The Beast Within Saga: Autumn's Moon (Published)

Autumn

CHAPTER I

AUTUMN

A mix of emotions grew as I moved towards the woods, with an impeccable urge to escape. An electric sensation vibrated under my skin, indicating the restlessness of my wolf as she climbed to the surface. I needed to take cover and let her out before she forced herself free.

I ran until the forest entrance came into view. Looking around, darting behind a tree, I stripped down to bare skin. I quickly folded my clothes, placing them in a pile on the ground.

Within seconds, discomfort began. The rearranging of my ligaments made my joints crack as I transitioned from human to wolf. After a moment, I could no longer see my hands. In their place were paws covered in fur. Beating my paws on the ground, I let the beast flow as I bolted through the forest.

Listening, woodland life was thriving all around. The sound of birds chirping out in the distance caught my attention, before the sight of squirrels running up and down the trees to escape my changing form reminded me of the need to flee.

I was not sure how long or how far I just kept going. A few miles in it was time to let my wolf take over control. Taking a step back in this mode is like switching my body into autopilot.

They were my eyes and my body, but I had no control while in this phase. I had control of my thoughts and, if needed, autopilot could be dormant once more. She guided us under trunks and around trees in our path until we came across a clearing.

We stepped out into an open-area to see an unfamiliar pond with a gorgeous view. Mesmerized, as if in a trance, we stared out across the crystal blue water for several minutes.

An enticing scent caught our attention. It alone filled our entire being full of bliss. Instantly she moved in the direction of the trail.

It was inviting, and I pined to be closer. As we focused on the hunt ahead, my heart rate increased, pounding in my chest she ran faster. My pulse quickened as my human senses dulled.

The scent disappeared. A low whimper escaped my throat and she lifted our muzzle into the air, trying to pick up the trail. Then, it came like a hurricane swirling around my nose. Closing my eyes, I invited the scent in; it was intoxicating and almost knocked me down.

Chasing the trail, a little longer, I ran into something, hard. Knocking us off balance, I flew backward and heard a growl in front of me. Looking up, there was a wolf-like figure hunched and ready to attack.

I was enthralled by his appearance. How could one stranger make me feel like this without even knowing him? At that moment, I felt safe, and leaving was not an option.

He was gorgeous, and all that mattered was the need for him. There was this sense to be near him; no other words could explain it. It was as if a force was holding us there.

It felt like I was floating high up in the clouds. The scent was like a high; I needed more; maybe a touch could fill the void inside.

Lost in thought, I had not noticed just how big and beautiful the black wolf was with his sapphire eyes. A patch of white on his chest in the shape of a crescent moon drew me in.

My eyes went wide before I could stop. Realization struck, that my wolf had a black crescent moon on the front left leg. Excitement soared through me, as well as confusion. What did this mean? Both of us bearing an identical mark?

Gazing up at his chest, his eyes locked on me, holding our gaze. God, he was the most beautiful creature we had ever seen. I blinked, and then, I was laying down on my back in the cool grass, his wolf towered over me as his front paws had me pinned.