Moon's Blood: when destiny defies duty

Jace pov. The dream clawed at me, refusing to let go. Red hair, like flames dancing in the wind. Green eyes that pierced my soul. I suddenly woke up, my heart racing as the sheets were wrapped around my legs. I was sweating on my forehead while attempting to rid myself of the lasting images. "Damn," I murmured, running my fingers through my hair. The electronic clock on my bedside table shone a judgmental 4:37 AM. No point trying to sleep now. I put my bare feet on the cold hardwood floor as I moved my legs off the bed. The coldness made me feel more connected to reality, making the remnants of the dream disappear. But, I couldn't rid myself of the sense of unease I was feeling. Something was coming. I can feel it deep within my bones. Descending the stairs as the initial rays of morning light filtered through the curtains. The pack house was quite, most of the others were still asleep. Good. I needed time to gather my thoughts before facing them. I stood on the back porch. Taking in a deep breath. I breathed in the crisp morning air. Carrying the scents of pine and earth. My territory. My responsibility. "You're up early." I didn't turn at Luna's voice. My Beta had always had an uncanny ability to sense when something was off with me. "Couldn't sleep," I said simply. She came to stand beside me, her violet eyes studying my face. "Bad dreams again?” I grunted noncommittally. Luna knew me too well to be fooled by deflection, but she also knew when not to push. We stood in companionable silence, watching the forest come alive with the new day. "I'll start gathering the others for the patrol," Luna said after a few minutes. "Unless you want to cancel?" I shook my head. "No. We stick to the schedule.” The unsettling dream didn't stop me from ensuring the safety of the pack. "I'll be there in ten minutes." Luna agreed with a nod and went back indoors. I took a final deep breath, preparing myself for the day ahead. I was prepared to confront whatever was coming directly. I was the Alpha of the Blood Moon pack. I didn't have the luxury of giving in to vague premonitions. By the time I joined the others in the clearing behind the pack house, Luna had them assembled and waiting. About a dozen wolves lounged in the dewy grass, some still yawning and rubbing sleep from their eyes. I looked at them, analyzing. "Okay, pay attention," I shouted, my voice reaching everyone in the clearing. Suddenly, all attention shifted towards me. "We've got reports of increased hunter activity near our borders. Today's mission is focused on collecting information, not getting into combat. Stay alert and vigilant, and notify of any abnormalities you encounter. Questions?" An eager face, which I had partially anticipated, had a hand instantly raised. “Yes, Finn?" The young wolf practically vibrated with excitement. "Will we get to see any actual hunters? I mean, not to fight them or anything, just... you know... see them?” I suppressed a sigh. Finn's passion was admirable, yet it could be dangerous if he wasn't careful. "The goal is to avoid detection, Finn. This isn't a field trip." Finn's face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Right, sorry. I'll be careful, I promise." "See that you are," I said, letting a hint of Alpha authority seep into my voice. Finn straightened, suddenly looking more alert. Good. He needed to take this seriously. "If there's nothing else," I continued, addressing the group, "let's move out. Luna, take point. I'll bring up the rear." As the others began to shift, I caught Luna's eye. She gave me a slight nod, understanding the unspoken message. Keep an eye on Finn. I am not doubting the kid's ability, but his inexperience made him a good target out there which could be dangerous for him. The familiar rush of the change swept through me. Bones cracked and reformed, fur sprouted across my skin. In moments, a massive black wolf stood where I had been. I shook out my coat, relishing the heightened senses that came with this form. We moved out in formation, Luna leading the way with practiced ease. I remained in the background, ensuring to closely monitor the group. The forest echoed with bird chirps and small creatures scurrying, but a feeling of discomfort hung in the air. The wildlife sensed our presence, predators among them. As we neared the border of our territory, a faint scent caught my attention. I inhaled deeply, parsing through the forest smells. There – barely perceptible, but unmistakable. Silver and gunpowder. Hunters. A low growl rumbled in my chest. The others picked up on it immediately, hackles rising. I saw Luna's ears swivel back towards me, questioning. I gave a short bark – continue, but with caution. We pressed on, senses on high alert. The hunter scent grew stronger as we approached a clearing. Luna slowed our pace, creeping forward with silent paws. Upon reaching the tree line, I observed what had caught her interest. In the middle of the open space stood a big oak tree with a crude engraving on its bark. Even from afar, I could identify the symbol - a stylized crossbow, the