The Mystical White Wolf

Antonio POV

After I hung up the phone on Alpha Brady, I was pissed to the core; I knew I should've killed that fucking Beta when I had the chance instead of giving him an easy out.

Ares pushed forward and let out a mighty growl that shook the castle; he was just as pissed as I was. I stormed to the front door and shifted into Ares, letting him take over as everyone ran outside to see what the commotion was about.

"SHE IS MINE!!" Ares roared.

"I will not let that fucking Beta take my mate," Ares growled as we ran into the forest at top speed.

It didn't take long before I heard paws thumping behind me, and by the scent, I knew it was Staci's wolf, Solaris, running behind us.

"Antonio? What's wrong?" Staci asked through our mate bond link.

Staci and I could communicate through our bond. Unfortunately, I couldn't respond; my mind was clouded, and I was angry, not at her, but at the situation.

Ares ran farther until he reached the lake within the pack lands; as the guards on patrol saw us approaching, they bowed and continued to patrol elsewhere.

I shifted back fully naked and paced in front of the lake, taking steady breaths as Solaris came to a halt and shifted back into Staci.

"Baby, please talk to me," I heard her say as she wrapped her arms around my waist to stop my pacing.

I sighed and let out a deep breath.

"Your Father called. Your ex-mate decided to detour outside my pack lands to watch you," I told Staci as she gasped.

I wrapped my arms around her to bring her comfort.

"I won't let him hurt you, baby; I'll rip his throat out before he even thinks about putting his hands on you," I growled.

"So, he's out there right now watching us?" Staci asked with tears glistening in her beautiful crystal blue eyes.

"Yes, but I'm going to triple guard duties, and if you go out of the territory, Juliano or I will accompany you," I said.

Staci nodded as I held her tighter in my arms. Staci was shaking, and I felt her salty tears on my shoulder as I held her closer to my warmth.

"Alpha?" one of the patrol guards called out as he approached us with spare clothes. I shielded Staci's body from his sight and growled.

He quickly passed me the clothes and turned around. I waited for her to get dressed, and I did the same. I grabbed Staci's hand and walked back towards the castle as I sent out a mind-link.

"I need everyone in the conference room," I said through the link between the ranked wolves.

I looked over, and Staci was deep in her thoughts. I squeezed her hand.

"Are you okay, my love?" she nodded at me, but I knew better.

She was scared of what her ex-mate might do. I promised I wouldn't let that psycho wolf get his hands on my mate if it was the last thing I did. We finally arrived at the castle and took the elevator to the conference room, where everyone, including my parents, awaited our arrival.

Conference Conversation:

Everyone's POV

"What I'm about to tell all of you does not leave this room, understood?" I told everyone as I looked into their eyes.

"Yes, Alpha," everyone said.

"I got a phone call earlier from Alpha Brady."

"Staci's Father gave me information regarding my mate. Staci's ex-mate, now former Beta Grayson, is camped outside our borders watching her," I said, hearing the deep growls around the room.

"What the hell?" I looked over and heard my Father say.

"Wait, wait, you're telling me you're her second chance mate?"

"This former Beta rejected her and is trying to come back and stake a claim?" my Father asked as I nodded.

"Yes, Father, that's exactly what I'm saying; not only that, but Staci is also a white wolf," I heard gasps from everyone.

Carter already knew from her birthday. I heard my Father cursing in Portuguese as my Mother grabbed his arm and tried to calm his raging wolf.

"Son, do you know how rare white wolves are? There hasn't been a white wolf in centuries, not since the war," my Mother said as I looked at her.

"I only heard stories of the white wolf clan from your Grandmother when I was a pup but never heard about what happened to the pack."

"Everything was kept secret."

"But we will do our best to keep your mate safe," My Father said.

"I understand there will be a risk surrounding Staci. That is why I want guard patrols tripled, and training doubled."

"Juliano or I will always be with her if she leaves the territory. I don't want to allow that Beta to get his hands on her," I growled as I felt Ares's rage.

"What about graduation?" Staci asked as everyone looked at her.

"That's important, and I want my family to see me walk across that stage as I get my diploma," Staci said.

Everyone looked at each other, debating if it was an excellent idea to let Staci and Monica attend their graduation ceremony with that crazy-ass ex-Beta stalking around.

"Please," Staci begged as Monica wrapped her arms around Staci and consoled as her eyes glistened with tears.

