The Mating Revolution

Chapter Seven

The next few days I was mostly out of consciousness. Every once in awhile I would wake up briefly. Usually there was just silence or a nurse checking my vitals. Once, close to what I thought was the end, I heard his voice. It was gruff but it was different from when I heard him speak before he bit. It felt more welcoming. He was talking to a voice I didn’t recognize. “How is she?” His voice washed over me. “She should be awake soon. Her transformation is going smoothly.” My world went dark again after that.

I slowly started to regain consciousness. It wasn’t the quick flashes like there was before. I knew when I woke up, I would be up for good. I realized that my hearing was better than it was before. I could hear the shoes slapping on the floor and I could make out the conversation at the nurse’s desk. I really did go through the change then. I had been hoping it was a nightmare. I slowly opened my eyes, thankful for the dark room. The room was dark, but I could still see everything as well as I would have been if it was light. I moved my arms, expecting to see fur but I still had my human skin on. Of course, I wouldn’t have fur. Werewolves don’t walk around like wolves all the time, or do they? Guess I’ll learn. I’ll be learning a lot. I was relieved to still feel like myself. I still think werewolves are scum and humans need to be in charge of their own lives. I also realized that I was no longer hooked up to anything. I swung my legs over the edge and gripped the railing. After spending days in bed, I expected my legs to feel weak but as I stood, I felt strong. I could feel energy coursing through my body. I was never one to really exercise or jog, but I felt like I could run for miles. I was itching to get out of here and stretch my legs. I looked around for some clothes, but I didn’t see anything. I gripped the back of my gown, so it stayed closed and I walked to the door to stick my head out. One of the nurses saw me and headed toward me. “Katie, you’re awake!” I nodded. “I was wondering if I could have some clothes or something. I want to get out of here.” The nurse smiled knowing. “You’re feeling the energy, aren’t you? Everyone is working on waking up and they will feel the same. Unfortunaly, until you are announced to the pack you can’t leave. We do have a small gym for this reason. Would you like to use it?” I nodded without even thinking. I needed to get this energy out before I burst. I let it mull over my head that they were still treating me like I was a human, not allowing this or that. I gritted my teeth, feeling the urge to growl. I held it in though, I didn’t need to create any unwanted attention yet. It wasn’t smart and it wouldn’t help the revolution. I saw the nurse heading my way with clothes, so I ducked back into the room. She opened the door and gave them to me then left. I quickly slipped them on, thankful a sports bra and underwear were included.

Once I was dressed, I left my room and the nurse lead me to a room down the hall. It had a few treadmills and some weightlifting equipment. I headed to the treadmill first and set a comfortable pace. I needed to plan. My first goal was to figure out who exactly my mate was. How low under the radar would I be? I hoped low enough to quietly gather some followers. Surely some of those who were just turned would feel the same way still. Becoming a werewolf didn’t change my dreams or thoughts so surely no one else would be changed like that. After I knew where I stood in the pack then I would figure out how to get the revolution on the ground. I needed to figure out how to get a message to Gary and my parents. Thinking of them made my heart hurt. I missed them so much. Were my parents doing ok with me not at home? Was mom pregnant with my brother or sister yet? How was Gary holding up? Did this mean he would have to get mated with someone else and actually have to try to have a baby? The what ifs made me hurt so bad that I had to stop running. I wanted my family. Stupid werewolves. My breathing returned to normal and my heart started working normally again so I started running again. I was lost in thought when I heard the door open. My back was to it so I didn’t see anyone, but I could smell them. The smell of pine needles and campfire wrapped around my body. I couldn’t get enough of it. I turned off the treadmill and turned around to look into piercing green eyes. I gasped as I felt the mate pull. It was like nothing I had ever experienced. It was like I wanted to jump into his arms and melt into him. I wanted to become one with him. I wanted him to love me as I loved him. Without thinking about it I stepped toward him and pressed my lips to his. He leaned into me and slid his tongue across my lower lip to gain entrance. I gave it to him, and he caressed my tongue with his. He was all around me. He filled my every sense and I couldn’t get enough. I