She glanced back at me. “You are coming, right Nexi?”
I gave my head a shake and jumped off the bed, attempted to pull myself together. “Of course! Sorry…that was…er…amazing.”
Briggs chuckled as he opened the bedroom door. “The bond that wolves share is a deep one. Once you open yourself to it, it cannot be denied.” His smile was sly. “Kyden told me you have accepted him.”
I smiled as I stepped through the door. “What can I say—loves in the air.”
As we headed down the hall, I noticed for the first time since meeting Rynn, that she wasn’t glued to my side. Briggs now held that role and the sight of it brought tears to my eyes. She was going to be okay.
Quickly, we were out of the house and Briggs led us around the back of Valor’s home to an open part of the valley. When I took in the scene, my eyes widened. It was filled to overflowing, with men and women—well wolves to be exact.
Kyden waited beside Valor. When he turned our way, his gaze immediately zeroed in on Briggs and Rynn’s joined hands. He glanced at me, his brow arched. I returned his look with a smile to answer his question, that yes, things better them were just as they should be. Happiness flashed across his face.
Valor looked too and immediately beamed, knowing just what had taken place.
“Holy cannoli,” I said to Kyden when I reached him. “The Utah pack is huge.”
He glanced out to the crowd, then back at me. “Many do stay within Valor’s protection. I’m sure you can understand why.”
Of course I could. Being protected by the top dog meant a whole bountiful of safety. “Oh, by the way, Haven sent me a message. Looks like Zia told her about our bonding and Haven has spread the word.” Kyden laughed at that. “I have a feeling she’s going to become our bonding planner.”
“I contacted Talon last night to tell him the news.” Then, he gave me a knowing look. “Would you expect any different from Haven?”
I shook my head fiercely. “Nope.” I looked back at Rynn, who appeared nervous to say the least. “What’s going to happen here?”
Apparently, Kyden didn’t feel the need to answer because he said nothing. All he did was give an outwards nod, which I followed. Valor approached Rynn, his hand held out, waiting for her to take it.
She glanced at Briggs who gave her a reassuring nod. “Go on,” he told her. “He is to be trusted. I will stay with you.”
Hesitantly, she placed her hand in Valor’s and he led her in front of the crowd with Briggs following close behind. The murmuring crowd instantly hushed. Rynn glanced back at me. I gave her a huge smile, hoping it would settle her. But really, I’d be just as scared as she was right about now.
“Welcome,” Valor’s voice poured through the night air. “Tonight we are here to recognize this young wolf as a member of our pack. Wolves accept Rynn,” he shouted.
Suddenly, as if Valor’s words had magical influence—they probably did—the entire crowd shifted, along with the wolves standing beside us.
I gasped, causing Kyden to chuckle beside me. Then, in complete unison, the wolves howled loudly. Rynn was tiny in comparison to Briggs and Valor beside her. Valor approached her and nudged her side. In complete understanding, she lay down in front of him and rolled onto her back.
He let out a low growl, with it came a rush of wind. I shivered in response, then something inside her changed—her entire body relaxed—settled. Valor immediately shifted, kneeling beside her, and whispered soft words to her. “Calm yourself, Rynn. Remember your form and return to yourself.”
Nothing happened, then Briggs sidled up and nudged her with his nose. She immediately responded, and shifted back to her sweet little human state. The other wolves followed suit.
“We are your home. We will protect you—always,” Valor declared. Then, he looked at Briggs. “Is it your wish to claim her?”
Briggs examined Rynn, his trouble features spoke of the battle going on in his mind. “I am unsure.”
Torment obviously ran through him. He was desperate to claim what was his but didn’t want to rush her. I thought it sweet.
Rynn stepped into his arms and he accepted her immediately, his arms wrapped around her tight as he glanced down at her. “I want it,” she whispered.
Again, I was a little astonished at how strong the bond between them was. To find out that destiny has given you a soul mate, then half an hour later, to be basically married—wowzers. If only all relationships were as easy. Many broken hearts and therapy appointments would be saved if humans had this luxury.
