Chapter 14
787words
Downstairs, the pack buzzes with anticipation. Full moon days bring hushed conversations, extra food, and wild energy flowing through the house.
I find Thea in the kitchen, helping prepare what looks like enough food for an army.
"Finally awake," she teases, handing me a mug of coffee. "Thought you might sleep through your first pack run."
"Not a chance." I take the coffee gratefully. "What's all this?"
"Post-run feast." She gestures to the mountains of food. "We'll be ravenous after."
I nod, remembering how Marcus's pack would return from runs to locked cages and minimal rations—another way he maintained control. This abundance feels like freedom.
"Need help?" I ask.
"Actually," Nora says, appearing in the doorway, "Kieran asked if you'd join him this morning. Something about preparing for your first run with the pack."
My pulse quickens traitorously. "Where is he?"
"Training yard."
I find Kieran alone in the clearing, moving through what looks like a series of combat forms. His movements are fluid, powerful, beautiful in their controlled strength.
He's shirtless despite the morning chill, and I can't help noticing how the wounds from his fight with Marcus have already healed to faint silver lines.
He senses me before I speak, turning with a grace that makes my wolf sit up and take notice.
"Morning," he says, reaching for a towel to wipe sweat from his face. "Sleep well?"
"Well enough." I try not to stare as he pulls on a shirt. "Nora said you wanted to see me?"
"Yes." He gestures for me to follow him to a fallen log at the edge of the clearing. "About tonight's run."
"Is there a problem?" I ask as we sit.
"No problem." He studies me for a moment. "But your first run with a new pack can be... intense. Especially after what you've been through."
"You think I can't handle it?"
"I think you can handle anything." The simple confidence in his voice warms something inside me. "But I wanted to explain how we do things here. It's different from what you're used to."
I nod, waiting.
"We run as equals," he says. "I lead, yes, but not through fear or dominance. The pack follows because they choose to."
"That sounds..." I search for the word. "Nice."
A smile touches his lips. "It is. But it means you'll feel things you might not expect. The pack bond strengthens during the full moon. Emotions, sensations—they're shared."
"All emotions?" I ask, suddenly wary.
"Not private thoughts," he assures me. "Just general feelings. Excitement. Joy. The thrill of the hunt."
Relief washes through me. The last thing I need is the entire pack sensing my confused feelings about their alpha.
"There's something else," Kieran continues. "During the run, wolves often pair off. It's natural instinct."
Heat rises to my face as I understand his meaning. "Oh."
"You won't be pressured," he says quickly. "Anyone who bothers you answers to me. But I wanted you to know what to expect."
"Thank you." I look away, oddly disappointed. Is he warning me off? Making it clear he won't be one of those pairing off with me?
"There's a tradition," he says after a moment. "Before a wolf's first run with the pack, they choose a guide. Someone to help them navigate the territory, show them the pack's ways."
"And I need to choose someone?"
"If you want." His eyes meet mine, unreadable. "Or I can assign someone."
The thought of running with a stranger makes my wolf bristle. "Can I choose anyone?"
"Yes."
"Even you?"
Something flickers across his face, too quick to identify. "Even me."
"Would that be... appropriate? You're the alpha."
"It's traditional for the alpha to guide new wolves," he says carefully. "But given your history with Marcus, I thought you might prefer someone else."
Is he offering or deflecting? I can't tell, and it's maddening.
"I'd prefer you," I say finally, watching his reaction closely. "If you're willing."
"I am." His voice is neutral, but I catch a flash of something in his eyes—satisfaction? Relief?
Before I can analyze it further, shouts erupt from the direction of the house. We both stand, instantly alert.
"Kieran!" Nora calls, jogging toward us. "Visitors at the gate."
His posture tenses. "Silver Lake?"
"No." She shakes her head. "Blackthorn wolves. Your mother's pack."
The tension leaves his body. "I'll be right there."
As Nora leaves, I look at Kieran questioningly. "Is everything okay?"
"Fine." He runs a hand through his hair. "They often visit for the full moon. I just wasn't expecting them until later."
