The Alpha's Treasured Luna

Chapter 10

Erica found herself standing in a wide, grassy field, the sunlight warm and high in the sky. She blinked, confused, and noticed she was barefoot, wearing a simple white gown, her hair flowing loose. “Where am I? This isn’t Amanda’s house,” she muttered, glancing around at the serene landscape.

Suddenly, a voice, soft yet urgent, cut through the air. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you for so long.”

Erica whipped around, searching for the source of the voice. “Who’s there? Show yourself!” she demanded, her confusion giving way to fear.

“You must get stronger than you’ve ever been. Trust yourself, Erica!” The voice was rushing now, panic lacing every word.

“Who are you?” Erica shouted again, but before she could get an answer, a powerful gust of wind swept across the field. The peaceful day evaporated into a cold, biting wind, and pain suddenly shot through Erica’s head, forcing her to collapse to her knees, clutching her temples.

---

“Erica! Erica, wake up!” Amanda’s voice cut through the darkness. Erica bolted upright, drenched in sweat, gasping for air. Amanda was shaking her, while Rita wiped her forehead with a damp cloth.

“Erica, you were thrashing in your sleep, screaming and clutching your head. You scared the hell out of me!” Amanda said, her voice filled with concern. Erica blinked, disoriented, the vivid dream still clinging to her mind.

“I... I had a bad dream. My head hurts,” she mumbled, her voice shaky.

Amanda exchanged a worried glance with Rita. “Still from last night?” she asked softly.

Erica didn’t know what to say. The headaches had become a constant companion lately, each more painful than the last. “I’m not sure why I keep getting them,” she admitted, rubbing her temples as if trying to push the pain away. “What time is it?”

“It’s 8 AM,” Rita said, glancing at her watch. “You should rest. I’ll make you some tea.”

Erica bolted upright, startling them both. “8 AM?! Oh no, I’m late for work! I’ve got inventory today,” she said, frantically searching for her clothes. The room was still a mess from last night’s party prep, clothes and shoes scattered everywhere.

“Are you sure you’re okay to go?” Amanda asked, watching Erica pull on a pair of jeans. “Maurice and James would understand if you took the day off.”

“I’m fine, really,” Erica replied quickly. She didn’t mention the dream or the nagging sense that something was off. She wanted to ignore it, to pretend everything was normal.

Amanda handed her a brush, and Erica sat down while she quickly styled her hair into a low bun. “You can take my truck,” Rita said, tossing her the keys. “No need to wear yourself out.”

---

Driving into town, Erica tried to shake the remnants of the dream. She turned on the radio, humming along to her favorite song, trying to focus on the familiar rather than the unsettling. But as she rounded a corner, the sight before her made her blood run cold.

A massive gray wolf, injured and bleeding, was locked in battle with three rogue wolves, their eyes glowing red with malice.

“s**t!” Erica swerved, barely avoiding the fight as she slammed on the brakes. Her heart pounded as she watched the gray wolf struggle against its attackers. Judging by its size and strength, it had to be an alpha. The rogue wolves were relentless, tearing into him with savage ferocity.

Erica’s mind raced. “I have to help him... but how?” she muttered, frustration welling up inside her. She couldn’t shift like other wolves, but she couldn’t just sit there and watch him die.

Thinking quickly, she threw the truck into reverse, speeding backward toward the rogues. The impact sent two of them flying into the trees, giving the gray wolf a momentary reprieve. Erica leaned out the window. “I’m from the Gold Moon Pack! I can’t shift, but I’ll get you help!”

To her surprise, the gray wolf locked eyes with her, his gaze piercing. He gave a slow nod before leaping into the back of the truck. Erica hesitated. Why didn’t he shift back into human form? Something about him seemed... different.

“I’ll take you to the pack hospital!” she shouted, but the wolf’s voice echoed in her head.

“No. Take me to your alpha.”

Erica froze. She had never been able to mind-link with anyone, much less an alpha. “W-Who are you?” she stammered.

“I don’t have time to explain. Take me to Aeseni,” the wolf commanded, his voice growing weaker.

Heart racing, Erica sped toward the Wayne Mansion, but before they could reach the gates, a thunderous crash shook the truck. Something massive had slammed into the vehicle, sending it tumbling off the road. Erica and the wolf were thrown violently onto the pavement.

Dazed and in pain, Erica struggled to stand. Three more rogue wolves circled her, their growls low and menacing. Blood dripped down her back from where one had slashed her during the crash. “I’ve had enough of this,” she growled through gritted teeth, adrenaline surging through her veins.

The first rogue lunged at her, but Erica moved with a speed she didn’t know she had, grabbing it by the neck and slamming it to the ground with a sickening crack. The second rogue clawed her back, but she whirled around, grabbing it by its front legs and snapping its spine in one swift motion.

Breathing heavily, Erica locked eyes with the final rogue. Her body screamed in pain, but she couldn’t stop now. The gray wolf wasn’t moving. He needed her.

With a final burst of strength, she charged at the rogue, dodging its fangs as it lunged at her. She plunged her hand into its chest, ripping out its heart in a brutal, final strike.

As the last rogue fell, Erica stumbled, her vision blurring. She staggered toward the injured wolf, her body trembling with exhaustion. “We... we need to get out of here,” she whispered, collapsing beside him as darkness overtook her.