Wolf Shifter Diaries: Lies Tamed (Sweet Paranormal Wolf & Fae Fantasy Romance Series Book 2) by E. Hall (books for men to read TXT) 📗

There was one thing I didn’t include. Typically, the rival Alpha goes after the mate to make her his own as a sign of superiority and possession. I didn’t want to hurt either Logan or his mate, but couldn’t claim her—despite my wolfy ways, it felt wrong.

As everyone comes down to the clearing, I release the trepidation that comes with how complicated this is. Not only will there be the Call-Out, but I will be fully responsible for Kenna in the magical world and as the wolf shifter Council rep. Melchior will not be pleased. My wolf groans. He’s not interested in politics—just the wolf heart which beats faster now that Kenna nears.

I throw fuel on the fire. Soon, it roars as everyone gathers in physical form. Sparks reach toward the glittering sky as Kenna steps into the clearing. I gesture that she stands beside me. For a moment, I fear she’s a sheep among wolves. However, in truth, as a tri-magical, she’s the strongest among us, though likely doesn’t realize it yet.

“Pack Hjalmor, tonight Kenna is making her pledge to the pack. Many of you may remember the day you declared your allegiance and took your position among us. I ask that you welcome her as a sister.”

Except for the five betas, excluding Avril who is still on probation, the scattering of applause is light. It occurs to me then that she may be the one spreading the dissent about Kenna.

“Do any among you object to Kenna Slade joining us?” I eye Avril, allowing her to speak up.

None of them question my Alpha.

“Thank you for trusting me.” I make the effort to balance my dominance with gratitude and honesty at all times.

“Kenna, you’ll declare your allegiance to Pack Hjalmor. Using this silver blade, I’m going to pierce your palm. You’ll let several drops of blood fall into the fire as everyone else forms a ring in wolf hierarchy. Starting with our omega wolf, you’ll walk in a circle past each of your new pack mates. We will see the flames leap, like a finger pointing when you’ve arrived at your position. Do you understand?”

Kenna’s eyes widen at the silver blade in my hand. “I do.”

“Remember, wolves heal quickly. You’ll hardly feel a thing,” I whisper.

She nods slightly and bites her lip as if bracing herself.

“Kenna, do you willingly declare your undying allegiance to Pack Hjalmor and each of its members without exception?”

“I do.” She nods.

“Kenna, do you deny all ties to previous packs or other entities, if any, and pledge your loyalty, friendship, and love to Pack Hjalmor?”

“I do.”

“Kenna, do you recognize me as Alpha of Pack Hjalmor and promise to abide by all my orders and requests?” I have to ask this even though I’m certain she’s also Alpha.

She swallows and tips her eyes to meet mine. “I do.”

I extend my hand to take hers, feeling the softness of the surface and the power that surges beneath. Rubbing my thumb over her palm, I then slide the dagger over her skin, making a fine cut. She tips her hand over the fire. Three drops of blood drip into the flames.

I sense her pulse increase at the sight of blood. She swallows thickly and looks away.

The core of the fire flashes gold, then red, and then electric blue. The elements sense her various forms of magic. I nod to the omega and Kenna walks over to him.

The fire blazes as she makes her way around the circle. As she nears the betas, Avril watches closely. I know what’s coming. Kenna walks slowly past the last of the subordinates then Trigg, Camilla, Claude, Avril, Baker, and Inga. My highest beta gives her a warm smile.

As she nears me, the fire crackles and a flame leaps, like a finger pointing to where she belongs. By my side. The Alpha’s mate. There is no mistaking the meaning, which I already knew. Now the others do too. There can’t be two Alphas unless she’s my mate.

The wolves, still in physical form, gasp in shock. Some clap lightly, a few cheer, and Avril storms away.

I take Kenna’s hand in mine. In the past, when we’ve performed this ceremony, the newbie often trembles or has clammy skin from nerves. It’s no small thing to face dozens of wolf shifters. Then they’re met with relief to know their places. Once they and the other wolves are secure in their positions, the mood shifts toward celebration.

Kenna is already confident, but also humble and merely smiles at the others as some of them welcome her and congratulate her.

There is no questioning her role, perhaps other than Avril, and even her wolf will eventually recognize and accept Kenna’s position as my Alpha mate.

“Pack Hjalmar, Kenna will be the first to shift and in turn, circling her this time, your wolf will recognize her position. Then we’ll run, followed by a feast in the lodge,” I announce.

It’s easily a fifty-fifty split between how much everyone loves running together and then the party after inducting a new wolf into the pack.

Kenna closes her eyes, summoning her wolf. In the amber glow of the blaze, I admire her slender neck and full lips before her skin gives way to a ripple of fur. The fire highlights the red tint. Her eyes are smoky-gray. They meet mine, and I give her a warm nod. My wolf claws its way to the surface, begging for release.

First, the other wolves, starting with the omega must greet her wolf. Toby is a white fringed wolf with a goofy smile. The rest circle her before waiting on the edge of the trail.

When it’s my turn to shift, my thoughts dissolve, leaving me feeling momentarily free. I open up the wolf-way of communicating, giving the others the go-ahead before closing it again.