Hestia House Book One

Chapter Fifteen

~Two Days Later, Dusk~

~Arynn’s POV~

My nerves were shot. Hazel, Leo’s mother, had been using the past two days to run through the Luna’s responsibilities, along with introducing me to traditions specific to Shadow Fang. Like the mating ceremony. That was happening when the full moon rises. Where I would have to show my true wolf form for the first time in years. White wolves are rare, and I had no idea how Shadow Fang felt toward them. And it was taking all I had to not start hyperventilating. Wrapped in a jersey knit robe with my head between my knees to slow my breathing, I startled when a knock sounded on my bedroom door. Hazel's melodious voice called out from the other side of the door.

"Arynn dear, can I come in? I brought a tray of light foods, and some ginger ale."

"Y-Yes, please come in." I stumbled over my words and my knees almost buckled when I tried to stand. The look of concern and understanding when Hazel opened the door brought tears to my eyes, and she quickly shut the door and came to my side. She sat next to me on the ground as I slid off the edge of the bed, wrapping me in her arms and causing my tears to start like an exploded water pipe. We sat there until my tears subsided, and only then did Hazel press the ginger ale into my hands. She wiped my face for me after I took a sip, and then she told me her story.

Leo's father, Greg, wasn't her first mate. She wasn't a high ranking wolf, but her first mate was a Beta. But due to her nothingness in their pack, he rejected her and broke her heart. Recognizing the issues it would cause for her, her Alpha coordinated with other allied packs and she started working with them in whatever capacity they needed. Until she came to Shadow Fang. Once she stepped onto Shadow Fang territory, she felt the tug of a mate bond and was soon tracked down by Greg. He made her feel cherished over the next month until their mating ceremony, but she still struggled with feeling unworthy until she led the pack in their first gathering. Several ally packs came for a party, and everything was a disaster. But she still was able to make sure they were fed and housed, due to the travels she had.

Her words calmed the storm of doubt in my heart, allowing me to breathe easier. Then she started primping me for the ceremony, all while practically forcing me to eat. She brushed my hair until it shone, even though shifting would undo her hard work. She met my eyes in the vanity mirror, smiled, and hugged my shoulders. She then turned and left, allowing me to finish mentally preparing myself.

An hour later I walked into the small cottage that was the women's house. A small group of ladies were waiting for me, each handpicked by Hazel for my comfort. They were all about my parent's ages, mothering and comforting, and would be my escorts to the mating circle. I would approach in my wolf form while they stayed human and carried the warm, long robe I would wear once I shifted back. The robe was designed in such a full way that my modesty would be kept while I shifted, but I would still be able to walk and use my arms. The blue and black fabric was soft to the touch, but I could already feel how warm it would keep me. So I slid behind the room divider, disrobed, and shifted into my white wolf.

Ash was excited, but was kept in check by my nervousness. Walking slowly around the divider, a collective gasp went through the six ladies in the room once they saw me. Meeting their eyes one by one, my heart was soothed to see awe and excitement instead of the loathing I was expecting. If their reaction was a reflection on the pack, I was free to be me. And that made me excited to go to the ceremony and be with my mate. So flanking my sides and behind me, my motherly ladies and I made the short trek to the mating circle.

The platform was raised about 4 feet up, allowing for the pack to see the ceremony unencumbered. A path split the crowd for me to the steps. I heard the murmurs of the pack, whispering about my wolf coat. I managed to hear words like blessing, destined, beautiful. Words that soothed my heart, and helped me get excited to shift back. The shift went well, my entourage doing their duty beyond reproach and soon I was walking up the steps in time to meet Leo's eyes across the platform.

Desire and hunger for me shone in his eyes and intensified as we crossed paths and turned toward each other, our backs now to the other's entrance. We linked our hands and Greg and Hazel approached us from the sides of the platform and placed their hands on ours. I was so distracted by Leo and the desire that was invading every part of my body that I missed everything Greg said. When the pack let out their approval with whoops and whistles, it startled me out of my trance and I glanced around at everyone. I could feel my blush rushing up my neck, only to hit my face when Leo swept me into his arms and carried me down the steps he came up. Bows and clapping escorted us through the crowd, then stayed near the platform as we walked away. They would take another path to the housing area to give us time alone.

Once he reached the tree line, Leo's grip on me tightened and he broke into a jog. I giggled and circled my arms around his neck a little tighter, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. A broad, mischievous grin spread across his face and Leo sped up his pace. We reached our house quickly, and Leo slid me into just one arm so he could open the door, then kicked it closed behind us. He gently lowered my feet to the ground, his arms around me, then lowered his lips to mine in a gentle kiss. Pressing up into him on my toes, I deepened our kiss. Leo guided me gently backwards to our bedroom, hardly letting his lips leave mine. A sense of satisfaction filled my belly as he dimmed the lights and pulled me to the bed. I was with my mate. I was home.