The response was immediate and overwhelming. Howls of acceptance rose from every wolf present, The Nightshade members and allied pack visitors alike. The sound echoed through the forest, wild and joyous and binding. It was a declaration heard by every wolf within miles that The Nightshade Pack had chosen their Luna.
I felt tears streaming down my face. After so many years of being told I was worthless, of being treated as less than nothing, here were hundreds of wolves declaring their acceptance and loyalty.
"The pack has spoken," Thaddeus said with satisfaction. "But before we complete the mating bond, the Luna-to-be must make her vow to the pack. This is her promise, her commitment to those she will lead."
This was the moment Helena had prepared me for. I stepped forward, facing my pack, and took a deep breath.
