“Dr-dreams,” I murmur to Ricky. “K-Bray and his dr-dreams.”
Suddenly, John who has been silent up until now, sits up straighter in his chair, his eyes focussing on the infant snuggled up in my lap.
“Elucidate,” he states, capturing the attention of everybody present regarding my next remarks.
A wave of trepidation surges within me at the prospect of confronting numerous esteemed wolves simultaneously. My father’s expressions of disapproval and revulsion echo in my mind, reinforcing the notion that silence is my sole proficiency. My mouth feels as if it is stuffed with cotton, and my train of thought falters as I gaze at the assembly of wolves awaiting my response.
Ricky intertwines her hand with mine, applying pressure to my fingers as a reassurance of her presence and support.
She takes a deep breath, and I synchronise my breathing with hers, gradually releasing the air from my lungs in an extended exhalation. I moisten my parched lips and pause to collect my thoughts, anticipating a sarcastic remark from Jimmy; but, he remains silent, wagging his tail expectantly for me to initiate the conversation.
“Ko-Bray’s dream has materialized,” I murmur, maintaining my gaze on Ricky, who nods with pride.
“You are performing well,” she articulates silently, her warm grin providing the encouragement I require to confront the crowd.
“He dreamt of the attack,” I interject, as Bray gazes at me. “He witnessed Ta-Ricky being injured.”
All individuals regard the little puppy, who abruptly gets exceedingly timid and conceals his visage beneath his plush wolf.
“Bray…” Josie softly enquires of the pup. “Would you like to share your dream with us?”
“No!” Bray asserts resolutely, shaking his head emphatically.
Josie acknowledges his response, although I observe her probing his limited intellect, sifting through his recollections alongside Ricky’s to assemble the jigsaw.
“For what duration has he experienced those dreams?” John enquires.
“Not long,” Josie responds on Ricky’s behalf. “It appears to have commenced upon his arrival at River Moon. They seem to be premonitions—brief glimpses of the future.” She squints to concentrate. “Very indistinct,” she adds, indicating her face. “I cannot discern the faces he perceives; they are distorted, yet the voices are somewhat clearer.” She abruptly blinks rapidly, seeming to re-engage with the current meeting. “If premonitions are his ability, it seems to me that stress has triggered it. Relocating here, Benoit’s assaults, and similar factors could have contributed to the early manifestation of his gift. That is quite typical. My initial two abilities were also activated by stress.”
“I do not recall Bray ever discussing his dreams, so I believe you may be correct,” Tiana contemplates. “Do you think Ricky’s potential gift, if she possesses one, will manifest under stress?”
“Only time will reveal,” John responds. “She may acquire it early like her son or subsequent to her transformation.”
“When will I undergo the transformation?” Ricky enquires. “I am unable to communicate with the wolf; I can only perceive her sounds.”
“You represent uncharted territory for us,” Alpha Patrick elucidates. “I do not recall ever encountering a human who received a wolf unexpectedly from the Moon Goddess, nor can I remember the last transformation I observed or its outcome.”
“I have sanctioned several,” John laments. “Regrettably, two were unsuccessful, resulting in human fatalities.”
A startled gasp emanates from Ricky, and I cast a reproachful glance at the elderly Alpha for his indiscretion.
“It’s quite fascinating how Vampires and werewolves are pretty much the only creatures that can turn others. Demons, witches, faes… They’re all born the way they are and I don’t understand dragons enough to comprehend their mergings. All the books are confusing… but I wonder…. Hmmm…. There should be a passage in the Black Book about wolf turnings. Perhaps some of it may apply here,” John says, turning to ask Josie for the book. “Let me see,” he mumbles to himself as he flicks through the book, licking his fingers every few pages. “Ah, here we are.”
He continues to read audibly.
The most effective method to transform a person into a werewolf is through the injection of venom secreted by a mate. The mate must administer their venom to their human spouse via a bite or injection. Before a transformation, the individual should be marked by their partner to facilitate a connection with their future wolf. Once a turning has begun, it cannot be halted or reversed, as the venom will permeate every cell in the body within the subsequent 12 hours. Upon completion of the infection procedure, the new wolf should announce its existence to its human. The transition will be officially finalised at the commencement of the subsequent full moon. On this night, the human and wolf souls completely amalgamate, resulting in the inaugural transformation.
He shuts the book and shrugs his shoulders. “That clarifies the sounds in your mind.” A designation should clarify it for you. And if your turning is anything like a usual turning, you should be changing by the next full moon,” he says, looking down at his watch. “Which is…”
“Oh Deity!” That is slightly over a week.Josie inhales sharply, her expansive golden eyes enlarging with exhilaration. “Perfectly timed for the Night of Melodies!” Ricky, you may join the new pack members in running!”
Ricky flushes as she gazes up at me, a trace of exhilaration in her eyes.
“My wolf shall encounter yours,” she whispers, as Jimmy howls at the prospect of meeting his soulmate for the first time.
“I regret interrupting such a private moment for both of you,” John sighs. “However, the issue concerning Jaxton and Scarlett Haven remains to be resolved.”
The mention of my brother and old pack causes my heart to plummet, transforming my initial excitement into profound dread.
“You have slain the heir of an Alpha while safeguarding your mate, and although laudable, your actions have precipitated a significant dilemma,” John persists. “However, I possess a strategy,” he states, inclining forward in his seat. “If you are amenable to listening.”
Ricky strengthens her hold on my hand as her anxieties overwhelm her emotions. I kiss the back of her knuckles to soothe her and gesture to John to continue.
“Given your father’s character, he will probably undertake one of two actions.” Firstly, he will pursue retribution against the one or individuals accountable for his son’s demise,” John elucidates, raising a finger. “Alternatively, in the absence of any other heir, he will designate you as the Alpha of the Scarlett Haven Pack.”
