Chapter 1

Alex's pov

The Adirondack forest loomed before me, a vast expanse of cold darkness. The towering trees cast long, eerie shadows that danced across the forest floor, and the wind carried the faint rustle of leaves. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and the promise of adventure. With a determined breath, I set off, my heart pounding in anticipation.

Running through the forest, the darkness seemed to be both my companion and adversary. Shadows darted alongside me, some always staying a step ahead, mocking my efforts. They whispered of the challenge that lay ahead, urging me to push harder, faster.

Every stride was fueled by the burning desire to surge ahead, to finish first. My muscles ached, but my determination burned brighter. My breath formed misty clouds in the chill, and the sound of my footfalls echoed through the silent woods.

The environment around me was a symphony of nature's elements. Moonlight filtered through the branches, casting a silvery glow on the forest floor. Leaves crunched beneath my feet, and the occasional hoot of an owl pierced the night's silence. I could feel the pulse of the earth beneath me, a connection to the very heart of the wild.

And then, it happened. My foot slipped on a wet root, and suddenly, I was falling. My heart raced as I tumbled through the air, branches clawing at my clothes. The impact with the ground was jarring, a shock that reverberated through my body. For a moment, all was still, the forest holding its breath.

I cursed under my breath, frustration welling up inside me. I had let myself down, let the shadows and the forest down. I had failed to keep up, and that knowledge stung more than any scrape or bruise. Pushing myself up, I brushed off the dirt and continued on, a fierce determination igniting within me.

The race went on, every step a battle against my own limitations. I could see the finish line up ahead, and the sight spurred me on. With a final surge of energy, I crossed that line, chest heaving, heart triumphant. The forest seemed to cheer me on with a gentle rustling of leaves, a whispered congratulations.

Breathing heavily, I walked over to where my brothers and cousins were gathered around a campfire in front of our log cabin. The fire crackled and cast a warm, inviting glow. James, and my cousins were laughing and sharing stories, the camaraderie of family evident in their every gesture. They had finished the race a long time ago.

My father stood nearby, his eyes fixed on me. There was a look of disappointment in his gaze, one that felt like a weight upon my shoulders. He nodded to me before turning and heading inside the cabin, his broad back a silhouette against the dim light seeping from the windows.

The log cabin, a symbol of both home and tradition, seemed to stand taller than ever before. Its walls held generations of memories, stories passed down through time. But in that moment, all I felt was a pang of inadequacy. I sank onto a log beside the fire, the warmth of the flames unable to thaw the cold disappointment that settled in my chest.

As the night air grew cooler, I stared into the flames, lost in my own thoughts. The laughter and voices of my family mingled with the crackling of the fire, creating a bittersweet melody. I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd never be able to prove to my father that I was a good enough werewolf, that I was worthy of his pride.

As the crackling fire painted shifting patterns on the ground, I found myself lost in memories of countless nights spent pushing my limits, hoping to become the strong werewolf I yearned to be. The sweat, the toil, and the long hours had yielded only frustration. It was a reminder of my unending struggle to prove myself, not just to my father, but to myself.

Just as my thoughts grew heavy, my elder brother James approached, his steps quiet on the forest floor. His grin was infectious, and I couldn't help but offer a small smile in return. He sat down beside me, and his presence alone seemed to ease the weight on my shoulders.

"Long day, huh?" he quipped, a playful glint in his eyes.

I chuckled softly, leaning back on my hands. "You have no idea."

"You know, Alex, you might not be the fastest or the strongest, but you've got something that's just as important," he said, his voice earnest.

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And what's that?"

"Brains, my friend. You've always been the smartest one in the family," he said, nudging my shoulder with his own. "And guess what? That's what's taking you to Havard."

"Havard University?" I asked, surprised. "I mean, yeah, I got in, but…"

James grinned. "You're going to do great there. And just remember, you're not alone in this. We've got your back."

His words lifted a weight off my chest, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks, James."

Before we could delve deeper into our conversation, a melodious voice called from the cabin's doorway. "Boys, come inside. Dinner's ready."

It was our mother, her silver hair shimmering in the firelight. The warmth in her eyes was a comfort, a balm to my worries. We followed her inside, the cabin's interior cozy and welcoming. The aroma of a hearty meal wafted through the air, and the wooden floors creaked softly beneath our feet.

As dinner progressed, my cousins couldn't resist teasing me about my fall earlier. Their playful jabs were familiar and lighthearted, and I knew they were just poking fun. Still, their taunts brought a smile to my lips, reminding me that family could provide both solace and laughter.

However, my father's silence and occasional disappointed glances were hard to ignore. The weight of his expectations was a constant presence, a reminder of the gap between who I was and who he wanted me to be.

Amid the chatter and laughter, a messenger bird entered the room, its wingspan impressive as it perched on James's outstretched hand. The atmosphere shifted, and anticipation hung in the air as he carefully untied the message.

His eyes widened when he read the contents and he raised his gaze, locking it on me with a smile.

"Listen up, everyone," he announced, his voice carrying authority. He cleared his throat and read the words aloud, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and pride. "We are pleased to extend an invitation to Alexander for enrollment at Werewolf University."

You've got to be fucking kidding me