Page 7 of Fated Despite the Moon

Caleb was a mountain man if she'd ever seen one. Tall and broad shouldered like his father, he had his mother's dark hair and eyes, and a scruffy beard befitting a man who lived in Wolf River, Idaho. She had to admit the shaggy hair and scruff held its appeal. As did his tapered waist, and the mild bad-boy edge giving off the distinct, “not interested” vibe. Even so she preferred her men in expensive suits and fast cars. Not flannels and trucks. She’d learned this lesson from her dear Baby Daddy.

Makayla fidgeted as Jeremiah led them to a small area set up near the fireplace, with a table adorned with a deep blue tablecloth. On it rested dark wooden box, a red cord, and a cup with something in it.

"We gather today in the sight of wolves and God to bond Makayla Marie Devamar to Caleb Jonas Reed. Blood to blood, body to body, and heart to heart. Together they bind their blood and their lives from this day forward until they do part this mortal coil and return to the Earth from which they were formed."

Jeremiah turned to Mary, Caleb's mom, and she opened the wooden box, producing a large, ornately carved silver knife.

"Whoa! What the hell is that?" Makayla asked.

Jeremiah's solemn gaze fell upon her. "The Blood. The Moon. The Bite. This is the first part of the binding. Blood to blood.” He handed the knife to Caleb. Caleb pressed the blade into his palm and a small pool gathered there.

Makayla's stomach roiled, and her skin broke out in a cold sweat. She plucked at her blouse and took a deep breath. "I didn't realize anyone still did this part."

"Here in Wolf River we keep to all the Blood Born traditions. It's our heritage. It's who we are."

Caleb held the knife out to her but she shook her head.

"Here," said Mary. "Let me help you."

Makayla stared at the knife trying to keep on her feet. Mary took it from Caleb and lifted Makayla's hand. Makayla fought against the urge to scream, watching the process as if a spectator. Mary pressed the sharp point of the knife into Makayla's palm and blood welled in the center. Her sight blurred and her mouth dried completely.

Mary handed the knife to Jeremiah and picked up a red ribbon. Caleb placed his palm on Makayla's. Mary wrapped the ribbon around both their hands. And tied it on top.

"Blood to blood you are now united," said Jeremiah. "If any soul should want to divide this union, they must do so with blood." He pressed their tied hands between his then nodded. "It is so."

"It is so," repeated Mary.

"It is so," said Caleb.

"It is so." Makayla barely got out the whisper before her knees gave way and everything went black.

* * *

Caleb caughtMakayla around her waist before she hit the floor. Jeremiah chuckled and shook his head.

"That girl is nothing but trouble," he said. "I should have told her mother no."

Caleb's mother felt Makayla's forehead with the back of her hand. "She's broken out in a cold sweat. We should lay her on the couch. Jeremiah, get the girl a glass of water."

Caleb locked gazes with his dad who rolled his eyes. His mom unbound their hands, and Caleb picked up Makayla and laid her on the couch. Her beautiful face grew waxen and paler than before. He’d known she would most likely not be too keen on the idea of mating him, but he’d not expected her to be so resistant that she’d faint.

His mom covered her with a blanket and slipped off her shoes. "Give her time Caleb. She has been through quite an ordeal. This can't be easy for her. A girl used to living in the city comes here to be married the first day? It's a lot to take in."

"Is the baby okay?"

Mary smiled and squeezed his arm. "Listen. You can hear its heartbeat, strong and proud."

Caleb focused on Makayla, and the whooshing sound of a rapid heartbeat just below hers made him smile.

"She doesn't even show yet," he said.

"It happens sometimes. We’ll take her to see Doc next week after she's settled a bit."

His mom linked arms with him, resting her head on his shoulder. They stood in silence for a minute both watching the rise and fall of Makayla's chest.

"Be patient with her. She'll come around."

He nodded and stared at Makayla. He got the feeling he was going to need lots of patience.

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