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  Saved by the Alpha Wolves (Crescent Moon Shifters Book 1)

  Anastasia Chase

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  © Copyright 2018 by STAMPS PUBLISHING - All rights reserved.

  Legal Notice

  This book is copyright protected. This is only for personal use. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the author’s permission. The contents of this book may not be reproduced, duplicated or transmitted without direct written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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  Disclaimer

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. The author does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for third-party websites or their content.

  Please note that this work is intended only for adults over the age of 18 and all characters are represented as 18 or over.

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  Dedications

  Who reads the dedications section anyway???

  Seriously though, I want to dedicate this book to you, my fan. You took the time to either buy this book or download it to your KU collection. This means a lot to me because I’m actually on this journey on my own, without a publishing house, braving the deep seas of publishing digital content on the web (this internet marketing stuff is freakin’ hard!). So any time someone new picks up my work, you can be sure I do a happy dance! Stamps Publishing is my own company which has a single author (me!), but my dream is to help other authors achieve their dreams one day.

  I especially wish to thank all the members of my ARC team for taking the time to give me feedback and being so supportive through my book launch. You guys are the real MVPs.

  -Anastasia

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Epilogue

  About Anastasia Chase

  AUTHOR’S NOTES

  Chapter One

  I stared deep into the glowing amber as the fire flamed on, consuming the sticks slowly and lighting up the cold, dark night. Not that I needed the warmth or the light. Being a wolf shifter, part of the perks was having immunity to cold, and super night vision. How else is the wolf in us supposed to hunt if it doesn't have the right armor to go after its prey, regardless of time or weather?

  So yeah, I would be fairly okay without the fire but I had lit it because now isolated, I kind of missed the extra warmth that came with having a pack around. Then there were all those skin privileges that made things so much better.

  I kept staring into the fire, knowing that if anyone could see my eyes, they would reflect its golden yellow. Only a few would realize that it wasn't really a reflection of the fire, but in fact, my wolf eyes. I was sad, angry, dejected, and lonely. My wolf knew this. It was why she had come out to help me feel better. This was the first stage of shift, where only the eye color changes, showing that the wolf was more present than human. It calmed me some sort, to know she always had my back.

  My stomach grumbled and I sighed, finally breaking my hard stare. I was hungry, it was no lie I could deny. In the forest where I'd been forced to roam alone, I knew I could get lots of meals to munch on for dinner but I was not in the mood to go hunting. It was unlike me. All I wanted to do was curl up in a ball and drown in my sad loneliness, especially when I remembered the reason for this.

  Exile.

  I had been exiled from my pack, Black Mountain, because it was mating season and it turned out my mate wasn't in the pack after all. They couldn't afford to have me around, as mating season was always filled with so much tension running high, and a peaking probability to turn bloody fatal at any minute. For wolves whose hearts lie in the pack, exile can be considered as one of the worst punishments — can you imagine being cut away from all you know and love?

  Alas, I was single. A beautiful black woman, with curves in all the right places — even if I do say so myself — and I was posing too much of a problem for the Black Mountain pack, who had too many unmated she-wolves already. It didn't help that apart from my human beauty, my wolf was just as gorgeous, with white lush fur tinted with hues of golden yellow that glowed in the sun and twinkled under the moonlight. Add that to the fact that I always seemed to exude raw sex appeal, it wasn't hard to see why Black Mountain felt it would be nice if I stayed out of the pack for good.

  So there you have it, the sob story of how I ended up alone and hungry, in the woods. I had wandered as far away as what could be considered safe for an ex pack mate, and decided to halt my journey here — at least for now. I intended on spending the night, and then at first light I would start my search for another pack, one who may not mind an unmated female in their midst. Don't get me wrong, it hadn’t just been me that had been exiled. There had been a couple others, too, but we had all decided to thread different paths. I had chosen this one.

  My stomach grumbled again and my right hand flew to it, as my mind started analyzing how much better it would be to sulk on a full stomach, rather than an empty one. I already had a fire going and thanks to the rain that had fallen earlier, the woods were wet, meaning it would burn up slowly. If my hunting skills were anything to rely on, it would still be going when I got back with dinner.

  I was just about to stand up from the log of wood I had used as my cushion, when my senses went on alert. Super wolf hearing. I heard them before I saw them, but I had been so distracted by my thoughts that it was already too late. Before I could take cover, two large bears appeared from the dark, and spotted me. A loud growl escaped from deep within my chest, and my wolf pushed to the surface. Second stage of shifting, claws extending; I felt a sharp tingle as my nails elongated, pushing out of my fingers and toes. My vision became sharper and I knew my eyes now glowed brighter. Crouching, I went deathly quiet, carefully watching for their next move.

  Bears have always been bigger than wolves and standing on their hind legs, they could easily tower over me. I watched them turn to each other and growl again, making movements with their hands, beating their chests and staring at each other.

