Page 8 of Come for Me
We all were.
Jemma pats my hand. “I have something for you.” She pulls out an ornate box.
At her silent instruction, I open the box, revealing an uncut violet stone looped in silver thread. The stone matches my wolf’s eyes, unlike my pack members’, whose glow gold.
I clasp the necklace into place. My fingers graze the spectacular stone.
It’s flawless.
“It belonged to your mother.”
Chapter Three
Alaina
The next morning, I primp myself in the mirror for our celebratory brunch. I detangle my brown locks and golden highlights with my fingers. My hands smooth over the front of my silk knee-length plum dress. The dainty straps rest on my shoulders, while the V-neck shows off the curves of my breasts. By some miracle, the bodice contains their size within the delicate fabric.
Caleb loves how the silk contrasts against his rough hands and how the color complements my wolf’s eyes.
If I’m to be his mate, I guess I should start dressing the part for him.
I grin at the thought that, come tomorrow morning, the Bloodhound pack will be my home forever if I choose Caleb and his true mate isn’t there.
Alpha Jack mindlinks for the pack to come to the Hunter’s Quarters, a designated meeting spot at the center of our civilization.
All kinds of important speeches, festivals, and celebrations have been held there, such as our annual feast before the winter months to give thanks to the Moon Goddess for our good fortune of fuel.
Thanks to Alpha Jack’s hunting and tracking mastery, our pack is notorious for its resources to survive the harsh weather, as opposed to others, making us an ally in high demand. Thislethal combination offers our pack disproportionate protection against our foes.
No one wants to bite the hand that feeds unless you are prepared to flee for the rest of your life.
We have allies from all over, near and far, and not just of the werewolf species. Witches from various covens request favors in search of herbs and other plants for their potions and spells. Vampires also visit from clans in the far East. They burn in the sun but no more so than Taya when she sits in the sun for too long with her fair, freckled skin. Because of this, the vampire population mainly resides in the darkest depths of the forest. There, stone-colored fortresses blend into the mountains, making them inconspicuous to humans.
Unlike witches, they don’t often seek the tracking assistance we can offer. Needing human blood to survive, vampires prefer to minimize problems of world hunger and food insecurity among the human population.
When a vampire is made through an eternal bond, their initial eye color is replaced with infinite red eyes, making it impossible for them to blend in among humans. We pass as mortals, able to outsource food to the human world without arousing suspicion. In exchange, vampires don’t hunt on our lands. Since they don’t care for a stroll in the nice weather, we seldom see them. Our species coexist with mutual indifference.
Today, the Hunter’s Quarters serve as the venue for the brunch. Circular tables dressed in white tablecloths are scattered across the cobblestone. Champagne flutes and gilded cutlery surround floral centerpieces.
Alpha Jack stands at the front of the vast space, with Luna Kathy by his side. The entire pack is here today, as it’s tradition to dine together one last time to prepare for departures and additions to the Hunt.
Luna Kathy clinks her knife against her glass. “Everyone, please be seated.”
Once seated, Alpha Jack steps forward.
Caleb is a harmonious mix of his parents. From their charismatic smiles to the toffee crown of hair, their piercing eyes, he is a spitting image of his father, but I owe Caleb’s sweet and sensitive side to his mother. Her charm, lighthearted demeanor, and grace have been woven into his father’s fierceness, forming the man who will soon be our pack’s leader.
Alpha Jack gives a speech about his son coming of age to take on the role of alpha.
Luna Kathy leads the pack in prayer that her son’s fated mate is among the Hunt, that she is healthy, strong, and contains all the traits of a leader, and, if we’re lucky, generational powers.
Caleb and I lock eyes. He winks, and I blush.
Unable to help herself, Luna Kathy throws in a tidbit about fertility.
“Jeez, Mom,” Caleb mutters, arousing a laugh from the gathered pack. He shakes his head, palm covering his face.
Luna Kathy smiles and shrugs. She lifts her mimosa, and everyone follows.
