Karen noticed the smiles on every face she passed as she finished up the last minute preparations for tonight. Cole had tried to explain the importance of the full moon to the Werewolves, but it was only coming clear now. It wasn't just the mating rituals. It had to do with family and being together and rejoicing in what they were. They were special. She had to agree. The smiles were infectious and pretty soon she was smiling too. The nervousness was still there, but with it was excitement of what would happen tonight. Her bond with Cole would be solidified, and she would officially become a member of the pack.
Katy looked out the window and saw the pack moving towards the woods, to the clearing. Some were already in their wolf forms, some still human. She jumped when Rhys' hand rested on her shoulder.
"Little one, remember, once the mating has begun, you won't be nervous anymore." He leaned down close to her ear. "Do you trust me?"
She spun around to face him and hugged him tight around the waist. "Yes, I trust you more than I've ever trusted anyone in my life Rhys. I can't wait to be your mate. I can't wait to be whatever it is I'm meant to be. As long as I spend the rest of my life with you, that's all I care about." Her body molded itself to his, so naturally, like they'd known each other for years, not days.
He smoothed her hair as he held her close. He could feel her heart pounding in her chest. He kissed the top of her head. Soon they would be bonded and neither would ever be alone again. His wolf was close as he felt the full moon near. The time would come for him to take their mate. He was more than ready.
Jenna finished brushing Sheila's hair just as Alistair arrived to escort her to the gathering. She smoothed down the last few stray strands and kissed her friend on the forehead. She was looking forward to the day Sheila was out of this drug induced coma and she could help her to understand all the changes that had happened in the last few days.
Jeff was staying behind to look after Sheila and the other patients. Normally his wolf would be complaining, but not this time, he would much rather stay with his mate. "Thank you for thinking of those kinds of things Jenna. I'm not very good at thinking of brushing her hair. Guess I'd better learn huh?" He stood next to the bed and held Sheila's hand gently.
"I'm sure you'll do fine Doctor." Jenna knew already how deeply the Werewolf bonds affected both parties. Once Sheila was awake Jeff would know exactly what she needed from him. She had no worries her friend would always be well cared for. She and Alistair hadn't mated yet but she could already feel how much they were in tune.
"It's time for us to be on our way Jenna." Alistair slid an arm through hers and smiled as she waved at the Doctor. He couldn't believe how nervous he was right now. You'd think at his age he wouldn't be so worried about what could happen. But this was his first mating. Alistair and Jenna walked out the hospital doors into the compound.
The sun was just above the western mountains. It was almost time. Several wolves trotted by them on their way to the clearing. The cubs could feel the excitement and their laughter could be heard echoing between the buildings as they raced between the adults on their way into the woods.
Jenna pointed to Katy and Rhys but Alistair shook his head and took them to the other side of the clearing. He held her hand as they found an open spot on the grass. His wolf was far too protective at the moment for them to be around anyone else.
Konstantin walked with Tracy, his good arm around her waist protectively. His broken arm had been taken out of the splint and was now in a sling. The pain was almost gone, but his wolf didn't care if it hurt. Any pain would be worth it to have his mate with him the rest of his life.
The moon was in sight and was affecting Tracy already. She couldn't explain why she felt the way she did. She'd always been shy, and after several months with Gary's pack, she was downright petrified of males. While earlier she had been frightened of her own shadow, her only thoughts now were on the male next to her.
It looked like the entire pack had arrived and were waiting for the official word for the hunt to begin. Karen was standing with Lila and the female Betas while Cole stood with the males. The two groups were side by side, wolves milling around, impatient, wanting to run. The Omegas were busy feeding the fire in the center of the clearing.
The visitors wishing to attend had found those they knew and stood in small groups around the clearing.
Carr and Lee walked into the clearing hand in hand. The pack silenced immediately and all eyes were on the Alphas as they made their way to the large rock formation at the east side of the clearing. Carr climbed the rocks and stood at the very top. As the pack watched him, they saw the rising moon just above his head.
"Baxter Pack. We are here to celebrate. We celebrate the battle won against the rogues." He stopped while the wolves howled in triumph in front of him. He smiled broadly. He was so proud of his pack and how they dealt with Gary and his followers, and how they worked with the other packs as a team.
"We celebrate the new members of our pack and our newly found friends." Those in human form clapped and smiled at the human women as the wolves howled in welcome.
"We are here to celebrate new lives to come." With that he looked at Lee who had her hands held protectively over her stomach as she looked lovingly at her mate. This time when the wolves howled it was louder and lasted longer. This was the future of their pack.
