POV Luna Carina
As Carina and her son reached the other side of the clearing, she saw the most extraordinary thing. A large, young white female wolf lay crumpled on the ground in front of them. Struggling to stay conscious, her eyes flashed open, revealing startling violet eyes, then fluttered shut. She was unconscious. Judging by the amount of blood pooled around their feet, the young wolf did not have much time left. Her bone had been snapped in half, and it was held on by the surrounding skin. Quickly Carina found a branch strong enough to pry open the trap. Bran removed her limp paw, and suddenly, she shifted back to human form. She was indeed young. The girl could not have been more than 16-years old. The size of her wolf was extremely rare for a girl so young, and the color of her eyes confirmed that this was no ordinary wolf. Her human form was equally as stunning but gave fewer secrets away about who or what she was.Bran, who was now back in human form, stepped forward to pick up the girl. Much to his surprise, a low growl rumbled from Duncan's wolf, Dante. Carina and Bran exchanged glances, and Carina places her hand on Dante's back to soothe him."It is alright. Let your father put her on your back."
Bran stepped forward and lifted the delicate figure onto his son's broad back. Dante rumbled again before racing off toward the pack hospital.
Bran shot her another glance with a raised eyebrow before shifting back and running off after his son. Luna Carina shook her head and giggled to herself before shifting back and following them. It looks like her son had found his Alpha nature.Tatiana's POVTatiana woke and found herself in a strange place. She was lying in a bed that was not hers, but the sheets felt like butter against her skin. As she moved slightly, a tweak of pain snapped through her ankle. The previous events all came flooding back. She looked under the covers to see her leg was healed, and somebody had dressed her in an oversized t-shirt. Suddenly feeling vulnerable, she pulled the blankets up under her chin and surveyed the room further. It was a beautiful room. Minimally decorated but elegant. It definitely was not her room or her house.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through her head. Her father.She had to get out of here and find out if he was ok, and where exactly was she?! As she clamored out of bed, she noticed an outfit folded on the dresser next to the bed. She quickly changed into the clothes as she tried to figure out her next move.Suddenly there was a gentle knock on the door. Unsure what to do, she paused too long, and a slightly louder knock followed. Tia finally managed to squeak out a reply, and the door opened. A beautiful, elegantly dressed woman stood in the doorway."You are awake!"
"Yes I am. Where am I?"
"I am Luna Carina. You are at the Kalaloch packhouse. What is your name?"
"Tatiana. Where you the wolf in the clearing?"
Luna Carina laughed, "No that was my son Duncan. He found you. What were you doing on Kalaloch pack land?"
"I am sorry. I did not know where I was. My father had a heart attack. I need to get back to find out if he is ok." Tia implored.
Carina look at her confused, "A heart attack? Is your father human?"
Tatiana averted her gaze as fear coursed through her, "Yes, please don't kill me. I did not mean to come into your territory. I was upset, and I needed to run…."
Carina let out another sparkling laugh, "Kill you? Why would I do that, my child? You are safe here."
Tia looked at her dumbfounded, "Why?"
"Why what? Why are you safe?"
Tia nodded.
She scoffed, sounding slightly irritated, "I can assure you we don't kill children who accidentally wander inside our boundary."
"I am sorry, ma'am. I meant no disrespect. This is all new to me because you are the first wolves I have met."
Carina watched her for a moment in silence before eventually continuing, "Very well. Come with me down to the kitchen, and we will get you something to eat while Zeta Luca finds out what he can about your father."
Tia nodded quietly and followed her. Now that Luna Carina mentioned it, she realized she was famished.
Duncan's POV
Duncan leaned against the counter in the kitchen finishing up the rest of his breakfast. As he shoveled in the last bite, he looked up to see his mother enter. His greeting caught in his throat when he caught sight of the girl trailing behind her. It was the girl from the forest. A smile spread across his face as he stepped towards her extending his hand."Hello! I am Duncan. I am glad to see you are awake. Are you feeling better?"Tia nodded, "You are the sandy wolf from the clearing."He chuckled, "Yes. I am surprised you remember, after sleeping for three days."She gasped, "Three days!"His mom shot him a cool glance, "Yes, we hadn't made it that far yet. Tatiana was telling me her father had a heart attack, and Luca is trying to locate him now."He shrugged apologetically at her. How was he supposed to know! Wait! Her Dad had a heart attack? Do wolves have heart attacks?"Her human father." His mother mind-linked.So that explained the heart attack but presented even more questions about this mysterious wolf.He put his hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze, "I am sorry to hear about your father. Luca will find him."She looked between the two of them, confused, "What is a Luca?"Duncan laughed, "Zeta Luca is our second in command. I am sure you will meet him shortly."
