Page 19 of Fated to the Hunters
“Scarlett, my love. We thought you’d be busy today.”
“I have been.”
“And still you found time to speak to us.” She enjoyed how much he appreciated her, how soft and sweet he was. Though she couldn’t help but think there was a whole other side of him she hadn’t seen. “Are you looking forward to tonight?”
“Yes.” She wanted to tell him how sad she was about this ceremony most likely being her last, and that soon she wouldn’t be able to keep her secret any longer, but she couldn’t bring herself to admit it.
“Care to share what you’ve been up to without us, little princess?” the scary one snarled.
Scarlett sighed. She hated how her belly fluttered when he spoke to her like that. “I went for a hike with my brother.”
“You mentioned that you got along well with him. I’m sure it was soul healing to be out there with him.”
“It is. I have to get going again.”
“So soon?” the scary one almost snapped.
“Go ahead, love. Enjoy your evening.”
She hung up and changed her clothes quickly, the butterflies in her stomach growing larger. She was playing a dangerous game and even though she was terrified to be discovered, the thrill made it that much more exciting.
The sun was already setting, painting the surrounding forest in a golden light and making the water of the lake shimmer in the last sunrays. As expected of her, she stayed by her parents’ sides until it was time for her father to address the pack. Once darkness settled over them, Maximilian stood by her side as her father took the spot before the pack.
“Tonight, we not only celebrate Isis, our mother and maker, but we welcome three new wolves into our pack. Before our eyes, boys will become men as they meet their wolves for the very first time.”
Three teenage boys stepped forward, falling on their knees before their alpha.
“Listen as she calls your name. Feel your wolves awakening in your mind.”
Maximilian wrapped an arm around Scarlett and pulled her closer. She leaned into him and watched as her father guided the three wolves through the bodies of their counterparts into the world.
“Feel their minds push into yours and their body grow stronger.”
Jessy’s body was the first to vibrate, his joints cracking and his bones twisting and contorting. He suppressed his cry into a painful grunt. The first shift was always the most painful, with man and wolf not knowing one another well enough to give up power without a struggle.
“Isis has chosen you to be part of this pack, to protect, serve, and provide.”
Then her father stepped back and watched as the other two boys shifted. Eventually, their shifts would only take seconds,but it would be a learned skill. It was rather painful to watch them fight, not wanting to be seen as weak by showing their pain. Bones shifted out of place as skin ripped and fur grew.
When three wolves finally stood before the pack, Scarlett let out a relieved sigh. She hadn’t even noticed how tense she’d gotten.
Her father stepped before them, the power of his alpha pouring off him in waves. He didn’t need words for the wolves to settle and bow their heads. With each step her father took, they dipped lower until they laid before him.
He took a lap around the new wolves and inspected the additions that were now meant to protect their pack. Once he’d made his judgment, he came to a stop and gave them an approving nod. “You will serve, protect and provide well. But tonight, you may welcome your wolves to this earth.”
Cheers filled the air and howls echoed over the water and into the woods as the wolves returned to their pack and sought out their families.
She stayed with her parents and Jake for a little while before she wandered off to find Kurt. As they filled up their plates, she could practically feel him vibrating with tension.
“You okay?”
“My alpha hasn’t stopped watching me.”
She sighed and moved onto the side dishes. “He did mention that we were close last night, and I told him that you were my only friend.”
“Shit,” Kurt muttered. “Now he’s coming towards us.”
Scarlett turned, seeing both her parents approaching them. While Kurt bowed his head, she grabbed herself a fork and knife.
