The Last Spirit Wolf (Elena Norwood) novel Chapter 1

-Vera-

I’ve been tossing and turning all night, hoping tonight of all nights I could get some decent sleep. The clock on my nightstand reads 4 a.m.; it’s time to get up and I’ve barely even rested. I put on my leggings, sports bra, a loose tank top, my running shoes and take off.

The forest at this time of day is breathtaking; only the soft glow of the impending day lights my way. The birds have begun to wake up and sing, the night critters are making their way back to their dens, and the mist in between the trees makes everything seem so alive.

I stop at my usual spot, on the cliff that hugs our famed waterfall. It’s about 10 miles from the pack house and now only visited for special ceremonies or celebrations. It’s a shame people don’t come to admire it more often.

The Jade Waterfall gets its name from all the green that surrounds it. A thin, vibrant layer of moss found nowhere else covers the 60-foot cliff from which the water falls; the deep pool at its end is of crystal-clear water revealing all the rocky, green terrain underneath. Under the right moonlight, the entire waterfall appears to be made of pure jade. Its gentle fall of water also makes this the perfect place to meditate.

Closing my eyes, I begin to stretch, breathe, and clear my mind but as I’m about to sit down, I feel everything around me still and a chill runs down my spine. My eyes frantically scan the surroundings, from tree to tree, from plant to plant. The forest is trying to tell me something is wrong and alarm bells ring in my head, fear creeping up my spine.

Well, ‘morning to you, too- I interrupt her before she can continue.

I need scouts by the Jade Waterfall.

Vera, what’s wrong?

I don’t know yet, but –

Yes, I know.

Not ten minutes later about twenty-five scouts are joining me, feeling the same tension in the air I do when they approach. Our Alpha arrives shortly after, accompanied by her mate in wolf form. We are all feeling uneasy, but none more so than I. Even in human form, no one is more attuned to the forest than me. Our Alpha speaks first,

“Whatever this is, it isn’t only affecting Vera. Everyone, gather in pairs and search the forest starting from the north side. Keep me informed.”

The scouts do as they’re told, rushing into the forest with a howl. Our Alpha turns to me,

“You should head back with us, Vera. You have an important day ahead of you.”

“If you don’t mind, Alpha -” She grunts.

“If you don’t mind… Sofia… I’m going to stay here a little longer. Maybe I can help.”

Sofia, our Alpha, is the daughter of the previous Alpha and my best friend. We’ve known each other since we were young and know everything about each other, but now that she is our Alpha, this knowledge feels a little intrusive. It doesn’t even feel proper to call her by her name anymore. She gives me a worried look,

“Please be safe, you may be one of the best warriors we have, but you still can’t shift. Whatever is out there, is strong enough for us all to be uneasy.”

I lower my head at this and she sighs. The fact that I have not yet been able to shift has been a great concern of mine. Any decent wolf can transform by the age of 12. I’m 23 and still can’t connect with my wolf; sometimes it makes me wonder if I’m a werewolf at all.

I notice Sofia trying to waddle her way onto her husband’s back. She hates riding him like this, but in her very pregnant state, he has given her no choice. I help her climb on top and he gently stands, bowing his head my way in a silent ‘thank you’. Sofia squeezes my hand before letting go and taking off with her mate.

Once they’re out of sight, I take my shoes off and crouch on the ground, putting both my hands deep in the soil. I take a deep breath, and begin. Goosebumps rise all over my body as I connect to the forest. The wind has once again begun to blow, easing the stuffiness that was there before.

I clear my mind and focus only on my senses; how humid the air I breathe feels, how my hair blows at the wind’s whim, how all the hairs on my body are standing to attention.

5 minutes

15 minutes

30 minutes

Despite my best efforts, I sense nothing. It seems that whatever was there is gone along with the eerie feeling. With a sigh, I take my shoes in my hand and begin walking barefoot through the forest, heading back to the pack house.

As I near the edge of the forest with the pack house in sight, the wind begins to blow on my back and I stop in my tracks. I don’t even have to turn around to sense it. I lift my face to sniff the air and it’s unmistakable.

•  

Did he just whisper… mate?