They’re just curious,” I assured her, nosing Val’s palm when she let her hand fall to her side. “It isn’t every day they get to see a human at one of their gatherings.”
“This is true,” Fallen agreed, offering my sister a wolfish grin.
It was a good look on her, to see Fallen comfortable enough to let her guard down. It didn’t happen terribly often, and this was the first time I’d seen it happen around the other wolves. Perhaps it was because of the moon, or maybe it was because she wanted to give my sister the best welcome she could. Whatever the reason, I silently thanked her for it as Ash finally started to make her way around the semi-circle.
Confused, I looked to Fallen for guidance. The assurance I expected to see on her wasn’t there. Whatever Ash was doing, she’d never done it before.
One by one, she touched each of the wolves, running her hand through their fur until each one leaned into her touch.
The wolves took comfort in her touch the same way I’d done the moment Fallen took her place at my side.
Wolves need that connection, I remembered Fallen saying not so long ago. The warm contact we needed as humans was something our wolves needed as well. Especially from the Alpha.
Recognizing the behavior as that of an Alpha, the other wolves anxiously waited for their turn. Everyone except Fallen.
Without touching her, I could sense her wolf reaching out.
Not to the Alpha, but to me. Fallen’s eyes, however, were locked on Ash, her ears lowered in a way I couldn’t understand. She wasn’t threatened, but something about Ash’s actions upset her. That much became painfully obvious when Ash reached out to touch her and only got a growl in response.
Surprised, Ash kept her hand close to Fallen a moment more. “Is this not acceptable to you?” she asked, her words full of challenge.
“Apologies, Alpha, but a human’s touch isn’t one I’m willing to accept.”
Something flickered in Ash’s eyes, but as soon as it appeared, it was gone. Without saying another word, she offered her hand to me. For a brief moment, I considered pulling away just as Fallen had done. But this was my first full moon, and more than anything else, my wolf wanted to obey.
So I did.
Bowing my head, I let her run her hands through my fur, taking in her warmth the same way I’d done the night of my first controlled shift. She didn’t throw her arms around me or hug me this time, but it felt the exact same way, filling me with excitement and a willingness to run until I couldn’t hold my wolf back any longer.
She begged me to run and howl into the night sky. I managed a small whimper, averting my gaze when Ash spoke again.
“Welcome to the pack,” Ash said, slowly pulling away as she looked at me and my sister. “We’re lucky to have you.”
My wolf nudged me again, harder this time. Panting, I stayed at Val’s side, seeking her warm the moment she put her hand on my back.
“Is it always like this?” Val asked once Ash was gone.
So full of tension? I could almost hear her say.
“A bit,” I admitted, nuzzling her neck to ease some of the confusion Ash’s actions might’ve caused. “It’s a long story and one I hope to share with you someday.”
“I’d like that.”
“But not now,” I said, rising to my paws. “Now we run.”
Fallen made a sound of approval, taking her place at my side as Val stood opposite of her.
One by one, those of the pack got up and turned in the direction of the mountains. The needs of my wolf were starting
to cloud my judgment, taking control as the pack, the Alpha, and even the moon pulled in the same direction.
“Run?” Val asked, the unease in her voice pulling me out of my haze long enough to realize it wasn’t something she could do. “Run where?”
I didn’t have an answer for her. The destination didn’t matter so long as the earth beat under my paws and the wind combed through my fun.
“With the pack,” Fallen explained, sounding way more coherent than I felt just then. “It’s tradition, and one your sister’s lucky to take part in.”
“Come with me,” I said, looking at Val. “Please.”