"Put them down gently," I begged Adam and Nate, as we reached the refreshment table in Milo's backyard late that night.

Adam set his cake down. "Stop beating yourself up."

"I can't believe a dropped a cake. I've never dropped a cake," I lamented.

"It's alright, Elise. You passed out. You can't blame yourself."

I groaned. "But all that work wasted."

Adam took my shoulders tenderly. "You couldn't help it. Now go sit down. We'll bring the rest of the cakes out."

Nate nodded his agreement. "Elise. You have overworked yourself today with that sting. Please rest for a minute before the ceremony starts."

"Sure," I said noncommittally, eyeing the patio furniture.

Adam narrowed his eyes accusingly, but before he could say anything Nate grabbed his arm and led him back to the car for the other cakes.

My eyes wandered to the large group of people in Milo's backyard. Men, women, and even some older children. It must not have been everyone from that scary parade welcome, but I supposed at least a few had to stay back with the younger children.

A few strong coughs escaped me, and I turned around quickly when a few eyes cast my way. Busying myself with opening the cake boxes and arranging them around the table, I was not as inconspicuous as I hoped I would be.

"Well, hello there," came a deep provocative voice to my side.

My head turned his way. He was an early twenties wolfman with exceptionally wide muscles flaunted in a tight sleeveless shirt. Average height for a male wolf, buzz cut hair, and broad flirtatious grin.

"Hello," I greeted, still adjusting cake plates.

"I'm Alpha Shawn," he placed a hand out to shake.

"Nice to meet you," I said with a polite smile, but didn't reach to shake.

He leaned back against the table, chest puffing out. "What's a sweet little thing like you doing all the way over here? Don't you want to enjoy the party?"

I smirked up at him them. Okay, so he was one of those kinds of party guests. I'd known plenty of diner patrons like his type. Here I wasn't earning a tip though. "Not interested Mr. Shawn but thank you. You can find another blonde to mate with."

"Hey now," he stood from the table and grabbed my hand in his. "Don't be like that Babe. Maybe we should bail on the ceremony. You know," he side eyed me, "I've heard once you get a taste of an alpha, you don't want anything else."

"Ew." I pulled my hand back and laughed. "No thanks, Dude. Tried an alpha, went with beta."

"Alpha Shawn," Nate's voice called out.

We both turned his way, coming up the lane balancing two more cakes.

"Alpha Nate," Shawn greeted. "Hey! What's up man?"

Nate smirked. "I'd suggest you not lay hands on my beta female."

Alpha Shawn's whole demeanor changed, instantly plummeting into dread. He swore loudly. "This is Milo's kid?" He turned to me and submitted. "Sorry Elise. I didn't mean to offend."

Nate placed the cakes down. "Elise, this is Alpha Shawn of Twin Clouds pack."

I finally set my hand out to him, "Nice to meet you Alpha Shawn."

He shook my hand a little fearfully, like he was going to get pounced on at any moment. "Good to meet you Beta Female Elise. I didn't mean what I said back there. I was just joking, you know?"

As Adam came on the scene with his hands full of cake boxes, I spoke playfully, "I don't know Shawn. It was pretty presumptuous to ask someone to taste you before knowing their name."

Adam's eyes widened. "What? He what?" He looked over to Shawn glaring.

"Easy," Nate ordered Adam, then he laughed to the group. "Shawn, how about you refrain from trying to find someone to fill your time with while at Wilde Claw."

"Probably for the best," Shawn conceded.

I pulled the other two cakes from their boxes as Nate hollered over our heads, "Hey! Alpha Theodore. Come over here."

Another man, late forties, thinner build, and dark brown hair wandered over. "Alpha Nate. It is good to see you." He looked and spoke very professional.

Nate gave him a full arm handshake. "How's everything? How's the mate?"

"She's great."

Nate then glided a hand my way. "I'd like you to meet Elise."

Theodore looked taken back a moment and then smiled. "Well hello Miss Thatcher. We've heard so much about you." He looked to Adam and nodded. "It was quite a fascinating story."

"I suppose," I laughed.

"Well, we are glad to have you back. And thank you for your help with the treaty."

"No problem," I blushed, and Adam grabbed my hand.

"Good to see you getting along," Theodore mentioned to Adam lifting a hand to shake.

