DARKEST ( Supernatural Beginnings Series) Book Three

Pacts and Arrangements Part Two

This festival was more than just a welcome home party; it was a primal communion with nature and an affirmation of their deep, wolfish roots. Trees and branches were festooned with crimson and sapphire ribbons, symbolizing the unity of the Red Claw pack under the dual moons. Garlands of fragrant wildflowers and herbs hung from archways, their earthy scents mingling with the crisp night air.

Long, rustic feast tables were arranged in a circular formation, encircling a towering oak tree at the center of the clearing. The tables were adorned with bark-lined baskets of fresh berries, platters of smoked game meats, and bowls brimming with foraged mushrooms and herbs. Goblets were filled with rich, spiced mead, and there were wooden plates piled high with honey-glazed roots and nuts.

Wolfram was a bit old school when it came to this tradition, but I liked this nonetheless as it stuck to the origins of what made the Red Claw kingdom thrive amidst its dystopian attack, something the Silver Fang kingdom could never mimic no matter how hard they tried. Not once had they ever cared about their people and, because of this, many were suffering. It was what brought forth the pact in the first place, from Wolfram’s father and then on to him that they wanted to help the pack members in the Silver Fang Kingdom by sharing resources.

The Fangs were a selfish royal lot and only looked out for their own interests, hence a marriage alliance was made, but fate had other plans for their family. Wolfram’s mate appeared, then down the line was Harold’s and now Mariana. It was clear that merging with the Claws was not destiny. So, naturally, when one was not an ally, they would become an enemy instead.

A firm grip on my right shoulder brought my thoughts back to the festivities at hand. Wolfram stood next to me giving me a once over as I was dressed in the Claws tribal wear for the ritual between royals and their mates during the two-moon alignment later on.

“How’s it going old man?” I asked jokingly as we both looked around in approval at the festivities before us on the castle grounds. In the time I spent here I learned about Mari’s hidden heritage. I would be her pillar and support in whatever she needed. We had no idea what the two moons' alignment would unleash inside her or how it would affect the curse.

“It’s not a curse at all, Lexia,” said Aasim in my mind. He had been awfully silent since our arrival here, but now, with the celebration in full swing, he had finally spoken up. Frowning a bit, a light bulb moment clicked at his words. Without any other doubt, my first instinct was to link it to the scent I had picked up that was hovering around Ingrim and Enid.

“Seems like we have some investigation to do, Aasim. Should Wolfram come in on it ?”

“Not yet, I get the feeling he should be in the clear until we have concrete proof.”

“You think someone is watching him, someone we can’t see.”

“We may need to use our other abilities with this one. I have sensed someone else since our arrival.”

“So my suspicions of a witch being involved are on the right track, huh?”

“Indeed, Lexia, I will keep a lookout at my end, I need to contact Alohi about this. We need at least one of them on guard during the ceremony.”

“Agreed, I’ll leave it to you then, Aasim and I will protect Mari.” I said, ending the link between my wolf and I. His absence was justified as Alohi and, He could travel in between the wolf astral realms and obtain things we could not for the moment. Bringing my attention back to Wolfram.

“You still owe this old man an exciting duel spoon kid. Ahhh there’s my girl, what a sight for those old eyes. Take good care of her.” Wolfram said as he walked forward toward Mariana, who had made her way toward the festivities. The sight of her dressed in her traditional pack took my breath away. Wolfram’s and I's planning of a friendly duel was pushed to the back of my mind as I stared at my mate who was accompanied by her parents as she approached me.

The dress began with a bodice that clung to the curves of Mari’s body like a dream. Aasim’s low and deep growl made known his approval to the tribal wear that was made and chosen exclusively for her.

The deep crimson hue of the leather mimicked the rich color of fresh blood. Thin straps, adorned with intricately carved bone beads, crisscrossed over the shoulders and cascaded down the back, leaving the upper back exposed to the elements.

