Wolf Moon: Kingsrose Renegades Pack, #1

By Finley Quinn

A pup born under the Wolf Moon is said to be the one destined to forge the strongest pack of a generation.
That was an old fairytale told to us growing up. Unfortunately it wasn't just a myth.

My name is Rosalinda Mendoza, and I've been chosen to carry the Wolf Moon's gift...

Returning to my hometown of Kingsrose, I reconnected with the local wolf pack. That was when I learned the power-hungry tyrant of an alpha was my fated mate. He doesn't see me as such, all he cares about is the moon's gift inside me.

Joaquin, Kai, and Kao fear for mine and the pack's safety. If the alpha claims me, who knows what'll happen to us. Given the choice, I'd rather bestow the moon's gift to them. Do I have the power to reject fate? Which is stronger, my destiny or my free will?

Wolf Moon is the first installment in a reverse harem, rejected mates shifter trilogy. This book is packed with shifters, myth, action, and medium-burn steam! For mature readers only!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Finley Quinn
• Release date: Apr 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223913146

Book preview

Wolf Moon Blurb:

A pup born under the Wolf Moon is said to be the one destined to forge the strongest pack of a generation.

That was an old fairytale told to us growing up. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just a myth.

My name is Rosalinda Mendoza, and I’ve been chosen to carry the Wolf Moon’s gift...

Returning to my hometown of Kingsrose, I reconnected with the local wolf pack. That was when I learned the power-hungry tyrant of an alpha was my fated mate. He doesn’t see me as such. All he cares about is the moon’s gift inside me.

Joaquin, Kai, and Kao fear for mine and the pack’s safety. If the alpha claims me, who knows what’ll happen to us. Given the choice, I’d rather give the moon’s gift to them. Do I have the power to reject fate? Which is stronger, my destiny or my free will?

Wolf Moon is the first installment in a reverse harem, rejected mates shifter trilogy. This book is packed with shifters, myth, action, and medium-burn steam! For mature readers only!

1

Rosie

––––––––

Running. I was running for some unknown reason. My feet padded through the canopy of trees, the feeling of wet grass and soft soils caking underneath me. I didn’t know where I was going, or where I was to begin with. All I knew was that I had a destination I felt compelled to go to. An invisible string tugging me along, guiding me through the maze. 

My breathing came in pants, but not from exhaustion. I felt adrenaline pumping through my veins, the exhilaration of reaching the goal. I spotted a clearing up ahead and made a beeline for it. I took off like a rocket through the wall of trees, then skidded to a halt, collapsing on my hands and knees as a trickling river came into view in front of me. I was settled on an open grassy plain, the steady flow of water breaking it into two sections. I looked up into the sky, the full moon greeting me with its presence, illuminating the darkened sky with a ring of silver light. My wolf seemed to be affected by it, pacing uncontrollably with the desire to be let loose. It wasn’t anything new, but she seemed more wired than usual.

Was this the Wolf Moon?

That was the only time when wolves were most rabid. It wasn’t January already, was it? Last I checked, it was still September, but I couldn’t deny the overwhelming force that the moon was pushing into me. Color faded to black and white; a sign that my eyes had shifted into my wolf’s. The need to howl was palpable. I could feel it on the tip of my tongue. Giving in, despite still being in my human skin, I let out a high pitch song to the mother moon. 

A symphony of howls followed soon after, the music of my kin. They sounded close by; too close. I looked forward and saw them. Wolves approaching the opposite end of the clearing, their fur so dark it blended with the shadows. The only distinct features were their intense gold eyes, glowing like the headlights of a car. They maintained an intimidating presence as they slowly made their way to the edge of the river. My wolf crouched low from within me, baring her teeth, ready to push the shift and pounce if there was an ounce of a threat.

I didn’t think I needed to worry. I didn’t sense danger coming from them. Instead, I felt connected. Twinkling lights danced overhead, flashing like polished diamonds, and coating the wolves’ fur. I furrowed my brow in confusion, wondering what was happening. The sparkles seemed to trail in steady streams, and I followed it with my eyes as I looked up. My gaze widened as I noticed their trail seemed to have begun from the moon. Whatever was happening, I wasn’t left unphased. My vision changed once again, a light turquoise shade bleeding through until all traces of white became that color. I felt a wave of energy stirring within me, a translucent fog enveloping me.

Choose, I heard a feminine whisper say.

