When Sophie heard that there was an ancient and traditional ceremony that took place during the full moon, she did everything in her power to learn about it. The first couple months as Luna, Sophie was allowed to be dismissed from the ceremony. Luckily, it was something that routinely happened in packs with new Luna's or Alpha's. It was not an event you simply jumped into. It was deeply religious and familial, which meant, even those born and raised to be leaders had to sit out a ceremony or two, even after being declared Luna or Alpha.

Still, this made Sophie feel even more out of place among her pack, which was a painful feeling that she wanted to get rid of whenever it popped up. Most wolves sat out only one or two ceremonies before they attempted as Luna or Alpha but, Sophie had missed three or four ceremonies. The moon was a huge part of werewolf culture, especially, the full moon, which was intimidating for Sophie. It was what connected them to the Moon Goddess.

Sophie wasn't born and raised in this world. She wasn't a werewolf until a couple months ago. All of this was still new to her, she didn't even know everything that there was to know yet. She didn't feel worthy of attending the ceremony as the packs Luna. Everyone reassured her that she should join and they were really excited to have her as their Luna, so it would only make sense that she joined but, Sophie was still scared and hesitant.

Every werewolf from the pack gathered outside during sunset and ate a huge feast all put together by the pack on the day of the full moon. When the sun went down and the Moon was high, they lit the biggest bonfire she had ever seen and the party ensued. Traditionally, werewolves attended The Full Moon Observance completely nude. Some of them opted for small clothing items that were made of animal hide if they didn't feel like being nude. Sophie had chosen that option, even though, there was another item of clothing that was meant to cover her during the event.

The entire pack was tasked with making the Luna's traditional jewelry. The eldest wolves in the pack had to carve very, very small figures, both resembling wolves and humans, that would be strung on to her jewelry. The kids were tasked to pick out the perfect beads from big chests full of beads. The others helped, but not too much, as to not intrude on tradition, since they had a different job. Not only was Sophie going to be wearing small bits of hide and lots of jewelry but, there was something even bigger meant to cover her.

Those not yet old but neither young, went out hunting to find the perfect felt for Sophie to wear to the ceremony. Sophie was surprised to hear about that part of the tradition. There were famous fashion designers out there that created beautiful clothing out of fur but, that earned her a laugh from both Maria and Antonio when she made that point. It wasn't about the highest grade fur made by a famous stylist. It was about Sophie's pack bringing her something they had specifically hunted to please and honor her.

Unfortunately, there was an incident during one of the evenings that some of the pack members went hunting. Sophie was walking through the foyer, on her way to the kitchen, when her pack members came bursting through the front door. She whipped towards the door in a start, her eyes widening at the sight of blood. The man with his arms slung across two of his pack members shoulders collapsed to the floor with a painful groan as soon as he was inside.

Sophie gasped as she rushed towards her pack members. "What happened?"

"Hunters." One wolf panted as he leant against one of the columns in the foyer. He was obviously exhausted, as were the others that trudged inside.

"Peter? Peter, are you alright?" Sophie panicked as she cupped the mans face in her hands.

Peter, who had his hand pressing into his shoulder as blood seeped between his fingers, smiled and nodded. "I'm alright. It was only one bullet."

Sophie pulled Peter's head against her chest and coddled him as she looked around at the others. "Is everyone else okay?"

"We're good." They all weakly answered through heavy panting.

"Why would you go out during hunting season? No more! Nobody else goes out to the woods!" Sophie angrily commanded to all of her pack members that were gathered in the foyer and panting with exhaustion.

"But, Luna," Peter raised his head with wide eyes. "The Full Moon Observance is only a week away. We need to get you the perfect fur."

"Gorgeous.." Cortez's voice spoke up from a few feat away. Sophie turned to him, hugging Peter's head to her chest with desperation as she held back tears. Cortez looked cautious but serious as he slowly stepped towards his mate. "We can't forbid them to go into the forest just because it's dangerous, Sophie. It's always dangerous. They're careful when they go out, you know that."

"No.." Sophie sniffled and pet Peter's hair. "I don't want any of them to get hurt because of me. Can't we postpone my attendance a little longer so, they don't have to go out?"

Cortez tensed. They had allowed Sophie's absents for long enough. If Sophie wanted to wait until the end of hunting season, it'd be another couple months. They couldn't wait that long anymore. What if something happened between the time that Sophie finally attended and now? Then, she might never never experience the ceremony. They couldn't postpone her attendance any longer. Sophie was their Luna. She had to attend this month.

"Fine. Nobody else is allowed out tonight, alright?" Cortez cracked a small smile as he knelt beside his mate. "But, Gorgeous, they have to find you something to wear. We've postponed you joining the ceremony for too long. It's not negotiable anymore. Can we compromise on tonight?"

