Asher's Perspective

 "Asher, please.  You have to go to the festival.  As I walked towards the kitchen, Maya grabbed my arm.  "Promise me you'll be there."

I stood there and gazed at my small sister's face.  She was chomping on her lower lip the way she always did when she was keeping something a secret, and her brown eyes were fixed on me with concern.  Maya never demanded anything of me.

"I'm coming, of course.  Dad already mentioned that the entire pack would have to leave.  I scowled at her strange antics.  "Why are you so anxious about it?"

"I'm not worried.  I just. I want you there, okay?" Maya clung to my arm harder.

"Promise me you won't leave early or go find a hiding spot in the woods like you always do."

Maya was too accustomed to me.  I always did my best to miss pack meetings when I could.  For my preference, there is too much strutting around and brawling.  But her current expression tightened my chest with worry.

"What's wrong, Maya?  You're being odd.".

"Nothing is happening.  I just need my brother to accompany me to the festival.  Her smile attempt was tense.  "This evening is going to be significant.  amazingly gigantic.".

Connor had arrived without knocking before I could question her on what she was saying.  As my Beta, he did this all the time, but today he was doing it differently.  He smiled too much, as usual.

"Hey, both of you.  You're discussing the festival?  As if he owned the mansion, Connor flopped into a chair.  

"I'm looking forward to it.  It will be. interesting."

I couldn't interpret the expression Maya bestowed upon him.  I was left out of the silent discussion they appeared to be having.  Left out, my wolf growled in agitation.

"Connor, any idea why Maya's being so weird about this?" I asked.

"I'm not being weird!"  Maya talked too loudly.  "I just have the impression that this year's festival will be special.  That's all.".

Taking a seat in his chair, Connor gazed at us both.  "Asher, I actually did have a question for you.  Who from the Silver Moon packs is attending the festival, do you know?

The question was a surprise.  Why should I know?  And why should you care?

"Just wondering.  I've heard that their Alpha of the future is here.  Connor's eyes assumed a strange look.  "Blackwood, Riley.  Ever see her?

The title made my stomach curdle at an odd angle.  Although I'd never known there was such a thing as a Blackwood wolf, my wolf began pacing agitatedly upon hearing the name spoken aloud.  As if he somehow recognized it.

"No, I never saw her before.  And I don't want to."  The lie was simple, but it seemed awkward.  "Why are you asking about enemy wolves?"

"You do know who your enemy is?  My dad was always saying that.  Connor's eyes never left his shrug.  "I'll bet she'll be searching for a husband at the festival."

Maya jumped up from her chair and made a strangled sound.  "I need to go.  Asher, I'll catch up with you later.  Remember my words about the festival.".

Before I could stop her, she had quickly left the room.  More bewildered than ever before, I stared after her.  While Maya had been odd the entire week, today was the worst.

Connor stated, "Your sister is concerned about something."

"Any idea what?"

"No, and it's killing me."  I sat down beside him.  "She always disappears throughout the day and comes back with an unknown smell.  like somewhere else."

Connor raised an eyebrow.  "Somewhere else like where?"

"I can't figure it out.  I don't know that smell.  I rubbed my forehead, feeling a headache coming on.  "Do you think she's in trouble?"

"Maya?  No, she is too smart for trouble.  Connor stooped over.  Talking about the festival, however, I think you should go.  And not just because your father issued the command.

"Why?"

"Because it's time you started thinking of finding a mate."  Connor's smile returned to its artificial appearance.  "You'll be Alpha someday.  You need a solid Luna by your side.".

I should have been thrilled at the prospect of finding a mate.  But lately, I've felt empty inside whenever anyone brings it up.  Like I was waiting for something particular that I couldn't identify.

"I'll meet my mate when the moon wants me to," I replied.  "I'm not going to rush things."

"What if the moon's already made the choice for you?" Connor's voice grew quiet.  "What if your mate is closer to you than you think?"

He'd spoken the words in a voice that sent shivers down my spine.  "What are you talking about?"

"Nothin'.  Talking to myself.  Connor jumped out of his chair.  "I should get going.  But, Asher?  Be careful at the festival.  Fate has a sense of humor that's wicked sometimes.".

