Page 7 of Moon's Call

He leaned back in the SUV’s passenger seat, his shoulders tight with tension. “We’re leaving tomorrow.”

“What?” Scorpio asked, his voice filled with confusion. “But she’s clearly-“

“There is no Luna.” The words tasted bitter in Draken’s mouth, his wolf howling in utter protest. “Not here.”

“You’re going to lie to the pack?” Scorpio’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not like you.”

“It’s not a lie.” Draken’s jaw tightened as he watched his supposed mate through the tinted windows. “A Luna must be a wolf. That’s how it works. That’s how it’s always worked.”

“Boss-“

“A human can’t handle what comes with being my partner,” he barked. “The politics alone would break her. The physical demands of running with the pack? Impossible.”

“You’re making excuses.” Scorpio’s voice hardened. “And they’re going to cost you.”

“Watch yourself.”

“No, you need to hear this. The moment her powers awakened, the clock started ticking. Every day you spend denying her, your strength will fade. You know the legends.”

“Legends are just stories.” But Draken felt the truth of it in his bones. Already his wolf felt restless, unsettled in a way he’d never experienced.

“Really? Then why did you nearly drop that coffee cup this morning? When’s the last time you fumbled anything?”

Draken’s silence was answer enough.

“Just know, the longer you stay away from her, the weaker you’ll become. And when you finally accept what’s right in front of you - because you will - you’ll be more powerful than ever. Her earth magic will amplify your powers tenfold.”

“Enough.” Draken’s voice dropped to a dangerous growl. “Take me back to the hotel.”

Later that night, Draken once again stood at his suite’s window, staring out at the city. His wolf paced relentlessly, angry at being denied their mate. The logical part of his brain insisted this was the right choice, but every instinct he possessed screamed otherwise.

Sleep would be impossible tonight. Again. He’d have to face his pack tomorrow with this lie heavy on his tongue, all while fighting his wolf’s desperate need to run to her.

The followingmorning Draken adjusted the collar of his charcoal dress shirt, his reflection in the hotel mirror revealing the strain of the past three days. The dark circles under his blue eyes stood out against his tanned skin, and his usually perfect hair refused to stay in place. His hands trembled slightly as he reached for his watch - a simple task that should have been effortless for someone with his enhanced abilities.

“Dammit,” he muttered, fumbling with the clasp. His wolf stirred, practically radiating smugness at this display of weakness. The message was clear - deny their mate, deny their strength.

The magnetic pull in his chest throbbed like a fresh wound. He braced his hands against the marble countertop, meeting his own gaze in the mirror.

“I’ve never lied to them,” he said to his reflection. “Not once in two centuries.”

His wolf’s response was immediate - a surge of joy and anticipation that nearly brought him to his knees. The beast knew they’d already made their decision.

The elevator doors opened to reveal Scorpio and Chuck waiting in the lobby. One look at their alpha’s face told them everything.

“So,” Scorpio drawled, “I take it we’re not heading home empty-handed?”

“We’re staying. And if either of you say ‘I told you so,’ I’ll have you running patrols for the next decade.”

Chuck’s lips twitched. “Wouldn’t dream of it, boss.”

“Good.” Draken rolled up his sleeves, exposing his forearms. “Now let’s go get our Luna.”

His wolf howled in triumph, and for the first time in days, Draken felt his strength beginning to return.

FOUR

LORELEI

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