Sophie sniffled once, then twice, looked at her pack members, and sighed. "Okay.."

"Okay, good."

Cortez grabbed Peter's arm and helped him stand so he could hand him off to a pack doctor. Sophie hurried to follow Peter before Cortez caught her arm and pulled her back against him. She groaned but Cortez simply chuckled and hugged her small frame against him. He liked when she worried so deeply for the pack. Sophie was always second guessing herself about whether she belonged in the pack, as their Luna, but she had it in her blood. Nobody else could be the mother of this pack like she could.

Nobody could even get in Sophie's way when it meant protecting her wolves.

"You do realize these are werewolves you're worrying about, right? One bullet doesn't do much to us." Cortez teased, the cocky smirk on his face audible in his tone.

"I don't care if it's a million bullets or a splinter, I don't want my family to get hurt." Sophie retorted.

"I know, I know. Just.. don't lose sleep over it." Cortez pecked Sophie's cheek. "And don't stress yourself out over this ceremony. You can't let it get to you every single month."

"I'm trying not to but, it's a big deal." Sophie looked up and over her shoulder at Cortez. "Right?"

"Of course, it's a big deal for your first time but, it happens every month. After your first time, it's going to be nothing. So, don't worry so much."

"Okay.."

Cortez smiled once more and planted a kiss on Sophie's nose. He broke away from her to check on the other pack members, who all reassured him that they were fine. Cortez announced to the rest of the pack that hunting was off limits tonight since there had been an injury, but reassured them that they could leave to hunt when the sun came up. Sophie thanked him with a frown and grabbed his hand as he lead her through the house.

When it was time for The Full Moon Observance, Sophie definitely felt a bit of culture shock. Her fur cloak was a beautiful orange with white dots, the material pulled from a doe that many members of the pack had specifically picked out in the woods. It reached to her feet but was cut short at her shoulders, and even came with a hood. And, not only did she get a fur cloak, but also, the beaded jewelry of all different colors and patterns.

Around Sophie's neck, a long necklace that reached her belly button was strung with colorful beads, little human carvings, and wolf carvings all alternating between each other. The colors of the beads, apparently, alternated in a way that translated her position within the pack in a way that she wasn't familiar with. Hanging off the necklace, right over her belly button, was an ovular-shaped moonstone that was actually an important part of the ceremony. The scariest part, of you asked Sophie.

Lining her arms like armor were countless bracelets, all made from women within the pack. Their placement on her body represented their purpose, to be with the Luna in all that she needed. The colors and patterns all varied. There were also wolf teeth, dangling metal, shells, and special stones all woven into the pieces of jewelry. The pieces made by the men of the pack sat on her ankles and wrapped around her thighs. Their placement on her body represented their purpose, as well, to be a foundation for her to thrive upon.

Even during the Full Moon Observance, the culture shock grew in magnitude. The feast was huge, full size boars and deer laid out on long wooden tables. Fresh fruit and vegetables and greenery were all cooked one way or the other as they lined the boars and deer on the tables. There were no plates or utensils, not even chairs. Everyone just ate, traveling from table to table to grab food and shove it in their mouth as they chatted with the members of their pack.

Although, the feast was very animalistic, everyone being naked and eating with their hands, everyone was carelessly happy, smiling, and laughing. The adults helped the younger members of the pack reach the food on the table and made sure they were fed before they started stuffing their own faces. The atmosphere was soothing and warm as the sun fell over the horizon and everyone enjoyed their evening with their pack members. As unfamiliar as Sophie was with this culture, she was enjoying it.

When the sun went down and the moon was high in the sky, everyone had abandoned the tables of food, which were now just straps and clean bones. A huge bonfire was lit in the middle of the backyard and everyone gathered around it to sing traditional songs in languages that Sophie didn't know. Many danced freely in their nude state, kids running and playing around the fire, all of them switching from song to song with ease.

"Don't worry, you'll learn the songs." Cortez comforted Sophie when he noticed her slight discomfort. She obviously felt out of place.

Sophie looked up at her big Alpha mate, the darkest fur from the biggest bear draped over his shoulders. "What language are they singing in?"

"Our songs are made of many different languages. We are all of different race and ethnicity, we come from different parts of the world but, since we're all apart of the same supernatural species and family, we sing in many languages. Every verse is different. It's difficult at first but, when you learn it, you can feel it's meaning and strength." Cortez explained.

Sophie nodded, so amazed that she was speechless. When she paid attention to the songs, she noticed when they switched between languages. Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, English, Korean, French, most of which Sophie didn't recognize but could distinguish from the previous. Some songs had a rhythm that required the wolves to stomp and clap, while other songs had them happily swaying and hitting impressive high notes.