Choose? I said out loud. Choose what? Who are you?

Whoever—or whatever—it was, didn’t respond. It just kept repeating the word ‘choose.’

I looked back at the wolves, watching as they eyed me intently before bowing their heads, tilting it to the side in a show of submission.

––––––––

I let out a gasp as my eyes shot open, bolting upright to a sitting position in bed. My tank top was drenched and clinging to my skin. I was soaked in sweat, panting, as my heart started a marching band against my chest.

Shit, I whispered, running a shaking hand through my thick black hair.

It was a dream, just a weird, bizarre dream. I took in my surroundings, finding myself in a room that I didn’t recognize. It certainly wasn’t the bedroom I was used to, but it still held an air of familiarity. That was when my brain recalled the last twenty-four hours of my life. I moved. I was no longer in my crumby hole-in-the-wall apartment in New York City that often smelled of mildew no matter how often I cleaned up, and appliances that broke down as quickly as I got them fixed. I was in Kingsrose, my hometown. The small, floral town I lived in until my parents uprooted me and my older brother, Javier, from this place when I was eight, leaving my grandmother behind. Seventeen years later, I returned alone, since Javier was the alpha in my now former pack. I was back in my childhood home since my Abuelita never moved, and I was in the bedroom I used to call mine. Now I could again.

Thankfully, it had more of an adult look now. Gone were the pink walls, the plethora of dolls and stuffed animals, and little girl bed. The walls were now a soft gold color with a black wooden dresser, bookcase, and double nightstands. The queen-sized bed sat in the center with maroon and gold sheets that were now draped over my lap. Light flashed through the closed window blinds and gold see-through curtains, showing me that the sun had risen to start the morning. At least I slept through the night, but given how long the drive to get here was, I wasn’t surprised. I didn’t have much of a chance to catch up with Grandma the night before. I made it in time to have dinner with her, dragged my tired ass up the flight of stairs, and crashed. I was still in the black crop top I wore yesterday. My boots and ripped jeans were off, leaving me in my black lace panties.

I groaned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The need for coffee grew, but I needed a shower first. With nothing but sheer willpower, I dragged myself out of bed and reached for my large black duffle bag that sat next to my bedroom door. I opened it up, pulling out a change of clothes and my toiletry bag, then stepped out and made my way to the bathroom. I couldn’t undress and step into the shower fast enough once I turned the water on and had it at the right temperature. Feeling the slight sting of hot water hitting my aching muscles felt like heaven. I made haste washing the long winding road off my skin and hair. When I was done, I quickly dried off, putting on a pair of denim cutoff shorts and a charcoal gray top. After brushing my teeth, blow-drying my hair before putting it up into a high ponytail, and did the bare minimum with my makeup, I felt reasonably human once again. 

I’d be a hundred percent better after some fucking coffee.

I discarded my dirty clothes and toiletry bag in my bedroom before heading downstairs, following the smell of freshly brewed coffee and food into the kitchen. Fecha de Vencimiento by Frank Reyes playing in the background. I half expected to see Grandma at the stove, where I heard the sizzling sound of cooking being done, but to my surprise, it wasn’t her. For a moment I felt like I was in the wrong house as I took in the tall, dark, sexy as fuck Asian man in my Grandma’s floral apron, working some bacon in a hot skillet.

He must’ve sensed my approach because he turned to face me, his features splitting into a wide smile that showed off his pearly white teeth and dimples. His face looked silky smooth, with no trace of facial hair. His features looked to have been handcrafted from clay to perfection. His eyes were a bright bronze color that shimmered through his almond-shaped eyes. He had wavy black hair that parted off to the sides and looked soft to the touch. He was gorgeous in a vampire prince sort of way.

Good morning, he said in a low sensual voice, the hint of an accent exposed. You must be Rosie, yes?

I nodded dumbly. I am, and...you are who?

Oh, Rosie! At the sound of my Grandma’s voice, I shifted my gaze toward the dining room where she sat at the far end of the long rectangular table made of stone. 

Her laptop sat in front of her where the music was coming from, and a couple of clear containers filled with beads and stones sat in front of her. In her hand was a pair of needle-nose pliers and copper wire decorated with gems.

¿Nene, como estas? Did you sleep okay? Grandma asked, pulling the goggles with a headlamp attached off her head and setting everything down.

I didn’t know what surprised me more at that moment, the hot guy cooking at my grandma’s house, or my grandma seeming into crafts.

