Stolen and Forgiven (Branded Packs #1)(31)

“So we’ll be at the edge or something?”

He nodded and patted her ass. Cheeky man. “Yes. Soren will be the closest to us.” He lowered his head and Ariel frowned.

“What?”

“He might catch a glimpse of you, but he’s already seen you without clothes when we first found you.”

She groaned at that. “Oh, good. Your best friend’s seen me naked.”

Holden snorted. “He couldn’t help it. And believe me. He wouldn’t do anything about it. Not only are you my mate, but…”

“What is it?”

“I don’t know everything, but I do know that Soren went through hell already when it came to a woman. I don’t think he’s going to want to mate again.”

“Again?” she asked, surprised that the broody man would have ever had a mate.”

Holden shook his head. “It’s not my story to tell. When he’s ready, he’ll talk to you about it. That is, if he’s ever ready.”

She sighed then kissed Holden’s chest. “I can understand that.” She let out a sigh. “I guess it’s time to go?”

“Yes. The moon is rising and I can feel your wolf, mate of mine. Let’s see what you look like after you shift.”

She swallowed hard. As much as she’d been thinking she could do this, fear still threatened to take over. She hadn’t actually seen anyone shift before. She’d only seen the videos the SAU had shown over the news when they wanted to scare the human population. Only she hadn’t known that was the case at the time.

Not only could she die tonight if the change didn’t take, but she’d see Holden as a wolf for the first time as well as so many others. It was a night of change, and hopefully, she’d be able to handle it all.

Holden cupped her face, his gaze serious. “It will all work out. Trust me.”

She turned and kissed his palm. “I trust you, Holden. That won’t ever be an issue.”

Something flashed over his eyes and he nodded. “Let’s go to the edge of the clearing, then. It’s time.”

He moved away and held out his hand. She placed hers in his, knowing this was another step toward a future she didn’t quite understand, but she knew was the best for her.

By the time they made it to the edge of the clearing where she’d shift, most of the Pack who would hunt that night had already gathered.

“We don’t shift as a group or hunt every week or even every month. But when we have a new member, a child who is now grown, we like to welcome them. You’ll need the strength of the Pack tonight, and we are here for you.”

She leaned into Holden’s embrace, her mind going in a thousand different directions. Men, women, and older teens stood in groups, laughing and talking to one another. She hadn’t seen much laughter within the den, and she liked seeing it now. They might have been forced into their roles in life, but they weren’t letting it take everything from their spirit. There was something to learn from that, and Ariel would do her best to take in the lesson.

Mandy came up to them with a smile on her face, though Ariel could sense the worry in her gaze. After all, Ariel could die tonight. It had been so long since anyone had changed a human that they weren’t sure if she’d survive. Not everyone did, and sometimes, the change just didn’t take.

Her hands shook as Mandy held open her arms. Ariel pulled away from Holden to hug the woman who had become her friend.

“You’re going to do great tonight,” Mandy declared, and Ariel snorted.

“Thanks for trying to keep me positive.”

Theo came up from behind Mandy and slid an arm around the submissive’s shoulders. Mandy relaxed in Theo’s hold, but Ariel wasn’t sure if it was a sexual and romantic gesture or one between friends. She had so much to learn about the Pack’s dynamics.

Her Pack’s dynamics.

Soren moved slowly toward them, his gaze on the perimeter rather than the wolves. “We need to get started. I don’t think the guards are going to venture in any time soon, but I don’t want to risk it.”

Holden nodded and gripped her hand. “I agree.” He let out a breath and she licked her lips, knowing it was time.

Holden threw back his head and howled. The sweet timbre echoed through her bones, sending waves of need of a different sort through her body. The others howled back, their voices a perfect harmony that brought tears to her eyes.

“To the hunt!” Holden yelled and the others howled once more. Before she could figure out how to join in, the others started stripping off their clothes. Ariel might not be a prude, but this was still a first for her.

Holden moved so his body shielded hers. “Mandy, Theo, turn your backs but shift near us.”

“You’ve got it, Alpha,” Theo said, his voice deeper than usual. The two of them quickly stripped off their clothes and went to all fours.

Holden tugged at the bottom of her shirt and she took a deep breath. “You’re going to strip down like them and then get on your hands and knees.” She blushed and he let out a rough chuckle. “We can do that soon, siren. First, though, I want to see your pretty wolf.”

She quickly took off her clothes and did her best not to look at Holden as he did the same. He’d told her wolves could smell arousal, and she didn’t want to swoon or something in front of the rest of the Pack.