The drums intensified, then stopped.Marina's heart thundered against her ribs as she stood among the unmated females, her silver shadow fur shimmering under the blood moon's glow.

Kael Iron fang stepped forward, his scarred grey form imposing in the firelight. "The Blood Moon witnesses what we do here tonight. Under her gaze, bonds are formed that cannot be broken. Hunts are won that cannot be forgotten. What the moon sees, the pack honors."

Marina's claws flexed against the earth. Ancient words for an ancient ritual. The Blood Moon Hunt happened only once every three years, when the moon turned red during mating season. Wolves believed that bonds formed under the...