The Moon Goddesses’ Promise

The Shift

13 Years Ago

Kiera felt like she had been dancing for hours, first with her brother, then father, and several other ranked werewolves from her pack. Now she found herself dancing with the visiting prince. As the music started he put one hand on her shoulder and the other hand on her lower back. When he touched her, she felt her heart beating faster and goosebumps forming on her skin. He was staring at her intently, which made her feel a little uncomfortable.

At thirteen, she couldn’t explain how or why she was feeling this way. She was extremely aware of every movement he made. The tingling over her body was something she had never felt before. Kiera felt both safe and nervous while in the Princes arms. Later, when she was older, she would realize it was the developing of the mate bond. Stephen was 16 and was aware that Kiera was his mate. Kiera, at such a young age, knew Stephen made her feel different and she had heard of mate bonds, but she was not yet emotionally mature enough to recognize it.

Taking the lead, Stephen twirled her around the dance floor, he was a brilliant dancer. She glanced quickly at him and he smiled at her. This close to him she realized how handsome he was.

“You look beautiful, princess,” he leaned down, whispering in her ear.

“Thank you,” she replied, chills running down her body. She felt her cheeks burning as she blushed.

She glanced over towards her parents, her father was talking to King Gabriel, her mother was dancing with Kode. King Rich was staring at his daughter, while she danced with Stephen. He had a slight frown on his face.

It felt like the she and the prince had been dancing for eternity. He didn’t say much more to her during the dance. Soon the music came to an end. The prince backed away from her, bowed, and kissed her hand. Her heart began to beat faster, her hand warm from where he kissed it.

“It was a pleasure to dance with you,” he said. “Perhaps we will be able to do it again sometime soon”

Kiera smiled shyly, she was about to respond, when her father’s booming voice asked for all to quiet down. The prince turned from her to stare at King Rich.

“It is time! The moon is beginning to rise. Liam, lead the children to the clearing in the forest. Children, when you shift you will present your wolf before me and your queen. After, you will then present your wolf to the rest of the members pack. If you choose to go for a run you must remain in the clearing and amongst the guards,” King Rich explained.

Liam stepped forward, with his son Gabe at his side. Kiera looked at Gabe, who was a very handsome boy, but after dancing with Stephen she found that the crush she had on Gabe slowly slipping away. Kiera quickly glanced towards where Stephen was and he smiled at her. Again, Kiera’s face betrayed her as a burning blush crossed her face.

“Children, you will follow me now,” Liam said loudly.

The children fell in line behind Liam and Gabe. Gabe turned back to look at Sophia and Kiera, winking at them both. Behind the children walk Rich, Clarissa, Kode, and the visiting royals. Next was the guest alpha, his luna who walked next to the guest beta and his wife. Finally, all the pack members followed. The clearing in the forest was large. It had been decorated with pillars and white roses. The children made their way to the middle, waiting for what happened next.

There was no order in shifting, once the moon was fully in the sky the werewolf children would begin with whatever wolf decided to show up first. During Kode’s shifting ceremony there were 6 kids with Kode being first. Kode’s wolf was a beautiful, large wolf with grey, almost silvery fur. It had blue eyes and a black mark on its head. Kode’s wolf calls himself Everett.

Kiera was getting excited, she hoped she would shift quickly so she could finally meet her wolf. After a couple of minutes Sophia cried out loudly. Excitement bubbles through the pack as Sophia’s body began to c***k and realign itself. A beautiful brown wolf with dark brown eyes stood where Sophia had been moments before. The wolf shook itself and then ran to the king,lowering her body in almost a bow. Rich eyes glazed for just a moment, a smile widening on its face.

“We welcome Beta Sierra to our pack!” Rich exclaimed.

Sierra then went to Cassandra, lowering her body. Cassandra gently patted Sierra on the head. Sierra went to Kode, getting in the same posture. Sierra then made her way to Beta Liam and Beta Becca. Both with huge, proud smiles on their faces at their beautiful pup. Sierra finished the round around the pack members, before going to Kiera’s side where she licked her hand, bowing in both respect and playfulness. Kiera pet her friend wolf, leaning down and whispering “you are so beautiful Sierra!” Sierra responded with a way of her tail.

