The Human In The Wolf Pack
Chapter 28

Rider’s arms. It was a place I had longed for, even when I knew I had to forget them. It was warm, safe. An emotion I couldn’t quite place was climbing up my throat as I was crushed into his embrace. I could feel the familiar beating of his heart, the soothing rhythm of each breath. I couldn’t hold back my tears as he held me. Whenever I was with him, I felt like I could be weak for a moment, that he would protect me. I pulled away slightly, to look at my mate. He seemed hesitant to pull away even an inch, but his tired, grey eyes met mine once again.

It was shocking to see Rider like this. Of course, he was still beautiful beyond belief, but he looked exhausted. He had lost weight. His muscular, bulky figure was leaner now, his face more haggard. He had deep, dark bags under his eyes, and had grown a beard. His dark hair was longer too, and unkept. What had happened since I was gone? How had he changed so much? Well, we didn’t have much time until Reviera would come, but I would make sure to catch up on everything I missed. For now though, there were still things to do.

I turned, my focus going on the forest behind me and quickly sensed their location.

Bring the others. I commanded, speaking telepathically with the group.

Rustling was heard amongst the trees as they began to move. Rider instantly went on edge, a low growl leaving his throat as he clutched me closer, a feral need to protect me rising in him. The other wolves who had been rejoicing over my return instantly sobered, their hackles raising as their fur stood on edge, eyes facing the threat. I stepped forward, momentarily gaining their attention.

“Please do not be afraid. I wanted to introduce you all to people who mean a lot to me. They are not an enemy, and would never hurt you,” I told the wolves, smiling calmy.

They seemed to relax slightly, but were still tense as the figures of the Gifted broke through the tree line. The faces of the first wave, consisting of seventy Gifted watched the wolves, unsure and on edge. The Pack faced them with the same energy, suspicious of the strangers that had made their way onto pack grounds. Three familiar figures stood at the front of the group, and I met their eyes with a comforting smile, letting them know that everything would be fine.

Afterall, not too long ago, the Gifted were regular humans who knew nothing about the world of the supernatural. Werewolves were an existence that only belonged in fairy tales, but now they were facing an entire pack.

“Luna Vera, welcome back,” A familiar voice said, drawing my attention to Rider’s Beta, Blake.

I smiled warmly at the man, while he had lowered his head in respect.

“Beta Blake, it’s so good to see you. How is Claire? She had her pup last year, didn’t she?”

“Claire is fine, Luna, just a bit tired being a new mother, but I do need to ask. Who have you brought onto pack lands?” His voice was nervous as his eyes flickered between mine and the Gifted.

“Allow me to introduce you all to my allies. I’m sorry, this all must be so shocking, but time is limited right now. These people are the first wave of the Gifted. They are good, kind people who have done a lot to take care of me. You can trust them,” I explained, turning to Rider who had been oddly quiet.

“Rider, these three are my most trusted lieutenants: Tristan, Ariel and Eliza.” I watched Rider’s eyes take in Ariel’s white blonde hair and the way the wind rushed around it even though there was no breeze.

Next he observed Eliza, her big golden eyes and dark skin, and the snakes that surrounded her feet like happy puppies seeking her attention, curling around her legs. But still, her precious python was wrapped around her shoulders, as he always was. He was a massive snake, thicker than my forearm and over twice as long. Next Tristen. The two stared at each other for a moment then Rider’s nostrils flared and his calm, calculative gaze turned murderous. My body moved on it’s own accord, throwing myself between the two. Rider growled, a low, b***d thirsty sound as his eyes switched from gold to grey over and over as he wrestled with his wolf.

“You took her!” He roared, his eyes staying bright gold for a moment too long, and I knew his wolf was close to breaking through.

“Rider, stop this!” I say, moving closer to him, trying to calm his wolf.

“You’re the reason she was gone for twenty months! Do you know what that did to my pack?! People died trying to replace her! How dare you, when she was never yours to take!”

My heart stuttered in my chest, shocked. Died? What did he mean? What happened while I was away? Looking around, there was something different about the pack, they weren’t the same as how I left them. Sensing my growing unease, Tristan stepped forward. He moved to separate me from Rider, uneasy with me being so close to a Wolf struggling to keep his composure. Rider snarled, quickly hiding me behind him. The wolves reacted with their Alpha, raising their hackles and going on the defense to protect their Luna.

“Tristen, it’s fine. Rider is your King,” I reminded him, peeking out from behind my mate’s large form. Tristan bowed his head, stepping back silently. I sighed, the situation was getting out of hand. I had to calm Rider down before things escalated more.

Ri, calm down, baby.

Shock went through him, his grey eyes swinging to me. I smiled, placing my hand on his arm, hoping my touch would help defuse the remaining animosity.

“How’d you do that?” He demanded, eyes wide with surprise.

Do what? I asked him, telepathically.

“That! You can innesciate the mind link?” He asked, joy lighting his eyes. I grinned.

“Just one of my many talents,” I stated, kissing his cheek. His smile, the one that always made my heart skip a beat, lit his face.

It was beautiful, and instantly, all the tension left the air as he swept me up in his arms, spinning me as I giggled. The wolves and the Gifted began to mix, and I watched it all happily. I had trained hard, every moment since I left, dreaming of the day that both of my people could become one. I smiled, joy rising in my chest as I looked up at Rider.

I’m home.