by Ryan Michele
Savannah’s death hit me in the gut. Even though she was a royal bitch to me, she was still my sister and she saved my life. Somewhere deep inside, I’d always hoped that we would make amends and be like normal sisters, the three of us. Now, that will never happen. That cut me deep. All that time we had together wasted. Pathetic.
When Gary found Sydney and brought her to us, she rushed into both of our arms and we held on tight to one another. True, my sister has been a bitch to me forever, but in the moment of grief, we pulled together, leaning on each other.
Thor is my rock. He’s held me, scented me, and has done everything in his power to help the hurt. He asked if I wanted Lily to come and help, but I declined. I need to feel this right now, at least for a few days. I need to feel the pain of losing my family.
Kenly
HE’S ALIVE. ALL thanks to a little pup. There is no way that I will ever be able to thank Natalie, but she has my oath until the day I die that I will protect her with everything that I have. Max is alive and I’m in his arms. There is no place I’d rather be.
Max
THAT WAS WAY too fucking close for me. I felt myself going. I knew it was the end. My entire being told me that I needed to say my goodbyes to Kenly because it was time for me to leave this world. I didn’t want to go and I fought like hell, but my body had other plans.
After hearing of our healer Stella’s demise, I continued fighting, trying to pull myself up, but the wolves I fought had done a hell of a job on me. Thanks to the little pup, I feel good as new—hell, even better than new. All the thank you’s in the world will never be enough for what that child did for Kenly and me. For that, I owe her.
Thor
SABREA CONTINUES TO cry in my arms. I want Lily to come and take the pain away, help her heal, but she is refusing me and wanting to feel it. I was young when I lost my father therefore do not remember the grief. I worry for Sabrea. If she doesn’t get some relief soon, I will force her to. I love her too much to let her feel this.
Xavier
I GUESS YOU could say we won the battle, but I don’t exactly see it that way. Way too many lives have been lost to call it winning. Males and females fought for the wolves’ freedom, and they need to be honored. They will be honored. I will make sure of it.
There are some serious questions that I have though for Nana O and this legend she talked about. She discussed the six of us going into battle, she never stated anything about a child. My child, Natalie. I’ve been sitting here as patiently as I can, waiting for Zara to get done with her questions, and allowing Nana to answer them.
But my patience has worn out.
“You said nothing of a child when you spoke of the legend. You said the six of us only were to save the wolves. Never once did you mention a seventh,” I accuse, as Zara falls into my side and I wrap my arm tightly around her. Zara loves her Nana and I respect that, but I admit I feel like she fed me a line of bullshit with this whole thing.
Nana studies me, obviously realizing that I’m seriously pissed right the fuck off. Misinformation gets everyone killed, and I’m not okay with that.
“Son,” she says calmly and I take a deep breath. It’s been a fuck of a long time since anyone has called me that. “The legend is very true. You know there are missing pages, and the only thing that I can come up with is that the Oracles used me to help relay that missing information. I never lied to you. I would never lie to you. Natalie’s powers are raw and pure, and can be deadly, as we discovered with Donte. She has to channel her power, her light through the others until she gets it under control. But she is the ultimate, she is the one. She is the crystal. I understand that you are upset with me, but I swear to you, I’d never do anything to put this pack in danger.”
Her words are heartfelt and I know she’s being honest, down to her soul. I just don’t know what the hell to do with it right now. I need some time to process everything. I lift my chin, because that’s all I can give her at the moment. I need to go to my office and figure out services for all these wolves and…wait.
The Raber Wolf Pack
One week later
THE WOLVES WHO were killed in battle are being remembered in a day-long ceremony. The day is filled with somber moods and even laughter as each wolf is remembered and stories are told. Xavier feels the weight of each death on his shoulders, but stands strong with each of the wolves at his side.
Zara stays tucked under Xavier’s arm with Natalie on her hip. She’s cried so many tears today and even had a few smiles, remembering. These wolves’ deaths will never be in vain.
Max holds Kenly, both realizing how lucky they are to be in each other’s arms. They vow never to take a moment together for granted, ever.
Thor’s arm is wrapped around a sobbing Sabrea. She allowed Lily to help her, but again refused to do so today. She said that she needed to mourn her family or she’d never feel at peace. Thor couldn’t allow her to not find that. They have too much of a life left to live, and he’ll do anything in the world for her.
Two weeks later
XAVIER SITS IN his office pondering. He’s come to realize that sitting alone in his office gives him way too much time to wander off, and he doesn’t like it much.
A knock comes at the door. “Come in,” Xavier calls.
The door creaks open and Marvin stands over the threshold, with Nana O and Maggie right behind him.
“Marvin?” Xavier asks, puzzled because Marvin has always said that the wolves had to come to him, that it wasn’t the other way around.
