Running From the Moon

Caged

A chorus of howls softly echoed through the night sky. Their calls came from all around. In the north came White Moon's howls of challenge. Their pack was brutal and full of skilled fighters. From the East the Direwood pack joined the song with equal vigor. They were rivals with White Moon and anything they sought you were sure to see Direwood on their heels. In the west were the Arlcliff. They were the bolder pack. Their scent came before their howls. They tried my patience by sneaking closer and closer to the border of my territory. My nose prickled as a musky scent wafted through my windows. The hunters of Arlcliff were masters of stalking their prey and striking before they are even noticed. However these mongrels wanted to be noticed. They wanted me to know how close they were to my pack.

My skin rippled, fur erupted along my back and bristled with rage. My back arched and popped from the sheer force of the transformation. My fur was cream in color with silver and grey running down my back. Black and grey framed my dilated golden eyes.

How dare they test ME!

I stood tall on my hind legs muscles rippling under fur, my spine cracking as I straightened and tossed my head back to let out a furious howl of attack. My warriors downstairs had been on edge for the past week, and were already anticipating my howl. Yips and barks of excitement followed by scrapping of claws on wood were my response.

My pack wasn't the largest but we made up for it with endurance and a strong bond. My beta doubled as our pack trainer. His experiences in battle has saved us more times then I care to remember. Most of our pack members were off site. I had already ordered the females to safer areas due to the attacks. It would be foolish to have them here if they were not warriors. They'd only get in the way and cause distractions for the males.

I'd enjoy nothing more then to join the rest in chasing off the runts outside, but I had to focus on securing the future of my pack. I hated the idea of some Alpha male stepping in and claiming everything I've worked so hard for, but sooner or later this stand off was going to end with bloodshed. The Alphas from White Moon, Direwood, and Arlcliff knew I was an unmated Luna. My territory was open game to them.

I lumbered my large frame over to the window, and poked my head out. I watched as my wolves darted out, weaving through the trees to welcome our 'visitors'. I gave one last howl of encouragement then let myself relax back into my human form.

"We can't keep going on like this..." I muttered to myself and rubbed the bridge of my nose. I pulled a robe off a hook and tied it tightly around myself, the sudden transformation ruining another set of Pjs. The lack of sleep and stress was taking its toll on everyone here, though I'm sure that was their plan to start with. I sat back down at my desk and continued reading the letters I had opened before the little distraction. Many of them were from pack members that didn't live within the heart of our territory. The one I picked up was one I had been waiting for. It had the seal of my second beta, Pipper.

'Dear Lady Luna AKA boss lady,

It's been ages since I last wrote, but I have good news! I've found my mate and will be bringing him to the house to introduce him and let him meet the guys. Our goddess works such glorious miracles Luna! I only hope that you find your happiness one day too. Don't punish me too harshly! ;) oh! Don't worry I haven't forgotten my mission! I'm bringing you a gift as well!

P.S Tell that grump of a first beta that he better have behaved himself while I was gone.

-Second beta AKA second boss lady.'

That explains why Pipper had been away for so long on her trip. I thought that maybe she had gotten distracted like she usually does, but this was something else entirely. Hell she even drew in a winky face! I had sent her out in search for allies, but supposedly packs further south had their own problems with rouges attacking. Now that she was coming back I hope it wasn't without other good news.