Author: Aileen Erin
Category: Paranormal
Go to read content：https://readnovelfree.com/p/28751_32
We moved as a group to a clearing in the woods. The moon rose as we walked, and I could feel its energy burning through me. My skin itched as the wolf rose to the surface. Only Dastien’s firm grip on my hand kept me from shifting.
Why do I feel like I can’t hold this form?
It’s hard during the full moon. That’s why we have the ceremony. It’s important to be together as a pack and get out in the wild. The newer or less dominant the wolf is, the harder it is to keep the human form. It gets worse as the moon rises.
Perfect. I scratched my arm, but it didn’t help alleviate the itch at all.
When we got to the spot for the ceremony, I was surprised that I recognized it. We’d held the meeting here when we discussed whether to kick Imogene out of the pack. The moon provided more than enough light to see by, illuminating the unlit bonfire area off to the side. Slightly deeper into the woods, piled rocks and boulders from the nearby creek formed a circle of seats, and a stone dais sat in the center of the ring. The platform part probably weighed a million pounds.
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Mr. Dawson, Donovan, and Sebastian all stood on the oblong stone wearing black robes with the hoods down. Donovan and Sebastian were both members of the Seven—the council that ruled all werewolves—and Mr. Dawson ruled the local pack. All three were seriously strong alphas. I was sure some of the other alphas called in for the Tribunal were around, but I wouldn’t know them if I saw them. Not unless they tried to push their power at me.
Dastien pulled me along until we were standing in front of the dais. Everyone else crowded around behind us, some taking seats on the stones, others just standing, waiting for the ceremony to be over so they could shift.
Mr. Dawson and Donovan stood in relaxed poses, while Sebastian stood a little off to the side. He was grinning, and his blue eyes glowed bright.
Donovan had been really easy to get along with. He was only intimidating when he needed to be, but Sebastian was a little more so. When I first got to St. Ailbe’s, he’d pushed himself into my mind, which wasn’t fun at all, but ever since that one unpleasant experience, he’d been really nice. Super smiley. It was kind of weird, but I’d take that over scary Sebastian any day. I’d never fully gotten over that first impression.
Donovan stepped forward and the few whispers of the gathered wolves immediately died. “The moon has risen, and the ceremony shall begin. Have you both approached clear of heart and mind?”
“Yes,” Dastien said.
Donovan turned to me.
Right. I had to say something now. “Yeah.” My voice cracked. “I mean, yes.” God. I’d been over it in my mind a million times the past couple of days and I still managed to mess it up.
Donovan gave me a wink. “Good. Then let’s get started.”
Sebastian stepped to the edge of the rock. His white-blond hair looked even whiter against his stark black robe. “This is the joining of two wolves whose like I’ve not seen before. Both more alpha than Dono or I were in our youth. When I was called here to assess them and determine what had happened, I was not prepared for this one.” He pointed to me. “Her strength and magic will do well for the pack.”
I was really grateful that my hood blocked out my peripheral vision. Only the three on the stage could see my face and how red it was getting.
Donovan held up his hands, and the whispering crowd finally settled. He looked at me for a second and it felt like he was seeing into my soul. I struggled not to move under his inspection. “Before we proceed with the incantation, you must complete the exchange of flesh.”
Dastien turned me so we were facing each other. He held out his arm.
Oh God. This was going to be a disaster. I suddenly felt cold. I wiped my sweaty palms on my robe. “I can’t bite you.” I’d known it was part of the ceremony, but hearing it and actually having to tear into Dastien’s arm were totally different. “That’s just…nope…not gonna happen.”
His eyes flashed to bright yellow. “You don’t want this?”
Was he messing with me? Of course I didn’t want to bite him. That didn’t mean I didn’t want to be with him. “No. I mean. Yes. I mean.” God. I was sounding like a real moron tonight and so many people were here listening. I let out a shaky breath. “I don’t want to hurt you. Because it totally hurt when you bit me. More than a little bit. It was not cool. At all.”
A few chuckles rang out through the crowd and I stared down at the ground.
“I thought we were different than vampires…” I muttered softly, but everyone heard me. Full on laughing came from the crowd.
Who knew I was such a freaking comedian?
Shit. I had to do it. And not make an idiot of myself in front of everyone. I wiped my hands on my robe again. “Fine. But don’t get all pissy when it hurts. I don’t want any whining.”
Dastien gave me a small smile. “I’m not going to whine.”
“Sure you won’t.”
He held out his arm for me again and I grasped it with both hands. I met his gaze and sucked in breath.
I so didn’t want to do this. Not even a little bit. My stomach churned at the thought.
I started to bite down, and then stopped, whining a little. I hopped from foot to foot. “This is so messed up.”