Page 96 of Wanted

I rub my lips together as I look up at the dark sky. The moon is high and bright, its fullness on clear display. As I look at theentity in the sky that Chance and his pack refer to as Mother Moon, a sense of peace falls over me.

I drop my eyes to meet Chance’s. “Will you be with me the whole time?”

He cups my face and brings his forehead to meet mine. “There’s nowhere else in this entire world or universe that I would rather be. Nothing could stop me from seeing you through this,” he promises.

The last remaining nervousness falls away. All of a sudden, I feel free. As if there’s nothing that could touch me. Whatever happens over the next few hours I know I’ll be safe because Chance is by my side.

I give him a short nod and we continue toward the Supermoon Ceremony field. Chael along with all of the other members of the pack gathered around, as well.

Electric energy swirls in the air. That deep stirring in my belly that’s been happening off and on all day, begins to intensify. It’s almost as if I can sense everyone else’s wolves stirring as well. Had this been a few months ago I’d be terrified to know that I’m among so many people that within minutes from now will shift into literal werewolves.

Now, however, I’m comforted by this fact.

“Nightwolf pack…” Chael, who stands at the center of his pack with Reese by his side, begins opening the ceremony with a few words. Chance told me almost minute by minute what would take place.

Chael gives the opening as he welcomes the younger members who’ve given signs that they’re ready to undergo their first shift. He promises to take care of the pack always, looking out for their well-being.

He speaks a little about the pack’s history and this tradition ensures not only the welcoming of new wolves but helps to cement the bond among packmates.

“Above our physical strength and endurance, it is our commitment to one another and loyalty to the Nightwolf legacy that is our pack’s greatest asset.”

A round of howls and applause rip through the air from his pack. Though he remains silent, Chance nods in agreement at his brother. His hand tightens around mine before his gaze drops and he looks down at me.

He doesn’t say anything, nor does he need to. Without words, he’s still letting me know that I’m a member of this pack as well. He hasn’t even seen me shift yet, but he’s welcoming me into his extended family.

My vision blurs and I have to look away as I blink to keep the tears at bay.

“Please come to the center,” I hear Chael say.

I look at Chance. He lifts my hand to his lips before slowly releasing it. With a hand at the small of my back, he encourages me to move forward with the rest of the younger pack members.

There are about ten of us. The others are no older than fourteen years or so. I’m obviously the oldest out of them all. Yet, their shy smiles accompanied by the welcoming expressions from Chael, Reese, Ms. Elsie and the rest of the adults around us brings me the reassurance I need.

“Nightwolf pack, tonight we welcome the next generation of our kind…” Chael continues.

His words fall to the background as my gaze searches the faces around us. Chance has moved so that he’s now on the opposite side of the circle from where we stood together. His attention remains on me.

Looking at him strengthens my resolve. There’s no fear or even hesitance. Though, I won’t know until it happens, I do believe I am a shifter.

Either way, it doesn’t matter, though. Chance has already claimed me as his. Not only with his words, but in the possessiveway he holds me and looks at me like I’m the most precious gift he’s ever known.

“Mother Moon, have your will.” Chael’s words are the last I hear before a force I don’t quite understand causes my eyes to close.

Suddenly, every part of my body begins to tingle in a way that I’ve never felt before. That continuous stirring in my belly heightens to a frenzy.

Almost uncontrollable energy courses through me.

I know this feeling, though.

It’s the same restlessness that I’ve had to suppress for almost my entire life. It’s a mixture of hunger, wildness and pure animal instinct. The type of animal instinct that’s unknown to humans. A sense of knowing, of belonging that I’ve lost in my human form, but connect with as this awakening takes over my body.

I have to force myself not to run from this feeling. Especially when a deep ache begins to penetrate my bones. Pain is often part of the first shift, I’ve been told.

Even as I try to endure it, a part of me begins to pull back in fear of the unknown. I don’t know how much I can take or how long this will go on.

I won’t let anything happen to you.

Chance’s words come back to me, echoing in my mind.

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