The Moon's Pack Book 1: A Girl Among Wolves

“I will come visit for Christmas, I promise,” I urge my mom on the car Bluetooth. It has been a half hour of the same conversation so far: how I don’t visit enough, and I am too far away for her to visit. Truly, Mom just doesn’t like the cold, which is part of why I moved all the way up here, although it has been an adjustment for me too. “I will believe it when I see it, sweety. Although, that would be the best Christmas present a mother could ask for. Well, that and knowing her daughter has found a nice man.” There is a long pause as I attempt to keep my groan internal. This also is a conversation that had been had too many times to count. “Mom,” I drag out the word to emphasize I do not have any interest in having this conversation. “Or woman! I don’t mean to leave that option out if that is what you are interested in.” “Mom.” “It doesn’t matter to me as long as you’re happy and I get grandbabies.” I can hear the dreamy smile in her voice, and all I can do is sigh. “Anyway, I can’t wait to meet whoever it is at Christmas!” “But, Mom –” “Don’t worry, I will be on my best behavior. Anyway, I have to go! The ladies are here for our evening walk and talk. I love you sweet girl!” “I love you too Mom.” I can’t help but smile as we hang up, and sigh again. Oh, how she drives me nuts sometimes, but if my biggest problem is having a mom who cares too much, then I have a pretty good life. It isn’t like I have been avoiding finding someone. I have gone on a few dates since moving out here. They were all nice enough, well, almost all. I just, I never felt that warmth, spark, passion, whatever. That thing that tells me this is who I have been waiting for. I know it won’t be how Hollywood or Disney has made it out to seem, but I heard enough stories growing up to know that there has to be something there. I let out another big sigh as I focus more closely on the road. I take wildlife and landscape pictures for a living, and I heard a rumor about some rather large wolves out this way. My directions told me there was a pull-off around here that has a couple of trailheads I can follow to at least find some tracks. It was a bummer that no one could join me on this excursion today, but this didn’t seem like a project anyone really wanted a part in. I guess they are all a little scared these massive wolves would attack them. The snow makes driving a bit more treacherous in these mountains, but it should also mean any fresh tracks should be crystal clear. I got some photos a week ago of the average grey wolf and their paw prints for comparison. I wonder if these guys really are a lot bigger. If so, why? Maybe because there aren’t as many humans and poachers and hunters up this way, they are able to grow to their full potential. Finally spotting a pull-off, I park carefully. There are a few tire tracks, so others have been by recently. Perhaps they just needed to pause their journey during some heavier snowfall. Grabbing my camera vest, keys and phone, I get out. The snow not quite ankle-deep, my feet still sink into powder with a soft crunch. My camera vest was one of the best purchases I made in my short career. Instead of lugging around a big bag most of the time, there are tons of deep pockets for camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and more. I have my best camera strapped around my neck, ready to spot anything fun. Even if there are no wolves or wolf tracks today, the snow will make for some beautiful forest photos. Not to mention, all the little woodland creatures scurrying around collecting items for winter, as it doesn’t really hit for another month. At that point, these particular roads are completely shut down. Just another reason to be out here today. I set off on the marked trailhead that my colleagues recommended to me, camera at the ready for anything. For about twenty minutes or so, there is nothing out of the ordinary. I manage to get a few nice shots for the magazine, and a few artsy shots for my blog and portfolio. Then of course, I reach a fork in the trail. Although there are clear markings to continue the trail one way, something tells me I should try for the unmarked section. I could always turn around if need be after all. I start down the less maintained path, hoping that this leads to more wildlife shots, and potentially massive wolf prints. I feel all fluttery in my stomach, like something in me knows I will be seeing something important today. I pop a couple of hand warmers and put them in my designated hand pockets another twenty minutes into the excursion. The air around me suddenly feels much colder than before, and I briefly wonder if some clouds are rolling in with more snow and less sun. Continuing on, I begin telling myself just thirty more minutes before I turn back to head down the marked trail. This would have been a better idea if some had been with me, or knew I was trekking off the beaten path. A howl sounds in the distance breaking me from my fears of getting lost in the snow. Well, there are definitely wolves out this way. Another howl sounds as I begin moving faster down the path, only I am realizing it sounds pained. My heart aches for the poor creature. I wonder if poachers have found their way up here after all.