Page 86 of Fated to the Feral Wolf

FIFTY-ONE

Dirge

One week later, full moon

The Johnson Citypack’s bonding clearing was in a peaceful spot, a nice little meadow sandwiched between a small lake and the forest. The moon was almost at its peak, and I stood quietly off to the side, watching the circle be prepared. Leigh had just scampered off to be with Shay, but she’d been overseeing the pack volunteers as they piled the circle high with bluebells, delphiniums, and several other types of blue flowers I didn’t know the names of. They smelled nice, though.

Her ring weighed heavily in the pocket of my dress slacks, and my thoughts were nebulous as I stood barefoot in the grass. Anticipation for what was to come, gratitude that people I didn’t even know had pulled together to make this happen on short notice. Shay was quiet, yes, but in the past week, I’d heard from many, many members of her old pack what a sweet, kind soul she was. They’d stopped and taken time to share little memories with me, and each one made me smile.

My mate had impactedso manymore people than she everknew. I absently patted my other pocket, where her gift lay. It was bittersweet, and I’d gone back and forth a hundred times in the span of a few days, because while I knew the memories were painful, I hoped they’d be healing.

I should have bought a backup gift. Just in case.

Shit.

Who thought it was a good idea to give their mate somethingsadon their bonding night?

A heavy hand fell on my shoulder, and I froze as Gael spoke.

“You look as twitchy as a squirrel in the middle of rush-hour traffic. What’s wrong? Not having second thoughts, I hope?”

I shook my head, relieved to have company. “Not about Shay, just about what I chose as a gift.”

“Ahh.” Gael rocked back on his heels and regarded me thoughtfully. “You don’t seem the type to choose something flippantly.”

“No, I uh… no. I put a lot of thought into it, but what if she doesn’t like it?”

“Doesn’t like what?” Reed asked, jogging up a little short of breath.

“His bonding gift.”

“Well, shit. What did you buy her? You’ve been out of society for a while, but I assumed you had this on lock.” Reed seemed dismayed as he scanned me, as if the gift was going to be stamped on my forehead.

“I didn’t buy her anything. I found her something.”

“Which is …?” Reed gestured for me to spill, but I shook my head.

“It’s private. If she wants to share it, that’d be up to her. But here are the rings.” I passed him the box from my pocket.

Reed groaned as he accepted them. “Do I need to go intotown? It would be tight, but I could find a decent tennis bracelet and get back in time.”

Gael shoved him, giving him a stern look. “A tennis bracelet? You’re such a douche.”

“I’m fine,” I chided my brother. Then quickly added, “But thank you.”

He nodded, then surveyed the clearing. “For a small pack, they’ve got a really nice setup. The cabin is all ready to go, and the ladies who run the bonding ceremonies went above and beyond.”

I smiled, excitement and anticipation starting to outweigh my nerves. I was going to be bonded tonight. To Shay, my sweet, beautiful Shay.

It was more than I ever dared dream of, ever allowed myself to hope for. And yet… it was happening.

Kane arrived shortly thereafter, and the three of them shot the shit and joked, trying to keep me entertained and out of my head, but I mostly let the chatter wash over me. I appreciated the company, but I wasn’t in a chatty mood.

My wolf was pacing, pressing up against all my boundaries, wanting our mate. Eager to see her, eager to bite her, make her ours forever.

I adjusted myself, the semi I was already sporting not at all appropriate for an official ceremony.

Gael and Reed were arguing over something asinine when Kane leaned in close with a serious expression.

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