Chapter 69 The White Wolf pt 2
Duncan
As they got closer to us, Lucian’s eyes snapped to Kara. He stopped speaking mid-sentence, and his steps faltered. Malachi looked at him, brow furrowed, until he followed his gaze and his eyes went wide. One by one, each person in the group stopped and stared ahead at Kara. Being the cheeky girl that she was, she let out a little bark and trotted right over to them, walking around them in a circle. She nudged Kayla, licked her face, then ran back over to us.
“You’re—she’s—that’s—” Julian was stammering, unable to get his thoughts out. The rest of the group looked just as flummoxed.
Mom and Dad finally snapped out of it, coming over to us. They both lowered to one knee in front of Kara, heads bowed. “Princess, you honor us. We are overjoyed to have you joining our pack. Thank you for inviting us on your first run.” The rest of their group followed their lead, kneeling and bowing to Kara.
“Please stand. Kara and Seren are happy to have found their family—both their true family and their new one. But Kara’s also eager to run,” Gideon told everyone, laughing. It seems that Seren must be speaking to him, since she can’t mindlink anyone from Crescent Moon yet.
“You’re stunning, Luna. And our pack is beyond blessed to have a white wolf as our Luna.” Lucian’s voice was reverent.
“Okay, everyone. Kara’s just about vibrating over here. Let’s shift, and let her have her first run with her pack, and we can come back to this later.” Kara was so excited she was prancing in place, and I suspected she’d run off without us if we didn’t get moving. Gideon laughed, running his hand over her shoulder. I would love to know what she said to him.
Everyone started stripping off their clothes. Nudity among wolves was really not that much of an issue because of all the shifting we do, but Kara averted her gaze. I think my innocent little mate may be a little embarrassed by it. Gideon shifted first, Curran eager to meet his sister in person. Conn and I were not far behind him.
Curran walked forward and pressed his head to Kara’s. They were the same height and had the same eyes, though Curran was all black. The moment they touched, the matching crescent moon mark that was on Curran’s left flank glowed gently, as if recognizing its counterpart. With a bright flash, the glow burned out.
Conn waited his turn, tail wagging until he couldn’t take it anymore and he nudged Curran out of the way. I’m fairly certain that Curran rolled his eyes as he snorted and went over to his parents, Aodhan and Arienh. Alpha Aodhan was as black as Curran, while Luna Arienh was a beautiful silver gray.
Conn immediately nuzzled Kara, pressing his forehead against hers and licking along her snout. She returned the favor, rubbing along our side, leaving her scent on Conn while getting his all over her. ‘Mate loves us! She scented us. Mate’s beautiful!’ Conn’s internal sigh was dreamy. My wolf was a lovesick fool, but I wasn’t far off.
Everyone else finished shifting while Kara moved to her parents and imprinted on them. Then, giving a mighty bark, she took off, Conn on her heels and Curran not far behind. We ran for hours, exploring Crescent Moon territory. I let her take the lead and explore where she wanted, nudging her when she was getting near borders or unsafe areas. She was so fast; it was hard for many in the group to keep up. Conn was radiating pride as even he had to push to match her pace. A deep sense of awe rose in my chest at this magnificent she-wolf that was my mate. After everything that she’s been through, she’s still so very strong.
Kara let out a yip as she turned again, running alongside the meadow in the center of our packlands. There was a stream on the other side, and she headed in that direction. We paused there for a drink, and when she was done, she ran behind us and playfully nipped Conn’s flank, then Curran’s, and with a wolfy grin on her face, ran off again. ‘Mate wants to play. Let’s chase.’ Conn took off after her, Curran not far behind.
We continued that way, through forests, along the stream, through the meadow, until she finally started slowing down. Mom linked me. ‘We should get back, Duncan. This has been a long first run for her. I know she’s got to be exhausted now, and she needs food.’
We got the group back to the training field, where everyone shifted back. Kara looked around, then trotted over to the same copse of trees where she had changed earlier, her mother following. By the time I was finished dressing, Seren was walking back with Queen Gwen, both of them with satisfied smiles on their faces.