The Elemental Wolves: The Autumn Wolf

Chapter 1 The Cafe

Six years later

I woke up with start, soaked in sweat, and bolted upright as my eyes frantically searched my surroundings. Realization that it was another nightmare and that I was safe in my bedroom in the house that's been home ever since that fateful day.

It's been a while since you've had a nightmare like that. Do you think it's because of the upcoming warrior ceremony? Asked my wolf Aspen concern evident in how she spoke to me

It's possible Aspen, I'm still grateful that you helped get me away from there.

I know, but we have been practicing for this for years we can do it especially now when we discovered the elemental power we have.

That is true. I glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table it was 3:30 in the morning.

Doesn't look like we have time for a run this morning hopefully this afternoon we can.

That's okay, we did a long run last night.

Just as I was about to get out of bed, Marie walked in with a cup of lavender honey tea.

"Here child I sensed your distress and know you have to rush to meet up with Jake and Lily this morning," she said smiling and handing the steaming mug to me. I was grateful that Alpha Kade allowed Marie and Flynn to adopt me and raise an adolescent wolf. It also helped that Marie was also familiar with the use of elemental magic as I was baffled when my ability first became apparent. She was Five feet five inches, with long blond hair, hazel eyes and the patience of a saint. And the best mother I could have wished for.

"Thanks mom,"as I smiled and took a sip and instantly felt my muscles relax.

"Oh, and there are some visiting wolves coming from the Black Crescent Pack today, Alpha Kade texted with Flynn before he left to start his shift this morning," she stated as I got out of bed and looked at her curiously. Aspen was now listening intently as my shock registered with her by the mention of the name.

"Black Crescent Pack?" I asked confused. I knew that they were led by Alpha Xavier who took over at eighteen after his father was killed after an attack by rogue wolves. They were based on the east coast in Maple Valley Ridge. Normally staying to themselves allied to witches as the stories went. They were feared by other packs as some of the wolves were mated to the witches with elemental powers.

"I don't know all the details as the Alpha asked to keep it between the council and his best warriors," she said calmly before continuing. "He wants you and Flynn to meet at the packhouse at seven tonight." Now that I wasn't expecting as I am not an official warrior yet. Why do I need to be present for this meeting?  She left my room and I jumped out of bed to get ready for my shift at Wolfsbane Café .

Strange that they are coming here of all places and so soon to the ceremony, pondered Aspen.

Jake knows something I bet we can get some more information from him, I responded.

Aspen like myself was always curious but fierce and protective. The best traits for soon to be branded warrior of the Silver Moon Pack. The ceremony was to happen in exactly one week where the warriors would receive the mark of the warrior a dagger through a crescent moon. I grabbed my outfit of black skinny jeans, café  uniform shirt, black lace bra and panty set and ran to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Once I was dressed I quickly French braided my long brown hair into to plaits going over the back of my shoulders.  I went to the kitchen to drop off my mug and headed to the mudroom. My mom was there with my keys and sling backpack knowing that I was running behind schedule. I quickly grabbed my combat boots and shoved them on my feet.

"Thanks mom, you're the best," as I took the backpack and keys to the Jeep I was gifted when I turned eighteen.

"It's no problem, hope you have a blessed day at the café  and will see you this afternoon," she smiled at me as I ran out the door jumping into my jeep wrangler. I took off out of the driveway enjoying the cool morning air knowing it would be another hot summer day. Thanks to my wolf genes it didn't bother me as much as would a human. Especially considering I was much more muscular and physically fit than other she wolves in the pack. Flynn observed that Aspen was built to be an alpha as she towered over the other wolves with the exception of Alpha Kade.

About ten minutes later I pulled into the employee parking behind Wolfsbane Café  where Jake and Lily were no doubt already inside prepping and getting the coffee bar situated.

Still a terrible name for a coffee shop, said Aspen warily.

I know but that's what the owners and Kade wanted for it, I said with a smile.

I thought the same thing when Luna Isabella suggested I work at the café  as I was good with people thanks my nurturing nature in part to my connection with the earth magic element. Wolfsbane was also known toxin to wolves and could kill us if given a high dose. I thought it was strange that a coffee shop catering to werewolves and human clientele would be named after a flower than cause us pain. I made myself learn all about the coffee industry as it was one of my passions and quite frankly, I was a coffee snob.

I went and grabbed my bag and jogged into the café ,"Sorry I'm a little late this morning," as I dropped my bag into an employee locker and grabbed my apron.

"It's alright Ari we got everything prepped and ready for the morning rush," said Lily one of my good friends who immediately became my bestie. She insisted on calling me Ari as it was easier to mind link or so she says. She was my height, killer curves, and light brown hair that has been bleached by the sun, that was currently pulled back into a ponytail. She was getting the croissants into the case with the delicious lemon blueberry muffins that was the signature flavor for the summer.

"Girl those muffins smell and look delicious, your mom makes the best sweets in Pine Mountain," said the handsome soon to be Alpha Jake. He was tall and handsome, around six feet of muscle, with blond hair and stunning blue eyes.

"I agree with him Lily and I'm still counting down the days until you all bring back all the fall flavors again," I said smiling at both of them while I restocked the mugs for our dine in customers.

"Well of course that' s what you say miss I'm obsessed with everything that has to do with autumn," Lily said sassily, as Jake and I busted out laughing.

"You're not wrong it's also when I feel the most connected to my elemental power," I stated and it was true the fall harvest was when my wolf and I were closely connected to the earth. Marie thinks its because I was born on the first day of fall a sign of an elemental power would be present.

Elemental power was extremely unique to be able to wield Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. Marie believes my mom was one of these special witches. However,my mom died shortly after I was born but is that really the truth or is theremore to it? My father ended up raising Heath and I together with help from someelders of the pack.Now  I was being trained to use my powers to guard and very rarely to attack just enough to subdue any unfortunate soul who dared to harm any pack members. I was also learning some healing properties as Marie was the packs healer as well.

"Well shall we get this party started,"sang Lily as Jake flipped over or sign to open and unlocked the door as the first of our customers arrived.