pressed into him and moaned into his mouth. I felt his arms wrap around me. He put one hand in my hair, keeping my face in place while his other hand left a trail of fire down my back. He cupped my ass and lifted me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and the kiss deepened. He broke it off the trail kisses down my neck, sucking lightly. I moaned out loud. That was when I realized I didn’t even know his name. My head cleared and I pushed away from him. Stupid mate bond. I shook my head and cursed at myself. I heard my mate chuckle as I looked up at him. His 6’5 frame towering my 5’4 frame. “What’s wrong little Kat?” I closed my eyes as his voice washed over me. f**k he was sexy. He reached a hand out to touch me, but I stepped back. “I don’t even know your name. I’m not some slut that you can just f**k on a whim.” He gave me a warm smile. “You came onto me baby.” I scoffed, about to disagree when I realized he was right. I balled my fists and cursed at myself again. “Regardless, I still don’t know your name. Whatever I’m feeling right now isn’t even my own feelings. I’m being forced to feel these by your Moon Goddess. I don’t even want to be here.” I could feel the hint of doubt in my words, but I kept my head held high. He smirked at me then gave a little bow. “I am Keaton Black, Alpha of Silver Moon Pack. You my sweet are the Luna.” My mouth flung open. s**t. There goes my plan of coming in under the radar. I looked Keaton over. He was the Alpha that everyone was so afraid of? He didn’t look very scary. “So, you’re what everyone is afraid of? You don’t seem too scary.” I wanted him to know that I wasn’t going to bow to him. His face dropped the smile. “You will never have a reason to fear me little Kat. You’ll see my scary side as you help me run the pack. Then you will know what everyone is afraid of.” The menace in his words made me shiver. He walked toward me, and I backed up until I hit a wall. He stopped when he was close enough for me to feel the heat of his body. He took my chin in his hands and shifted my face up, so I was looking at him. “It’s time to go. We have a celebration to get to.” He placed a gentle kiss on my lips that made me want more. I willed myself not to let myself feel the desire for him. I didn’t want to be here. I just needed to remember that which has become hard with his scent invading my brain and the heat of his body making my insides quiver. I closed my eyes, so I didn’t get caught in his piercing greens and nodded. “Ok Kea, lead the way.” My eyes snapped open when I realized what I said. “Sorry I mean Alpha Keaton.” Keaton grinned and swept me into his arms. “You can call me Kea little Kat. When we are in public though I need to be addressed as Alpha for respect. I will address you as Luna.” I smirked, wondering how far I should go. “And if I don’t? Will you punish me?” My tone was teasing, yet serious. Lust glinted in his eyes. “Yes, I will punish you. I will make you scream Alpha so much in the bedroom that you will never forget again.” I swallowed, unable to talk. At the thought of being in his bedroom made moisture collect between my legs. ‘Clear your head Katie. Its just the pull. You don’t really want him.’ Keaton’s smile grew wide as he smelled my arousal. He put me down and grabbed my hand. “Let’s go before I take you right here.” I nodded and walked with him. My legs were much shorter than his, so I practically had to jog to keep pace with him. When he noticed, he dropped his pace to match mine. I sent him a quick smile to say thanks. I noticed that his face was that emotionless shell again. I looked around and realized that when we passed them people stopped what they were doing and bowed. I could feel the fear of the new werewolves as we passed by where they were lining up. I looked at Keaton. “Why am I not lined up like everyone else?” He shot me a glance without losing his mask. “I will explain everything in a moment Luna. We need to get to the pack house to prepare.” I nodded, knowing not to push. The only way to become the most feared Alpha was to force respect then keep it. I had to keep in his good graces if this revolution was going to work. That’s what I told myself anyway. Part of me was submitting because of his dominance. I bathed it in. For the first time in my life I wanted to do as he said. It fulfilled a part of me that I never knew was lacking. I had always been a leader, someone not afraid to push back. In Keaton’s presence I was the exact opposite. I was still a leader, but I wanted to lead with him. I didn’t want to push him away. I almost shuddered not believing what the pull was doing to me. I remembered Gary’s words before we left the city. ‘The mating pull is complete bull.’ It didn’t feel like complete bull. It felt real. It felt like I was really feeling this way. No wonder the changed humans never rebelled. It felt amazing to feel this wanted and I didn’t want to lose it.

