Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189: Chapter 189 Joining the Pack 2

Caroline’s POV

When evening came, Eleanor brought me back to get ready.

"It’s time,"she said excitedly."Everyone’s waiting outside, and Draven’s pacing around like crazy waiting for you."

I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror one last time. "Then let’s not keep him waiting any longer."

The Storm Valley amphitheater was amazing. It was built into a natural dip in the forest, with stone seats around a circular stage lit by torches. The full moon was bright overhead, making everything look silvery.

Hundreds of wolves had gathered, their energy palpable as I waited in the shadows with Eleanor and my parents. Liam stood with Draven at the edge of the stage, looking adorable in his ceremonial outfit that matched his father’s.

"It’s time," my father said, squeezing my hand gently. "Your mother and I... we’re proud of you, Caroline."

Tears pricked my eyes. "Even though I’m joining another pack?"

My father sighed. "We should have done better by you in Blood Moon. Perhaps this is where you were always meant to be."

Before I could respond, drums began to beat, signaling the start of the ceremony. Eleanor gave me a quick hug.

I walked forward alone, emerging from the shadows into the torchlight. A hush fell over the crowd as I made my way to the center of the amphitheater. Standing there under the moon’s glow, I felt hundreds of eyes upon me, some curious, some skeptical, some welcoming.

Draven stepped forward, resplendent in ceremonial attire that emphasized his status as Alpha. His violet eyes locked with mine, filled with such love and pride that it made my heart race.

"Caroline Bennett," he called, his voice carrying across the silent amphitheater, "you stand before the Storm Valley Pack and our honored guests seeking membership in our ranks. Why do you wish to join us?"

The formal question was part of the ritual, but I answered from my heart.

"I come seeking a home where strength is valued over scent, where character matters more than convention," I replied, my voice steady despite my nerves. "I bring my loyalty, my skills, and my commitment to serve the pack in all ways possible."

A murmur rippled through the audience. This was not the traditional response, which simply pledged obedience. But I was not a traditional wolf, and Draven’s slight smile told me he approved.

"And what do you offer Storm Valley that we do not already possess?" Draven continued with the ritual questioning.

"I offer fresh eyes to see old problems, courage to face uncomfortable truths, and determination to protect what matters," I said.

At this, Liam stepped forward, holding Draven’s hand. The sight of them together, who were both my loves, nearly broke my composure.

Draven nodded solemnly. "Caroline Bennett, Storm Valley accepts your petition. Kneel before your Alpha."

Draven shifted beside me, his massive black wolf form towering over mine. Alaric’s violet eyes gleamed with pride as he touched his nose to mine in the traditional greeting between pack mates.

For the first time, I felt it as the pack bond snapped into place like a puzzle piece finding its home.

Suddenly, my mind was filled with whispers, the mental voices of my new pack members welcoming me. And strongest of all was Draven’s voice, his mind finally connected directly to mine.

"You’re magnificent, my love," he said through our newly formed bond. "And now, everyone knows it."

Liam clapped his hands in delight, too young yet to shift but clearly thrilled to see his parents in wolf form. Ryan, already shifted into his russet wolf, came forward to watch over him while the adults ran.

Draven lifted his head and let out a howl that echoed through the amphitheater—the signal to begin the pack run. All around us, wolves shifted in a cascade of magic, until the amphitheater was filled with furry bodies of all colors and sizes.

Draven took the lead, with me running proudly at his side as we led the pack into the forest. Behind us came hundreds of wolves, their paws drumming against the earth in a thunderous rhythm.

Running through the moonlit forest with my mate beside me and my new pack surrounding me, I felt a sense of belonging I’d never known before. No longer an outsider, no longer alone. For the first time in my life, I was truly home.

"Caroline, my mate,"Draven’s voice caressed my mind. "I hope we can be together forever."

I replied with a joyful howl that rose to meet the moon, carrying with it all my happiness, all my hopes, all my love for the wolf running beside me and the future we would build together.