course! Sorry…that was…er…amazing.”
Briggs chuckled as he opened the bedroom door. “The bond that wolves share is a deep one. Once you open yourself to it, it cannot be denied.” His smile was sly. “Kyden told me you have accepted him.”
I smiled as I stepped through the door. “What can I say—loves in the air.”
As we headed down the hall, I noticed for the first time since meeting Rynn, that she wasn’t glued to my side. Briggs now held that role and the sight of it brought tears to my eyes. She was going to be okay.
Quickly, we were out of the house and Briggs led us around the back of Valor’s home to an open part of the valley. When I took in the scene, my eyes widened. It was filled to overflowing, with men and women—well wolves to be exact.
Kyden waited beside Valor. When he turned our way, his gaze immediately zeroed in on Briggs and Rynn’s joined hands. He glanced at me, his brow arched. I returned his look with a smile to answer his question, that yes, things better them were just as they should be. Happiness flashed across his face.
Valor looked too and immediately beamed, knowing just what had taken place.
“Holy cannoli,” I said to Kyden when I reached him. “The Utah pack is huge.”
He glanced out to the crowd, then back at me. “Many do stay within Valor’s protection. I’m sure you can understand why.”
Of course I could. Being protected by the top dog meant a whole bountiful of safety. “Oh, by the way, Haven sent me a message. Looks like Zia told her about our bonding and Haven has spread the word.” Kyden laughed at that. “I have a feeling she’s going to become our bonding planner.”
“I contacted Talon last night to tell him the news.” Then, he gave me a knowing look. “Would you expect any different from Haven?”
I shook my head fiercely. “Nope.” I looked back at Rynn, who appeared nervous to say the least. “What’s going to happen here?”
Apparently, Kyden didn’t feel the need to answer because he said nothing. All he did was give an outwards nod, which I followed. Valor approached Rynn, his hand held out, waiting for her to take it.
She glanced at Briggs who gave her a reassuring nod. “Go on,” he told her. “He is to be trusted. I will stay with you.”
Hesitantly, she placed her hand in Valor’s and he led her in front of the crowd with Briggs following close behind. The murmuring crowd instantly hushed. Rynn glanced back at me. I gave her a huge smile, hoping it would settle her. But really, I’d be just as scared as she was right about now.
“Welcome,” Valor’s voice poured through the night air. “Tonight we are here to recognize this young wolf as a member of our pack. Wolves accept Rynn,” he shouted.
Suddenly, as if Valor’s words had magical influence—they probably did—the entire crowd shifted, along with the wolves standing beside us.
I gasped, causing Kyden to chuckle beside me. Then, in complete unison, the wolves howled loudly. Rynn was tiny in comparison to Briggs and Valor beside her. Valor approached her and nudged her side. In complete understanding, she lay down in front of him and rolled onto her back.
He let out a low growl, with it came a rush of wind. I shivered in response, then something inside her changed—her entire body relaxed—settled. Valor immediately shifted, kneeling beside her, and whispered soft words to her. “Calm yourself, Rynn. Remember your form and return to yourself.”
Nothing happened, then Briggs sidled up and nudged her with his nose. She immediately responded, and shifted back to her sweet little human state. The other wolves followed suit.
“We are your home. We will protect you—always,” Valor declared. Then, he looked at Briggs. “Is it your wish to claim her?”
Briggs examined Rynn, his trouble features spoke of the battle going on in his mind. “I am unsure.”
Torment obviously ran through him. He was desperate to claim what was his but didn’t want to rush her. I thought it sweet.
Rynn stepped into his arms and he accepted her immediately, his arms wrapped around her tight as he glanced down at her. “I want it,” she whispered.
Again, I was a little astonished at how strong the bond between them was. To find out that destiny has given you a soul mate, then half an hour later, to be basically married—wowzers. If only all relationships were as easy. Many broken hearts and therapy