ChangingPaths

by Marilu Mann

  Rion lifted his head to nod respectfully as Olivia came into the room. She filled a plate from the food on the sideboard. She moved almost silently as she came to the table where he sat staring into his juice.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  “No, of course not.” He got to his feet to pull the chair out for her. Olivia laughed softly as she sat down.

  “You don’t have to be on your best behavior, Rion. I know you feel the pull of the moon just as much as we all do. Makes you kind of crazy doesn’t it?”

  “They don’t call it Moonlust for nothing,” he answered her softly then finished his juice. He’d stuffed himself with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and biscuits and probably half a gallon of juice. He knew there’d be a huge lunch spread along with another one at dinner before the Gathering tonight.

  Then there’d be tons of food afterward since the newest shifters would need the nourishment. Hell, all the shifters needed food after a Gather. Shifting burned energy while running around on four feet burned even more. Fuel was essential before and after a Change.

  “So, Rion, I already hit Gareth with this, but why aren’t you mated?”

  Rion was glad he’d finished his drink because he’d probably have spewed it across the table. He blinked at her a few times then cleared his throat before he opened his mouth. No way he’d lie to her, being honest with the Alpha bitch had been ingrained in him since he’d been old enough to know the difference between the truth and a lie.

  “I don’t have such a great history of picking women.” He chose to go with less detail, hoping she would leave it at that.

  “You and your brother make me so angry!” Olivia rolled her eyes then set her fork down on the side of her plate. “You’re young, attractive, well-bred and courteous. I think it’s just that you don’t trust women or yourselves. I’m pretty sure that’s why Gareth used to run with the Wilds, because he didn’t think any shifter female or human would want him. Well, Harmony proved him wrong and…”

  She’d stopped because he’d shoved his chair back. He stood staring at her in disbelief. “What did you say?”

  “I said that she proved him…”

  “No. Before that. What did you say about Gareth?” He knew he was almost shouting but he couldn’t help himself. She could not have said what he thought she did. Gareth couldn’t have run with real wolves. That meant. No. Not going there.

  “Rion, I’m sorry. I thought you knew.”

  “Olivia, would you excuse us, please?” The Alpha’s voice was low and soft but she got to her feet immediately.

  “Micah, I’m so sorry.”

  “I know, love. Please give me a moment with Rion.” He stopped her as she reached him in the doorway. Gathering her into his arms, he gently kissed her. Rion’s chest tightened at the love so visible between the two. That was what he and Gareth had always wanted. As pups they’d talked about the females they’d want as mates. No way in hell had his brother given up on that hope. Dear god, please let that not be the case.

  “Rion, sit down, please.” Micah moved closer into the room and pulled out one of the chairs at the table.

  He didn’t want to disobey but he wasn’t sure he could sit still. “Alpha, please tell me that’s not true.”

  Micah shook his head. “Rion, it is true that he ran with the Wilds. He would go up into Canada for weeks at a time. He knew I did not approve but all of that was before I was truly his Alpha.”

  “But that would mean…” Rion choked on the words. “That meant he wanted to give up his humanity, to become one of them.”

  Micah gripped his shoulder, squeezing until Rion met his gaze. “Your brother was damaged, Rion, just as you were. The two of you were pawns in a cruel game. It almost broke him. But you know him better than anyone. You know that he would not go through with that. He is a strong man, a good wolf, as are you. I am proud to have him as one of my seconds. He has come into his own here. He has a place where he is valued. I believe with Harmony here, he will come to know that he is truly loved.”

  Rion nodded, taking deep breaths as he came to grips with this new revelation. Even when he’d hated his brother he hadn’t wanted him dead. If Gareth had gone through with staying with the Wilds he would have been as good as dead. Shunned by Pack, forgotten by family.

  “This is truly his home now, isn’t it? He won’t be happy in Oregon.”

  “No.” Micah shook his head. “I do not believe so. I believe his heart as well as his home are here now. Rion, I will not require penance of you for coming onto my land without permission. I think you have been dealt enough of a blow with this information. I will also tell you this, without ceremony, without anyone else knowing and with no pressure. You are welcome here. If you so desire, you have a place here as well. I am sure your brother would love to have you close.”

