Chapter 19

Valor

The field buzzed with laughter and chatter. Full moon runs always got the blood flowing. The power of the lunar cycle called to our wolves—it was when we felt closest to the Goddess. It was also when our primal instincts peaked, making it the perfect time to reinforce pack bonds.

We moved through the crowd, greeting those we passed. I was pleased to see people saying hello to Brielle and impressed she remembered so many of them by name.

Isolde beamed as she joined us with Winnie on her arm.

"Looks like that nap did you good," Brielle said.

"It was the best." Isolde nodded at Winnie. "This is my sister-in-law, Winnie."

"Hi." Winnie held out her hand, and Brielle shook it. "I'm bummed I didn't get a chance to show you around."

"No worries, we didn't get to everything," Brielle replied. "I'm sure there are plenty of things you can still show me."

"Hi, guys," Isolde said, waving to us.

"Oh, hi." I gave Isolde my best shit-eating grin. "I was beginning to think we were invisible."

"You are," Winnie answered without hesitation. "Brielle is the center of attention tonight, so get used to it."

Korren laughed. "Well, I can't blame them for looking."

"Looks like your mates are coming to whisk you away," Ezra said. He nodded at the unit carving through the pack like a blade.

Isolde rolled her eyes. "They act like the pack males have never seen a naked body before."

"They don't care about those naked bodies. Yours, however, is currently carrying their pup. I think that justifies the need to keep you from prying eyes," Ezra said with his usual bluntness.

"And on that note—" Korren titled his head back as the moon appeared from behind the clouds, "—let's get into position."

I slipped my hand into Brielle's as the Alpha unit came to collect their mate. They guided her to a secluded corner of the field, and we did the same with Brielle. We placed her in the center of our group, removed our clothes, and prepared for the shift.

The wind wasn't enough to temper the heat that scorched my body when Brielle pulled her T-shirt over her head.

Ezra growled, and Korren and I followed suit. I felt the silvery call of the moon in my veins as my wolf pushed against my skin.

"Easy, boys." Brielle's sexy voice skated over us. "We're here for a run."

"You sans clothing will always turn us on," I purred.

Color rose on Brielle's cheeks as her eyes turned molten. "I could say the same."

This run was going to be harder than I thought.

Completely nude, we turned to the center of the clearing as Alpha Wynn howled into the night. It was the call of an Alpha to his pack—his family.

It was a request for loyalty, companionship, and trust.

We threw back our heads and responded in unison.

Bones snapped and fur exploded as our wolves emerged.

Mate.

The thought thundered through my head, and my wolf's eagerness flooded our limbs.

He rubbed against our unit in his typical greeting, then focused on the new wolf in the center of our circle.

Her fur was the color of a copper penny, and her eyes were the same golden-honey hue I'd come to crave.

Without fear, she darted between us, sniffing and circling our wolves before rubbing herself along the lengths of our bodies.

Fearless little thing, aren't you? I asked through our mind link.

I'm also fast, which you'll discover when you can't catch me.

Ezra's wolf huffed, butting his nose against her.

Challenge accepted.