Born in Fire

Chapter Fifteen

*Kalama*

An irritating sensation came over my foot. I drew my legs up to get away, but it followed. I mumbled something I didn’t understand. I heard a laugh. “Come on, Love. It’s time to get up.” It was Caspian. I groaned,

“Five more minutes.” He laughed again.

“If you’re late for your training session, Neal will have my head.” I groaned again, sitting up and stretching.

“Come on, today’s my Luna Ceremony.” He smiled.

“He thought you might try that. Told me that if you’re late, he’ll add an extra five miles.” I glared at him.

“Alright. I’m going.” I threw the covers off, “But I am not happy about it.” He chuckled, smacking my ass as I went to change.

*Caspian*

I left Kalama to get ready for her training session with my Pack Gamma, Neal. Training had been harder for her these past few days. The bruises had turned a healing yellow and the gash above her eyebrow was sealed the day after her fight with Delilah. Her ribs, however, took longer. I had watched those sessions intensely; sure, she wouldn’t have been able to take Neal’s aggressive regime with half healed ribs. Boy, had she proven me dead wrong. Not once did she complain during the ten-mile run in the woods that lined the south edge of Green Grove territory. Neal and I had kept quiet when she stopped to vomit half-way through, as did she. Nor, did she say anything when Neal had gotten her hard in the side. I had been ready to beat Neal into a bloody pulp, but Kalama had picked herself up off the floor and continued. It seemed that the fight with Delilah had ignited something in her. It’d only been a few days since, but Kalama seemed faster, stronger. She was able to land blows on Neal, that no other member could, although she still hadn’t been able to pin him. She was happy just to land a few blows. The day he had hit her in the ribs, he’d received a bloody nose. She still had bruising along the front of her ribs, but they were yellow and would soon be gone. If only training, her fire was going as well. She still couldn’t light the candle, which frustrated her and often ended with her in the shower trying to avoid bursting into flame, or a fire flare, as we had come to call them.

The packhouse was fuller than usual. The guests had started arriving the day before yesterday. I walked into a room a few doors down from my office. Julie sat at the table in the corner of the room. She and Sam had put the room together for Kalama’s office. Dark red walls with navy blue undertones. A large, dark mahogany desk sat on one side of the room, two matching chairs sat in front of the desk. The table and chairs that Julie sat at, were the same dark mahogany. A floor-to-ceiling bookcase took up the wall opposite the door, two oversized chairs on either side. We had surprised Kalama the day after the fight with Delilah. Her favorite part of the room was the wall behind the desk, where framed photos hung. Julie and Sam had gone around to members of the pack and taken their pictures. John, Julie, and their girls, Neal and Luke, Sam, Ben and Jackson, and Nani were just a few. They had taken our picture too, sitting it on the desk. I couldn’t help but smile a little as I looked at the photos of the pack members. “Can I help you, Alpha?” Julie looked up from the laptop that sat on the table. I shook my head.

“I was just seeing if everything was going okay with the Ceremony.”

“Everything is great. The Omegas are currently setting everything up on the side yard, Annie and Nani are hard at work getting the last-minute menu items in order, and Neal has made sure that the Warriors are on high alert.” I nodded, satisfied. I didn’t want anyone or anything to mess this day up. “What about the surprise?” Julie smiled,

“It’s in my room. I’ll have an Omega set it up once she’s done with training.” I nodded again.

“Well, if anything comes up, let me know.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

I left the room, heading to my own office.

*Kalama*

I sat on the bed in our room, wiping my sweaty hands on my jeans for what seemed like the millionth time. I had dreamed of this day ever since I was a pup. Finding my mate, having a pack that I belonged to. At that time I didn’t think I would become a Luna. Why would the Moon Goddess fate a freak like me to stand beside an Alpha, especially such a strong one like Caspian. When I had met Evan, the thought had crossed my mind, but all of that went out the window, when… I shook my head. Pushing those memories down as deep as I could. Thankfully, a knock sounded at the door. I cleared my throat, trying to sound calm. “Come in.” Julie opened the door, a smile on her lips. Her mother, Mary and Sam came in behind her. Traditionally, high ranked females and the previous Luna of the pack would help the new Luna get ready for her Ceremony, Caspian’s mother. Unfortunately, she had went to run with the Moon Goddess when Caspian was thirteen. Instead, I had asked Julie. My first real friend and Beta female of my new pack to help me. She had mentioned asking Sam, being a female member of the pack and her mother, being a Luna of her own pack.

