Moonlight Betrayal: Rise of The Moon Wolf

er

e silence, blood offerings weren't common in recognition ceremonies anymore, but Sierra wanted every tradition on her sid

ancient words, "I call to what lies bey

ed into snapping jaws, their eyes glowing red like the messenger who had

t racing. The dreams were bec

one through

s her bi

s Recogn

trance, her best friend's arms fi

items on Sierra's bed. "I bring gifts and

mile and pushed aside the lingering uneasiness from the

ywood appeared, carrying a steaming mug

mug into Sierra's hands. "You're

n, familiar chamomile and lavender soothing

glances, communicating in

on't you want

eply troubled by the timing-your visions, the silver in your hair,

"You've been hinting at some family secret, some prop

before their time," Iris's voice gr

d materialized two nights ago. She had spent hours yesterday trying to

out hairpins. "I brought ribbons that match your cere

ing she needed was for the pack to se

tion to their wolf retreats. Silver hair at twenty was unheard of,

ching tonight," Sierra murmu

u are descended from strong healers. You possess powers you haven't disco

wha

sides, you two are obvious mates. I see how he

st met four years ago, when she was apprenticing with her grandmother and he was the Alpha's

s were formal, only about pack health issues. Except for th

for a fleeting moment, neither were Alpha and healer, but man and woman. His palm had felt so

r fingers. "Save the romantic fantasy unt

l attire was elegant-deep satin blue with enough sheen to reflect the silver in her eyes and complement her pale skin. Maya had artfully braide

t had been in their family for generations. It should have burned werewolf skin, but the Gre

uietly, handing Sierra a smal

ads. This was the traditional offering for the Recognition Ceremony, symbolizing the strength to overcome weak

ndmother informed. "It was planted in so

offerings, accepting the silver thread h

n planning thi

far-off. "Longe

ng sunset and the celebration's start. Sierra'

: back straight, eyes proud. You're not asking for a favor

Sierra passed, some wishing her happy birthday, others watching with curiosity. Everyone knew what w

ancient pines, with a raised stone dais in the middle. Many pack members already filled the are

onial robes indicating he was tonight's officiant. H

s eyes lingering on Sierra's face

t to be referring to her ribbons. Her fingers

tar," Elder Grayson continued. "Alpha Sil

t she would formally ask for acknowledgement as Dominic's mate. Pack law required Sierra to wait until twenty; old enough to be sure of

Sierra said to Maya and her grandmoth

dge. The eastern stones, three waist-high monoliths carved with the pa

and her packmates. Her wolf stirred beneath her skin, anxious and

m unmistakable even at distance. He wore formal Alpha attire: dark pants and deep crimson shirt signifyi

m stirred involuntary physical response: quickening pulse,

grasping Dominic's forearm in what seemed to be an intense conversation.

, she thought it was a pack member, possibly Liam or one of the elders.

e Alpha and Beta from the shadows between trees. Something about the

its face, she felt the weight of the creature's gaze lock onto her across the cl

. Then, quiet as shadow, they receded into the deeper darkness

spot where the figure had stood. With a deep frown, he

at she had seen, Elder Grayson's

peared! Let the Recogn