. Still holding the bags, she seemed resolute not to let me escape. And I, much as I hated to admit it, knew I had already lost this battle.

“You’re going, Karin!” Amber declared dramatically as she placed the bags on my desk. “You’ve got to be kidding me! Tonight’s going to be extraordinary.”

I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye, not particularly interested, but her enthusiasm was impossible to ignore.

“Tonight is the Alpha’s birthday party. Did you hear that?” she added, emphasizing every word as if she were announcing the arrival of the apocalypse itself.

“Stop yelling,” I replied calmly, picking up one of the bags out of curiosity. I knew perfectly well that whatever was inside wouldn’t be to my liking. Amber had absolute confidence in her body, wearing tiny, tight-fitting clothes that left little to the imagination. I, on the other hand, preferred simple and conservative styles; my unassuming wardrobe made me feel safe.

“There’s no point fighting against your whims,” I sighed, resigning myself to my defeat. “I’ll go!”

Amber smiled triumphantly, as if she had just won a war, and quickly emptied the contents of the bags onto my bed.

“Look at this beauty! Isn’t it gorgeous? I saw it and thought of you,” she said excitedly, holding up a black dress that made my eyes widen.

I shook my head instantly. It was a short, extremely tight dress that would cling to my body like a second skin. Its plunging neckline and the length—or rather, the lack thereof—made it even more daring. To complete the outfit, there were high heels in the same color and a leather jacket that gave the ensemble a rebellious edge, carefully chosen by Amber.

“Everything’s going to show,” I said, horrified. “It’s too short and revealing.”

“That’s the point,” she replied with a mischievous smile. “You can be s*xy and daring once in a while. Stop dressing like a priestess of the goddess.”

I swallowed hard. I knew she wouldn’t leave me alone until I put it on. My friend was relentless when she set her mind to something.

“I hate you, I really hate you,” I growled, crossing my arms.

Amber pretended to pout, placing a hand over her heart as if I had hurt her deeply, but then she shrugged with utter nonchalance.

“You’re lying. You love me more than anything in the world.”

I sighed, admitting defeat as I grabbed the dress and held it up in front of me. Amber wouldn’t stop smiling, clearly pleased with her victory. This night was going to be long, and I could already feel it in my bones.

An hour later, we were both ready. I checked my makeup and hair one last time, then sprayed on an excessive amount of perfume. Amber’s car, a stunning McLaren, was parked in front of my building. The university I attend isn’t within Amber’s pack territory—it’s less than a kilometer away—but she can come and go as often as she pleases. The same goes for me, every time she drags me to her house within the pack’s borders.

“You know, I have this strange feeling that I’ll find my mate tonight. I’ve been feeling different for a few days, like my wolf wants to take over and find him on her own. I know he’s close,” she said as she turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life.

“Good for you, girl. You’ve been yearning for him for a long time now.”

“Who knows? Maybe you’ll be claimed too. Humans are sometimes blessed by the moon goddess.”

Horrified, I shook my head. I didn’t want to attract the attention of any male from her pack or any other. I try to stay hidden from wolves and vampires alike. I love my best friend, but I keep a truth from her that ensures my safety. I’m a hybrid; my mother was a wolf, and my father was a vampire. They were killed, but they couldn’t find me. When they realized I was in danger, they hid me in a secret panic room in the house. I was fifteen years old, and since then, I’ve been hiding from every supernatural being. I know I’m a threat because of my power, strength, and abilities.

“The moment a mutt bares his fangs at me, I’m running. When I get married, it’ll be to a human. I’ll live a human life, and you… you’ll stop insisting on this nonsense. It’s not going to happen.”

Amber was restless, her hands sweating as she kept running them along the edge of her dress. She was stunning—tall, with long, strong legs and an incredible figure. Her straight blonde hair and green eyes stood out against her porcelain-like skin.

“I’m nervous, Karin. Could it really happen tonight? Could I find him?”

“Of course, it’s possible. You shouldn’t lose hope, Amber. The one who shouldn’t be here is me. I don’t belong.”

The first scornful glances were already cast my way, and we had barely walked a few steps into the grand hall of the pack house.

“Of course, you belong here. You’re the only human who knows about our existence. You’re my friend, my parents, and my brother adore you. Stop being so insistent about that. You’re part of my family.”

I smiled. It was true; her parents and brother had never looked down on me. They had accepted and helped me since we met three years ago. They gave me a job, and I was invited to every gathering.

“I