I gave them a smile, embracing Julie and Sam in turn. I turned to Luna Mary. She smiled, holding her arms open. I embraced her as well. Before I could say anything another knock sounded at the door. It opened. My breath caught in my throat, as my mother came through the door. I stared at her, unsure how to feel. She stopped a few feet in front of me, her head down. Hands folded in front of her. Luna Mary cleared her throat, snapping me out of the sea of emotions I was drowning in. “Why don’t we give these ladies a moment alone.” she said, ushering Julie and Sam into the bathroom. I continued to stare at my mother. I hadn’t seen or talked to either of my parents since that day. The day I learned what I really was.

“Don’t be angry. Your Beta female called last night. I understand if you don’t want me here. I…I’m sorry.” She turned to leave and something in me broke. I rushed to her, wrapping my arms around her as tears streamed down my face. I felt her body tense for just a moment, before wrapping her arms around me. I heard her sigh in relief. I didn’t know how much I needed her right then until that moment. I realized that Julie was right. I had every right to be mad at my parents and I didn’t have to forgive right now, but maybe we could start to have a relationship. She pushed me back, holding me at arm’s length. Her cheeks wet with tears. She smiled, “My Kalama. Becoming Luna.” She wiped the tears from my cheeks. “I’m so proud of you.” I sniffled.

“Is, dad here.” She nodded.

“He wouldn’t miss this for world.” Her smile fell. “Kalama. I know we haven’t been the best parents. A gift like you deserved so much more. I know it’s to late to have the relationship we should have had, but if you’re willing…” I hugged her, cutting her off.

“I’d like that.” She hugged me back. We pulled back, both of us taking a deep breath.

“Alright, you better start getting ready.” I caught her hand,

“Stay, mom.” Tears wetted her eyes. I smiled, “Come on, I’ll introduce you.” She followed me into the bathroom, where Mary, Julie, and Sam had been busy setting everything up. The tub was already full. The smell of vanilla and sandalwood filled the air. An arrangement of makeup and hair pins lined the sink. I introduced my mother to everyone. Luna Mary immediately embraced her. “It’s so good to meet you. Your daughter is wonderful.” My mother smiled.

“I’m glad she has so many people to look to.” Julie pulled me aside, as Mary and my mother talked.

“I must apologize, Luna. I did not mean to overstep…” I placed a hand on her shoulder.

“No, Julie. I should thank you. I don’t think I would have been able to do it myself. I didn’t realize how much I missed them until now.” I smiled, hugging her.

“Alright ladies. We only have a few hours to make Kalama into the most stunning Luna anyone has ever saw.” Mary said, clapping her hands. “So, let’s get started.” I took a deep breath and pulled my shirt up over my head. Mary and my mother gasped. I looked at them, concerned. At first I thought it was the scars, then they gestured to the large yellowing bruise that stretched from under my breasts to below my ribcage.

“Honey, who did this to you?” My mother whispered. I shook my head.

“It’s okay. I’m okay.”

“Dear, it doesn’t..” I cut Mary of, shaking my head.

“It is. A Warrior member of the pack challenged me for the rank of Luna. She broke a few ribs. Dr. Barker says they are healing nicely and the bruise should be gone in a few more days.”

“It was a great fight.” Sam blurted. The two Luna’s looked at her and Sam shrank back, bowing her head.

“It really was.” I said. They shook their heads. I smiled. “Can we get back to making me, how you said, the most stunning Luna anyone has ever saw?”

The next few hours were spent doing just that. My mother’s nerves faded after the first hour or so. I was glad to see her laugh and joke with the others. She and Mary took turns telling stories about their Luna Ceremonies. Sam and Julie took extreme care with my hair, curling it and pulling it back, a loose curl hung down, framing my face. My mother left the room, coming back shortly after, a small black box in her hands. She opened it, a rose-gold clip that featured the cycles of the moon sat on a red cushion. I put my hands over my month, holding a gasp as the diamonds encrusted in the moons changed from a deep red to orange. “It was your great-grandmother’s.” My mother said, as she pinned it to my hair. “She wore it at her Ceremony, as did my mother, as did I, and now, you.” I turned to look in the mirror. The color of the moons seemed to blaze against the dark red of my hair, and I watched as my mother smiled at me in the mirror. I smiled back, hugging her.

