Cervidcall
My mating ceremony with Chris kept getting interrupted, one reason after another.
The first time, his adopted sister Lucy threw him a bachelor party. He drank too much and missed our slot.
The second time, right before we set out, Lucy twisted her ankle. Chris took her to the hospital and missed it again.
The third time, we were already standing at the vow platform when Lucy cried until she fainted below. Once again, Chris left me standing there.
The fourth time, the fifth time... Lucy, every single time.
"Hurry up, Sheila! This is the eighth time! There are only fifteen minutes left to receive the Moon Goddess's blessing. If you miss it again, the Moon Goddess will take it as proof the two of you were never meant to be mates!"
My best friend Vivian shouted frantically.
I took Chris's hand, and I had just started up the steps when Lucy's cry rang out behind us.
"Chris, wait, my moonstone bracelet just snapped. It was your coming-of-age gift to me."
Chris jerked his foot back mid-step.
"Don't rush. I'll wait for you."
The buzzing crowd went dead silent. Everyone exchanged looks.
I looked at Chris, swallowing my anger.
"Chris, there are only fifteen minutes left for the Moon Goddess's blessing."
Chris glanced at Lucy, his tone indulgent.
"We're already at the door. A few more minutes won't hurt."
Watching Chris crouch down beside Lucy to gather her moonstone beads, I suddenly smiled.
Then I opened my phone and pulled up a number I'd blocked three years ago.
[Didn't you tell me three years ago to give you a chance?]
[You have fifteen minutes. Come to Grayfang Pack's Moon Goddess Altar.]