Page 26 of Full Moon
With the speed at which I dispatch the first wolf, the other three hesitate. A growl rumbles deep within me as I prepare for the next attack. The second largest wolf lunges, its fangs sinking into my shoulder with a searing pain. I rear up, claws andfangs snapping and tearing at anything I can grasp. Eventually, it releases its grip. I can feel warmth radiating from where Easton's feather sits, dulling the pain.
Determined, I turn to attack again. My jaws snap shut around the wolf's muzzle, the taste of iron filling my mouth as I clamp down harder. All I can think about is the sound and feel of bones breaking. He thrashes wildly, but I strike out with my front paws, raking my claws against every inch I can reach. His white-gray fur is soon matted with blood, his movements slowing. Seizing my opportunity, I release his muzzle and go for the throat.
My wolf has a different plan. I thrash again, hearing the rips and pops, followed by the gushing of blood, metallic and thick on my tongue. The wolf's body goes limp, and I drop it at my feet.
Two down, two to go.
I remember how Torben taught me to take a dominant stance. Raising my head, I stare down at the remaining wolves, pressing Diaval's intimidation upon them. Within seconds, they tuck their tails and lower their heads, whining. A deep growl escapes me, one I barely recognize as my own. Quickly, they hit the snow, rolling over to bare their bellies in submission.
Shifting back to my human form, I'm amazed to find my clothes intact. "Lead me to the village," I command without hesitation, my voice steady and firm. Something has changed within me, having let my wolf take over. For once, I am not worried about what's to come.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Diaval stopping the others. "Don't... It will make her look weak," he says, and the words resonate in my mind.
The wind shifts, and suddenly Easton's feather, luminous like the midday sun, blows into my face.
You're healing yourself,Easton's voice echoes in my mind.
I draw in a sharp breath. During the fight, I felt the burn, a searing pain in my shoulder, and then it was gone.
I can self-heal?I toss the question back at Easton and Diaval.
It appears so. The wound near your neck is almost gone,Easton replies.
This new development needs to stay within the family.
The townof Dunnum slowly reveals itself from between the snow berms. Instinctively, I feel the urge to half-shift, so I kick off my boots, the cold snow comforting, as if welcoming me home. My hind paws sink into the snow as I move bipedal through the last twenty feet before entering the town. Reaching back, I offer Khal my boots, noting that he also holds my backpack. No sooner do the wolves set their front paws on the exposed cobblestone than they shift. The males, lithe and slightly shorter than I am, stand before me.
"We'll bring you to the alpha," they say, their voices unsure and filled with submission.
I nod, motioning for them to proceed. As we wind through the quaint mountain village, an uneasy feeling settles in my gut. The homes, picturesque and serene, feel more like the walls of a trap than a welcoming embrace. Hundreds of heartbeats surroundus, yet they remain hidden within their houses. It's not fear that keeps them inside, but curiosity. It's been generations since they've seen outsiders, and likely none have ever encountered beings like my mates.
We are a spectacle, a living myth come to life.
The grand Alpha House stands tall and proud at the end of the road, a testament to the strength and unity of the pack. Its structure is carved from mighty oaks and cedar trees, forming a crisscross pattern with plaster between the planks. Large stones create a solid foundation for the mighty bilevel house. The males climb the steps, opening the twin black doors wide, exposing the bright interior. I remain half-shifted as I ascend the stairs, leading the way into the Alpha House.
Trust no one,Diaval says in my head.
I glance over my shoulder to lock eyes with him and give him a terse nod. Something inside me churns like a coiled predator, ready to strike if needed. Then I realize I'm not feeling my wolf—I'm feeling Khal's basilisk. It doesn't like me having to walk alone.
Slowing my pace, I wait until Khal is close enough. I turn and whisper, "I'm okay. I have to do this."
Khal nods as I watch his face morph into that cold, detached visage his twin always wears. It's his armor for when we're in public. I'm no better, remaining in my half-shifted state. From the many history lessons Diaval and Easton have given me, only a true Alpha or Luna can half-shift.
It's now that I realize this isn't armor—it's proof of who I am.
I am the true Luna of the Northern packs.Mypacks.
The man I can only assume is the alpha sits on his dais like a conqueror, exuding an aura of unwarranted confidence. The chamber is dimly lit, shadows dancing across the stone walls, but his presence remains unimpressive. "Welcome to my home and to Dunnum," he says, standing up with his arms wide open. His stature is far from the towering, muscular figures I've seen in Diaval's memories. He's neither heavily built nor as imposing as the alphas I've encountered before.
He's not very impressive.I shoot down the mental bond to Diaval.
Definitely not. Want me to have Easton roast him?Diaval's tone is laced with amusement.
No. I'd rather rip his throat out if need be.A feral grin spreads across my lips.
I shift my focus fully onto the so-called alpha before me. "Thank you for the warm welcome." My voice drips with sarcasm as I narrow my eyes at him. I hike a thumb over my shoulder, my tail thrashing with agitation. "I was attacked by four of your males."
The man's face pales.
"You're short two, by the way."
"Your mates killed them?" He glances past me to the large imposing males standing behind me.
"No, they didn't. Look at the memories of the two by the door." I motion to the two naked men still in the archway. "Or do you not possess that alpha gift? It's a rather common one passed down a true alpha line." I taunt him, my voice edged with contempt. I know full well he is no alpha by blood, but merely seized the opportunity my father's disappearance presented.
His facade of power is paper-thin.
And the realization fuels a deep, simmering anger within me.
