The Gift chronicles novel Chapter 1

Book 1 Chapter 14

When I went downstairs, Alpha Cain's enthusiasm was almost tangible. He had a large backpack on, and held a large fur pelt in his arms. "We're going on a picnic. I have a place I want to show you." I nodded, and began heading for the door after putting on my black combat boots.

The Alpha coughed awkwardly, and said, "Ares, do you remember what I told you the night you came here?" I turned back to look at him, confused, until realization sank in. He was referring to the rule that Luna's had to be carried by the Alpha when traveling outside of the Pack House. "I'm sorry, mate, I know you don't like it, but its pack tradition. The pack wouldn't respect me as much if I broke this tradition, and if I'm being honest, my wolf wants it this way too."

I seethed inwardly, positive that my hate—fire was hotter than anything coming from Alpha Cain's cursed hands. Not wanting to let my anger show, I gave him a tight smile and walked closer to him. His smile was huge. "Good pup. I really expected more of a fight from you. Looks like you're really giving into the mate bond. I promise one day you will obey me because you want to, not because the bond forces you." He said, cupping my cheek with one hand and looking into my eyes so intensely I was certain that he would set me aflame.

He took his hand off of my cheek and opened the pelt that he had in his arms up wide. To my surprise, he wrapped the fur blanket around me until I was swimming in it, with all of my appendages underneath. Alpha Cain picked me up with one arm around the crook of my neck and the other underneath my knees. The combination of the way he was holding me and the way he swaddled me in the pelt made me feel like an actual baby. I was disgusted.

"Are you comfortable, mate?" Alpha Cain asked, looking more pleased than ever.

No. Yes, I nodded.

"Good, pup. This was the way all Lunas were carried before you, and how all of the Lunas will be held after you. I am honored to be the one carrying you right now." He really needs to wipe that hellish, satisfied look on his face.

I looked at the pelt with a questioning look on my face. "It was made from a bear that I killed on a hunt that I went on after I found you. Once the Blood Alpha finds his mate, he finds a large animal to slay, then makes a pelt from the fur of the beast he killed. It is a symbolic way of showing that I am capable of killing, protecting, and providing for you. Blood Lunas are carried with the pelt wrapped around them like a blanket. However, it has many practical uses as well. The Blood Lake territory is far North, so it is cold here most of the time, and snows often, so the pelt will help keep you warm. If you must be set down outside of the Pack House, then I can leave you on the pelt and it is still within the Blood Lake tradition. You may also like that it conceals most of your body. I know you don't like showing your skin, for whatever reason." He explained. I nodded, absorbing all of the information I had to take in all at once.

His pack had a weird obsession with killing animals for their fur. The Pack House had fur blankets and rugs all over. I will admit that the fur in combination with all of the wooden furniture and décor was very aesthetic and made me feel comfortable for some reason. Plus, its not like I was really judging them for killing animals. I had killed werewolves for far less.