During the entire Full Moon Observance, Sophie felt it. The energy of the moon and the strength of her pack. Maria had taken the time during Sophie's Full Moon Observance training to explain that feeling to her. It was that rush of adrenaline, that intoxicating high, the animalistic urge to run and jump like wild. It was all energy given to her by the Moon Goddess to remind her that she was an animal, a creature of the earth, part of a system that lived and thrived off of the world and each other that you just couldn't feel as a mere human.

Listening to the music, to Maria's teachings, and feeling the energy from the moon and her pack was truly intoxicating. It was all so amazing. How did she not know of any of this before she was a wolf? How did everyday humans not know about this rich and vibrant culture? How did wolves exist for so long, with everything that they had, without being discovered and exposed to the masses?

Sophie questioned it but she didn't dwell too much on it. She understood the value in not being known. Werewolves had this culture full of power, value, and meaning that was all theirs. They passed down their stories and folklore to each generation behind them and that was it. They had very little written word and no written music. They valued word of mouth more than anything written. This culture thrived in their communities and the bond they had as creatures of the same species. It was incredibly moving to say the least.

"Is it weird for your first time?" Cortez asked as he sat against a big log with his mate.

Sophie shook her head as she smiled sweetly at her handsome mate. He hadn't been shaving recently so, his beard was a bit longer. He looked even more animalistic with his hairy face and thick black fur over his broad shoulders. Cortez didn't wear an animal hide to cover his nudity. He said he only covered up when he was an awkward preteen, otherwise, as a child and an adult, he didn't care. Sophie figured she might reach that level of comfort a few months from now.

"Nope. I love it." Sophie answered genuinely as she turned back to her pack that danced and sang around the huge bonfire. She didn't know how to participate just yet but, it looked fun. "This is really, really amazing, Cortez. I almost want to thank you for bringing me into all of this. I've never been apart of something so powerful and connected."

Cortez proudly smiled at his little mate, his eyes falling to the mark on her neck. He couldn't help but reach out and brush the mark with his fingertips. "I'm happy that you're happy, Gorgeous."

Sophie smiled and reached for the fur hood to throw it over her head. Her wavy, short, brown hair still stuck out since she sat the fur hood halfway over her head. The light of the bonfire danced in her soft green eyes and lit up her smile so beautifully. Cortez really did love seeing her like this, draped in the fur of a beautiful doe and covered in the jewelry their pack had made just for her. He couldn't stop staring at her. She truly was his queen.

"So, every pack is doing this right now? The Full Moon Observance?" Sophie asked.

Cortez nodded. "Every month, during the full moon. Of course, the Moon isn't up for everyone right now but we will all be celebrating today, yes."

"That's insane." Sophie breathed as her eyes fell on the bonfire again. "Imagine the sound of everyone singing these songs together.."

Cortez laughed under his breath, placed his finger under her chin, and turned her back to him so he could kiss her. He kissed his mate gently and sweetly as he breathed in her scent. He could taste the deer meat, boar meat, fruits, and vegetables still on her tongue from their feast and she could taste it on his as well. It made him hungry again, although, he was more hungry for his mate than anymore food.

But, before Cortez could carry Sophie away to do with her as he pleased, there was an important part of the ceremony that only him and her could complete. It was the last part of the traditions, and then, everyone could dance and sing as long as they wanted. The ceremony usually lasted until morning since, everyone had the energy of a full moon in their system. Cortez usually stayed until morning, as well, but thought he'd use this energy for something a little more fun.

"Want to talk to the Moon Goddess and then head to bed?" Cortez whispered against Sophie's lips as he gently nudged her nose with his own.

Sophie grew rigid and awkward as she opened her eyes to look at Cortez. "Does she... respond?"

Cortez lovingly chuckled and brushed back a strand of her brown hair. "Not usually, no. You'll be able to feel her but she doesn't respond unless the circumstance is dire."

"Okay.." Sophie took a deep breath. "Let's try it, I guess."

Cortez began to stand up, blowing a loud whistle from his lips. Everyone stopped their singing and dancing to look at Cortez. Sophie drew her knees to her chest as she stared up at Cortez's tall, broad, and intimidating stature. She was the most nervous for this part. How long did she speak with the Moon Goddess? What if she actually said something back to her? What if she didn't? Was it bad if she did? Was it bad if she didn't? What if Sophie didn't sit right or hold the moon stone right and the entire pack laughed at her?

As Cortez was speaking to the pack, Sophie felt a sudden hand on her shoulder, which made her slightly flinch before she spotted Maria. "Don't worry so much. It's easiest for the Moon Goddess to speak to you if you yield to her."

"Is she going to speak to me?" Sophie whispered with pure panic in her eyes.

