by M. Ekman
“Thank you,” Ruth whispered.
Lying down next to his dying mate tears leaked out of Tyler’s eyes as he responded, “I love you.”
A blinding silver light filled the air as she gasped her final breath.
Epilogue
“Ruth,” a soft, melodic voice called out.
The young wolf was so tired she didn’t want to move, but something about the voice seemed so familiar. Ruth cracked an eye open to see a beautiful woman standing over her who seemed to be glowing from the inside out.
The woman held out a petite hand, which Ruth was nervous to take as she felt she might break the delicate appendage if she put her weight on it. Nevertheless, she reached out and placed her rough fingers in the Great Luna’s.
As they touched Ruth felt her strength returning and was easily lifted to her feet. Shex shouldn’t have been surprised though, considering the being before her was a goddess. While it was awe-inspiring to finally meet the great deity, Ruth couldn’t help but feel depressed.
“My child, what troubles you?”
“It’s just that I wish I’d had more time,” Ruth shook her head with a derisive snort, “I’m sure everyone says that though.”
The Great Luna emitted a tinkling laugh, “Some do. Well, probably more than some.”
Despite her divine nature, the Great Luna spoke with Ruth as if they were old acquaintances. There was no awkwardness, for which Ruth was grateful as her next request might put a dampener on things.
“Release Tyler from his curse. It is not his fault that his father was a—“
She heard a squeak from behind her and Ruth looked back to see her whole pack in various poses of shock. Some still had dripping wounds from the battle, but as Ruth looked herself over there was not a single hair out of place. Even her clothes looked as if they were brand new. Her head started to spin, but when she placed her fingers to her temple Ruth felt a crescent shaped ridge there.
“I have given you the Goddess’s Blessing. It is a symbol of me that you will carry all of your days and will continue throughout your family until the end of time.”
The idol then turned to Tyler, who sat on his haunches looking a mixture of happy and frustrated. Despite her glory the Great Luna knelt in the dirt next to her son.
“I am truly sorry for your trials. I never wanted any of my children to suffer, and if there had been another way I would’ve taken it. However, I had faith that your mother’s gift would save you, if you allowed it.”
At Tyler’s look of confusion the Great Luna continued, “The gift of love that she gave you even before your birth was all that was needed to break your curse and save your mate. Deep and abiding love is the only thing that could overcome the hate your father had created.”
Before Tyler could do or say anything The Great Luna leaned over and kissed him on his temple. With her kiss the two long black marks of the curse that marred Tyler’s fur disappeared and he too was left with the same waning moon symbol that Ruth now carried.
His amber eye’s flashed to Ruth as her shoulder burned. Before she could turn to look at the cause he was nearly on top her towering in his manly visage. He gently pulled back the shoulder of her shirt to reveal a glowing bite mark.
“It worked,” he breathed out incredulous.
Ruth couldn’t help her smile, “You know, it’s supposed to be one of a matching set.”
He was a moment too late to react as Ruth swiftly bent down and bit his exposed neck. “Ruth, seriously?”
She merely giggled as his own mark began to glow, and she felt their bond solidify further and become unbreakable. In her minds eye she could see his fountain fully restored and the thread that connected the two of them growing so bright that it was nearly blinding.
Ruth was suddenly filled with a warmth that nearly brought her to her knees. Tyler’s arms encompassed her and he pulled her close. Over his shoulder Ruth saw the Great Luna give them a wink, and as swift as she had come the goddess was gone.
THE END
Afterword
Thank you for reading Seeking to Belong!
I hope that you enjoyed this first installment in the Wolftale series.
If you enjoyed the book please consider leaving a review on Amazon!
