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CHAPTER TEN
TITLE: A FEARFUL REVELATION
I stood there, paralyzed by fear, dreading that any wrong move might lead to a snapped neck or a wolf's jaws clamped around a vital artery. Then, Ray's fingers grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his intense gaze. His eyes felt like they were probing my very soul. "You are my mate."
It couldn't be true. The fates couldn't possibly be this cruel, pairing me with someone like him. It had to be a sick joke. In our pack, mating bonds were sacred and held deep significance. If a wolf was fortunate enough to form one, it usually came with increased strength and other benefits, possibly even the power to break curses.
Ray must have known about that myth; he was likely trying to get in one last dig at me. "That's a messed-up thing to joke about, even for you."
"I wish it were a joke," he admitted, his expression serious. "I wasn't certain until recently. As we got closer to the time you should have shifted, my wolf made it abundantly clear that we're meant to be together."
My emotions churned within me, torn between conflicting feelings. I despised Ray, and the idea of being intimate with him turned my stomach. But there was that rumor about the bond breaking the curse. I had given up long ago on ever feeling my wolf awaken.
I had resigned myself to a mundane human life devoid of magic. What if he was telling the truth? What if there was a way to reclaim my shifting ability? "Are you sure? Are you not just messing with me?"
Ray's smirk was cruel, and I instinctively took a step back. He finally released my chin, but I recognized that self-satisfied half-smile—it was the same one he wore every time he took pleasure in beating me senseless. "You're lying to me," I said, though I feared it wasn't true. While Ray was many things, I didn't think he'd jest about something as sacred as a mating bond. Finding one's mate was rare, and it wasn't a topic most wolves would joke about.
"Now, I'd heard rumors that a mating bond might break a curse. You're attractive enough, a bit too mouthy, but we can work on that," he said, moving closer to me. Billy and Julian followed suit, boxing me in. If Ray believed that speech would make me willingly accept him as my mate, he was deluded. "I'd never submit to you."
"It doesn't matter. There's one thing about you I could never overlook. You're broken. Without the ability to shift, you're useless to anyone," he said.
I remained silent, realizing that Ray was enjoying his monologue. I just wanted this charade to end.
"If bringing you here on the full moon with your mate and the others didn't trigger the shift beyond your curse's constraints, nothing will. So, you're of no use to me," he declared.
"So, this was your plan all along? To test your theory?" Hope had evaporated. Even if being with Ray meant unlocking my wolf, it wasn't worth it. Nothing was worth being shackled to this tyrant. "Well, it failed. If you don't mind, I'll be on my way."
"That's the other peculiar thing about mating bonds..." Ray stepped back, and Billy and Julian moved closer, further trapping me. Both wolves had their hackles raised and growled menacingly. The hair on my arms stood on end, sensing something was terribly wrong. Ray had me surrounded by wolves, and we were alone. "Just let me leave, and I'll never return, as you requested."
"I'm afraid I made that suggestion before I knew that, in order for me to be free of the bond with you, you have to die. And here's the really amusing part: I can't kill my own mate."
"There are other ways to sever a bond," I offered, desperation creeping into my voice. "You know I don't want this. I'll do whatever it takes."
Ray shook his head. "And risk you having another chance with a new mate? Or worse, having everyone discover that I formed a bond with a broken wolf? Not a chance."
I didn't wait to hear what he had planned next. I took off running. What choice did I have? Ray wouldn't listen to reason. Cursing myself for not hiding in the woods the night before, I raced forward, my eyes fixed on the tree line ahead.
In the distance, I heard a wolf's howl, and several others answered in response. My heart pounded faster. There were wolves all around these woods, and I was sure Billy and Julian were right behind me. I must have been out of my mind to think I could escape this place alive. Now that I was so close to freedom, I wasn't ready to give in to the eternal slumber of death.
I wanted to experience life without feeling like a perpetual target. I had worked too hard to come this far, and I sure as hell wasn't going down without a fight.