  Oh shit. They were communicating. That meant these were no ordinary wild bears but bear shifters. It meant that my night just got worse. The bear shifters and wolf shifters have been enemies since before I was born, engaging in a meaningless unending war. The only reason the war was still raging was because both animals could hold their own really well in a fight. That meant one bear would be a lot for me to tackle under normal circumstances... Add another one? I was toast.

  There would be no way I was going down without a fight. I only hoped the other girls had better luck. This was another reason exile was bad. A lone wolf was prone to many dangers — physically and psychologically. The strength of a wolf is in its pack, and I didn't have that.

  Still crouching, I waited as they continued their discussion, weighing my options. It would be wiser to wait for them to attack. That way, I stood a better chance to defend myself and probably get a few kicks in while at it. I couldn't even dare to run, they would only give chase and catch up with me at some point.

  I never thought the day would come so quickly but everyone has to die at some point, right? Better go down fighting l
ike a true wolf than not. At least I might be able to take one of those beasts with me. The minute they returned their full attention to me, my mane grew out and my ears extended. That was the third and final stage of shifting. Seeing this, the bears growled again, hitting their chests and lunged. I didn't miss a beat. My only regret was that if by some stroke of luck from the moon goddess, I made it out of this alive, I would have to remain in my wolf form or roam naked, since my clothes ripped with shifting.

  Chapter Two

  Landing on four legs, I quickly balanced my stance and lunged. I landed on the chest of one and clawed at his face, relishing the sound of his painful cry. I was about to get another hit in when I felt a force knock me off from my side. I couldn't help the whimper that escaped my snout, and realized I was bleeding. I growled and snarled at the bears. They growled back. I could also see blood running over the face of the bear I had struck. It looked like a cruel gash.

  Good.

  They came for me and I lunged again, targeting the other bear this time. I was also conscious of the one I had first hit, not wanting to risk making the first mistake again. I went for his neck, pushing my claws as deep as they could get, and at the same time bestowing his chest with an identical wound with my other paw. He staggered back, losing the hold he had on my injured side. I quickly jumped down, hitting him heavily with my weight as he fell on the ground with a thud. That seemed to be an opening for the other bear but I was faster. Before he could get to me, I jumped again, slashing his arm with sharp, strong claws.

  Unfortunately, he was more prepared for me than I thought. I saw his other arm raise just before his paw came down hard on me, and with a mighty slash of his claws, I got hit to the ground.

  This was it, I knew that as I lay still. My earlier injured side was bleeding profusely, and I was losing blood from the gash on my face. Panting heavily, I watched as the big bad bear hovered over me. The minute his leg landed on my wounded side, I howled out loudly in pain, slowly rescinding to a whimper. Of course, they would take advantage of my weakness. I would have, too, in their shoes.

  The other bear, who I had knocked to the ground seemed to have recovered, because suddenly there were two of them and they were taking turns hitting me. No. I couldn't go down like this. I was a sentinel, a soldier. There was no way I would lose this fight so easily. Growling as I sought my strength, I jumped to my paws and attacked again. The fight became more intense, and I was aware of the fact that I was losing.

  Still, I knew I was causing great harm to the bears, too, and even if I died, they wouldn't be much better off. It sounded like a dream when I heard howling not too far away.

  But when another joined, and another, and another, I realized I had not imagined it. Wolves! There were wolves around! And they had come to my rescue!

  Right on time I might add. I saw from the corner of my eye, a big, burly wolf lunge at the one of the bears, taking it down as they tumbled.

  A second, just as big wolf, joined the first. Then out of the side of the forest, where the first two had come from, two more jumped out and took the bear I was still tackling, off my paws. I watched in stunned wonder as they expertly fought the bears. In record time, my attackers were running away, badly injured.

  I thought my rescuers would give pursuit, but they turned and stalked toward me. From the size of their wolves, I could tell they were male wolves. I mean, my wolf was much bigger than most females, and these ones towered over me. I stared in awe as a bright pair of ethereal eyes tracked me as it got closer. They reached me, and I stood very still as they rounded me, taking me in, sniffing me, and sizing me up. The danger from the bear might have been averted, but I was no fool to think the threat to my life was over.

  Wolves were very territorial, and if I had mistakenly stumbled into these wolves’ territory, they would have no qualms dealing with me as they deemed fit. I felt one of them nudge at me. I staggered on my injured limbs, but stood my ground. I had held my own pretty well against two bears, I would not cower before four of my kind.

  Then the damnedest thing happened. The one who had nudged me, nuzzled me and I felt myself instinctively calm. Even though skin privileges had to be granted before taken, these wolves had just told me they meant me no harm. Before I could process it, they ran into the woods and I was alone, again.

  That’s it? They were gone? Just like that? Great.

