Chapter 4
The Bloodmoon Pack’s Departure
Looking at the two anxious he-wolves, I said, “They’re just commemorative Howlnet prints. We can take more.” My voice was steady, my gaze unwavering.
“Since they’re completely gone, we’ll just have to take some new ones. It’s been a while since we’ve gone on a hunting trip anyway.”
Benjamin’s brow relaxed slightly. His guardian wolf seemed to ease a little.
Adam seized the opportunity.”We could bring Qiana along. She’s always said she’s never been on a real pack excursion.”
I simply hummed in acknowledgement, turning away. My perceptive wolf felt their relief, but held back from showing any empathy.
Their concern felt…patronizing.
N
They took my response as agreement, visibly relieved.
#
They were about to leave when they spotted several packsacks in the living room-they hadn’t been there that morning.
“What’s this?” they asked simultaneously.
I shrugged.”Oh, I resigned my position as Luna advisor. I’m seeking something new.”
The unspoken question hung in the air: But you loved your position, didn’t you?*
My behavior was so unlike me, a subtle unease settled over Benjamin and Adam.
Their wolves seemed to sense my shift.
Adam opened his mouth to ask more, but a mental link from Qiana interrupted.
Her voice, panicked and distressed, filled the room through the mental link’s limited range.
“Benjamin, the power’s out! I fell and twisted my paw… What should I do?”
Adam’s face paled. His shadow wolf momentarily flickered with alarm.
He cut Benjamin off mentally.”Qiana, don’t be afraid. I’ll be there soon.”
Benjamin, his usually calm expression creased with worry, was clearly more concerned about Qiana. His guardian wolf practically vibrated with concern.
Together, they grabbed their packs and rushed out. My perceptive wolf noted the speed of their departure, sensing more than just concern for Qiana.
I remained calm, my wolf observing their reactions.
After they left, I contacted my aunt. I’d lived with her since puphood; she was more like a mother to me. Now that I was leaving the Bloodmoon Pack, I wanted to say goodbye properly.
When I told her about the blood bond with Zoe, her voice was filled with reluctance, but more with surprise.
“Lanie, do Benjamin and Adam know about this?”
I paused.”No, Aunt. Please keep it a secret. I don’t want any more drama.”
Silence over the mental link. Then, a sigh.”Well, you’ve always been their precious little pup. Anyone could see how much those boys adore you. You three were inseparable. I thought you’d end up with one of them. Such a shame…”
I smiled, saying calmly, “It’s not a shame. We weren’t fated mates.”
My aunt didn’t press further.
“Lanie, I knew you’d eventually return to the Bloodmoon Pack. Just not this soon. I’ve watched you grow up. Come see me before you go. If you move back to the Bloodmoon territory, we don’t know when we’ll see each other again…”
‘I will. I have some gifts for you, Aunt. I’ll miss you too,” I said, a touch of playful whining in my voice.
After a few more words, she ended the link.
Before I could even disconnect the mental link, another mental message arrived. My department head.
“Lanie, your design work won an award for the Pack. The trophy just arrived. Since you’ve left, I sent your intern to deliver it to your den.”
The den’s entrance chime sounded.
I ended the link and opened the door to find Qiana holding the trophy.
