Julian

“Aren’t werewolves like that? At least that’s what I remember reading in books.” It was a long time ago and I wasn’t sure if my memory serves me right. I thought it was ridiculous that something like that exists so I naturally brush it off. I wish I didn’t because now I know they’re very real and there’s one right beside me.

“No.” He chuckled. “We can shift anytime. Although we worship the moon goddess, we don’t rely on the moon when to turn into our beasts.”

The information made me sit up. My brain was suddenly working a mile a minute. “Moon goddess?”

“Yes. Moon goddess Selene. She’s the mother of all werewolves. She’s the one who gifted us a wolf counterpart… and a mate.”

And here I once thought they were cursed probably by witches. “A mate? What’s that?”

Caleb wasn’t able to answer my question. He suddenly stood up, dusting the dirt off his clothes. “Beta!” He exclaimed.

I turned to the direction of his sight and saw a man who I’ve never met before. I slowly got up from the ground, stunned at his presence.

“Caleb, the Alpha summons you.” His voice was deep, firm and authoritative. I couldn’t point out the emotions on his face. It was blank but it was obvious he was a powerful man. Powerful but not terrifying like the Alpha.

“Yes, Beta.” I could feel Caleb’s eyes on me before he scurried away. I was too stunned to return his look. It took a long time for me to realize that my jaw was hanging open while staring at him shamelessly.

“I see you're curious about our existence.”

I shake my head, waking myself up from the trance. “Um, yeah.”

I think it’s common for them to be this huge and good looking. Reagan, the heartthrob of our campus, seemed to can’t hold a candle to them. Not only that, they were filled with muscles and oozed hotness and allure. If Clover sees these men, I’m sure she would instantly move on from Reagan.

He didn’t talk after that. The silence brought me discomfort and his stare was too intense for my liking. “I…” I coughed, clearing my throat. “I heard Caleb calling you Beta. Are you like, second to the Alpha? ” I knew enough about the common ranks. The Alpha is the leader, the Beta is the second in command and then Omega, the last. That’s all I know though.

“Yes.”

I sighed. I didn’t hide my disappointment. It’s clear that he doesn’t talk much. His answers were always short and curt.

“Will you tell me your name?” I asked, hoping he would answer me.

“Julian Vale, Beta of Blood Moon.”

I grinned. “Will you tell me about werewolves?”

---

It was a surprise that Julian was accommodating to me considering he has a nonchalant attitude. He answered all my questions about werewolves as we toured around their territory. Their land was vast and the majority of it was occupied by the forest. Their wolves love to run with nature.

I've learned a lot from listening to him. It's not only about werewolves but also about hunters and about the history of their land and their pack which is called Blood Moon. It seems not everything that I’ve read in books was true about them. Their world that I discovered intrigued me which is why I’ve never been more in awe; and despite being scared, I still want to learn more about them.

That, and the fact that there’s a part of me that was accepting of this which was utterly fascinating and strange.

"Your family… why are you not with them?"

The question made me halt, a frown etched in my forehead. Julian stopped beside me and watched me with a raised brow.

“My family and I aren’t really that close.” I answered as we both resumed going around their vast forest.

“How so?” His frown didn’t leave his brows.

I shrugged. “I wasn’t exactly born normal, you know. I have a heart disease and my parents were not happy with that. It took me a very long time to understand why.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t be like my sisters who are able to help with their job.” I steal a glance at his face. “You know, the hunting job.”

“I guess it’s the reason why I’ve never seen you before. I didn’t know that Henry Elsher had another daughter until our Alpha brought you in.”

I looked at him with a hint of amusement. “So you’ve seen my sisters, then?”

“Yes, your mother as well. Your father trained them well.”

My lips twitched a sad smile. “I had no idea that was the kind of business they’re talking about. I was so oblivious. I guess it’s the reason why I could never belong with them. I didn’t know that they were hunters until recently.”

Julian suddenly stopped his steps. I turned to him, sensing his stare. “What?”

“You said you have a heart disease. Are you okay with your training?”

My brows raised in surprise. If I didn’t know any better, he sounded concerned. “Um, yeah. I do have a little chest pain from time to time but I’m good. When I was a child, I had surgery. Do you wanna see it?” I started to pull the collar of my shirt but he grabbed my wrist, stopping me.

He shook his head, looking at me intently. I blushed realizing that I almost flashed my breasts on a guy. A man! A werewolf.

“S-sorry!” His hand dropped languidly to his side. “I was just kidding.”

I have been so comfortable with him that I almost forgot that he’s a hot blooded male. It’s something I’ve joked with Clover and Gab. The first time they found out about my condition, I told them that I have a huge scar on my chest because of surgery. The two were so horrified about it and refused to see my chest. Of course, I was joking.

Julian grunts in reply. I awkwardly follow him, embarrassed at what I’ve done.

“Are all of you capable of turning humans to werewolves?” I asked, curious. The night their alpha bit me crossed my mind again.

“No. Only the Alpha is capable of that.”

Of course. I thought sarcastically.