Page 41 of Moon's Call

Spread out,Draken commanded his pack.Block all escape routes.

The wolves moved silently into position as another tremor rocked the cabin. A support beam groaned ominously.

“The building’s going to collapse,” Gideon growled, lunging toward Lorelei.

Before he could reach her, the floor buckled. Lorelei rolled with the chair, dodging Gideon’s grasp. The move was so smooth, Draken wondered if she’d planned it.

Now!Draken burst through the door, shifting mid-leap. His human form crashed into Gideon, tackling him away from Lorelei. They tumbled through the disintegrating doorway onto the forest floor.

Behind him, he heard Lorelei’s triumphant laugh. “Took you long enough.”

His lips twitched despite the situation. Even tied up, his mate had sass. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, you know.” The ropes around her fell away as another tremor shook loose the chair’s damaged legs. “Just practicing those earth manipulation skills you taught me in a real-life situation.”

Gideon snarled and tried to break free, but Draken’s grip was iron. “You’ve lost, Gideon. She’s not some weak human you can control.”

“She’s mine!” Gideon thrashed wildly. “Her power belongs to me!”

Lorelei stepped through the crumbling doorway, dusting splinters from her clothes. “Actually, I belong to myself.”

Gideon’s body suddenly contorted, bones cracking as black fur erupted across his skin. His wolf form - smaller and mangier than Draken remembered - lunged at Lorelei with yellowed fangs bared.

Draken’s shift was instant, his massive form intercepting Gideon. Their bodies collided with a thunderous impact that shook the trees. Through their tumble, Draken positioned himself between Gideon and Lorelei.

His opponent fought with desperate fury, but Draken’s movements were controlled and precise. Years of leadership and dedication had honed his skills while exile had left Gideon sloppy.

“You know,” Lorelei mocked, “for someone obsessed with my powers, you’re doing a terrible job of watching your footing.”

The ground beneath Gideon’s paws suddenly softened. He stumbled, his strike going wide. Draken seized the opening, his powerful jaws closing around Gideon’s throat. One sharp twist was all it took. The threat to her life had been ended.

Draken shifted back into human form, then found some clothes in the cabin’s ruins. “I must admit, that was some impressive timing with the ground manipulation.”

“I had a good teacher.” Lorelei’s eyes sparkled.

He pulled her close, wrapping his arms tightly around her. “You’re the strongest Luna this pack could ask for.”

NINETEEN

LORELEI

Moonlight filtered through the trees and cast silver shadows across the ruins of the wooden cabin. Lorelei’s heart pounded as Draken held her close, his muscular arms wrapped protectively around her.

“I thought I’d lost you,” Draken murmured against her hair. “When I found out you were in danger...” His arms tightened. “I’m sorry I didn’t understand before. This whole situation - it must have been overwhelming.”

Lorelei pressed her face into his chest, breathing him in. “I’m the one who should apologize. Running away from you was stupid. Once I was back home, I realized my old life doesn’t fit anymore.” She pulled back to look up at him, taking in his sharp features softened by the moonlight. “My apartment felt empty. My work felt hollow. Everything I thought I needed just... wasn’t enough for me anymore.”

“Because you want me in your life?” His voice was barely a whisper.

“I do.” She traced her fingers along his jaw. “I love you, Draken. And I want to be your Luna. I want that life with you in the castle, helping the pack and being there to support you.” She paused and took a deep breath. “I just thought I needed time away from the whirlwind. I’ve never been one to rush into anything or follow my heart blindly, especially with love. But it only took me one day apart to realize that we belong together.”

He grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “I should have given you that time more willingly instead of expecting you to adapt instantly. You’re the strongest person I know - human or wolf. I was a fool to ever doubt you.”

“A stubborn fool,” she teased, earning a playful growl.

“Watch it,” he teased back. “I’m still your alpha.”

“My Alpha,” she agreed softly. The words felt right on her tongue. “Take me home?”

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