The meeting venue was already buzzing with activity when we arrived, wolves from various packs filing into the large hall. Unlike regular pack gatherings, this one seemed focused on younger wolves – mostly university students and recent graduates.
"Did Alex tell you what this emergency meeting is actually about?" I asked Odette as we made our way inside.
"Not everything, but..." she lowered her voice, "apparently there's been a pattern. Rogues targeting our age group, maybe trying to infiltrate pack territories through university connections. That's why it's just university wolves here, not the whole neutral territory meeting."
My wolf reacted at the mention of rogues, the scar on my neck suddenly feeling more noticeable. Odette must have sensed my tension because she squeezed my arm gently.
"Hey, you okay? You went pale for a second—"
"Miss Briarthorn." Carson's deep voice cut through the crowd behind us. "A word before the meeting sta
Hi Moonlings, Just a quick update, I am still away for work and have not been updating. I will be back to regualr updating soon. Hopefully in a week or 2 when my schedule allows. Sorry to keep you lovely readers waiting, but I promise i'll get back to it as soon as I can. Once again, thank you for your like, comment and general support. Moonlight and Muses, Oddie
I was still watching Hunter's romantic disaster unfold when Carson, Alexei, and I found ourselves in a quieter corner of the beach. The wave dancing was about to begin, and most of the crowd had moved toward the performance area."Hunter's quite the sensation," Alexei observed, sipping his sea glass punch. "I've never seen so many she-wolves compete for one man's attention.""Poor guy doesn't know which way to run.""At least he's being diplomatic about it," I said. "Though I think he's about two seconds away from diving into the ocean to escape."We watched as Pearl, Marina's daughter, gestured enthusiastically at something while Hunter nodded politely. Behind her, I could see at least three other women hovering, waiting for their turn."That might actually work," Alexei mused. "Hard to follow someone into the surf in formal attire.""Don't give him ideas," Carson laughed. "We'd spend the rest of the festival fishing him out of tide pools.""Should we rescue him?" I asked, watching H
The crowd naturally began flowing toward a cleared section of beach near the water's edge. Hunter used the distraction to catch my eye, his expression grateful but still overwhelmed."The wave dancing is one of our most beautiful traditions," Coral said, moving to Hunter's side. "It's said to invoke the Moon Goddess's blessing on romantic endeavors.""How romantic," Lydia said, deliberately moving to Hunter's other side. "Hunter, would you like to watch it with me? We could find a quiet spot away from the crowd.""Actually," Sarah said, not to be outdone, "I thought we could discuss the cultural significance of traditional dances while we watch. I've done some research on ceremonial movement and its tactical applications.""Tactical applications of dancing?" Lydia asked incredulously."Formation movement, group coordination, non-verbal communication," Sarah replied seriously. "Very relevant to Hunter's Beta responsibilities.""Everything doe
I spent the next twenty minutes meeting pack leaders and their Lunas, but I kept glancing back toward where Hunter was clearly struggling to manage three very determined women."Luna Briarthorn," Alpha Devon from Sunrise Pack was saying, "we'd love to discuss collaboration on renewable energy projects. Your environmental science background would be invaluable.""That sounds wonderful," I replied, trying to focus on the conversation while watching Hunter's increasingly desperate expression in the background.Lydia had claimed his left arm and was talking animatedly about something, gesturing toward the water. Sarah stood on his right, still clutching that book and making what looked like very serious points. And Coral had positioned herself directly in front of him, effectively trapping him in place."Perhaps we could schedule a formal meeting tomorrow?" Alpha Devon continued."Absolutely. I'd love to learn more about your projects.""Excellent. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should greet
I followed her gaze and spotted all three of Hunter's admirers in different parts of the crowd, still clearly searching for him."I can see how that might happen," I said."Is that your Beta they're all looking for?" she asked."Unfortunately, yes.""Poor man. Though I have to say, he's quite popular even beyond those three. Several of our unmated she-wolves have been asking about him.""Several?" Carson asked."Oh yes. A wounded warrior who's also a high-ranking Beta? Very appealing combination.""He's going to hate this," I said."Or love it, once he relaxes into the attention. Festival atmosphere has a way of bringing out confidence.""We'll see about that."Just then, a commotion near the path caught our attention. A small group was approaching, and in the center, looking slightly overwhelmed, was Hunter."Speak of the devil," Carson said.Hunter had clearly made an effort for the occasion. Navy shorts, white linen shirt, hair still damp from a shower. He looked good, healthy and
As if summoned by our conversation, more familiar faces appeared. Sarah from Eastwind Pack walked along the beach with what looked like a book in her hand, also scanning the crowd. And I spotted Clara from Northpine near the food tables, dressed in a flowing green dress that showed off her figure."All three of them are here," I said."And all three are looking for Hunter.""This is going to be interesting.""That's one way to put it.""Astraia!" Lydia had spotted us and was approaching with a bright smile. "You look amazing! I love your dress.""Thank you, Lydia. You look beautiful too. That yellow is perfect on you.""Thanks! I'm so excited about tonight. I've never been to a coastal festival before." She glanced around again. "Have you seen Hunter? I was hoping to watch the wave dancing with him.""He was getting ready when we left," I said diplomatically. "I'm sure he'll be down soon.""Good! I want to make sure I ge