Chapter 77

Chapter 77
The Black family was the first to arrive at the designated meeting area next to the waterfalls for the bonding ceremony just after the pack Nartu. The Nartu, who was essentially the pack's spiritual leader, was a very elderly wolf named Peter. He was well over two hundred years old and had devoted his life to the Black family and the BlackStone pack. Peter was frail and thin, looking as if a strong wind could blow him over. His gnarled and arthritic hands were at work grinding dried leaves in a mortar and pestle.

“Ah, the guest of honor has come. Perfect. Julian, will you instruct your boys to get the fire built?” He asked before holding a hand out to Cassidy. “Come Luna and sit with me. Tonight is a big night for you.” Peter said kindly.

James and his brothers were already gathering wood to build a bonfire before the elder had requested it to be done. Cassidy came over and smiled down at Peter, taking his hand and settling down next to the man. He reminded her so much of her memories of her grandfather it made her heart sore. “Yes, it is. I am excited to be part of the pack. Only a few months ago I was wanting to run as far away from here as I could.”

“And now?” Peter asked, taking the crushed leaves and placing them in a tiny wire ball. He pulled a thermos from next to his side and unscrewed the cap that doubled as a cup. The Nartu put the wire ball into the cup and poured steaming hot water over it.

“Now? I could not imagine my life without this pack and the people within it.” She admitted, watching as the man put water into the cup and then handed it to her. She took it with both hands and looked down at it for a moment before looking back at Peter with a questioning look.

“Peppermint and Sweetgrass, Luna,” Peter said with a kind look. “For the sickness you feel. It will ease it. I will send more to the house if you like it.”

Cassidy blinked and then smiled brightly as it was explained to her what she was given. “Oh thank you… It is not bad yet, but, I feel queasy randomly.” She said and sipped at the steaming tea, feeling relief almost instantly. “Mmm. Yes. Please do send more. I think this will be needed daily for the next few months.” Cassidy said with a smile as the elder wolf began to work on a handful of new herbs in the bowl.

The brothers got a good-sized Bonfire going, the flames lighting up the entire area and reflecting off the water right along with the moonlight. It looked almost magical like a spell was cast against the falling water that reflected light and shadow. The perfect representation of the Sun God and the Moon Goddess they followed.

“Luna…” Peter said in a quiet tone, drawing Cassidy’s attention away from the water and back to him. The wolf now held a small, black and gold-handled blade no bigger than a paring knife, his free hand outstretching for hers. “The pack requires your blood. Just a few drops is all. Given in the warmth of the sun and the light of the moon. Will you give yourself to the BlackStone pack?”

Cassidy blinked at the knife and then over to the Black family that was standing quietly, watching her. James gave her a little nod of encouragement and she let out a breath, letting go of the cup with one hand and holding it over to the Nartu. “I will.” She said softly while the elder stretched her hand over the stone bowl and cut her palm.

James growled when Cassidy’s palm was cut and her blood streamed and dripped into the ceremonial bowl. She barely flinched, but he did not approve of her being cut at all. “Alpha Black.” Peter called for him. “Alpha of BlackStone, do you allow this She-wolf into your family and pack until her death or her bond is broken?” the elder asked the alpha, looking up at him expectantly.

“I accept her into my pack and to be my family until her death or our bond is broken.” James said solemnly, going down to a knee before Peter and offering his hand. Peter cut him as well, letting a few drops of his blood mingle in with Cassidy’s. The two alpha’s looked at each other as James spoke the confirmation words, he meaning every last one.

“Good good…” Pete said and James moved away from the elder, coming to sit down just behind Cassidy, scooting in close and then wrapping his arms around her. Cassidy leaned back into James' arms and watched as the rest of the Black family came forward and added in their blood as well.

One after another, the pack began to arrive. Every one of them from infants to the elders gave a drop or two of their blood into the bowl. There were well wishes to James and Cassidy, wolves welcoming her to the pack. The atmosphere became joyous and party-like like a huge family get-together. Children chased each other and everyone mingled. Jett was one of the lasts ones to arrive along with Alaric and a few of the warriors who were coming in from exchanging patrols so everyone could give to the cup.

Jett gave his own and smiled at Cassidy broadly. “You have no idea how much pride I have in you, Cassidy. We have lost so much in the past but now, look at all we have gained. I have only ever wanted to see you happy and I feel your parents are as happy as I am now.” He said to his alpha and Luna, a hand over his heart.

Cassidy flushed a little when Jett said he was proud of her. “I have you to thank Jett. You saved us both by thinking ahead. Thank you, Jett Taylor.” She said in a gentle voice, James nodding in agreement over her shoulder.

When the last pack member shared their blood to the bowl, the Nartu slowly rose to his feet and motioned for Cassidy to rise as well. James helped her up to her feet and took her hand, following after Peter as the elder led the way to the middle of the pack that had gathered. The three stopped and Peter raised one hand, signaling silence. A hush fell over the pack and the stone bowl was raised and Peter’s voice rang out loud and clear. “Cassidy Roan, formally of the Wildwoods pack came to us what we thought was an enemy. She has proven us wrong and has captured the heart of our Alpha. Cassidy Roan will drink of the stone, with the witness of the sun and moon. She will become Cassidy Black, bonded mate of James Black, and will be part of our pack until the day she dies or her bonds are broken.” He said loudly for all the wolves to hear before he turned to Cassidy with a gentle smile and held the stone bowl out to her.

“You must drink it… Everyone will form a connection to you.” James said and took a step back for Cassidy to make her own choice.

Cassidy didn't hesitate. She wanted this like she wanted to breathe. She reached for the bowl with both hands and looked at the contents briefly before bringing it to her lips and downing it quickly. The herbs that were crushed into the mix helped to bring it down and Peter was there to take the bowl before it was dropped, James right behind her to catch and steady her when she stumbled back.

The connection was instantaneous between her and everyone in the pack through a blood bond and it hit her like a ton of bricks. It was like the bond she and James had created between each other but not quite nearly as strong. Still, it was there and she felt a wealth of emotions when the entire pack erupted into cheers. BlackStone was not just a pack, they were a tight-knit family through their blond bond and it was nearly overpowering, bringing joyful tears to her eyes feeling the excitement through them.

James smiled, wrapped Cassidy up in his arms. “Welcome Home my Luna.” He whispered against her ear.