“For Christ's sake, Aden. Tell me what you know.”
“Nothing really… Only that you can shift and move as a spirit.”
“So I can't be contained at all?”
“I don't know for sure, but not in the conventional sense.”
“What about holy grounds? Could they keep me under control?”
“It's possible. That holy cross ceremony definitely changed you somehow. We need to find someone who knows about this stuff. We're running blind here Maddy and we need help.”
“You know, I've just had a thought. I asked one of you how to stop all the horror, that first night, and I was given the way to lift the curse. Maybe I should ask for a solution to my own problem? One of you might be able to tell me?”
“It's worth a try. Nothing to be lost by trying. We may as well stay right here and try whatever we can.”
“As long as you're with me.”
“You know I will be, if it's within my control. Now then sweetheart, there's something we need to do. Follow me... ”
She took his offered hand and he led her into the kitchen. The entire pack was waiting and smiling at her. She stared with surprise. Her hands started to shake and he squeezed one of them tightly. She looked at the table in concern, at the silver tray, the towel, and the knife.
“What's this all about?” she asked with tears in her eyes. Suddenly she couldn't take anymore. No more worry, stress, or mating pain, or anything harsh and difficult to bear. Her head and heart were full, and she was about to give up and go completely stark staring and raving mad.
“This is our official mating ceremony. Close your eyes and hold out your hand, towards Shane,” he commanded, holding her to him tightly.
She did as instructed, holding her breath.
“Blood and blood, life and life,” Shane's voice rang out loudly.
Tears flowed freely as the knife sliced across her palm with a heated sharp pain, and a moment later she felt Aden's bloodied, sticky skin against hers.
“We're mated, officially. It's done now sweetheart,” Aden whispered in her ear. He gave her a big wet kiss on her mouth and she opened her teary eyes at last. He wiped her hand and slipped a ring on her finger. It was much too big and she laughed through her tears.
“This is just a temporary ring. You'll have the biggest rock I can find you soon,” he promised, hugging her tightly and kissing her like a man possessed. A resounding cheer echoed around the room. She came up for air, a little embarrassed, totally breathless, and so happy at that moment that her heart was threatening to explode.
“Aden, no, you don't have to buy me anything else. This is fine,” she replied, looking at it joyfully.
“That's Sammy's mother's ring, I'm afraid, and Sammy wants it back,” he explained with a smile.
“Shane, you wanted to say something, I believe?” Aden asked, turning towards him.
“Oh, err... yeah. I did, didn't I?” he replied, looking uncomfortable. He pulled Sammy to his side.
Maddy had the distinct impression there might be another bloody handed session coming up.
But no, how wrong she was!
“Sammy and I are having a baby!” he announced, his cheeks a bright shade of pink.
“Really? That's so wonderful,” she gushed, truly delighted. They all hugged and kissed and shed a tear or two. Rays of light like this made life worthwhile. Her heart spilled over with love for her new family. She was mated and married, in a wolf-sense anyway, to the most wonderful man ever, and now she was going to be an auntie, well, kind of.
It was dusk. They all began to transform as she waited, seated on the sofa, looking on anxiously. They were awash with ugly faces, full of bared teeth, sprouting hair and evil eyes. She glanced at them all in turn and then back to Verity, her white nose glimmering in the gloomy light of the reception room. Maddy approached her, waiting for the completion. She'd helped before. There was no reason why she couldn't again.
“How do I end my madness, return to how I was at my first full moon?”
“When holy earth is above the brow, an inner peace it will allow. Three grave days await thy rest, still and silent, to be blessed,” her strange and guttural human voice replied.
Maddy's mind spun in horror. Her first impression was it sounded like she had to lie in a grave, buried underground, for three whole days. And a whole month away, at the next Moon's cycle?
“How can I do this? Is there someone who can help me, another way perhaps?” She appealed, desperately.
“She who knows, at the nest of the crows. Holy and kind, the unholy in mind,” Verity replied cryptically.
“What? I don't understand?” Maddy implored. But Verity was no longer communicating with her. Her eyes took on a blank, evil look and to her horror they all started behaving very ferociously, snarling, and swarming around her, looking as if they were about to eat her alive. It was just like the first night, all over again. Their curse wasn't gone at all. Not permanently it would seem. She reacted quickly, telling them to sit still and watch her quietly until dawn. Her own curse overtook her once more. She prayed for all her worth and tried to think good and loving thoughts until her mind faded and she remembered nothing.