emblem of the White Hunters. The wounds on the bark were fresh, with sap oozing out. Finn whimpered quietly, with his tail tucked beneath him. I couldn't hold him responsible.This was a blatant provocation, a warning left right on the edge of our territory. The hunters were getting bolder. I moved slowly, smelling around the tree's base. The hunters who had left the scent were hours gone, but that didn't mean they had already left the area. We had to go back to the pack house and strategize our next move. As I turned to signal a retreat, a flash of movement caught my eye. A red object swiftly moving among the trees on the opposite side of the open space. I felt a sudden overwhelming desire, causing my heart to jump into my throat. What the hell! I took a step forward without realizing, pulled by an invisible power. Although the logical part of my mind warned of danger, I couldn't ignore the urge to investigate. Luna's concerned whine snapped me back to reality. I shook my head, tryng to think clearly. What was wrong with me? I was the Alpha. I couldn't go chasing after hallucinations while my pack was in danger. With effort, I tore my gaze away from the treeline. I struggled to look away from the line of trees. I signaled for them to retreat, observing as they all faded away into the forest. It wasn't until I was certain they had left safely that I allowed myself a final glance at the spot where I had noticed the red object. Nothing. Just trees and shadows. I ran after my pack, but I still felt like I had overlooked something important. Something that would change everything. The trip back to the pack house was tense, everyone on edge after the discovery of the hunter's mark. I could sense the questions brewing, the worry radiating off my wolves in waves. They would be looking to me for answers, for reassurance. I didn't have any to give. As we neared home, I made a decision. Shifting back to human form, I called out to Luna. She turned, c*****g her head in question. I motioned towards the pack house, instructing to bring them back. "I'll conduct another sweep to make sure we haven't overlooked anything." Luna narrowed her eyes. She shifted, her lithe gray form melting into human features. "You sure that's wise?" she asked, voice low. "Going alone?" I met her gaze steadily. "I'll be fine. Just need to clear my head.” After observing me for a while, she finally nodded in agreement. “Don't do anything foolish. If you're not back within an hour, I'll search for you.” "”Got it." I managed a wry smile. "Try to keep Finn from starting a war while I'm gone." Luna snorted. "No promises." She turned to the others, already shifting back. "Alright, you heard the Alpha. Back to base.” I observed as they departed, patiently waiting for them to disappear before heading back towards the border. The tug that I had experienced before was still present, a persistent itch at the back of my mind. I had to find out the meaning of it. The forest was now more quite, with the usual sounds of birds and small animals lessened. They sensed the hunters' presence, just as we did. I moved carefully, alert for any sign of danger. As I neared the clearing with the marked tree, that strange feeling intensified. I felt my heart beating rapidly, with sweaty palms. What on earth was wrong with me? Behaving like a smitten dog instead of the leader of a powerful pack in the region. A twig snapped somewhere to my left. I became motionless, ready to act with every muscle tense. Gradually, I shifted my gaze in the direction of the noise. There – a flash of red between the trees. The same vibrant shade from my dream. I started moving before I could change my mind. My face was lashed by branches as I lunged through the thick forest, compelled by a mysterious force. I had to know. Had to see. I burst into another small clearing, chest heaving.. I momentarily believed I had lost the trail. Then I saw her. At the far edge of the open space, she held up her bow and had an arrow ready to fire. Her shoulders were framed by long red hair, and her face took my breath away. Her eyes were a dazzling emerald green color that appeared to see right through me. Time froze. Both of us stood still, unable to react as we experienced a shared sense of shock and realization. I had a deep certainty in my bones that she was the woman I had dreamt about. The person I had been waiting for all my life without realizing it. My mate. The idea had just begun to take shape when multiple events occurred at once. Her eyes grew wide, a horrified expression appeared on her lovely face. She had a twitch in her fingers while holding the bowstring. Suddenly, I felt an intense pain in my shoulder. I was confused. Looking down, I saw a silver-tipped arrow embedded in my skin. I leaned to the side as the world spun, feeling a burning sensation in my veins. When I glanced back, she had vanished. Only the lingering scent of gunpowder and something uniquely her remained. As the silver worked its way through my system, one thought echoed in my mind: I had to find her again. Then darkness claimed me, and I knew no more