Adam smirked and offered his hand. "We are. Thank you, Alpha Theodore."

Nate cut in, "where's Alpha Ben?"

Theodore turned his way. "Ben's got his own celebration tonight. His son just turned sixteen. It'll be Jay's first transformation tonight. So Ben is staying with them, but he sends his regards." He smiled at me. "I'm sure he would have loved to meet you though, Elise. Nate here has told us so much about you. You'll have to come out to West Peak for a visit sometime. We can have an officer and mates dinner or something. I'll invite him along."

"That would be lovely. I'd be happy to go." I then let out a deep breath, feeling warm.

Adam immediately noticed and excused us. "Thank you for the invitation, Alpha Theodore. We will be sure to make an appearance, but Elise has been cooking all day and I'm going to go make her sit down now."

Theodore laughed. "Yes, go take care of your mate, Beta Adam. It was good to see you."

"Tell your wife hi from us," Adam bowed.

"I will."

We gave our goodbyes and Adam scurried us over to the patio to sit away from the crowd.

"I told you to go sit down already," he scolded, leaning forward to grasp my hand.

I leaned my head back against the plastic chair and rested my aching eyes. "I know. I just wanted to get the cakes arranged first."

"What did Shawn say to you?"

I shook my head over the chair, a smile emerging. "Doesn't matter."

A quiet growl vibrated his chest, but then he expressed his next concern. "Should we really be here Elise? Maybe we should get you home so you can rest."

"I'll be alright. I'm not tired." I leaned up just enough to lift my shirt and check on the veining. "It's just the wolfsbane is making me edgy, I think."

He started massaging over my hand. "Your hands are trembling. I could find Milo's doctor and see if he has some medication you can take."

"No. I like that though." I sat back and relaxed at his stroking.

"Here," he stood and came around behind the chair and I lifted my chin to look up at him. "Close your eyes and rest your head back."

I did as he requested and his heated hands were placed over my cheeks, thumbs rolling and kneading over my eyebrows and temples. I actually moaned at the marvelous feeling. "Oh, keep going Adam."

I didn't open my eyes, but my heart told me he was smirking.

He continued the incredible facial massage for a few more minutes until I forgot that I wasn't tired and nearly fell asleep. It was probably the first time all day that I felt calm, the wolfsbane making me sore and frazzled. I should have gotten the stinger out earlier. Keeping the stinger in for the extra hour had made the wolfsbane poisoning so much worse.

Darn sting. Why did it have to happen today?

"Are you sure you don't want to go home Elise?"

"I told Tim I would be here. I missed so much before I want to be here for him now."

He exhaled a long mournful breath.

"Sorry." I probably shouldn't have said it that way. He'd think it was his fault.

"Me too." He then called out to the yard. "Timothy."

A moment later Tim was at the porch and Adam stopped his hands on me.

"Hi guys. Glad you could make it."

I sat tall in the chair. "Hey Tim. You ready for tonight?"

He shuddered and laughed. "I'm terrified LeeLee. Being Alpha is so much responsibility."

Smiling reassuringly, I spoke, "you're going to be great Tim. I'm proud of you."

He beamed the compliment.

"Tim?" Adam asked. "Elise got hit with wolfsbane poisoning today. She's even fainted once already. Would you be upset if I take her home?"

I shot up from the seat. "No. I'm not going!" But my blackening vision didn't make my outburst very credible.

Adam caught me in his arms as I swayed.

Tim was suddenly worried. "Lee? No, you need to get better. Go home. I'll see you later."

I pulled from Adam's grasp. "I'm fine really Tim. I just got up too fast. I've had two wolfsbane treatments already."

Tim looked unsurely to Adam.

I complained at the duo conspiring against me. "I'm fine boys. I'm excited to be here. I don't want to leave."

Adam sighed. "You'd just come back on your own."

Giggling, I agreed. "Probably." Then I noticed Milo walking to the refreshment table and used him as a change of subject. "Daddy!"

He turned, a smile already on his bearded face. I jogged into his arms, hugging around his neck.

"Hey Pumpkin." He patted around my back. "Glad you made it."

"Me too." I pulled back and stepped to Adam's side.

"Adam," Milo greeted with a smile.

"Sir."

Timothy came upon us. "Dad, make her go home."

I flipped on him. "No! Stop it."

"She's been baned."

