The same, comforting, warm smell was the first to greet me as I returned to a half conscious state. The large black wolf still had its jaws securely but carefully around the scruff of my wolf's neck. I had hoped it was all a bad dream, but as I saw the trees end ahead of us, I knew that this was completely real.
The wolf emerged from the trees into a large clearing, similar to that of my pack at Ice Pine, but bigger and with different buildings. The buildings I saw here were all a very dark wood with pointed roofs and sharp lines. It was difficult to see in the dark, but I could tell they had a sinister look to them. In my haze I was taken through the maze-like system of streets until we came to a large clearing in front of a truly gigantic building. I tried to move my head around to get a better look, but was too exhausted and my movements too restricted by my captor to see much. From my viewpoint, I caught glimpses of the same dark wood, tall windows, and a regal double door entrance. Suddenly, I slipped back into darkness.
I awoke to bright, white lights and stiff sheets. I was back in my human form, which must have happened from sheer exhaustion, and dressed in a linen hospital gown. Silently, I prayed that only nurses had seen my naked human form. I was terrified of exposure. Sitting up, I frantically looked around to find myself in what must be the pack's medical center. A middle aged woman in a nurse's uniform came over to me holding a tray.
"Ah, you're awake. Hello dear, you must be very weak and hungry from the night you've had. Here, have this, you'll feel better."
She sat the tray down on my lap. It held a bowl of a clear, steaming broth, some slices of bread, and a cup of hot tea. She watched as I started to sip the broth, before moving to the door to the room and walking out, closing it behind her. I had finished the broth and bread and was drinking the tea, which felt incredibly soothing and spread warmth all through my tired frame, when the door opened again and two large men came in.
"You need to come with us, Miss." one of them said gruffly, "The Alpha wants to see you."
Knowing better than to argue in my state, I put down the cup and stood up out of the bed. Maybe if I complied they would treat me kinder and not do something horrible... whatever horrible thing they would do. What would they do to me? I hadn't committed a crime except being swept onto their lands by the storm. Maybe the Alpha would understand if I explained. Ice Pine and Shadow Forest had no quarrel, after all.
I swayed suddenly as I tried to stand on my own. Even though my small injuries had healed (thank you, werewolf healing!) I hadn't realized how weak I was, my wolf really did use every single bit of energy in my body during the storm. Steadying myself, I carefully walked over to the door and followed the guards out.
They led me through a maze of corridors and stairways. The medical center must be attached to the pack house, and it was even more massive than I had given credit for. After what seemed like ages, the guards stopped outside a set of double doors, and knocked. The scent from earlier seemed to emanate from whatever was beyond the doors and my wolf perked up her ears and whined.
"Come in." was a gruff response from inside.
The men opened the doors and motioned for me to go inside, before closing them behind me. I looked around. The walls of the room were dark wood paneled and lined with tall bookshelves. In front of the tall, arched windows that looked out to the storm was a large, authoritative wooden desk, the Shadow Forest Pack insignia carved ornately into it. Behind the desk, hands clasped behind his back and looking out of the massive windows, stood a very large man. He was broad shouldered and muscular with jet black hair, and as he turned I met the gaze of a strong and handsome face and piercing dark green eyes.
"Hello, little mate." he finally spoke after a long moment of us locking eyes. Just his voice made me want to melt, but I tried to keep myself together. "What is your name?"
YOU ARE READING
Luna of the Lake
Werewolf"'My little mate, you have much to learn,' his chuckle sounded deep and slightly dangerous in his chest. My words had agitated him. 'the Moon Goddess makes no mistakes. We will complete each other. I will prove it to you, no matter how long it takes...