Before I could even ask him what he meant, he also left.  People were speaking in code, it seemed, and I was left all alone in the kitchen.  Maya pleaded with me to go to the festival.  Connor had strange questions about Silver Moon wolves.

Maya texted me, and my phone buzzed.  "Never trust one person completely.  Not even ones that you feel like you know."

I gazed at the message until the letters became blurry.  What was my sister warning me about?  Why did it sound like a warning, and why?

I ran that day to relax.  I always thought better in the forest.  Even the heavily used paths seemed unusual today, though.  As if something was lurking in the darkness, staring at me.

I was where I usually am, looking out over Silver Moon land.  The strange scent was stronger today, but the mountains were just as they always were.  Wild and sweet, and it's calling me to my heart.

 I gave a soft howl before I even realized what I was doing.  Not angry or aggressive, just. lonely.  I had no idea why, but I had to hear that answering bark one more time.

The response came quicker than anticipated.  My wolf let out a howl of recognition.  The voice was closer today, but it was certainly the same voice as the other time.  As if the person had descended from the high mountains.

My heart began pounding.  I would get to see the Silver Moon Pack in person at the festival in five days.  Would I ever have the chance to figure out whose lovely, creepy voice that was?

I was excited and frightened at the idea.  If Dad found out that I desired one of the Blackwood wolves, he would kill me.  I was powerless to resist, however.

Dad was extremely positive at dinner that evening.  He was discussing the festival as if it were an opportunity to highlight the best of Red Canyon.  Maya just kept glancing at me apprehensively while she picked at her meal.

"The Silver Moon Pack thinks they're better than us," Dad said.  "But wait until they meet our young wolves.  Especially you, Asher.  You'll show them the face of a proper Alpha.

"What if I don't want to show off?"  I asked.  "What if I just want to attend the ceremony and then come back home?"

Dad's good humor disappeared.  "Boy, you'll maintain your responsibility to this pack.  That includes reminding everyone how powerful we are.

Maya shook her head a little and kicked me under the table.  I heeded the warning and said nothing.  But I couldn't ask any of the questions going through my mind.

I discovered Maya packing a small bag in her bedroom following dinner.  For a moment, she appeared much younger than twenty as she gazed up at me, her eyes filled with tears.

"Maya, let me know what is happening.  I am afraid of you."

"I'm not ready to tell you yet.  But it will all be different after the festival.  She brushed her tears off with the back of her hand.  "Just trust me, okay?"

"I always do."

"Even if I do something that's betrayal?"  I barely heard her voice because it was so low.

"Even if Dad never forgives me?"

My blood ran cold.  "Maya, what will you do?"

 She glanced at her backpack before turning and standing in front of me.  "I am going to put love before hate.

 even if it means ruining everything.".

Riley's POV

 Father whispered, "Stay close and keep quiet," as we made our way to the designated meeting spot.  "Victor Steele is coming, and I don't have any faith in him not attempting something."

Pack gatherings had taken place beneath the ancient oak tree since I was born.  Scars of furious wolves from generations past were carved on its enormous trunk.  I felt like walking into a trap today.

"Why are we meeting him in the first place?"  Even though I knew the response, I questioned nonetheless.  "The festival committee could have done the particulars without the Alphas."

Dad's rage, barely contained, was bunched up in his jaws.  "Because that snake wants to talk about the festival's 'security problems.'  He most likely intends to make some trouble and would want to test our mettle."

Even when I viewed the Red Canyon wolves, I was able to smell them.  My wolf snarled with automatic disdain at the odor of them.  I remembered everything that Dad had taught me concerning our foes.

As if he owned the tree itself, Victor Steele emerged from behind it.  He was dark-haired, tall, and had cold blue eyes that made me think of winter storms.  His son Asher would have been the shorter guy standing next to him.

My air tightened with tension.  Asher Steele was not the sworn enemy I had anticipated standing before me.  He was hesitant and had soft eyes, as if he didn't want to be here any more than I wanted him to be.

"Marcus," Victor said, his tone replete with false cordiality.

"How good to see that you haven't died yet."