I sighed as I pulled my hair. My heart was going out to my Luna because I wanted her to be happy and attend her graduation. My mind was fighting me, telling me this was a bad idea and shit was going to hit the fan.

"Alright, but you always stay by me, Juliano, or Monica. Even if it's to go to the restroom," I said.

Staci nodded enthusiastically and ran into my arms, nearly knocking me over.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Staci squealed.

"Better call your parents and my Dad to explain the situation," Monica suggested.

After everything was settled, we headed upstairs to our floor for the night. Staci and I made it to our bedroom. We made love all night and cuddled into each other's arms as the sun rose.

A Few Days Later: Graduation Day

Staci POV

I stood in front of the floor-length mirror inside my walk-in closet, debating what dress to wear to graduation tonight. Our school colors were purple and gold, so my dress choices were the deep purple A-line scoop illusion asymmetrical lace satin dress or the black sheer A-line scoop asymmetrical chiffon cocktail dress with pleated ruffles.

"Go with the black one," Solaris said.

I wanted to match Antonio tonight since I was going to be his Luna and wanted to please my Alpha. But he didn't discuss what color suit he was wearing tonight, so I was shit out of luck.

"He loves whatever you wear and whatever you don't," Solaris snorts, making me giggle.

I chose the black dress since our caps and gowns were purple and gold. I slipped on the dress, sat in the chair before my vanity, and applied my make-up.

A slight knock sounded on the bedroom, and I called for the person to come in.

"Staci?" I heard my Mother's voice and teared up.

"In the closet," I called out and quickly wiped my eyes as my Mother entered.

"Oh!" my Mother squealed as she stared at me.

"I love that dress! You look so beautiful," my Mother said as she sat on the bench inside my closet.

"Thanks, Mom," I said and finished the last touches of my makeup.

My Mother handed me my black suede platform golden rivet stiletto high-heel ankle boots, which I had left on the bench. I thanked her.

"We are so proud of you, princess," my Mother said as I stood up. She walked over to kiss my cheek.

"Mom, please don't make me start the waterworks," I said as we giggled and hugged.

"I'm not the big softie. That's your Father's title," Mom said and adjusted my dress.

"Speaking of your Father. The man has half of the Crescent Moon warriors out there looking for Grayson and accompanying us to your graduation," Mom says.

I sighed as Solaris growled in my head, and another knock sounded on the bedroom door. I walked out of my closet with my Mother close behind.

"Come in," I yelled out.

When the door opened, I gasped as my handsome mate stood in the doorway with his hands in his pockets. Antonio wore a nice black suit with a purple and gold vest, matching tie and hanky, and black loafers. His hair and beard were neatly cut, and his scent made my mouth water.

"Beautiful," Antonio's accented voice filled my ears as my knees weakened.

"I will go see what your Father and brother are up to downstairs," my Mother said as she quietly left the room.

After my Mother left, Antonio walked toward me and pulled me into a warm embrace as his scent eloped me. Solaris was purring and running circles inside my mind with our mate's closeness.

"Ready to go?" Antonio asked as I smiled and nodded.

Antonio graciously grabbed my hand and led us out of our bedroom and inside the suite. We walked toward the front door, and Antonio opened it to Juliano and Marcie standing outside the door.

"Luna. You look beautiful," Marcie said and gave me a warm hug.

Over the last few days, Marcie and I have become close, and she is now my other best friend with whom I can share secrets.

"Thank you. You look beautiful also," I said as Marcie blushed.

Marcie wore a simple purple cocktail dress that stopped above her knees and black heels. Juliano wore a button-up shirt that matched Marcie's dress, black dress slacks, and black dress shoes. Marcie had her short brunette hair in a bob cut that fit her with her cute button nose and silver-gray eyes. Juliano had his jet-black hair slicked back, but it looked like he had gone to get a haircut earlier with the guys.

Marcie

"Everything set?" I heard Antonio ask his Gamma.

"Yes, Alpha," Juliano said.

Antonio and I walked toward the elevator, Juliano and Marcie following behind. Antonio pressed the call button as the doors slid open, and we entered the elevator. Antonio pushed the button for the first floor, and the doors slid closed; the elevator descended.

When we arrived on the first floor, the doors slid open. I gasped as I saw my Father and brother dressed up for my graduation. I also saw Carter and Monica standing near the white double doors as they talked to his parents.

