CHAPTER 13

Chapter Thirteen

The air was thick with anticipation inside the RV, even as if the walls were holding on tight, anticipating what would unfold. Stephen had not made it difficult for them to be spent in his arms all day-healing and bonding. Each touch, every second of nearness, went straight to her head. As night began to encroach, though, reality made its way to the surface once more. The friends were out there, interspersed across their crews; they couldn't be stalled off forever.

The woods outside their temporary haven promised danger, and by nightfall, the packs had all found their way back together. Evening brought a strange, subdued rhythm as the group came together once more, the unspoken understanding of their unity stretching out between them.

The cramped space inside the camper buzzed with hushed conversations, but the thick scent of alert werewolves, the sharp tang of adrenaline still rolling through their veins, thickened the air. Jessica crinkle her nose as she leaned against the counter, her gaze flicking between Elena and the others.

Stephen spoke up to break the silence. "The Ck Moon pack bolted after the attack. As far as I know, we're the only ones left here."

Sommy's eyes flashed with purpose, the usual warmth replaced with a leader's resolve. "We'll leave at dawn."

Jessica's brow furrowed. She didn't expect the delay, and for a moment, she wondered if Stephen wasn't well enough to make the trip. But that thought was soon shattered as Sommy's voice, now thick with his alpha tone, cut through the haze.

"There's something I promised Timothy," he said now, turning his attention to the pair on the couch. "Timothy, Zain, is this still something you want to do?"

Shining with an unequivocal meaning, Zain's eyes sparkled. She squeezed Timothy's hand and nodded. "Yes," she said, her tone threaded with certainty. "I want to be mated to Timothy. For life." Their shared look, full of longing and devotion, sent a wave of warmth through Jessica's chest. In that moment, the world outside the camper seemed to disappear. Their bond was strong, undeniable, and Jessica admired Zain's courage—she'd seen the dangers of their world firsthand, yet she still chose this path.

Sommy's gaze softened, pride evident in his eyes. "This afternoon, we'll make it happen."

Jessica's heart was racing with the ritual. Then, there was Sommy's voice in her mind-a whisper of intent that sent a shiver down her spine. Would you like to help me show them how it's done?

Instantly, a grin spread across her face, echoing the airiness in her heart. It was not what she had expected, but there was something fitting about the thought of making their bond public-like the final beautiful step in the journey.

"I'd be honored," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, though the sincerity was clear.

Elena's voice broke through her thoughts. "You're still having a wedding, though, right?"

Jessica blinked, torn from her reverie. "Zain will still have a wedding," she confirmed.

Elena's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Good. Because the idea of walking down an aisle with a hot werewolf in a suit on my arm has some serious appeal."

Jessica snorted, half-laughing, half-groaning. "You really have become me, haven't you?"

Elena chuckled. "Since you decided to date that brainiac Oba, someone's gotta love 'em big and dumb."

Stephen shot them a playful look. "Hey! I'm more than just a pretty face," he said, flexing his chest dramatically, causing his T-shirt to tear open at the seams.

"Of course, you are, darling," Elena said, scanning him with appreciative eyes. "You're a hot body, too."

Laughter erupted until Sommy's voice cut through. "Time to get moving. Let's get the area secured for the ceremony."

The men filed out leaving the women to ready themselves. A few showered in record time and came back to the RV, remnants of last night's meal on the table in front of them. Elena sank her fingers into a piece of chicken and chewed, beaming at Jessica.

"How does this all work?" Elena asked.

Jessica smiled knowingly. She took a deep breath, remembering what Sommy had said earlier. "Sommy and I are going to show you how it's done. We'll shift into our wolf forms, and it's kind of like. well, like what dogs do when they meet each other."

Elena raised an eyebrow. "Dogs?"

"Trust me," Jessica said with a wink. "It's a bit more intense than that.

Jessica leaned forward, her face a picture of curiosity. "Do wolves ever find another's scent repulsive? I mean, like humans do?"

Jessica chuckled softly and popped a chip into her mouth. "It does happen. It's just like how with you, you can tell if someone's scent attracts you- or repels you. It's heightened for us, but the principles' the same. Like when you know instantly whether someone smells good or. well, bad.

Zain scrunched up her face. "Remember that guy I dated who smelled like bad curry?"

Elena's lips twitched in amusement. "I remember. He didn't smell bad to me, though."

Jessica nodded. "It's a little like that. Your mate's scent draws you in, makes you want to stay close to them. The ritual is a way to show the pack just how strong that connection is.

"Like Timothy and Zain practically devouring each other's faces every time they get close," Elena teased.

Zain shot her a glare. "So do Sommy and Jessica."

Jessica grinned. "It's about more than just the physical stuff, though. It's about announcing to the pack that you intend to mate for life."

Elena's eyes lit up. "So, it's like Timothy proposing to Zain?

Jessica's smile deepened, her heart swelling. "Exactly. But. it's not just for the two of them. It's for all of us." She turned to Elena. "Just so you know, a female can initiate the ritual."

 Elena's eyes flashed with interest. "Huh. Are there female alphas, too?

Jessica nodded. "It's rare, but it happens. And sometimes, the mate of a deceased alpha will take over. But females are crucial in werewolf packs. We're fewer in number, so we're protected at all costs. Many warriors would die to keep a fertile female safe."

Zain's eyes softened with understanding. "That's. actually kind of romantic."

Elena's tone shifted to one of fascination. "It's logical, too. Your world is fascinating, Jessica."

A wave of love washed over Jessica. These humans, her friends, had taken to everything in her world so easily. Now, they were actually eager to understand.

"I love you guys," Jessica said, her lips curling into a soft smile.

Jessica reached across the table and put her hand on Jessica's arm. "We love you too," she said with feeling. Then she grinned. "Now, what do we wear for this ceremony?