Page 1 of Amaris Rejected (Stone Mountain Shifters #2)

On a calm, moonlit night eighteen years ago, the cries of an abandoned little one shattered the stillness. The Little Silver Creek Pack enjoys their monthly run when they come across a distressed pup. Its mouth quivers, and its face is wet with tears; the wails give way to snuffles as its tiny body jerks with each breath. A young she-warrior slips into her skin and gently cradles it to her chest. Feeling her warmth, the crying ceases, soothed and quieted beneath the she-wolf’s touch.

Aware of the situation in his wolf skin, Alpha Black commands, "Irena, take the pup to the unmated females’ cabin. I think a couple of younger she-wolves didn't join the run. I'll make arrangements when I return."

"Yes, Alpha," Irena replies. Pulling it close, she notices an odd amulet on its chest, a small circular pendant with a wolf howling at the moon. Wrapping the pup snugly in its blanket, she runs back to the compound.

A stealthy lone wolf stands sentinel on a nearby cliff, watching the activity below with sharp eyes. Far enough away to avoid detection, he carefully positions himself in the shadows of the outcrop to observe the pup’s rescue.

Standing upwind, no scent or sound reaches the pack, and the darkness conceals him. Before starting this mission tonight, he covered himself in mud to further disguise his scent and identity.

Tracking the pack’s movements carefully from his vantage point, he remains still as death, eyeing them warily.

Always vigilant and protective, the Alpha raises his head and sniffs, assessing the surrounding area and the safety of the wolves he leads. He growls menacingly, though only a warning, he turns and continues his run with the pack close behind.

The silent wolf turns away and slips back into the night, a ghostly figure, undetected and secure in the knowledge that the pup, cradled in the she-wolf’s arms, is now safe from the danger that loomed over it.