Maria reassuringly rubbed Sophie's arm as she smiled. "Most likely, no, but it's still important for you to try. If you don't try and she has something to say, it could be dangerous for us all."

"I thought you just told me not to worry? That's not helping, at all." Sophie whined.

Maria simply chuckled and placed a kiss on Sophie's temple before she got up and scurried back to Antonio. Sophie took a few deep breaths to calm all of her wild nerves before Cortez called her to stand. He whispered in her ear, asking if he should go first. Sophie anxiously nodded, her eyes full of desperation. Cortez chuckled and stepped towards the bonfire, raising the moonstone from his necklace into his hand.

Sophie, and the rest of the pack, watched quietly as Cortez placed both his hands together and on the ground with the moonstone between them, his forehead resting on his thumbs, the rest of his body curled into the fetal position, his legs parallel beneath him. Most of his body was completely covered by his fur cloak. Everyone was still as Cortez channeled his wolf, letting that white and gold light form around him and remain toggled, unlike when it usually disappeared and turned him completely into a wolf.

Everyone could see the shape of his wolf in the white and gold light, though. It was bowed down before the bonfire, just as Cortez was, surrounding him in power and strength. Nobody said a word as Cortez spoke to the Moon Goddess. He was concentrated and formal, showing the absolutely devotion and sincerity of an Alpha. It made Sophie sweat. Everyone would probably be able to see her shaking. She was dreading this.

After a couple short minutes, Cortez's white and gold light flickered until it was gone. He slowly sat upright, his eyes still closed and chest dramatically rising and falling one more time before he opened his eyes. He stood up, everyone remaining silent, before he started towards Sophie.

Did she say anything? Sophie asked her mate as she removed her hood from her head.

Cortez nodded but his eyes wouldn't meet Sophie's as he gulped. She told me I was due to pay for my past mistakes. Punishment is coming.

Sophie felt her throat swell up, which she tried to resolve by clearing her throat. That didn't help, neither did what the Moon Goddess told Cortez. Sophie felt like she was going to puke. She wanted to grill Cortez about what that threat meant, but she knew she had to do this and get it over with so they could talk after. As Sophie stepped towards the bonfire, Cortez caught her arm and turned her back to him, a serious and intense glint in his dark eyes.

She's never spoken to me before, Sophie, and that's what she has to say to me? Cortez's heart could be heard thumping loudly in his chest if you tried to listen. I don't trust this..

Well, should I ask her what's up? Sophie cringed.

Cortez cracked a smirk at that. The Moon Goddess was, quite literally, their god. It was obvious Sophie was new to this since she wanted to ask their Goddess what was up. It was just the right amount of joy that made Cortez feel a bit at ease. He was still scared but, as long as he was with his mate, he would be alright. He just needed to protect her. If he was the one being punished, Sophie shouldn't be the one getting hurt but, his punishment could come in any form. Which meant, there was still a risk that Sophie could be collateral damage.

Sure, Gorgeous. Cortez let go of Sophie. He seemed calmer now. Ask her what's up.

Sophie nodded and awkwardly made her way towards the bonfire. She tried to ignore everyone's staring as she lowered to the grass and bowed with the moonstone between her fingers. She positioned herself just like Cortez and tried to channel her wolf. Just like she predicted, her white and gold light uncontrollably flickered all around her. She could feel it warping around her body and she tried to stabilize it the best she could. It was no use. It was hard enough to switch from human to wolf. How was she suppose to maintain that middle state?

A couple of the pack members watching sighed and pouted at the sight. It was Sophie's first time, yes, but born wolves didn't usually have a problem with maintaining that middle stage. They weren't disappointed, though. Of course, they never could be. They were proud of Sophie for trying. As was Maria, Antonio, Miguel, and Cortez. Although, Cortez really, really hoped that she could do this.

The Moon Goddess had something to say to Sophie. Cortez knew that. He just needed Sophie to reach the Moon Goddess in order for that to happen.

And then, suddenly, there was a bright flash and the sound of lightning striking right where Sophie bowed. The entire pack flinched and ducked from the sudden attack. There were no clouds in the sky, which meant there was no way for there to be lightning, but it sounded so similar. Cortez didn't pry his eyes away from Sophie, even when the explosion happened. There was a bright spot in his vision, that didn't go away, even as the bright flash dimmed.

Everyone looked at Sophie with surprise, becoming even more confused when they realized she was as bright as floods light. The white and gold light that was thin and dim and meant to create the shape of her wolf was no longer that. It was bright and thick and blinding. They couldn't even see her anymore. That made Cortez worry. None of them had seen anything like this. Maria couldn't help it as she hurried towards the bright ball of light in front of the fire. Cortez and Antonio both reached for her to stop her.

