When I reached him, Larry extended his hand. His grip was firm, impersonal, the touch of a conqueror sealing ownership. “You’re late,” he said softly, his voice low enough for only me to hear.
“Maybe I was hoping you’d change your mind,” I replied, matching his tone.
A flicker of something crossed his face, amusement, maybe, or pity. “You’ll learn soon enough. I don’t change my mind.”
Elder Catherine began the chant, her voice echoing across the clearing. “Under the light of the Blood Moon, we bind Alpha Larry Talbot and Lyra Fenris in unity, body, spirit, and duty.”
The words washed over me like a curse.
Larry released my hand only to take a ceremonial dagger from the altar, silver edged with black runes. He pricked his palm and held it out. I hesitated. His eyes narrowed slightly, a
