Chapter 5
AALIYAH’S POV
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I stared, stunned.
“Double?” I whispered, disbelieving.
She nodded. “It sounds like a tale, I know. But you’ll understand once it happens. Right now, your mark’s still faint. The next eclipse will change that. It will bloom, and we’ll know what kind of power you truly have.”
I found myself asking the question that had been sitting quietly in the back of my mind.
“What about Dad and Kieran? What marks do they have?”
She chuckled softly. “Your father’s got a serpent mark–steady and powerful. And Kieran…” she trailed off, shaking her head with a wry smile.
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“Somehow, that boy ended up with an eagle.”
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“Seriously?” My eyes widened. “An eagle? That’s incredible!”
I imagined my brother soaring in his wolf form with wings extended, eyes sharp like blades. It suited him, honestly. Fierce and alert.
“Are you two gossiping about me again?”
We both looked up. Kieran stood at the doorway with a bouquet in his hand, raising a suspicious brow.
His hunter–like grace was casual, but his annoyance was thick.
Mom waved him off with a smirk. “You think we have nothing better to do than talk about you?”
I bit my lip to keep from laughing. The way she teased him was pure entertainment.
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Kieran walked in, ignoring Mom’s jab, and stopped in front of me with a soft smile.
“Here, I picked these for you. Fresh from the garden.”
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I took the bouquet, burying my nose in the vibrant petals. The scent was intoxicating–wild and fresh.
My senses had become sharper since shifting; I could taste the breeze on the flowers.
“Thanks,” I murmured. “We have a garden?”
“Yup. Once you’re up for it, Kiya’s going to give you a proper tour,” he said. “Dad also wants to introduce you to the rest of the pack. Officially.”
My chest tightened at those words. My arrival.
I wasn’t born a stranger to them, but I returned as one. If I’d never been torn away that night… my life would’ve been different.
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I wouldn’t have suffered the humiliation. I
wouldn’t have been invisible. Unloved.
“Hey,” Mom said softly. “You okay?”
I forced a small smile. “Just… remembering things.”
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“Try not to,” Kieran said, crossing his arms. “If you feel bothered, say the word. I’ll march into their territory and make ‘em regret ever hurting you.”
He said it casually, but his voice carried dark conviction. I looked at his eyes–deep purple. Stormy.
I should’ve been startled… but I felt nothing but warmth.
Mom sighed. “Kieran, don’t frighten your sister.”
He didn’t even flinch. “We’re Winter Moon wolves, Mom. Even the pups here fight tigers. Once Aaliyah’s mark activates, she’ll rise above them
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all.”
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Mom rolled her eyes and turned to me. “Don’t let him get into your head. He only knows how to fight and torture. I still wonder how Kiya puts up with him.”
“I have my ways,” he said with a smirk.
Mom’s eyes narrowed. “You shameless brat! Saying things like that in front of your sister-
“I said nothing inappropriate!” he argued, lifting his hands.
I giggled despite myself. It was nice having a brother.
“She’s not a kid anymore, Mom,” Kieran muttered. “Soon she’ll find a mate.”
Suddenly, the laughter inside me died.
A mate.
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The word tore open an old, invisible wound.
“I don’t think so,” I said quietly.
Kieran frowned. “What do you mean?”
I looked up, voice barely above a whisper. “I already had a mate… back in the other pack. But I rejected him.”
Their faces fell all at once.
“You had a mate already?” Mom whispered.
I nodded.
“Why would you-” Kieran cut himself off, blinking. “No. Let me guess. He cheated?”
My throat closed, but I forced myself to speak.
“It was on the night of the throne ceremony. I thought it would be special. But I found him with… her. My so–called sister. He told me to
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learn to live in the shadows. To *compromise*.”
Kieran’s body went rigid, fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.
“I’ll kill him,” he growled. “Tell me his name. I’ll snap his neck with my bare hands.”
“Enough,” Mom interjected firmly, her face composed but deadly calm. “Your father and I will decide what to do. Until then, *you* will sit tight. Understood?”
The tension in the room was thick.
“Fine,” Kieran muttered.
A
“Mom,” I said gently. “You don’t have to do anything. I don’t want a fight. This is something I want to face myself. It’s mine.”
The
She looked at me for a long time before nodding.
“If that’s your choice, we’ll support you. But your
father needs to know.”
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“Of course.”
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She touched my cheek, eyes soft. “You need rest. Your wolf is still waking. She’s been asleep far too long. It may take weeks.”
“And when is the next eclipse?”
“Two years from now,” she answered, smiling. “It will be worth it. You’ll be ready.”
I nodded again and let out a slow breath. For once, the wait didn’t frighten me anymore.
*
Two Years Later…
“You ready?” Kiya peeked in through the door.
I glanced at my reflection. “I think so.”
Today was the Pack Union Party–the biggest gathering of packs every three years. Dad had
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told me about it just two days earlier. Almost every pack would attend.
And many would be looking for their mates.
Good for them.
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As for me, I wasn’t worried. After what I’d been through, I didn’t care anymore. I didn’t need a
mate to feel whole.
I had my family. I had my pack. That was enough.
“You knew this dress would look amazing on you,” Kiya said, striding into the room with a grin.
I shook my head and laughed. “You tortured me for hours picking clothes.”
“It was worth it.” She twirled her finger in a spin motion. “That purple–gold number? Perfect. It hugs your curves so well. Do a turn.”
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“I’m not spinning for you,” I muttered, but my smile betrayed me.
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The dress shimmered like starlight–purple silk threaded with rich gold. Off–shoulder. Thigh–high slit.
It matched my violet eyes and my new form. After I shifted, my body changed.
Strong. Refined. The weak, forgotten girl was long gone.
Kiya studied me with pride. “You’re going to steal the whole damn show.”
I laughed. “Jealous?”
She arched a brow. “Maybe just a tiny bit. Though I’ve already got your brother wrapped around my finger.”
“I’m still not up for your lovey–dovey show.” I stuck my tongue out.
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“Too bad. You’ll have to get used to it.”
Suddenly, Mom bustled in.
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Chapter 6
AALIYAH’S POV
“You two still talking?” she gasped, then her hands flew to her face. “Oh, Aaliyah… you look breathtaking.”
I smiled at her reflection in the mirror. “Thanks, Mom.”
She looked at Kiya pointedly. “Watch your mate tonight. Don’t let Kieran get jealous again. You remember last time…”
Kiya laughed. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve got him under control.”
“Let’s go! They’ve been pacing downstairs,” she added with a huff.
We joined the others outside and loaded into the
cars.
