The clearing buzzed with energy long before the moon fully crested the treeline.
It wasn’t frantic or tense.
This was laughter and warmth, quiet encouragement carried on the breeze. Pack members moved easily around the wide circle, some already barefoot, others stripping off shirts and jackets with casual familiarity. Torches flickered at the edges, not for light, but tradition.
Chloe stood at the center with Heath beside her.
She could feel it now—the pull.
Not painful. Not frightening.
Just… insistent. Like her skin had become too small for the power humming beneath it.
“You’re doing great,” Ayla said softly, stepping closer. She reached out and squeezed Chloe’s hands, her smile bright and unshakeable. “Your wolf is excited. I can feel her.”
Chloe swallowed, then laughed breathle