Julie led us out of the bathroom. “The Alpha has a surprise for his Luna.” she said, going to my closet and opening the door. I felt my mouth dropped as my eyes landed on the dress that stood in the middle of the room. It was dress I had showed him that day we left my parents’ territory. The dark gold, with the split up to the waist and open back. The way to expensive one. I mind-linked him,

“Caspian, it’s…” His voice flowed through my mind.

“Beautiful. Just like you.” I smiled. “The fact I get to rip it off of you later is a bonus.” I held back a snort.

“There is no way I’m letting you rip something this expensive.” His laugh rumbled through me.

“We’ll see.” I shook my head, smiling.

Mary and my mother helped me into the dress. It fit perfectly. I looked in the full-length mirror, smiling at my reflection. The long sleeves hid the scars on my arms. I knew that the scars on my back and leg would be exposed, but for once I didn’t care. I couldn’t remember a time that I felt this beautiful.

“Come on, Luna.” Julie called.

“Let us see.” Sam chimed in. I let out a breath and stepped out of the closet. Everyone gasped. Mary and my mother wiped a tear. Sam and Julie smiled wide, tears sparkling in their eyes. They all hugged me. Mary cupped my cheeks.

“You are a very stunning Luna.” I smiled, watching as her, Sam, and Julie left to get seated. My mother sniffled, her eyes looking me up and down. She took my hand.

“My baby is grown up.” I smiled. The smile didn’t last as my mother’s fell, her eyes darkening. “I never thought I’d see the day.” I shook my head, embracing her.

“Don’t think like that. We’re here. That’s all that matters.” She nodded, giving me a small smile and squeezed my hand.

“Well, I better head down. We’ll be starting soon.” I nodded, watching as the door closed behind her.

*Caspian*

The Omega’s had done an excellent job setting up the yard. Reds and golds lined the tables and chairs. Lights had been strung up and a stage set up at the head of the patio. The whole patio seemed to be set ablaze. A red carpet lined the center aisle from the patio doors to the stage. Pups from different Packs huddled around a table lined with every sweet imaginable, their eyes alight with want. I smiled, Neal’s three-year-old son, Luke had called a meeting with Kalama yesterday. Formally appealing for the other pups. Kalama said he had some great points, and granted the appeal, much to Luke’s excitement. She’d really made the pup’s day when she called up his favorite candy shop in town and let him make the order. Others gathered at tables, talking, and shaking hands, Kalama’s parents were among them. I glanced at them and looked at Julie, a silent question in my eyes. She nodded, confirming that Kalama knew they were here. What they did to Kalama made my blood run cold. Their actions, or rather their inactions had led to my Mate being hurt over and over. I wasn’t sure if I could forgive, like Kalama, but if Kalama was okay with their presence, then I could at least tolerate them, for her. A bell chimed, indicating that Kalama was making her appearance. The guests hurried to their seats. I took my place on stage. John and Julie, and Neal took their places behind me on stage.

Silence filled the night sky, as my Love came through the patio doors. A warmth filled me at the sight of her and suddenly, I forgot about everyone else in the yard. The dark gold dress clung to her lean body in all the right ways. The long V-neck showed off just enough cleavage to make the imagination work and the split in the side showed off her perfectly, long legs. I felt my length stiffen, as I imagined those long legs wrapped around my neck. I watched her slowly walk towards the stage. Her brown-orange eyes were alight as they held my gaze, a knowing smile on her painted lips. Her dark red locks had been curled and pinned on top of her head, showing off the open back of her dress. Something in the curls sparkled, catching my eye. A pendent glistened against the lights, making it seem as though her hair was a blaze. She came to the stairs, taking the hand I offered. She looked out at those watching, a dazzling smile on her lips. I bent down, lightly kissing her on the cheek, “You look beautiful.” She smiled.

“You clean up pretty nicely too.” I smiled back.

“You ready?” She nodded. I took her hand, guiding her to the center of the stage, where John and Julie stood.

*Kalama*

My breath caught at the sight of Caspian standing on the stage. The black suit he wore was fitted to his frame perfectly. The material showing off the hard muscles in his arms and shoulders. A warm ball formed in my belly, settling between my legs. I held his gaze as I made my way to the stage. He offered his hand. Sparks ignited as his hand grasped mine. His lips lightly brushed against my cheek. “You look beautiful.” he whispered. I smiled, whispering back,

“You clean up pretty nicely too.” He smiled back at me.

