Page 29 of Moon's Call

“They haven’t heard it yet.” Draken’s tone carried a clear warning. “Tonight will be her first introduction.”

Sol whistled low. “Bold move, announcing it to everyone at once.”

“Sometimes the direct approach is best.” Draken’s gaze swept the room, noting the growing crowd of pack members mingling with the supernatural dignitaries. His fingers itched to loosen his tie, but he maintained his rigid posture. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have other guests to greet.”

He moved away, his wolf’s agitation matching his own. Soon, he told himself. Soon Lorelei would be by his side where she belonged, human or not.

Draken soon paced near the grand staircase, his wolf’s restlessness mirroring his own. The summer breeze carried the scent of roses through the open French doors, mingling with the excited chatter of guests. His pack members bowed respectfully as they passed, their eyes bright with anticipation.

“My prince.” Agnes Blackwood, who’d served his family for over two centuries, approached with a warm smile. “The decorations are exquisite. And these tremors in my bones... I haven’t felt such power since your grandmother was Luna.”

“Thank you, Agnes.” Draken’s tension eased slightly. If anyone represented the heart of his pack, it was Agnes. “Your support means more than you know.”

“Nonsense.” She patted his arm. “We’ve weathered many changes together. The pack will adjust.”

More of his people gathered nearby, their expressions open and trusting. The sight settled something in him. These were his people, his responsibility. They’d followed him through countless challenges.

“Getting cold feet?” Chuck appeared at his side, adjusting his own bow tie.

“Never.” Draken’s wolf growled at the suggestion. “But Lorelei...” He glanced up the stairs again.

“Is probably as nervous as you are.” Chuck grinned. “More, actually. At least you know everyone here.”

“That’s what concerns me,” Draken muttered. “I dropped quite a bomb on her this afternoon about the pack’s... prejudices.”

“She’s tougher than you think.” Chuck nodded toward the gardens. “Remember how she handled those accidental earth tremors yesterday? Pure instinct.”

“True.” His mate might be human, but her power was undeniable. Even now, he could feel it thrumming through the castle foundations, responding to her presence somewhere above.

A young pack member approached, barely containing his excitement. “Alpha, is it true? We’re finally meeting our Luna tonight?”

Draken smiled despite his concerns. “Indeed we are, Marcus.”

“I can’t wait to see what she’s like.” Marcus bounced on his heels. “The whole pack’s been talking about nothing else.”

“I hope they’ll remember their manners,” Draken said pointedly, though his tone remained gentle.

“Of course, Alpha.” Marcus straightened. “We’d never disappoint you.”

Those words, simple and sincere, reinforced what Draken already knew. His pack might be surprised, even shocked, but their loyalty ran deep. They would adapt. They would accept.

Draken stepped onto the first riser of the grand staircase, commanding the room’s attention without effort. His wolf preened at the gathered crowd – alpha wolf princes from the other five territories, betas, and pack members alike filling the grand ballroom. The crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow across their expectant faces.

“My friends,” his voice carried easily through the space. “Tonight marks a momentous occasion for the Moonshadow Pack. After centuries of waiting, our Luna has awakened.”

Cheers erupted, the sound reverberating off marble floors and stone walls. Draken’s chest filled with warmth, though anxiety gnawed at his gut. His wolf paced desperate to be near their mate.

Then she appeared.

Lorelei appeared at the top of the stairs, and Draken’s breath caught in his throat. The deep green gown hugged every curve, its gold embroidery catching the light like actual vines creeping across the fabric. Her brown hair cascaded past her shoulders in waves, framing a face that managed to look both uncertain and determined.

His wolf howled with approval.Mine.

The crowd’s enthusiastic applause faltered as Lorelei descended. Whispers replaced cheers, spreading through the room like wildfire. Draken caught fragments of conversation:

“But she’s...”

“How can this be...”

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