Briggs brushed Rynn’s hair away from her face. “Alright then, Valor. It is my wish to claim my mate.”
Loud applause came from the crowd and Rynn looked out, laughing. Valor was right about how the pack would help her overcome all she’d endured. The darkness that sat hard in her eyes lifted. All the hardships that had become her life, she wouldn’t have to face alone anymore. She had others to lean on—thousands of them.
“Rynn, wolf of Utah, is it your wish to be claimed by Briggs, Beta to the Patriarch?” Valor’s voice was soft.
Rynn glanced up to Briggs, smiling sweetly. “It is.”
Valor turned to Briggs. “Briggs, Beta to the Patriarch, is it your wish to claim your mate, Rynn, wolf of Utah?”
His smile was pure possession and happiness. “It is my honor.”
Valor touched their heads. “As in my right, as the Patriarch, I name these two wolves bonded by the moon.” Then, his smile turned glorious. “Kiss her, my friend Briggs. Seal your bond.”
Briggs gathered Rynn tight against him and kissed her lips with a passion that had the crowd whistling and shouting with merriment. There was probably more going on here than I could see—a magical bond created. Judging by the way Briggs cradled her, there was a real strength of protection that he felt for her.
I sighed, and melted into Kyden. “It’s so sweet.”
He smiled down at me, joy for his good friend expelled from him as he snuggled me against him. “It is that, Álainn. It is that.”
Chapter Five
“Ooohh goodie, you’re back,” Haven exclaimed, running toward me as we made our way through the grounds of the Otherworld.
It might appear simple to some, with just flat grass, but the remarkable castle and the spectacular garden which held every flower and bush imaginable, clearly made it anything but.
“Prepare to be mauled,” I whispered to Rynn in haste.
Rynn’s brows rose at my words.
My attention shifted from her as Haven threw herself into my arms. “I’ve missed you so much.”
I laughed, laid my head against her shoulder as I hugged her back tightly. “Me too.” I did. Being back here with her, home never felt so good.
She drew away and instantly wrapped herself around Rynn. “Rynn, right?” She didn’t wait for her to answer. Typical Haven. “It’s so nice to have you here.”
Rynn patted her back, and looked a little bewildered. “Thanks, and you are?”
“I’m Haven,” she answered, backing away. “Nexi’s soul-sister.”
“Soul-sister?” Rynn repeated, apparently confused by the term.
“Just think of it as best friends,” I told her. No need to confuse her further. If I hadn’t felt it for myself, I still wasn’t sure I’d believe it possible.
“You’ve brought some furry friends with you.” Haven giggled, giving Isla and Dante a quick wave. She linked her arm in mine and gave me a once over. “You look extra sexy tonight.”
I glanced down, a little embarrassed. When Isla said she was going to get me some clothes, I should have declined. She came back with a black lacy shirt that consisted of straps, which barely covered my ni**les, and jeans that worked up a sweat to get into.
Kyden appreciated the clothing. Me…not so much.
“I thought she’d look damn fine,” Isla said proudly.
Kyden smacked my ass. “I can only hope I’m able to get those off later.”
“I can only hope I don’t lose my legs from lack of circulation,” I grumbled.
His devilish grin, which always left me a little breathless, never got old. I was sure it never would.
Haven pulled me forward, snapped my attention back from southern regions as we headed toward the garden. “I’ve already started planning the bonding ceremony. Zia said it will be next week, so we have to get on top of things.”
I gave Kyden a knowing look, which he returned. Then, I looked back at Haven. “What can I help with?”
“Oh nothing, I’ve got it handled. You just have to show up and look pretty,” she replied, happily. “I’m living vicariously through you since I won’t ever do it.”
Huh? “Why? You and Finn won’t ever be bonded?”
Her expression saddened, the feeling washed right through me. “Finn doesn’t think I could handle it. You know, with his job and all. He thinks it best we don’t.” She shrugged. “I guess he’s right.”