Page 27 of Fated to the Rogue

She exchanged looks with her mate before nodding excitedly. “Yeah. I’m already in love with this place.”

“Glad to hear. Let’s not waste any more time then.” I pointed towards the entrance with my head, taking the lead as they all followed behind me.

The Elder was standing behind the pedestal in the center of the room, a silver goblet placed over it. We bowed our heads at the older man, who gave us a curt nod.

“Shall we begin, Alpha Zephyr?”

I glanced at Malin, almost as if to get permission before asking for Amaya’s hand. She took a deep breath before allowing me to lead her closer to the pedestal. Laelius pulled out the same silver dagger he had used at our Power Transfer Ceremony and handed it to me.

“Amaya Kimbel, former member of Dune Drifters Pack,” the Elder addressed her. “Will you break all of your ties with your previous home, swearing your loyalty to Wind Howlers and its Alpha, Zephyr Wyndham?”

“I will,” the girl answered promptly.

“Do you swear to exercise your duties as Beta Female to the best of your abilities, offering your heart and your soul to our pack?”

“I do.”

“Then by blood you shall be bonded to Wind Howlers.” He waved his hand in my direction, gesturing for me to go on.

I held the dagger firmly in my hands as I turned to face Amaya. Without hesitation, I dragged the blade over my skin, opening a thin cut on my palm. I then turned to my best friend’smate, taking her hand in mine to repeat the process with her. As gentle as I tried to be, she still winced when the silver burned her skin. A low growl from Malin let me know he wasn’t pleased about his mate’s pain, but he knew it had to be done.

Once we were both bleeding, I pressed my palm against Amaya’s. With our hands locked over the goblet, I watched the shades of ruby mix as our blood dripped into the recipient. By the time our wounds healed, the goblet was half full. As soon as I let go of her hand, she wrapped her finger around the goblet’s thin stem. Since Malin had probably explained the ritual to her previously, she knew to carry it outside as the Elder and I followed her.

With another deep breath, Amaya quickly waved her arm, tossing the mixture of our blood in the air. A surprised gasp escaped her lips as she watched the red liquid turn into shiny particles that were carried by the wind. The next second, she started looking around as if she had seen - or heard - a ghost.

“What was that?” she asked with shock.

“The wind called your name, didn’t it?” I chuckled. “Welcome to Wind Howlers, Beta Female Amaya.”

She barely had time to understand what had happened when her mate threw his arms around her. “Welcome to my home, my shining star.”

I couldn’t help the smile on my face as I watched the two of them. With the ritual complete, I was about to remind them of our meeting when Laelius touched my shoulder.

“Alpha Zephyr. While you were away, I continued to research your peculiar situation. I believe you would like to hear the information I have gathered.” His voice was low, but it was obvious everyone had still heard him as they turned to me with expectant looks.

My heart skipped a beat at the unexpected news; I had been itching to learn more about why Dawn and I had been pairedtogether. I only took a second to think before I turned to my friends.

“Malin. Zach. Wait for me here. I’ll be right back,” I commanded before heading back into the chapel with the older man.

“Please, Elder Laelius, what did you find?” I didn’t bother hiding my anxiety. My stomach turned with nervousness waiting for him to explain.

He slowly walked behind his desk in the corner before answering me. “As I told you before, there have been reports about werewolves with switched counterparts.” He pulled out a book from one of the drawers, flipping through its pages. “Despite none of them being recent, I might have found someone who could shine a light into the situation.”

“Who?” I took a step forward.

“Upon contacting the National Elder Council, I learned that they work with an experienced 400-year-old witch, who has apparently performed one of these wolf-switching rituals.” I opened my mouth to ask yet another question, but he was faster. “They have reached out to her, and she has agreed to come to Wind Howlers in three days to evaluate your case.”

My eyes widened with relief, and I was momentarily speechless before I could form words again. “Thank you, Elder Laelius.” He nodded at me. I lowered my head in respect before excusing myself.

“Do you think she can separate us?” Dawn asked quietly as I walked towards the exit.

“I hope so,” I replied without thinking. My she-wolf stiffened, and so did I as a weird feeling washed over me.

Did I really want to get rid of her when we were just starting to get along?

I shook my head. Of course I did, and she did too. Right?

“How did it go?” Malin pulled me from my thoughts, making me realize I was already standing outside. I also noticed his mate wasn’t there anymore, and neither was my Delta.

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