Page 24 of Moon's Call

“Yes.” Draken paused by the window, watching a group of pack members cross the courtyard below. His people. His responsibility. “But teaching her our ways won’t change what she is.”

“Human,” Scorpio supplied quietly.

The word hung in the air like smoke. Draken’s wolf bristled at the reminder, even as his heart rate quickened thinking of Lorelei’s soft skin under his hands during their training sessions.

“The pack hasn’t exactly welcomed humans with open arms,” Chuck said, scratching his neck. “Remember last year’s border dispute?”

“When those hikers wandered onto our land?” Draken snorted. “The council nearly had a collective stroke.”

“And now their Luna is human.” Scorpio tapped his fingers on the table. “It’s quite the turn of events.”

Draken resumed his pacing, his muscles coiled with tension. The irony wasn’t lost on him – he who had always insisted on maintaining distance from humans now found himself inexplicably drawn to one. Her earth magic called to him like a siren’s song, growing stronger each day they trained together. But it wasn’t just her power that attracted him. It was her quick mind, her determination, the way she bit her lip when concentrating on controlling her abilities.

“The pack won’t understand,” he muttered, more to himself than his advisors.

He braced his hands on the boardroom table, his muscles tense beneath his tailored shirt. “What do you suggest I do about this situation?”

“You have two choices.” Scorpio’s voice carried the weight of years of friendship and counsel. “Send her away, tell the pack there’s no Luna like you originally planned?—“

“No.” The word ripped from Draken’s throat before he could stop it. His wolf howled in agreement. The mere thought of Lorelei leaving made his chest constrict.

“Or,” Scorpio continued with a knowing look, “accept that you want her in your life and deal with the consequences.”

Chuck leaned back in his chair. “The pack’s views on humans won’t change overnight.”

“They’ll have to.” Draken straightened, authority radiating from his stance. The memory of Lorelei’s determined face flashed through his mind. “I won’t send her away.”

“Then you need to introduce her,” Scorpio said. “Soon. The longer you wait, the more resistance you’ll face.”

Draken’s wolf prowled close to the surface, protective and possessive. “The pack will accept her because I command it.”

“And if they don’t?” Chuck asked skeptically.

“Then they can challenge me in person.” Draken’s lips curved into a dangerous smile. “Though I doubt any will, considering how much stronger I’ve become since finding her.”

Scorpio chuckled. “Nothing like a mate bond to supercharge an alpha’s powers and cockiness.”

“Even an incomplete bond,” Draken remarked, remembering how he’d stopped himself from marking her. His wolf had fought him on that decision, but he wouldn’t mate her until she understood exactly what that meant. “I’ll introduce her to the pack. Tonight.”

“Tonight?” Both men straightened abruptly in surprise.

“Why wait?” Draken’s wolf hummed with satisfaction at the decisive action. “The sooner the pack understands she’s here to stay, the better.”

“And how exactly do you plan to do this introduction?” Chuck asked.

Draken’s footsteps halted mid-pace as an idea struck him. His wolf practically shouted with delight at the thought. “We’ll throw a party.”

Chuck choked on his coffee. “A party?”

“Yes, a formal party.” Draken’s tone held the authority that had led his pack for centuries. “In the grand ballroom. I want crystal chandeliers, fresh flowers, the works.”

Scorpio’s eyebrows shot up. “You want to organize a full formal event in...” He checked his watch. “Less than twelve hours?”

“I want the other five princes here too.” Draken strode to the window, energy thrumming through his veins. “Send word immediately.”

“The other princes?” Chuck exchanged a worried glance with Scorpio. “That’s quite a statement, Alpha.”

“Exactly.” Draken turned, a dangerous smile playing on his lips. “I want everyone to know about my Luna. My beautiful, powerful, human Luna.”

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