  It was at that point I remembered I had bigger problems to worry about. I was now injured, hungry, and without clothes. Sure, I had super healing, too, but my kind of injuries were the type that would take hours to heal. How could they have just left me like that? They must have known I was by myself.

  Deciding that I could, at least, take care of one of those problems, I set out to get something to eat. On second thought, I could follow the wolves, and track their trail. They must have come from somewhere, they probably had their pack house close by. But no. Just because they were lenient, at first, did not mean there would be a second chance.

  Just as I was about to go the other way I picked up the sound of footsteps, and went on alert, again. Four humans sauntered out of the same path the wolves had taken. I didn't need to be a genius to put two and two together. They were all dressed. One of them walked over to me with a bundle of clothes in his hands. Realization hit. They had gone to change, and get clothes for me. How thoughtful.

  I gently picked up the bundle with my teeth, and dragged it behind a tree. I shifted my aching and bloody body back to human, and pulled on the much appreciated clothing a bit slower than I usually dressed. They were men’s clothing, a little big on me but would do just fine. Struggling to pat my hair back into shape, hoping that I wouldn't look like I had just fought with bears, and lost, I slowly walked out from behind the tree. Wolves aren't really particular about nudity, but I was not too keen on going naked in front of four strange wolves.

  They were seated around the fire when I reached them. All very male, and all gorgeous. Suddenly feeling tongue-tied, I stammered before I finally got words out. "Hi... I guess it was you guys who helped me fight off the bears earlier. I don't think I would have made it out alive, so I guess I owe you guys for saving my life and..." I paused, gesturing at the clothes I had on, "for the clothes. I honestly thought you guys had left me out here on my own. That was really thoughtful."

  "That's okay. Looks like you were handling them quite fine on your own. I gotta admit, you are pretty strong for a lady," One of them said, as he stood up to address me.

  I scoffed at his last words. For a lady? What the hell did that mean? Female wolves could hold their own pretty well. Especially the dominant ones, who aren't maternally inclined.

  "Thanks, I guess. Although I doubt any wolf would have held out better against two big bad bears." He arched a brow, as he cocked his head to the right, a smirk gracing his face. I wanted to rub it off with my wolf paw. Not wanting to betray any attraction to him, or indignity at his comment, I scowled instead, and he chuckled.

  "True. But aren't you mixing up phrases there? I think it's big bad wolf. Not the other way around."

  Oh. He was so smug. He made me want to get mad, yet, he was so fine with laughter in those clear, grey eyes.

  "Well, they are bigger than us. And they are mean, and bad. There you have it, big bad bears." I grumbled like a child, who had just been denied going out to play.

  All the smug ass could say was, "Hmmm." Then extended his hand out toward me... "Hi. I'm Blake. And you are?"

  Still annoyed but remembering I owe each of them my life, I took his hand and my eyes widened at the spark of electricity that shot through my body. I felt every tingle from the tips of my fingers, to the tips of my toes. I almost purred out loud. Amazed, I stared up at him and saw that he had also felt that reaction. His pupils were expanding, and the smile was suddenly gone from his face. I could feel an intensity emanating from him that made me want to rub up against him. Rub against every tall, hard inch of him.

  "Brianna," I managed to croak out.
The others stood up then, and came over to check me out closer. As I took in their faces, I felt like my brain was going into overdrive. They were all so unearthly handsome and sinfully tall. Gosh. It was no secret wolf men were gorgeous, but someone certainly threw in an extra cube of spicy while putting these ones together.

  One of them came forward, a shy, goofy smile on his face. His red hair was a stark contrast to Blake's midnight black strands.

  "Don't mind Blake. He enjoys teasing a lot. I hope you are not too injured."

  There is a limit to what a girl could handle. I decided right then and there that four big wolf guys was definitely my limit. Trying hard to play it cool, I shrugged and managed a small smile.

  "It's nothing. If I could face off two big bad bears, I'm sure I can handle him." No one missed my emphasis on the bears, and from the side of my eye, I saw Blake chuckle along with the others. Apparently, they had a great sense of humor, too. Awesome. Just awesome.

  "And your injuries?" Redhead asked again. I had completely forgotten about them.

  "Uhm... Healing pretty well, I guess. I should be as good as new in a few. Nothing too serious." They hurt less now. It was the truth.

  "Good. I was hoping we wouldn't have to carry you back. I'm Hunter."

  So, he was the white wolf with the bright, green eyes. I took Hunter's hand hesitantly, not sure I was prepared for another jolt. As our hands touched, I did a better job hiding the effect it had on me. A warm fluttery feeling settled in my belly as my palm tingled. I slowly pulled my hand out of his strong grasp. He must have noticed too but kept his reaction closed off, and moved to the side. Hmmm.

  "At least we don't have to nurse and babysit a badly injured wolf, who thought it would be a good idea to roam the woods alone and pick on shifters six times her size." My head jerked as I heard the words, and turned in the direction of the deep, husky tone.