Prologue

Nate King had always envisioned a fairytale mate meeting, a perfect, cinematic moment straight out of a romance novel. Despite his jock persona, a part of him held onto this idealized fantasy. Yet, as each full moon passed without that fated encounter, a quiet longing persisted.

Today, the black, classic-styled cars snaked along a remote Montana road, flanked by thick forestry and mountains. Nate, seated comfortably, watched the giant gates of Alpha Camp open. This place, with its old-age university-like buildings and sprawling gardens, was familiar territory. He’d been coming here for years, mastering the skills required of a future Alpha. But this year felt different, a final, perhaps pointless, camp before his eighteenth birthday and the weighty responsibilities that awaited him.

Stepping out of the car, the crisp Montana air bit at him. He pulled his light jacket tighter, following the stream of teenagers into the grand hall, where a brightly colored sign declared: “Welcome to Camp Alpha!” Nate huffed, hoping the next five weeks would fly by. He greeted familiar faces, the air thick with the scent of powerful Alphas, a familiar overwhelming sensation he'd long since adapted to. Then, amidst the crowd, a familiar voice called out, and Lucy, his red-haired, green-eyed friend, threw her arms around him.