Page 20 of Moon's Call

The memory of her that morning in the tunnels came back to him. The way she’d traced the stone walls with reverent fingers, explaining architectural terms he’d never heard. Her genuine appreciation for his ancestors’ work had touched something deep within him.

“Did your ancestors carve those support arches by hand?” She called over to him, focused on her floating rocks. “I was just thinking how impeccable the craftsmanship is.”

His chest swelled. Here was this human woman, appreciating his heritage in ways some of his own pack never had. He suddenly realized he’d been gifted not just any mate, but one who could truly understand and appreciate the legacy she’d be helping him protect.

“Keep your breathing steady,” he instructed. “Remember, your power flows better when you’re relaxed.”

She nodded, adjusting her stance. The rocks lowered gently back to earth. Such control, such precision - and she’d only just begun learning.

His wolf howled with joy. Human or not, Lorelei was who they needed. Who he needed.

His feet moved of their own accord, drawn to her like a magnet to steel. “There’s one more technique I want to show you.”

“What’s that?” Lorelei turned her head slightly, acknowledging his presence behind her.

“It requires precise control.” He moved in closer, his chest touching her back. “May I?”

At her nod, he placed his hands on her hips. The connection sparked between them instantly, making his fingers tingle. “Raise your arms like this.” He guided her movements, sliding his hands up her sides to position her arms.

The power surged between them, electric and alive. Small stones around their feet began to vibrate in response.

“Now, picture the earth moving in waves,” he murmured near her ear. “Like ripples in water.”

She shivered against him. “Like this?”

The ground undulated in gentle waves, but Draken barely noticed. All he could focus on was the soft press of her body against his, the racing of her pulse beneath her skin.

His wolf demanded action. For once, Draken agreed completely.

He spun her in his arms, one hand sliding into her hair as he claimed her mouth with his. She tasted like summer storms and wild magic. Her lips parted with a gasp, and he deepened the kiss, groaning as she pressed closer.

“I was wrong,” he whispered against her mouth. “So wrong about everything.”

“About what?” She pulled back slightly, her fingers curling into his shirt.

“About you. About us.” He kissed her again, softer this time. “You’re exactly what I need.”

Draken’s hands tightened around Lorelei’s waist as he lifted her effortlessly, her surprised gasp ringing in his ears like music. She didn’t fight him, didn’t protest—just looked up at him with those wide brown eyes that had been driving him insane since the moment he’d first seen her. His wolf howled in triumph.Finally, it seemed to say.Finally, she’s ours.

He carried her to the picnic blanket, the soft grass brushing against his boots as he stepped carefully, as if she were the most fragile thing in the world. Except he knew better. Lorelei was anything but fragile. She was a force of nature wrapped in the softest skin. He laid her down gently, her hair fanning out around her like a halo against the blanket.

“Draken,” she whispered, her voice a little shaky but not uncertain. He could sense she trusted him. That trust alone made his chest tighten.

“Shh,” he murmured, lowering himself over her. His lips brushed hers, soft at first. But when her hands slid into his hair, tugging him closer, he deepened the kiss, claiming her mouth with a primal hunger. Her taste was intoxicating—sweet and wild.

He smiled against her lips, pulling back to see her face. “You’re perfect,” he said, his voice rough with need. “Every inch of you.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she let out a breathless laugh. “You’re supposed to be teaching me control, not kissing.”

“Who says I can’t do both?” he countered, his grin widening as he reached for the hem of her shirt. He tugged it over her head slowly, letting his fingers graze her skin as he went. Her bra followed, and then she was bare before him, her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths.

His wolf growled with approval, and Draken couldn’t help but agree. She was stunning—her skin like sunlight, her nipples already peaked and begging for his attention. He lowered his head, dragging his tongue over one taut peak, and she gasped.

“Draken,” she breathed, her voice trembling.

He nipped gently, and she arched into him, a soft moan escaping her lips. He repeated the motion on the other side. Her body was so responsive, so perfectly his.

When he finally kissed hisway down her stomach, her breath hitched. “What are you?—“

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