Page 32 of Shift Happens
Near dawn, Sadie called for attention once more. The pack gathered, some human, some wolf, all attentive as their alpha spoke.
“Tonight we have welcomed Finn as Milo’s intended,” she announced. “We have shared our moon ceremony, our food, our stories. In doing so, we acknowledge this union and the bridge it creates between our worlds.”
She turned to face us directly. “Milo and Finn, step forward.”
We moved to the center of the gathering, Milo’s hand warm in mine.
“The pack recognizes your bond,” Sadie continued. “From this night forward, Finn Reed stands as pack-friend, entitled to our protection and welcome at our gatherings. The human world and wolf world touch through your union, creating possibility for both.”
She pressed her palm briefly to each of our foreheads—a formal blessing that Milo had mentioned might occur if the introduction went well.
“May your path together honor both sides of your nature,” she concluded. “Human and wolf, bound in respect and love.”
A collective howl rose from the shifters present—a sound of acceptance and celebration that sent chills down my spine despite the warmth of the fires. Beside me, Milo tilted his head back and joined the chorus with his human voice, the sound blending perfectly with his pack’s acknowledgment.
As the howls faded and dawn began to lighten the eastern sky, pack members started preparing to depart. Some shifted back to human form to drive home, others planned to run through the forest to more distant territories. The night’s formality dissolved into practical matters of cleanup and transportation.
“What did you think?” Milo asked as we helped gather scattered items around the clearing. “Of everything?”
“It was beautiful,” I said honestly. “Different from anything I’ve ever experienced, but beautiful. Your pack has been more welcoming than I expected.”
“They can see what I see in you,” he said simply. “Someone who accepts all of me, who wants to build a bridge rather than force a choice.”
As we packed up to leave, several pack members approached to say goodbye, including Milo’s parents. Lucia embraced me warmly, whispering, “Take care of my son’s heart,” before releasing me. Arnold offered a firm handshake and a nod that contained more acceptance than his earlier reservations had suggested possible.
Finally, Sadie approached as we prepared to walk back to the car. “You’ve done well, Finn,” she said. “Few humans would adapt so naturally to our ways.”
“I had an excellent guide,” I replied, glancing at Milo with affection.
“Indeed.” She smiled slightly. “Remember that the bridge you build together requires maintenance from both sides. Visit us for the next full moon—perhaps stay longer, learn more of our ways as Milo learns yours.”
I’d like that,” I said, surprised by how genuinely I meant it. “Thank you for welcoming me.”
Chapter 16
The drive back to town was quiet, both of us processing the night’s events. Milo dozed in the passenger seat, exhausted from the full moon shift and all that had followed. I glanced at him occasionally, marveling at how this small, chaotic being had so thoroughly transformed my once-orderly life.
When we reached my apartment, Milo roused himself enough to climb the stairs, immediately heading for the bedroom where he collapsed onto the mattress with a contented sigh.
“Shifting takes a lot out of you, huh?” I observed, sitting beside him to remove his shoes.
“Mmm,” he agreed drowsily. “Worth it though. You were amazing with everyone.”
“I just followed your coaching,” I said, helping him out of his jacket. “Your father surprised me at the end.”
Milo’s eyes opened slightly. “He’s stubborn but fair. If he sees something worthwhile, he acknowledges it. Eventually.”
“High praise from the wolf patriarch,” I teased gently.
“The highest,” he agreed, tugging me down beside him. “Sleep now? Process later?”
I laughed softly, kicking off my own shoes and settling beside him. “Sleep now. We have all the time in the world to process.”
He curled against me, head tucked under my chin in the position that had become so familiar. Within moments, hisbreathing deepened into sleep, his body completely relaxed against mine.
As I drifted toward sleep myself, I reflected on the night’s events—the ceremonial acceptance, the primal connection by the stream, Sadie’s blessing of our union. What had begun with a clumsy wolf shifter knocking over a Wolverine standee had evolved into something profound, something that crossed boundaries I hadn’t known existed.
My last conscious thought before sleep claimed me was simple but certain: this bridge between worlds we were building together was worth every challenge it might bring.
