The Garcia family, being one of the most prominent residents in Beverly Hills, lives in a fourteen bedroom, Italian-styled mansion that resembled a modern palace. It looks even more enchanting at that moment with all the lights and ornaments adorning the almost one-acre property. Their parties have always been extravagant and talk of the town.

Saint could not remember celebrating a birthday without a huge party. But he couldn't help thinking that it was his parents' way of showing off and the celebrations were not about his birthdays at all.

He wore his light blue tuxedo that was made customized for him by an exclusive luxury brand, before checking himself in the mirror.

Once satisfied, he sat on the sofa already exhausted from the greetings and socializing he had not done yet.

"Saint! Come down, now," he heard his grandmother calling. "People are coming. It's not polite to keep them waiting."

Saint shook his head in disbelief. It was his birthday. He should have been the star of the night but his grandmother cared more about the guests. He wasn't the one who invited them in the first place. He barely knew them except for a few friends he had invited.

He couldn't wait for the party to be over.

After having his grand entrance, Saint started mingling with his guests. Gone was the guy whose lack of interest towards the party was evident in his face. He was casually and comfortably having conversations with everyone, like a great host, as if he was delighted by their presence. He could be really charming and a good actor when needed and it was one of his strengths and the very reason why he became successful in his career, and that success paved the way for his father to step down and make him the new CEO. of the Garcia group of companies.

"Happy Birthday, honey," a girl in a pink, shiny gown and a fresh white rose hanging in one of her ears, greeted the celebrant.

"Surprised?"

Saint pretended to be shocked. Although he was truly mesmerized, he was expecting Jewel to be the most gorgeous during the party. He's always been insanely attracted to her and she's one of the most perfect and polished girls he has ever seen, in his opinion.

"I barely recognized you," he chuckled before giving her a deep kiss on the lips.

"Too much champagne, I guess," Jewel joked before returning his kiss.

"Boo!" they heard someone holler at the back, which made them turn to see a familiar face. A lady, about their age, wearing a simple ivory gown, was approaching with a teasing smile.

"Get a room," she added, pretending to be annoyed.

"Get your own man," Jewel laughed before they embraced like long lost friends.

"Happy birthday, devil," the new arrival greeted Saint next and gave him a stiff hug. "I put your gift on the table."

"Thanks, Hannah," Saint said. "But really, you shouldn't have."

"What's up with you?" Jewel asked. "I haven't seen you in a while."

Hannah shrugged, "Work as usual."

Saint smiled as the two chatted. He was still wondering how they could tolerate each other when the two girls are very opposite. Either way, he was pleased as Hannah is one of his most trusted friends and the only one who gets along well with his girlfriend.

It's still a problem after years of dating. His friends never liked Jewel, and Jewel being the independent girl, boss type who does not give a damn about other people's opinions, never tried to gain their approval. He knew that his friends were secretly wishing they would break up. But Jewel is his ideal woman and he adores her despite her flaws.

"Anyway, I'm going to the restroom," Jewel announced and turned to Hannah. "Please watch over Saint. You know he's only Saint in name. But he's far from that."

Hannah roared with laughter, especially when she saw Saint's humorous expression.

"So, when's the wedding?" Hannah asked after Jewel left.

"Don't be like my mother," Saint snorted. "I'm only twenty-one."

"Well, she's one great girl," Hannah said in a serious tone, "I wouldn't make her wait if I were you. Anyway, does she know?"

"Know what?" Saint looked at her, totally lost.

"That you're going to be an alpha and you need to find a wolf mate-"

"I don't want to talk about it," Saint said, trying to avoid the truth. "I'm not ready for it, to be honest."

"Alright," Hannah replied, not wanting to ruin Saint's mood. "We don't have to talk about it."

Another reason why they became close. Hannah shared the same secret and she understood him more than anyone. They've been friends since they were young.

"It's your life, Saint. The moon might choose you tonight, but it's still you who will determine your destiny," Hannah reminded him before she left to mingle with acquaintances.

A moon suddenly appeared in the sky and Saint could feel his body tremble, his eyes turned red and his temperature rose.

