Chapter 56: The First Hunt
ARIA POV
I crouched low in the tall grass, my silver wolf form perfectly still. Thirty wolves waited behind me, their eyes locked on my tail for the cue. The massive elk group grazed peacefully ahead, unaware of our presence.
This wasn’t just any hunt. This was my first hunt as Alpha – a custom older than any wolf could remember. If I failed, the pack would see it as a sign the Moon Goddess had made a mistake picking me.
No pressure.
Ready? Kael’s thoughts touched mine through our link.
As I’ll ever be, I answered, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.
I raised my tail slightly. The hunting party tensed, ready to spring. With one quick move, I dropped my tail and lunged forward.
The pack exploded into motion behind me. The elk scattered in fear as we raced toward them. I locked my eyes on the largest bull – custom demanded the Alpha take down the lead animal.
But as I closed in, something felt wrong. A smell carried on the wind – wolves that weren’t from our pack. My instincts screamed danger.
Ambush! I called through the pack link. Left side!
Just as the warning left my mind, five huge black wolves burst from the trees. They weren’t here for the elk. They were here for me.