The path changes from stone to a soft carpet of vibrant green moss, velvety to the touch. It cushions every step with a gentle bounce, absorbing each foot step. The moss is a rich tapestry of emerald and jade, adorned with tiny, delicate wildflowers in shades of white, lavender, and yellow. Dewdrops glisten like diamonds on the moss’s surface, capturing the essence of the morning mist.

As we traverse the mossy terrain, the path changes and we encounter patches of cool, damp mud. The mud is a contrasting texture to the soft moss, offering a pleasant resistance underfoot. It squelches and oozes between the pads of my paws, leaving faint tracks that will soon be concealed by nature’s gradual reclamation.

The forest is alive with sounds, too. The gentle rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the distant gurgling of a hidden stream all provide a harmonious backdrop to the scene. Occasionally, a playful breeze ruffles the leaves above, causing them to shimmer and creating a sense of movement in the otherwise serene tableau.

Every silent step makes it feel like a greater weight is being put on my shoulders. The fate of two packs rest in my hands, well paws at the moment.

“We’re almost at the border.” Benjamin calls out.

To the east I look and see a pack of rust-colored wolves breaching the hill. The wolves from what was known as Gratus Pack are coming to join us. I bark and stop the procession and nuzzle Nicolai to head towards the new wolves. Keeping my head high, I step ahead of my mates for a moment and look at the others before me. A gentle hand lands on my shoulder and I tilt my head slightly, looking back at Barrett.

“James ruled using fear as a weapon. My mate, my Luna, leads with her heart.” Barrett says, addressing his old pack. “You do not have to fear being killed because of who you love anymore.” His voice waivers and I lean against him, lending him my strength.

One wolf steps forward and looks back at the others. “That’s the beta, Anders.” Barrett offers.

I nod at the new wolf, and he lowers his head, going into a bow. “That’s the wolf version of pledging allegiance.” Nicolai says through the bond.

“What do I do?”

“Lower your head slightly and the pack link should snap into place.” Ethan says, then flanks me and rests his head over my back, guarding my stomach.

Slowly I lower my head and then I hear his voice. “Luna, is it true? Is James dead?”

“No, not dead. I made his wolf sleep until he can atone for what he did to your pack. As for being an Alpha. No wolf, no Alpha. That is pack law, and it is absolute.” I glance back at Griffin and he nods as he fills Benjamin in on what I am saying. Benjamin nods and offers me a slight smile of approval. I look back at the beta and he turns his head to look at his pack mates. One by one, the bow and the bond is forged. I am their Luna now.

“She’s amazing.” Benjamin says as he turns to lead us towards the Volkov pack lands.

The number of wolves following us grows as all of what was in the Gratus pack is behind me. “What are we called now?” Anders asks silently as he remains ten steps and off to the right of Ethan.

“The Wolf Creek Pack. Three packs joined together for the betterment and safety of all.” As I say the words, I feel the rightness in it.

“So, we’re finally safe?” His voice is hesitant, yet hopeful at the same time.

“Yes, my mate Conrad will be regent and will oversee the restructuring of the pack and with the help of Nicolai, we will help rebuild the pack’s infrastructure.” I can feel the approval of my decision through the bond with my mates. The pack bond with the new wolves. I feel relief and hope.

Nicolai bumps shoulders with me, and I look at his wolf. “Why do you always defer power?” His question isn’t the first time I’ve been asked that same question.

“I’m not power hungry. To hold the reins of three packs is too much for one person. I have four alphas for mates and one omega. My Alphas have more experience in running packs than I do. It makes more sense to offer my suggestions than to juggle everything alone.” Lowering my eyes, I hope my answer was the right one. It’s not that I don’t have confidence in what I’m doing. I lack the experience that the guys have and I don’t want to accidentally harm my people.

Ethan nuzzles my side and bumps my other shoulder. “This is exactly why I fell hard for you.” His wolf licks the side of my face as we walk.

Benjamin stops and looks back at Nicolai. “I see your land, Nic. Better call your people.”

“Howl with me…” Nic tilts his head, looking expectantly at me. I nod once and we step forward together.

The Nicolai’s voice is deep and resonant, carrying the weight of generations of leaders before him. While my voice hits soprano tones that weave a haunting harmony that intertwined with his, creating a spellbinding duet. Our song seems to summon the very soul of the wilderness. I feel like our song is invoking the spirits of the forest and awakening the ancient echoes of those who had gone before.

As our howls reverberate through the silent woods, the area came alive. Crows called in response, and distant coyotes added their voices to the symphony. The wind rustles through the leaves, as if nature itself was listening, paying homage to the magnificent display of vocal prowess.

Our voices grow stronger and more passionate, resonating through the forest. Our howls tell a story of unity, of strength, and of the deep bond between us. It is a song that speaks of wild freedom, of endless nights under the stars, and of a love for the untamed world.

As we near the climax of our duet, our eyes meet once more. In that fleeting moment, a deep understanding passes between us. Our howls reach a crescendo, filling the forest with a profound sense of connection.

And then, as the last notes of our haunting melody fade away, we stand in silence, our heads held high, listening for the pack to respond. Slowly, we lower our heads and hear the responding howls of Nic’s pack. Dozens of voices fill the air, howling their own melody in response.

“I’ve never heard that strong of a response from a pack. This is definitely one for the record books,” Benjamin says as he turns and walks forward towards Nic’s pack.

As we get closer, we can see over half of the pack is shifted, waiting. Some with their tails held high in defiance. Others with their tails straight out behind them in indecision. Very few have their tails curled under them in submission.