  “Alpha, I thank you.” Though his brain was still whirling Rion knew he had to respond to that generous statement. Micah had, in effect, just invited Rion membership in his Pack. Rion hadn’t had to petition—the offer had been freely made. “I don’t know where my future leads. I have to return home though. I have to go back and see my mother. I have a job and responsibilities there.”

  “I understand, just know that the offer is there. If you decide to be closer to your brother you have a place here.” Micah got to his feet, hugged Rion briefly then left the room.

  Rion sat perfectly still, staring at the wall but not seeing anything in front of him. He stirred when someone else came into the room. He needed to see his brother. Needed to assure himself that his brother’s mind was whole. That he wasn’t still thinking about running with the Wilds.

  Bolting from the table, he ran to the front door. Reaching the edge of the porch, he stripped, knowing he’d get there faster on four feet than two. Leaping off the porch, he shifted in midair to hit the ground running. He had to get to Gareth. He had to see his brother.

  As he ran through the woods he scented the air. As always, everything was sharper to him in wolf form. He could almost understand why Gareth might want to stay in this shape. With their scars, female Shifters tended to shy away. He hadn’t told anyone about the rejection he’d faced more often than not. Sure he’d dated, but nothing and no one worth committing to. Not to mention that most Alphas, including their uncle, thought of them as lesser wolves due to the scarring. He had to make sure his twin understood. Knew that he didn’t ever have to run with the Wilds again.

  The sharp scent of his brother hit his nose, so he veered to follow it. Slowing down, he relaxed. With a wolfy grin splitting his face he trotted up to the edge of the cabin. The scent of biscuits and bacon made him drool. Then another scent caught his attention.

  Mated.

  His damn twin had the mating scent all over him. Rion sat down. Hard. He realized he didn’t need to have any kind of a “no Wilds” chat now. There was no way his brother would give up his mate to be with the real wolves. It wasn’t their way.

  Damn. That bacon smelled so good.

  Then the door opened. He saw Harmony’s pup on the porch. She smiled at him as she tossed him some bacon. “Mom says come on in. We have plenty.”

  Rion swallowed the smoky meat down in one gulp then shifted. While his wolf self didn’t mind eating in the dirt, he did. He strode toward the house only to be hit in the head with a pair of jeans.

  “Put these on, Ri. Rain still isn’t used to all of our ways.” Gareth headed back to the kitchen obviously intending for his brother to follow. “We need to talk about our trip home.”

  “Hey wait. Do you have a shirt handy?” Rion waved a hand at his chest, stopping just outside the door to the kitchen. Gareth looked at him for a long moment, his eyes traveling over Rion’s torso, then nodded. The understanding in his gaze caused Rion to swallow hard. He could cover his scars, Gareth’s were out there for anyone to see, to judge him on. “I’ll be right back.”

  Rion pulled the jeans on then waited for his return. When Gareth handed him a well-worn t-sh
irt, he quickly pulled it on. “You know that wasn’t necessary, right?”

  “No, I think it was very necessary.” Shaking his head ruefully, he followed his twin into the cozy cabin. Harmony smiled at him. Rion leaned over to kiss her cheek, putting a hand on his brother’s arm at the same time. “Welcome to the family, Sister.”

  Gareth stared hard at him for a few minutes then to Rion’s surprise, yanked him into a hard hug. Rion felt his knees weaken as he returned the hug. At Harmony’s choked sob they broke apart to see tears streaming down her face. Gareth immediately dropped to his knees beside her. “Babe, what’s wrong? Do you hurt somewhere? What is it?”

  “No, it’s just…” She shook her head and touched his face gently. She cupped his jaw then leaned forward to put her forehead against his. “Seeing the two of you, it’s just so wonderful. I’m so glad you’ve found one another again.”

