Page 22 of Shift Happens
“She?”
He nodded. “Sadie. She’s been alpha for about five years. She’s progressive, which is why she supported my human integration project in the first place.”
“And she wants to meet me?” I tried to imagine what a werewolf pack leader would be like.
“She does. So do my parents.” He looked slightly nervous. “It’s a big step. In pack terms, it means… well, it means I’m serious about you. That I consider you potential mate material.”
My heart did a complicated flip. “Mate material, huh? Is that the wolf equivalent of meeting the parents?”
“More significant,” he said seriously. “Wolves mate for life, Finn. Bringing you to a full moon gathering is basically announcing my intentions to the entire pack.”
The implication settled over me—the depth of what he was offering, what he was declaring to his family and community.
“Are you sure you’re ready for that?” I asked, equally serious.
His eyes met mine, unwavering. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. But if you’re not ready—”
“I’m ready,” I interrupted, surprising myself with how true it felt. “I want to meet your pack. I want to see that part of your life.”
The smile that spread across his face was radiant. “Really? You understand what it means?”
“That you’re serious about us,” I said, taking his hand. “That this isn’t just some temporary human experience for your research.”
“It never was,” he said softly. “Not from the moment you took in a scared wolf during a thunderstorm.”
I leaned forward, pressing my forehead to his in a gesture I’d learned was significant to wolves—an acknowledgment of trust and connection.
“So,” I asked, “what should I expect from this full moon gathering? And more importantly, what should I wear?”
He laughed, tension breaking. “Nothing fancy. Jeans, boots, something warm. We’ll be in the forest clearing. As for what to expect…” He looked thoughtful. “Lots of wolves. Some in human form, most shifted. Probably some ceremonial aspects since you’re being introduced. Maybe a—”
He stopped abruptly, looking slightly embarrassed.
“Maybe a what?” I prompted.
“A claiming ceremony,” he admitted. “It’s traditional when a pack member brings a potential mate. Nothing complicated—just a formal acknowledgment of our connection.”
“Will I need to do anything specific?”
“Just follow my lead,” he assured me. “The main thing is showing respect to Sadie and not challenging any dominant wolves.”
“I think I can manage not to challenge werewolves to duels,” I said dryly. “Anything else?”
He hesitated, then added, “Pack gatherings can get… intense. Especially during the full moon when everyone’s wolf instinctsare stronger. There might be hunting, roughhousing, some behaviors that seem wild by human standards.”
“I’m dating you,” I reminded him. “I’m getting used to wild.”
His expression turned mischievous. “Speaking of wild…” He shifted, moving to straddle my lap in one fluid motion. “We’ve done a lot of den-building today. But there’s another important aspect of territory establishment.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, hands settling naturally on his hips. “And what’s that?”
He leaned closer, lips brushing my ear. “Scent marking. Very thorough scent marking.”
A shiver ran down my spine at his tone. “That sounds like an essential step we shouldn’t skip.”
“Absolutely critical,” he agreed solemnly, though his eyes gleamed with playful desire. “In fact, I think we should start right now.”
His mouth found mine in a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened, carrying the promise of much more. My hands slid under his shirt, seeking the warmth of his skin, while his fingers tangled in my hair.
