Alpha's Guide to Lost Wolves: A Ghost Pack Short Story

by Aimee Easterling

They came hunting a lone wolf. They found an alpha.

I created my pack as a sanctuary for outcasts like me who need a place to belong. But keeping them safe means staying invisible.

Then a terrified pack princess stumbles into my territory, pursued by reapers hungry for the extravagant bounty on her head. Alpha instincts demand I protect her. But she won't trust me enough to accept help—and now reapers are closing in on the heart of my pack.

Alpha’s Guide to Lost Wolves is a prequel short story in the Ghost Pack series, perfect for fans of wild werewolves, arctic landscapes, and the fierce bonds of found family.

Genres: Shapeshifters

29 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Aimee Easterling is a USA Today Bestselling author writing on the boundary between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She specializes in spunky shifters and invites you to dive into her werewolf world in the Wolf Rampant trilogy, the spinoff Bloodling serial, and her new Alpha Underground series.

Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.

Reviews

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely A Starter

Alpha's Guide to Lost Wolves is a novella prequel to a series that I am not quite familiar with and as a result I cannot compare its place within the series.

Instead the book takes a rather indirect look at the origins of this particular pack, the drive for change that leads to mate-seeking and a shocking yet foreseeable revelation that only assists to strengthen allies. And all of this unfolding in the events of one supposedly action-packed sequence of events that seemed rather drawn out.

At the same time, Aimee has put her own spin on her werewolf lore that rather makes these creatures more mannish monsters than I have ever seen. As a result I am not quite sure how comfortable I am with that direction but I guess time will only tell.

For a standalone outside of the series it is rather bare bone and spartan thus I would probably recommend its reading only to those who are intent into actually getting into the series.

[Shadow Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a prequel, *Alpha's Guide to Lost Wolves* sets the stage for Aimee Easterling’s shifter world with intriguing ideas and fast-paced storytelling. It gives readers a look into the dynamics of the pack and the mystery surrounding the Mate Market, laying a solid foundation for what’s to come.

That said, while the premise is promising, the story occasionally feels rushed, with limited character development and a few plot elements that could have been explored more fully. It introduces compelling lore but doesn't always delve deep enough to make a lasting impact.

Overall, this is a good entry point for new readers and a solid addition for fans already invested in the series. It’s engaging enough to pique interest in the main books, even if it doesn’t quite stand out on its own.

[Lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this powerful short story about an alpha wolf who would do anything to protect his pack, but who found himself in a dilemma, when a wolf princess entered his territory. He wanted to protect her from those trying to catch her to claim the bounty set on her head, however he knew that in doing so he would be endangering his pack. When the reapers arrived they thought they had found a lone wolf who they would take down instantly, being many against one, however they did not consider they would be facing an alpha. This is a short thrilling novel, full of emotions and responsibilities towards one's community and family and I loved it.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting compact prequel to a new series featuring Locke, the Alpha of an all male pack of strays and outcasts. He protects the pack princesses from the reapers, but he can't offer them a home without causing trouble for his pack. Setsoo, an old human, gives him some insight and then admits she knew all along he's a wolf shifter. Rule of the North - Don't ask, wait to be told.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and leave this review voluntary.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is a delightful prequel to introduce Aimee Easterling’s Ghost Pack series.

Locke is a really sweet alpha, trying to help and protect those who can’t yet trust him enough to allow him to help directly. His solution was so cute. I love his relationships with these women, and I’m looking forward to learning more about him and his pack, both outcast werewolves and humans.

If you enjoy contemporary fantasies and shifter stories, you should give this a try.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT INTRO TO AN EXCITING NEW SERIES
This was a lovely intro to the new series with a great new hero! I hope Book 1 comes out fast. I would read it right now if I could! The plot is unique and draws you in. I highly recommend this book and this series. Thank you to the Author for this review copy.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m excited an author I love is coming out with a new series, and this short story is a glimpse into that new world. Locke is the alpha of an all-male pack, and he rescues twin girl shifters with the help of his found human family. I loved this, and I can’t wait to meet Locke’s new mate in the series to come. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alpha's Guide to Lost Wolves: A Ghost Pack Short Story by Aimee Easterling is a short but concise introduction into her next project. It is an interesting tale of bravery, heroism and compassion. I am looking forward to seeing more of Locke in her future novels. As I said, this is a short story, but it packs a lot of punch. I definitely recommend it.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story about an alpha who realizes that he knew what to do all along, but it took a human grandmother to nudge him into doing it. This is an enticing introductory story to a new series that I can't wait to read. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun short story prequel introducing Locke, the Alpha of the Ghost pack, which is a pack of outcast wolves living in the cold north.  The story sets him on a path that changes his life and will likely change the path of his current pack as well.  It’s a sweet introduction to Locke and his found family and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens when Mate Market is released!

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

29 pages.

🤗To discover

Locke was following the trail of an intoxicating scent: chocolate.

His wolf instincts reminded him of the need to protect...

>>>>

A good prequel to a new series.

Locke's mysterious main character is touching.

It made me want to read the sequel.

To discover.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's super short. The main aim is to introduce 'future characters'. Locke is the Alpha of a werewolf pack of misfits. He scent detects a female werewolf being tracked by reapers aiming for a profit at the markets.

A nice start to the series

ARC from the author.

[allemuor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new beginning

Despite the snowy setting, the story fills me with warmth. I like Setoo's philosophy and will try to live by it. She's generous and welcoming, making a lone wolf yearn for such warmth.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a Tease Than a Story

The story is a good introduction to Locke and his world. Although there is a bit of a conclusion, it’s more setup than finish. I think the following series should be interesting but only if they have serious conclusions.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a week’s time. It was thrilling and captivated me each time I opened it. I now plan to read this series. I already purchased the first book. Great writing, highly recommended! Very interesting storyline.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

way too short, 66 pgs. ok read

[Stormy McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this must take place somewhere in the midst of a series, rather than the stand-alone or prequel I expected. There were a lot of references I simply didn't understand.

All that being said, the writing itself was good, and the story was relatively enjoyable. I plan to dig around and find the first book/story in this series to see what it's all about.

[Mary Longo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aimee Easterling is one of my favorite fantasy authors. This short story is an engaging read and a great introduction to the Ghost Pack shifter series. Recommended!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequel to the Ghost pack series it gives us insight into why Locke is looking for a mate.
And it is a good reason and I am looking forward to seeing how things unfold.