Page 32 of Moon's Call

Before long, Lorelei tilted her face toward the moon, its silvery light bathing the castle gardens in an ethereal glow. The sweet scent of rosemary filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of fresh-cut grass. Her earlier anxiety had all but melted away like morning dew, replaced by an unexpected sense of belonging.

“The gardens are really beautiful tonight,” she said, running her fingers along a stone balustrade. The stone hummed beneath her touch, responding to her earth powers in a way that no longer frightened her.

“They’re yours to redesign if you wish.” Draken’s deep voice rumbled close to her ear as his arm tightened possessively around her waist. “Though I suggest keeping the moon flowers. They’re sacred to our pack.”

“I wouldn’t dream of removing them.” She paused to admire the silvery blooms. “Though this courtyard could use some strategic terracing to create more intimate gathering spaces.”

His chest vibrated with quiet laughter. “Already planning renovations?”

“Force of habit.” She grinned up at him. “But admit it – those stone benches are practical but hardly comfortable for long conversations.”

A group of pack members passed by, offering respectful nods to Draken while smiling warmly at Lorelei. Their growing acceptance felt genuine, nothing like the forced politeness she’d expected. Throughout the evening, they’d shared stories, asked her opinions, even joked with her about Draken’s notorious perfectionism.

“You’re thinking too hard,” Draken murmured, guiding her toward a quieter corner of the garden.

“I’m thinking that I might have judged too quickly.” She leaned against the balustrade, watching the party continue around them. “Your pack – they’re not what I expected.”

“And what did you expect?”

“Honestly? Snarling wolves ready to chase the human interloper away.”

His eyes darkened possessively. “No one would dare.”

“My big bad wolf.” The words accidentally slipped out, but his pleased growl made her heart skip.

The moonlight gleamed across the angular planes of his face, highlighting the intensity in his gaze as he stepped closer. “Your wolf,” he agreed, his voice pitched low enough to send shivers down her spine.

Draken stood close enough for Lorelei to feel the heat radiating from his body. His scent – pine needles and mountain air – wrapped around her like an invisible embrace.

“Dance with me?” he whispered, extending his hand.

Lorelei’s breath hitched at the intensity in his eyes. “Here in the garden?”

“Inside.” His lips curved into a smile that made her knees weak. “Where I can show off my Luna properly.”

He led her back through the French doors into the grand ballroom where crystal chandeliers cast rainbow prisms across the marble floor. The orchestra played a waltz, its melody wrapping around them like silk.

Draken pulled her into his arms, one hand settling possessively on her lower back while the other clasped hers. His touch sent electricity coursing through her body, making her powers buzz beneath her skin.

“I should warn you,” Lorelei said as they began to move, “I haven’t danced like this since my friend’s wedding three years ago.”

“Trust your body.” His voice dropped to a rumble that she felt in her bones. “Like you do with your powers.”

She relaxed into his lead, surprised by how naturally they moved together. “Is this another wolf thing? Being naturally good at dancing together?”

“No.” He spun her in a graceful turn that made her forest-green skirt swirl. “This is a mate thing.”

The wordmatestill sent butterflies through her stomach, but she couldn’t deny how right it felt being in his arms. Her body knew its place against his like two pieces of a puzzle finally clicking together.

“The pack seems to be warming up to me,” she said, glancing at the smiling faces around them.

“They’d be fools not to.” His grip tightened possessively. “Though I’d protect you regardless.”

“My big bad wolf indeed.” She grinned at him. “Though I think I proved earlier I can handle myself.”

“That you did,” he said softly. “You’re nothing like I expected.”

“Disappointed?”

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