That's when I felt sharp teeth clamp onto my calf, breaking through the flesh and sending a searing pain coursing through my body. I was yanked backward, landing face-first in the dirt. I managed to break my fall with my arms, but the impact twisted my right hand, and I heard the sickening snap of my wrist breaking.
Agony washed over me, and my vision momentarily blacked out. I cried out in pain, feeling the burn of the bite on my leg and the throbbing in my wrist. "Oh, f**k!"
Clutching my injured wrist, I rolled onto my back to face my assailant. In the nearly pitch-black forest, I could barely make out three imposing wolves standing over me, panting and growling. Ray had joined his friends in wolf form. Drool from one of the beasts landed on my cheek, and I wiped it away with my good hand before returning to cradling my injured wrist.
I tried to crawl away from them, but the movement sent another wave of excruciating pain through the bite on my leg. I winced and hissed, resigned to my fate. "If you're going to kill me, you might as well get it over with."
CHAPTER NINE
TITLE: BOUND BY THE MOONLIGHT
I was abruptly pulled from my thoughts when a firm grip closed around my arm. I jumped, startled, and found Ray's large hand gripping my upper arm. I tugged my arm away, attempting to break free from his grasp. "Let me go."
"So you can run off the moment the curse breaks? Not happening," Ray declared, pulling me toward the group. "You're staying right here until everyone has completed their shift. No early departures."
I realized there was a good chance that Ray's wolf would compel him to shift as soon as he sensed the others transforming. He was new to this, and while he might resist the moon's pull, he probably wouldn't resist seeing his alpha shift.
Jenny raised her hands, and dozens of golden bangles slid down her wrists, creating a melodious sound as they shifted and jingled. The group fell silent, their attention drawn to her. Even I found myself captivated by her presence, momentarily forgetting Ray's grip on my arm.
"The goddess bestows her favor upon us this night," Jenny announced. "The wolf born under tonight's moon shall be a powerful force in the universe."
Marian appeared smug and batted her eyelashes in Ray's direction. I suppressed the urge to gag. Every young woman around my age aspired to be the alpha's mate. It was enough to make my stomach churn. Wait, I hadn't eaten all day. But the mere thought of anyone being permanently linked with Ray was nauseating. No one deserved that kind of eternal torment.
"Pack, family, new wolves, it is time to connect with your soul's twin, your inner form set free," Jenny continued, lowering her hands. "It is time to shift."
The group erupted in cheers and whoops, and everyone began to disrobe. I had grown up around shifters and had seen most of my classmates in their natural forms. I still didn't like it, primarily because it usually accompanied something unpleasant like gym class, naked tag, or other awkward scenarios. When people started shedding their clothes, it was my cue to leave. I didn't want to be the only one in human form surrounded by a pack of wolves.
"Go ahead, then," Ray urged. "This is your chance to try. See if you can do it."
"Are you serious?" I looked up at him. In the moonlight, his eyes appeared silver, and his already handsome features were further enhanced. Of course they were. Of course the world's worst person would possess all the attractive genes.
The sounds of bones cracking and snapping filled the air, more audible than usual in the silence of the evening. I winced but forced myself to meet Ray's gaze. "Go shift with your family. Leave me be."
"You don't belong here," he hissed.
"Yet, you're the one preventing my departure," I retorted.
Howls resonated around us, echoing into the starry night sky. They started off staggered but soon unified as the pack synchronized their transformations. I turned away from Ray to see that we were the only ones remaining in human form. The rest of the attendees had successfully shifted. With a single howl, a massive black wolf dashed away, racing toward the woods. Ace's wolf led the others into the forest, where they would run until dawn.
I had expected all the wolves to follow, perhaps even Ray breaking down to join them. What I hadn't expected were two wolves lingering behind, cautiously approaching me.
"Julian, Billy, how lovely to see you," I remarked. "I guess you're both foolish enough to follow this jerk around even in your mutt forms."