I wasn’t even paying attention to my surroundings when we made it to the pack house. It was like a mansion. I had never seen a house so big. We made our way up the large stairs, my feet needing a couple of steps per stair to actually get up them. There were guards standing on either side of the door. They bowed to us and opened the big wooden doors. Inside the house felt warm. It had a more modern feel than the outside did. We were in a huge foyer. To the front of us were stairs. The left held a huge dining room. Keaton started showing me around. “Not all the pack members eat here, but quite a few do. We have a large Omega staff that cooks all our meals. There are always leftovers in the fridge but never feel bad for waking them if you want something particular in the middle of the night.” I stopped as we made it to the kitchen. Before looking around I looked at him, “That seems a little ridiculous. Are they only here to serve you? And what are Omegas?” Since we were alone Keaton let emotions flit across his face. “An Omega is a rank in the pack. They are they lowest in our society. That is their role, the service of others above them.” Anger filled my features. “So, you use them because they aren’t worthy enough?” I dropped my hand from his. “Little Kat, I don’t use them. That is the way things work. They know their station. We don’t abuse our Omegas here like some packs do. They get normal work hours, decent wages, and time off. If they have to get up to feed us in the middle of the night, they are paid overtime or given an extra day off.” I nodded, calming a little. I was still upset but I understood it. It’s like if you didn’t attend college and had to get a job with the skills you had. Keaton wrapped his hand in mine again as I started to look around the kitchen. It was huge. Fifty people could work in here and probably not bump into each other. I gaped as Keaton pointed to a door. “Down that hallway are the Omegas’ rooms. They don’t have to stay here if they would prefer a house of their own. They are generally free to come and go if they aren’t on shift.” He pointed to another door. “That is a door that leads to a mud room then leads outside.” He led me back through the dining room and the foyer. To the right of the foyer was a huge living room. There were couches and chairs spread out as well as the biggest tv I had ever seen. There was a few pool tables and foosball tables. “This is the living room. We have DVDs, board games, and card games in the cabinets. The bottom floor is open to anyone in the pack. It is very rarely empty like this. I asked no one to be in the house today so I could show you around.” He pulled me back to the foyer and we started up the stairs. He continued talking. “The second floor is full of guest bedrooms and a boardroom for visiting packs. The third floor is for the Gamma and his mate. The fourth floor is for the Beta and his mate. The fifth floor is all ours.” I gave him another nod. Even though I had never climbed so many stairs in my life I wasn’t tired. Werewolves have something going for them, I guess. I snickered at myself and Keaton looked at me with a questioning look in his eyes but didn’t ask. We finally made it to our floor. It seemed to stretch forever. Keaton pulled me down the hall. “There are several bedrooms, for our future children of course, along with an office for me and an office for you. My, I mean our, personal library is here as well. There is a library that I didn’t show you on the first floor as well, but this library houses my personal collection. Now our personal collection.” He smiled warmly at me, but I was barely listening. Future Children. Stupid Kat. I let myself forget why I was here. I was here to bear his children and that was it. A look of disgust made its way to my face. “I don’t know why you showed me all of this. Aren’t I going to be chained in your room so you can get me pregnant? Aren’t humans just baby factories to you?” He opened the door to our bedroom and pushed me in before slamming it. I could feel his anger. “Is that really what you think of me?” The hurt in his words made me ache. I swallowed. “I don’t know ok! You don’t get it. You’ve never been human, locked away in a city. You aren’t allowed to leave. You aren’t allowed to find love because any moment it could be ripped away from you. You can’t even have children and guarantee that you’ll be able to watch them grow up because what the werewolf says goes. If that paw points at you then your entire human life is gone, all because the werewolves didn’t want to die out.” I crumpled to the floor, hating the way the tears streamed down my face. I was supposed to be strong but the pain of losing everything I cared about poured out of me in waves. I didn’t expect to feel Keaton’s arms wrap around me. I took comfort in