Antonio's and Carter's parents decided to stay behind and keep the pack secure in our absence.

"Take lots of pictures," Evelyn said as she winked at Monica and me.

The girls and I giggled as our mates said their goodbyes, and Antonio led us outside to the waiting SUVs. I saw Marcelo and Rafael standing near the first two SUVs and smiled.

"Alright," Antonio boomed, getting everyone's attention.

"Everyone knows their jobs and what to expect."

"Alpha Brady was kind enough to lend us some of his warriors to help protect his daughter and your Luna," Antonio boomed, and I felt the raw dominant power behind his Alpha command.

It was so strong it made my knees buckle, and my core weep.

"Holy..." Solaris purred and pranced around.

"Yes, Alpha," everyone present said.

After the announcement, we entered our assigned SUVs with our drivers. Juliano and Marcie rode with us. According to Antonio, the Gamma is the Luna's protector; that's how it's always been with the Blue Eclipse pack. I always wondered why I felt this strange pull toward Juliano. Antonio and his Mother explained that the Luna/Gamma bond has formed between us; they explained that it's nothing sexual, and we are bonded. It's his job to protect me.

Antonio grabbed my hand as Marcelo drove away from the castle and toward the territory's front gates. Solaris was eerily quiet, but I assumed she was happy our mate was close.

Carter POV

I rode with my mate Monica, and Rafael sat behind us as Liam drove the SUV. Staci's parents and brother were in the SUV behind us, and my wolf, Caladon, seemed to have calmed down. I was like Antonio; I didn't think going to this graduation was such a hot idea, but he wanted his mate and our Luna to be happy, so he gave in. I wanted the same for Monica, but luckily, she doesn't have a crazy ex-mate stalking her.

"Damn, right, she doesn't," Caladon growled.

"You know what I meant. Stupid wolf," I said and rolled my eyes.

"You're an asshole," Caladon growled, making me chuckle.

We arrived at the gate as the four guards stepped out and bowed to Antonio and Staci. Marcelo drove out first, and we followed behind. A few days ago, Antonio called the principal at Crest Moon High and told her about the situation involving Staci and Grayson. Mrs. Anderson was very understanding since she was part of the Crescent Moon pack and heard about the pair's rejection.

Alpha Brady said his best warriors, including Monica's Dad, were on round-the-clock guard patrol since he was the Delta of the pack. If Grayson were going to try and sneak into the school and kidnap Staci, he would have a very pissed-off Alpha, Father, brother, and a shit ton of Blue Eclipse and Crescent Moon warriors ready to rip him to shreds.

"You're quiet, baby," I heard Monica's voice as she stared into my eyes.

"Just thinking about what I'm going to do to you when we get back to the pack," I wiggle my eyebrows as Monica chuckles.

"Uh, we are in the SUV with you," Rafael said, making a gagging face.

Marcelo, Lucas, and Tiago have found their mates, except for Rafael and Liam. So, I could understand his jealousy and comment about what I said.

We drove for about an hour and thirty minutes before a two-story red brick building with big, bold white letters reading Crest Moon High School came into view.

"So, this is it, huh?" I said, looking at Monica as she nodded.

"Everyone from Crescent Moon graduated from Crest Moon High," Monica said as I chuckled and shook my head.

"Not everyone," I said as we exited the SUV with Rafael behind us.

Antonio, Juliano, and I graduated from Eclipse Moon High, about a forty-five-minute drive from the pack. Most of our pack school kids go there unless they want to be home-schooled. The younger pups attend Valley Moon Elementary, and of course, the daycare is located inside the castle at Blue Eclipse.

I noticed the Crescent Moon warriors patrolling the school grounds and saw my mate's Dad standing at the sign-in table with her cap and gown.

"Daddy!" Monica said, running into her Father's arms as he hugged her tightly.

Caladon growled, and I quickly covered it with a cough. Monica scowled at me, and her Father chuckled. Monica told me she lost her Mother when she was about four years old in a rogue attack; the news saddened me as I knew that couldn't have been easy on her and her Father.

"Beta Carter," Daniel bowed.

I waved him off and shook his hand as he smiled and congratulated his daughter on her graduation.

"I will be in the stands cheering for you, baby girl," Daniel told his daughter as he handed me her cap and gown.

I was 6'5 in height compared to Monica's 5'7 height, so I helped her put the gown on while she adjusted her cap and fixed her hair.

