chapter four

Liam's POV

A week had passed since the fight with Rafe, but the tension between us hadn't faded. If anything, it had gotten worse. Every time we crossed paths, there was a silent challenge in the air, an unspoken promise that neither of us was done yet.

But today, I didn't care about Rafe.

Because tomorrow was my birthday.

I was about to turn eighteen finally old enough to take my place as Axel's official Beta. The responsibility felt huge, but I was ready for it. I had trained for this, fought for this, and now, it was almost mine.

As I sat on the training field, catching my breath after sparring with some warriors, Ethan flopped down beside me, grinning.

"Come on," he said, nudging me with his elbow. "Let's go out. Today's the last day of us being the same age. Tomorrow, you'll be eighteen and all grown up."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, please. It's just a birthday."

Ethan scoffed. "Not just a birthday. You'll be Axel's Beta! That's so cool. Though I'll still be seventeen, but hey, it's fine. We're still buddies."

I smirked. "You're acting like I'm gonna abandon you or something."

"Not abandoning me," he said dramatically. "Just outranking me."

I laughed. "Like I don't already?"

Ethan shoved my shoulder playfully before wiggling his brows. "And don't forget, tomorrow you'll get to meet your mate."

I let out a breath, my chest tightening at the thought. My mate.

"Yes," I murmured, thinking about it. "And she will be very submissive, obedient, and I will love her."

Ethan made a gagging noise. "Ugh, look at your dreamy face."

I punched his arm. "Shut up."

He just laughed.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the packhouse as Ethan and I lounged in my room. Tomorrow was the day—I'd turn eighteen and officially take my place as Axel's Beta. I should've been thinking about that, but instead, Ethan had to bring up him.

"You know," Ethan said casually, tossing a ball against the wall. "It's kinda funny that you and Rafe share the same birthday."

The entire room went silent.

Then, as if on cue, we all made the same disgusted face.

Axel, who had just walked in, snorted. "Don't remind me."

I scowled, the mere mention of Rafe souring my mood. "It doesn't matter. Tomorrow isn't about him."

"Exactly," Axel said, grinning. "Tomorrow, we celebrate. No school. We get to have our Beta."

Ethan pumped his fist in the air. "Hell yeah! Beta Liam Carter. Has a nice ring to it."

I smirked. "Damn right it does."

Ok i am going to sleep,i stood up.and went to my room.

I was fast asleep, enjoying the last few moments of peace before my big day truly began.

Then—BAM!

"WAKE UP, BETA LIAM!"

I groaned as Ethan burst into my room, yelling like a lunatic. He jumped on my bed, shaking me aggressively. "It's your birthday! Get up, get up, get up!"

"Ethan," I mumbled, trying to pull the blanket over my head. "I swear if you don't—"

"Too late!" He yanked the covers off. "The future Beta can't be sleeping in on his big day. Let's go eat, and then we party!"

I sighed but couldn't stop the small smile on my lips. Today was my day.

After forcing myself out of bed, I went downstairs, where the entire packhouse smelled like fresh food. A massive breakfast feast had been prepared, and I didn't hesitate to dig in. Warriors, Omegas, even the Elders stopped by to congratulate me, patting my back and telling me how proud they were.

Then came the real celebration.

The pack threw a huge party in my honor, welcoming me as their official Beta. Music blasted through the night air, laughter filled the grounds, and we danced until our legs ached. It was perfect.

Then, as the moon reached its peak, the crowd fell silent.

Axel stepped forward, standing on the platform in the pack's central grounds, his Alpha presence strong and undeniable.

"Tonight, we welcome our Beta!" Axel's voice echoed through the night. "Liam Carter has stood beside me since the beginning. He has trained harder than anyone, fought alongside me, and proved his strength time and time again. And now, it is time."

The entire pack roared in agreement, their voices thunderous.

Axel turned to me, eyes filled with pride. "Behold, your Beta!"

The cheers were deafening.

At that moment, I felt everything shift. The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, but I welcomed it. I was ready.

Then, instinct kicked in.

I felt my wolf pushing forward, demanding to be freed. The crowd backed up slightly as I let the shift take over, my bones cracking, fur sprouting, my form stretching and changing.

And then I stood in my full wolf form for the first time.

A strong, powerful brown wolf.

The pack howled in celebration, and Axel shifted beside me, his Alpha wolf joining mine. Then, with one command—

We ran.

Through the trees, through the night, my wolf raced alongside my pack.

I was Beta now.

The next day

The scent of fresh bread and sizzling bacon filled the pack kitchen as I leaned against the counter, gulping down water after an intense morning training session. My muscles ached, but I welcomed the burn it reminded me that I was stronger now, officially Beta.

Axel walked in, his expression calm but authoritative. "No school today."

I raised a brow. "Why?"

"We have a pack meeting with an Alpha. We're discussing land agreements."

I groaned. Land negotiations. Not exactly the most thrilling way to spend my first full day as Beta, but it was part of the job. "Alright, let's get this over with."

The meeting dragged for hours. Discussions about territory lines, hunting grounds, and security arrangements took up most of the day. By the time we wrapped up and returned to Stormcrest, the sun had already set, and night had crept in.

I was heading to my room when Ethan popped up out of nowhere, grinning.

"Well?" he asked eagerly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Any mate yet?"

I huffed, rolling my eyes. "No, Ethan."

Axel, who was passing by, chuckled. "Let him be. A mate comes when they're meant to."

Ethan smirked. "Yeah, yeah. But imagine if you met her tomorrow? You'd probably get all soft."

I shoved him playfully. "Shut up."

He just laughed, darting away before I could hit him again.

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. A mate…

I hadn't really thought about it much today. But deep down, a small part of me wondered—was she out there?

And if so…

When would I find her?