CHAPTER 1 INCITING INCIDENT

James Anderson could feel the hairs on the back of his neck prickle from the unusual quiet of the night. His instincts warned him of impending danger, and as Alpha of the Silver Moon pack, he had learned to trust them. He lurked around the edge of the pack's compound, watching for any activity in the shadowed woodland. Over the trees, the full moon created a spooky brightness that made long shadows dance and twist like ghosts.

James was still deeply hurt by the thought of Stephanie, even though it had been five years since her passing. She had been his Luna, his mate-made-for, and her absence had left a hole that felt unfillable. Every day the pack grieved for her, and on her death anniversary.

A sound in the underbrush startled James out of his trance. He tightened, his muscles coiling like a spring, ready to move at any moment's notice. The aroma reached him then—a nasty, bitter odour that could only indicate one thing. Rogues.

Before he could raise the alarm, a dozen wild werewolves appeared from the jungle, snarling and snapping. They were a ragged, vicious group, their eyes blazing with anger and malice. James let out a roar and transformed into his enormous black wolf form. He leapt into the struggle, his teeth and claws gleaming in the moonlight.

The combat was disorganised and nasty. James fought with everything he had, his muscular physique a blur of movement as he ripped into the rogues. But they kept coming, a seemingly limitless wave of rage and bloodlust. Through the haze of battle, he noticed a young woman fighting against a rogue twice her size.

It was Lily.

Stephanie's younger sister, Lily Marquez, was a small figure with delicate features that concealed her underlying strength. She had lived in her sister's shadow, and many of the pack members blamed her for Stephanie's murder. James had tried to separate himself from her, finding the reminder of what he had lost too hard to bear. But now, seeing her in danger, something primordial surged through him.

He dashed through the rogues, reaching Lily just as the rogue pounced for her.

He knocked the attacker aside, his claws ripping through its flesh. Lily looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear and surprise. James felt a rush of recognition when their gazes connected, a connection that left him speechless. It seemed impossible, yet there was no contesting the facts.

Lily was his mate.

The realisation struck him hard, nearly knocking him off his feet. How could this be? Stephanie had been his mate, his destined Luna. Was fate playing some cruel trick on him? He had no time to ponder the implications as another rogue attacked, and he was forced to defend himself and Lily with renewed ferocity.

The battle continued, until soon the pack warriors arrived and drove the rogues back into the forest. James returned to his human form, his chest heaving with effort. He looked around, evaluating the situation. The compound was in disarray, and several pack members were injured, but they had survived.

Lily stood nearby, looking at him with a mix of thanks and confusion. She opened her lips to speak, but he stopped her by raising his hand. He needed time to grasp what had just occurred, to comprehend this unexpected change of events.

"Lily, are you alright?" he said, his voice raspy with passion.

She nodded, but she appeared shaken. "Yes, thanks to you. But... what happened out there? I felt something..."

James clinched his mouth, unable to find the appropriate words. How could he explain the inexplicable? "We should talk, but not here. Let's get everyone to safety first."

He turned to his Beta, Alex, who had arrived with the warriors. "Secure the area and take care of the injured. I need to speak with Lily."

Alex nodded; his expression serious. "Of course, Alpha."

James led Lily to his office, his mind racing. He couldn't ignore his emotions, and he couldn't explain them either. How could he be destined for two mates? And what would the pack say if they knew he was bonded to the sister of their beloved, fallen Luna?

Once inside, he shut the door and faced Lily. She held her hands securely in front of her and peered at him with wide, inquiring eyes.

"James, what happened out there?" she said again, her voice shaking slightly. Lightly.

He drew a big breath, his heart racing. "Lily, please be honest with me. Did you feel... something between us? A connection?"

She nodded slowly; confusion etched on her face. "Yes, I did. It was like a bond, but how is that possible? You're... you're Stephanie's mate."

James raked his hand through his hair, his mind in turmoil. "I do not know, Lily. But I felt it too. You're my mate. I can't explain it but it's true"

 Lily said, taking a step back in surprise. "This does not make sense. How could this be? Stephanie was supposed to be your mate, your Luna. What does this mean for us?"

James shook his head, feeling the weight of the world upon him. "I'm not sure, but we must resolve this.". The pack will never accept this easily. They still mourn Stephanie, and many blame you for her death. We have to be careful."

As the implications of their bond settled over them, a knock on the door interrupted their thoughts. Alex entered; his expression grim.

"Alpha, we found something you need to see. It's urgent."

James nodded, glancing at Lily. "Stay here. We'll talk more soon."

He followed Alex out of the office, his mind racing with questions. They reached the edge of the compound where the battle had been fiercest. Alex pointed to the ground, and James's eyes widened as he saw what lay there.

A symbol, carved into the earth, glowing faintly in the moonlight. Alex pointed to the ground, and James' eyes widened as he realised what was there.

A symbol cut into the dirt that glows dimly in the moonlight. It was a mark he recognized, one tied to ancient werewolf magic and dark, forbidden rituals. His heart sank as he realized the true nature of the threat they faced.

The rogues hadn't just been random attackers. They were part of something much larger, and much more dangerous. And it was only the beginning.

James stared at the glowing symbol, a sense of dread settling over him. The pack was in more danger than he had ever imagined, and the bond with Lily was only the first of many mysteries they would have to unravel. Could he protect his pack and his newfound mate from the darkness closing in on them?