Page 55 of Fated Wolf's Destiny

She nods slowly, taking a deep breath. “Then let’s do it.”

The words send a surge of emotion through me—pride, longing, something deeper that I can’t quite name. I reach for her, my hands settling on her hips as I pull her closer. The heat between us is immediate, the magnetic pull that’s always been there sparking to life.

“This is a ritual as old as the pack itself,” I say, my voice low. “It’s a bond that can’t be undone, Bella. Once we do this, you’re mine. And I’m yours.”

Her breath hitches, but she doesn’t look away. “I already am.”

The words ignite something primal in me, and I capture her mouth with mine, the kiss fierce and claiming. She responds with equal fervor, her hands tangling in my hair as our bodies press together. The world around us fades, leaving only the sound of our breath and the pounding of my heart.

I back her against the trunk of the oldest tree. The moonlight paints her skin in silver, her beauty otherworldly in this moment. I trail kisses down her neck, to her collarbone, until I reach the hollow just to the right of her throat. My wolf stirs, the ancient instincts roaring to the surface.

I lower my head, my teeth grazing her skin. The moment is charged, the power of the ritual thrumming in the air. I bite down, the sharpness of my teeth piercing her flesh as she gasps. The taste of her fills me, wild and electric, and the bond surges to life between us, an unbreakable thread tying her to me and me to her.

The moment she cries out, a howl erupts from her throat, raw and wild. Her body arches against mine, and I feel the change ripple through her. With her blood carrying the wolf DNA of hergrandmother, the transition should be almost instantaneous. I can feel the power of her wolf surging through her.

“What’s happening,” she asks as I move away.

“Picture your she-wolf in your mind’s eye. Call her forward and let her lead you.”

The swirling mist comes up from the ground, surrounding her in color and lightning, thunder and power. Her form shifts, seamlessly transitioning her from woman to wolf as her wolf emerges for the first time. It’s a sight that steals my breath—a sleek, powerful wolf with fur the color of twilight, her eyes glowing with a light that speaks of her grandmother’s lineage, her rightful place among us.

She stands on unsteady legs, shaking out her fur as she looks at me with a mixture of wonder and determination. I shift as well, the familiar rush of power coursing through me as I take my wolf form. Together, we face the moonlit forest, the bond between us pulsing like a heartbeat.

I nudge her shoulder with my muzzle, a silent invitation. She hesitates for only a moment before breaking into a gallop, her movements fluid and instinctive. I follow, the joy of the run coursing through me as we weave through the trees, our breath mingling with the cool night air.

When we reach a ridge overlooking the valley, I throw my head back and howl, the sound carrying over the forest. Bella joins me, her howl a perfect harmony to mine. The sound is answered by others, distant at first but growing closer—a chorus of voices that belongs to our pack.

One by one, they emerge from the shadows, their forms shimmering in the moonlight. They approach cautiously, their eyes fixed on Bella. But as they take in her transformation, the tension shifts. There’s awe in their expressions, a ripple of hope that moves through the gathered wolves like a wave.

Even Tanis, in her wolf form, steps forward, her eyes meeting mine before flicking to Bella. There’s no hostility in her gaze, only acceptance. She howls, a signal that the pack echoes in unison. It’s a moment I never thought I’d see—the pack embracing change, embracing her.

Bella turns to me, her glowing eyes filled with emotion. I press my muzzle to hers, a silent promise that this is just the beginning. Together, we’ll face whatever comes next.

The howl dies down, leaving a quiet that feels like the calm before the storm. But for now, we run as one, our pack united under the light of the moon.

CHAPTER 21

ISABELLA

The morning air is sharp with the bite of autumn as I exit Ryder’s truck, and we enter the sheriff’s office. My heart pounds in my chest, but it’s not just the anticipation of what’s to come, but Ryder’s presence, his commanding energy radiating beside me. His gaze is sharp as we enter the office and see the last of the mutants in the area where they belong, behind bars.

Lucas and some of the pack’s warriors have spent days tracking additional members of the Crimson Claw down and bringing them in one-by-one. They’re subdued, their bodies tense and bruised from their thwarted escape. One of them sneers at me, but I stand my ground, refusing to let fear take hold. Ryder moves closer, his towering presence a silent promise of protection.

“You’ve got nowhere left to run,” Sheriff Barnes says to the mutants, his voice steady but edged with authority. “This is the end of the line.”

The ringleader of the group snarls, glaring at us with bloodshot eyes. “You think this stops anything?” he asks, his voice gravelly. “You have no idea what’s coming.”

Ryder’s growl rumbles low in his chest, a sound that sends shivers down my spine. He steps forward, his dark eyes blazing as he looms over the mutant. “What’s coming? Who are you working for?”

The mutant’s lips curl into a snarl. “You’ll find out soon enough. This is bigger than you, Alpha.”

I swallow hard, the words hitting me like a slap. Ryder doesn’t flinch, but I can feel the tension rolling off him in waves. He grabs the mutant through the bars by the throat, lifting him off the ground with ease.

“Who?” Ryder demands, his voice a dangerous whisper. “Tell me, or I swear you’ll regret it.”

The mutant doesn’t answer, his silence defiant. Lucas steps in, his hand on Ryder’s arm, a silent signal to ease off. Ryder growls but lets the mutant drop to the ground with a thud.

“This isn’t over,” Ryder says, his voice low and deadly. “You’re going to talk. One way or another.”

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