The First of Her Kind
Amani’s parents had never entertained such gatherings at their manor, nor had they granted her freedom beyond her pack’s borders, but this night was different. Amani’s father aimed to gather all the distinguished packs for a significant purpose: to formally declare her as the future Alpha of Bloodmoon, a tradition that echoed the customs of their kind since ancient times.
“Alpha of Bloodmoon,” she kept repeating in her head.
Amani’s parents hoped she would find her mate, but that was the least of Amani’s concerns. She wouldn’t sense her mate anyway, not without her wolf. But if her mate had his, he’d sense her long before that hour arrived. Amani was too distracted and nervous about being in the presence of so many Lycans she’d never met before. She would come face to face with the Alpha King, Zander Savage, who she’d heard was just that - a savage. To him, all was fair in love and war. The Luna Queen, Cara, was known to be a feisty she-wolf, and their son, Prince Malakai, had a mentionable reputation to say the least.
Amani couldn’t escape the relentless chatter about the Prince’s mesmerizing looks—some even dubbed him the most handsome Lycan alive. His reputation with the ladies was notorious; he followed a predictable cycle of seduction, rejection, and repeat. Yet, despite knowing his ways, she-wolves still lined up, eager to be his next conquest. “Idiots,” Amani muttered to herself, utterly perplexed by their desperation. The mere idea of succumbing to his charms made her scoff; she knew her own iron-willed resolve would never falter in his presence.
“Amani, there you are!” Her mother’s urgent tone shattered Amani’s reverie, demanding her immediate attention. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you. The guests will be arriving any minute now. What are you doing out here?”
“Sorry, Mother, I…” Amani’s gaze darted back to the garden, but the enigmatic blue eyes had vanished, leaving her to question her own senses. “I needed a moment alone before the chaos of the party,” she explained, turning back to face her mother, who was momentarily speechless at the sight of her daughter.
Tears shimmered in her mother’s eyesas she beheld Amani’s radiance. “You… you look absolutely breathtaking.”
Amani suppressed the urge to roll her eyes as she assessed her attire. She felt utterly out of place in the strapless, fiery-red satin gown her mother had insisted she wear. Her long, dark caramel curls were elegantly swept up, adorned with a dazzling diamond accessory, while her maid had skillfully applied makeup to accentuate her radiant, emerald green eyes. Despite her upbringing as a proper lady, Amani’s personal style had a bit of an edge to it that typically veered away from lavish gowns and pearl necklaces. However, for the sake of her mother’s happiness, she reluctantly embraced the moment.
Her mother nodded, fanning away tears to prevent her makeup from smudging. “It looks gorgeous… You look gorgeous, like a mature and esteemed lady. When did you grow up so fast, and how did I miss it?”
Amani smiled tenderly at her mother as she embraced her warmly. “I’ll always be your baby girl, Mother.”
“What’s happening, Darius?” Selene demanded, her voice trembling with panic. “Where’s Saul?”
“It’s the Alpha King… We’ve got no time to waste. We need to leave immediately, Luna!”
Darius and the three other guards eyed the main doors. Wolves on the other side hammered against them, causing cracks to spiderweb across the wood. It was evident the bolts wouldn’t hold much longer.
Selene took Amani’s hand, and they hurried to the concealed floorboard leading to the underground passage. The guards dropped in first, followed by Amani, whom Darius lowered as they supported her from below. Selene descended next, and finally, Darius dropped in last, pulling the hidden floorboard shut just moments before the bloodthirsty wolves burst through the doors.