  “I think it’s awesome. Rion, you’ll come back with Gareth, right? I mean once you guys go visit your family. You’ll come back for their wedding? Hey, your mom should come back with you.” Rain stopped, glancing at her mother. “Oops, sorry, guess I let that cat out of the bag.”

  “I don’t know, Rain. It depends on how Mom is doing. I know she would love to meet the two of you. And thanks, bro. You’ve taken the heat right off me for at least a year.” Rion grinned as he sat down at the table. Gareth shoved a plate in front of him, so Rion happily ate his second breakfast of the day.

  After they’d consumed enough food so that they were all a bit lethargic, Harmony excused herself. She shot Rain what Rion could only interpret as ‘a mom look’ that had the teen telling them bye and leaving too.

  Rion cleared his throat then faced his brother, Gareth’s attention no longer on the hallway where his mate had disappeared. “So, about the trip.”

  “Yeah, um. I guess we should figure this out. Are we taking my truck and your car or what?”

  They spent the next two hours plotting their journey. Getting the logistics worked out felt easy, as if they were back to where they’d been when they left their birth Pack. Rion wanted to ask if he planned to bring Harmony and Rain with him, but wasn’t sure the question would be welcome. It was going to be hard enough for Gareth to go back to Oregon. Finally he got slowly to his feet. He watched his brother do the same. They stared at each other for a few minutes, then it was Rion’s turn to pull his brother into a hard hug.

  With a much lighter heart and a genuine smile, Rion let himself out of the cabin. He strolled back toward the lodge. With any luck he’d be able to get in a quick nap before lunch. He had a feeling this Moon Gathering was going to be something special.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Rain, stop pacing. You’ll be fine.” Keme took her hand, smiling widely. Rain tried to smile back at him. The Pack had been arriving for the last hour. She had never realized there’d be so many people here. She’d tried to blend in toward the back of the group only to have Keme and Alicia pull her closer to the front. She’d give anything if her mom was here, but Harmony had explained that she couldn’t be there.

  Because it was Rain’s first shift she might feel too much pressure if her mom was present. None of those who were going to attempt their first shift had parents present. Some had cousins or aunt and uncles. Even with Keme there she had never felt so alone in her life. Closing her eyes, Rain took a deep breath, trying to remember everything they’d been taught in the classes. She took another breath. So many familiar scents were almost overwhelming. Focusing, she realized one stood out—Keme’s strong hazelnut scent.

  Curious now, she opened her eyes then turned to him. “Keme, what do I smell like?”

  “What?” He laughed softly.

  “You smell of hazelnuts, my mom is honeysuckle and Gareth and Rion are pine. What is my scent?”

  “Gardenias. My grandmother used to grow them in a hothouse behind her home. Have you ever seen any?”

  “Yes, there were some outside our apartment building in California. Really? I smell of gardenias?”

  “Not so surprising, pup. Scents tend to be similar in family members. Since your mom has a floral smell, it stands to reason that you would too.” Gareth’s voice reached her. Rain swiveled around to him with a wide smile.

  “Are you ready? It’s time for the presentation of the young.”

  “I guess so.” Swallowing hard, Rain slipped her feet out of her shoes then pulled her socks off. Without looking around at anyone, or looking to see if anyone was watching her, she slowly slipped the rest of her clothing off. The bra and panties were the hardest. She shivered slightly then followed one of the other kids into the very center of a large circle formed by the Pack. Micah stood in the center of the circle.

  He still wore his jeans. Briefly she wondered why they all had to be naked in front of him. Gareth, her mom, some of the other girls, even Keme had told her that nudity was natural among the Pack, but it sure felt like a big damn deal to her.

  Micah started talking but she couldn’t concentrate on what he was saying. Rain knew she should. This was the blessing of their first shift. It was huge. A group of people at the edge of the circle started beating on drums. The slow, steady beat swirled around her right down to her toes. Slowly the Pack spread out and back from her group then she started to panic.

  The moon was rising. She could feel it. Her body tingled as if tiny ants swarmed her flesh. Her breath came faster, harder. Spinning around, she felt as though the ground was tilting under her feet. She was going to screw this up. She was going to be Denied like her mom.

