Page 18 of Moon's Call

“Actually, I think it’s kind of amazing.” The words slipped out. “I mean, being able to transform into another form entirely? That’s incredible from an engineering perspective alone.”

He glanced at her, surprise evident in his expression. “Most humans find it unsettling.”

“I’m an architect. I appreciate elegant design in all its forms.” She gestured to the wilderness around them. “Like this land. It’s beautiful.”

The SUV came to a stop in a sprawling meadow ringed by towering pines. As they stepped out, a warm breeze carried the scent of wildflowers and sun-warmed earth.

“This is where we’ll practice,” Draken said, his commanding presence somehow softer in the natural setting. “No buildings to accidentally demolish.”

“Just trees to uproot and boulders to launch?” Lorelei raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried about accidentally starting an avalanche again?”

“That’s why I’m here.” He moved closer to her. “To help you master your power, not fear it.”

Lorelei followed Draken to the center of the meadow, wildflowers brushing against her legs with each step. Something about being out here with him felt right, natural - as if the ground beneath her feet welcomed her presence.

“Stand here.” Draken positioned himself behind her, his chest nearly touching her back. “Now, reach down with your power. Feel the earth responding to you.”

His proximity sent electricity dancing across her skin. The surge of energy flowing through her felt stronger, more focused, with him this close. It should have felt strange, this instant connection with someone she barely knew, but instead it felt like coming home.

“The ground’s humming,” she said, wiggling her bare toes in the grass. “It’s like it’s saying hello.”

“That’s good.” His voice rumbled close to her ear. “Now, try lifting that small boulder over there.”

Lorelei concentrated on the rock he indicated. When nothing happened, she huffed in frustration.

“Relax,” he murmured, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. The instant he touched her, power surged through her body. The boulder not only lifted but shot twenty feet into the air.

“Oops.” She bit her lip, watching the rock hover precariously. “Um, how do I get it down without creating a crater?”

“Breathe.” His thumbs traced circles on her shoulders. “Feel the weight of it. Guide it down slowly.”

Following his instruction, she lowered the boulder gently back to earth. “I did it!”

“You’re a natural.” Pride filled his voice.

For the next hour, they worked together, Lorelei growing more confident with each success. Her powers responded eagerly to his guidance, especially when they kept physical contact. It was like his presence amplified everything she could do.

“Let’s take a break.” Draken stepped back, and Lorelei immediately missed his warmth. “Give me a minute.”

As he walked away, Lorelei sank down into the grass, marveling at how different everything felt from yesterday. Who knew practicing earth-moving magical powers with a wolf prince could be so... fun? She plucked a wildflower, twirling it between her fingers as she waited for him to return.

Lorelei watched Draken stride back from the SUV, a wicker picnic basket swinging from one hand. Her heart skipped at the casual grace in his movements, the way his muscles rippled under his fitted T-shirt. He’d seemed so intimidating yesterday, but now…

“You packed lunch?” She couldn’t hide her pleased surprise.

“Can’t have you passing out from hunger during training.” He spread a checkered blanket on the grass. “Though your control is impressive for a beginner.”

“For a human, you mean?” She raised an eyebrow at him.

His lips twitched. “For anyone.” He unpacked sandwiches wrapped in brown paper, along with fresh fruit and bottles of water.

She accepted the sandwich he handed her, their fingers brushing. That familiar tingle of energy sparked between them.

She bit into the sandwich - roast beef with an amazing herb spread. “Oh my god, this is delicious. Did you make this?”

“I have many talents.” He stretched out beside her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“Hmm. Wolfy powers, gourmet cooking... what else are you hiding, Your Highness?”

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