"You won.  I notice you're still as ugly as ever."  

The tone in Dad's voice had been frosty.  

"Let's proceed.  What do you want?"

Like outlaws in an old western, the two Alphas faced each other across the open area.  

I could see waves of hatred rolling over them both.  

The air had become heavy and hard to draw into the lungs.

Victor said, "I want to talk about the plans for the festival."  "Specifically, how we're going to prevent our young wolves from doing something. stupid."

"My wolves are intelligent enough not to intermingle with Red Canyon trash."  Dad's fists were clenched.  "But I can't promise what happens if your wolves cause trouble."

Victor's smile was cutting.  "Oh, Marcus, I don't object to fighting.  There are other kinds of. mixing that worries me.

 My skin crawled at the way he spoke.  Asher squirmed uncomfortably next to him and turned his face away from Dad and me.  He didn't seem as displeased as I was with this interview.".

"What do you mean?"  Dad insisted.

 "Festivals are where young wolves learn things.  things about mates and bonding with wolves who are not appropriate.  Victor's eyes clashed with mine for an instant.

 "We both know what happens to wolves who mate outside their pack."

I had to grab Dad's arm so he couldn't attack when he stepped forward.  "Are you threatening my daughter?"

"I'm telling you facts.  Some attachments are just. unacceptable.  They must be dealt with straight away when they occur.  Victor's voice fell to a whisper and was lethal.  "Forever."

My blood rushed cold through my veins.  He was referring to the killing of wolves that mated with packs of enemies.  I grew sick to my stomach at how easily he spoke of it.

 I said to him, "You're referring to murder," before I could find another phrase to say.

For the first time, Victor's hard eyes turned to me with intense examination.  "Little girl, I'm speaking of holding the dignity of our bloodlines.  There are some things that don't have a price tag.

Dad yelled out, "Quiet, Riley."  But I could also sense that Victor's words did something to fluster him too.  "Victor, even you would not do that."

"Wouldn't I?" Victor's smile expanded.  "Marcus, I have insurance policies in place.  Plans for handling issues before they become disasters.

Dad's face went white.  "Insurance policies?"

"The kind that see traitors get the punishment they deserve.  the kind that maintains the power and honor of our packs."  Victor gave his son a quick glance.  "Asher has a lot of experience with loyalty, don't you, boy?"

Asher seemed on the verge of vomiting.  He continued to stare at the ground while shaking his hands.  It was apparent that he didn't agree with whatever his dad was saying.

Asher muttered, "I know some things matter more than old grudges."

Victor struck him with a backhand so vicious the sound rang off the trees.  Asher lurched but did not struggle.  Part of me wished I could rescue him because of the pure agony in his eyes.

 Victor growled. "You don't get it," Victor retorted.  "But you will.  You'll know exactly what happens to wolves who lose their status after the festival.".

Dad was becoming increasingly angry as he watched this exchange.  "Victor, what do you mean?"

 "Marcus, I'm looking ahead.  a future in which our packs are kept apart and untainted.  As if he had just tried to kill his own son, Victor readjusted his coat.  "I suggest you plan ahead."

 "I don't need to plan to take care of phony problems."

"Oh, but you do."  Victor's voice had turned silky smooth.  "Because I know that you've already been making arrangements for your own insurance.  With certainty. third parties."

Dad froze solid.  That expression on his face, as if he'd been caught doing something awful, was one I'd never seen before.  "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't you?  Those midnight sessions you've been attending?  The ones where you talk about ultimate solutions to time-worn issues?"  It sounded like shattered glass when Victor laughed.  "We're closer kin than you'd care to acknowledge, Marcus."

I felt sick to my stomach.  Was Dad secretly having a meeting with someone?  Ultimate solutions?  My wolf, sensing a danger that I couldn't, began to pace uneasily at the words.

"Victor, you're trying to fish.  I haven't made any deals.".

"Have you not?  If I tell you the deals I've made, you won't hate me."  Victor took a step forward towards Dad.

"The kind of deals that bring this feud to a final end once and for all."