I rolled my eyes and kicked his shin. "Shut up. I'm fine."

Adam grinned at our banter but didn't say anything.

Milo's eyes turned on me. "Baby? You've been poisoned? Maybe you should go home and rest."

I growled back at Tim. "Guys. I'm fine. I'm just a little shaky."

Milo then looked me up and down. "You've had a wolfsbane treatment?"

"Yes. Two even." Pretty proud of myself for that feat actually.

"And you think you are capable of staying?"

"Of course. I want to be here," I reiterated, a pleading look overtaking my face.

"You can stay."

"Dad!" Timothy complained and I stuck my tongue out at him triumphantly.

"Young lady," Milo warned.

My lips pulled together, and I gave a sweet, embarrassed expression. "Oops, sorry Daddy."

He softened and grinned.

Milo then turned back to Timothy hardening. "I'm still Alpha for the moment. She will stay."

Tim folded his arms like an angry toddler. "Fine."

I giggled.

Milo spoke back to me. "I see you brought us some of your cakes Pumpkin. I'm sorry you don't have your farm ingredients anymore, but I'm sure they will be just as delicious."

"Thanks. I hope they're good." I didn't want to say anything about my bees in case it was just a fluke. Maybe I really did get stabbed by that branch, it just was wolfsbane tipped or something. Then I remembered about my side and had to subtly scratch the burn away.

I was not subtle enough. Adam scowled my way.

Milo checked his watch then looked to the full moon beginning its peek over the mountain top. "Well my family, what do you say? Shall we move this to Brayer Hill?"

Tim nodded though a gulp caught in his throat.

"Wilde Claw. Attention!" Milo sounded to the gathering.

Faces that filled the backyard popped up.

"It is time for the ceremony to begin. Let us commence."

Heads bowed and some stripped to shift, others began a walk through the trees following an upward path.

Nate waited for us, and we all followed the crowd together.

Thirty minutes or so later, we were all gathered around a wide rolling hill. Wooden steps to a small platform were built upon the very top. Milo and Timothy both moved to the steps, Milo climbed to the top of the platform and Timothy stayed on the first step below. Adam stopped us a dozen strides away. When we finally stopped, I leaned on Adam trying to catch my breath and stretch the discomfort from my legs.

Maybe I should have let Adam carry me after all.

Four wolves, three men and one woman, stepped forward and stood in front of the platform. I assumed they were the Wilde Claw council. A dark-skinned man with long charcoal black hair in tight dreads, spoke loud and strong. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Wolves and She-Wolves, Wilde Claw pack and guests thank you for coming to this momentous occasion. Today we will witness the Transfer Ceremony between Alpha Milo Thatcher and his son, Alpha Junior Timothy Thatcher." He and the other three wolves turned and held their open palms toward the platform.

The same wolf continued, his voice booming. "Alphas. We solute you and submit."

The four bent and bowed. Wolves in the surrounding audience also bowed. When even Adam and Nate bowed, I bent too.

"Alphas. May Goddess bless your lives. May long life and prosperity be granted to you. May you share your wisdom and strength with us all."

The brunette council woman in a flowing white dress raised her hands. "May you succeed."

The others echoed her words. Then we all chanted, "may you succeed."

The four stepped away and melted back into the crowd.

Milo stood to the edge of the platform and his power stirred over everyone present. Goosebumps even dotted over my arms, the energy being so filling and sharp inside me. "Wilde Claw. Thank you for following me for the last twenty-six years. There have been ups and downs, just like any pack would have had. Just like my son will have to press through. But I am stepping down tonight. Timothy will be a worthy Alpha for you. He has learned much and has a strong heart. He will care for you like I have not the last few years. To those who have stuck by me, I commend you. Thank you for your continued support and I hope you all can show my son the same respect."

"Goddess Bless," all said as one.

"Then Timothy you are ready."

My stomach ached for him, my muscles tense and breathing labored. I was so nervous.

Timothy held his arm up, bent at the elbow in a square. Milo followed, his arm also squaring, still atop the platform. Milo pressed their forearms together and clasped Tim's hand. "Alpha Junior Timothy Ray Thatcher. Do you pledge to always try your best to guide Wilde Claw to greatness?"

"I do."

"Alpha Junior Timothy Ray Thatcher. Do you pledge to give your life for your pack, to lead them with Goddess lighting the way?"

