MASEN

I don’t even want to be here. Those are my thoughts as my father and I meet the others behind the hall. Pop knows my feelings and said he felt the same way when it was time for his final free run. “It’s almost more for your Pack than you, son. They need to know they won’t be losing you as a brother, friend, or leader. It’ll be over before you know it. You’ll go home with a full belly to your little Mate, and tomorrow, everything will be right.” He smiles and smacks me on the back. My dad is seventy-five but doesn’t look a day over forty. He still loves my mother more than most newlyweds. That’s what I want for us.

I almost tell him my Sophia is with young, but I want to tell him, Mom, and Cass together. I know my mother will insist on staying, especially since Sophia has no mother to be with her. Pop will give up his pack and move here so they can be closer to us and my son that I know grows in her belly.

I can feel the excitement growing as most of the males gather for the run. The moon is almost full, making our need to shift all the more powerful. My pop gives a short speech saying how blessed he is to be present on such a special night. Finally, he howls and yells, “Happy hunting boys. You find it, you keep it!” He shifts in an explosive blast and many of the weaker of my Pack can’t help but shift from his pull.

I stand before them and a hush falls over the crowd. “May your blood heat with the thrill of the hunt, may your lungs fill with the scent of your prey, and may your heart beat for the love of your Mate,” I rally before closing my eyes and letting my wolf burst forward. Not one man is left standing. My howl starts a chorus as we rush through the woods in a frenzy. My wolf wants to lead like the ruler he is, but I still just want to be with my Mate. I run a few miles, joining the group as they search for first prey.

Females dot the forest. As we pass, each hopes to be taken for the night or longer in some cases. Knowing the moon and Pack mentality ride us hard, some almost Mated males have fallen to the lure. Endangering their upcoming Union, not one entices me in the slightest. I know what I want, and it’s not here.

I run closer to my side of the property, making sure no one follows me. I don’t want anyone near her. My heart stutters as I feel and hear Sophia call for me through our bond. I’m still minutes away when I hear her begging. I’m coming, baby. I’m coming. I hear nothing in response. Cass, can you hear me? CASS, are you with her? What’s wrong? He doesn’t answer either.