Caspian's Legacy: The Scent of Truth (book two)

prologue

"Have you thought of any names for him yet?" Jace asked tiredly, and he ran through a few in his head. He knew that Luna had some ideas already. They were all beautiful names, but none of them seemed to fit the pup just right. They had been up all night, making sure that the pup was warm and fed. The pup curled up in Luna's belly, safe and sound, as if he knew that he was loved and cherished. the possibilities in his head as he looked at his mate, the pup, in her arms.
"No, not really. I like the name Caspian, though. It has a nice ring to it." Luna smiled softly. "What do you think?"
Jace nodded, liking the sound of it as well. "Caspian it is, then. Our son, Caspian." He looked down at the pup, admiring his rusty brown fur and the hints of cream that would no doubt become more prominent as he grew older. "He's going to be something special, you know that?"
"I know." Luna smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. "He's already made us all so proud, just by being born."

The newly-made parents are completely unaware of the outside; they are lost in their love for their pup. The pack, however, senses something different about the pup. The scent of burnt vanilla that clings to him is unlike anything they've ever smelled before. It's not unpleasant, but it's not familiar either. They can't help but wonder where it comes from and what it means.

"Do any wolves know what this scent could be?" Oak asks as she sniffs the air, trying to catch a whiff of the unusual scent. The other wolves shake their heads, just as confused as she is. It's not like any scent they've ever encountered before. Some of the older wolves exchange glances, remembering similar instances from the past, but they can't quite put their paws on it. The scent of burnt vanilla lingers in the air, a constant reminder of the mystery surrounding the newborn pup.

"I just hope his scent doesn't cause any issues down the track, or we could be in trouble." Cedar, the new alpha, muses out loud, trying to keep his voice calm. The last thing they need is something as simple as a unique scent to tear the pack apart. He glances around at the other wolves, all of whom seem to be lost in thought as well. "We all need some sleep; it's almost midnight," he suggests, leading the way back to their dens.

Talvi tries not to yawn but catches herself doing so. This caught Cedar's attention, and he gives her a warm smile. "You look tired, Talvi. Why don't you go rest for a bit? We'll take it from here." She nods, grateful for the excuse to retreat to her den, her mind spinning with questions about the pup and his unusual scent.

"Why do you think he smells like that? I never seen a pup have that scent before." she quizzed, Cedar shrugged his shoulders, his thoughts never leaving the pup. "Maybe it's just a unique trait that his parents passed down to him, or perhaps it's something more significant." He looked at Talvi, hoping that she had some insight into this mystery. "What do you think, Talvi?"

"Maybe Artemis has something to do with this?" Talvi suggests that, thinking back to the time when Artemis had left the pack, she had always had a special bond with Jace and Luna; it was almost as if she had left a piece of herself behind. "Or perhaps it's a gift from the moon goddess herself, a sign that Caspian will have a unique role in the pack, just like his parents."

Cedar sighed tiredly as he listened to Talvi's words. He was beginning to feel more at ease with the idea that there might be something special about Caspian. "I hope you're right, Talvi. If there is anything special about him, I want to make sure he knows that he has our support. We'll do everything we can to help him grow up strong and happy."

She giggled. She walked closer to him and looked into his eyes. "I hope so too. I have a feeling that Caspian will be someone truly special. And who knows, maybe he'll grow up to be a great beta like his father." She paused for a moment, feeling a surge of love for the newborn pup. "Whatever the case may be, I'm just grateful that he's here and that he's a part of our pack. He's going to bring us so much joy and happiness."

Cedar brushes his paw against her cheek, and she leans closer to his touch. "You're right, Talvi. He is going to bring us a lot of happiness. And I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure he knows how much he means to all of us." He looks around at the other wolves, who are starting to settle down for the night. "Now, why don't you get some rest? You've earned it."

She smiles softly at his tender words and touch. "I will, I promise. Thank you, Cedar. Goodnight," she says before she walks away from her mate and alpha, feeling the warmth of his presence even as she leaves his side. "I'm not going to sleep unless you're with me," she teased playfully, trying not to wake the other wolves nearby.

He chuckled lightly; they are mates after all. "Alright, come on then. Let's go back to our den." He gestured for her to follow him, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him as they walked side by side through the forest, their tails swaying gently in unison. The cool night air caressed their fur, and the distant howl of a lone wolf carried on the breeze.

"What do you prefer, your human or wolf form?" She queried, her amber eyes glowing in the moonlight. "I'm curious to know if you feel more like yourself in one over the other." Cedar considered the question for a moment as they settled down in their den. "That's a difficult question, Talvi. I've lived so long in both forms that they feel like equally important parts of who I am. In my human form, I have the ability to communicate and interact with others in ways that are unique to my species. I can build relationships, share knowledge, and make a difference in the world around me." He paused, looking thoughtful. "But in my wolf form, I feel a sense of connection to something ancient and primal. I'm able to tap into my instincts and survive in the wild, to be one with the pack, and to feel the strength of our bond."

"You were saved by two mortals, didn't you?" she said, her tail swishing gently behind her. "How did they react when they found out you were a wolf?"

Cedar's eyes darted back and forth between Talvi and him as he recalled the events that had unfolded so many months ago. "Yes, that's true. I was found by two men; their names were Sheldon and Dexter; they are wolf-shifter researchers; they saved me in a snowstorm and took me in; Sheldon showed me what a pancake is, and Dexter showed me the beach." He chuckled softly. "They were quite surprised when they discovered I was a wolf, but they didn't treat me any differently. They were scientists; they were just curious about my kind and wanted to learn more. They were also very kind to me; they taught me how to surf and roast marshmallows," he explains, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "They helped me discover who I was and what I was capable of, and for that, I will always be grateful."

two humans? among the wolves? Jace was nothing any better; he was human before he got lost and found by Solar, who took him in, and he agreed to become a wolf-shifter like them. to live among them, to be one of them. but then... then he met her. the she-wolf that was everything he'd never known he wanted, and more. Her scent, her presence, the way she moved—it was all he could think about.

"Goodnight," she whispered. She nuzzled her mate gently, curling close to him. She felt his warmth, his strength, and his presence. She knew he'd always be there for her. and she would be there for him too. Together, they'd make sure their pack was safe, happy, and well cared for. because that's what mates and alphas did. That's what it meant to be a part of their family.

"I love you." Cedar murmured, his voice low and husky, as he nuzzled closer to Talvi, feeling her warmth seep into his own body. He sighed contentedly, reveling in the closeness they shared and the connection that bound them together. Even in his dreams, he knew that she was always there, always by his side.

"I love you too, my brave alpha." She cooed, her voice a whisper in the stillness of the den. As they settled deeper into their nest, Talvi felt the weight of his head rest gently on her side, his muscles relaxing against hers. The scent of him, of the forest, and of their pack filled her nostrils, and she savored each one as if it were a precious gift. She knew that they had a long journey ahead of them and that the path they walked would not always be easy. But for now, in this moment, she felt safe, cherished, and loved.