"I do."

"Then Alpha Junior Timothy Ray Thatcher, I allow the alpha mantle to fill you and become you. May Goddess bless your journey."

"Goddess Bless," spoke the crowd.

With arms still pressed together, they switched places with Timothy moving to the platform and Milo stepping down.

Timothy then spoke. His voice was changed from just minutes ago. It was as if all the wisdom of a thousand generations had pressed into his being, and he was no longer just a teenager. He was a leader. "Wilde Claw, I call upon you, Goddess, and all these witnesses. I call upon you to give me strength. I, Timothy Ray Thatcher do pledge to be the best alpha I can be. I pledge to give you all the service of my life and always do what I believe is best for the pack. I pledge to give all my being to making us all better. I pledge to always make decisions with the good of the majority in mind. I pledge to lead the next generation into greatness. I ask you all now to follow me."

The crowd bowed as one. "We accept."

Milo released his grip and bent to a knee in front of Tim. "Alpha Timothy Ray Thatcher, we will follow you. Give your command."

Timothy stood straight and proud, the full alpha power consuming him. "Wilde Claw pack, attention!"

The crowd around me rose tall, awaiting the first order.

"Ready yourselves."

I closed my eyes, prepared for his pack to all disrobe. My muscles tightened further, fingers shaking so badly that I had to fist them, knowing that a hundred people were naked around me.

When a minute had ticked by and the shuffling sounds slowed, the next command was given. "Shift!"

Sounds of bones cracking into place, and human pains turning into growls and grunts, soared into the sky.

The sounds were so disturbing that my own back hunched with their shared pains. Adam's arm came around me and I twisted into his chest, letting him lock me in. Against him I could start to tell how badly I was trembling. I tried to sink into his heat, filling myself with his comfort.

When the area quieted again, I opened my eyes, peeking out over Adam's chest. Wolves of all beautiful colors stood proud, snouts raised prominently to Timothy's sandy wolf.

Timothy's wolf then howled a song into the sky. The surrounding wolves filled in the ghostly cords. It was an eerie sound, but a lovely welcoming sound all at once. I looked around the area and even the other alphas were transformed, only three women and the children weren't transformed. But it made me smile to see the children still joining in on the singing.

I grinned up to Adam, the only man not transformed in the clearing.

The howling came to a close and then most wolf heads bent low in submission to the new alpha. Those who didn't bow, I guessed to be the visitors from other packs.

Then Timothy's wolf gave a sharp bark and at once the mass of wolves flew after him like a tidal wave into the forest. They would run together to become one as a unified pack. It was an astonishing sight.

I looked around to the now cleared area and watched the few ladies start to walk the children back the path to the packhouse. Adam's arms were still around me, and I smiled up to him. "You want to go run with them? I'll head back with the other humans."

His brow creased. "I think if I let you go, you'll fall. Elise, you are shaking quite badly. Are you hurting?"

"Oh," I considered over myself, throbbing was starting in my temples. "Yeah. Maybe a little. I think maybe just the walk here must have tired me out." I grinned playfully. "It could just be low blood sugar. I probably need some cake."

He did not smile at the joke. "Let me see your sting."

I sighed and pulled up my shirt, his arm still stationed around my back. The violet veining was larger than at dinner but gaining no faster than it had been all day.

He then pulled my neckline down and frowned at the vein roaming up to my collar bone. "I know you don't want to hear this, but we should get you another wolfsbane treatment."

I groaned and buried myself into his chest. "Really? Another?"

He let me stay tucked for another minute until we were completely alone in the clearing. "Should we go? I can carry you."

"You don't need to do that. I can walk, just give me a minute. My eyes are hurting."

"Your eyes are hurting?" he worried, pulling away and bending to my face. "Elise, look at me."

I did as he asked.

He studied me quietly, a scowl forming on his face.

"What?" I asked anxiously. "My eyes aren't purple, are they?"

"No," he stood back straight. "But I think we need to get you back to the doctor soon."

I sighed. "Alright." I started walking for the path but only made it a step before I was gathered up in Adam's arms. It still made a small giggle flutter from me. "I said my eyes hurt, not my feet."

"You were already having a hard time standing. Your feet may not hurt, but I'm not risking you fainting in the forest and creating a worse injury."