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As Ryan turned the corner, he disappeared from view until the entire group made its way to the edge of the sand. She understood the design and layout of the pit now.
But as she came into full view, there was Grant in the very center of the sandpit, standing with his side to their part of the small arena. His gaze moved over the crowd in the seats which began twenty feet above the pit.
Her cheeks became instantly flushed because all he wore was a dark leather loin cloth. His bare hips and thighs showed every sinewy muscle. His thick braid hung to his waist. He stood upright, shoulders well back, and looked more like a warrior than ever before.
As Ryan drew the team to a halt, she understood what Grant was doing. He made it a point to meet the gaze of every wolf now seated in the arena. Slowly, he lifted his arms.
When they were upright, he threw his head back and howled. Fur appeared on different parts of his body.
The pack returned his greeting.
When he ceased, the pack ceased. He dropped his arms only to begin slowly lifting them again. Once more, with his fingers pointing toward the ceiling, he howled.
The wolves responded, louder than before.
Again, he dropped his arms to his sides. He repeated the sequence and howled once more. The wolves joined him. Only this time, he didn’t stop. The wolves got louder and louder.
She was in awe and completely overcome. She wished the wolves of her team couldn’t see her. She felt exposed by how much she was feeling. She realized each was trembling, including Ryan, at having to restrain themselves when their pack was howling as one.
Her iridescent wolf leaped up and down and also trembled for holding back her howls.
The din shook the rafters and her wolf within, now part of her spirit, loved every second of it.
Slowly, Grant stopped and pivoted so that his back was to her. His gaze became fixed to the entrance above, at the north side of the spectator gallery. All the wolves fell silent and turned as one to stare at the same location.
Shifting her focus as well, Natalie understood instantly what was happening.
The monster of the hour drew near.
Though Kryder hadn’t yet appeared in the doorway, he wasn’t far away, maybe a few dozen yards.
She forced her heart to settle down. She sought out the most resilient part of herself knowing she would need to remain as calm as possible during the next few minutes. She couldn’t panic or let fear overtake her.
Because of her connection to Grant, as well as her own growing wolfness, she could feel how the pack had become almost a single organism.
Silence fell on the sandpit arena. She felt as though time stopped as together, they awaited the arrival of their alpha.
Her wolf sat in front of her, on her haunches, ears perked up and listening. Natalie could hear the measured thump of booted feet, like several men marching in formation. They probably were. Kryder wouldn’t have arrived alone.
As the alpha appeared, several wolves near the entrance gasped. Natalie soon saw the cause. Kryder wore a bizarre costume including a tall feathered headdress and a massive embroidered cape. The feathers were light blue, silver and red which matched the intricate patterns on the navy velvet cloak.
Natalie shifted her gaze to the gallery. Each pack member bowed his or her head as Kryder passed by. The submission was complete and thorough from one wolf to the next.
Her iridescent wolf whimpered quietly.
New awareness arrived, and she contacted Grant. He’s using a charisma spell to enhance the pack bond, isn’t he?
You’re right. Thank you. I was feeling it as well, the need to bow to him.
Do pack wolves always bow to their alphas?
No. A nod of deference, yes. But this kind of response, no.
Natalie worked not to panic. Can you resist him, resist the spell?
I don’t know.
We can always drop the net first thing.