  Shaking her head, she stumbled toward the edge of the circle where she’d left her clothes. Her hands shook so hard she clenched them together. She had to get out of there. She wanted her mom. Over and over she chanted in her head, I want my mom!

  Gareth stepped in front of her, concern on his face as he reached toward her. The warmth of his hand on her arm helped ease the violent trembling. Her eyes felt hot as she blinked away the tears gathering there.

  “Rain? What is it, what’s wrong?” He opened his arms to her. There was a solid thump as she threw herself into the safety he offered.

  She shook her head. “I can’t do this. I’ve changed my mind. I want to go home.”

  “Honey, slow down, take a breath. Everything’s going to be okay. You’re just scared.” His voice rumbled in her ear. Rain felt as though she might drown if she let go of this solid point of familiarity.

  “No. No, I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to do this. Please let me go home. I want my mom. I need my mom.” She felt the tears on her cheeks even as he gathered her closer.

  “Rain, it’s okay, baby. You’re fine. Look at me. Come on, look at me.” He hugged her tightly then released her just a bit.

  Lifting her head, she saw how very blue his eye was. Only then did she realize that he wasn’t wearing his patch. His right eye wasn’t missing, it was just white. Anyone looking at it would know, even without the cover, that he couldn’t see anything out of it. Sobbing again, she shook her head then dropped her gaze. She couldn’t do this.

  “Rain, listen to me. Listen only to my voice. Block out all the other sounds and listen just to me.” His voice was low. She knew he was trying to soothe her.

  She tried, she really did, but fear had a solid grip on her. The cold ground beneath her feet, the icy bite of the air, along with the tendrils of the north wind combining with all the sounds around them just made it worse. This wasn’t California. This wasn’t her.

  A scream ripped the air as someone fought their Change. Another groaned, the sound turning into a ferocious growl. Somewhere someone else whimpered. She didn’t want this. She didn’t want to be a wolf. She just wanted to go home.

  Gareth, do you need help?

  Gareth gave a mental sigh of relief.

  Micah, thank god, she’s panic-stricken. I don’t even think she can hear me at this point. What do I do?

  Step back, Brother. You are too emotionally close to the pup to do her
any good. Olivia is here and Kajika too. They can help her through this. Let them.

  Hearing the command, Gareth nodded. Releasing Rain was hard, but he stepped back. Micah had already shifted. The huge wolf stood close. Gareth looked out over the other young. Some had already managed to shift, others had just begun. Keme stood close by, still human. The young man’s body trembled with the effort not to shift. Gareth nodded to him as he motioned the younger man over. “Stick by her, she may need a friend before this is all over.”

  “I will.”

  Gareth moved toward some of the others who looked as though they were having trouble, concentrating on trying to help them. He kept glancing back at Rain though, keeping her in his sights.

  Olivia had her arms around the girl, talking softly to her while Kajika simply leant his presence. He knew Micah could force the Change, but that he wouldn’t when it was a first time. That could be more traumatic to a young shifter than doing it themselves. Finally he saw Rain take a deep breath. With a grim nod the girl looked at Olivia.

  Olivia held one of Rain’s hands, Kaj the other. Together they talked her down from the ledge into her first shift. He grinned at the sight of the small gray wolf. Her coat was tipped in black as though she’d dyed the very ends or something. He remembered the bright pink she’d sported when she first arrived. Still watching, he saw Keme shift easily into his wolf. The young man moved slowly toward Rain, his tail wagging.

  Some of the other young ones came near now. With gentle nudges eventually they had her moving around the circle, stopping to scent something here and there and looking around in what he knew to be wonder. Then Keme swiped her nose with a paw. Rain shook her head then tentatively touched him with hers. The wolf Gareth knew to be Alicia butt-bumped her friend, the Johnson boy.

  Gareth was impressed by the size of the Johnson boy. He was going to be huge. The teens suddenly seemed to swirl as one wolf then separated with Rain hot on Keme’s tail.