Chapter 8: Mazie

8

MAZIE

T he days flew by as I became more familiar with the pack. I had mastered many of the defense moves that Ajax had taught me. Our bond was more vital than ever, and I finally felt like I belonged. I had friends now. I'd become one of the gang between Eva, Janica, Hope, and Faith. Faith still hero-worshipped me a little, but it was all good fun. I'd even filmed a few new TikTok's with Faith in them and watched with amusement as her platform began to take seed. She was a beautiful, curvy black woman with so much love and enough sass in her pinky finger to knock the world on its ear. I couldn't wait to see her star soar.

I struggled to balance my old life with the new one, but I was more confident every day that I'd made the right choice. Sighing, I watched as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor as we continued our journey through the heart of Umbra territory. The scent of pine and damp earth filled my senses, grounding me in this moment, in this new reality that was slowly becoming mine.

After a long day's run, Eva and I lay in the grass, watching the day come to a close .

"Okay, shoot," Eva said with a grin, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation. "What's burning a hole in your curiosity, Mazie?"

I hesitated, my thoughts tangling like the surrounding underbrush. "It's... well, it's how you communicate without words. I've noticed little things, scents, and movements that seem to mean more than they usually would."

"Ah, yes!"Eva clapped her hands together, delighted by the topic. "Umbra communication is all about the subtleties. Scent marking, for instance, is a big one. It's how we let others know where we are, how we feel, or even who we belong to."

"Who we belong to?"I echoed, a mix of intrigue and unease threading through my voice. I only wanted to belong to Ajax.

"Sure,"she continued. "Like Ajax marking his territory—or rather, someone he considers his."A mischievous glint danced in her eye as she glanced slyly in Ajax's direction.

I hadn't realized he was so close. Flushing, I sat up, turning to face him. Ajax stepped forward, his presence dominating the space between the trees.

"Let me show you,"he said, his voice deep and sexy. He extended his hand toward a nearby tree, his fingers brushing the bark with a purposeful stroke. "This,"he explained, "is a simple way of asserting dominance over an area. It tells other shifters, 'This is claimed.'"

"Claimed,"I repeated softly. His every movement seemed deliberate, decisive—like a language all its own.

"Exactly,"Ajax affirmed, nodding. "And then there's body language. For example, standing tall with shoulders back displays authority."

As he demonstrated, straightening his already impressive frame, I felt something akin to awe wash over me. In that posture, he was the epitome of strength, of an alpha who knew his power and wasn't afraid to wield it. My umbra immediately took notice of her alpha.

"Submission, on the other hand,"he said, his tone shifting as he relaxed his stance slightly and lowered his gaze, "is shown through a bowed head, averted eyes."

"Like this?"I ventured, mimicking the gesture.

He picked me up, his face buried in my hair. "Perfect,"he approved, a gentle warmth seeping into his words. Submission isn't weakness—it's trust and respect."

"Trust,"I whispered, allowing the word to settle in my chest, heavy with meaning.

"And affection,"Eva piped up, bouncing to her feet, "not that I need to tell you. Ajax is always nuzzling and cuddling you. Yikes, get a room!"

The rumble of Ajax's laughter made the warmth in my belly spread throughout my body. My breath hitched, and for a moment, I was lost in the sensation, in the connection that thrummed between us.

"Communication among umbra is about expressing what words often can't,"he murmured, his blue eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that spoke volumes.

"Looks like you have this one, Alpha,"Eva laughed.

"You keep running off, my friends,"I managed to say, barely above a whisper. In each gesture andsubtle exchange of looks and scents, I found a depth of emotion I hadn't known I was seeking. It was raw and honest—and melted every piece of me.

"It's a gift," he whispered unapologetically.

I smiled. "Perhaps you should make it up to me?"

He groaned. "I will,"he promised, "later tonight. Right now, we have an Umbral Pack ritual. It's your official introduction."

I'd known it was coming, but it didn't make me any less nervous. Clasping his hand like a lifeline, I nodded and followed him.

The laughter of the pack echoed through the towering pines as Ajax led me to a clearing where a casual gathering was unfolding. Members lounged on logs and blankets, engaging in conversations punctuated with hearty chuckles and playful jostling. My gaze flitted from one interaction to another, taking in the intricate dance of rank and rapport .