The wolves growled in response but didn't advance. I tugged at my arm again, trying to pull away from Ray, but his grip remained relentless. Stupid shifter strength.
"Well, this has been fun, but as you can see, I can't shift. So, if you don't mind, I'm going to leave and never lay eyes on any of you again," I stated. I attempted to free my arm once more. Ray's fingers dug deeper into my flesh, causing pain. I was bound to wake up with fresh bruises in the morning. "Ray, you've made your point. Now, release me."
"I'd love to let you go, but there's a problem," he replied.
I had run out of patience. "I'm done with your games. I understand that you won't have anyone left to torment once I'm gone, but it's time to move on. Buy a punching bag, join a gym, take up meditation. Do something else to channel your anger issues."
"I wish I could. I wish I could do anything other than hold on to you right now. You're pathetic, but I thought that just maybe, if you shifted, I could feel something other than disdain for you," Ray admitted.
"Why start now?" I tugged at my arm again, just in case. I remained firmly ensnared.
"Listen, we've had our differences, but let's continue hating each other and call it a day," I suggested.
"When I experienced my first shift, I began feeling a pull, but I ignored it. The more I ignored it, the stronger it became. I thought it couldn't be real. But every time I hurt you, I felt the pain as if I were harming myself. Fate can be cruel," Ray explained, seemingly speaking to himself but in a calmer tone.
I was taken aback. "What on earth are you talking about?" Ray had suddenly snapped. All these years, I had believed he was just cruel, but it turned out he was unhinged. Fantastic. I was on the verge of escaping, and the insane future alpha was about to thwart my plans.
"Can't you see?" Ray practically shouted.
For the first time since he had grabbed me, fear gripped me, constricting my chest. I glanced over at the two wolves standing nearby, awaiting their leader's command. If they intended to take me out, there was nothing I could do to stop them. I didn't stand a chance of outrunning them.
"Ray, please," I whispered, trying not to agitate him further. "Let me go."
"I know you can't shift, but I thought you would at least feel it. I guess this will make it easier for me to break," Ray muttered, seeming to speak to himself again.
CHAPTER SIX
TITLE: UNVEILED SHADOWS
"Make your choice," Julian's voice dripped with a mixture of mockery and proximity to the door. "How wide can you manage to open that mouth of yours?"
"Disgusting," I retorted, repulsed by his insinuation.
"Why else would Ray want you around if you're not giving in?" Julian's taunting tone persisted.
"I'm not involved with Ray in that way," I declared firmly. In truth, I wasn't involved with anyone. There wasn't a single member of this pack I'd willingly share intimacy with. My desires were present, but they were far more subdued compared to the heightened libidos of shifters. I'd accidentally stumbled upon fellow classmates in compromising situations in the library on more than one occasion. While I might find my release privately, I reserved it for moments behind locked doors at home.
At least the curse had its silver lining. I couldn't fathom engaging in sexual encounters with any of the detestable individuals here. The concern of human STDs wasn't a factor, but the risk of pregnancy was a bridge too far.
"There are alternative ways for a woman to engage beyond physical intimacy," Julian persisted.
"I'm sure your mother taught you a plethora of tricks," I retorted, a surge of anger coursing through me. "My father speaks highly of her prowess, even if she can't shift."
Rage flooded my chest, and my fists clenched tightly. "Keep my mother out of your vile mouth, you repugnant being."
"Oh, I can talk about your mother as much as I want," Julian spat back, his arrogance undeterred. "Perhaps I should indulge myself. I had hoped you'd join our familial activities, and I could finally rid myself of that smug expression with my own endeavors. Although your mother might serve as a substitute, I suppose."
"Go pleasure yourself with your own mother," I snapped back. "At least my mother is forthright about her choices. Yours, on the other hand, lurks in shadows and alleys. We all know she keeps the alpha's bed warm while your father is left alone."