Asher gazed up at what his father had stated.  I could detect genuine fear in his eyes, and his face went pale.  His own son was scared of whatever Victor was planning on doing.

"Both of you should stop," Asher stated.  "Nobody's safety is the aim here.  It's about keeping your own resentment going.".

"Silence!"  Victor let out a bellow.  "You'll have your place, or I'll teach you one the hard way."

Dad glared at Victor as if he'd never seen him in his life.  Actually, you've done it, haven't you?  You've made a deal with them.

"Made a deal with who?"  Both Alphas disregarded my protest.

Now Victor's smile was evil.  "Yes, I have made plans.  The kind that guarantees the Silver Moon Pack's total annihilation.

 "And I've made my own plans," Dad said quietly.  "The kind that guarantees Red Canyon is left in ashes."

As the two men looked each other up and down across the clearing, I knew that their conversation had shifted from pack war to something else.  They were discussing something far more grave.  Something that required assistance from the outside world.

I said, "Dad," tremblingly.  "What bargains are you discussing?"

But a scent drifted into the clearing before Dad could move.  Human scent, yet somehow wrong.  Destructive, cold, and metallic.

Victor smiled as though he'd anticipated it.  "Right on schedule."

They arrived men in military attire, their boots thudding through the scrub.  They marched like drill soldiers and carried silver swords.  The commander smiled in a manner that sent shivers through my flesh and his eyes were empty.

"Gentlemen," the head of them stated.  "I think we should discuss business."

Riley's Point of View

"Remember what I told you about those humans," Dad panted to me as we made our way to the stone circle. "Don't mention them to anyone. Not even our pack."

Three days had passed since the horrific encounter with Victor Steele's goons. Dad hadn't uttered a word since then aside from telling me to keep my mouth shut. The fear in his eyes had twisted my stomach.

"But Dad, the men were threatening. Shouldn't we warn the other packs?"

"The other packs have their own agendas." Dad's voice clipped with tension. "Tonight, you behave to bring honor to our pack. Nothing else matters."

The sacred stone ring lay in a glade between all of the pack lands, neutral territory blessed by the goddess of the moon herself. Old, giant stones thrust themselves up out of the earth like slumbering giants, their facades bearing carvings old beyond remembrance. This evening, they shone from within.

Dozens of packs of wolves had congregated, their howls merging into a low-level howl of anticipation. As it hung silvery in the sky above us, the Harvest Moon illuminated everything with its mystical light. For wolves without mating partners, this was the night of the year.

Wearing a silver dress that shimmered like a starry sky and a braid of blue ribbons through my hair, I proudly wore the colours of my family. I signalled the passing of a Blackwood with my stride. As I went by, members of the pack from friendly nations nodded politely.

"We have the Alpha of the future," someone whispered. "She looks just like her grandmother used to at that age."

The praise made me feel alert. My entire life had been leading up to this moment-to attend the great festival as a guest of my pack. I had finally arrived at this very evening after countless hours of studying pack law.

As a symbol of her heritage, Sarah stood by my side, dressed in green and yellow. She was so enthralled that she was about to jump up and down from her seat, her blonde ponytail adorned with a whole bouquet of wildflowers. My name is Riley. Do you really think we're here?"

As I looked around the mob, I said, "I can't believe that so many wolves turned out." "There must be hundreds of them."

"And half of them are unmated males looking for their ideal Luna." Giggles and a squeeze from Sarah on my arm. What if, this evening, we can both meet our soulmates? Then wouldn't that be fantastic?

I should have been ecstatic at the thought, but instead my stomach twisted into a knot. Is it possible that my partner isn't present? What if his pack was one that Dad disapproved of? Is he someone I simply cannot be with?

Upon entering the clearing, the Red Canyon Pack felt an immediate surge of tension. Under the moonlight, they also revealed their colours, which were a fiery mix of red and gold. With a stiff upper body and numb eyes, Victor Steele led the charge.

As I observed Asher walk hand in hand with his dad, I held my breath. Wearing his suit, he appeared uneasy, as if he preferred to be somewhere else. Even though he had combed his dark hair recently, his kind eyes darted restlessly from one spot to another.