“You ready?” I took a deep breath, nodding. He took my hand, leading me to the center of the stage. John and Julie stood there, smiling as we approached. John held a red pillow with golden trim. A dagger sat on the pillow; its golden hilt sparkled in the lights. Julie held a thick, leather-bound book. The brown leather was worn from use, its inscription barely legible,

“Ad Lunam Deam; Laudamus”, “To the Moon Goddess; We Praise”. I mouthed the words to myself. As though she was listening, suddenly the moon light cast a glow on the yard. A series of howls sounded somewhere in the distance. I felt Ash lean her head back, letting out her own cry. Caspian let go of my hand, extending his arms out to the crowd. The chorus of howls immediately stopped.

“Good evening, my friends. Family. We have called you here today to celebrate Green Grove’s newest Luna.” He gestured to me. Claps sounded as I took my place next to him. I smiled at the crowd, meeting each of their eyes in turn. “My Mate, Kalama Edwards, will take the Luna Oath, and officially become a member of the Green Grove Pack.” More claps. “Let us begin.” John and Julie stepped up. Julie held the leather-bound book out, opening it to the page inscribed with Caspian’s family insignia, a wolf giving praise to the moon. His family name, Grant, written in the old language. Dark brown stains dotted the aged paper, the last remnants of Green Grove’s past Alphas and their Lunas. Names in silver ink told which was which. Caspian’s father and mother, Ethan and Lara were there and soon, Caspian and I would join them. Caspian placed his left hand on the page. I did the same, a jolt of electricity going through my hand and up my arm. Caspian’s eyes meet mine. I nodded. Caspian began, speaking in the language of our ancestors: “Kalama Riley Edwards. Do you swear on your life and honor to uphold the teachings and vision of the ancestors laid forth before you. Honor This family as sacred as your own life you hold in your hands. Protect us with a vengeance of the Goddess herself. Sacrifice your whole self in the perseverance and greater avail of the Family. Under this oath, may you break, the Goddess herself strike you down and strip you of your honor for three generations, what say you?”

“In vita mea, sanguis meus erit tuus.” I replied, my breath heavy. Without a word, John handed Caspian the dagger. He pressed the blade to his left palm, a pool of crimson blood wield. He handed the dagger to me. I took it, pressing the sharpened blade to my own palm. As my blood pooled, Caspian grasped my hand. Our blood mixing, becoming one. The air began to swirl around me and I sucked in a breath of surprise as members from the pack began to mind-link me. Their voices melting together yet apart. John’s rough, while Julie’s flowed like honey. Neal smooth and soft. Ben’s was more of a whisper, while Sam’s was full of excitement. Their voices filled me, welcoming me. I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. Our blood now one, dripped onto the open page, joining the others. There was a glow of silver light, as our names were inscribed. Our hands still tightly grasped, Caspian and I faced our Pack, holding our clasped hands in the air.

“I give you, Your Luna!” Caspian’s voice boomed throughout the yard. Cheers and howls filled the air, as Caspian quickly put my palm to his lips, sealing the shallow cut. I did the same for his, before stepping to the front of the stage, holding my hands up. The cheers and howls immediately quieted. I cleared my throat,

“I want to thank each and everyone of you for joining us today. I also want to thank my new Pack.” A lump formed in my throat. “I am forever grateful to be a part of this family.” I swallowed, “Now, don’t let me keep you any longer. Our Head Omega, Nani and Annie from Crescent Wolf have put together an impressive feast. Eat, drink, and dance.” The crowd stood, clapping, and cheering, as music began to play. Caspian took my hand, leading me down from the stage. He grabbed two glasses off a tray from a passing Omega, handing me one, as members and guest came round to congratulate and talk.

*Delilah*

A growl bubbled in my throat. I watched from the shadows, as that b***h’s blood dripped into the Green Grove Ledger. Now an outcast, I wasn’t allowed to be anywhere near the activities. I wasn’t Green Grove anymore and it was all that b***h’s fault. My phone chimed. I looked at the text: Time? I shook my head, frowning at the phone screen, and typed back,

Negative. Not until they sleep. The three dots of a reply immediately appeared,

This is bullshit. Why not attack now. My wolf growled at the response. She agreed with my partner, as did I. Patience was never a quality I had mastered, no matter how much that bastard, Green Grove Gamma had drilled into my head. However, my new Alpha had put us under strict orders: watch and listen. No action until the targets were at their most vulnerable. I reminded him of that, of the punishment that waited for us should the plan fail and to let me know when the time was right. There was no reply.