The Chariot's Melody

prologue

Annabel's POV

Waking up to warm bright rays of sunshine was one of the best ways to get up in the morning. Not only did it have a joyous effect on me the moment I opened my dazed eyes, but it also symbolized a beautiful day to look forward to. But staring out the window, a part of me couldn't help but dread the coming day.

It's not just you, my Wolf said. Something feels off.

Maybe we're just overthinking. Or exhausted.

She was probably right. Between juggling a sick child and my duties as Luna and pack doctor, I didn't get the best sleep these past few nights. I guess that just comes with the responsibilities of leadership. Yes, the lack of sleep had to be why I felt this way. I just needed a good night rest soon.

"Annabel?" I turned abruptly at the sound of my name. Thaddeus tilted his head to the side, making his way over to me. His calculating eyes scanned every inch of my face. I must've been too focused on my thoughts that I hadn't noticed his presence at all. "Is everything alright?"

I nodded, wrapping myself around his torso, feeling the familiar sparks. Even almost ten years later, the sparks seemed to awake a fire inside of me. He pulled me tightly to him, a sigh escaping from him. We basked in each other's warmth for as long as we could. The feeling in the pit of my stomach was still there like a dark cloud hovering but being here with my Mate kept it at bay.

"Is Benjamin on the line yet?" I pulled away to stare up at him.

"No, but Jay will be arriving shortly."

I'm not exactly sure why Benjamin needed to speak to us. I admit, it's been years since we've last spoken but if I had to take a guess, it would have to involve the missing wolves. A few months ago, there were whispers of wolves disappearing all over the States. At first we had thought they had just decided to live among the humans. That was not hard to believe as some wolves do decide to make that change. However, from the information gathered, none of them mentioned any thought of pursuing the human lifestyle. This had to be bigger than we thought.

"Annabel," Thaddeus' voice brought me out of my thoughts. His eyebrows drew inwards. "Are you sure you're okay?"

I smiled at him. "I'm fine, really."

He doesn't seem convinced in the slightest and opens his mouth to reply but I'm saved by Jay. I caught his scent upstairs before I heard his loud knock at the front door. Thaddeus and I made our way down but we were beat to the door by none other than-

"Adam," Jay greeted, taking a knee to level with his height. My son's infectious grin spread across his face. "How's it going?"

"It finally came out," Adam opened his mouth wide, showing the empty gap between his teeth. "I didn't cry."

"He said it didn't hurt," Thaddeus added, with a hint of amusement in his eyes. Somehow he found yanking out our child's tooth amusing.

"Good job bud," Jay responded, just as Adam rushed past him outside.

"Alpha, Luna," I smiled in response and let my gaze linger on Adam.

"Keep a close eye on him," Thaddeus commanded Manuel, the guard outside. I'm relieved and almost certain he said that more so for my sake.

"Did Benjamin call yet?" Jay asked as we made our way into the office. As if on cue, the phone rang and Thaddeus answered, placing it on speaker.

"Benjamin," he greeted. "I'm here with Annabel and Jay."

"Thaddeus, I'm calling regarding the matter of the missing wolves."

So I was right.

"What about it?"