Chapter 0272
+25 BONUS
“You’ve outdone yourself once again,” Viona said, appearing at my elbow with a clipboard in hand. She had remained as my assistant lately even though she had found a new temporary living situation, and I was glad to have her by my side. “This place looks amazing.”
I smiled, glancing around at the decorations and layout. “Thanks. I just hope everything goes smoothly.”
“With you in charge? How could it not?” Viona nudged me playfully. “Seriously, Hannah. You should be proud.”
My eyes swept he clearing before landing on Noah, who was standing across the way. My stomach tightened just at the sight of him, the way that the wind tousled his hair making me weak in the knees.
Today, my wolf was particularly riled up, anticipating a good run through the forest, and it was making it all the more difficult to ignore my attraction to him.
As the opening ceremony began a little while later, Noah and I stepped up onto the stage together. The crowd fell silent, all eyes on us. For a moment, I was acutely aware of how close we were standing, the heat from his body radiating toward me like a smaller version of the sun.
Noah cleared his throat and began his annual speech. “Welcome, everyone, to our annual Summer Hunt. This tradition has been a part of our pack for generations, bringing us together in celebration of our true nature…”
As he spoke, my eyes scanned the crowd. So many familiar faces, all looking up at us with expectation and excitement. My gaze landed on Zoe, standing near the front. Her expression was unreadable, but I could see her eyes flicking between Noah and me.
No doubt she was wondering why we were still together, trying to discern when she could swoop in. “…and now, let the hunt begin!” Noah concluded, his voice pulling me back to the present.
A cheer went up from the crowd. Noah turned to me, his eyes surprisingly intense–it seemed his wolf was also riled up today. “Ready?” he asked quietly.
I nodded, everras uncertainty gnawed at me. I hadn’t shifted in so long. What if I couldn’t do it? Talk about embarrassing.
Noah began to shift beside me, his body contorting and changing. In moments, a magnificent silver wolf stood where he had been. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him. He was beautiful, powerful, everything an Alpha should be.
My wolf stirred inside of me, excited by the proximity of her mate. The urge to shift, to run alongside him, was overwhelming. Before I knew it, I was shifting too, the change coming easier than I had expected. As I settled into my wolf form, I heard gasps from the crowd. Confused, I looked down at myself. My fur, usually a plain chestnut brown, was gleaming in the sunlight. It looked healthier, almost sparkling.
I glanced at Noah, only to find him staring at me. His wolf eyes were wide with what looked like admiration. He nodded toward the forest, silently telling me to take the first step.
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