Stronger

My father is taller than any man. That I had seen…

My mother looks deceiving at small height but she could kill the best warriors from three of the nearest clans…

And I came from them.

I was a rare breed. Born of two alphas and a female. My mother was like this and her mother. Her mother too, for I had a beautiful bloodline. Any alpha's son would kill for me. A female with alpha blood.

Don't get me wrong, I was happy, blessed, and beloved. Growing up I had no clue of the challenges my life would face just because of my ability to give a man a strong pup.

It was as golden as I could remember. I laughed and danced and ran until my lungs burned and my feet were calloused. I learned my duties to help heal and defend my community. My pack.

My parents, however, were sensible, they taught me to grow food, cook, hunt, and learn. I knew how to be self-sufficient so that come what may I would be able to help myself.

Many women in my position are bred and then abandoned. Their alphas get a strong pup, maybe a precious prize daughter, and they are left for dead.

They made sure I’d have a life.

“Anna!”

My mother can call louder than a man. Though I was particularly late. I had been dragging my feet all morning, all week. I did not want to do this.

I had begged my parents to delay another year just to give me some scrap of time to hold onto so that I could keep my life, my independence, and my sanity.

They were right though. Going through a heat unmated can kill you. And I refuse to surrender my life.

So now I displayed my curly brunette locks in a bun that allowed some to flow out like a waterfall and more in the front to frame my face. The simple dress I wore was pleasing to any eye. I always went for elegance and class. A daylight blue silk wrapped around me. Its Queen Anne neckline and tight silhouette were the evening goal.

“A pretty piece of cattle I make,” I grumble.

My ire had grown in recent weeks. I did not mind a mate at all. I was a hopeless romantic who dreamed of true love. I just knew this would never grant me that wish to be looked at like I was beyond perfect. The look of the world pins itself in place around me as he memorises my features. I would never know passion, intimacy, euphoria, or love.

Tonight I would go downstairs and meet young high-ranking members from so many packs I had lost count and they would all want me to be their Luna and I would stand there and smile as young men ripped each other apart to get a chance to bed me. And who orchestrated this evening my parents!

…..again I know I could die from a heat unmated still. It’s a little odd for your parents to want you to get laid. I know I’m not wrong there.

I was eighteen.

For humans that barely meant anything for us, it meant everything.

“Anna,” a knock came at my door. “It’s Theo…

“And the rest of us!”

I rolled my eyes. “ Come on in!”

They slowly poked their heads in, granted I had been quite vindictive as of late. Taking my misfortune out on any poor passerby.

“Is the beastie ready for her auction?” Theo cocked his head to the side and apples in a terrible English accent.