his embrace though. His scent calmed me in a way I didn’t understand. “I’m sorry. You’re right.” He murmured into my hair. That surprised me. I thought he would get angry and punch a wall or something. Calm again I pulled away from him and looked at him. “What?” he said as his eyes roamed my face. “You agree with me?” He sighed. “In a way I do. I know that we expect a lot out of humans but there’s more to it than you realize.” I narrowed my eyes in confusion. “What do you mean?” He took a quick look at his watch. “You gotta get ready for the ceremony. The Omegas laid out the dress you are to wear as the Luna. Go shower. Someone will be here to lead you outside.” I wanted to argue but he stood up and headed out the door before I could get a word in edgewise. I got up and looked around the bedroom for the first time. It was huge. The bed was big enough to fit Keaton, me and probably 10 other people. There was a small fireplace to one side with 2 large chairs. The other side of the room had a vanity with as much makeup as a girl could want. I opened one of the doors and walked into the largest closet I had ever been in. Keaton’s clothes were on one side and what I assumed were my clothes on the other. I noticed some of the outfits I brought from home, but there were several items I didn’t recognize. Opening in the drawers on my side I found beautiful jewelry and my mother’s jewelry that I brought. Tears sprang to my eyes again as I remembered my mom. I shut the draw and walked out of the closet. I opened the other door to a huge bathroom. There were his and hers sinks, then a toilet, and bathtub with the jets. The second half of the bathroom was the shower. There was enough room for 5 people to shower in it at the same time with sprayers around all the walls. I turned on the water to warm and it and quickly undressed. The shower was like heaven. I wasn’t sure how long I had so I took a quick shower, shaving my armpits and legs, before getting out. I took the time to blow dry my dark brown hair. It was long enough to hit the center of my back. I stared at my hazel eyes until I saw the outline of the wolf in them. I let out an audible gasp. I was actually a werewolf.

I exited the bathroom to find the bedroom still empty. I quickly put the dress on over my head. I looked at myself in the mirror. The dress was white, form fitting, and made of silk. It seemed to shimmer as I moved. It was perfect for my hourglass figure. I sat down and did my own makeup. I left my hair down so it could cascade around my shoulders. When I was done, I didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror. I had never worn anything so beautiful and I rarely had reason for makeup at home. It made me feel powerful. A sharp rap on the door took me out of my thoughts. I got up and answered it. An older woman about my height met my gaze then bowed. “I’m here to take you to the ceremony Luna.” I nodded my head and followed her out of the room. “What is your name ma’am?” The older lady started leading her down the stairs. “My name is Hilda.” “Well thank you for leading me to the ceremony Hilda.” I said. We made it the bottom of the stairs and I saw Hilda blush. “Anything for you Luna.” I was about to ask her to call me Katie, but I stopped. Keaton’s words about respect and title came back to me. I didn’t want Hilda in trouble if Keaton caught her calling me Katie. I simply let the conversation dropped as I was led through a door to the backyard. I stopped as I took in the sight. I could see tables upon tables of pack members. The tables were covered in white tablecloths. I saw Keaton standing in the front of them in a handsome suit. I wondered when he had the time to get ready. Off to the side, unseen by the pack members I saw the others I came with. Hilda led me to the front of the group. Everyone was dressed nicely, but my dress was the nicest of them all. We didn’t have time to strike up conversation though because Keaton started the ceremony. I could hear as he welcomed the pack and talked about the history of The Mating. His voice was gruff and held no emotion. “Long ago the humans tried to destroy werewolves, but we didn’t back down. The battles fought were hard and long. We lost many those first years. When the fighting finally ceased, and the humans surrendered we realized our species was dying out. The Moon Goddess blessed us with human mates, but it was still almost impossible to find your mate unless you visited every human city. The Mating was born from this hardship. This year, like the years before, many of the pack members found their mates, including your Alpha and Gamma.” A cheer rose from the crowd that quickly faded. “We give thanks to the Moon Goddess for bringing our Luna to us. The future of our pack is guaranteed. We will continue to be the strongest pack