I slept okay, I said, making it sound like a question.

Good, good. Grandma held out a hand, gesturing towards the hot guy in question. Rosie, this is Kai. He stops by once in a while to help me around the house. When he heard you’d be in town today, he offered to cook breakfast in celebration. Kai, this is my granddaughter, Rosalinda.

The guy, Kai, set the last strips of bacon on a plate with a paper towel over it where the last of the crispy morsels laid. He turned off the stove before turning his attention to me and extended a hand.

It’s nice to finally meet you, Rosalinda. Grandma Sonya has told me so much about you.

I numbly shook his hand, my brain still not processing anything at the moment. 

Rosie, please, I said, sounding robotic.

Well Rosie, I hope you’re hungry. I’ve made plenty of food.

Food sounded good right about now, but coffee was top priority. I nodded before heading for the coffee maker. There were already several mugs hanging on hooks below a cabinet. I grabbed a navy colored one with a picture of a wolf howling at the moon, reminding me of the vivid dream I had. I poured the nectar of the gods into the cup, then added some milk and sugar. Once it was to my liking and took a sip, I moaned in satisfaction, already feeling so much better. With my steaming mug in hand, I walked to the dining table where Kai had the platter of food set in the center. Aside from the plate of bacon, I also saw sausage links, omelets, and oddly enough a bowl of white rice.

At my confused expression, Kai said, I usually eat rice with my omelet.

Oh, okay. I’ll try that too, I said, taking my seat.

I filled up my plate with a helping of white rice, an omelet, and five strips of bacon.

Once everyone had their food, I took my first bite of the rice and egg combo. They tasted pretty good together, the omelet prepared how I like it; lightly browned but not burnt and well seasoned. 

I looked up at Kai and nodded my head. It’s good.

The way his face glowed with pride did funny things to my insides. He radiated happiness like sunshine. He looked good when he smiled. Ave Madre Luna, when was the last time I found myself attracted to a man? I hadn’t even considered the possibility of having a boyfriend, not since my breakup with Victor. Funny how I was willing to stay committed to only him when I was polyamorous, yet he chose to knock up some other chick behind my back. Since then I hadn’t even looked at another guy, until now.

To my Grandma, I asked, What do you need help with?

Grandma had her laptop closed and set to the side with her crafts and containers sitting on top of it. Nothing in particular. Things have been getting more difficult for me to do since my arthritis causes my fingers and toes to swell and ache. It’s to the point that even menial things like opening a bottle of water has become difficult, so Kai volunteers to help whenever I need it.

My heart sank at that. I couldn’t imagine what Grandma was feeling. If it were me, I’d feel trapped and helpless, a prisoner in my own weakened body. Knowing me I would’ve been too stubborn to sit idly by while someone waited on me hand and foot. Clearly Grandma knew well enough what her limits were and wasn’t too prideful to accept help if it were being offered.

It’s no problem, Grandma Sonya. I’m happy to be of service whenever you need me, Kai said.

Grandma reached out a hand and cupped the side of his face, regarding him with adoration. You’re such a sweet boy. I thank you for everything you do for me.

I barely knew this guy, but I could already tell I’d like him. The fact that he went out of his way to look after my Grandma spoke volumes. She seemed to love him as if he was another grandchild of hers. Guilt festered in the pit of my gut knowing that Javier and I were out of her life for pretty much our entire teenage years. I was only eight the last time I’d seen her. Javier was eleven. If she came to our parents funeral when they passed, she never made herself known. Mom and Dad made it abundantly clear in their will that if anything happened to them, our alpha would look after us; a declaration I couldn’t forgive them for making. If only they knew how much abuse Javier had to endure to be toughened up to one day fill the position he now had. 

Why couldn’t we have moved back in with Grandma? That was something I never understood back then, and still didn’t. I knew Mom, Dad, and Grandma didn’t get along, most of the heat was between Mom and Grandma. Whatever it was, it must’ve been incomprehensible considering we were never allowed to see her. I didn’t know what compelled me to come back here after seventeen years, but I knew I just had to. Maybe this was why. Maybe it was to look after her.

As we continued eating, Grandma and I got to know each other again, this time as adults. She told me about her growing jewelry-making Esty shop, but she also helped take in orders for the pack’s rose business. When I lived here as a child, I was taking dance classes, mainly ballet. Grandma was thrilled to learn that I was still dancing, and even earned a scholarship to Julliard for choreography and dance. I told her how I worked at a dance studio for two years after college as a group choreographer. I even pulled up the TikTok app on my phone and showed her some of the dance videos we recorded and posted online.