"Don't interrupt her, mother!" Cortez angrily growled.

Maria whipped towards her son with shock and outrage in her eyes. "Did she talk to you? Did the Moon Goddess respond? Did she say something?"

"Yes." Cortez gulped, his eyes never straying from his mother. His heart was thumping in his chest even harder than before. "She's talking to Sophie now. I know she is."

Maria was about to ask how Cortez knew that but, didn't get the chance. Nobody got to say anything as the blinding light around Sophie grew bigger. Everyone gasped and scurried back to keep their distance. The dome of light slowly and silently pulsated. Cortez wondered if he should be protecting Sophie, or maybe, this was where he had to leave her in the Moon Goddess' care.

"Stay calm! Nobody move! This is the work of the Moon Goddess!" Cortez announced with a powerful voice echoing through the yard. The pack obeyed, remaining still but scared as they stared into the light.

Seconds went by, one after the other, as everyone waited to see what was going to happen. Cortez hoped it would be over soon and he would be able to see his mate. Unfortunately, it wasn't over yet. Another astonishing thing happened. There were wolves. Wolves made of that blinding, white light leaping from the dome around Sophie. Gasps erupted from the pack once again as one wolf after the other leaped from the light.

The light was too bright to see through them, like when a werewolf held that middle state, but, Cortez was almost sure there there was no human inside these new wolves. They sauntered like normal wolves, curiously looked around like they were looking for something specific, but otherwise, didn't appear threatening. As Cortez stared at them, he even wondered if he recognized some of them. They were so familiar but so, so different from anything he had ever seen before.

Most of the pack tried to keep still and calm, as their Alpha commanded, until one of the wolves jumped into one of the warriors. The wolf made of light disappeared into the warrior, his body jolting with shock before he collapsed to his knees. His mate rushed to his side and she desperately begged for him to look at her. He was frozen, his eyes glowing white and mouth agape. And then, another wolf leaped into her. She gasped and froze just like her mate, her back straightening and head tilted towards the sky.

Some of the pack screamed and attempted to run before the wolves sauntering in front of the pack leaped into different pack members and disappeared. One after the other, those wolves made of light leaped from the dome of light and rushed through the grass until they found their victim. Even the pack members that ran into the woods were followed and captured by the wolves. Even Maria and Antonio were embodied by the wolves made of light, causing them to collapse to their knees as their eyes glowed a bright white.

Finally, when the entire pack was down, one last wolf leaped from the light. It was the biggest wolf so far. Cortez didn't move as it shook it's fur from head to toe and casually looked around. Cortez was the last one standing and, judging by the size and demeanor of this wolf, Cortez understood why. This was his wolf. He didn't know if it was the wolf he was born with or a new one, but it resembled that one, for sure. That must be why the others looked so familiar.

Cortez didn't run as the wolf sauntered towards him. He spoke to the Moon Goddess for the first time in his life, which made him confident that this was all happening for a reason. He was the Alpha of this pack, after all. He had to stand strong, even when everything was falling apart. When the wolf was in front of him, it took a small leap, and he could feel all of it's power invade him from head to toe. It was pulsating in his joints and stiffening up his body until he fell to his knees.

They could hear it now. All of them heard it. The Moon Goddess, with her voice as smooth as a light breeze and as calming as a lullaby, spoke to the Destine Moon pack. Trust in your Luna until the very end, as she now has my power and my will coursing through her veins.

And then, she let go.

The Moon Goddess released the Destine Moon pack from her grasp like a light switch that had just been flicked. Everyone gripped their chests or their throats with a gasp as they came to. Cortez didn't bother to even take a breath as he looked towards the fire. It was still burning bright but, the big, blinding light was gone. Sophie was sat there, her back straight and her eyes on the broken pieces of the moonstone in her palms.

Of course, the Moon Goddess didn't leave Sophie without a bit of a present after it was all over. Where she used to have short, milky brown hair, she now had short, stark white hair. It was the same length, same slightly waving style, but pure white. Cortez was amazed, as were the others when they finally gathered themselves enough to look.

But, Sophie's new hair didn't distract the pack from the realization that the Moon Goddess had just spoke to them. The only ones that ever got to talk to her like that were the Alpha and Luna's of werewolf packs. It just didn't work for any other wolf, even if they tried. But, just now, she had spoken to them all. The pack loudly rejoiced with one another, tears pouring from some as they all embraced each other.

"Sophie!" Cortez collapsed beside his mate and caressed her soft, white hair as he carefully examined her. "Are you okay, Gorgeous?"

Sophie looked up from her broken moonstone with an unreadable expression. Her eyes were now a vibrant silver but, her expression was flat as she spoke. "She told me I wasn't strong enough and I should accept her help."

"Strong enough for what?"

