‘For the past three months,” Gariel began slowly, “Lucas and I noticed Warren paying Aria… special attention. At first, I thought nothing of it–she’s human, she’s different, people notice.”
Lucas interjected, “But it was more than curiosity. His eyes followed her everywhere.”
Gabriel nodded. “Two months ago, Warren called me to his office. Offered me Head Warrior position.” His jaw tightened. “If I gave
him Aria.”
I was shocked. “What?”
“He wanted to force you as his mate,” Gabriel continued, his voice tight with controlled anger. “No choice. No say in the matter. Just take you because he’s Alpha and can do whatever he wants.”
I stood abruptly, shaking my head. “No… that’s impossible…” As understanding hit me, everything clicked into place–why Gabriel had been so protective lately, why Dylan had warned us, why we’d fled in the night.
My knees buckled. Before I could fall, strong arms caught me. Jace had moved with inhuman speed, crossing the room to steady me. His scent enveloped me, cedar and wildness, and despite my horror, my body reacted to his nearness.
“I promise you,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear, “Warren will not–will never–lay a finger on you on my territory.”
A strange calm spread through me at his words. Within his arms, I felt inexplicably safe.
After a moment, he guided me back to my seat, his hand lingering on my shoulder before he returned to his desk. From a drawer, he withdrew a massive ceremonial cup shaped like a wolf’s head and an ancient–looking knife.
“I run things differently than most packs,” Jace said, setting the items on his desk. “Here, everyone learns to defend themselves, including the women.
Gabriel interrupted, “Alpha, Aria has been trained in tracking and warrior skills since she was ten.”
A smile spread across Jace’s face, making my heart skip. “Excellent.”
He stood, his presence filling the room. His voice deepened, resonating with ancient power as he began the formal rite.
“I, Jace Carter, Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack, descendant of the Primal Wolves, guardian of these sacred lands, do hereby invite you, Gabriel Silverbrook, and your children Lucas and Aria, to join the Moon Shadow Pack. To hunt beneath our moon, to run across our territory, to share in our abundance, and to live under the protection of my strength and leadership. Your enemies shall become our enemies, your blood our blood, your oath binding until death.”
Gabriel stepped forward first, his posture formal and respectful.
“I, Gabriel Silverbrook, warrior of the Black Forest Pack, do solemnly accept your invitation, Alpha Jace Carter. I pledge my loyalty, my strength, and my life to you and the Moon Shadow Pack. I shall honor your laws, respect your authority, defend your territory, and protect the pack with my final breath if necessary. My blood is yours to command until the last moon rises.”
Jace took the ancient knife and drew it firmly across his palm, then Gabriel’s, pressing their bleeding hands together in the traditional warrior’s clasp. “Blood to blood, spirit to spirit, the pack accepts you as its own.”
Lucas followed, repeating the sacred words with equal reverence. When Jace gripped his hand, I saw my brother wince slightly, the Alpha’s strength evident even in this ceremonial context.
Then it was my turn. I stood on slightly shaky legs, gathering my courage to meet those ice–blue eyes directly.
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Chapter 8
“1. Aria Silverbrook, I began, my voice steadier than I expected, ‘do hereby accept Alpha Jace Carter’s invitation to become part of the Moon Shadow Pack. Though I walk on two legs only, my heart beats with the rhythm of the pack. I pledge my loyalty, my service, and my abilities to the Moon Shadow Pack, to honor its traditions, to respect its hierarchy, and to protect its secrets until my final day.” I recited the slightly modified oath Gabriel had taught me during our journey, acknowledging my human status.
“This will sting a bit, Jace said softly, his large hand gently enclosing mine.
The knife bit into my palm–a quick, sharp pain. Then Jace’s hand pressed against mine, his warm blood mixing with my own. An unprecedented surge of power flowed into me, nearly taking my breath away.”
Time seemed to stop. I felt a connection beyond words, an inexplicable pull toward his warm chest. Jace’s eyes darkened, his hand at my waist tightening almost imperceptibly.
We both snapped back to reality simultaneously, becoming aware that Gabriel, Lucas, and Hunter were watching us with surprised
expressions.
Jace cleared his throat, releasing my hand slowly, almost reluctantly. Sorry about that. My power is stronger than most Alphas, but you have nothing to fear.”
Gabriel bowed his head respectfully. “We’re honored to serve an Alpha of your strength.”
Jace cast one final glance at me, then turned to Hunter. “Show the Silverbrook family to their quarters. Make sure they have everything they need.”
As we left his office, I could feel Jace’s gaze following me. The strange attraction tugged at me, making me want to turn back. I forced myself to follow Hunter, though my skin still tingled where Jace had touched it.
What just happened in there? My heart was racing, my thoughts scattered like leaves in a windstorm. Why did my body react like that to him? I’d grown up around werewolves my entire life, yet never had I felt such an immediate, overwhelming connection to
anyone.
God, that scent! Even now, walking away from him, I could still smell it–wild, powerful. Was this how werewolves felt when they encountered their true mates? But that was impossible! I was human Completely, entirely human. I couldn’t have a true mate, let
alone an Alpha like Jace Carter.
And yet… when our blood mingled, when his eyes locked with mine..
I touched my palm where the cut was already healing–faster than any wound I’d ever had before. What did his blood do to me?
Pull yourself together, Aria! I scolded myself. This man—this Alpha–was offering us sanctuary, nothing more. Whatever I felt was probably just gratitude mixed with awe at his power. That has to be it.
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