for years to come.” A new cheer rose that wasn’t quieted. The thundering made its way into my chest. So many things in his speech hurt me. I could see many of the others felt the same. The future of the pack. Keaton had another thing coming if he thought I was immediately going to pop out his babies. I was made for more than being a baby factory. Suddenly I heard my name being called, “-Luna Katie.” I had missed whatever he said before it, but I walked out to meet Keaton. The entire pack bowed and in unison chanted, “We live to serve you Luna. My life for yours.” The realness of those words scared me. They would literally die for me with no question. Uncertainty rose but Keaton didn’t try to calm me. His face was the emotionless shell, not allowing anything to change his features. I took a steadying breath and stood solidly next to Keaton. I had to show our pack that I was strong, and I could lead them. I may not want to but in order for me to lead the revolution they must believe in me. I held my head high as Keaton introduced the Gamma Female, Hailey. I recognized her as one of the women in the hot tub that wanted to be mate. She joined her mate who had the same emotionless expression. She looked a little hurt when he did nothing but stand there. She stood silently as Keaton continued to introduce everyone. Those who were mated to Warriors or Omegas joined their mates at the table. Only the Gamma Female and I stood on the stage the entire time. I was shocked when Keaton introduced Cameron as the mate of a Warrior. I had no clue she was here. It made me happy to know I had at least one friend in the pack. She cut me a quick glance before heading to her mate. Just like the pack leaders, the Warriors had the same emotionless face. Only Omegas showed anything when their mates joined them. Pure happiness radiated through all of them. Surprisingly, it made me happy to see that. I was already feeling a close fondness to this pack.

Once all the introductions were made Keaton put his arm out. I placed my hand on his forearm and he led me to the table. The Gamma and his mate did the same. As we approached the head table everyone stood up. They stayed standing until Keaton and I took our seats. Our table was facing the rows of tables that held the other pack members. We were in the middle with the Beta couple on one side and the Gamma couple on the other. I saw that the Beta already had a mate. Once everyone was seated Omegas started to serve us. I waited for Keaton to start eating before I did as well. I made sure not a drop of food fell to my dress. During the meal Keaton bent down to speak in my ear. “Luna just so you know, part of the ceremony is that we must mark each other after the run.” I gave him a questioning look. “Just follow my lead and let your wolf guide you.” I nodded at him. “Yes Alpha.” He kept his face emotionless, but I could feel the approval from him. I didn’t realize how much I craved his approval. Utter joy spread through me, but I made sure to contain it in my face. I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to show emotion or not so I figured I would err on the side of caution. I had so much to ask him tonight. We finished our meal and the Omegas started to clear our plates. Keaton stood up and motioned for me to follow his lead. I stood up with him and followed him onto the stage. He took the mic once more. “Now it is time for the pack run, to seal the bond between us and our new members.” The rest of the head table stood up. Keaton led the way to the edge of the backyard toward the forest. When we were away from the tables Keaton started to strip. I followed his lead covering myself with my hands. He stood in front of me, not bothering to hide himself. I looked around but no one was eyeing his body in any other way than respectful. The jealous feeling I didn’t realize I had was dissipating. He spoke in a booming voice. “I am going to help Luna through her first transformation.” The pack was quiet. He dropped his voice and looked at me. “You need to relax your body. This is going to hurt but you need to fight through the pain. Its helps if you close your eyes and clear your mind.” I nodded and let my hands drop. I closed my eyes and tried to forget everything around me. My mind felt like a jumbled mess. I shook my head a few times and took a few deep breaths. As my thoughts slipped away, I felt my skin start to tingle then itch. I felt the urge to peel it off. I continued to breath deeply as I felt the first bone break. I let out a whimper even though I wanted to scream. My pack couldn’t see me as weak. My bones continued to break, and I just wished it was over. It felt like I was on fire. When I was almost to the breaking point the fire started to ebb and coolness washed over me. I opened my eyes and realized I was a wolf.