Life Before the Storm

The Silverclaw Pack resided in the heart of Ravenshire, a vast estate situated within the rolling English countryside. The manor was an imposing stone structure with towering spires and ivy-covered walls, standing as the heart of their territory. Lush meadows stretched beyond the estate, leading to dense woodlands and winding cobblestone paths that had stood the test of time. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of morning dew, damp earth, and the lingering aroma of fresh bread from the village nearby.

It was a day of great anticipation—the Annual Harvest Celebration. This tradition had been honoured for generations, a time when the pack came together to give thanks to the Moon Goddess for their blessings. The courtyard bustled with activity. Long wooden tables were set beneath lantern-strung oak trees, the scent of roasted lamb, spiced apple tarts, and freshly baked loaves filling the air.

Children darted between the adults, their laughter ringing out as they chased each other along the stone pathways. Warriors and hunters carried their latest game, their voices deep and hearty as they spoke of their triumphs. The elderly pack members sat near the large stone fountain, sharing old stories while sipping mulled cider.

Standing at the balcony of the manor, Kael Wynther surveyed it all. At twenty-four, he was the youngest Alpha the Silverclaw Pack had ever known, yet he had already proven himself in battle and leadership. His presence commanded attention, his broad shoulders and strong build making him appear every bit the formidable leader he was. Yet beyond the physical strength lay an even greater power—his sharp mind and unwavering commitment to his pack.

Dressed in a crisp white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a dark waistcoat, Kael was not one for an elaborate ceremony. He preferred practicality, though he had inherited the effortless grace that made his every move seem purposeful.

His gaze settled on Selene Thornfell, his fated mate and the future Luna of the Silverclaw Pack. She stood by the rose garden, her golden hair gleaming under the soft autumn sun. A group of children surrounded her, their small hands reaching for the delicate flower crowns she was weaving.

Selene was nineteen, with a vision of elegance and kindness. She had a warmth that made people gravitate toward her, a quiet strength that reassured those around her. Though she had yet to officially take on the title of Luna, the pack already loved her as if she were born for the role.

Kael watched her with a mix of pride and something deeper, something that still stole his breath after all these months. The moment he had discovered she was his mate was etched in his memory.

It had been the height of autumn, the trees adorned with golden leaves, the scent of damp earth heavy in the air. Kael had been patrolling the outer estate when a scent hit him like a gust of wind, it was warm, sweet and intoxicating. It had stopped him in his tracks, his entire body responding before his mind could catch up.

Following the scent, he had found her standing by the lake, her hands full of wildflowers. The way the sun had caught her hair, the softness in her green eyes when she turned to face him, it had been like something out of a dream.

"Selene," he had breathed, the name foreign yet familiar on his tongue.

She had looked at him, her expression shifting from curiosity to understanding. A moment of silence had stretched between them, heavy with unspoken truths.

"You feel it too, don't you?" he had asked.

Selene had nodded, her cheeks tinged pink. "I do."

It had been as simple as that, no grand declarations, no hesitation. Just an unshakable certainty that fate had bound them together.

Now, standing among the roses, Selene caught his gaze from across the courtyard. A slow, knowing smile curved her lips as she waved at him playfully.

Kael grinned, descending the steps two at a time to meet her. "You're supposed to be enjoying the festival, not running a flower shop," he teased, plucking a rose from the basket beside her.

Selene rolled her eyes. "And you're supposed to be overseeing the preparations, not staring at me from across the courtyard."

Kael smirked. "Guilty. But can you blame me?" He reached out, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers grazing her cheek. "You're a distraction."

Selene's breath hitched slightly before she laughed. "I never knew there was this side to you, a flatterer I must say."

"It's not flattery if it's true," Kael murmured, his voice lower now, only for her to hear.

Her expression softened, and she tilted her head. "Do you ever feel… uncertain?"

Kael frowned slightly. "About what?"

"Being Alpha," she said quietly. "It's a heavy responsibility."

He exhaled slowly. "Sometimes. But then I remember I have you and that makes it easier."

Selene smiled, but there was something unreadable in her eyes, a flicker of worry she didn't voice. Instead, she reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "Then I'll make sure you never bear it alone."

As the sun began to dip, casting golden light over the estate, Selene retreated to the shade of an ancient oak tree with her best friend, Lila Dunehart. Lila, with her fiery red hair and sharp wit, was as outspoken as she was loyal.

"I saw the way Kael was looking at you earlier," Lila said, smirking. "He's absolutely besotted."

Selene chuckled, plucking at the petals of a daisy. "He's my mate. Of course, he is."

"No, I mean really besotted," Lila pressed. "You could order him to howl at the moon in broad daylight, and he'd do it."

Selene shook her head, but she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her chest. "He's different with me. He lets his guard down."

Lila sighed dramatically. "Must be nice to have a mate. Meanwhile, I'm stuck dodging overeager warriors who think flashing their canines is attractive."

Selene laughed. "You'll find your mate, Lila."

"If the Moon Goddess ever stops ignoring me," Lila muttered.

As night fell, the pack gathered around a roaring bonfire in the courtyard. Lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting flickering light over the assembled wolves. Kael stood at the centre, his presence commanding yet calm as he raised a goblet of spiced mead.

"We honour the Moon Goddess tonight," he declared. "For our strength, our land, and our unity."

The pack cheered, voices blending in harmony as they celebrated. The music swelled, laughter echoed, and the night stretched on in joy.

As Kael turned to Selene, their hands brushing, a deep sense of peace settled over him. At this moment, with his pack thriving and his mate beside him, he felt invincible.

But neither of them knew that this peace was fleeting.

A storm was coming. One that would shatter everything they had built.