Both Grandma and Kai watched a couple of my videos intently. One was of my solo performance to DJ Snake’s Taki Taki. Another was a group performance to Blackpink’s How You Like That. Kai’s eyes twinkled at that video. He looked up at me with a huge grin plastered on his perfectly chiseled jawline.

You like Blackpink? he asked.

I smirked at him with an arched eyebrow. Not just Blackpink. You should see my KPOP playlist. I have a staggering collection of groups and solo artists with over two hundred songs.

Kai seemed to light up at that. I’d often describe my music taste as universal. On top of the usual American artists I listen to like Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish, I also enjoy KPOP music, classic rock, latino pop, even French and Filipino artists. I didn’t have to understand the lyrics to enjoy a song. If it sounded good, and it was something I could dance to, I was satisfied.

I think you will get along with my brother, Kai said, handing back my phone before going back to finish his breakfast.

You have a brother? I asked.

Yes, Kao. I’m sure you’ll see him when you stop by the pack’s lodge.

Watch out for him, Rosie, Grandma deadpanned. No offense to you, Kai, but Kao is a fast little devil pup.

I chuckled, feeling both amused and confused. What does that mean?

Kao is quite the flirt. He’ll look for any excuse to flirt with beautiful women. Kai blushed as he added, He’ll definitely try hitting on you too.

Was that his subtle way of saying I was beautiful? Not that I minded, especially since it was coming from someone who looked as gorgeous as Kai. His pale features, sharp cheekbones, pouty lips and broad physique were enough to make any women wet with need. He was hot as sin, he cooked, he was caring to the elderly, and a gentlemen? He was a rare breed among men, one I thought went extinct long ago.

I wondered if he was still single? If he was, it was a crying shame but a potential gain for me.

That reminds me, I heard Grandma say, breaking me from my train of thought. When are you planning to see the alpha, Rosie?

Oh shit, I totally spaced on that. The alpha—Pierce, I believe was his name—knew that I’d be moving into his territory, so he’d be expecting me at some point to make an appearance so I could officially be a part of his pack.

I...don’t know, to be honest, I said honestly.

Well if you’re not doing anything today, I could take you to the lodge to meet with Alpha Pierce and the pack, Kai offered.

There was no time like the present. Better to get it out the way now, instead of waiting. Besides, I didn’t have plans to do much today other than explore the town to see how much of it has changed.

Are you sure? I asked Kai. I don’t want to be a bother if you already had things to do.

Kai shook his head. Actually, it’s my day off today. You wouldn’t be imposing on anything.

Well, he was offering. How could I turn him down? Then yes, I’d like that.

It was time to face my new alpha and the pack I’d soon be a part of.

2

Rosie

––––––––

After Kai and I finished washing the dishes together, even though I told him he didn’t have to help, I went upstairs to grab a light jacket and some shoes. Seeing as how I’d be introducing myself to my new pack, I cleaned myself up a bit more. I pulled my hair out of its ponytail and took a curly iron to the ends, giving it a wavier look. I added a bit more makeup to my face including some silver glitter eyeshadow, and shimmering gloss on my lips. What I wore was decent enough, so I paired it with my black jacket and leather boots. Once I felt I was ready, I went back downstairs. Kai was standing by the door, his shoes already on, and waiting on me. When he looked up and saw me, I swore he did a double take.

You ready? I asked, grabbing my purse off the hook by the door.

Kai looked stunned for a moment, but then shook his head to wipe away the fog and cleared his throat. Yes, yes. You look...

I waited with bated breath for him to finish his statement.

Nice, he finally got out, then looked away in embarrassment. Really nice, I mean.

So Kai was the shy type. Seeing the tips of his ears turn a deep shade of red made him look adorable.

Thank you, I said, gesturing towards the door. Shall we?

Right, yes! Kai quickly opened the door then stepped aside, waiting for me to walk out first.

Oh yeah, he was definitely a keeper.

Abuelita, I’m heading out! I called out to my Grandma behind me since I had no idea where she was.

Okay, baby, you be careful out there. Te quiero mucho! Grandma shouted back, sounding like it was coming from her bedroom.

Love you too! I headed outside, facing the world around me.

Kai closed the door behind us and guided