Page 21 of Blood, Shadow & Claw

"Who we belong to?"I echoed, a mix of intrigue and unease threading through my voice. I only wanted to belong to Ajax.

"Sure,"she continued. "Like Ajax marking his territory—or rather, someone he considers his."A mischievous glint danced in her eye as she glanced slyly in Ajax's direction.

I hadn't realized he was so close. Flushing, I sat up, turning to face him. Ajax stepped forward, his presence dominating the space between the trees.

"Let me show you,"he said, his voice deep and sexy. He extended his hand toward a nearby tree, his fingers brushing the bark with a purposeful stroke. "This,"he explained, "is a simple way of asserting dominance over an area. It tells other shifters, 'This is claimed.'"

"Claimed,"I repeated softly. His every movement seemed deliberate, decisive—like a language all its own.

"Exactly,"Ajax affirmed, nodding. "And then there's body language. For example, standing tall with shoulders back displays authority."

As he demonstrated, straightening his already impressive frame, I felt something akin to awe wash over me. In that posture, he was the epitome of strength, of an alpha who knew his power and wasn't afraid to wield it. My umbra immediately took notice of her alpha.

"Submission, on the other hand,"he said, his tone shifting as he relaxed his stance slightly and lowered his gaze, "is shown through a bowed head, averted eyes."

"Like this?"I ventured, mimicking the gesture.

He picked me up, his face buried in my hair. "Perfect,"heapproved, a gentle warmth seeping into his words. Submission isn't weakness—it's trust and respect."

"Trust,"I whispered, allowing the word to settle in my chest, heavy with meaning.

"And affection,"Eva piped up, bouncing to her feet, "not that I need to tell you. Ajax is always nuzzling and cuddling you. Yikes, get a room!"

The rumble of Ajax's laughter made the warmth in my belly spread throughout my body. My breath hitched, and for a moment, I was lost in the sensation, in the connection that thrummed between us.

"Communication among umbra is about expressing what words often can't,"he murmured, his blue eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that spoke volumes.

"Looks like you have this one, Alpha,"Eva laughed.

"You keep running off, my friends,"I managed to say, barely above a whisper. In each gesture andsubtle exchange of looks and scents, I found a depth of emotion I hadn't known I was seeking. It was raw and honest—and melted every piece of me.

"It's a gift," he whispered unapologetically.

I smiled. "Perhaps you should make it up to me?"

He groaned. "I will,"he promised, "later tonight. Right now, we have an Umbral Pack ritual. It's your official introduction."

I'd known it was coming, but it didn't make me any less nervous. Clasping his hand like a lifeline, I nodded and followed him.

The laughterof the pack echoed through the towering pines as Ajax led me to a clearing where a casual gathering was unfolding. Members lounged on logs and blankets, engaging in conversations punctuated with hearty chuckles and playful jostling. My gaze flitted from one interaction to another, taking in the intricate dance of rank and rapport.

"See how they defer to me?"he murmured, subtly pointing.And those two umbrae cubs are challenging each other, but it's all in good spirits."

I nodded, feeling the thrum of their communal heartbeat, so different from the isolation I'd known. As a foster child, bounced from home to home, I longed for such seamless connections. Here, everyone had a place, a role that seemed as natural to them as breathing.

Eva raced up to us. "Come on, Mazie,"she encouraged, her green eyes twinkling with excitement. "Let's meet the rest of the pack."

Reluctantly, I stepped forward, clinging to Eva's infectious confidence. The first few introductions were a blur of friendly faces and warm handshakes. Their names slipped through my mind like water through my fingers, but their genuine smiles were imprinted on my heart.

Then we approached Raylene Thompson, a woman in her fifties whose piercing gray eyes assessed me from head to toe. Despite the day's warmth, I felt a shiver cascade down my spine.

"Raylene, this is Mazie Green,"Eva said, cheerful yet laced with caution.

"A stray brought into the fold,"Raylene remarked coolly, her gaze never wavering from mine.

"Raylene!"Eva's protest was a soft rebuke, but the older woman merely shrugged.

"Truth is not always warm and fuzzy, dear Eva,"she replied. Her words stung, pricking at the raw edges of my past insecurities, where echoes of 'unwanted'and 'temporary'still lingered.

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