Page 45 of Moon's Call

Draken pressed against her side possessively.My mate,he declared through the link, his tone carrying an unmistakable note of pride and warning. His massive head swung toward the other two.Not a breath of this to the others yet. We wait until the time is right.

She was fine with that. She wanted to wait until she had fully accepted this part of herself before letting the whole pack know.

Come run with us, Luna, Scorpio’s voice sang through the link.The moon is bright, and the night is young.

Lorelei’s new wolf instincts thrummed with excitement at the invitation. The moonlight pulsed through her veins, calling her to run wild and free.

What do you say, my love?Draken asked, his form coiled with barely contained energy.Ready to run?

Without waiting for her response, he took off into the forest, his powerful form cutting through the shadows. The others followed, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization.

Well, Lorelei thought, her paws already carrying her forward,I always did like group projects. She launched herself after them, her white form gliding through the moonlit forest as naturally as she once walked through construction sites.

The small group ran together, weaving between trees and leaping over streams, their movements a beautiful dance of power and grace. Lorelei found herself matching their rhythm instinctively, her wolf form knowing exactly what to do even as her human mind marveled at the experience.

TWENTY-ONE

DRAKEN

Draken’s heart soared as Lorelei kept pace with him through the moonlit forest. Her white wolf form moved with natural grace. His heart swelled with pride at how quickly she’d adapted to her wolf nature.

Ready to shift back?he asked through their mate link.

Her wolf gave a happy yip in response. They stopped in a moonlit clearing near the castle walls. Draken shifted first, then watched in amazement as Lorelei transformed back to her human form with perfect control.

“That was incredible,” Lorelei said, wrapping her arms around herself. The summer night air brushed against their bare skin. “But I didn’t exactly plan ahead for the clothing situation.”

“I’ve got you.” Draken swept her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Her soft curves pressed against his muscles, sending electricity through his body. “Though I must say, I prefer you like this.”

“You would.” She laughed, nestling closer. “But I’d rather not give the entire pack a show.”

Using his bulk to shield her from view, Draken carried her through the castle’s side entrance. The stone corridors were mercifully empty as he made his way to his master suite. His wolf preened at having his mate so close, so trusting in his arms. He shouldered open his bedroom door and headed straight for the massive en suite bathroom.

“This shower is bigger than my first apartment,” Lorelei marveled as he set her down.

“One of the perks of being a prince.” He adjusted the water temperature and activated the multiple shower heads.

Steam filled the marble-lined space as he guided her inside. Water cascaded over them both as he reached for his soap. The scent of sandalwood filled the air as he worked the lather across her shoulders.

“Mmm,” she hummed as his hands moved lower. “That feels amazing.”

His fingers traced the curve of her spine. “You’re amazing. The way you shifted, how naturally you took to your wolf form.” Pride surged in his chest.

She turned her body to face him. “It felt right. Natural. Like that part of me was just waiting to wake up.”

The sight of her - wet, naked, and completely his - sent desire coursing through him. “May I wash your hair?”

Her eyes softened. “I’d like that.”

Draken turned her around and worked shampoo into her hair with gentle fingers, massaging her scalp.

“That feels soooo good,” she sighed, leaning back against his chest.

“You were meant for this world. Meant for me.” He pressed a kiss to her wet shoulder.

“I can’t believe I ever doubted it.” She turned back to face him, water droplets clinging to her lashes.

He couldn’t resist her any longer. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss, pressing her against the shower wall. Her hands slid up his chest as she returned the kiss with equal passion.

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