Chasing His Scentless Mate Chapter 189 Joining the Pack 2

Caroline’s POV

When evening ca, Eleanor brought back to get ready.

"It’s ti,"she said excitedly."Everyone’s waiting outside, and Draven’s pacing around like crazy waiting for you."

I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror one last ti. "Then let’s not keep him waiting any longer."

The Storm Valley amphitheater was amazing. It was built into a natural dip in the forest, with stone seats around a circular stage lit by torches. The full moon was bright overhead, making everything look silvery.

Hundreds of wolves had gathered, their energy palpable as I waited in the shadows with Eleanor and my parents. Liam stood with Draven at the edge of the stage, looking adorable in his ceremonial outfit that matched his father’s.

"It’s ti," my father said, squeezing my hand gently. "Your mother and I... we’re proud of you, Caroline."

Tears pricked my eyes. "Even though I’m joining another pack?"

My father sighed. "We should have done better by you in Blood Moon. Perhaps this is where you were always ant to be."

Before I could respond, drums began to beat, signaling the start of the ceremony. Eleanor gave a quick hug.

I walked forward alone, erging from the shadows into the torchlight. A hush fell over the crowd as I made my way to the center of the amphitheater. Standing there under the moon’s glow, I felt hundreds of eyes upon , so curious, so skeptical, so welcoming.

Draven stepped forward, resplendent in ceremonial attire that emphasized his status as Alpha. His violet eyes locked with mine, filled with such love and pride that it made my heart race.

"Caroline Bennett," he called, his voice carrying across the silent amphitheater, "you stand before the Storm Valley Pack and our honored guests seeking mbership in our ranks. Why do you wish to join us?"

The formal question was part of the ritual, but I answered from my heart.

"I co seeking a ho where strength is valued over scent, where character matters more than convention," I replied, my voice steady despite my nerves. "I bring my loyalty, my skills, and my commitnt to serve the pack in all ways possible."

A murmur rippled through the audience. This was not the traditional response, which simply pledged obedience. But I was not a traditional wolf, and Draven’s slight smile told he approved.

"And what do you offer Storm Valley that we do not already possess?" Draven continued with the ritual questioning.

"I offer fresh eyes to see old problems, courage to face uncomfortable truths, and determination to protect what matters," I said.

At this, Liam stepped forward, holding Draven’s hand. The sight of them together, who were both my loves, nearly broke my composure.

Draven nodded solemnly. "Caroline Bennett, Storm Valley accepts your petition. Kneel before your Alpha."

I knelt on the stone platform, head bowed. Draven placed his hands on my shoulders, his touch warm and reassuring.

"Do you, Caroline Bennett, pledge your allegiance to Storm Valley Pack? Do you swear to uphold our laws, defend our territory, and honor our traditions? Do you bind your fate to ours, in tis of plenty and tis of need, until death releases you from this vow?"

"I do so pledge," I answered firmly.

"And do you acknowledge , Draven Thorne, as your Alpha, to respect my authority and heed my commands for the good of the pack?"

"I acknowledge you as my Alpha," I said.

"Then by the power vested in , and with the blessing of the Moon Goddess.I,Alpha Draven of the Storm Valley Pack, accept you, Caroline Bennett,as a mber of my Pack." He helped to my feet, then turned to address the gathered wolves. "Brothers and sisters, welco Caroline Bennett and Liam Bennett as the newest mbers of our pack!"

Cheers erupted from the Storm Valley wolves, while the visitors applauded politely. Draven raised his hand for silence.

"As is our tradition, we seal this bond with a pack run beneath the moon’s light." He turned to . "Caroline, call forth your wolf."

This was the mont of truth. As a scentless wolf, my shifting had always been a private thing, sothing I did away from judging eyes. Now, I would transform before hundreds of witnesses.

I closed my eyes, reaching for Rory. My wolf responded eagerly, surging forward with joy. The familiar sensation of change washed over —bones reshaping, muscles stretching, skin giving way to fur.

When I opened my eyes, I stood on four paws, my silver-gray coat gleaming in the moonlight. Around , gasps and whispers rose from the crowd. I knew what they saw—a wolf as beautiful as any, despite lacking a scent.

Draven shifted beside , his massive black wolf form towering over mine. Alaric’s violet eyes glead with pride as he touched his nose to mine in the traditional greeting between pack mates.

For the first ti, I felt it as the pack bond snapped into place like a puzzle piece finding its ho.

Suddenly, my mind was filled with whispers, the ntal voices of my new pack mbers welcoming . And strongest of all was Draven’s voice, his mind finally connected directly to mine.

"You’re magnificent, my love," he said through our newly ford bond. "And now, everyone knows it."

Liam clapped his hands in delight, too young yet to shift but clearly thrilled to see his parents in wolf form. Ryan, already shifted into his russet wolf, ca forward to watch over him while the adults ran.

Draven lifted his head and let out a howl that echoed through the amphitheater—the signal to begin the pack run. All around us, wolves shifted in a cascade of magic, until the amphitheater was filled with furry bodies of all colors and sizes.

Draven took the lead, with running proudly at his side as we led the pack into the forest. Behind us ca hundreds of wolves, their paws drumming against the earth in a thunderous rhythm.

Running through the moonlit forest with my mate beside and my new pack surrounding , I felt a sense of belonging I’d never known before. No longer an outsider, no longer alone. For the first ti in my life, I was truly ho.

"Caroline, my mate,"Draven’s voice caressed my mind. "I hope we can be together forever."

I replied with a joyful howl that rose to et the moon, carrying with it all my happiness, all my hopes, all my love for the wolf running beside and the future we would build together.