Page 1 of Moon's Call

ONE

DRAKEN

Moonlight filtered through the dense canopy and cast silver patterns across Draken’s gray fur as he bounded through the familiar terrain of his territory. The summer night buzzed with energy, crickets providing nature’s symphony while fireflies danced between the trees. His powerful muscles flexed with each leap, and he relished the freedom that came with running in his wolf form.

Race you to Miller’s Creek!Chuck’s voice echoed through their pack link, followed by the mental laughter of the other pack members.

Draken’s wolf huffed in amusement.You’re on.

The pack surged forward, weaving between ancient oaks and leaping over fallen logs. The full moon pulled at their wild nature and made their blood surge with primal joy. Pine needles and soft earth cushioned their paws as they raced through the darkness. Their enhanced vision turned the shadowy forest into a playground.

Slowing down in your old age, Alpha?one of the younger wolves teased as he tried to edge past.

Draken responded by putting on an extra burst of speed, easily outpacing the challenger.You were saying?

The cool night air carried the scent of blooming honeysuckle and fresh water from the nearby creek. Draken’s heart pounded with exhilaration, his wolf reveling in this simple pleasure of running with his pack.

Suddenly, the ground beneath their paws trembled. Draken skidded to a halt, his claws digging into the earth as the forest floor shuddered. The vibration traveled up through his legs and set his fur on end.

What the hell?Chuck’s surprised voice echoed in their minds.

The rest of the pack clustered around their alpha, their playful mood shifting to alert watchfulness. The tremor lasted only seconds, but it left an unsettling feeling in its wake.

Everyone okay?Draken’s mental voice carried his authority, automatically checking on his pack’s well-being.

A chorus of affirmative responses came back through the pack link. The woods had gone eerily quiet. The wildlife was equally startled by the unexpected movement.

Since when do we get earthquakes here?one of the pack members asked.

We don’t,Draken replied, his hackles rising as he scanned the darkened forest.

The energy signature suddenly hit Draken like a physical blow, resonating deep in his bones. His wolf’s connection to the earth picked up something far more significant than a simple geological event. This signature... it sang to him, called to the very essence of his being.

His mate. After centuries of waiting, she’d finally awakened.

Draken’s gray fur bristled as the foreign, yet familiar energy coursed through the ground beneath his paws. Each pulse matched his heartbeat, creating a symphony that only he could fully appreciate. His wolf wanted to throw back his head and howl with joy, but the alpha in him maintained control.

That’s weird,Chuck’s mental voice broke through Draken’s thoughts.Never felt the earth respond like that before.

Draken remained silent as he processed this unexpected development. He’d given up hope of finding his Luna a while ago, focusing instead on leading his pack and managing their sovereign territory. Now? The thought of sharing his carefully ordered life with another made his wolf pace restlessly.

Should we investigate?another pack member asked through their link.

The energy signature pulsed again, weaker this time but unmistakable. Draken’s muscles tensed as he fought the urge to chase it down, to track the source of that compelling power. Not yet. He needed time to think and to plan.

Alpha?Chuck’s concerned voice cut through his internal struggle.You’re being awfully quiet about this.

Draken shook out his fur, buying time before responding.Just analyzing the situation.

Right. Analyzing.Chuck’s mental tone carried a hint of amusement.

The pack soon fell silent, though Draken could sense their curiosity through their mental connection. A dark brown wolf emerged from the shadows, his movements deliberate and graceful. Scorpio’s presence commanded attention even in wolf form. As Draken’s advisor approached, the other wolves instinctively stepped back, creating space for the two dominant wolves.

I know you felt it.Scorpio’s mental voice carried centuries of wisdom.The earth responded to her awakening.

Draken’s muscles twitched under his gray fur.The whole pack felt it, even those not here?

Every last one of us. Scorpio sat on his haunches with his amber eyes fixed on Draken.Our connection to the earth made it impossible to miss. She’s powerful, whoever she is.

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