"I accepted her help.." Sophie breathed, a smile creeping it's way on to her face as she stared into Cortez's eyes. "I think she made me stronger."

"Okay.." Cortez gulped. He didn't know how to receive that news. "Good. That's good, I guess. But... maybe.. I should put you to bed."

"To bed? But, I want to dance! The ceremony isn't over yet." Sophie urged with a sudden burst of energy.

"No. No, no, no. The ceremony is over. You're going to bed." Cortez definitively decided as he grew more and more worried over Sophie's surprising response.

"Is everyone okay?" Antonio yelled as he circled the bonfire, him and Maria helping some pack members up from their knees.

There was an uproar of reply. It was obvious that everyone had a new burst of energy, but more in spirit, rather than whatever was going on with Sophie. Sophie was ready to dance and sing and party, whereas, everyone else seemed ready to go to bed with smiles on their faces. Cortez couldn't worry about everyone else right now. His parents could take care of them. For now, he had to make sure Sophie was alright.

"Do you need help getting her upstairs?" Alex asked as he cautiously approached his Alpha and Luna, his eyes lingering curiously on Sophie's hair.

"No, thank you. Just make sure everyone's alright, the fire gets put out, and everyone's in bed by sunrise." Cortez grabbed Sophie's arm to help her stand up. "Come on, Gorgeous."

"But, Cortez, I'm not tired." Sophie pressed but didn't fight her mate as he gently pushed her towards the house.

Cortez ignored Sophie's endless protest and guided her inside and up the stairs. When they were in their bedroom, Cortez put both of their furs in the back of their walk-in closet before he grabbed both of their chests that had been passed down from his mother and father. Sophie was in the middle of their bed, spreading her arms across the bedsheets and moaning as if she had never felt something as comfortable as the blankets she was laid atop of.

Cortez cocked an eyebrow and took a deep breath, gently placing the chest at the end of the their. "Are you alright? Do you want to shower or take a bath before bed?"

Sophie shot upright, her silver eyes as bright as her smile. "I want sex."

"Sophie.." Cortez sighed, a bit of a laugh in his voice as he shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea at the moment-"

"Oh, come on.." Sophie whined as she hurried to the edge of the bed and grabbed Cortez's face to being him close to her. "Wild, intense, animalistic sex. You can't say you don't want it."

Cortez's jaw visibly tensed as he tried to shove the dirty images out of his head. Cortez forcibly separated from his mate and grabbed her legs to pull them over the edge of the bed. Sophie was excited by his forceful man-handling until he sat down and began carefully stripping her legs of all her pieces of jewelry. Sophie whined and threw herself back agains the bed, her arms out and eyes staring at the ceiling as Cortez pulled everything off of her.

Cortez was thankful that Sophie was compliant since he didn't want to break any of the pieces of jewelry he was ridding his of. Everything that Sophie was wearing went directly into her chest and it was quickly filling up. One leg then, the other. Cortez stood to grab her arms and carefully removed all of those bracelets as well. One arm then, the other. Last but not least, he gently lifted her head to remove her necklace, which made him wonder about her moonstone. Did she break it from some kind of new, incredible strength that she had or, was the power from the moon goddess too overwhelming for the stone?

When all of Sophie's ceremonial jewelry was stripped from her, Cortez closed her chest and began stripping himself. Sophie slowly sat up and watched Cortez as he took care of himself. She admired his arms and muscles beneath his skin as they moved and flexed. His chest was broad and beautiful, his abs defined and delicious, thighs thick and juicy. Sophie was nearly drooling. She needed her mate. She needed her Alpha. There was too much wild energy bouncing around inside of her to let it all go to waste.

"Hey, babe.." Sophie smirked as she sat back, her eyes still admiring his body. Cortez curiously looked up as he pulled his necklace over his head. "I think you look really sexy with your beard grown out like that."

Cortez chuckled and gently placed his necklace into his chest before he shut it. He grabbed Sophie's chest, out it on top of his, and carried it into their closet to tuck it away again. Sophie trapped her bottom lip between her teeth as she watched his butt walk away from her like that. Cortez looked so good when he was naked. He looked yummy. Sophie couldn't help herself from standing on their bed and gently bouncing in place until he came back.

Without warning, Sophie leaped at her mate, wrapping her arms and legs around him as her lips collided with his. Cortez stumbled, obviously caught off guard but, his arms still managed to reflexively capture his mate. Sophie was shameless in hungrily shoving her tongue in Cortez's mouth. He responded, of course, feeling that familiar slither of warmth travel towards his groan. He loved holding Sophie and kissing her and feelings all of her skin wrapped around his.

"Sophie.." Cortez whispered against his mates soft, delicious lips to get her attention.

