Awakened by the Moon

3. Micah

3

MICAH

I’ve been in South Dakota for two days, but the cabin Kara rented months ago wasn’t available until today. I had to stay two hours away, which put me in an area where it wasn’t safe to shift. There were too many other homes around. However, I did sneak out for a run, but I didn’t sense any wolves nearby. It’s probably because I wasn’t in the heart of the Black Hills mountains like I am now. I pull up to the cabin Kara stayed in, and it’s utterly alone in the woods with no other house for miles. When I get out, I take in a deep breath, hoping I can smell something, but of course, there’s nothing.

After grabbing my bag out of the trunk, I head inside and put my things in the bedroom. The sun has already set, and when I look out the window, the snow gives the land a magical glow. I pull out my phone and call Chase’s number. There has to be more Kara can tell me.

“What’s up, Lyall? You in South Dakota yet?” asks Chase when he answers the phone.

“I am. I was hoping to talk to Kara. She close by?”

“Yeah, she’s right here.” He hands her the phone, and she clears her throat.

“Hi, Micah.”

“Hey. I’m here at the cabin. I was hoping you might have more to tell me that you weren’t able to tell me before.”

“Um, let’s see,” she says, drawing out the words. “I know I saw them north of the cabin when I’d go out for my runs.”

“What about the time of day?” I ask.

“Good question. It was always around eight o’clock in the evening.”

It was just about that time. “Thanks, Kara. I made it here just in time then. It’s closing in on eight now.”

“Good luck, Micah.”

I say good-bye to both Chase and Kara and hang up. A part of me wants to be optimistic about finding the other royals, but it was four months ago. I know for a fact that Stark never liked to stay in the same place for long.

Stepping out onto the back porch, I take off my clothes and shift midair as I jump off the deck. The snow crunches underneath my paws, and behind me, there’s a trail of my large prints. Judging by the forest and the smells, it doesn’t seem like there’s been a human around in a long time. Especially the farther north I get. Slowing my pace, I look around at my surroundings and hide my presence. It’s been a long time since Stark has seen me, and I don’t want to startle him or the women if they’re around.

I sniff the air, but there are no signs of the royals. However, I can hear other animals around. Large ones. My body goes on alert, and I hunker down close to the snow to see where the animals go. They change course, coming directly for me. Whatever they are, they obviously know I’m there. How is the question. The ground rumbles as they get closer, and a few seconds later, a low growl erupts behind me. I hook a glance over my shoulder, and all I can see are glowing wolf eyes. More appear in the darkness all around me; I’m outnumbered.

A twig snaps to the side, and I jerk my attention to the man who comes out of the trees. Relief washes through me as Stark shakes his head and smiles.

“Well, well, well … it is you.”