Howl-oo, fellow Wattpaders!

As you know, the Werewolf subgenre is one of the largest on the platform. Between dominating Alphas, brave Humans, determined Lunas, and persevering Omegas, the troupes surrounding the Werewolf community are vast.

So, what makes a good story?

Today, we will be delving into the Werewolf Reading Experience. Whether you're searching for the perfect Alpha romance or ready to immerse yourself in the unique world of shifters through your writing, there's always a diverse range of stories waiting to be told.

But first, how did the werewolf world start?

Here at Werewolf, we all know and love the myths about the moon. Specifically, we are talking about humans transforming into wolves under the mesmerizing glow of the full moon.

Often, this transformation embodies the dual nature of the werewolf and Lycan kind. It portrays the struggle between part of the civilized society and the primal instincts of wolves, serving as a reminder of the needed balance between the human and the beast within.

If we look back to Greek mythology, the lunar cycles and the crescent moon are associated with Artemis, who emerges as a formidable goddess often linked to wilderness, wild animals, the hunt, chastity, and childbirth. Together with her sister Selene - known as the personification of the moon - the goddess is often referenced in the shifter world. Tailored to the werewolf kind, it is known as the Moon Goddess. It reminds the pack members about the deep connection to nature, becoming a powerful symbol of experiencing community and the wild nature part within yourself.

However, there are plenty of other elements making up a Werewolf story. Firstly, Fated Mates are considered the core of most werewolf tales. The idea that the main leads are destined to be together regardless of differences and circumstances has the reader (and writer) hooked on captivating the audience with their undeniable match for one another. In addition to the ability to shift into wolf form, these elements appeal to supernatural and paranormal lovers everywhere.

Understanding and incorporating these key components is essential for the best reading experience imaginable.

So, let's talk about it–

🌙 Alphas & Lunas and the Pack Hierarchy 🌙

The term Alpha refers to the highest-ranking wolf in a pack setting. It is usually a male-dominated position, but there are dozens of instances where a female has been given the title. Alphas demand respect and are often very possessive. Their power allows their words to become commands for everyone in the pack.

🐺So, how do you become an Alpha?
The title of Alpha can be claimed through blood, by challenging and fighting a former Alpha, or by stepping up when the pack needs it the most. Sometimes, the idea of a born leader can be introduced as a Rogue Alpha to a group of free wolves who do not reside in a pack but form a community that allows them to survive.

Alphas command respect and their duties include ensuring the pack's safety, its land, and the well-being of all pack members. Usually, an Alpha is aided by a Beta and a Delta, sometimes even a Gamma.

🐺 A Beta serves as the second in command and assists in carrying out the directives and responsibilities of the leader. They can take the role of the Alpha when not present and are often involved in hunting, scouting, and caring for pack members.

🐺 A Delta is usually in charge of sparring and combat training for the pack, and it serves as a high-ranked assassin for the pack.

Additionally, all three high positions have female or same-sex counterparts to help with the overall pack. With every Beta, there is a Beta female or partner. However, they are usually more inclined to support their Luna, the Alpha's Mate, instead.

The primary purpose of all these roles is to protect and lead the pack, which is all considered under the Alpha's rule.

The pack's hierarchy can be determined by a Wolf's capabilities. For instance, an Alpha has the speed, size, agility, and strength that an average pack member would not have. As well as the stance on forcing submission into a lesser Wolf (Or Human, depending on the circumstance).

🐺 Lastly, most packs also have members who are named Omegas and are often referred to as the lowest-ranking members of the pack hierarchy and tend to be considered outsiders or outcasts within the pack. They are prompt to challenges and difficulties, sometimes even discrimination within the pack.

🐺 Rogue is a term used for wolves without a pack. They have either run away from their pack and, in most instances, have been outcasts from their community. Rogue are seen as trouble and are regularly hunted by the packs, especially when trespassing on their territory.

🌙 Fated Mates 🌙

The concept of having someone out there, your fated Mate, your person, and being recognized with a single glance or an accidental touch is as beautiful as it is comforting.

Having a destiny laid out in place as the result of magic tends to be very uncomplicated (unless the plot calls for it). This sense of togetherness and functioning as a single unit against all odds makes for an endearing family connection. And pairing with it, the feral bond almost burns once the soul recognizes its other half, which makes the temptation of Mates desirable amongst most on the platform.

Two mates, if in range of each other, can often be identified by a smell tailored specifically for their other half and serve as an indicator they have been recognized as such. Once they have been recognized, the mating process will start, and their desire for each other will push them into each other's arms. Once a werewolf finds its mate, the possessiveness, jealousy, and desire of its wild part will push it to mark its partner as such (which usually refers to a bite on the neck), consume the bond, and Mate.

🌕 BONUS TERM: Shifters🌕

This is the general term for when a wolf takes the form of their beastly counterpart. Their eyes and hair usually match that of their human counterpart. The concept of a shifter steams from the appeal of a powerful monster or a cuddly creature that returns into a human with all the normal quirks dawns on the audience as being the perfect match, or Mate, depending on the troupe the story is going for!

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This is just scratching the surface of what the Werewolf community represents. If you want to read more, check out this link here from our Creator's Portal. 

Are you still searching for your next binge-read?

Check out our reading lists, where we have curated the perfect stories for you!

-Werewolf Team 🌜