"Gorgeous. Oh, please, call me Gorgeous. You know I love it when you do." Sophie purred, her fingers crawling up the back fo Cortez's neck and seeping into his hair. She kissed him as deep as she could one last time before she pulled away to look him in the eyes. She liked how drunk he looked as his eyes fluttered open to meet hers. "I want you to fuck me good and hard, Cortez. Like you've never fucked me before. I want you to take me all night long."

Cortez's agonizing groan turned into a growl as he gave in to his instincts. Sophie giggled as he stepped towards the bed and collapsed on to it with her beneath him. Their lips instantly locked in a kiss so deep that Cortez could swear Sophie's tongue touched the back of his throat. Cortez didn't always have to fight Sophie for dominance when they kissed but, surprisingly, she was fighting him.

Cortez growled when she wouldn't give up and blindly grabbed her arms to pin her down. Sophie giggled against his lips and pushed against Cortez. With one swift maneuver, Sophie was straddling Cortez's waist and pinning his arms down on either of his of head. Sophie sat atop her mate as she reached for the ties that kept her animal hides wrapped around her body, plucking them free and tossing the fabric aside.

When Sophie looked back down at Cortez, his eyes widened at the sight of her eyes glowing a bright white, instead of their usual gold. "Sophie.." Cortez whispered, a slight tone of fear or worry in his voice that made Sophie mischievously smirk down at him.

"Don't worry, My Love. It's still me." Sophie purred as she leant closer and closer to her mate. She brushed her lips and her nose lightly against his as she whispered, "Can we play my way tonight?"

Cortez gulped as he stared into her glowing eyes. He had trouble finding her within that bright, white light but, his wolf assured him that he was looking at his mate and nobody else. It wasn't like he was about to fuck the Moon Goddess. That would be weird. Impossible, even. It would probably be mind-blowing, sure, having sex with a literal goddess. But, Cortez wanted his mate. It wasn't like Sophie to say something like 'My Love' but, fuck, did she looked so alluring.

"Sure. Anything for you, Gorgeous." Cortez nervously chuckled.

"Oh, careful, Alpha." Sophie playfully nipped at Cortez's bottom lip. "Don't go biting off more than you can chew."

Before Cortez could say anything in defense to her teasing, Sophie's head dipped into his neck and, suddenly, her canines were in his skin. It was like he was being marked all over again, the rush of pleasure and adrenaline coursing through his veins from his neck, spreading outwards and through his body like a burning virus. Cortez's whole body stiffened as he caught the gasp behind his gritted teeth. He wasn't just instantly hard at the shot of pain and pleasure through his body. More than that, he orgasmed.

Werewolves couldn't be marked twice. If they were bitten again, it was nothing more than a bite. But, Sophie seemed to have the power to mark Cortez a second time, and it was an overwhelming feeling he couldn't help but tremble beneath. He never imagined he'd be marked again, especially, in a moment like this. He wasn't even fully hard when she bit him, nor did he think it was possible. It completely caught him off guard. It had him pathetically writhing and moaning from the amount of pleasure being poured into him.

"Mmm.." Sophie purred and cupped the other side of his neck to lift his head and lick away the blood that seeped from the two closing puncture wounds.

"Holy fuck.." Cortez growled through gritted teeth as his trembling body recovered from the sudden orgasm. His eyes were squeezed shut, his fist clenched on either side of his head, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "How is that even possible?"

Sophie's eyes, no longer glowing, looked up from Cortez's neck to his wrist that squirmed in her grip. She loosened her grip around his flesh to gather her fingers, extending her claws and dragging them gently down his arm. Sophie applied more and more pressure until blood seeped from his skin, pooled around her claws, and spilled over his arms to soak their blankets. Cortez softly winced but, didn't fight or protest. He was still reeling from being marked for the second time and orgasming from it.

"Do that to me." Sophie whispered as she raised her head to make eye contact with Cortez.

Cortez's eyes drunkenly opened to look at his mate. She looked so serious. "Wh-What? Mark you.. again?"

"No." Without looking, Sophie pressed a nerve in Cortez's wrist that caused his claws to extend from his fingers. "Scratch me. Make me bleed."

Cortez's eyes widened at her request. He turned his head towards his arm and was shocked to see blood staining his skin and the blankets under him. It wasn't a lot of blood and the wound had already healed. He was engulfed in so much pleasure that he hardly even noticed it. He felt it, he just didn't realize she had scratched him hard enough to make him bleed. And Sophie wanted him to do it to her?

What for? To hurt her? To make her feel good? Was pain pleasurable to her? Sophie had never asked to be hurt during sex before. Granted, she never used to have silver eyes and white hair before either. This was all rather new to Cortez.

