Game of Destiny by Dripping Creativity novel Chapter 19

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Game of Destiny

Chapter 19-1

The pack gathered tightly, forming a protective circle around Amie and me. Bloodenings were always significant—moments when a wolf pledged their loyalty to me and to our pack. This ceremony was one of the traditions I cherished most as Belg, the Alpha. Yet, standing there, facing Amie in that circle, felt uniquely profound in a way I hadn’t expected. She looked breathtaking in her flowing dress; her hair cascaded freely over her shoulders, and her green eyes shimmered brilliantly in the flickering firelight. A deep sense of completeness washed over me, as if the final pieces of a puzzle were clicking into place now that she was becoming part of the pack.

“We have come together tonight to open the gates of our pack and welcome a new member into our fold. Armeria Rose Sage, Amie, you have sought us out to join the Blue Mountain pack. Do you approach us with honorable intentions, ready to commit to our pack and work towards a better life for every member here?” I asked, my voice steady but filled with meaning. Her gaze locked onto mine—a rare moment of direct eye contact for me as an Alpha, but perfectly fitting for this solemn occasion.

“I do,” she replied clearly, her voice steady and sincere. I could see the weight of her promise in her eyes.

“Blue Mountain pack, does anyone object to Armeria Rose Sage’s joining our ranks?” I called out to the circle. The seconds stretched on in silence. Through the bond we shared, I sensed every member of the pack, and none showed any hesitation or doubt about welcoming Amie. Still, the ritual required this pause, and I found comfort in the quiet tension. When I was sure enough time had passed, I smiled at Amie and handed her the ceremonial knife. It was carved from the antler of a deer—the first deer I had taken down after we claimed our pack territory. Embedded along the handle was a row of sharp flint stones.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Amie took the knife and sliced a line across her right arm, from elbow to palm.

“Armeria Rose Sage, you ask to join the Blue Mountain pack,” she declared, holding out her wounded arm and the knife. I took the blade and mirrored the cut on my own right arm, tracing the same line.

“I, Finlay Nero Cadwick, Alpha of the Blue Mountain pack, accept you as one of our own,” I said firmly, gripping her arm just below the elbow. Our wounds aligned, and she clasped my arm in return. Her arm was shorter, so she didn’t reach my elbow, but I could feel her blood mingling with mine. Our eyes met and held as the ancient magic wove itself between us.

“Do you swear your loyalty to me and to the pack?” I asked her once more.

“I swear my loyalty to you and the pack,” she answered. At her words, the pack bond sealed with a powerful snap, binding her to us. We released each other’s arms, and I watched carefully as her wound began to heal.

“Let us all welcome our newest pack member!” I called out. A roar of cheers erupted as the pack broke formation and surged forward to greet Amie. I stood back, watching as Cadence embraced her, then stayed close by her side while others offered handshakes or hugs. After a moment, Aunt Matilda appeared beside me.

“Well done,” she said warmly.

“It’s not my first bloodening,” I replied with a playful roll of my eyes.

“I wasn’t praising your ceremony skills,” she teased. “I meant good job on convincing her to join us, silly.”

“Oh, right. Thanks,” I said, smiling as she kissed my cheek.

“Time for a pack run!” I announced to everyone. The younger wolves—the pups and teens—along with the elders, headed back to the packhouse. The rest of us stripped and shifted into wolf form. Leading them on a shorter run, I wanted to ensure everyone could keep up and enjoy the experience. We paused atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the river, where I threw back my head and howled. The pack joined in, their voices rising in a powerful chorus. Among them, I recognized Amie’s howl, clear and strong. We set off toward the clearing, and I let the pack run alongside our newest member during the first stretch. Then, as we neared the end, I fell in beside her, trotting quietly without blocking anyone’s chance to bond with her.

“How does it feel?” I asked through our mindlink, savoring the ability to communicate with her in wolf form. She glanced at me, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Chapter 19-2

“Amazing. I’d almost forgotten what it feels like to truly belong to a pack—the bond, the constant connection,” she shared. We arrived back at the bonfire, where everyone gathered their clothing. Amie remained in her wolf form, sitting calmly with her tongue lolling slightly, taking in the scene around her.

“Tired?” I asked, concerned I might have pushed her too hard on the run. It was easy to forget she was still new to shifting and hadn’t yet built up her stamina.

“Not at all. I could go for another run,” she said with a smile, then shifted back into her human form and slipped on her dress. I chuckled softly, making sure everyone was accounted for and ready to return to the packhouse. Martin, Sam, and Medow joined Amie and me as we headed toward the dining room. I knew the pack had prepared a feast during the day, likely arranged by those who hadn’t run with us. I was starving, as usual after shifting, and eagerly anticipated the meal.