CHAPTER 14

An hour or so into the post-lunch interlude, Buchi shows up to walk us to the meadow where the intention ritual will take place. Jessica, Elena, and Zain fiddle with their hair and deliberately select clothes to wear, while Sommy wears loose, comfortable clothes that she will find easy to remove later when she shifts. The guys do the same, in preparation for the forthcoming ritual.

The breathtaking view of the meadow leaves Zain squealing in excitement as he nudges Elena. "I am getting married at a place just like this: wildflowers, cowboy boots-what do you think?"

"That sounds great," Timothy joins in, his eyes glinting with humor, his head leaning toward Oga. "And of course, Oga here thinks he will win over one of your friends with his line-dancing skills.

"No way," Jessica scoffs, an eyebrow raised at Oga.

Oga simply places his hands on his hips, swaying them with exaggerated gyration. "I know how to work a pair of jeans," he says, winking.

Jessica rolls her eyes but lets out a small laugh. "Let's see that, Oga."

Oga spins around, lets his shorts fall to his feet, and presents a surprisingly firm-if bare-rear. Jessica surveys him from top to toe, her brow furrowed in mock study. "Hmm, not bad."

With a grin, Oga heaves his shirt over his head and flexes his carved abs.

"Alright," Buchi says, chuckling mentally at Sommy. "You sure you wanna help me run this circus?

Sommy grins back. "Hey, good practice for when we have pups."

Buchi groans inwardly. "We are definitely going to have an Oga and a Stephen, aren't we?"

Sommy bursts into laughter as Buchi shakes his head. "Alright, you two-shift and give them a real show," Buchi orders, his voice still laced with humor.

In an instant, without another word, Oga and Stephen started to break into their wolf forms. Oga pads up to Jessica, rubbing his head against her leg with pure adoration in his eyes. "So this is how 'Lali Umaki' wins them over?" she asked jollily.

Oga nodded, his chocolate-brown eyes never leaving her as she pets him affectionately.

Not to be outdone, Stephen follows Elena and nuzzles her with soft determination. At first she tenses up, before eventually giving way as her hands rub softly at his fur.

Then, right on schedule, Oga lolls his tongue out of his mouth and delivers one long sloppy lick across Elena's face. The girl gasps, backing up with a scrunched face, scrubbing the slobber off for all she's worth, her expression considering if she should get hand sanitizer afterwards.

We all burst into a fit of laughter, more so as Oga is sitting proudly, his tail wagging like a dog's.

Buchi speaks telepathically to stop the antics. "Enough, you two. Shift back."

As the wolves morph to their human forms, Buchi addresses Zain. "Stephen and Oga are on guard. Sommy and I will shift first to show you how it's done. Timothy , you'll explain it to all."

Zain nods, her voice even. "I understand."

"Anytime you change your mind, just say so," Buchi says, more serious.

Zain looks up at Timothy as her expression softens. "I won't change my mind."

Buchi smiles at Sommy and extends his hand to him. "Let's begin."

The air changes as the warriors move into their positions, the meadow beneath them a blurry green as steely eyes search it.

Sommy and Buchi sat facing each other as the weight of the moment settled in. The removal of their clothes brought Buchi's voice into Sommy's mind. "Are you ready to spend a lifetime with me?

Sommy's voice is unwavering. "More sure than I've ever been." With a focused breath, she lets the shift take over, the sensation of her wolf form washing over her like a wave. She meets Buchi's eyes, and they start the intimate dance.

Buchi circles Sommy once before leaning in to inhale her scent. A low growl rumbles from his chest, and Sommy follows suit, inhaling deeply at the bond she feels.

Meanwhile, Timothy explains, "When werewolves find their true mates, the scent is like nothing else. It is the strongest sign that this is indeed the person for you.

Zain watches as Timothy adds, "Is that how you knew I was the one? The moment you told me I smelled like sunshine and cookies?"

Timothy smiles warmly. "Yes."

Sommy and Buchi nuzzle each other, their wolves exchanging soft, loving licks, wordless, deep, undeniable; electric in the air.

My mate. My Sommy," Buchi whispers thick with emotion. "I promise to keep you safe and our family, safe. I will want you by my side, running the pack and sharing in our victories."

Sommy's heart swells with love, her eyes brimming with tears. "Buchi, my mate, I promise to be your guiding light. Together we shall run our family, and I will love you through and through in so doing.

Buchi howls, a primal sound that resonates with the very core of their connection. Sommy answers with her own howl, harmonizing with him in perfect sync.

When they shift back into human form, Sommy is met with the sight of her friends, tears glistening in their eyes.

"What's wrong?" she asks, slipping her shirt on.

Jessica sniffs. "That was beautiful. We're crying tears of happiness."

Sommy pulls her into a tight hug. She pulls away just as Elena moves in, wrapping her arms around both of them.

"Okay, okay," Sommy says with a small chuckle, wiping away a tear. "Zain, are you ready?"

Zain nods, her eyes deep with a long, drawn breath. Standing by Sommy's side, Timothy's clothes fall to the ground as he takes a fluid leap and morphs into his wolf form. It's a breathtaking view, his body changing right before their very eyes in an almost graceful yet strong motion.

Zain's mouth falls agape as she sees Timothy 's bones crack and extend. "It doesn't hurt," Sommy reassures her.

Zain lets out a sigh of relief as Timothy finishes his shift. She steps forward, and Timothy lowers his head to her, allowing her to stroke the fur on his head. She is amazed at the sensation.

"Now he'll scent you," Sommy explains. Zain stands still, her breath catching as Timothy circles her, his snout sniffing at her legs. When he unexpectedly presses his nose into her intimate space, Zain gasps, a flush rising to her cheeks.

Oga's voice cuts through the air. "Damn! That must be some good sunshine you're putting off."

Jessica smacks him playfully in the stomach. "Shh! This is a serious moment."

With a nod, Buchi speaks to the pack telepathically. " Timothy and Zain, you may complete your bond. The Lago Creek pack recognizes you as true mates until death."

"Woo-hoo!" Oga shouts, raising his fist in the air.

Timothy shifts back into his human form, and Zain rushes into his arms. Dean calls out, "Congrats, you two!

Sommy looks into Buchi's face, a mischievous grin on her lips. "You know, Jessica and Elena may be next."

Buchi sets his hands against her shoulders, smiling down with warmth. "If that is what you wish, Sommy, I welcome them with open arms." He nods toward the newly bonded pair. "You and your human pack may just be the best thing that's happened to us in a very long time.

Sommy rises on her toes and gives him a peck, her heart full. "You are the best thing that ever happened to me."