"See how they defer to me?"he murmured, subtly pointing.And those two umbrae cubs are challenging each other, but it's all in good spirits."

I nodded, feeling the thrum of their communal heartbeat, so different from the isolation I'd known. As a foster child, bounced from home to home, I longed for such seamless connections. Here, everyone had a place, a role that seemed as natural to them as breathing.

Eva raced up to us. "Come on, Mazie,"she encouraged, her green eyes twinkling with excitement. "Let's meet the rest of the pack."

Reluctantly, I stepped forward, clinging to Eva's infectious confidence. The first few introductions were a blur of friendly faces and warm handshakes. Their names slipped through my mind like water through my fingers, but their genuine smiles were imprinted on my heart.

Then we approached Raylene Thompson, a woman in her fifties whose piercing gray eyes assessed me from head to toe. Despite the day's warmth, I felt a shiver cascade down my spine.

"Raylene, this is Mazie Green,"Eva said, cheerful yet laced with caution.

"A stray brought into the fold,"Raylene remarked coolly, her gaze never wavering from mine.

"Raylene!"Eva's protest was a soft rebuke, but the older woman merely shrugged.

"Truth is not always warm and fuzzy, dear Eva,"she replied. Her words stung, pricking at the raw edges of my past insecurities, where echoes of 'unwanted'and 'temporary'still lingered.

"Nice to meet you,"I managed, extending a hand that Raylene regarded as if it were a questionable offering.

"Charmed,"she said flatly, ignoring my hand as she turned away, her silver hair swaying with the motion. The dismissal was apparent, and I withdrew, a knot forming in my stomach.

"Don't mind her,"Eva whispered, tugging me gently away. "Raylene has her own...way of things. She's lucky that Ajax wasn't around. He would never allow such disrespect."

"Idon't want to cause any problems. I'll try to steer clear of her," I muttered, but a smile tugged at my lips. I was grateful for Eva's support.

"Exactly,"Eva giggled, her laughter a soothing balm. "Now, let's find someone less thorny."

As we moved through the crowd, the sting of rejection softened, overshadowed by the pack's welcoming embraces and curious questions. Each new face and shared story wove a thread of connection that pulled me closer until soon I was smiling and feeling welcomed again.

The forest hummed with a sacred silence as we approached the moonlit clearing. My skin prickled with anticipation, and my breath came out in soft, misty puffs against the chill of the night air. I followed closely behind Eva, her confident stride a sharp contrast to the fluttering in my stomach.

"Shh,"she whispered, holding up a hand. "We're here."

The time had come. I could see Ajax standing in the middle of a clearing. The trees opened up to reveal a congregation of umbrae. Their heads bowed in reverence under the celestial glow of the full moon. The ritual was already underway, the air thick with the scent of pine and an underlying current of raw power that was both intimidating and awe-inspiring.

I stood at the edge, a silent observer of the intimate ceremony. Their voices rose in a haunting chant, and even though I couldn't understand the words, the meaning was clear—this was a prayer, an offering of themselves to the Moon Goddess. Their unity was palpable; it transcended the simple notion of community, speaking of bonds as ancient as the stars overhead.

Ajax stood at the forefront, his voice clear and resonant as he led the pack in their homage. His presence was commanding, yet there was a gentleness in the tilt of his head towards the sky, an unspoken trust that their deity would guide and protect.

Tears tingled at the corners of my eyes, not from sadness but from the overwhelming sense of belonging that enveloped me. Here, beneath the silver gaze of the Moon Goddess, I felt the first threads of connection weaving me into the fabric of this new world—a world where loneliness might finally release its hold on me .

As the ceremony drew to a close, the pack members lifted their faces to the moon, and for a brief moment, I imagined her smile shining down upon us all. Then Ajax called my name, and the pack turned to where I was standing one by one. I'd never felt so exposed in my life. For a moment, I was frozen in terror. Eva had briefly explained to me about the ancient ritual. She reminded me that umbrae are very sexual beings. I knew that… obviously. But I was scared. I wasn't used to being sexual, let alone having something happen in front of others.

"Come,"he said softly, walking to where I'd been standing and reaching out a hand. I took it without hesitation, his warmth a beacon in the crisp night. He led me back to the center of the pack. The moonlight shone the brightest at that spot. The moment I embraced its light, some of my fear dissipated.

