The Turning Ceremony(II)

"You really have outdone yourself, Luna Alexandra. We are so grateful for this arrangement. Every werewolf should enjoy their turning. It is such a milestone moment in their lives."

One of the women beside me stated, a kind smile on her lips as she sipped on her wine. I may have been introduced to many people as the night progressed but I could not forget the gorgeous brunette beside me.

Ariana Trainor was a stark contrast from her son who had simply passed by during patrol before making himself scarce once more. Not a word had been spoken between us, as usual, but I didn't mind when I was getting along so well with his beautiful mother from whom he had inherited multiple features from.

"Thank you, Ariana. And please, call me Alex. I am the one who should be grateful to you all for indulging in my plan. This would not have been possible without the pack's support,"

I responded, earning a kind smile from the woman who placed her hand on my own with a reassuring smile gracing her lips.

"I know it's hard, sweetheart. This pack has been very close-knit because we have all been through a lot to get to where we are now. Trust does not come easily with them but I can assure you, you have outdone yourself. They are warming up to you and, soon enough, these moments of uncertainty and trying to prove yourself will be a thing of the past. You have made more progress with them than I thought possible. They can sense your innate goodness."

Hearing such kind words from one of the most important and trusted pack members filled me with confidence I did not realize I needed so. Warmth bloomed in my heart as I accepted the woman's reassurance. She had been with the pack since the beginning.

She knew Dante, Jade, Kaden and everyone else more than anyone. If she believed I was doing something right then that was all I needed. I was more motivated than ever to keep growing with my new home.

"Oh goddess, you really are gorgeous. Dante is one lucky bastard."

Kayla Trainor muttered from beside me a moment later, her words eliciting laughter from around the table. She and her friends had been trying and failing to covertly discuss my outfit for the night and their awe had left me amused and oddly pleased. I was happy to be their role model.

Well, not for certain bad decisions I have made in my life...

"Language, Kayla Trainor. Or I am going to have to cut you off."

Ariana stated from beside me, her disapproving frown not matching the mirth in her eyes. Kayla seemed to note her mother's half-hearted chastising as she held her beer close and blushed profusely under my gaze. Kaden's eighteen-year-old sister was cute as hell. I loved her already.

"Thank you, Kayla. And yes, he certainly is as will be your mate when the time comes."

Passing her a conspirational wink, I turned to Perrie who was approaching as the girls launched into giggles of excitement.

"It's time to kick off the run."

She muttered, her words pushing me to action as I got to my feet and excused myself. Everyone seemed to perk up at the sight of me, the attention spiking my anxiety and introverted tendencies. I was not used to the attention but I didn't have a choice anymore. Not when so many people looked to me for direction.

"Thank you all so much for being here. I don't have much to say other than congratulations to all the young werewolves present here today. You are about to embark on an exhilarating journey. Being connected to your wolf is astounding, a blessing from the moon goddess that should be embraced. So tonight, as you let your other half come forth, remember that this is the beginning of the rest of your life. A wild journey which will always be guided and blessed by the moon goddess and everyone around you who loves and cares for you."

Applause came forth from all the guests, allowing me the chance to calm my fast beating heart and the pain that engulfed my very spirit. This was harder than I anticipated it to be but I pushed forward.

You can't break down here, Alex...You're almost there...

"And now, as the full moon shines down on us and becomes its brightest, it is time to venture forth and let your werewolf free."

Excited shouts resonated from the younger werewolves who got to their feet with their companions who would be shadowing them for the run and ensuring their safety. The turning process was harrowing, a complete loss of sense for the young werewolves' human side to allow the being within them to take the reigns. A partner was not always necessary but a precautionary measure on my part just to be safe in these changing times.

A sea of white stood before me, clothing that symbolized purity among our kind. It was a ceremonial requirement for a ceremony such as this. I smiled reassuringly down at a now nervous Kayla who would be accompanied by Ariana. I knew the woman would do anything for her daughter and it was evident now as she took Kayla's hand in her own and gave it a small squeeze.

The gesture tugged painfully at my heart.

Turning to Perrie, I gave her the silent signal that had the people before me venturing forth towards the waiting forest that was heavily guarded in preparation. Those remaining behind soon settled once the last of them disappeared into the forests beyond, each of them returning to the food and conversation that had been.

"They are going to be just fine. You did great."

Perrie reassured me from beside me, her words settling me down as we returned to our table. I knew she was right. Every single precaution and preparation had been done amazingly and efficiently.

So why do I have an incredibly bad feeling about all of this?

***

The music was back on as were the festivities as everyone celebrated the young ones who were now, more or less, fully turned. The anxiety that had made its home in my body since the beginning of this ceremony silently hummed in the background, waiting. Praying that the bad feeling I was still having would not come to pass.

I could not allow myself to dwell, especially on the fact that the last time I had felt this unsettled was when I was a young girl. Right before my life was completely uprooted and turned upside down. Perrie glanced at me worriedly as she continued to keep up formalities with the pack members all angling for my attention.

I was more than grateful for her presence as I kept my gaze fixated on the forested area. It was as I was making a mental note to thank her later for her assistance that I felt it...well, heard it.

Like a whisper in the very depths of my soul and my being. Urging. Calling out to me.

They are here, Alexandra... You must get them all to safety...

I turned to gaze at Perrie, my mind reeling as I focused on the fact that she wasn't the one who had spoken. No, she was frozen in place and clearly conversing through the mind link. A chill travelled down my spine as I watched her features and that of the rest of the pack members morph from elation to pure and utter terror.

Something has gone terribly wrong...

A growl sounding from behind us confirmed all of my fears as I turned slowly towards the tree line. Towards the feral yellow eyes and pungent scent that surrounded the Rogue werewolves who were slowly approaching us. Although some had not turned, they were still as intimidating as ever with their unnatural power surrounding us.

Startled gasps, shouts and pandemonium soon ensued as everyone got to their feet and backed away from the approaching beasts. Every single nerve ending within me came alive, the adrenaline pumping through my veins like liquid fire.

I could feel Perrie urging me away, to the safe house no doubt but I couldn't bring myself to. I knew well enough that a massacre would be enacted should we all turn and run.

"We have to go, Alexandra! Kaden is occupied in the southern post trying to hold them back before we are overrun. He ordered that we all get to safety and that includes you!"

Perrie shouted, her words ringing through my mind as the fog of disbelief that had come over me was replaced with the instinctual need to keep every single one of these people safe.

"No, Perrie. I'm not going anywhere. If we all turn our backs on them, we will be slaughtered and these guards will not be enough to hold them off until everyone clears."

I stated, gesturing to the two guards standing beside me, crouched and ready to attack. We were in a bad tactical position and the rogues seemed to know that as the unturned wolves gave us sinister grins. It was an unsettling sight.

Think, Alexandra...You only have one shot at this...

"Listen, I need you two to get these people to the safe house. I will stay behind and hold them off. As soon as you can, though, I need you to send back up to assist. This is not a request. Its an order."

I stated firmly, the impact of my words seeming to spurn to action the reluctant guards and Perrie who all followed the rest of the fleeing pack members. A sigh escaped my lips as I watched every single one of them disappear down towards the path that would lead them to the safe house.

Please, moon goddess, let them get there safely...

***