Before I could react, Julian lunged at me with unexpected speed, denying me the chance to slam the flimsy door shut. His imposing six-foot-two frame pinned me to the ground, knocking the wind out of me. My struggles were in vain, as his knee pressed into my abdomen, immobilizing me.
"Release me," I seethed, my words grinding through clenched teeth.
"Not without leaving a memorable impression," Julian countered. Shifting his grip, he used one hand to secure both of mine, freeing his other hand. His finger traced a chilling path down my cheek to my jaw before tightening around my neck. "If you utter even a single sound, I'll snap your delicate human neck."
"Julian, let her go. Now." Ray's voice resonated with commanding authority, akin to that of an alpha. Even I couldn't help but look toward him.
Julian's hold released my neck and my wrists, propelling himself to his feet to face Ray.
As I rose to a sitting position, frustration bubbled within me. "Is this your plan? To let your friends manhandle me once more before we part ways?"
Ray's gaze remained fixed on Julian, disregarding my presence. "I expressly warned you not to harm her. She's meant to remain unharmed."
"I had no intention of harming her," Julian defended. "I was merely having a bit of fun."
"If you lay a finger on her again, I'll personally ensure your hands are broken," Ray's voice dripped with a finality that couldn't be ignored.
"So, it's just you who's allowed to hurt me, Ray?" The words slipped out, an impulsive retort fueled by a sense of rebellion. I stood now, a surge of something unexplainable propelling me forward. Ray's gaze remained distant, focused elsewhere, ignoring my outburst. "You damn bastard, answer me."
At last, his attention shifted toward me, and his eyes radiated with anger. The intensity of his fury sent a tremor of fear through me, an unfamiliar warning in his gaze that made my nerves tingle. There was a facet to him I'd never seen before.
Instinctively, I recoiled, taking a cautious step back. "Just leave me alone, both of you."
Ray grunted his agreement, his hand forcefully directing Julian toward the exit. His attention swung back to me, his voice laced with a commanding directive. "You stay here. Don't move. I'll take you to the ceremony, and afterward, you won't be my concern any longer."
With Julian and Ray's departure, the door slammed shut, cutting off their presence. A sigh escaped me, and I allowed myself a moment to relax, lowering my guard ever so slightly. But the aftershocks of the encounter left my body quivering, on the brink of tears. This nightmare seemed never-ending. While I remained in this place, I'd be a target, destined for a fate akin to my mother's, if not worse. Escaping became a necessity, but it had to be on my terms. I struggled to fathom Ray's motives, unsure how much further I could push him.
Choices were limited. I had to bide my time, endure the ceremony, and when the others embraced their transformations in the woods, I'd seize the opportunity to flee in the opposite direction.
An overwhelming itchiness spread across my skin, and the confined space of the worn-out trailer felt suffocating. Restlessness surged, urging me to claw my way out. Time seemed to drag on, elongated by anticipation. I'd waited for this day, harboring a plan to escape. My desire to break free surged as the moon's ascent promised to shatter the confines that had held me captive. But instead, I was shackled by the obligation to attend the ludicrous First Moon Ceremony.
With a groan, I stood, the ancient bed creaking in protest. Running my fingers through my hair, I paced within the confines of the cramped trailer. Waiting felt like a hiccup, a mere delay in my plans. I was determined to depart as soon as the moonlight cast aside the restraints binding me here. Even the ceremony's imposition wouldn't sway me from my purpose. A few minutes, perhaps a couple of hours at most, and I'd be free. As soon as the others shifted, I believed I could slip away unnoticed.
While I'd never been part of a First Moon Ceremony, I had gleaned some insight into its proceedings. Attendance was reserved for those undergoing their initial shift, or those who had already achieved it within the pack. The Alpha and Beta were obligatory attendees, alongside the novices.
Their families often joined, witnessing the transformation, and occasionally, friends or other pack members would partake. Technically open to any shifted individual, the event remained an intimate gathering, as I'd come to understand.