As he finished his sentence, his Dad walked into the kitchen, "Duncan, we need to head into town now. Something has come up, so we have to leave early." He stopped noticing the girl.
Duncan broke the silence, "Alpha Bran this is Tatiana. She is from...Wait, what pack are you from?"
The girl's cheeks flushed as she looked down. "I am a Rogue. My human father found me as a pup and took me in."
Bran looked at her silently, then reached out a hand to shake hers, "Hello Rogue Tatiana. It is a pleasure to meet you. I leave you in capable hands with Luna Carina, and I hope to learn more about you tonight."
He then motioned to Duncan to head to the car. Duncan put his dishes in the dishwasher and followed his Dad out.
Tatiana's POV
As Tia scarfed down her breakfast, she sensed someone approaching. A tall thin, but muscular man with black wavy hair walked into the kitchen.
He nodded to the Luna, "Good Morning, Luna Carina."
She smiled and nodded back, "This is Zeta Luca, Luca, this is Tatiana. Have you learned anything about her father?"
Luca's eyes fluttered slightly, and he turned his gaze to her. Luna Carina came to Tia's side and gently put her arm around her. At first, Tia found the situation rather odd until Luca began to talk.
"Yes, Ma'am. He was admitted to Harborview a week ago, suffering from multiple heart attacks. Most of them were mild, and he survived. Unfortunately, however, he died two days later of a massive stroke."
Died! She could not even comprehend his words. He couldn't die. He was all she had. An otherworldly wail filled the air, but it took a moment for Tia to realize it was coming from her. She collapsed into Luna Carina's arms, sobbing. Pain ripped through her chest, and her body shook uncontrollably. She was shattered.
The last thing she saw was Luca looking at her with such sorrow in his eyes. Losing all concept of space and time, all she could feel was the pain. She was oblivious that Luca had picked her up and was carrying her to her room. He laid her gently on the bed and softly brushed her hair from her face.
"I feel your pain, young wolf, but it will leave you soon." He kissed the top of her head and gently laid his hands where he kissed. Suddenly a wave of emptiness crashed inside her. Her pain vanished into nothing. The sensation made her gasp softly, and then she passed out from exhaustion.
Tatiana POVAs they pulled into the driveway, Tia's heart was pounding. She half expected her Dad to step out on the porch and wave but knew deep down she would never see that again. Her throat ached, and tears slipped down her cheeks as the cars stopped. Duncan slipped his arm over her shoulder, giving her a quick squeeze.Taking a deep breath, Tatiana climbed out of the car. Looking over at Duncan, his voice rang out in her head, "I will be here with you the whole time," but his mouth didn't move! She looked at him startled and then shook her head. Clearly, his lips must have moved, and she was now going crazy. Tia looked back at the house and headed inside.The house looked just as she had left it. An open bottle of beer sat on the kitchen table. Tia reached out and touched it. Her heart lept as she thought, Dad must be home. However, the can was warm. She remembered he was gone but had to check it to make sure. Feeling Duncan's hand on her back, she continue
Duncan's POVDuring training, his mother mind-linked him from the house. Unfortunately, Tatiana's human father was dead. According to his mother, she fell apart after the news. Her vulnerability only made his draw to her stronger. He could not put his finger on why. Her scent was comforting, and he felt very protective of her. Duncan wondered if she was his mate. Having never sensed the mate bond before, he had nothing to compare it to. He was frustrated that everything surrounding her was shrouded in mystery. How did she come to be raised by humans? Why had she never encountered another wolf? She was huge for a female wolf, and her violet eye color was unusual. It was clear she was not your average she-wolf, but what exactly that meant was unclear. Dante, his wolf, was also drawn to her. Back at the field, he would not let anyone near her, not even the Alpha. Dante could be a pain, but he never snarled at the Alpha before. Duncan shook his head. Lucky for him, his Alpha fath
Duncan's POVThe interaction with Vex pushed Dante to the surface, and he was trying to wrest control from Duncan. Duncan clenched his jaws and focused his energy inward. A growl rattled out of his chest, startling Tia, who was sitting next to him. She turned to see his iris switch back and forth between green and gray. Recognizing he was fighting his wolf, she reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing it.With her touch, enough to tip the balance, Duncan regained his composure. He would do whatever it took to ensure Vex did not come near her again. However, anger seethed within him. Vex was a coward and an opportunist. He had no redeeming qualities, and Duncan marveled he had survived this long. A year from now, either he or Vex would become Alpha of their pack, but Duncan knew it would not be both. The Olympic Forest was not big enough for the two of them.Are you alright?He glanced down at Tia. Look at you mind linking like the rest of us.Sh
