Chapter Fourty

6 months ago.

Vanessa

Energy hums through the air, causing the hairs along my arms to stand on end.

Deep breaths, Vanessa , I tell myself. And don’t look up.

History is happening all around me as the wolves enter the clearing on both sides. Blood moon and Santeetlah.

Two packs of similar origins who have fought for centuries over this land.

But today, we’ll join as one.

Because of my agreement to mate the Santeetlah Pack Alpha’s son.

The other females in my pack are jealous. Our matings are all arranged, and I definitely won this year’s prime candidate a future Alpha.

And not just any Alpha, but the Alpha who will lead the union between our packs, with me by his side.

I take another deep breath, attempting to calm my inner wolf. Kneeling agitates the animal lurking beneath my skin. I don’t typically submit. But this ceremony requires it.

Just as it required me not to truly meet my inner animal until today. Hence her growing excitement.

I’ve never been allowed to shift.

It’s part of