Page 28 of Moon's Call

“What happened just now with the tremors?” He gestured to the shattered vase. “That’s exactly why we need to handle this carefully. There are things we can control, and things we can’t.”

“Like my apparently destructive powers?” The words came out more bitter than she intended.

“Like how we present ourselves to the pack and other territories.” His fingers tightened slightly on her shoulders. “We can control the announcement, make it clear and decisive. What we can’t control is their reactions.”

“You mean their horror at discovering their Luna is a mere human?”

“Stop that.” His voice carried the edge of command that made her breath catch. “I won’t deny that when I first realized you were human, I was... resistant to the idea.”

“Resistant?” She snorted. “You locked me in a dungeon.”

His lips twitched. “For the hundredth time, it was not a dungeon. It was a tribute with excellent stonework that you proceeded to destroy.”

Despite herself, Lorelei felt a smile tugging at her mouth. “Well, the acoustics were terrible in there.”

“The point is,” he continued, his expression growing serious, “that was before I knew you. Before I saw your strength, your determination. Your ability to adapt to impossible situations.” His hand slid up to cup her cheek. “Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

His sincerity made her chest tight. She searched his face for any sign of deception but found only warmth in those intense eyes.

“So, what do we do?” she asked softly.

“We face this together. Stay strong. See it through.” His thumb brushed her lower lip. “Starting with tonight’s party.”

Lorelei glanced at the gorgeous green dress still laid out on the bed. She couldn’t go home now – not when she could barely control her powers, not when mysterious wolves were hunting her. And if she was being honest with herself, she didn’t want to leave Draken. Whatever this pull between them was, it felt too important to walk away from.

“All right,” she agreed. “But if anyone tries to bite me, I’m bringing the castle down around them.”

Draken’s laugh rumbled through his chest. “That’s my Luna.”

THIRTEEN

DRAKEN

Draken adjusted his forest-green tie as he surveyed the grand ballroom through the French doors that opened onto the castle gardens. Twinkling lights dotted the trees and hedges, casting a magical glow across the perfectly manicured grounds. Inside, crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, their light dancing off the polished marble floors.

“Quite the turnout,” Sol Cadoret said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Though I hear rumors your Luna is... unconventional.”

“Since when do you listen to rumors, Sol?” Draken kept his voice level, though his wolf bristled at the implied criticism.

“Since they’re usually true.” Sol’s lips quirked. “But then again, you’ve always done things your own way.”

Before Draken could respond, Nereus Varon approached with Orion Guillaume. “The gardens are spectacular,” Nereus said. “Your Luna’s earth magic at work?”

“She’s still learning to control her powers.” Draken’s chest filled with pride, remembering how quickly Lorelei had progressed. Her determination to master her abilities despite her initial skepticism had impressed him more than he cared to admit.

“A novice Luna?” Zephyr Osman joined their circle, champagne in hand. “That’s... different.”

“Everything about this situation is different,” Taran Almond added, his meaning clear in his pointed look.

Draken’s jaw clenched tightly. “Different doesn’t mean wrong.”

The other princes exchanged glances. Draken fought the urge to growl. He missed Lorelei’s presence beside him, her quick wit and sharp mind. She would have handled their subtle digs with far more grace than he was managing.

“When do we meet this mysterious Luna of yours?” Orion asked.

“Soon enough.” Draken checked his watch. His wolf paced restlessly, wanting to be near their mate. “Once all the guests arrive.”

“And your pack? How are they taking the news?”

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