I disregard his remark, feigning a search among the bushes for the concealed puppy. An unusual aroma abruptly wafts towards me, causing the hairs on the nape of my neck to prickle.
Jimmy perceives that something is amiss as my ears detect a distant rustling sound.
Bray’s scream reverberates across the tranquil forest, accompanied by a deep, menacing snarl. Jimmy promptly asserts control and alters his trajectory mid-sprint as we pursue the sounds of Muppet’s barking and Bray’s pleas.
I implore for your well-being, I beseech the Moon Goddess, my heart beating at the prospect of Bray being harmed.
We dash through the trees until we observe a tiny clearing ahead, Bray’s scent leading us to him. Jimmy emerges from the trees onto a clearing, where a pack of enormous, unknown wolves congregates, while Muppet barks furiously at the invaders. They do not seem to be rogues, as their fur is lustrous and meticulously groomed, and their physique is robust and muscular. Two of them seem to be Alphas, their fur as black as night, each adorned with a solitary white patch on their foreheads, signifying an Alpha bloodline among typical alpha wolves. One seems to be more aged than the other, exuding an aura of authority.
The younger Alpha has Bray by the collar of his shirt, his cheeks marked by weeping. The situation provokes Jimmy into a wild rage, but before he can attack, three River Moon guards arrive in their wolf form, positioning themselves between the Alphas and me.
Jimmy growls and forcefully manoeuvres past the guards, exposing his teeth at the Alpha who is keeping Bray captive. The Alpha scrutinises me with critical eyes, exuding arrogance as he expands his chest to establish his superiority. Jimmy, meanwhile, is indifferent to the Alpha’s strength. The scoundrel possessed our puppy, and we were determined to retrieve him.
“Thus! Mother!” Bray whimpers, substantial tears cascading down his cheeks.
Reflecting on my training with Josie this morning, I dismantle my defences and attune myself to the myriad streams of thoughts inundating my head until I discern the Alpha’s voice. I construct my mental barriers to ensure that his voice is the sole one I perceive.
“Who does this Moonlit Wolf presume to challenge me?” the Alpha contemplates, with Jimmy growling in reply.
“It would be prudent to set the puppy down,” Jimmy growls, his lips curving back as his fur bristles. “Unless you desire me to alter the minor blemish on your visage!”
The Alpha gazes at me momentarily, somewhat astonished to perceive my wolf’s voice within his mind.
“In what manner the-”
“I instructed you to release my puppy!” Jimmy commands, the Alpha’s body abruptly stiffening as if entranced.
A translucent black film envelops the Alpha’s eyes as he delicately places Bray before him, his eyes reverting to normal as he gazes up at me.
The Muppet hastens to console Bray, gently licking his tears as he weeps. I advance, positioning my substantial paws on either side of Bray to shield him with my physique while I scowl at the two Alphas and their companions. The River Moon sentinels emit an alarm, and the previously tranquil woodland reverberates with the cacophony of pounding paws, growls, and howls.
I dismantle the barriers I constructed, instilling my directives in the minds of the intruders.
“Step back!” I command, a dark film obscuring their sight as they comply with my directive.
Bray trembles beneath me as he grips Muppet by the neck, his little whimpers piercing my heart. I never wish to witness him in such a state of fear again.
Jimmy gazes at the small puppy nestled between his legs and affectionately nuzzles his face, wiping away the tears from his cheeks with his tongue.
“It is acceptable, Bray. I am present,” I murmur, establishing a connection between us.
His expansive eyes enlarge as he gazes upward at me, his apprehensions dissipating upon recognising my eyes, which have reverted to their warm brown hue.
“So?” he enquires, hesitantly extending his small hand to caress my snout.
I incline towards his hand, allowing his fingers to caress my fur. A faint smile forms on his lips as his previously pounding heart suddenly stabilises.
“Hello, Bray,” I whisper, as Bray nestles his face into my soft neck.
A gateway materialises beside me, with Josie emerging alongside Andrew. He is in his wolf form and appears displeased to encounter the encroaching Alphas and their wolves. The wolves all defer to the Queen, however they do not appear to be her pals, while the River Moon guards remain vigilant as additional guards arrive at the location.
“Are you well?” Josie enquires, concern evident on her face as she observes Bray nestled against my b****t.
I nod to convince her that the puppy is unharmed, relief evident on her face before she turns to confront the invaders.
Josie addresses the older Alpha, Jacque, with a composed demeanour, her tone imbued with a chill. “What is the purpose of your visit?”
