Page 16 of Pack Reclaimed (Blood and Moonlight 3)

Callum pulled out and rolled us over, snuggling into me as we came down from the high of our sex.

“Come on, we better get back,” I said as he was lazily tracing circles on my stomach, his warm breath fanning over my shoulder. I shivered at the feeling, almost wishing we had time for another round, but I was sore enough I knew that was an awful idea. Plus, I wasn’t about to miss this full-moon run they’d hyped up for days. If I thought I could hear the call earlier, it was nothing on how strong it was now. The air was charged with power and the call of it was hard to ignore. “The full moon awaits,” I said, crawling out of his arms and putting my clothes back on.

“Was I too rough?” he asked when I winced while pulling on my boxers. I grinned and shook my head.

“No. I quite like feeling that ache, it’ll remind me of you while you’re out there running wild,” I countered.

His boyish smirk was adorable, butterflies dancing as he aimed it at me. “That’s kind of hot.” My laughter cut off as he took my hand and we walked back outside to head back to the pack.

By the time we rejoined the others, the mood was even livelier. The music now blared into the night, chatter shouting to be heard over it. Everyone talked excitedly, animatedly, the anticipation was so thick you could practically taste it.

A sharp whistle had everyone quieting down and someone even turned the music down to background noise. Garren now had everyone’s attention. The older wolf wasn’t someone I’d gotten many chances to get to know, but he was wise and caring, and I liked him immediately.

“It’s time for the ceremony to begin,” he announced. There was a lot of confusion except for our pack which moved forward to stand in front of him. Leven was pale and looked downright terrified. Nyx was sporting an expression of mixed excitement and hesitancy. Vanya and I were the same. That feeling of elation and acceptance was countered by that voice telling me this was fleeting, that if we weren’t mates, she wouldn’t give me a real chance. But the moment she looked at me and her grin brightened, I knew I was being ridiculous. Torryn and Callum both looked downright worried. Torryn I could understand, his position here wasn’t an easy one. But Callum, I think had more to do with worrying about the aftereffects it might have on the pack. Would they truly be satisfied as chosen mates? Even I would have a complex if everyone but me was fated. Who wouldn’t?

Not to mention, this was a wolf ceremony, and I was hardly a wolf. But if they wanted me there, then I would definitely be there.

“Bluff Pack,” Callum called out to take over the speech. “When we ventured to the archives, we learned there was a long-forgotten ceremony that was used as a way to detect fated mates. We didn’t get to do a ton of research, but we brought notes back for Garren, who’s going to perform the ritual for us now. If we are fated, it’ll make us stronger, more united, and even better wolves. And once he has one down, the rest will be easy, and you can speak to him about having one for your own smaller packs or with your own mate. Just know that not all mates are fated, some are chosen and that bond isjustas strong.”

Now the curiosity turned to enthusiasm as everyone followed us out to the center of town. It was an empty cul-de-sac now that the homes were gone, but it made for the perfect sight to perform this with the moonlight beaming down on us like a spotlight. Garren moved to the back, with us between the rest of the pack. My nerves were stronger than ever, unsure of what to expect. If I was rejected, would there be pain like the witch one?

Garren’s voice was strong as he called out to the moon above. “Moon Goddess, hear your children. I bring before you six potential mates, in need of finding out if you and fate bless their union.”

He walked forward and took each of our hands, extending them, palm facing up toward the moon. He didn’t retreat then, instead taking some kind of marker out of his pocket. He marked each of our hands with a rune before bending down and making one on the sidewalk.

“Callum, you’re first. Ask the Moon Goddess for her blessing.”

My mate moved forward, head held high and no hint of worry on his face now.

“Moon Goddess, I ask that you bless our union.”

Something snapped into place between us. It felt like a rope tying us together, his movements pulling my own and our thoughts sharing across it. I could feel his pull and the gasp from Vanya let me know she could also. Something burned on my hand and a small symbol formed next to the drawn rune. It wasn’t painful, more shocking, and I knew it meant that we were not only fated by witches’ standards, but now by wolves’ as well.

“Fate has decided. Leven.” Garren called out to his grandson.

Leven repeated Callum’s words in a shaky tone that sounded so unlike his. This time, my palm did not burn, but glancing over at Vanya’s hand, I saw a second rune had joined the first.

“Another pairing,” Garren announced proudly to the crowd. “I’m glad.” His pride rang strong in his words, and Leven’s grin was bright as he stepped back into place, hands at his side now. “Nyx.”

Nyx’s pairing went the same as Leven’s, ending with a bright smile and a third rune for Vanya. She was collecting us all it seemed.

“Torryn?” He hesitated before he stood on the painted rune. His voice was barely audible as he asked for the blessing, and he let out a choked sound when his and Vanya’s runes flared to life.

“Thank fuck,” he gasped, turning and rushing over, claiming her lips in a possessive kiss.

Garren chuckled. “Even you guys cannot argue with fate.” That comment was for her three original mates and all three looked a bit chastised at his words.

“Vanya?”

She walked forward, not fearful now but excited as she asked for her blessing. She let out an excited squeal as another mark joined hers, the tether between us locking in place. When her gaze turned to mine, there was a relief and excitement there that I knew mirrored my own. Vanya and I were easy friends, and the attraction was there from the start, it seemed fate was involved before we knew it.

And finally, I was called forward. It felt silly to call to their goddess but I did. My own runes flared again, highlighting the two I had thanks to Vanya and Callum, but no others lit up, and I was grateful for that.

“Fate has spoken, their pack is a fated pack, blessed by the Moon Goddess herself!” Garren called out, the cheers echoing into the night as our pack celebrated our union right along with us.

As the celebration returned to normal and everyone ventured back to the pavilion, I focused on the two tethers that were now permanently tying me to my mates. That rope continued to transfer the excitement of finding out we were fated to be together.

Vanya walked over and pulled me into a hug. “I’m glad we found you, Holt. Or rather, you found us. I knew you belonged here with us from the moment we met. It was more than just easy friends, you’re one of us. Pack.”

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