Eager young wolves. Alphas, betas, omegas of all ages, ready for the most peaceful night of the year. Luna with her full and shining belly has risen to the sky to light the way for each wolf to their mate. And the lush, fresh forest stretches out before them to give them ground to explore and explore.

Since he was 18, after four failed mating rituals, Declan Silverado has yet to find a mate. This time, things may be different. Perhaps along the way, he'll find the wolf who will complete his soul.

All participants turn into their wolf form. Grunts and snorts fill the air. But a louder howl overpowers them. The silence lasts a second before hundreds of howls rise into the air. It's time.

Declan sets off into the woods in his black-furred wolf form, a howl of joy swelling in his chest. His pack scatters to freely wander through the path of Luna.

After what feels like hours of wandering, the initial excitement wears off into despair. The black wolf snorts, walking with a decadent side toward the heat. That's when he smells her. Cinnamon and honey. The sweet smell hits his brain and sets his senses on edge.

There in the middle of a moonlit clearing is a wolf. From this distance, crouching in the grass, Declan can't make out much. He only knows it's a young female playing with fireflies like a pup. Her fur shines in the white light as she rolls in the soft grass and flowers. And Declan finds himself entranced by the sight. He takes a moment to catch his breath and begins circling the clearing, looking for a good spot to watch her.