Lone Alpha of Full Moon Forest

Daylight Rays

Isabella hummed to herself as she navigated through the rolling fields, which were adorned with wildflowers, their vibrant hues dancing beneath the caress of a gentle breeze. The distant murmur of a babbling brook comforted her while she steadily paced her way towards Full Moon forest.

She wondered at the name, Full Moon Forest, and if the rumours about moon-rituals were true. It was said rituals happened in the forest many, many years ago. Her father used to tell her tales about it, and about the cloaked priests who used to travel to the forest during sacred times. Then one day, the priests all entered, but they never came back out and that was why the rituals stopped. There were no more priests to share their teachings, so naturally, the religion died out. Now they exist only in stories spoken by parents to scare their children at night.

As she traversed the undulating landscape, the sun arced its way up the sky, casting elongated shadows that painted the fields in shifting patterns. Isabella adored the outdoors and felt a connection to the land beneath her feet whenever she walked it and with the expansive sky above. The forest appeared in the distance and beckoned her like a siren out at sea, the anticipation of what she could discover fueled her every step.

Unknown to Isabella, a wolf had been tracking her progress.

Secretive and watchful, he observed the woman with the chestnut hair intently, his eyes never leaving her form. For a moment, his attention lingered on her lips and then her breasts. He licked his muzzle. His attraction to her had intensified during the long hours of the night, an insatiable force that pulsed beneath the surface of his skin and in his c**k.

As she neared the end of her trek, the landscape changed, the fields gradually giving way to the outskirts of the forest. The towering trees loomed on the horizon, their ancient branches reaching out like gnarled fingers to touch the sky. The air, infused with the scent of pine and earth, was cool and welcoming. This was where she entered last night. She recognised the fallen tree that had refused to die and was growing awkwardly at its new angle.

She hesitated for a moment as she reached the edge of the woodland, her senses tingling with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. The lush canopy above enticed her, inviting her to explore the mysteries concealed within.

The forest embraced her with its long arms as she stepped into it. Time seemed to stretch, and her heart raced.

The clearing she had visited last night unfolded before her. She took in a breath, in awe at the beauty of the space. She hadn't appreciated it last time, her attention was focused on the wolf and searching for mushrooms. It looked like a landscape painted by ethereal hands. Moss-clad stones, worn smooth by centuries, formed a natural altar at the center. Wildflowers of every hue adorned the edges of the clearing, their petals reaching to the sky. Shafts of sunlight pierced the canopy, illuminating the space with a soft, golden glow.

Isabella spun in a circle, laughing, arms spread out. She felt joy, a pure joy like she hadn't felt before. Spinning and spinning. Then, falling to the ground, she flung back her head and breathed deeply, her hair spread out around her. She rested. But wanting to avoid falling into a slumber, she made herself sit up and decided to set up her sketching materials. The forest watched in silence as she lost herself in the parchment. Hours slipped away like floating wisps, the clearing a haven where time held no power.

The wolf, his fur shimmering even in the shadows, lingered in the thicket. His eyes followed her every movement.

Isabella's hand moved with grace as she bit her lip in focus. He could sense the sacred stone altar pulse with a feminine energy, an energy he hadn't felt for many years. He settled to the ground, still on high alert, and watched.

His thoughts a blend of longing and fascination.

As time passed by, the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the clearing. Isabella, immersed in her artistic task, felt the subtle shift in the forest's atmosphere. The air hummed with an ancient melody, and the shadows darkened around her.

It was then that the wolf, compelled by the leaving light, stepped into the clearing.

Hours had passed, yet she felt energised and drawn to continue. She had sketched the altar several times, the moss on the stones, the flowers and the surrounding trees. She realised she had forgotten to eat as her stomach rumbled.

Then, sensing his presence, she looked up from her sketchbook.

The air shimmered with anticipation as she stood, the two beings facing each other.

The wolf remained still and silent. The clearing, a stage, for the unfolding scene.

Isabella cleared her throat, unable to withstand the tension. She had hoped to see the wolf again. Reaching into her cloak pocket, she pulled out a piece of dried meat. She slowly pulled it out, keeping her eyes on the beast. The beautiful beast. And held the meat out to him, an offering of friendship.

He growled softly and shook his head.

Isabella stepped back, unsure what this meant. Then her eyes widened as she saw a subtle tremor stir beneath the wolf's fur, an unnatural sight. Moonlight wove through the creature's changing form, leaving behind a trail of otherworldly radiance. The sacred stones of the clearing rattled as if connected to the magic.

The wolf's silhouette blurred, contours melting like wax. Stardust, like confetti, spiralled around him and fell softly to the floor. In a flash of light, the change reached its climax, and a man emerged from the cloak of fur. Naked.

Tall and lean, glistening with the residual magic, he stood proudly in the clearing. His white hair framed his sharp-featured face, and his eyes, now human, held the wisdom of ancient secrets. The forest, a silent audience to the spectacle, waited patiently as the two paused for a moment.

Isabella felt a flame awaken in her, flickering with the promise of passion and the allure of the forbidden.

The wolf, now a man, a tall striking man with feral eyes, stepped closer into the waning sunlight filtering through the trees. Her heartbeat quickened. She swallowed.

"Woman," his voice, a dark melody entwined with the growl of a dangerous beast, spoke to her for the first time. His lips curved into a half-smile, revealing sharp canines that promised death.

The air thickened as Isabella found herself captivated by the man before her. Unable to speak, she cleared her throat.

Adrian, his eyes never leaving her, took a step closer. The clearing seemed to shrink, the space between them dissipating like mist.

Isabella's skin tingled as he drew closer. She needed to run, she willed herself to run. Then she felt his touch, warm and firm, as he cradled her chin in his hand, lifting her face to meet his. His eyes were oceans of unknown depths.

"Who are you?" Isabella finally whispered, her voice a fragile echo in the open space. The man's gaze held a mixture of longing and restraint.

"I am a creature of the night, bound by secrets and the call of the wild," he replied.

Odd response, she thought. "I mean, what is your name?" she asked, trying but failing to sound more confident. She needed to bide time, then run.

He tilted his head, a wolf-like movement, "Adrian Silverthorn." He stated, "Your name also escapes my knowledge?"

"Oh, my name?" She answered, "I am Isabella." She forced a smile, pulling back from his hand that still held her face. He circled her, observing her form. She forced herself still, waiting for the right time to flee. This man was dangerous. And he was naked. He was also a wolf moments ago.

"And Isabella, do you walk as a lone spirit, or does a kindred soul share the moonlit dance with you?" he asked, his hot breath tingled in her ear as he leaned in behind her.