"Please.." Sophie whispered, the tone in her voice more recognizable as the Sophie Cortez knew a couple minutes ago- before the light. It was innocent and desperate, sweet and silky.

Cortez stared into Sophie's silver eyes and slowly began to nod. He couldn't say no to her. He didn't know how and didn't care to. "Okay.."

Cortez attempted to sit up so he could flip them over and he could be on top but, Sophie pushed him down before got far. Cortez was surprised, even more so when he saw the smirk on her face. She looked menacing and it was hot.

"No, baby. I never get to be on top." Sophie patronizingly cooed. "You're alright with this, aren't you?"

It took a moment but Cortez eventually submitted with a simple nod. Sophie's smirk grew and she rewarding him by slamming her lips against his. She didn't kiss him sweetly, like she usually did. No. Sophie was too hungry for that nonsense. She, instead, stuck her tongue down Cortez's throat and conquered every inch of his mouth with hers. She took complete control, grabbing his face and grinding into his bare crotch with her own.

‼️ A/N - Alright... It's gonna get a little NSFW right about now so, I guess.. skip ahead to protect yourself from all this sin if you want to.. ‼️

Cortez moaned at the feeling of their naked parts rubbing together like that. His hands found purchase on Sophie's ass before he drug his extended claws up her hips, feeling her warm blood trickle down his fingers and arms. Sophie moaned loud and proud as she broke away from Cortez. She couldn't wait any longer so, she reached between them and aligned Cortez's cock with her entrance. She didn't waste any time in slipping him inside herself. Cortez gasped and groaned at how fluid yet intoxicating that feeling was. He was quick in realizing why it felt so incredible.

Sophie was about to capture Cortez in another heated kiss before he stopped her, his hand on her shoulder and staining her skin with blood. "Wait, baby.. Hold on.." He panted. "We forgot a condom."

Sophie pulled an unamused expression as she tilted her head, her white hair gathering in favor of that smooth motion. "I want you to scratch me until I bleed and stain the sheets we sleep on every night. I'm not worried about a condom, babe."

Cortez's eyebrows furrowed. Sophie attempted to kiss him again but Cortez stopped her, causing her to groan with annoyance. "This isn't like you.."

"What's not like me?"

"The Sophie I know worries about condoms. She wouldn't want me to hurt her either." Cortez reached for Sophie's short, white hair and tucked a strand of it behind her ear.

"The Sophie you knew got bored. Now, kiss me."

Before Cortez could protest, Sophie kissed him and moved atop him to create some friction. Cortez moaned and reflexively raised his hips to slam into Sophie. Her high-pitched yelp got caught between Cortez's lips and disappeared into a moan. He thrusted into her again as they feverishly made out, their moans interlacing with passion. Being inside Sophie without a condom was everything Cortez ever wanted. He was instantly lost in the wildly building pleasure, completely forgetting about every worry he ever had.

Sophie drug her claws down Cortez's chest, easily drawing blood. She separated from the kiss to watch Cortez's blood pool between the muscles of his abs. Cortez continued slamming up into Sophie, causing her to gasp and moan whenever he hit the exact right spot. She scratched him again, watching his blood pour over his skin as quickly as his wounds healed up again. She couldn't help but smile. His blood staining his skin looked like the most beautiful artwork she had ever seen.

"Scratch me." Sophie whispered into Cortez's ear as she met his thrust, causing him to still and shutter with pleasure.

Cortez's grip on Sophie's waists tightened before his claws pierced her skin. The feeling of pleasure and pain got lost within each other, creating a powerful sensation that took over Sophie's entire body. She encouraged Cortez with loud moans and cries of pleasure as he fucked into her. He was completely lost, relishing in the feeling of her pussy milking his cock the way it did. He couldn't possibly reach climax quick enough, but, when he did, Sophie was right there behind him. Their cries of ecstasy were louder than ever before, the mess they made a lot redder than usual.

However, the next morning, Sophie woke up screaming in terror rather than pleasure.

-

{ Yes, hello. Me again! I don't know how other werewolf stories go. I haven't read a full story in years but, I don't think a lot of this stuff happens in other stories.

If you don't like where I'm going with all of this werewolf lore, I hope you find purchase somewhere else. Everyone else that wants something new and wild and confusing, come with me.

I'm still working through some logistics but, like, I'm gonna take y'all on a fuckin journey, alright? This shit ain't just about werewolves no more!

Also, yes, I know that edited pic of Sophie is terrible but fuck you I'm a writer, not an artist! This whole Super Saiyan Sophie thing, I think, was subconsciously created by my brains influence from A Taste Of Something New. I've been experimenting with the whole dominant female thing in that book and I think it accidentally seeped into this one..

Anyways, what are you thoughts on this mysterious version of Sophie? }