Marvin steps in. “Yes, I have some things we need to discuss.”
Xavier waves at the chairs in front of him, directing the three to have a seat, which they do.
“Go on,” Xavier says, eyes focused on Marvin.
“You and the other five are the council,” Marvin says, and Xavier forgets to breathe. Marvin sees it. “Yes, breathe. You six are to be the governing council above all the wolves. The new Oracles, if you will.”
Xavier scrunches his brow. “We are to preside over everyone?”
“Yes,” Marvin answers, a small smile on his lips. “You will be judge, jury and unfortunately, executioner when needed. Your main job now is to grow the wolf population.”
Xavier sits back in his chair again. The weight that released from his shoulders after the battle comes back, crushing him to the floor. How in the hell is he supposed to do this? “How do know for sure?”
“Can you hear more wolves through your link?”
Xavier’s eyes widen as the words set in. With everything that has been going on, he never pursued this fact that he found during the battle. Actually, none of the wolves from the other packs said anything either, making it that more of a puzzle.
“Yes,” Xavier whispers, stunned, and Marvin smiles.
“That, my friend, is the gift you have been given.” Marvin looks to Nana O and back to Xavier. “The six of you each have something to offer in knowledge, and with that knowledge you will make the best decisions for the wolves. This is a great honor. You have something that no other council member has ever had.” Marvin looks to the floor sheepishly. “I’ve been doing spells to find out what has been going on and I found this.” Marvin reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper, handing it to Xavier who unfolds it and begins reading.
The paper, made of old parchment, reminds him of the Oracles.
If the wolf battle is won, the six will govern the wolves as the council. The alpha pair will rule with the beta and gamma pairs at their sides. Each member of the six will bring their knowledge to the wolves and make the best decisions possible for the wolf community. Unfortunately, many wolves will have lost their lives in this battle over greed. The wolf population needs to expand and must be the first order of business.
After procreation is settled, the six will preside over the good and the bad, when it comes to the wolves. It is by this decree of the Oracles.
Holy shit. Xavier thinks as he leans back in his chair, clos
ing his eyes and allowing himself to think.
The Raber Wolf Pack
Three Months and Four Days Later
Sabrea
LILY IS WONDERFUL. It still hurts, but she helps me tremendously. As today is important, I need her help today more than ever. I never thought I’d find my mate, let alone have a mating ceremony. With my father not here, there is a void that I try desperately not to feel, but can’t escape. He should be here with me.
This is Thor’s and my day. Well, and Max and Kenly, and Xavier and Zara’s too. We decided on a group ceremony to celebrate us together. The lives lost still overwhelm me at times, but the six of us need this. We need to seal our bonds together once and for all.
Zara
WORDS CAN’T DESCRIBE how excited I am to finally have this with my mate. I love Xavier and with Natalie by our side, I couldn’t be happier. I choose to let the joy of the day consume me instead of the terrible losses that still ache inside me.
I want to look forward and be the best person I can be for Xavier and Natalie. I also hope that Xavier and I can bring pups into this world and teach them better than those who wronged us.
Kenly
MAX DOESN’T KNOW it, but I bought him a ring on a chain and one for myself. I know it’s more of my human side, but it’s something that I’ve grown up my entire life wanting, and I’m going to have it with the man I love.
I know he’ll love it. I know he’ll wear it. I know he loves me just the same. Today, we show the world.
Xavier
TODAY IS THE DAY I finally get to have my mating ceremony with Zara. We’ve been through so damn much these past few months, but each struggle has brought us closer together. Sure, the mating bond is strong, but it’s the love that we have now that I crave every second.
Zara is the other half to my whole. She is my soul. I love her more than words can say and will show her that every day until my last breath.
Max
MY LOVE FOR MY spitfire, ex-human, now-wolf mate grows every day. I clutch the two long chains with matching gold rings attached to them. Kenly has said over and over that she is fine without this piece of her human life, and while I believe her, I want to give this to her.
I want her to know that I am by her side for all eternity, and through everything. If me wearing this ring around my neck will help her to know that, I have no problem with it.
Kenly is my everything. She is my future.
Thor
SABREA HAS TAKEN her father’s and sister’s deaths hard. While I’ve stood by her side, I feel how much pain she’s in and it kills me. I’m so glad she’s allowed Lily to help her. I still see it in her eyes, but the pain is more manageable.
Today is a new beginning for us. Our us is still new and we’ve been through so much, but I look forward to spending the rest of my days with my arms wrapped around Sabrea, lifting her up.
The Raber Wolf Pack
NANA OPAL STANDS before the wolves she has taken on as her family. With the wolf numbers down so low now, she is considered one of the elders, and while that fact is an honor, it also saddens her deeply.