"Moon Goddess,"Ajax spoke, addressing her as if she stood beside us. "I present Mazie Green, an umbra, and my mate."

There was a rustling about the pack, but I only had eyes for Ajax. His umbra was radiating from within. I could feel its dominance and claim. Ajax spoke of the symbiotic relationship between shifters and nature. He explained how the earth's energy flowed through us, how every blade of grass and drop of water was part of an intricate dance of life that we were privileged to be a part of.

"We offer our respect and vow to protect this pack. Our strength comes from the land, and in turn, we must safeguard its sanctity."

It was a profound lesson, one that resonated deep within me. I thought of my journey and how the scars of abandonment and the ache of never genuinely fitting in had shaped me. And here, in this tranquil haven, I found a peace I hadn't known I craved.

Yet, I'd changed in the time I'd spent with the umbrae. The forest was a symphony of rustling leaves and distant birdcalls as Ajax stood before me, his frame silhouetted by the dappled sunlight that broke through the canopy. My heart raced with a strange cocktail of fear and anticipation.

He stripped off his clothing, uncaring that he was naked in front of his pack. In a flash, he transitioned from man to umbra. His spine elongated, his nails grew into sharp claws, and his body was covered in light blue fur. I heard his voice clearly inside my mind for the first time, as if he had spoken it aloud.

"Focus, Mazie,"Ajax's voice was calm, grounding. "Remember, it's about letting go, not forcing the change. Don't think about the pack. Please keep your eyes on me. I am your alpha, your mate."

I nodded, my bare feet sinking into the soft earth. My eyes locked on his, and I removed my clothing. I wish I could have said I wasn't worried about what others might be thinking. I wasn't a thin girl. I made my living as a plus-size influencer. That didn't mean I felt comfortable being naked in front of a crowd.

"Focus, Mazie,"Ajax snapped through our mental connection. "Just you and me."

I blocked everything and everyone else besides Ajax. His massive umbra was in front of me, protecting me. I felt my connection to the earth beneath my toes. The forest's energy hummed along my skin, and I closed my eyes, trying to tap into the primal instinct that was part of my very essence but had been dormant for so many years. I had become more used to the shift from human to umbra, but never in front of others.

"Feel your umbra,"he continued, his tone both a command and an encouragement.

I breathed deeply, the scent of pine and damp soil filling my lungs. I envisioned my umbra, an entity within me that was both me and something entirely other. I could sense her strength and power—a silent roar in the quiet of my soul.

"Let her come forward,"Ajax said.

And then it happened—a ripple through my body, a shudder of energy surging from my core. My bones shifted, mymuscles contorted, and the world grew vast. Before I knew it, I was covered in light blue fur—my senses heightened, every color vibrant, every whisper of the wind a cacophony.

"Good,"Ajax's voice was deep, resonant in a way I'd never heard before. But even more than his approval, I felt a surge of triumph within me. I'd done it. I'd shown everyone that I was an umbra."

He drew up to his hind legs and roared, the sound like thunder crackling along the mountain ridge. My umbra followed suit, and I felt—free.

"Claim me,"my umbra demanded of Ajax, "show them who I am to you."

He'd warned me that this could happen. In the olden days, an umbral pack claiming required the pack to witness their joining. As the years passed, many umbrae had balked at the old traditions, which had fallen by the wayside.

It appeared that my umbra wouldn't miss a moment of the official ritual.

"Show them!"It demanded of Ajax.

His eyes flashed at the challenge. I had given my alpha a command, and my umbra wasn't backing down. Ajax stared at me, his Umbra fierce and determined. His hard, muscular body glinted in the moonlight as his eyes still raged of the beast inside of him.

"Shift,"he ordered. His umbra's voice was far more feral than I'd ever heard.

The transformation was smoother and less jarring as I returned to my human form. Standing there, naked and breathless, I felt vulnerable yet empowered. I no longer cared if the pack was there witnessing this moment. I was the alpha's mate, and my umbra demanded they know it.

"My beast is too close to the surface, Mazie," he warned. "If I take you now, it will be as an umbra takes his mate."

I didn't care. I wanted him to show the world that I was his and he was mine. "Fuck me."

A deep growl rumbled in his chest as he moved closer, his large frame dwarfing me. One hand ran down my spine, branding me as his own as he claimed my lips in a kiss so searing hot it burned me to my very core.