“I was not expecting to be having this type of conversation before we enjoyed our first pickernic together. I arranged for this before the events that recently unfolded. We are supposed to be having storms in the coming hours and my idea of having it in one of the larger greenhouses was deemed unworthy by the powers that control those things.”
“You mean my friends Flick and Blossom? They are very persuasive in a very non-persuasive manner.” Fenya grins.
“Yes, I forgot they were also your friends. You seem to have a lot of friends here at the Spirit Walker Pack, despite the fact that you were brought here against your will.” I cannot help being caustic and I’m immediately regretful when I see the hurt in Fenya’s eyes. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for and hurtful.”
“Hurtful, yes, but I’m not sure it was uncalled for. I have been anything but a gracious guest since my arrival, and cannot count the number of times that various people have pointed that out, or been gracious to me. You have been very patient and more with me. I thank you for that.” Fenya has the saddest smile on her face that I have ever seen, and my heart almost stops at the sight. It seems that she has made her decision.
“Before you tell me your decision, because it is obvious that you have reached one, can I just say that I was never angryatyou. My anger was born of fear that something would happen toyou. Even if we never saw each other again after this moment, I would answer your call if you made one to me. I feel that even after a rejection we would somehow still be tied for the rest of our lives.”
“Yes.”
“You feel that way too? Then we shall at least have that in our future.” Gesturing to the food laid out, I say, “Shall we eat? It looks far too good to go to waste, don’t you think?”
Get your human to shut up talking. He needs to use his ears and not his mouth!Astra snaps at Hunter.
I told him, as we agreed, that we wouldn’t involve ourselves in their human stupidity,Hunter replies.
HUNTER! You are as dense as your human at times. She is trying to accept the mating. Tell him to SHUT UP AND LISTEN!
Oh! OH!Hunter realizes.Lyle, you need to shut up and listen to Fenya. You are not hearing her words. LISTEN TO HER!
“I’m sorry. What did you say?” I look at Fenya and wait.
“I said yes.” She says this so quietly I hardly hear her.
“Yes to what, Fenya?”
“Yes to you. Yes to the mating. Yes to everything.”
I sit there aghast at her words. This was not what I was expecting to hear. Our wolves however are far ahead of us. Without a word, Hunter bursts forth and a second later, Astra joins him. They jump and cavort around the room like a couple of pups high on their first rabbit chase. Knowing how much effort it would take to subdue them and take human form, I settle back in ourmind and trust that this will not lead to a wild and hectic mating session.
Chapter 20
FENYA
Accepting the mating between Lyle and myself came easier than I expected. I don’t know what was wrong with me from the beginning, other than I had never seen myself as a mate before, and had certainly never looked upon any male as a potential mate.
Lyle was genuinely surprised when I said yes to him, and when Astra and Hunter both burst forth, we just let them have their moment. They spent around fifteen minutes getting to know each other better before we humans could get a word in!
Although I was ready for the mating bond, I wasn’t ready for the mating. Talking to Lyle, I could sense that he wasn’t the sort to rush me into anything. To cement the bond, we agreed to mark each other, and I can’t believe it was I who suggested that we let our wolves mate!
Explaining to Lyle that I was shy in that respect, because I had no experience to call on mainly, he was very understanding. He has had so much patience with me, and this was yet another demonstration of that.
We ate some of the pickernic while we discussed what the future held for us, and how to break the news to Falan. I was all for rushing back to the Wolfsong Pack to tell him face-to-face, but Lyle’s reminder of the rogues' camp and the possible presence of the delightful Number Seven, had me agreeing to make a phone call in the morning, instead.
Once I felt more comfortable with my decision, we took a step back and let Astra and Hunter consummate their bond. To say she was surprised that I was the one to suggest it would be an understatement. To say she was enthusiastic in their mating doesn’t do her justice. I’m sure Hunter can’t wait to do that again! And often!
As I was no longer a guest, I spent the night in the Alpha suite, albeit a chaste one. We spoke of many things, some more important than others, but all opened my eyes to what the future could hold.
Before breakfast, Lyle called the pack to a meeting at the front of the packhouse. All those that could attend, anyway. Announcing that we were now officially mates came as less of a surprise to the pack than it had to me. Everyone saw that it was meant to be before I did, and I need to apologize to the Goddess Selene, that reminds me.
Listening to Lyle speak to his pack, I don’t take in much of what he’s saying. I see the pack hanging on every word, though. As he finishes, but before he can step away, I take his hand and step beside him. Looking out over the crowd, I begin to speak.
“Spirit Walker Pack… I stand before you as not only the newest member of the pack, but as your Luna. I have much to learn about the pack, you as individuals and myself as your Luna. It will be a challenge, but one that I look forward to wholeheartedly. With your guidance where necessary, I wish to be deserving of the title Luna of the Spirit Walker Pack, and to be the best and most supportive mate that your Alpha deserves.”
From deep in the crowd, a howl begins that is quickly picked up by more and more of the pack. Soon we are all howling together and it resounds across the pack lands. Lyle introduces me to the pack through the mind link and it almost overwhelms me. Standing tall and proud before them, gripping Lyle's hand as though it were the last handhold before I fell from a cliff, I let it roll through me.
The pack feels it too, and they cheer.
