Game of Destiny by Dripping Creativity novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11-1

“I’m sorry,” he murmured quietly. I gave a small shrug, trying to act like it was nothing serious, but deep down, it was. A single tear escaped and traced a path down my cheek. I quickly brushed it away. “I can’t find the right words for how your mate treated you. But you’re not weak, Arr. You endured the sting of rejection from your true mate, you left behind your pack, and yet, you managed to build a life on your own. That takes strength. If he couldn’t recognize that, then he’s the fool—and his pack will suffer for it. If you decide to join my pack, know that we’ll be here for you whenever you need us. We’ve walked a path similar to yours. We left our old pack in search of something better. Our pack values more than just physical strength—we care deeply for one another. I was right when I thought you’d fit in well with us. Growing up in a Beta household, you must have learned a lot. None of the top ranks, myself included, ever had formal training for our roles. Someone like you could bring something valuable to the table. But I won’t pressure you to decide now. Let’s just take today as it comes and talk again tomorrow, alright?” I looked up at Finlay, feeling a flicker of hope.

“You’re not going to ask me to leave?” I asked hesitantly. He chuckled softly.

“Because you didn’t tell me everything? You’ve only known me for less than half an hour—I don’t expect that kind of loyalty so soon. I’m honoured you trusted me enough to share it now,” he said kindly. I nodded in response.

“Then I’d like to stick to the plan,” I said firmly.

“That’s good to hear, Amie.”

“Armeria,” I corrected, the name feeling strange on my tongue. He glanced at me curiously.

“It’s my full name,” I explained. He smiled warmly and nodded.

“Armeria,” he repeated, the name sounding gentle coming from him. “Matilda has been insisting she gets to show you around today. Is that alright?” he asked.

“That’s fine. I like her,” I replied as we turned to walk back.

“She can seem intimidating at first, but she’s an incredible wolf. We’re lucky to have her with us,” he said.

Hours later, we found ourselves gathered around a blazing fire. The crackling flames cast flickering shadows on the faces of the pack. Pups darted around, their laughter filling the air as they played, while the older wolves shared stories of battles and glory from days gone by. It struck me how much this resembled my old pack’s traditions. I fell back into familiar habits, handing out blankets to those who needed them and offering to watch the pups when everyone prepared to shift. Matilda frowned at me.

“Why aren’t you joining in the fun?” she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice. I realized no one had told them about me yet.

“I’m latent,” I said quietly. To my surprise, Matilda burst out laughing—the last reaction I expected. Then she looked at me seriously.

“You’re serious?” she asked.

“Aunt, be careful,” Finlay warned, but she waved him off.

“I am,” I confirmed.

“Darling, why would you think that? I can feel your wolf,” she said, her eyes softening.

“I think you’re sensing my nature, not my wolf. I’m twenty-two, and my wolf hasn’t shown herself yet. If she exists, she’s probably too weak to break through,” I explained.

“That’s nonsense. Why would you have a weak wolf?” she asked, incredulous.

“Everyone knows strong wolves show themselves early. I’m almost at the point where hope is lost,” I admitted, feeling vulnerable.

“Most strong wolves do come early,” she agreed. “But some bide their time. No one knows why. Maybe they’re waiting for something, or maybe the conditions aren’t right—not in your person, but in your wolf. Mark my words, it will come.” She spoke with conviction.

“I’ve spent the day with you, Amie. There’s nothing weak about you,” Matilda added confidently.

“That’s enough, Aunt,” Finlay said firmly, casting a worried glance at me. I understood he didn’t want to give me false hope, and I appreciated his honesty. Accepting my fate had been difficult, and there was no room for empty promises.

“How long have you felt like this?” she pressed. I paused to think.

“I’ve been restless all day, like I should remember something important but can’t. The heat only started about thirty minutes ago,” I explained. She studied me thoughtfully and nodded.

“It will be alright. Just relax and don’t fight it,” she advised.

“Fight what?” I asked, just as Finlay stepped out from the tree line. He was wearing only shorts, and I was puzzled by his early return in human form. He approached me and knelt down, placing a hand gently on my forehead.

“You’re burning up,” he said, glancing at his aunt, who nodded in agreement. What was going on? “The others are coming too,” he added.

“Why?” I asked, but then a sharp cramp twisted my stomach, stealing my breath.

“You’re turning, Armeria. When you have your first turn, it’s important to be surrounded by your pack. It helps,” he explained. I stared at him, as if he were speaking a foreign language.

“Turning?” I echoed, confused.

“Your wolf is coming,” Matilda said softly. More members of the pack emerged from the forest, some gathering the pups, others forming a circle around us, all half-dressed in the moonlight.

“Amie, do you remember what your parents told you about your first shift?” Finlay asked, drawing my attention back. No one had ever spoken to me about it before. In my old pack, when someone showed signs of shifting, their parents or close relatives would take them into the woods, and by morning, they were back. I shook my head.

“No one ever told me anything,” I admitted, just as another cramp seized me.

I noticed the exchanged looks between Finlay and Matilda, filled with concern and anticipation.