THE LONE WOLF

Chapter 1: THE LONE WOLF

It was early morning, when Phillip, the Alpha of the Black Moon Pack, strolled through the forest, the aroma of pine and freshly fallen snow filled the air. The atmosphere was soothing and encouraged someone to walk tirelessly. The sunrise casts soft yellow light as it breaks through the clouds, illuminating a calm and peaceful scene. It was a fresh winter morning. He cherished the tranquility and serenity of the forest as he inspected his territory's borders. As he went, the snow crunched beneath his boots, and he felt a sensation of serenity sweep over him.

While he made his way through the woodland, the sound of crackling leaves filled the air. As he went, the leaves cracked beneath his boots, his eyes scrutinizing his surroundings for any signs of danger. Phillip was a huge, strong werewolf with deep blue eyes and glittering black fur in the night. He was the head of the Black Moon Pack, a pack that was previously dreaded by everyone who knew about it. Yet Phillip had worked hard to reverse that impression, to make his pack one that everyone admired and respected.

He'd lost his partner years before, and the grief still tormented him. His carelessness had cost him dearly, and he had endured years following attempting to make amends. He was a better leader today, but there was still a void inside him.

The lone werewolf awoke from her rest as the moon began to fade in the sky. She sighed as she struggled to clear her thoughts of the fog, unable to recall how she had landed up there amid the forest.

She lurched to her feet, confused and disoriented, feeling the weight of her wolf form pushing down on her. She pawed at her snout and ears as if attempting to shake off the forgotten memories.

She studied her surroundings for any hints that could help her recall what had happened. The trees towered above, spreading lengthy shadows across the forest floor.

The aroma of pine and mist flooded her senses, and she could hear a trickling creek in the distance.

She took a few tentative steps forward, her senses alert as she sought to piece together her past. The noise of a woman's voice and the feeling of rushing through the woods with a pack of wolves flashed across her consciousness.

But nothing made sense to her. What was her real name? What had become of her? And why, deep within her bones, did she feel such a primordial, animalistic urge?

Her uncertainty turned to panic as she stumbled deeper into the trees. What if she was at threat?

As Phillip confidently walked into the forest his calmness was short-lived, he noticed a movement of some leaves out of the corner of his eye. Curiosity caught him, but he hesitated momentarily and figured out what would be. Cautiously he turned to find what was causing that movement. He saw a snake trying to catch a rat. He paused for some time and continue moving. He didn’t want to be reckless in any move he takes to prevent subjecting the pack to threat or danger

He heard bird sounds flying from leaf to leaf, ignored them, and get on his mission. The sound of a twig snapping disturbed Phillip’s thoughts as he proceeded. He came to a halt and listened closely, his senses on high alert. He brushed it off and started going, but he couldn't get rid of the feeling that he was being watched.

After walking for while he heard something moving. In his mind, he got an idea of the enemy invading his territory. He mind-linked his patrol team to ensure they were safe and didn’t encounter any enemy nearby. They assured him of safety and that everything was in place. He used his senses to follow the direction where the sounds came from.

He found an injured young werewolf huddled behind a tree. She was cautiously watching him.  As he staggered into the woodland, the lone wolf's eyes were wide and wild with dread. Her pupils were dilated, making her eyes appear larger than usual. Her fur was matted and blood-stained, and her body was stiff with adrenaline as she fought to push past the pain of her injuries.

When she heard Phillip’s wolf growling, her muscles stiffened even more, ready to fight or run. Her body was covered in goosebumps as primitive terror raced over her, leaving her cold and vulnerable in the face of peril. Her body shivered with panic as she comprehended the entire gravity of the situation Her heart was beating rapidly and her breathing was strained. She had difficulty keeping up with Phillip's larger, stronger wolf attack.

The lone wolf's body was tortured with anguish and terror and her eyes revealed the entire amount of her despair and desperation. She realized she couldn't compete with Phillip and felt her life slipping away.

Phillip saw the terror in her eyes and understood she was scared and unfamiliar with the region.

"Who are you?" Phillip queried.

"What exactly are you doing here?"

The lone wolf paused for a beat before responding. "I am Luna," she muttered. "I'm looking for a group. I don't own one."

What brought you here, and how did you come? Phillip questioned.

Luna thought for a moment and explained to Phillip. I recall nothing, along with how I came here. Phillip's heart melted and felt mercy for her when he saw how scared and curled, she was. He decided to take the defenseless young werewolf, Luna, who was alone and afraid in the forest. He knew how difficult it was to be without a pack because the pack provided them with a sense of community, protection, and belonging, which was essential for their mental and physical well-being. It was well-recognized that werewolves were sociable creatures who required the companionship of other werewolves to flourish and he also knew he couldn't leave her out here alone.

"Come with me," he urged, motioning for her to do so. "I'll accompany you to my pack. We'll protect you."

Luna didn’t believe what she heard from Alpha Phillip, she didn’t think he will be this easy to take her in, and due to some tragedies, that happened to his pack in the past it would be hard to trust her instantly. It was hard for most pack Alpha to accept strangers without knowing their background by either making cross-checks of their packs or intense interrogation, some are used as spies for gathering information however, Phillip was different. Luna paused for a while, thinking of the Alpha’s words before nodding and following Phillip through the jungle.

As they progressed farther into the forest, the snow got deeper and the trees became denser, forming an almost impassable wall of dark, gnarled branches. The woodland floor was dangerous, with concealed roots and rocks waiting to trip the unwary visitor.

The whispers of the wind through the branches and the crunching of snow beneath their feet were occasionally the only sounds heard. The only sound in the forest was the occasional bird or animal calling out, adding to the spooky ambiance.

Despite the snow-covered forest's beauty, there was a strong sense of danger and mystery that hovered over it like a shroud, making it both attractive and unsettling.

At the end of the dense forest, they reach Alpha Phillip’s pack. It was situated in the middle surrounded by thick forests and mountainous ranges

As they walked in the pack the aroma of freshly baked bread, grilled meat, and roasted coffee wafts from the open doors of houses, blending with the fragrant blooms of colorful gardens and window boxes. Luna’s stomach growled; she hasn’t eaten for a long time. The only thing she worried about was her safety. She wished to get some food but didn’t dare to ask. She waited till Phillip gave her.

The kids in the pack laugh and play, chasing one other around the fountain while their parents converse and catch up on the latest news.

The sound of horses' feet on the cobblestones was heard as their carts and wagons are loaded with various commodities carried by the merchants. The clang and sparks of the blacksmith's craft fill the air as he hammers away at a flaming piece of metal in his open-air workshop.

Alpha Phillip took Luna into his packhouse. It was situated near a hillside where he could climb and oversee the pack at large and their borders. He chose this area for security purposes. He used his binoculars to inspect his pack borders while on top of the hill. Due to technological advancement, he had also installed some security systems and traps in areas with potential attacks and near rival packs.

 His house was a two-story modern building with a balcony at the front, surrounded by an attractive garden with well-trimmed grasses and flowers of all kinds. There were several rooms at the ground level for visitors and pack members who worked with the Alpha. His room was on the top floor. He took Luna to the dining room and provide her with food, he called his beta Daniel and introduced him to Luna.