Two

The ride to Silver Moon’s territory wasn’t the longest trip Daniel had endured but it was still long. The further north they travelled, the more wild and untamed the landscape seemed to get. The sun had disappeared over night and the Hellhounds had headed out under granite grey clouds that hung thick and heavy over the land. The wind had picked up, wet and cold and biting into any exposed flesh without apology. 

They passed towns and cities, each smaller than the last until it seemed there was no life left out on the moors except the handful of men and women on bikes and in trucks. They were speeding down the road which sliced through the never-ending blanket of grey boulders covered in pale moss and rust coloured flora that dipped and rose like waves, frozen in time. The road was surprisingly well paved despite its remoteness, the black asphalt shot off into the distance and eventually disappeared from view under the looming mountain range. 

It was getting dark by the time the first signs of the Silver Moon’s territory came into view. The light turned blue as the last dying rays of the sun tried and failed miserably to cut through the thick cloud. The wind had picked up considerably and the scent of sea air hit them as they closed in on the pack house. Even all these miles away from the coast Daniel could tell the sea was rough, wild, unpredictable and dangerous. 

'We have company.' Slade muttered through the mind-link.

Glancing in the mirror of his bike, Daniel spotted the black vehicles following them. They maintained a respectable distance as did the wolves now running across the moor, following them towards their destination. A lazy bend in the road led them across the side of a hill and within seconds the land opened up to show the Silver Moon pack’s home spread across surprisingly flat land that was a patchwork of greens and blacks. The floodplain sat cuddled between steep rising hills on one and ran off until it hit the coast.

It wasn’t hard to spot the pack house. It was an unusual shape, like an asterisk made of natural grey stone and a red roof. Spread out around the Packhouse with no rhyme or reason were smaller buildings. Some were detached and settled comfortably into the lush green land while others were semi-detached. Warm specks of light dotted the road leading up to the Packhouse and in the windows of the cottages and homes hinting at life within the walls of the quaint looking houses. 

'I didn’t think these hippies knew what electricity was.' Someone muttered through the mind-link. 

'Shut-it Luke.' Slade replied but not before a few amused chuckles echoed on the waves. 

It took another fifteen minutes before the travelers slowly rolled into the entrance of the pack house grounds, the growl of the engines roaring through the frigid winter air. The vehicles following them never let up however the wolves they had seen were now gone having broken away when they reached the first building. 

Rolling to a stop on the gravel of the Packhouse’s drive, Daniel was very aware of the dozens of pairs of eyes on him and the others. It seemed the whole pack had made an appearance to welcome them. A soft scent sat in the air, Daniel’s picking it up the minute he pulled down the scarf he had used to help keep his face warm. It was faint but he could pick up the delicate but distinct notes of pear, bergamot and vanilla. The scent perked Daniel’s wolf up instantly. Hades was rarely interested in anything except proving he was top dog and sleep but Daniel could picture the large black wolf now, his ears perked, amber eyes still but his black nose twitching as if trying to figure something out. 

“Slade Wolfe!” A male voice boomed, breaking the silence. “As I live and breathe!” 

Daniel watched curiously as a man with fiery red hair and a matching beard practically stormed down the steps of the pack house entrance. 

“Axl Larson! Are you still alive?” Slade met the man for a bear hug, patting each other on the back. 

“Can’t get rid of me that easily. Trust me, Nora has tried.” The man who was called Axl replied with a playful smirk and accent that Daniel guessed was Norwegian. 

There was something familiar about the man but Daniel had little time to question it as the giant doors of the pack house opened and several men and women of different ages stepped out headed up by a woman with smooth skin the colour of coffee. She was dressed in a vibrant green and gold flowing kaftan which was cinched at the waist by a gold plated belt. Her mass of espresso coloured girls were pulled back and sat on top of her head. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to work out this was Eshe but then again, Daniel had seen plenty of pictures of her. She seemed to have never aged. Her onyx eyes were bright and wonderful, sparkling in the light that bathed the congregation. 

"Alpha Slade Wolfe, it is so good to see you again after all these years." Eshe spoke, her voice warm with the hint of an accent. 

"Eshe, it's been so long." Slade was being uncharacteristically warm, giving the petite woman a hug before lifting a hand to his son. "You remember Daniel." 

"I do!" The woman gasped and took Daniel's hands in hers, her eyes sparkling mysteriously as she regarded the young man. Daniel instantly felt a calming energy spread through his hands and up his arms. "You were just a baby when I last saw you and now you are all grown up looking and acting every bit the Alpha you are." 

"Well not Alpha yet." Daniel replied.

"Ah yes," the elder gave a knowing look. "My child, the goddess sent me a message for you about a gift that you are ready to receive. Come, there is someone you need to meet." 

The whole situation felt strange to Daniel. He wasn't used to seeing people look at him or his pack with kind eyes. There was no fear, no judgement, no malice or suspicion. Everyone was warm as if welcoming home long lost friends. 

With Kade at his side, Daniel followed Slade and Eshe into the pack house. It was fairly light and modern with cream walls and light wood beams and trim. The hallway opened up into the central part of the building where werewolves were milling around, some in black uniforms and others in civilian clothing. There was seating and plants and art giving it a grand but welcoming feel. The further they walked the more intoxicating the scent grew. It wrapped around Daniel like a breeze, teasing and luring. He felt his heart racing a little and a flutter in his chest as his limbs moved on their own accord to follow an invisible trail to some unknown but anticipated destination. 

They came to what looked like a dining hall. Daniel thought he could smell food but he didn't care as his eyes scanned the new faces as if looking for something but he could fathom what. 

Then he saw her. 

Time seemed to stand still as Daniel registered the woman. Her reddish auburn hair was in a ponytail putting her heart shaped face on display. Her almond shaped eyes were hazel but gave her a feline quality despite the fact she was clearly a werewolf. Her skin was creamy and smooth and her full lips opened softly in surprise as she felt the bond click between them just like Daniel did. It was practically audible, like someone snapping the last piece of a puzzle into place.

"Daniel, this is Eva…" Eshe began speaking but Daniel wasn't listening. 

He couldn't feel himself moving but with a few long strides, he was in front of the mysterious woman, his heart was racing and a primal part of him propelled him forward on instinct. For a moment she looked like a deer in the headlights when one of Daniel's gloved hands grabbed her arm, the other cupping the back of her neck gently. His eyes dilated as the bond strengthened, his human and wolf instincts giving in naturally to the spell.

"You're the one." He growled as he stared into her eyes, ignoring the shocked gasps from everyone witnessing the moment and the knowing smile on Eshe's face. 

"Eva is your mate." The Ouma confirmed, announcing to the whole room proudly. "Your gift from the goddess herself."