Call to the Wild

Begin Again

The ceremony would be in a few weeks, on the next full moon, just as it always had supposed to be. It was a werewolf tradition, all mates held their bonding ceremonies on the night of a full moon. It was similar to a human wedding, we’d have guests from our pack and a werewolf elder to officiate the ceremony. We would mark each other just as the moonrise began. Even though we couldn’t feel the mate bond anymore, we would choose each other as mates. Then the others would be able to find their mates naturally.

At first I was afraid of how the others would react, but after I’d agreed to Dylan’s request I noticed more people with smiles. Some even greeted me when they’d notice me. There weren’t many member left, but that could change really soon. They were grateful for that chance.

It was like a storm had passed, the pack members started eating together for every meal. They were always around, there was excitement in the air. Things were finally turning around. I was still so unsure about my feelings towards Dylan, but I definitely felt as though I owed him this.

I awoke that morning feeling nauseous and nervous. I wasn’t sure if this was the right choice. He was my mate before though and he loved me. It was a rainy day, the wind was blowing just enough to sweep the trees back and forth outside. The angry looking clouds felt like an omen. I almost considered running away again, there hadn’t been any incidents in the past few weeks.

“Hey there.” Said Dylan on the day of our ceremony. He was dashing as ever, wearing an all black suit. It was an old suit, but he still looked great in it.

“Hey” I replied looking at myself in the mirror. It was hard to believe the person looking back at me was- well me. I still felt like I was dreaming sometimes it felt more like a nightmare. My feelings for Dylan were still so confusing, I didn’t feel any connection to him just like when we had first met, but I owed the pack this debt. Once we accepted each other as full mates, they too could find their mates. They’d waited a very long time for this!

When he’d first purposed going through with the bonding ceremony I had been very hesitant, but he stuck by my side though so much! How could I say no? It was silly of me to even think about backing out, right! I couldn’t be selfish, this effects the whole pack. Dylan deserved this for everything I’ve put him through.

We’d been intimate for the first time after I told him I would go through with the ceremony. It was awkward the first time, the second time wasn’t much better, but we were figuring out each other’s likes and dislikes just like human spouses did. So I knew I couldn’t complain.

It was so hard not having anyone to confess to, no one to even share a conversation with. Everything felt like I was complaining and being ungrateful. I didn’t know how this was going to happen. I was frightened, nervous, and feeling so nauseous.

We walked down the decorated staircase together, I was wearing a big white ball gown. It wasn’t exactly my taste but who cares. I was surprised that he’d managed to get me a wedding dress at all..

We had twenty-three guests. Seventeen of those were pack members. Then there were five werewolf elders, a sixth elder was officiating the ceremony. They had decorated the dining hall with red and white streamers. There were paper hearts hanging from the ceiling also, it was simple but pretty. I should be happy, I know I should be over the moon excited and happy, but I just felt sick. I wasn’t expecting to feel this nervous.

“We are all here to witness Alpha Dylan Wilde and his chosen mate Ayla Smith commit their lives to each other.” Began the dark skinned elder.

I was daydreaming as the elder spoke, I was so hopeful this would be the start of better things. The other members would start finding their mates, the pack could rebuild its numbers, and we could hopefully begin to move on. I was suddenly so at peace, it was a strange feeling. The windows were open and a pleasant scent was filling the air. It reminded me of the peppermint I used to get from Dylan, it was slightly different though. It was mixed with another scent- cinnamon I think.

“I- Alpha Dylan Wilde, accept you Ayla Rose Smith as my chosen mate until death.”

I’d almost missed his declaration. I blushed and looked up into his deep blue eyes, I quickly scanned the crowd then looked back at Dylan knowing it was my turn now. Was this wonderful scent coming from Dylan? We hadn’t even finished the ceremony yet though? I smiled and looked up into his eyes..

“I- Ayla Rose Smith, acc-“

“No you do not!” Roared a deep and furious voice from the doorway.

I jumped at the horrid sound, then I clutched my chest as I felt my heart racing right out of my body. Before our eyes even met I’d known what was happening, the thoughts in my head swirled as he stomped in between Dylan and I. He was such a large man, I couldn’t even see Dylan behind him.

“This ceremony is over!” He roared as he glared down at me.

I was so terrified that I’d turned to run from him but he caught my wrist and held on tight. He pulled me back towards him and held me close to his chest. I could feel the warmth of his body surrounding me. It was a strangely calming effect. It almost made me sleepy or maybe I was about to faint.

“Who are you!” Challenged Dylan suddenly.

I shook my head and tried to focus but instead a strange almost electric feeling spread through my body.

Something about this man was familiar..

“I am her mate! Who the hell do you think you are?” He bellowed at Dylan.