The crowd was having fun, unaware of what was happening. Except for a few friends who knew the family's secret. Their attention turned expectantly to the full moon that was unexplainably silver, hiding behind thin clouds.

"He's the alpha," Catherine whispered. "Saint is the chosen alpha."

Santiago was relieved and ecstatic about the moon's decision. In his opinion, Saint is the only capable to be the alpha of the Garcia pack.

The clouds started to disappear, exposing a better view of the silver moon, but before it could come into sight completely, darkness filled the sky, confusing everyone.

Perhaps it was bad weather coming. They patiently waited for the moon to reappear again but it vanished completely through the night.

It seemed to have a sudden change of heart in choosing the alpha.

"What happened?" Ramona asked. There was a panic in her voice as she asked.

The Garcia family members held an emergency meeting inside the house without Saint, who was left in the party, unaware of his family's secret meeting.

Whatever the meaning of the strange occurrence a while ago, everyone seemed to agree that it was a bad omen.

"I'm worried," Jimena was the first one to voice her feelings. "This has never happened before. Perhaps, Saint is not the right one for the alpha position."

"And who else is it?" Catherine could not help raising her voice. She knew how Jimena wanted Saint out of the company. She knew that Jimena was jealous that her children were not as favoured as Saint and that she would do everything for Saint to fall out of grace. She knew that, like Jimena, Enrico, Santiago and Jimena's brother, were also aiming for the CEO position and they all wanted Saint out. She's not going to let them insult her son. "Do you think your children are better? Come on, Jimena, we all know why you're so against Saint taking over the company."

"Enough!" Mariano, the patriarch and founder of the Garcia Group of companies, yelled at them.

Silence filled the room. "This is not the right time to fight. Whatever happens will affect us all."

"It's not my son's fault," Santiago finally said. "If he will not be chosen as the alpha, we can't do anything about it."

"What about the company? Do you still think he's capable of handling it?" Divina, Enrico's wife asked.

"The company has nothing to do with him not being chosen as the alpha," Santiago said. "The board of directors approved the decision and it's final. He will be the next CEO and I will announce it tonight. It still stands whether he will be the pack's alpha or not. His ability at handling the businesses has nothing to do with his wolf nature."

"He's incompetent-" Jimena was about to say, but Santiago's anger made her regret it.

"How dare you!" he roared. "Don't you dare talk about my son like that! Why don't you look at your own children? Have they achieved anything?"

"That's enough," Mariano interfered. "Let's all go out before they start looking for us."

Santiago went ahead, followed by Catherine and Ramona.

Furious, Jimena threw a delicate glass blown rainbow colored vase on the wall, breaking it into tiny little pieces, "It was a curse! We're all cursed because of your stupid son!"

Santiago heard it but he decided to ignore Jimena's insult. He was still confused why the moon disappeared that night. Whatever the meaning of it, he has to find out.

After receiving heartfelt speeches from his closest friends and family members, it was Saint's father turn to give his speech.

Everyone was quiet as they anticipated Santiago's message to his son.

"It's been a very emotional, roller-coaster ride raising a son like you," there was a roar of laughter. "But I want you to know that I'm very proud of what you have become. And it's my greatest hope and honor to be able to see the company I've spent my whole life expanding, the result of my parents' sweat and tears, being managed by the one I trust the most."

There was a short pause.

"I would like to announce that I will be stepping down as the CEO of Garcia Group of Companies. Beloved friends, colleagues and business partners, let's cheer for the new CEO, Santiago Garcia Jr!"

A loud applause followed as Saint stood up to join his father in the middle of the stage.

He was happier hearing his father's thoughtful words than being announced as the new CEO. He seldom heard words of appreciation. He did not care if those were done for the audience. He might as well pretend it was sincere. Somehow, he forgot the fear caused by the moon's disappearance.

Happy as he was, he knew he had to be vigilant. He was aware of the enemies lurking around and he wouldn't allow anyone to destroy his father's hardwork.

He's willing to sink his claw at whoever would attack him and his parents.

Even if they're his own blood.