Chapter 36

As we ventured deeper into the forest, the excitement of the pack swelled around us. Wolves darted between trees, their howls echoing through the night air. But instead of sharing in their enthusiasm, a growing unease settled in my chest.

I observed pack members separating into smaller groups, some clearly designated as hunters, others seeming to play the role of... prey? My wolf's knowledge filtered through to me, confirming what I was witnessing—this wasn't just an ordinary hunt for deer or rabbits. This was something else entirely.

Unmated wolves were chasing each other through the forest, the stronger ones pursuing the weaker. When a wolf caught its chosen target, there would be a brief struggle before the victor would nip at the neck of the captured wolf—a claiming bite, a mark of intention.

Horror washed over me as understanding dawned. This was a mating hunt—a primal tradition where wolves chased, fought, and forcibly marked potential mates under the full moon. The coronation hunt wasn't about bringing down game; it was about pairing off unmated pack members in the most primitive way possible.

My wolf form trembled with indignation. This is barbaric, I thought, even as my wolf tried to explain that this was tradition, that the chased wolves had consented to participate, that no true harm would come to anyone.

Suddenly, I felt a familiar presence beside me. Kieran's massive black wolf had noticed my distress, circling back to where I had stopped at the edge of a clearing. His amber eyes studied me intently before he nudged me toward a more secluded spot away from the main hunting grounds.

Once we were alone, he shifted back to human form. I followed suit, the transformation leaving me slightly disoriented as I stood naked in the moonlight. Kieran quickly retrieved a pack he must have stashed nearby, pulling out clothing for both of us.

As I dressed hurriedly, Kieran's gaze remained fixed on me, concern evident in his expression.

"You're upset," he said finally, not a question but a statement of fact.

"You can tell?" I asked, pulling the tunic over my head.

"I marked you," he replied simply, tapping his own neck where my mark should have been. "I can feel echoes of your emotions now. Even without the complete bond, the connection has begun."

I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to process this new information. "So this hunt... it's not for actual prey. It's for—"

"Mating," Kieran finished. "Yes. It's an ancient tradition. The Luna Coronation Hunt gives unmated wolves the opportunity to find partners under the blessing of the new Luna."

"It looks like chaos," I said, unable to hide my disapproval. "Wolves chasing each other, fighting, forcing marks—"

Kieran stepped closer, his hands gently gripping my shoulders. "No one is forced, Lena. Every wolf who participates has chosen to be here. The chase, the claiming—it satisfies something primal in our nature. But consent is always required before any true bond is formed."

His proximity was distracting, his scent wrapping around me like a physical touch. I forced myself to focus on the conversation. "And what about me? Am I supposed to be running through the forest letting wolves chase me?"

A low growl rumbled in Kieran's chest, his eyes flashing with sudden possessiveness. "You're already marked," he said, his thumb brushing over the spot where his teeth had broken my skin hours earlier. "You're mine. No wolf would dare pursue you now."

Despite my irritation at his proprietary tone, I couldn't deny the relief his words brought. The thought of being chased through the dark forest by eager wolves seeking to claim me made my skin crawl.

"I can feel your fear," Kieran said, his voice softening as he pulled me into a surprising embrace. His arms wrapped around me, strong and secure. "Don't be afraid. You'll never be regarded as prey again. I'll protect you from anyone who would dare harass you."

I relaxed slightly in his arms, allowing myself to accept his comfort even as I marveled at this gentler side of him. "It's not just the hunt," I admitted after a moment. "I... I don't like to shift more than necessary."

Kieran pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine. "Why?"

I hesitated, never having shared this concern with anyone before. "My wolf's coloring is... unusual. I'm afraid it might cause problems."

"How unusual?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

"White," I said softly. "Pure white with blue eyes. Not just silver or gray like some wolves—pure white, like fresh snow. It's extremely rare, and I've already noticed how people react to things that are different in pack society."

Kieran's expression changed, a combination of surprise and something else I couldn't quite identify. "White wolves are indeed rare," he said carefully. "In our legends, they're said to have special connections to the Moon Goddess herself."

"Great," I muttered. "One more thing to make me stand out when all I want is to fit in."

"You were never meant to blend in, Lena," Kieran said, his hand cupping my cheek with unexpected tenderness. "You were meant to stand beside me, unique and powerful in your own right."

His words stirred something within me, a longing I wasn't ready to acknowledge. I stepped back slightly, breaking the intensity of the moment.

"I don't know why I'm different," I said. "I don't know why my wolf is white when no one else in my family has ever shown signs of being wolf at all. It's like I came from nowhere."

Kieran's expression turned thoughtful. "There are old records in the pack archives. Histories of bloodlines, accounts of rare wolves throughout our history. We might find answers there."

"You'd help me look?" I asked, surprised by his willingness.

"Of course," he replied without hesitation. "You're my Luna now. Your concerns are mine. We'll investigate this together."

His sincerity touched me more deeply than I wanted to admit. For all his domineering ways, Kieran seemed genuinely committed to supporting me.

"Thank you," I said simply.

Around us, the sounds of the hunt continued—howls and growls echoing through the trees. Kieran glanced in the direction of the noise, then back to me.

"We don't have to stay," he offered. "As Alpha and Luna, our participation is traditional but not required. We could return to our quarters if you'd prefer."

Relief washed through me at his suggestion. "I would. Very much."

With a nod, Kieran took my hand, leading me through the forest back toward the packhouse. The path seemed shorter on our return journey, or perhaps I was simply distracted by the warmth of Kieran's hand in mine and the surprising consideration he was showing.

As we emerged from the trees, the packhouse loomed before us, most of its windows dark with the majority of its occupants out participating in the hunt. Kieran led me inside and up the stairs to our shared quarters.

Only when the door closed behind us did the implications of our situation hit me. Alone. In our bedroom. On the night of our official union.

The nervous flutter in my stomach intensified as Kieran moved around the room, lighting candles rather than using the harsher electric lights. The soft glow cast dancing shadows across the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere that did nothing to calm my racing heart.