"Thanks, baby. I will see you after the ceremony," Monica said, kissing my cheek as she ran over to stand next to Staci and take pictures. Luna Grace was snapping photo after photo of the girls as I smiled.

Antonio POV

When we arrived at the Crest Moon High School, principal Anderson awaited us at the front entrance. Staci's legs shook, and I knew she was nervous about tonight and the possibility of Grayson showing up.

"Just stay close to me, my love," I said, kissing her temple as she sighed and rubbed the back of her hand against my cheek.

Marcelo parked near the entrance and stepped out first to open the back door for Staci and me. I stepped out first and held my hand out for Staci. She graciously took it and smiled at me.

"Alpha Antonio," Principal Anderson stepped forward and bowed.

"Principal Anderson," I said, shaking her hand and hearing a low growl from Staci.

Principal Anderson quickly pulled her hand away and blushed a deep shade of red. Staci's aura seemed to be getting stronger over the last few days.

"Sorry. Welcome back, Luna Staci and our star pupil," Principal Anderson praised Staci's achievements, making me proud of my Luna.

"No, no principal Anderson. I'm sorry; I don't know what's come over me the last few days. My wolf is very possessive of our mate," Staci says, making me chuckle.

"That's understandable, dear. It's the bond. I managed to gather your cap and gown," Principal Anderson stated, helping Staci with her gown.

I noticed Staci's gown differed from the rest of the graduates'; I assumed it was because she was the valedictorian of her class. Staci looked beautiful as she adjusted her gown and fixed the cap on her head. Grace walked over and gushed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Staci and her family took some pictures; a few minutes later, Monica and her Father, Daniel, walked over and joined in on the photo action.

"Okay, Antonio. Get some with Staci," Grace said, smirking at me.

I hated taking pictures, but with the smile and batting eyes, Staci was giving me. I relented and joined in; Staci and I took photos in different poses. Grace even got some of Carter and Monica together.

"Alright, graduates. It's time to line up and get ready for the ceremony," Principal Anderson announced to the other graduates.

Juliano and Marcie went ahead to check the stage and get a layout of everything for us; Staci was clinging to me as Principal Anderson walked over and whispered something in my ear.

I quickly linked my warriors to set the perimeter as Principal Anderson permitted me to sit on the stage and walk Staci as the valedictorian.

"Perimeter set, Alpha," Liam linked.

The music started playing as the graduates walked in twos to their assigned seats. Since Staci was valedictorian, she was to sit in the front row. Juliano would be in clear view, and I would be on the stage.

Once all the graduates took their seats, Staci and I were next. I placed her hand on my arm and led my Luna to the front row as everyone stared; Ares was puffing out his chest and howling. I saw the single chair come into view and led Staci toward it as she took her seat gracefully; I saw Juliano a few feet away, and Marcie stood near the stage.

I quickly walked toward the stage after giving Staci a peck on the cheek. Once I took my seat, Principal Anderson started the ceremony. I watched each student be called up individually and collect their diplomas. When Monica was called, everyone clapped and cheered for her; I think Carter and her Dad were the loudest.

When the last student received his diploma and sat down, Principal Anderson prepared for Staci.

"This extraordinary young lady has been an intellectual pupil since her first year at Crest Moon High. I'm proud to say that I've been the principal at Crest Moon for thirty years."

"I've not been prouder of this special person among us tonight."

"Staci Blackwind, please come up," Principal Anderson announced as cheers and claps filled the auditorium.

Staci stood up as her family clapped louder. She walked onto the stage gracefully and smiled at her principal. Staci shook Anderson's hand and collected her diploma.

Staci winked at me and turned to the crowd to give her valedictorian speech. Staci's speech consisted of dreams and possibilities. Ares puffed out his chest and howled for his mate as she did her speech.

"Congratulations, class of 2023. We did it!" Staci shouted after the speech as the class stood up, clapping and cheering.

Once the noise quieted, everyone had their chance to congratulate Staci and Monica. We took some more pictures. After the emotional turmoil and happy moments, it was time to head home. Staci said goodnight to her parents and brother, while Monica said goodnight to her Dad.

It turned out to be a good night, after all. Staci curled up against me as she yawned and drooped her eyes.

"Sleep," I said.

I held Staci close, and we drove back to the pack.

Staci Graduating

Class of 2023

Crest Moon High