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As the last notes fade, Thale retakes his seat beside me. I squeeze his hand in silent praise, pride for my steady mate swelling within me. He played no small part in bringing us to this peace.
On my other side, Everett rises solemnly. His features are etched with quiet purpose. The gathering stills in anticipation of his words.
"Thank you, brother, for that moving tribute." Everett's deep voice rumbles across the glade. "Now, as Thale said, we celebrate life even as we honor death."
His stern gaze sweeps the crowd. "Tonight, we toast our bonds of fellowship. Tomorrow, the real work begins. There are wounds yet to bind, homes to rebuild, trust to regain."
A few nods of agreement answer him. Everett massive shoulders straighten, confidence radiating from him. "But we won't fall again. Our packs persevered through incredible threats and multiple enemies. The future can only be brighter."
The answering cheer is deafening. Adar raises his hands, howling to get attention. "Enough emotional speeches and bullshit. Tonight, we need to celebrate as only wolves can! Let the party begin!"
Among enthusiastic shouts and howls, the music strikes up to a fever pitch. The tables are soon covered with venison, fowl and fish from the pack's hunters. My mouth waters at the mouthwatering spread.
For a while, conversation stops as we indulge. The rich smokey flavors burst over my tongue, perfectly complemented by the hearty bread and sharp cheese. My nerves thrum with pleasure at the simple joy of sharing a good meal with my pack mates.
Too soon, my mates begin nudging each other, their gazes turning expectantly my way. I realize what they are waiting for. What we rehearsed earlier, though I hoped it would be forgotten in the festivities.
Everett's deep voice rumbles encouragingly in my ear. "It's time, sweetness. Go on now."
I shoot him a half-hearted glare, knowing I can't refuse. With a defeated sigh, I rise, clearing my suddenly dry throat. Gradually the lively conversations around us taper off.
"Um, hello everyone," I begin awkwardly, acutely aware of all eyes turning my way. I resist the urge to duck behind Thale's broad shoulder and hide.
"I want to thank you all again for being here tonight, celebrating together. It means the world to me—to all of us." I force myself to meet the gazes of the wolves closest to me, heartened by the warmth and encouragement I find there.
Taking a deep breath, I continue more steadily, "I know Everett and Thale have already said most of this, but I just want to emphasize—none of this would have been possible without you. Without every wolf from every pack standing shoulder to shoulder when it mattered most. You all showed such incredible courage."
My voice shakes slightly with emotion. I still can hardly believe I stand here among heroes. These wolves fought and sacrificed to protect their packs and families, prevailing against impossible odds. Humbling does not begin to describe it.
"So thank you," I tell them sincerely. "Thank you for fighting with us. For believing in me when I needed it most. Your faith gave me strength."
I have to pause and blink back the tears welling in my eyes. Everett's steadying hand engulfs mine, bolstering me. When I continue, my voice resonates with conviction.
"Tomorrow, we start building a better future, together. It won't always be easy. But united, we can accomplish anything."
I raise my glass high. "To the Destiny Packs!"
Amidst enthusiastic shouts and applause, we drink to our newfound unity. The feasting resumes, but I sense a shift in mood. There's purpose in the packs now as they think about the future.
Gradually, as the moon climbs high overhead, the gathering begins to disperse. Representatives depart in small groups to begin the trek back to their own lands or to stay with a member of the Mountain Pack who's welcomed them in.
More than a few stop to clasp my hand or shoulder on their way out, echoing their alpha's parting words.
"Well done, Rina."
"Lead us to brighter days."
"The packs owe you for all you've done."
I can only smile and nod, their faith warming me. It's a balm to the wounds of being rejected and cast out. I've come so far that I can hardly believe it.
Soon only our inner circle remains. Lucian draws me close, pride gleaming in his wintry gaze. "You did wonderfully, darling. They already see you as a hero." Mischievous delight sparks through our bond. "Imagine what they'll say when they find out that the way we got Sybil to come for Teller is by bottling one of your farts. There's nothing like omega farts, you know."
"That is the stupidest joke I've ever heard," Adar complains. "Very, very stupid."
Laughing at the god's childishness, I lean up to kiss Lucian soundly, conveying without words my overflowing love for this exasperating, wonderful man.
Still chuckling, Lucian sweeps me into a dance around the nearly deserted clearing. The musicians play a werewolf dancing song that has me breathless and grinning. Dancing under the stars with my beloved mate, the rest of the world fades away.
