FUKAYNA
“So, why do you think my parents haven’t had another child, Omorose?” I asked her casually as she finished styling my hair, our gazes meeting in the vanity mirror.
Her dark eyes locked on mine. I was always captivated by the silver specks in her eyes that made her mesmerising. Yet, she hadn’t found her own mate yet.
“Well, they always thought you were a handful. Remember how you used to give them a hard time when you were younger? They don’t seem eager to double the trouble,” she chuckled.
I giggled at that. But deep down, I yearned for a sibling. Even though my parents were busy, they always made time for me. I had no complaints about that, unlike other kids my age who felt neglected because their parents were too preoccupied with work or other things. It wasn’t that my parents stopped caring just because I was approaching adulthood and would soon have a life of my own. They did encourage my independence, but I craved more. I wanted to leave this hill and explore what lay beyond.
True, I had sneaked into the city with Relia many times before, but this time, I didn’t want to sneak away. My parents always reminded me that the world outside our premises was dangerous, so I had to stay put. And now, on my sixteenth birthday, preparations were underway for my marriage. I was certain that Alpha Zygmunt would be present tonight for the official engagement. However, I had no intention of staying until then to make it official.
Heck! I didn’t want to be tied to someone who wasn’t my true mate.
“But are you sure he isn’t your mate? You haven’t met him yet,” my wolf pointed out.
“True. But I’ll figure that out later. Right now, I’m telling you that I’m not even excited about meeting him. I detest the idea of being forced into a marriage with someone I might not even like!”
Taking a deep breath, I stood up from my white vanity chair.
Omorose and I exited my room. A few other Omegas paraded behind me. One handed me a white cape, draping it over my shoulders. It would be used to conceal my nakedness before I shifted in front of everyone later.
My heart pounded hard as I contemplated how I would escape from the party after my transformation, which was part of the adulting ritual and would be witnessed by the entire shifter community.
The Omegas guided me to the makeshift stage illuminated by yellow and white floor lights. All the guests had gathered by now. I took my seat in the centre of the stage, and my parents stepped forward to formally introduce me to everyone.
My tawny eyes scanned each Alpha and Luna, their Betas, Gammas, and Deltas. The lower-ranking individuals were not seated at the tables where food and drinks were already prepared. The shifters were either grouped together to observe or their representation was limited to a specific number, as we were all allies here. However, I knew that not everyone was in attendance tonight. They likely had other pressing matters to attend to rather than watching the Alpha King’s daughter undergo her birthday party shifting, as per tradition.
“Alpha Zygmunt of Poland has graced us with his presence tonight on this momentous occasion,” my father finally announced, gesturing towards the table on the left.
I had heard that he had lost his father a couple of years ago, which was the reason he had assumed his position as the sole heir. Initially, it wasn’t him who proposed the marriage, but rather his father before he passed away. Since his father and mine had been good friends, and my father believed that strengthening the alliance and other benefits that came with it would be advantageous, the young Alpha agreed to the arrangement.
As my father introduced the Polish Alpha, I caught sight of a well-built and tall shifter standing up from his seat. He wore a white tuxedo that accentuated his fair complexion. He wasn’t conventionally handsome, but there was an undeniable aura of s*x appeal emanating from him. I examined his features, noticing his prominent nose, thick eyebrows, and long wavy red hair. At twenty-two, he was the epitome of an adult specimen. Undeniably attractive.
However, the moment our eyes met, I felt nothing. Instead, a certain coldness enveloped me.
“So, you’re silent, Neb Er Tcher. Clearly, he’s not my mate,” I silently conveyed to him. “What does the ‘God of the Universe’ have to say now?” I taunted, alluding to the meaning of his chosen name.
“Well, he may not be the perfect match for you, but I can sense his strength. He’s quite formidable, especially considering he’s the youngest among the Alphas present tonight. Why not consider going along with your father’s choice?”
“Are you kidding me? He’s not my mate!”
“Well, if you refuse his proposal, then—”
“Hey, don’t you dare suggest that he’s stronger than you, and that’s why you’re telling me this,” I sneered.
He huffed indignantly. “Let me shift right now and challenge his wolf. I can take him on! I’ll show you that I’m stronger than him.”
I moistened my lips, suppressing a smile. “Sure, like my father would allow you to challenge his ally. It will only create tension, and it’ll strain the alliance, I’m telling you.”
“Who cares? I want to prove myself. I’m stronger than you think, Kayna!”
“Yeah, yeah. You’re quite the arrogant one,” I taunted, pressing my lips together to conceal my amusement. I stood up from my seat and positioned myself between my parents.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you, and thank you for being here! I consider it a great honour,” I addressed them.
They nodded, wearing smiles, and replied in unison, “The pleasure is ours.”
Looking into their eyes, I felt compelled to express my thoughts. “On my sixteenth birthday, I can only wish that your loyalty to my father remains unwavering and strong, regardless of any temptations our enemies may present. I pray to the Goddess of the Moon that you remain steadfast forever, blessed and protected by her. Always.”
They responded with applause and smiles on their faces.
Silently, I asked Neb Er Tcher, “Are you ready?”
“Oh, absolutely! I’ve been ready all day!” he quickly answered. In my mind’s eye, I could picture him proudly displaying his chest.
My father and mother gazed at me affectionately and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek before departing, leaving me alone on the stage.
I lifted my gaze to the dark sky. The moon was absent, as clouds covered it. This birthday felt somewhat lacklustre. I had always envisioned a radiant moon accompanying my transformation, but alas, it was not to be.
I turned around, and the Omegas assisted me in removing my jewellery and clothing.
“Just gather them in one place, please,” I requested through our mindlink with Omorose.
“Of course, dear Fukayna,” she agreed, offering me a warm smile. “Good luck and happy birthday, dear! I’m thrilled that your special day has arrived!”
“Thank you, Omorose. Thank you, everyone,” I expressed my gratitude as they greeted me through our open mindlinks.
I observed as Omorose neatly arranged my clothing and undergarments in the designated dressing area located at the rear of the stage. That was where I would change after my transformation.
I smiled to myself. “They’ll be in for a shock, and you’ll enjoy it, won’t you, Neb Er Tcher?”
With only the white cape that covered my bareness, I turned to face the guests again. I slowly knelt, and they watched my every movement. I slowly put my hands in front of me, and soon I was on all fours, feeling my body’s temperature rise.
Every pore of my skin seemed to sizzle, and my bones started to move and grow larger, making subtle cracking sounds. I could hear my breathing pick up a notch faster. They could hear it all.
I grunted as my body started to shift, fur growing. They watched my changes in phases. Neb Er Tcher turned out to have a dramatic way of shifting for the first time, as if he wanted everyone to remember this moment. Well, the narcissist loved the attention!
My tawny eyes met Alpha Zygmunt’s, who watched me carefully from his seat. He was close to my father and mother at the moment. They were equally engrossed in my shifting process.
I howled when I finally fully shifted into my male wolf form. My shiny fur was unusual, clearly visible under the stage lights. The top part was blue and faded to a dark violet at the bottom.
“Our daughter has an alter male wolf?”
I heard my mother’s shocked words, while my Alpha King father wore a bewildered expression.
Murmurs started to grow around me as everyone was astounded by my transformation.
“This is amazing!” Neb Er Tcher exclaimed with amusement, howling into the night.
“I guess this is the end of the show, wolf! Let’s get out of here!”