When Xavier asked her to preside over the ceremony, the tears sprung to her eyes and she was unable to stop them. Normally the epitome of calm and composed, Nana O lost it for a brief moment. Nana O has never been an officiant, but has read up on it everywhere she can.
As Xavier holds Zara’s hands, looking deep into her eyes, Nana O’s heart fills with contentment and pride. She always knew her granddaughter would be great, but seeing it firsthand is a blessing.
Max pulls Kenly close to him so they are only an inch apart. The love between these two is so precious because if it were not for the witch blood that runs in Kenly’s veins, Nana O fears Kenly would not be with them now.
Thor and Sabrea hold each other’s hands and smile at one another. Nana O can feel it in her bones that love is on the horizon. Sabrea suffered the blow of death and allowing someone into her heart right now, must be terrifying, but she is, it’s in her eyes.
Nana O clears her throat, attracting the attention of the remaining wolves in existence, all of whom were summoned here by the six. These past four months have been a change. It hasn’t been smooth sailing because alphas will be alphas, and having one rule over all others is a difficult thing for some to accept. The six have been very patient in explaining and showing the other wolves.
The first time all the remaining wolves were summoned was after the burial of the other wolves. The six decided that they wanted to tell all the wolves about the changes and to discuss Camp. David Camp was released back to his home. His memories were completely wiped of his time in the Raber den and with the Lobos, but the pack needed to add in a few memories so that if the media asked him questions, he would answer in the correct way. As with Kenly’s parents. Her power has held strong over them considering they still have not said a word and have stood by everything they said to the media. Thank goodness all the coverage was squashed and they have moved on with their lives without Kenly.
So, standing here now with the six wolves is an honor that Nano O will not take lightly.
“The connection between mates is the purest, most genuine, oldest and honorable relationship wolves can have. What you six have not just with your mates, but with one another is magical and virtuous.”
The six wolves stare into their mate’s eyes and allow all of Nana O’s words to wash over them. They breathe in and out slowly, Zara and Kenly have tears in their eyes but are holding them at bay. Sabrea is not. She’s allowing hers to flow freely.
“Max?” Nana O asks, nodding to him. “Before we finish the ceremony, Max has something he wants to say.” Max smiles widely. He pulls the rings from his pocket, the long chains dangling down, and bends on one knee. Yes, it is a human gesture, but one that Kenly has always wanted, along with the rings.
“Will you be mine?” Max asks Kenly, who has tears rolling down her face.
“Yes!” Kenly pulls out two rings on chains as well and smiles, holding them up. “Only if you’ll be mine.”
“For all of eternity,” Max replies as they exchange rings, putting two around each other’s necks, the chains extra-long, just in case. Max kisses Kenly with an intensity that would melt candlewax. Nana O smiles.
As Nana O continues speaking to the six and the crowd’s anticipation grows, excited for each of the couples and what is to come. While every word is special and unique, they can’t help but think of the moment that lays before them.
“I love each of you as my own.” Nana O gives a wicked smile. “Now, we have reached the part of our ceremony that has been cherished for generations. The mating dash. As customary, the females have a one-minute head start from the males. So, ladies, I suggest you use each second of those to your advantage. The males need to find and subdue their females, upon which time the mating can begin.”
Kenly’s eyes widen at Nana O’s words. She’s still not one-hundred percent as open as most wolves, but she’s getting there.
“Are we ready?” Nana O states, still grinning.
With a nod, Nana states, “Go!”
Zara, Kenly and Sabrea dart off in different directions as the wolves watching the ceremony howl loudly. The sound of clothes ripping fills the air as the females shift into wolves while running in order to cover more ground faster.
The males stand there, salivating, their dicks hard and ready to claim their females. With every second that ticks by, they get more anxious to find their mates.
Their futures look so bright and each one can’t wait to spend eternity cherishing their mates, building a family, and contributing to the procreation of the wolves.
“Are you ready, gentlemen?” Nana O asks, and Xavier chuckles, knowing he is nothing like a gentleman, but that’s Nana O for ya.
With a stiff nod from each male, Nana whispers softly, “Go.”
Xavier lifts his nose in the air as he tears his clothes from his body, shifting to wolf. He smells his mate inst
antly and darts after her. Mine.
Max’s run is fueled by all of his pent-up sexual energy. Removing his clothes and scenting his mate, he rushes through the woods. Mine.
Thor takes off in the opposite direction of Xavier and Max, smelling his mate change course. Little minx. He rips the clothes from his body, shifting into his wolf and setting off to find his mate. Mine.
Nana O looks on and smiles. For once, when she looks ahead to the future, she sees brightness. Everything feels right.
~THE END~