Standing in the corner of the room beside her brother, was Zozona Wright, daughter to a wealthy businessman and future Alpha of their pack. With the moon at her highest that night, she had to keep herself in control, Zozona did not want to have an incident that night, she just had to show up looking presentable with her father and then she could travel back to her home.

She let out a sigh before turning to her brother, Asra and made conversation, keeping their voices low so as to not draw attention to themselves.”Truly, I’ll never understand why we need to attend these events.. Father seems to be doing just fine on his own.” Zozona said, reaching around herself in order to adjust the corset that was tight to her body. Asra nodded, turning his sister around in order to help her adjust the ties of her corset.”Agreed.. I’d much prefer not being stuck inside a stuffy room filled with the scent of humans and a few parasites.” He said, his voice laced with venom when he spoke of the vampires.

Zozona audibly gasped, placing a hand over her mouth before subtly sniffing the heavy and stiff air. She nodded, shaking her head.”At least tolerate them, Asra. It’s only for a few more hours, then we can leave and go back home.” She explained, running a hand through her slightly curled hair. She lowered her head, closing her eyes in concentration, a habit she picked up whenever she wasn’t enjoying herself. She huffed, placing a hand on Asra’s shoulder.”I’ll be outside, I’m going to get some fresh air.” She said, slowly walking off into the crowd of humans. As she passed by a few, she gave them a gentle smile and a small nod.

Once outside, she took a deep breath of fresh, crisp air, relishing the feeling. It was quite refreshing after being stuck inside a crowded room for so long. Zozona moved to sit on a nearby bench, hands placed in her lap. She watched around herself for a moment before turning her attention towards the moon. Her deep green eyes were focused on the bright moon, and she relaxed for the first time in hours. Her senses dulled, unaware of the world around her. She licked over her subtle canines, no were near the length of a vampire’s fangs, she was sure. She took another deep breath, closing her eyes.

Zozona turned her attention towards the new voice, but she already knew what this man was. Vampire. The air around her turned acidic from the vampire’s scent, making her nose scrunch up at the horrible scent. She let out an animalistic whine, the scent was turning her stomach. She quickly looked up and looked around herself, taking note of the varying scents from the familiar faces she found within the decreasing crowd. Most of which she noticed were either business partners of her fathers or allied pack members she knew fairly well despite never speaking much with them.

Zozona shook her head, waving away the offered glass of champagne. “I’m quite alright, I don’t drink. Thank you for the offer though.” She knew very well who she was talking to. Word travels fast between packs when it comes to vampire news and who everyone was. So, it came as no surprise to her that she recognized the Duke once she managed to get a good look at him. She let her eyes wander over his features, and even a werewolf couldn’t deny he was handsome, but she had to shake her mind of those thoughts. It was wrong, so very wrong. She let her eyes shift to a few watching the pair closely and let her canines bare, letting an animalistic low growl slip past her lips.

Zozona licked her lips, letting a smile grace over her own features. “Zozona Wright, daughter of Lucio Wright.” She let a smirk overpower the smile on her face. Her father was well known among the different species, she just wasn’t sure if the Duke knew her father.

Zozona bit the inside of her cheek, a metallic taste overtook her as she realized she bit too hard. She shook her head, letting her slightly long nails dig into the sides of her fingers.”Odd, my father never really talked about you. And his figure is of no concern to you.” She stated, narrowing her eyes. She now realized why her brother loathed vampires so much. Not only is their scent unbearable, but so is their company. Her ears perked a bit at a comment the Duke made.”What do mean, ‘daughter you hadn’t known about’? Do you keep track of all my siblings?” The hair on the back of her neck stood up. The mere thought or remark of her siblings made her on edge.

Zozona, as the eldest, cared very deeply about her siblings, and never wanted any harm to come to them, thus making her slightly overprotective. She let her glare linger on the male in front of her.”Yes, I do have a tongue and unlike other females of my pack, I’m not afraid to use it.” She stated, licking at her canines. All females in pack could easily hold their own on the battlefield if the need arises, but in conversation, the females lacked. Zozona was taught she had to hold her own in both conversation and battle. Now, being future Alpha did not give her an excuse to act out against every rule set in place at birth. Werewolves did not follow all human law despite popular belief.

Every pack across the country followed the same rules that had been set in place by past packs for thousands of years.”My future position does not concern you, but, yes. I am to become Alpha after my father passes and joins my mother among the stars.” Zozona stood, crossing her arms over her chest. Her mother, Nadia Wright - formerly Nadia Stirus - was precious to the whole pack. Her mother had a kind heart, strong wit, and admirable wisdom.

Zozona huffed, walking back into the ballroom to find her brother. Asra immediately noticed his sister's usually sweet scent turned into acid.”Let me guess, a blood-sucking vermin found you.” He said, cocking his head to the side. Zozona simply nodded.”It was not a pleasant conversation. Turns out the Duke of Theo decided to spend his time with me.” She took in a deep breath, calming her nerves.”He dared call our kind mutts. Like his kind is any better!” Zozona stated, crossing her arms, fussing over the laced fabric that clung to her arms and torso.

Asra rested his hands over his sister’s shoulders, glancing from her to the crowd.”We should go find father so we can get you back home safely,” He stated with a pause to gather his thoughts before continuing.”We’ve been here for hours, we should really be going home, back to the territory.” Zozona nodded in agreement, letting her eyes wander around her, before spotting the salt and pepper head of her father.

She nodded towards the man, Asra taking note, and began making their way over to the conversing group. Lucio turned to his eldest children, a smile gracing his sharp features.”Ah, Zozona, Asra! My children! Let me finish up this conversation then you may have my full attention.” He said, taking a few minutes to finish his conversation, with whom Zozona guessed were either future business partners or current partners. Lucio turned to his son and daughter, nodding for them to start speaking.”Now, what is it you two need from me?” He asked, placing his hands behind his back.”Father, Zozona needs to return home.” Asra said, straight and to the point.

He lowered his voice, eyes darting to watch for eavesdropping humans, other werewolves, or vampires.”She smells like the Duke and I don’t think it’s best for her to be out much longer..” Asra started before being interrupted by his sister.”And I’m itching for a run.” Zozona mentioned, all her senses began to heighten at the thought of shifting. Lucio shook his head.”Calm yourself, my daughter. You’ll have the chance once you’re safe at home.” Her father looked to Asra,”My son, escort your sister back to her home.” Asra nodded, placing a hand at the small of her back, leading her away from the crowded ballroom. He quickly hailed a buggy, instructing the driver(?) to take them to the countryside, not far from the city but far enough for their counterparts to go undetected.