I propped open the doors the balcony of our suite about nine thirty at night. The air was crisp and cold. I had changed into the costume Joel had chosen. Oddly the clothing made me feel naked and figured its purpose must be to see if I could freeze to death before making it to the circle.

By ten o'clock the den was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Katrina had told me at these gatherings the wolves arrived and congregated for hours before the ceremony. As I walked out of our suites I was greeted by Nate, leaning casually on a wall. Poor guy had to...