“So,” says Jackson, “are thereanyother family secrets me and my darling boyfriends need to be aware of?” Christopher, Annabella and Shadi shake their heads. “Marvelous! Hakeem and I will join Janice and company in the living room. Eddie, you go get ready for the run. I have a feeling theexcitement for the night isn’t over just yet.”
Eddie looks down to Hakeem, “Will you be okay, sweety? I know it was a lot to take in.”
Hakeem pulls him in for a kiss, smiling against Eddie’s lips, “A lot of information, yes. But nothing blatantly negative. I will be fine, I have Jackson with me and my family if any more feelings bubble up. You go for the run, ya hubiy.” Shadi raises an eyebrow at the nickname but chooses to say nothing.
* * *
Jackson and Hakeem join the rest of the group as the LaLune siblings and Christopher change into their enchanted running clothes. The group enjoys coffee, tea and fruit in front of wide double glass doors that overlook the back of the manor. They can see the start of the run from their spot indoors, out of the way from the wolf pack’s running path. When asked why Meghan doesn’t shift and join them, she simply replies with a preference to drinks and snacks. h simply replies with a preference to drinks and snacks.
The group shares a laugh of agreement, though Bahera and Janice exchange knowing glances when Meghan places a tentative hand over her belly, a bashful smile across her freckled face.
Perhaps news for a later date?
Jackson holds Hakeem’s hand in his, “You sure you’re okay, hunny bun?”
Hakeem rests his head on Jackson’s shoulder, a soft smile across his face. “I am, promise. Just a lot on my mind. In the end, I am happy it was fated for us to meet. I can’t imagine life without you or Eddie. I wish so much hurt didn’t have to happen for us to come together.”
Jackson kisses his head of soft curls, “I know. All we can do now is work towards a future together.”
Hakeem sighs and nuzzles in closer, liking the sound of that. “Together.”
* **
Back in the Winter realm, deep in Castle Nocturne, Lady Eloise stares out a large window at the full moon. Her book sits open in her lap, sharp nails tapping on the page. Her expression remains neutral, her brows furrowed in thought. “I hope you boys are ready. I could only say so much. As bright as your futures are, you know the old saying.” Her eyes dart to the page bathed in moonlight.
“Forged under the full moon’s light.
From mortal flesh and beastly blight.
Let silvered chains tether beast to man,
for without the other one cannot be.
Till peace be made within,
The Lycan will never be free.”
“The first shift is always the hardest.”
* * *
The Seung-LaLune siblings stretch and warm up as the clouds begin to clear, letting the full moon come into view unobscured. The air around them buzzes with mana. The magic coursing through their veins pulses, the beasts residing in their souls tremble with anticipation, longing to be let free.
Christopher LaLune joins his children, all in similar running gear. Sweatpants and short sleeve compression shirts. “How’s everybody feeling?” He asks whilst doing his own stretches. His children voice their excitement, their busy lives often leave little time to let their wolves run free. “Eddie, how are you feeling?”
Eddie smiles at his father, his ocean blue eyes slightly aglow, “I feelincredible. I think you were right, Appa. After all these years, this might be my first shift.”
“Just remember to take it easy, the first time is always the hardest. I know the magic inside us makes us feel invincible during the full moon, but remember your limits.”
Eddie chuckles and only rolls his eyes a little, “Yeah, Appa, I know. I’m just excited.”
Eddie’s sibling’s crowd him, patting his back, messing his hair in loving jest. They are all excited for Eddie to share a run with them as a wolf.
One by one, his siblings let the shifter magic take its course, allowing them to change. Clothing turns to fur, human limbs turn to strong paws and claws. A trinity of howls erupt towards the full moon, now shining clearly in the sky.
His siblings are various shades of black and brown, all three sit patiently on their hind legs as they await for Eddie and their father to change. Christopher changes next, his body enlarging, limbs lengthening. His hands turn to sharp black claws, his mouth grows into a maw filled with razor sharp teeth. He towers over his children on two mighty hind legs, his body coated in dark brown fur. Two piercing eyes of ocean blue glow in their sockets as a mighty howl shakes the air around LaLune manor.
The group inside looks out towards the back of the manor in awe as Christopher’s werewolf form demands attention.
