Once Rejected, Twice Desired (Book 1 of Blue Moon Series)
Once Rejected, Twice Desired Chapter 26

Xander

POV

An Amethyst wolf? What was he talking about, and why had I never heard of this before? I needed to know everything he knew, but I had to get Alaia in a safe place first.

My prayers were answered when Jordyn spoke up.

"Alaia, come up and help me decide on what I'm wearing tonight. You can bring your stuff too, and we can get ready together. Bring your sexy guards along; they can just wait in the seating area of the dressing room." Perfect.

We made our way up to the dressing room, and Matt went in first to secure the area. Once clear, I escorted the ladies in and locked the door behind us.

Matt and I took our designated seats while Jordyn and Alaia began their search for the perfect dress.

It was time for him to fill me in.

Okay, Matt, can you explain to me what an Amethyst wolf is and why you think Alaia may be one?

Well, I'm not 100% sure, but I've heard stories before, and this all just seems to fit.

I'm listening.

Once every thousand years, a particular set of twins will be born to a mated pair, one male and one female. If the second born is female, she will be blessed with a power so great, that it will only be granted under certain conditions. To come into her powers, she must complete her first shift with her twin by her side. It must be done on the first full moon after their eighteenth birthday, and finally, the shift must take place on the land of their birth.

Well, that sounds exactly like our situation. And would explain why both Aaron and Alaia's wolves were so agitated with her not being here.

Exactly. The stories go on to say that the wolf could possess the power to heal, to protect, to see the future, the possibilities are endless. But what is known for sure is that dark forces will not affect her. She will be a rare beauty, with eyes a bright and vibrant purple. Purple, like the stone in the bracelet from the elders?

Exactly. The stone and the wolf draw from the same power source. She will be just as rare as the stone, indeed the only one of her kind.

If she's an Amethyst wolf, why hasn't she ever said anything about it? Wouldn't she know something like this?

Not necessarily, as is the case with any great power, there will be some that will seek it out for evil. It's said that she wouldn't know of her abilities until she is ready to receive them. No one else would know of them either. Not until she shifts and reveals her true self.

So many thoughts were running through my head; it was hard to organize them all.

I had known Alaia was special, but I had never expected something of this magnitude.

Then I remembered something. A few days ago, I asked Alaia if she wanted to try and complete her first shift. I wanted to go on a run and have her along with me. She refused, stating that she didn't feel ready. And I was hurt. I was destroyed by the idea that she didn't want to share her wolf with me. If I had pushed her, I could have ruined her without even knowing it.

The idea made me sick to my stomach.

Are you alright, Xander?

Yeah, I'm just thinking. So, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens tonight, huh?

I guess so. You know it's uncommon for anyone other than the Alpha to complete their first shift at the Alpha ceremony, but if Alaia really is an Amethyst wolf, they will both be compelled to shift together.

And what about Aaron? Would he have any powers?

Being part of an Amethyst pair would make him slightly stronger than an average Alpha. His speed and all his senses would be heightened as well, but he wouldn't be nearly as powerful as her. If she has the power of healing, she could transfer it to him temporarily. But how she would do it, and under what circumstances, I have no idea.

Thanks, Matt. We will just have to wait and see how this all plays out.

It seemed that my prediction of this being a night to remember was coming true. Interesting.

***

Aaron POV

As soon as I felt Alaia cross back into our territory, my wolf, Flint, began to howl with joy and run circles in my mind.

I had no reason why, but I knew that I needed her here with me tonight. It wasn't that I didn't have the support of my pack, my parents, and my mate, but I needed her. I needed my twin.

After she and Jordyn went up to get ready for the night, I went to my new office to think.

My father had cleared out his belongings a few days ago, allowing me more time to settle in.

I looked around, remembering all the times as a child Alaia, and I would come here and watch him work, and now it was my turn.

I heard a sharp rap on the door and sensing that it was my Dad, I walked over to let him in.

"Hi Son, how are you feeling? Are you ready for this?"

"Yes, Sir. I am. I was a nervous wreck, but now that Alaia is here, I'm excited and ready to go."

"You two have always been close; it would stand to reason that tonight would be no different. I've spoken with everyone, and we're all set downstairs. The elders have just arrived with the Alpha's Chalice; all we need now is you." I took a deep breath and gave him a firm nod.

"Alright, I'm ready."

We made our way down the stairs in silence. I believe the importance of what we were about to do left no room for small talk.

Everything was set in the back yard. There was a small stage put up at one end of the yard that was covered in bright string lights.

There was a sea of faces as the pack had already assembled, but I was able to quickly spot Jordyn and Alaia holding hands off to the side.

I would have to shift before the elders would allow me to drink from the Alpha's Chalice.

Under the soft glow of the full moon, there was a spot of bare grass right at the tree line that seemed perfect.

I began to walk towards it with my father close behind.

The pack turned their attention to the spot, and soon all eyes were on me as I prepared myself to take this first step.

"Just do as I taught you, Aaron. Clear your mind and listen to your wolf. Allow him to come forth and take control. When the pain comes, do not fight it, embrace it. It's that pain that will set forth your transformation," he told me. Jordyn and Alaia stepped to the front of the group, both sending me supportive smiles.

I took a deep breath, cleared my mind, and nothing. I couldn't replace Flint.

So, I tried again.

I shook my limbs loose and rolled my neck.

When I closed my eyes, I focused on him, and after a few moments, I heard his voice.

We need her to do this with us.

We need who?

We need your sister. She has to take her first shift alongside us.

But why? I don't understand.

You will soon.

"Aaron, is everything alright?" I heard my father ask.

I opened my eyes and looked at him before responding.

"I'm not sure. I hear my wolf, but he says that I need Alaia."

I heard murmurs through the crowd, which my father immediately silenced with a raise of his hand.

"Alaia, sweetheart? Will you step forward with us, please?"

She did as he asked, and soon the three of us were standing together with what felt like the eyes of the world watching.

The elders in attendance had also stepped forward; it seemed they were now more than a little interested in what was going to happen.

We didn't have to utter a word to one another. Alaia just knew what she needed to do.

She took my hands in hers and closed her eyes.

I felt a surge of power flow through us and wondered if everyone's first shift felt this way.

I again focused on Flint.

Just let go, Aaron and let me take control. Don't worry about the pain; it will pass.

I felt my body begin to burn and itch. My bones began to elongate and dislocate, shifting into my wolf form.

The itching increased when thick gray fur began to sprout from my skin. My head felt like it was on fire as the bones of my skull shifted and rearranged.

I heard a loud "pop" followed by a sharp pain shooting down my spine that made me double over onto all fours.

There was a four-alarm blaze licking across my entire body like id been doused in gasoline and set on fire.

Slowly the pain started to ease off, and when I opened my eyes, I saw giant paws where my hands once were.

Flint lifted his massive head to the moon and released a mighty howl.

We looked over at Alaia and were stunned.

Her wolf closely resembled her own coloring; she had creamy caramel brown fur. But what grabbed our attention, and the focus of everyone in attendance were her eyes. They were a bright purple, and they were glowing. While the pack seemed to simply be mesmerized by her beauty, we saw something else from the elders.

Flint, what is going on? Why are the elders looking at her like that?

Don't you see Aaron? You are the blessed pair, and she is the Amethyst wolf.

The Amethyst what?!

"An Amethyst wolf," the head elder whispered.

Well, this night has taken an unexpected turn.