The Marked

Chapter One

Everyone had started to gather around our backyard for the annual neighborhood block party. It occurred once every year and I was required to attend and represent the family. I didn't see the appeal but as the eldest daughter of two influential people within our community. I had been taught early on; the dos and don't's of social etiquette. I'm not trying to make my parents out to be these evil politicians. It was quite the contrary- they were these kind and caring people attempting to make a difference. They were admired for their kindness and compassion above all and that's the reason I tolerated these events- for my wonderful parents that would do anything to make me happy.

I smiled softly at the familiar atmosphere that I had grown accompanied to over the years. The warmth and happiness of multiple families gathered together under one roof. I could see my mother standing over at the picnic table talking to her best friend, Amelia. I could instantly tell that I was the topic of their gossip tonight by the way they ever-so-slightly glance in my direction. I smirk grow on my face as I walked towards the picnic table grabbing a drink and eavesdropping on their ever-so-important conversation.

"She isn't going to find out, Milly." I could hear my mom whisper-yelling at her best friend. "You know the rules. She hasn't turned and it's doubtful that she will- she passed the shifting age."

Milly waved her arms in the arm in a dramatic gesture before talking. "She could find her mate, you don't know. Nothing is for certain in our world- we both know that and there isn't a chance in hell that you can stop fate, Cathy."

Her mom huffed, clearly frustrated before replying. "I would love nothing more than for her to experience the joys of finding that one true love but her genetics are dormant- there isn't anything that we can do."

"We know," Cathy muttered sadly, her eyes downcast as she brushed a piece of hair out of her face. "All we can do now is have hope."

These small tears appeared at the edge of her mother's eye as she embraced her best friend. Madison frowned confused. There was something about that conversation that felt intimate. The conversation kept repeating inside of her head as she walked to the other side of the yard. She sent smiles and acknowledged the people that were attempting to get her attention; letting them know she'd be back.

A sigh of relief escaped her mouth as she noticed her brother and his insanely beautiful girlfriend, Sonya Evelien, entering the yard. She waved catching their attention. A happy-go-lucky smile appeared on her face as they changed their direction, heading towards her.

"Hey, there. My extremely annoying, classily beautiful, younger sister of mine of whom I do not claim." Her brother, Drake exclaimed dramatically, his words slurring together as he attempted to talk fast.

I giggled. He had always been the perfect child in my parent's eyes and the perfect brother in mine. He had a perfect personality and he'd often been called handsome by women in the pack. I wouldn't disagree. He had this masculine physique and model-like features. A head full of dirty blonde hair that was styled and these kind, caramel brown eyes.

His girlfriend wasn't any different; she was literally an icon around town. She had been prom queen and head cheerleader. People adored her because she wasn't like the cliché that portrayed blonde cheerleaders now a day. She was sweet with mesmerizing forest green eyes and had everyone's best intention at heart.

"I am classically beautiful aren't I!" I said adding an over exaggerated whistle as I glanced down at myself.

A hand appeared on my shoulder before I heard her father's voice but in. "That's only because you have half of my great looks."

"I know it," I commented cockily, moving my hand through my soft black hair and giving her a side wink.

I heard someone clear their throat so I turned in that direction to see Sonya attempting to get our attention. My brother urged her to continue as she quickly stated. "We're engaged."

I grinned sadly. I was happy for them- I just wish that I could have a love like theirs. It was beautiful and everything that it should be. Something that I, so desperately craved to have. I congratulated them before making my way back upstairs to my room, hoping to catch an early night's sleep.