Turn of the Moon (Royal Shifters #1)(36)

Kami snickered and put her arm around Tyla. “We wanted to tell you sooner, but we thought it’d be better as a surprise.”

“Surprise?” I looked up into Ryker’s mischievous green gaze and searched his mind. Wolves never had weddings like humans, where you exchanged rings. We could never wear them or any kind of jewelry when shifting. The magic of the moon was stronger than any verbal vow or wedding ring.

Smiling, he pulled me close. “We can always have a wedding if you want, but we thought having somewhat of a reception would be similar. Everyone came from all over to meet you.”

It was amazing seeing everyone together, laughing and talking without animosity. “I don’t need a wedding, Ryker. This is perfect.” Squeezing his hand, I nodded toward the crowd. “Let’s mingle.” There were a ton of faces I didn’t recognize but Ryker introduced me to every single one. “I can’t believe you know every person here,” I whispered in awe.

He chuckled. “I have a good memory.”

“All right it’s time for me to steal him away,” Cedric announced, slapping a hand on Ryker’s shoulder.

I put my hands on my hips. “Oh yeah, why is that?”

“Stripper time, why else?” When he saw the expression on my face, he balked and held up his hands. “Holy f*ck, Xena Warrior Princess, I was kidding. I’m not stupid enough to have done that; I’d like to keep my balls.”

Ryker burst out laughing. “You sure as hell weren’t going to have any if you were serious.”

“No shit. Good thing I am only taking you to the bar.” Cedric looked back at me, “You don’t want to see Whitemore dance without a little bit of liquor in his system.”

With a smirk on his face, Ryker pushed him away. “Cocksucker. I dance better than you.”

“I never claimed I was good. Now let’s go. I think the ladies want to steal your woman away.” He nodded toward something behind me and when I turned, Tyla and Kami were there.

Tyla grabbed my hand. “He’s right.”

Ryker kissed my cheek and nipped my ear before disappearing with Cedric to the bar. All the alphas were there, lifting their shot glasses. “Don’t get into too much trouble over there,” I sent through our bond.

Lifting his glass, he peered back at me and winked. “Same goes to you, angel.”

“So what are we going to do if we’re not getting drunk with the guys?” I asked the girls.

They giggled and pulled me over to a corner where at least thirty unmated female wolves waited for me, including Seraphina. “They all wanted to ask you questions,” Tyla informed me.

I sat down and smiled at all the women. Some were old, but a lot of them were around my age. “All right, let’s hear it.”

A girl in her mid-twenties from one of the red wolf packs spoke up. Her name was Emma Redding, cousin to the alpha of her pack. She had long, strawberry-blonde hair and green eyes. “How did you know Ryker was your mate?”

The question made me smile. “I didn’t at first, but then again, I’m stubborn. You also need to take into account that the people who raised me never told me about true mates. Were your parents true mates?”

She nodded, her gaze sad. “My father was killed by a rogue a couple years back while hunting. My mother doesn’t like to talk about him because it pains her. We only have one mated couple in my pack and they’re much older. It’s hard to get a fresh take on things.”

“I understand. Is that how it is with the rest of you? I know Tyla’s parents are true mated.” I glanced around and they all nodded. “Tell me about your parents, Tyla. What have they said about it?”

All eyes turned her way. “Not much other than it’s just a feeling they got. They said I would know when it happened.”

“And you will,” I began, catching their attention, “it’s just again . . . I was stubborn. I had to have proof and when I got it, it was still hard to grasp. None of it made sense to me.”

“That’s because she had her memories taken away by the Yukon pack witch,” Kami interrupted.

“She’s right, I did. I met Ryker a long time ago when I was just a girl. We were friends and it was because of that close friendship I think our bond was formed. I’d give anything to remember that time with him. Maybe one day, I will. However, I don’t think the Great Luna just randomly chooses two wolves to be mates. I think it happens over time when a connection is formed.”

“So we don’t need to sit on our asses and wait for them to come to us?” Tyla asked.

Everyone laughed and I shook my head. “No, I think you need to get yourselves out there, talk to them. Ryker and I were not born a part of the same pack. Just because your mate isn’t with your own pack, doesn’t mean he’s not out there. Take a look around,” I said, waving my hand about. “There are wolves here from all over the country. If you have brothers, cousins, friends, introduce them to some of the women here in this group. I fully believe the magic will come back to our people. You just need to believe in it—have faith.”

I could see the determination in their eyes and it brought me joy. The magic of the moon would come back to them; I had no doubt.

“And I think I just found the wolf I’ll introduce myself to. He just walked through the door,” one of the girls said happily.