Page 114 of Sapphire Flame
The wolves howled once more. Her own wolf had remained with Grant and kept racing around him over and over. She felt her wolf’s joy and, in that way, could experience what the rest of the pack was feeling.
Freedom was an extraordinary thing, a remarkable experience, a reason for so much joy. If she could have howled, she would have done so. As it was, her neck kept arching as though ready to throw her head back and let loose, which only made her smile.
She would never be a true wolf, but she could value what had been accomplished here tonight.
More was to come as Ryan came forward and gestured with outstretched hands for the wolves to dial it down. It took a moment and a lot of laughter, but eventually the crowd grew silent once more. A good majority of the wolves had tears streaming down their faces.
Ryan drew close to Grant and spoke in a strong voice. “We have a new, undisputed pack leader and it’s time for the bonding to begin.”
Yet another group-howl shook the rafters once more.
When the howl diminished, Grant stepped forward, lifted his arms and spoke one simple word, “Come.”
The wolves moved toward the railing and one by one he touched them, sometimes on top of the head, sometimes the shoulder and at times he simple shook hands, though a hug usually followed.
Natalie could feel the bond flowing all through the gallery seats and what became a long line of wolves waiting to be greeted and welcomed. Grant’s focus was all for the pack just as it should be.
Not surprising, Renee appeared next to Natalie and stood with her near the top row of seats. Her ghost’s voice entered Natalie’s mind as though each word was carried on a wind.He’s such a good man. From the time I first met him, I knew his character, I knew who he was. I knew I could always trust him to do what was right. Now here he is, at long last, alpha to our pack.
Renee’s chest rose and fell as though she actually sighed. Her mist rippled with the movement. Perhaps a spirit could sigh. Certainly, the woman felt a degree of strong emotion as she watched her husband.
Renee continued,To the pack, Kryder was evil personified. At some point or other, he hurt every Meldorin member.She turned to Natalie and the slight movement sent the mist of her form sliding sideways for a moment then reforming.So, why didn’t he kill the bastard?
At that Natalie laughed.Why do you think?
I know. He wouldn’t unless forced to. But he should have. Kryder will return, probably with an army.
The words sent a chill down Natalie’s spine. She would have asked Renee what she meant or more importantly, what she knew, but the woman vanished.
Natalie’s first thought was to look into the future, but she refused, at least for now. Renee’s prophesy had diminished her joy, but it didn’t mean she had to disrupt what was a powerful moment between Grant and his pack.
Besides, seeing Kryder up to no good in the future was more than Natalie wanted to endure right now. There would be time enough for that moving forward.
For now, she chose to celebrate that a significant event had occurred, one that Kryder couldn’t disrupt, not unless he wanted an entire pack of wolves to attack him and tear him to shreds. Nothing less would happen if the former alpha returned anytime soon to take revenge.
As Natalie surveyed the wolves and felt the bond strengthening with each passing minute, she knew in her heart these wolves would do everything they could to protect their new alpha and the safety of the Meldorin Pack.
