Chapter 158 Gamble Under the Full Moon
Wynter's POV
My pulse quickened. This was exactly what the book had suggested.
"I'm not talking about fantasy," Dr. Vane continued, his tone remaining measured and academic. "I'm talking about documented historical cases. Rare, yes. Exceptional, certainly. But real."
He began walking slowly across the front of the room, hands clasped behind his back in a gesture that reminded me of Professor Ashwood.
"The wolf genome is more complex than we typically acknowledge. Most Betas carry latent Alpha genes—remnants of Alpha ancestors, genetic potential that remains unexpressed. In most cases, this potential stays dormant for life. But there are triggers—environmental, chemical, magical—that can, theoretically, activate that dormant potential."
He pulled up a slide showing what looked like genetic diagrams. I didn't understand most of it, but the professional presentation made it feel legitimate, scientific.
"The process isn't simple," Dr. Vane said, his voice taking on a note of caution. "It requires a specific ritual—one that combines ancient Pack magic with modern understanding of genetic expression. The ritual must be performed at a precise time, under precise conditions, using carefully prepared compounds."
He paused, looking directly at our small group.
"And I must be honest with you—the success rate is not high. Perhaps thirty to forty percent. The ritual can fail, leaving the participant unchanged. In rare cases, there can be... complications."
"What kind of complications?" one of the other students asked nervously.
"Temporary illness, mostly," Dr. Vane said, his tone reassuring. "Fever, weakness, disorientation as the body attempts to process the transformation. Nothing permanent in the documented cases I've studied. But it's not without risk."
Thirty to forty percent. Those weren't terrible odds. Not great, but not impossible either.
"For those interested in learning more," Dr. Vane continued, "I'll be available after the lecture to discuss the specifics. But I want to emphasize—this is not something to be undertaken lightly. The ritual requires absolute commitment, complete secrecy, and a willingness to accept the possibility of failure."
The lecture continued for another hour, Dr. Vane presenting case studies and theoretical frameworks with the same measured, academic tone. Everything he said aligned with what I'd read in that ancient book, but hearing it spoken aloud by someone with credentials made it feel more real.
More possible.
By the time he finished, my mind was made up. I had to know more. I had to know if this could actually work.
---
I waited until the other students had left before approaching Dr. Vane at the podium. He was gathering his materials, and he looked up with a gentle smile as I approached.
"Miss Vaughn," he said, and I startled slightly that he knew my name. At my expression, he chuckled softly. "Forgive me—I make it a point to learn about students who might benefit from my research. Your situation is... unique. A Beta bonded to an Alpha heir. That must present certain challenges."
The understanding in his voice made something in my chest loosen slightly. "It does," I admitted quietly. "I want to be worthy of standing beside him. But—"
"But you're a Beta, and there are those who will never see past that designation," Dr. Vane finished, his voice sympathetic. "I understand completely. It's why I've dedicated my research to this field—too many capable wolves are held back by accidents of birth."
He set down his materials and gave me his full attention.
"I see how badly you want this, Miss Vaughn," he murmured. "You wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."
The accuracy of his assessment made my throat tight. "Is it real?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Can it actually work?"
"It can," he said, his voice carrying absolute certainty. "I've seen it succeed. Not often—the ritual is difficult, and not everyone has sufficient latent potential. But when it works..." He paused. "When it works, the transformation is complete and permanent. You would be a true Alpha in every sense—power, authority, physical capability. Everything."
My heart hammered against my ribs. "What would I need to do?"
Dr. Vane studied me for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. "The ritual isn't for everyone," he said carefully. "It requires absolute commitment. Complete secrecy—if word gets out before the transformation is complete, it can interfere with the process. And you must be willing to accept the possibility of failure."
"I understand," I said, and meant it. "What are the specifics?"
He pulled out a small notebook, writing quickly. "The ritual must be performed during the full moon—three days from now. The location needs to be isolated, away from Pack territories where the ambient Alpha energy might interfere. There's an old chapel in the east woods, abandoned decades ago. It's the perfect location."
He tore out the page and handed it to me. I saw an address, a time—midnight—and a list of preparations.
"You must come alone," Dr. Vane emphasized. "The ritual is personal, intimate. Having others present—especially bonded mates—can create energetic interference that will cause it to fail. And you must fast for twenty-four hours beforehand. The transformation requires your body to be in a completely receptive state."
"Alone," I repeated, something cold sliding down my spine. "I can't tell anyone?"
"Not until after it's complete," he said gently. "I know that's difficult, especially with a mate bond. But Miss Wynter—if you tell your mate, he'll try to stop you. He'll worry, he'll want to protect you, and his presence will sabotage the very thing you're trying to achieve."
The logic made sense, but that cold feeling intensified.
"Three days," Dr. Vane continued. "That gives you time to prepare mentally and physically. When you arrive at the chapel, I'll have everything ready—the ritual components, the elixir, the incantations. The process itself takes perhaps an hour. And then..." He smiled. "Then you'll be what you were always meant to be."
I stared at the paper in my hands, at the careful instructions written in neat handwriting.
This is what you wanted, I told myself. A chance to prove yourself. To become worthy.
"Thank you," I managed, my voice rough. "I'll be there."
"I know you will," Dr. Vane said, his smile widening slightly. "I can see the determination in your eyes. You're going to do beautifully, Miss Vaughn. I have complete faith in you."
---
The next three days passed in a haze of preparation and growing anxiety. I went through the motions of my normal routine—classes, training, time with Chase—but my mind was always on that piece of paper hidden in my desk drawer.
Three days until the full moon. Three days until everything changes.
Chase sensed something was off. Through the Bond, I felt his concern, his questions that he didn't quite voice. But I deflected, blamed stress over schoolwork, exhaustion from training. He accepted my explanations because he trusted me, and that trust made guilt twist in my stomach.
I'm doing this for us, I told myself. So we can have a future together without his father's interference.
Rosalie noticed too. "You seem distracted," she said on the second day, watching me pick at my lunch. "Is everything okay?"
"Fine," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just tired. I've been pushing too hard with training."
"Maybe you should take a break," she suggested gently. "You're going to burn yourself out."
Just three more days, I thought. Then everything will be different.
The night before the ritual, I barely slept. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind spinning through possibilities and fears.
What if it doesn't work? What if I go through all this and nothing changes?
But worse—
What if it does work? What if I become an Alpha and Chase realizes I did this because I didn't believe I was good enough as I was?
I pushed the thought away. This wasn't about not being good enough. This was about being strategic, about removing the obstacles that stood between us and our future.
Lord Aldric can't argue with an Alpha, I reminded myself. This is the only way.