The Order of Hunters (Luna Awakened Trilogy Book 1) by M.J. Penn

Author:M.J. Penn [Penn, M.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: M.J. Penn Inc.
Published: 2022-07-24T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter

Eighteen

I’ve walked, hiked, and ridden ATVs in the forest so many times in the last year that I’m no longer afraid, thanks to Eli and Millie. After Millie drops me off at home, I change my clothes and head outside. I tie up my hiking shoes and walk the short distance to the beginning of the trail. But every time I set foot on the trail, an image of the red-eyed wolf and the black wolf crosses my mind. I was fifteen when I encountered the first and hopefully the last of the scary, humongous wolves. I was afraid for months after the attack, but seven years later, since nothing has happened, I am marching forward.

I smile as I jump over a fallen stump covered in moss. I love spending time surrounded by nature—the acorns, mushrooms, and even the peeling bark on trees. I leap over a wide stone peeking out from the ground and land gracefully on my feet. I feel a part of the forest, as if I belong here.

I used to arrive at the lake sweaty and panting from the short jog, but now I’m energized. My body draws energy from the forest. The glittering lake stretches in front of me. I take a deep breath and fill my lungs with fresh air scented like wet earth and wildflowers.

Sitting on my favorite boulder, I feel calm already. I scan the sparkly surface of the lake, almost tempted to get in the water. I take off my hiking shoes and socks. As soon as my bare feet touch the gritty rock, I close my eyes and enjoy my peaceful bond to nature. It’s one reason I want to remain in Westwood City, besides staying close to my family. I can’t imagine living in a busy city with smoggy air, horrific traffic, and gray sidewalks everywhere. Westwood has become my sliver of heaven on earth.

At a loud noise from my side, I snap my eyes wide open. When I shift my face to the source of the noise, my eyes are met by the red eyes of a gray wolf in the distance. It lifts its head and lets out a bone-chilling howl. Déjà vu. I can’t tell if it’s the same wolf from seven years ago. But this one looks a lot angrier and isn’t hiding. It jumps over rocks and springs my way. The ravenous beast snarls at me, and goosebumps appear on my forearms. It’s so fast that there’s nothing I can do to get out of its way.

With one additional step and then an easy leap, the wolf is on the boulder and pounces on top of me. Everything happens so fast I don’t have time to move a muscle. Its front claws push my shoulders, and its muzzle is inches away from my face. I’m pushed so hard that my head hits the cold stone behind me, and the last thing I remember is a pair of red, menacing eyes.

When I regain consciousness, my body is achy and I’m being rocked, as if I’m floating on water.

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