Chapter 20
774words
"Selene." He sets down the papers. "Sleep well?"
"Very." I take the seat he gestures to. "Nora said you wanted to see me about the joining ceremony?"
"Yes." He leans back in his chair. "Normally it's a simple affair, but given the circumstances with Marcus, I thought we should discuss some details."
"You think he'll try to interfere?"
"It's possible." Kieran's expression turns serious. "The ceremony creates a formal pack bond. You'll be officially under pack protection. Marcus would have no claim on you, even by pack law."
"And that would anger him."
"Undoubtedly." He taps his fingers on the desk, a rare show of restlessness. "Which is why I'm considering holding the ceremony privately, rather than the usual public affair."
I nod, understanding his concern. "When would it be?"
"Traditionally, three days after the full moon. But we could do it sooner if you prefer."
"Three days is fine." I hesitate, then ask the question that's been on my mind. "What exactly does the ceremony involve?"
"Nothing complicated." His voice is reassuring. "You declare your intention to join the pack. I accept on behalf of the pack. We share blood—just a small cut—to create the bond."
"That's it?"
A smile touches his lips. "Were you expecting something more dramatic?"
"With werewolves? Always." I return his smile, relaxing slightly. "Marcus made joining his pack much more... intense."
Kieran's expression darkens. "I can imagine."
An uncomfortable silence falls between us. I search for a way to change the subject.
"Thank you," I say finally. "For last night. For being my guide."
"It was my pleasure." His eyes meet mine, sincere. "You run well. The pack was impressed."
"Is there anything else you want to know about the ceremony?"
I recognize the shift back to safer territory. "Actually, yes. After it's done, what changes? Besides the formal protection?"
"You'll feel the pack bond more strongly," he explains. "It's different from a mating bond—less intrusive, more supportive. You'll sense the pack's general well-being, and they'll sense yours."
"And you? As alpha?"
"Our connection will be stronger than with the others." His voice is carefully neutral. "I'll be more attuned to your emotions, your needs. It helps me protect the pack."
"Will you be able to read my thoughts?" I ask, remembering how Marcus would invade my mind without permission.
"No." Kieran's response is firm. "Never. The pack bond doesn't work that way."
Relief washes through me. "Good."
He tilts his head, studying me. "Marcus did that to you? Invaded your thoughts?"
I nod, looking away. "He said it was his right as my alpha and mate."
A low growl escapes him before he can suppress it. "It wasn't. That's a violation of the most basic pack laws."
"There were many violations," I say quietly.
Kieran is silent for a moment. Then, "I'm sorry that was your introduction to pack life. It's not supposed to be that way."
"I know that now." I meet his gaze again. "Your pack has shown me what it should be like."
Something warm flickers in his eyes. "I'm glad."
We sit in silence for a moment, but it's comfortable now, not strained. I find myself studying his face—the strong line of his jaw, the slight crinkles at the corners of his eyes, the way his dark hair falls across his forehead.
"What?" he asks, catching me staring.
"Nothing." I smile slightly. "Just... thank you. For everything."
"You've said that before."
"It bears repeating."
A knock at the door interrupts us. Nora enters with a stack of reports.
"Sorry," she says, noting our proximity. "The border patrols just came in. Thought you'd want to see these right away."
"Of course." Kieran accepts the papers. "Everything quiet?"
"So far." Nora glances at me. "The Blackthorn wolves are leaving after lunch. Elena asked if you'd join them before they go."
I nod. "I'll find her."
As I stand to leave, Kieran says, "Selene, one more thing."
I turn back.
"Would you join me for dinner tonight?" he asks. "There are some pack matters I'd like to discuss further."
Nora's eyebrows rise slightly, but she says nothing.
"Of course," I reply, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest. "What time?"
"Eight? In my quarters." At my surprised look, he adds, "More private than the dining room. For pack business."
"Right. Pack business." I nod, perhaps too quickly. "I'll be there."
As I leave, I catch Nora giving Kieran a look I can't quite interpret. His response is a warning glance that has her quickly focusing on the reports.
