Hearing His Words

Chapter 6

When someone joins the pack bond it can be overwhelming.  You feel every emotion the new pack member has ever felt for you.  For most of the pack this doesn't mean much, maybe a little curiosity and fear but nothing else.  For a few select pack members the emotions were strong enough to be crippling.  That's why I wasn't surprised to find Lisa holding my shoulder as he half collapsed on me, while I felt waves of fear and hope flow through me.

Helping my friend to sit up right as emotions from the bond faded we sat and listened to Philip repeat the words Eric had spoken minutes earlier. Again I was assaulted with waves of fear and hope, though this time the fear was stronger.

Watching Kìli take the stage as the emotions once again dissipated.  He stood tall, with his hair resting over his shoulders as he quickly bowed slightly to Alpha Roberts.PP

"Do you Ceallach Tigernach O Maolmhuaidh vow to protect the Hemlock Ridge pack to the best of your abilities."

Kìli nodded his head slowly in response.

"Do you Ceallach Tigernach O Maolmhuaidh vow to help keep the peace within the Hemlock Ridge pack by helping not only with patrols, but also with the work of the pack house."

Again Kìli nodded the silver pieces in his hair twinkling in the light through the dark waves of hair.

"Do you Ceallach Tigernach O Maolmhuaidh vow to protect your pack members not only in body but also in mind and spirit."

I feel so nervous as Kìli nods again and I realize that I'm not sure this will work, everyone that I've ever seen do this has spoken their vows.

"Do you Ceallach Tigernach O Maolmhuaidh vow not only to act a part of the Hemlock Ridge pack, but to truly be a part of this pack," Alpha Roberts said letting his words ring through the air.  The entire hall is silent for a minute, waiting for Kìli's response.

Suddenly I feel a crippling amount of fear wash through me as Kìli's head begins to fall forwards in a nod.  Falling forwards to the floor I watch his head continue down as a wave of even more crippling hope crashes over me, making me pass out.

I can hear voices around me in the black before I can manage to make my eyes open.  It's a southing sound of familiar voices.  As my eyes slowly flicker open I can see the tall white ceilings of the main pack house living room.

Turning my head I see Jim and Casey sitting in a chair nearby.  Although they are wrapped around each other, as always, they are still watching me intently.  Making eye contact with Casey I watch her spin around jabbing my brother's shoulder.  Following her gaze my brother grins widely at me, relief evident in his eyes.

"It's good to see your up again," Casey says, "After you passed out Alpha Roberts talked about how Eric is the next in line, and he made a little welcome speech."

Groaning I sat up with a grimace, supporting my head with a hand as it spun a little.

Pushing myself to my feet I ask, "How long have I been out?"

"About an hour," My brother says before hesitating a moment, "He's you mate isn't he. That's why you fainted isn't it.  The emotions were too overwhelming."

"Yes, he is." I tell my brother before looking down at my hands, "It's different though.  I've talked to him once, and with what Eric and Philip say it might not happen again.  He's been through a lot."

Jim nods in a way that is supposed to be understanding, before leading Casey and I out back to the barbeque.  Wading through the people filling the yard we stop at the back of my group of friends next to Jill, who is doing something on her phone.  Jack has his arm around her shoulder whispering something in her ear.  For the first time in over a year I don't need to look away or rage with jealousy.  I know I have someone those things could happen with.