It began the moment the sun rose on her eighteenth year.

The girl’s breath faltered as if some unseen fire had been lit beneath her skin, spreading quick and merciless. By the time the household stirred, she was already trembling, her palms slick, her pupils blown wide. The scent came next…sharp, sweet, intoxicating…rolling off her like smoke from a blaze.

Whispers rippled through the pack. Some turned away, muttering prayers. Others lingered, unable to stop themselves from inhaling that dangerous perfume. Every head lifted, every gaze followed her restless movements as she stumbled through the hall like a creature no longer tethered to her own will.

Her heat had come....