A plunging neckline, edged with delicate fur revealed just a hint of Mari’s chest, enhancing the air of mystique surrounding her. The leather around the bosom was etched with patterns that told stories of the Pack's ancient lineage—how they had survived, thrived, and ruled the unforgiving wilderness for generations. These patterns were not just for aesthetics; they were a symbol of strength and resilience.

I couldn’t help being drawn to her like a moth to a flame. My eyes leisurely traveled over her body, drawing my attention to the skirt of the dress. Crafted from layers of supple, crimson leather strips. These strips were arranged in a way that allowed for fluid movement during the tribal dance, each strip swaying sensuously with every step Mariana took. I licked my lips in anticipation, already feeling the strong energy and power that emanated from both of us, our wolves and our bond.

“It looks so beautiful doesn’t it?” Mariana said in her voice, a low and sultry seduction to my ears.

I followed her line of sight to the sacred bonfire at the heart of tonight's gathering ,casting flickering, golden light across me and her, making her even more alluring to Aasim and I.

Wolfram wanted to follow traditions to the letter. Its flames danced like the spirits of the forest, and the crackling wood released an earthy scent that perfumed the air. The bonfire served as a symbol of the pack's strength and unity, a beacon to guide the wolves home.

“It truly is babe.” I couldn’t control myself from wrapping an arm around her waist. Ignoring the several knowing chuckles around us as I continued to openly check out my woman. A shimmering silver chain, adorned with tiny, ethereal wolf figurines, encircled her waist, jingling with a faint, hypnotic melody as she moved to the tribal music that had begun to play upon her arrival.

Tribal music, played on hand-carved wooden instruments and drums adorned with wolf motifs, reverberated through the forest. The melodies were hypnotic, carrying with them an enchantment that seemed to awaken the primal wolf spirit within each attendee as the red claw pack members took their places in the celebration welcoming the guest that Wolfram had personally invited.

Removing my hand from around her waist, I took my place to stand in front of her. With a slight bow, I reached out my hand palm up. “Care to dance my lady.” I asked with a smile. Mari looked up at me with a slight haze of adoration in her eyes. I watched intently as she gobbled me up with her eyes, making me preen with pride inside as I could feel how satisfied she was in our somewhat matching couples tribal attire.

She looked her fill before sliding her hand into mine. “ I would love nothing more than to dance with you my love.” she answered with a smile. Following traditions, we walked hand in hand toward the sacred bonfire. The tone of the music seemed to come even more alive the closer we approached. We turned to face each other, letting the music and our wolves guide us.

Joyful cheers rang out throughout the crowd as applause and congratulations filled the air.

“It seems my grandchild and her mate can no longer wait. So, without further adieu, let the ritual festival begin!” Wolfram belted out in glee. His words brought forth more happy laughter from the crowd. Soon other mates and couples joined us and, to our surprise, King Wolfram himself with a blushing Beta Tamzin in his arms.

They began to dance on the right side of us while Mari’s parents danced on the left. Harold stared at his dad with a knowing look. One of his eyebrows was arched up in a darkness, I asked the notion, as he danced with Connie, who just slightly shook her head in amusement while stealthily watching the soon-to-be couple as Mari and I were doing.

“Humph, how dare you give me that look, son! I’m proving a point here, I’m showing Tamzin my smooth moves.” Wolfram said with a wink as he drew Tamzin closer to him with a cunning smirk. Tamzin only stared up at him in shock at his brazen playfulness as he moved around the bonfire in the tribal dance smoothly.

“Oh snap! Go get her grandpa.” Mari murmured as we moved in tune several steps behind them and another couple.

“Beta Tamzin is a good choice for him.” I said in agreement as we danced. The pack members that watched Mari’s family lead the dance cheered in encouragement and glee. Smiling, I thought of how Wolfram should finally admit his feelings for Tammy and the fact that she was his second chance mate.