Page 31 of Moon's Call

“You can do this,” she whispered to herself, running her fingers through her loose brown waves. “Just pretend it’s like presenting designs to difficult clients.”

Except difficult clients didn’t turn into wolves. Or hate humans on principle.

The sound of Draken’s voice drifted up from below, announcing her presence. Her cue to descend. Her knees trembled as she stepped onto the grand staircase, gripping the banister perhaps a bit too tightly.

“Don’t trip, don’t trip, don’t trip” became her silent mantra. The faces below blurred together into a sea of shocked expressions as the cheering died away into uncomfortable silence. Her earlier lessons with Marybeth echoed in her mind: never show weakness to wolves.

She lifted her chin and straightened her spine, though her insides felt like jelly. Each step brought her closer to Draken, his powerful presence drawing her like a magnet. When she finally reached his side, his arm slid around her waist, warm and steady.

“My Luna,” he announced, his deep voice resonating through the hall.

Lorelei tried not to flinch at the increasing murmurs. A muscle ticked in Draken’s jaw as he addressed the crowd’s obvious concerns about her humanity. His grip tightened protectively around her waist.

“You’ve got this,” he whispered against her ear, so low only she could hear. “Show them the strength I see in you.”

The warmth of his words steadied her more than his touch. She managed a small smile, though her thoughts raced. What had she gotten herself into? Five days ago, she’d been worried about building permits and designs. Now she stood before a pack of wolves as their supposed queen-to-be.

Draken’s words about wooing her brought heat to her cheeks. The crowd’s murmurs turned more positive, though she caught fragments of whispered conversations:

“But she’s human...”

“The prince seems certain...”

“Did you feel those earth tremors?”

She squared her shoulders. If she could handle New York real estate developers, she could handle this. Probably.

Lorelei’s initial tension melted away as she soon moved through the grand ballroom on Draken’s arm. The crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the gathered wolves, who proved far more welcoming than she’d thought. Her gown swished against the marble floor as they approached different groups.

“You’re an architect?” A silver-haired woman’s eyes lit up. “My house desperately needs updating. The wiring hasn’t been touched since electricity was first installed.”

“Really?” Lorelei leaned in, her professional interest piqued. “What era is the house from?”

“Early 1800s. Most pack homes are from that period.”

“The structural bones must be incredible.” Lorelei’s mind raced with possibilities. “Have you considered keeping the historical facade while modernizing the interior?”

Soon she found herself surrounded by pack members, all eager to discuss their homes. Her fingers itched for her sketchpad as they described crumbling stonework and drafty windows.

“The pack territory has so much potential,” she said to Draken, gesturing animatedly. “We could preserve the historical architecture while incorporating sustainable technologies. Solar panels, geothermal heating?—“

“We?” Draken’s deep voice rumbled beside her, amusement evident in his tone.

She grinned. “I mean, hypothetically speaking. The buildings here deserve to be honored and updated, not torn down.”

His hand settled on her lower back, warm and possessive. “I think it’s an excellent idea. The pack could use someone with your expertise.”

Lorelei’s heart fluttered at the pride in his voice. She glanced up to find him watching her with intense focus, his eyes dark with something that made her breath catch.

“You’re handling this remarkably well,” he murmured for her ears only.

“Oddly enough, it feels natural.” She surprised herself by meaning it.

“And the Luna aspect?”

“Ask me again when I’m not trying to prevent my powers from accidentally demolishing your ballroom.” She offered him a small smile. “One impossible thing at a time.”

His laugh drew appreciative glances from nearby wolves. “Fair enough.” His grip tightened possessively as another group approached.

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