"Is that him?" Sarah muted her voice. "Who will succeed him at Red Canyon? He doesn't resemble the image I had imagined.

In the depths of my soul, my wolf had gone silent, so I was unable to respond. Her wrathful expression made me cringe as she stared at Asher. No matter how much my senses begged me, I just couldn't turn my head.

Who is Riley? Hi, are you alright?" Sarah felt worried. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm well. The ceremony is making me nervous. Asher Steele saw me stand up, so did I. "Let's get seated."

Each pack was in its usual spot within the ring of boulders. At an extreme distance from Red Canyon, Silver Moon stood. Sharp as a razor, the tension ran between our packs.

COUNCIL OF WOLFNS

Aforementioned Proposition:

Shadows and Light by Jaci Burton.

Dad was among the rest of the Alphas standing in the middle of the circle. I was standing with the unmated pack, my heart pounding harder than it ought to. The old ritual was to be performed, and it seemed like the fate of my whole world hung by a thread over the edge of a cliff.

Mountain Ridge Pack elder Patricia conducted the ceremony forward. Her silver hair glowed in moonlight as she extended her arms for silence. "Children of the moon, we gather beneath the Harvest Moon to honor the goddess for provision of actual mates."

The audience held its collective breath. The wind held back, as though catching its breath. This was our most sacred time of the year, when the moon magic was strongest and authentic affinities could be revealed.

"Summon all unmated wolves," Elder Patricia instructed. "Open your hearts and the goddess will lead you to your mate."

My legs were as limp as a strip of water as I heaved to my feet. Every place around the circle that I could see, there were dozens of young wolves rising up from the same stance. The moonlight was growing thick and I could sense ancient magic flowing in the air.

Sarah held on to my hand hard. "Good luck," she said softly. "I hope you find someone fabulous."

I entered the circle with the other unmated wolves, my silver gown billowing around me like inky night sky. The power of the moon washed over me in waves, making my skin shiver and my wolf tense stiffly.

Down the circle, I saw Asher step forward too. He lingered behind in each movement of his body, but he went into the holy space. For an instant, our eyes crossed the expanse of wolves.

The world shifted.

Something in my chest pulled hard, as if a string of nothing connected me to him. My wolf stopped pacing and sat up, all his senses focusing on the young man standing before me. The feeling was awful and beautiful and completely wrong.

Aunt Patricia began to recite in the old language, words calling forth the goddess of the moon to bring real connections into being. The air magic strengthened, and I stepped in tandem.

Other wolves also changed, drawn by invisible strings to their destined partners. Happy yips rose up as couples reunited and their connections snapped into place. The beauty was infectious and beautiful.

But I had seen Asher Steele alone.

He was walking towards me as well, his face shielded by the same shock and recognition as mine. With each step, we were moving closer, and the pull within me was increasing. My wolf was singing with joy, but my mind was screaming with horror.

It was not possible to do it. The moon goddess would not be so cold. She wouldn't make my destined partner the son of my worst enemy.

I said, "No," but my legs kept moving. "This can't be."

Asher's lips moved in what looked like the same way of denying, but he kept walking towards me too. We were only a few feet away from each other when the space between us kept getting smaller and smaller.

The whole festival was quiet. Everyone was shocked and looked at us. It was funny to hear Dad gasp on the other end of the queue.

On the other hand, Asher extended his hand to mine while his eyes were wide and filled with shock and horror. "I am familiar with you," he said in a hushed tone. "You're the one who is calling me."

In response, I spoke in a tone that was barely audible above a whisper. "You're calling me," I expressed.

When our palms came into contact with one another, the mate bond that we shared shook like a bolt of lightning. My entire being was filled with vitality, and for the very first time in my life, I experienced a sense of completeness. Asher was my equal, my lifetime companion, and my perfect match.

Additionally, he was a Steele.

When the people in the pack discovered what was going on, the crowd responded by going absolutely insane. The voices of those who were angry screamed all around me, but I was unable to understand what they were saying. I could only think about the sensation of having Asher's hand in mine and how wonderful it was to be in his presence.

Then, like a knife, Dad's voice cut through the yelling that was going on.

"Kill them both."