By the time Della and Alexander pulled up to their Crescent Moon estate, the sun was high in the sky, casting golden rays across the stone driveway. The air buzzed with summer heat and excitement. Cicadas hummed lazily in the trees, and the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass lingered in the breeze.
A gathering had already formed near the front steps. Word had clearly traveled fast, courtesy of Lily's excitement. She had been telling everyone who would listen that "a magical beach puppy named Pickle" was on the way, and the entire pack wanted a glimpse.
Alaric stood at the top of the stairs with Ainsley beside him, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. Ainsley had her phone out, ready to start snapping photos. Della had put her in charge of the official Crescent Moon Howlogram page, as she wanted to present their pack to the many watchful eyes in a positive way that reflected the values she was determined to uphold.
