Chapter 7
I moved to the distant West Coast, to a seaside city known for its tolerance and artistic vibe.
The faint pack presence and the complex human scents here gave me a sense of security I’d never felt before.
+25 Bonus
I spent a good two weeks looking around, and then, on a quiet street near the coast in the old town, I opened a studio called “Moonbeam Healing.”
It was a place for wolves who felt lost and hurt in the city, and even for some humans who were sensitive to the supernatural, offering art therapy and herbal consultations.
The studio wasn’t big, but it had a lovely little courtyard filled with sunshine.
I spent three months setting it up myself, transforming the somewhat run–down storefront into a warm, healing space.
The rainy season on the West Coast was long.
I stood at the studio’s glass door, staring a bit lost in thought at the drizzling rain outside.
The wind chimes by the door suddenly tinkled, clear and sweet. A customer.
“Welcome to Moonbeam Healing.”
I turned automatically, then paused when I saw who it was.
The male wolf standing in the doorway was tall and well–built, holding a black long–handled umbrella.
He was holding a little girl, about five or six years old, in his arms.
She had cute pigtails.
Her big, clear eyes were shyly taking in the new surroundings, her little body unconsciously snuggling closer into the male wolf’s embrace.
“Hello, do you… have art therapy programs for young cubs?” The wolf asked, closing his umbrella.
His voice was gentle.
Only then did I get a clear look at his face.
Sharp features, soft lines but still strong.
He wore simple gold–rimmed glasses, and his eyes behind the lenses held a faint smile.
He gave off a comforting scent, a mix of herbs and sunshine, unique to pack Healers.
I froze.
“Gabriel? Gabriel Thorne? Is that you?” I asked, a little unsure.
The male wolf clearly paused too when he heard me.
He studied me for a moment, then it hit him. “Aria Moonwood?”
Memories flooded back.
Gabriel Thorne, the brightest star of our Wolf Medical Academy, two years ahead of me.
Back in school, he was famously talented.
Not only did he have an amazing gift for wolf genetics and herbology, but he also played the moon harp beautifully.
He was the ideal mate for countless Omega and Beta females.
“What a coincidence, Gabriel, senior.” I smiled, then gestured to the little girl in his arms, who was curiously looking me over. “And this is…?”
“My niece, Sophie.” Gabriel gently patted the little girl’s back.
“Sophie, this is Auntie Aria. Say hello.”
The little girl lifted her head from Gabriel’s arms, revealing a cute little face.
She said shyly, “Auntie Aria… hi.”
Her voice was as soft as freshly made cotton candy.