Tatiana's POVAs Tatiana made her way down the stairs, her legs were still shaky. Unaware she was awake, Duncan popped out of one of the side rooms and nearly knocked her over. When his body connected with hers, it felt like a Mack Truck. He was hard as a rock. He caught her as she let out a yelp and stabilized her before she fell. The warmth of his body was so close, and his scent made Talia calm inside her. She felt a familiarity and comfort from him. She was disappointed when he shifted her upright and let her go. He absently ran his hand through his short blonde hair."Sorry. I didn't see you there. Are you okay?"She stared back at his chiseled features. His human form was as impressive as his wolf form. Realizing he was still waiting for her to speak, she mumbled, "Yes, I am fine."A smile played at the corner of his lips as he watched my cheeks burn red. It was one of the joys of a fair complexion. It meant my embarrassment was vividly on display f
Vex POVVex raced back to Pack territory. Not only had they found another bitch rogue to eliminate, but stealing her right from under Kalaloch Packs nose was the crowning glory. His father would find this new information extremely interesting. Vex would personally like to wipe the smug, arrogant look off Duncan's face. He crashed into the packhouse and raced to the Alpha's office. Naren growled as Vex's wolf Vlad burst through the door. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Whatever you have to tell me better be worth it, Vlad." The sickening sound of cracking bone rattled as Vex shifted back to human form and smiled at Naren. Seconds later, Vex's best friend and soon-to-be Beta Kai walked in, throwing Vex a pair of pants. Vex slipped them on as he explained to them what he had seen. Naren sat stoically, considering what his son had just told him. "So your plan is to what? Walk into Kalaloch Pack, grab the rogue, and walk on out?"
Duncan's POVTatiana's initiation ceremony occurred without incident. She settled into pack life with ease. She and Duncan became constant companions. They trained together and attended the last year of pack school in the same class. Tia developed into a formidable warrior. Her attention to training and advancing programs for lower-ranking pack members improved their pack. Her kindness and empathy touched even the lowest echelons of the pack structure.A year later, Duncan and Tatiana were both in preparation for their first mating hunt. Their flight to Idaho left early tomorrow morning. Tia wanted to stay home, but in the end, relented to Luna's constant badgering. As he packed his bag, Duncan was eager for the hunt. He was on the precipice of finding his mate—the female who would eventually become his Luna, mother to his pack. This year's search was in the Rocky Mountains. The males and females were to be housed separately on opposite sides of the hunting groun
Tatiana's POVTatiana snuck off for a run as soon as she could get away. Talia was restless, and being in a large group was never comfortable for either of them. Her wolf sniffed around and explored their surroundings a bit before barreling off into the bushes. The sound of conversations gave way to the chirping of birds and the rustling of trees. As she trotted through the forest, Talia eventually stumbled onto a familiar scent. It was Duncan. He was somewhere near. Talia followed it until she found Dante sitting alone on a large boulder overlooking a valley. The view was beautiful. His eyes looked sad as she walked up and nuzzled him, but the expression quickly receded into the depths of his amber eyes.How are you doing? Are you ready for tomorrow morning?" He asked through the mind link."I guess. I am not sure there is much to be ready for, but I am open to anything.""No matter what happens, The pack and I will always be here for you. You know that,
Duncan's POVDuncan was furious as he stormed back to his lodge. He wanted to rip Vex's head off. If Tia's wolf had not been strong enough to fend them off, they would have killed her. Neither Vex nor Kyle were staying at the lodge. If they were, Duncan would have known. He would have been watching, and that is what they were trying to avoid. It was such a sneaky cowardly attack. Her death would look like her mate brutalized her if they had succeeded. Mate attacks were rare but did happen frequently enough for Werewolves not to question it. Sadie's pack set up extra security, and Luca was flying in from Washington State. Duncan left the girls under the watch of Beta Cory while he quickly grabbed his stuff from his lodge and headed back to move in with Sadie.Duncan should be spending time with his new mate, getting to know her, instead of dealing with the aftermath of the attack. Tia planned to leave early to give them time together without distraction, but Duncan refu