"Hey'" A pitcher of root beer thudded onto our table. "Glad things worked out for you."
I smiled at Daniel. "Thanks for your vote this morning."
"I never hold a grudge when a girl turns me down."
"I didn't exactly turn you down."
"Grab a seat," Connor offered.
"We're going to have to find you a mate," Kayla said to Daniel.
"Well, let's not go with the old draw-a-name-from a-hat technique. That didn't work out too well," he said, grinning.
I peered over at Connor. "Thought you said it was a bowl."
"Does it matter?" he asked, as he put his arm around me.
"No." I snuggled up against him, always amazed by how perfectly we fit together.
"So?" Lucas prodded. "Anyone up for a two-legged run in the moonlight?"
NINETEEN
The night sky was brilliant with so many stars that it was as though someone had casually tossed diamonds onto blackness. The full moon was bright and appeared to be close enough to kiss the earth. As I knelt on the dew-covered grass, I couldn't see a single cloud. Taking a deep breath, I could smell the wildflowers that coated the ground. Nearby the trees rustled in the breeze while I waited.
I was in a place that Shifters simply referred to as the waterfall. It was possibly the most romantic place within the national forest. I could hear the nearby water rushing over the cliffs and crashing into the pool below. Behind the curtain of water was a cavern where we stored essentials for those rare times when someone needed a sanctuary. But most of all, the males brought their mates here for their first shifting. Afterward they'd go to the cave to spend their first night together.
But before tonight, Connor and I had already slept curled around each other. We'd awoken several mornings in each other's arms.
What we were doing tonight was more symbolic. Connor wanted to share a ritual with me that neither of us had experienced before. And while it wouldn't be exactly what every other Shifter couple went through, what he'd planned seemed perfect for us.
I watched as the moon rose higher in the night sky. Moonlight washed over me. I tingled, but it wasn't the moon's work that caused the pleasant sensations. It was simply the result of me awaiting the arrival of my true mate.
When the moon reached its zenith, I lowered my gaze to the trees that lined the perimeter of the clearing. The brownish golden wolf waited at its edge. The moonlight glistened over his fur as he stepped out.
He was powerful and magnificent as he prowled toward me, his eyes holding mine. In Connor's eyes, I saw all the love he held for me.
When he stopped before me, I buried my fingers in his fur and pressed him against me. I hoped he heard the pounding of my heart and understood that his nearness made it beat faster. That when I was with him, I always felt as though I was running, always experienced the heady rush of an amazing workout.
He licked my chin and I laughed.
Reaching over I picked up the black cloak that the guy usually wore while he helped his mate welcome her first transformation. I draped it over the wolf, and in the blink of an eye, the wolf had retreated and Connor was kneeling before me.
For most Shifters the bonding happened when human became wolf. For us, it happened when we were both in human form. Like my ancestors, we'd taken the human route toward finding a mate: We'd fallen in love.
"I'd once told Lindsey that I thought Shifters were the most beautiful when they were in wolf form. I think she thought I was crazy. She said that for her there was no difference. I didn't understand." I touched his cheek. "I've always thought you were gorgeous in wolf form, but now I prefer you like this."
Turning his head, he kissed my palm. "I'll only revert to wolf when I have to—to protect the pack."
"Do you think there will still be dangers? Mason is gone. I heard Bio-Chrome has no more funding. Investors probably realized the research was too dangerous after what happened to Mason and Dr. Keane. Surely we'll be safe now."
"There are always dangers for us, Brittany. Dark Guardians will always be needed."
As he brought me to my feet, I didn't want to think about the enemies who might rise up against us or the threats they would bring.
"I don't resent that you can shift, Connor. You can be a wolf anytime you want. I'll still love you."
He flashed a grin just before he kissed me. His lips were warm and tender as he drew me close.
I liked to think as the moon watched us that it approved.