Chapter 37.

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RIANA MOVED and adjusted to the nudges of our companions from all directions. It was as if we were sheep being herded along a predetermined path by non-existent shepherd dogs. I couldn't tell where we were going, but it didn't matter. If Riana was willing to relinquish control, something she loved, I was willing to go along with her choice. After all, it was in exchange for stronger bonds with our pack, a worthy trade.

The sensation of running outdoors was addicting and liberating. Despite my delight brought by mocking the power hierarchy in the pack characterised by Fynn and his higher-than-life unendearing ways, there was an undeniably overwhelming sense of companionship, strengthened under the watching eye of the Empress from her mighty throne on the moon – or whatever she sits on, wherever she is.

As I ran on the soft grass and pushed my way through bushes and low branches, I realised I couldn't imagine a world without my wolf-shifters. James. Liam. Blaze. Jesse. Fynn; even that stubborn mule had found a path to my heart.

We're stopping at the clearing up ahead, commanded the physically and mentally demanding shifter on my mind.

Walter, Liam's wolf, howled in response.

Fynn's orders and presence alone could command any space, no questions asked; if there was one thing Fynn had never experienced, it was being ignored and unacknowledged. Although petty, I anticipated the day his orders were ludicrous enough to act as a catalyst, giving me a reason to help him check off another first. I just want to help him and wolf-shifter society. I love helping people, wolf-shifters, annoying bastards – ahem, Fynn – and the like.

"Annoying bastards?"

Oops? Too much? I shrugged in indifference as Riana laughed.

The pack started to slow, and I felt the wind slow down its path across my soft coat of fur. I sighed as the feeling of invincibility and being able to run away from my worries faded into the darkness of the forest behind me.

We stood close to one another and relished the heat warm bodies brought to cold and dreary springs.

A wet lick caused me to turn. Ace.

I looked confusedly at him. He stared right back with a challenge in his eyes. We were positioned at the centre of our small crowd so that I could see the rest of the wolves grouping together. They licked each other's flanks, smoothing down the wind-swept fur.

Another lick brought me back to Ace's eyes. I could see hints of Fynn within the brown, alerting me with the knowledge that the action was his version of an olive branch. A peace offering.

Before the surprise and suspicion could override my emotions, Riana turned and began lapping at Ace's fur.

You taste like wood, I told him.

I could practically feel Fynn scowling from behind Ace's wolf form. Why thank you. That just makes me feel oh so warm and fuzzy inside. Like a toasted marshmallow.

You better hope the fire doesn't burn your wood. I paused with wide eyes at the hint of concern in my mind telepathy. Not that I care, I blurted out into the void of thoughts before I could stop myself. I felt the urge to apologise, likely caused by the power of the alpha, but I reined it in. Barely.

Ace raised a brow and smirked cockily. You rather like my wood, don't you?

Do not! I protested the injustice of the world. Why was I given an alpha as infuriating as Fynn?

Do too!

Not.

Do.

Not.

Not.

Do.

Ha! So you do like my wood, Fynn declared.

I squinted at his exaggerated reaction. It wasn't like I proclaimed him to have the biggest dick in history. Though he was a big dick. Whether he had one was another question. One that I may, or may not, want to find out through some highly scientific, hands-on primary research.

Walter looked up from his licking in amusement. You like Fynn's wood?

No! He smells disgusting! Definitely not something I would want to be turned into perfume. I was joking. I would buy trucks full of Fynn's pine perfume and dump it all over my sheets as the main part of my nightly ritual. For scientific purposes only, of course.

Before he could come up with a valid response, "yeeep," Walter yelped as Jesse's wolf tackled him into the spring grass. He whined. It seemed like multiple wolves were facing injustice tonight.

A deeper voice that sounded like Jesse said frankly, I had to do it. It wouldn't be a pack run if I didn't tackle you.

I don't know how I keep falling for your tricks, Walter sighed as he attempted scratching Adrian's snout.

The rest of us stood to the side, amusedly watching Liam and Jesse's wolves tumble through the clearing and flatten the grass with their monstrous weight. Even Ace carried the hint of a smile.

Shortly after Walter and Adrian's mini-fight, we continued running until we found a bigger clearing. The second clearing had direct exposure to the bright moonlight, heightened by the time in the moon cycle, and had the occasional large rock buried into the ground perfect for lying on. Riana quickly made herself home and moon-bathed while the restless males played tag and other fighting games. Though our pack's barks and wolfish laughter echoed through the quiet night, the cool balm of calm never arrived so fast. My soul felt centred at last, as if it had finally received closure from the loss of my parents. There was no doubt they were looking over me from their places in the stars, the fact bringing me reassurance and reconciliation.

I closed my eyes.

I'll never forget my kin, I vowed to myself. I will carry their deaths on my shoulders and haunches. Not as a burden, but as a reminder of my past and hope for the future.

A bright light filled the back of my eyelids, and I felt my muscles fall loose as I was transported to a dimension only accessible through my mind.


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A/N:

Happy New Year guys!

I have given you 1000+ words today - my New Year's present to you!

Give me a present by voting on this chapter pleeeassseeee 🙏🙏🙏

QOTC: Favourite swimming stroke?  Indoor or outdoor pool?
Backstroke (I'm not the best, but I like floating and lazy strokes in the water) and outdoor pools for me.

-Hilda


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