Page 36 of Midnight Moon
Inside, I winced. Few knew of my aversion to hunting. It would only lend support to pack members who believed I wasn’t fit to become alpha. Thankfully, my friends and family kept my secret.
Thanks,I told Hunter.
With my approval, Hunter began his approach.
Having no desire to witness the take down, I looked away, surprised to find Asher and Chase watching me.
I took in their matching irises. Were they related, or did all Wilds Pack wolves have that unique eye color? All shifters I knew had either yellow or brown eyes while in wolf form, except for me. Though mostly brown, my wolf’s eyes had a very thin green ring around them.
Once, Stephanie told me the ring looked like it glowed during one of our sparring sessions. I’d been in a particularly bad mood that day, and I assumed my emotion was responsible for the oddity.
I pressed my front paws into the ground, feeling awkward as Asher and Chase watched me. I sat on my haunches and chose to focus on Hunter and his task, hoping they would do the same.
My plan worked. From the corner of my eye, I saw both massive wolves sit and look towards the deer.
Hunter drew closer. The deer continued eating grass.
Hunter crouched, preparing to pounce on the unsuspecting creature. That’s when a prickle of alarm spread over my fur.
My gaze was drawn to the mangled brush behind Asher and Chase. One second later, I knew why.
Time slowed. I watched a sandy-colored wolf lunge for my allies’ backs.
LOOK OUT!I shouted just as I remembered Asher and Chase couldn’t hear me.
With no time to think, I twisted around and leapt over their heads. My paws nearly brushed the tips of their ears. Then, I collided with the attacking wolf.
Time sped back up.
Air rushed out of my lungs, and the sandy wolf grunted. His focus had been on my allies; he hadn’t expected the impact.
I tucked my head and rolled away from the wolf when I hit the ground. Leaves and twigs crunched with each tumble as I put distance between us.
Snarls and growls filled the forest, further disrupting the quiet. I hoped Hunter already took down the deer, otherwise, the noise surely scared it off.
I jumped onto all fours and immediately fell into a defensive stance, prepared for a counterattack that never came.
My hackles raised and a snarl escaped my lips as I took in the scene in front of me.
Asher and Chase growled and gnashed their teeth at the pair of sandy wolves circling them like prey. The color of their coats identified the attackers as Coastal wolves.
Why would the Coastal Pack attack Asher and Chase after their failed ambush this morning? An intelligent pack would take time to reassess and plan before making another move.
Then again, the Coastal shifters weren’t known for their patience—or their smarts.
The Coastal wolves returned the snarls, but they did not advance. They had to know they were on the losing end of the fight.
Rising from a crouch, I moved to stand beside the grey wolf.
Auburn brows raised above both wolves’ beady eyes. They hadn’t realized we were allies. Now, they knew.
The slightly larger Coastal wolf emitted a low, menacing growl. I assumed he was Tyler.
Piss-yellow eyes locked onto mine. If looks could kill, I’d be maimed at the very least.
The black wolf released a menacing growl of his own, then took a threatening step forward.
Tyler moved his glare to the massive shifter. It was three against two. While he hadn’t hesitated to attack from behind, the size of the Wilds shifters made him think twice about a second attempt.
