Page 57 of Claiming Her Alpha

“Most definitely. I feel like I can ask you for advice, without you making me feel young and stupid. As you said, we might not always agree, but I think we are both open minded enough to agree to disagree.”

“Agree to disagree,” he repeated with a smile. “I like that.”

The clearing had already filled and the air was buzzing with excitement. The moon hung high in the sky, complementing the lanterns that hung from the tree and cast the clearing in warm, cozy light.

“Good luck, future luna.” Avery grinned before turning to his group.

Kendra walked towards her own family and as soon as she reached them, her father laid his hand on her shoulder. Jenevea smiled at her and handed her the baby.

“She always seems to calm you.”

Kendra held the little girl close to her chest. It was true: this little pup did ease Kendra’s heart and soul, though no one could truly understand how. The world around her quieted down. Especially after her talk with Avery, this moment felt like a little slice of silent heaven.

Only when her mom’s sweet voice called to her did she leave her little bubble and hand Lorena back to Jenevea. “You should slowly join father.”

Kendra nodded and after a quick kiss from her mom, she followed her father to the head of the crowd. She stood slightly behind him to his left side, while Avery stood on her father’s right. The crowd quieted as her father addressed his and–soon to be her–pack.

“As all of you know, tonight is a special night. Not only will we welcome a new wolf, but that wolf will come to us through your new luna. As your luna-to-be, Kendra will guide our new pup to us through William’s soul.”

That was Kendra’s cue to take over. She stepped forward, face tender as she looked at the crowd. “William, please step before your pack.”

He and his family stood in the first row, his mother giving him a sweet kiss on the cheek, while his father proudly squeezed his shoulders. He stepped before her, back to the crowd.

Lowering her voice, she asked, “Nervous?”

His tense face softened slightly as he nodded.

“Do you feel your wolf? Is he itching at your skin and setting every nerve of yours on edge?”

He nodded again before his face turned worrisome. His eyes fearfully flickered to his alpha, who stood behind them. “I’m afraid,” he admitted.

“I was too, but I’ll be here by your side the entire time. Fear is natural when changes occur and is nothing to be ashamed of. You have your family and your pack.”

“Father said it will hurt.”

“It will. True blessings never come without a price. Before something can form strong, growing pains have to happen.” She let her words sink in before she asked, “Are you ready to meet your wolf?”

“Yes.”

She smiled at him and held her hand out. He hesitantly took it, as it wasn’t something her father had ever done. She moved to kneel on the ground, and he followed.

“Close your eyes and listen to my voice.”

He did as she said and she placed his hands on the grass beside him.

“Listen to your wolf. Listen to his emotions, his needs.”

Just like Ryker had, she gave William a few moments as he retreated to seek out his wolf.

“Now, listen to your surroundings. Feel the wind play with your ears. Hear the leaves above you and the birds surrounding you.”

Kendra did so too, she forgot about everything around and focused on William before her.

“Now take a deep breath. Fill your wolf’s lungs with air and take in the scents of your surroundings. Smell the moss beneath your knees and flowers around you.”

He took a deep long breath, fingers digging into the dirt beneath him. He took two more before she continued to guide him.

“Breathe as deeply as you can. Smell the animals that have crossed this path.”

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