This process repeated itself another 3 times. First with Charles who shifted into a grey gamma wolf named Hawk, then Sam who shifted into a large grey wolf named Phoenix, and finally Sherry who shifted into a small black wolf named Misty. All made the rounds to the king, queen, prince, and running around to be accepted by all the other pack members.

Kiera was getting nervous, she hadn’t shifted yet. She looked at her parents, both with concern in their eyes. What if she didn’t shift, she though to herself. Sure, she had heard of stories of of werewolves who never received their wolf, but never a lycan, let alone a royal. Kiera started to feel anxious, tears began forming in her eyes. She looked again at her parents, who had began to walk toward her. Murmuring began to be heard among the pack members. Even King Gabriel and Prince Stephen looked confused. The newly shifted wolves even stopped running around to stare at her, Sierra started to walk towards her.

Suddenly a pain pierced through her and she cried out. Her bones began to pop and realign. After a few moment she had fully shift.

Hello Kiera, I am Bella, said a voice inside her head.

Bella! What a beautiful name! You made me worried. I replied back.

I know, I’m sorry it took a little bit longer for me to come forward, responded the voice.

I’m just glad your with me now! I cried out. Are you ready? I asked

Absolutely purred Bella.

Kiera gave Bella control, although she could feel and think her own thoughts, she was also able to feel and think Bella’s thought. Both were excited to be accepted into the pack.

Turning toward her parents Kiera and Bella were both surprised to see Rich and Clarissa looking in shock at her. Slowly walking towards them, getting ready to bow, the King and Queen beat her to it, both going to their knees and kneeling in front of Bella. Kode was also bowing, although Kiera could tell by his face he was unsure why.

Bella and Kierra froze at their spot, not understanding what was going on. Looking around they noticed all the pack members, the visitors, and the newly shifted wolves also bowing before them.

What is going on? Kiera asked Bella.

I have no idea, answered Bella.

Confused, Bella turned back again towards her father and mother, looking for answers. Rich and Clarissa stood up slowly, staring at their daughters wolf in awe.

What is your name wolf? Rich’s voice enter entered into her head.

Bella

“I am proud to welcome Kiera’s wolf Bella, who has been kissed by the Moon Goddess,” boomed Rich’s voice. A brief look concern crossed her mother’s face. The pack remained quiet and on their knees.

Your mother and I are going to take you to the lake so you can see your wolf, Kiera, her father’s voice entered her head.

“Liam, Clarissa and I are taking Kiera to the lake. You and Becca will need to take charge while we are gone. The children should shift back and all the pack members should return to their homes,” Rich commanded.

“Yes, your majesty,” responded Liam, with a slight bow of his head.

“Zack, I want you to get Charles and ten of the strongest soldiers. Follow Clarissa, Bella, and I to the lake and set a perimeter around. Stay far enough back to give us privacy, but close enough if we need you,” Rich said to his Gamma.

Zack nodded and went to work. Rich quickly turned to his wife. She nodded and walked towards Bella. Once by Bella’s side she turned to Becca.

“Becca, get in touch with Kat. Let her know about everything that happened tonight and that we need her assistance,” Clarissa ordered. Becca nodding her answer.

“Wait, I am coming with you,” said the strong voice of Prince Stephen. “As my future wife, it is my duty.”

“No! This is not your place and that discussion was never completed nor accepted,” responded Rich, power and annoyance in his voice,

“I should be there to protect her, she is my ma-,” Stephen began.

“No!,” growled Rich. “She is my 13 year old daughter. She knows nothing about this and it is HER MOTHERS AND MY RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT HER!” Rich roared.

That tone in her father’s voice would have made any werewolf bow down and step aside. Stephen, being a lycan royal as well, did not flinch and stepped closer, glaring at Rich.

King Gabriel stepped forward and placed a hand on Stephen’s shoulder.

“He is right, she is still a child and is her father’s and mother’s responsibility. Plus, we are guest here,” Gabriel said. Looking at Rich, Gabriel continued “We will return to our kingdom. Once everything is settled, we can continue our discussions.”

Rich nodded and turned. Kiera saw Stephen turn red with fury and stomp away behind Gabriel, who was beginning to make his way back to the castle.

“Let’s go,” Clarissa said to her husband. Bella followed her parents to the forest.

What is happening Kiera cried out.

We will find out soon enough Bella said.