Once In A Blue Moon

Chapter 18 ~ Gathering

Chapter 18

While they all sat and watched the waves kiss the edge of the beach a familiar howl sounded in the distance. Rayvyn looked at Lance "what is that all about?" she asked. She could tell it was an Alpha's call but as she wasn't familiar with much there she didn't really know what it meant. "That's just my dad letting us know we have about an hour till the event tonight" Lance smiled and said. "Well guys, Rayvyn and I need to head home so we can get cleaned up. We have the council event to attend" Lance announced. Everyone said their goodbyes and see ya laters and Lance and Rayvyn headed toward home.

As they walked Lance put his arm around her and looked down and smiled. "I'm really glad you're here" he said. Rayvyn smiled up at him and replied "ya, me too."

As they reached the stoop in front of Rayvyn's unit Lance pulled her close and kissed her softly. Nothing was said as they each walked off to their own units to clean up for the Shifter Party.

After she had washed up and put on some comfortable clothes Rayvyn skipped out of her unit and headed over to Lance's. As she reached the door she suddenly felt a familiar energy.. 'oh my god' she thought to herself as she ran inside. "Mom! Dad! You're here!" Rayvyn cried out. Her parents were indeed there, sitting at the kitchen table having tea with Kevin and Trina. They both stood up and hugged their daughter. "How is this possible" Rayvyn asked. Rayvyn's mom smiled and said "this is all Trina's doing. She arranged for it." "Thank you Trina. Thank you so much" Rayvyn gushed with excitement and without thinking hugged Trina tight. "I'm sorry" Raynyn said shyly when she realized she was hugging the Alpha's mate. "It's no trouble at all my dear. Hug me anytime you like. You are practically family child." Trina replied.

"Yes she sure seems to be, don't she" came a familiar voice from behind. It was Lance and he looked as handsome as ever. Rayvyn smiled at him as he walked over to her and brought her near while saying hello to her parents. "It's very nice to meet you both" he said. "The pleasure is ours" Rayvyn's father replied as he gave his daughter a very approving smile.

"Well shall we all head out now?" Kevin asked. Rayvyn frowned slightly. Her parents had just gotten there and she wanted to tell them so much.. "Rayvyn, your parents are certainly welcome to join us" Kevin said. Rayvyn's sweet smile practically lit up the room "they can?" she cried. "That's wonderful. Thank you."

As they walked Rayvyn began to tell her parents all about the past couple of days. How she and Lance went to lunch, meeting the council, the race... "Young lady" her father began "you know we don't like you racing." "Sir, if I may" Lance began "she was brilliant and I never would have allowed any harm to come to her." Her father softened his glare and said "just be safe kitten. I worry about you." "I will daddy.. I will" Rayvyn replied. She told them about their walk that day and Ms. Sol and the pendant and about playing volleyball and before she realized they were at the other end of the coven at a different beach front then the one they had been at earlier.

Rayvyn paused.. It was majestic. The sands appeared as though they were speckled with diamonds. The moon was barely starting to rise but you could already see it was a big bright moon. The waters were crystal blue and appeared to move in slow motion as they lapped up against the sands. This place seemed magical. "This is heaven" she whispered to Lance. "I know." he whispered back. They just stood there for a moment looking in each other's eyes until Kevin cleared his throat.. "Okay love birds, the council members are waiting." he said with a chuckle. Lance rolled his eyes and said "dad!" Then they all walked through the stone arched entrance to the beach.

As they walked over to where everyone was, Rayvyn slowly began to realized there really were alot of people. Her parents could see the onset of fear in her face. "It's okay kitten" her dad said.  "This is why we are here" Her mom added "this is your destiny honey." Rayvyn started to feel a little better as she gave them a reassuring smile, but it wasn't until Lance spoke up "it's okay baby girl. When it's time I'll shift first and I won't leave your side." It was then that Rayvyn felt everything inside her and around her fall perfectly into place.

Her father pulled her mother close and kissed her on the head. They smiled at each other full aware of the transition that was going to take place tonight and its significance. They looked over at Lance's parents and gave a smile thanking them for inviting them to watch this miracle happen.

As Kevin called everyone to order he again introduced Rayvyn. "I am sure most, if not all, of you here have already met Rayvyn, but I felt I needed to be efficient as we begin this evening and introduce her once more. All, please welcome Rayvyn, the newest member to our coven." There was cheering and clapping and a couple new people came up to say hello. Once everything calmed down Kevin continued "well, let's get this party going...."