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“Good deal, alright, well after I stuff my face with a little of everything, I’m going to do the nature walk through the woods.

Got to work off the food I’m eating.” He smacks his almost flat stomach as if he is 300 pounds and needs to watch what he eats.

Years of being on patrol show on his body between his darker skin and his strong muscles, as if he hasn’t been retired for two years.

“That’s right my little Rebel, you walk off all those honey cakes that you sneak when you think I’m not looking.” My mom pats his stomach as she leans over, kissing his cheek.

Rolling my eyes, I go down the hallway as they banter back and forth.

I want to bring the polaroid camera for this portion of the day.

It would be a great time to capture some memories with everyone celebrating the longest day of the year.

My favorite is watching the young pups' eyes light up when they see all the sweets and honey infused items across the tables. The girls lining up to make flower crowns, the boys pretending to be scouts as they walk through nature, it’s all something I can’t wait to have my own pups for.

My dream is to have a big family with lots of pups running around and a house full of pattering paws, yipping fights, and love that seems intertwined within our walls.

Let’s just hope whatever mate I get equally wants that.

I don’t hate being an only child, but it can have its lonely moments when you’re sitting in a quiet room with no one to talk to.

“Time to go kiddo,” Dad yells down the hallway. Grabbing ahold of the strap of my polaroid camera and two packs of film, I throw my bag over my shoulder that will hold my film and the sleeve I put the photos in for safe keeping.

My hand brushes along the protection stick as I’m putting the stuff in my bag. Shit. I forgot it was in there again. Pulling it out, I place it on the nightstand right next to my dream journal. I’ll try to remember to do that tonight when I get back from Bestiare.

“Come on,” Dad says, hinting that he is about to come down the hall to grab me if I don’t get a move on it.

Rushing out the door, I slam it shut as I run down the hallway. “Coming, sorry. I wanted to grab the polaroid and extra film. Hopefully, I can get some really good shots.”

He nods his head as he wraps his arm around me.

“I’m sure you will kiddo. But your old man is starving and Midge’s stuffing is calling my name.

” He leans in closer as he whispers, “Don’t tell Lala that I prefer Midge’s stuffing to hers.

I might end up with the worm in my Christmas hash if she catches wind of it. ”

We both giggle as we walk out the door, Mom following close behind us.

We all walk arm in arm towards downtown.

Every family is funneling down the path as the entire town shows up to celebrate.

Not just the wolves, but the other shifter packs as well.

Even our human friends love to come. Although Bestiare is strictly for shifters due to the magic floating in the air and its effects on humans.

Everyone excitedly moves onto the main road where each of the centers are set up for the afternoon activities.

There are picnic tables lining each of the sidewalks, with a long row of tables down the center for everyone to place their potluck dish.

Hundreds of dishes are already there when my mom places her blueberry pie down near the desserts.

We grab our plates and pile them high with a little bit of everything.

It’s amazing to sample each family's take on dishes as well as a few new ones you’ve never tried.

My dad has one plate literally full of only honey cakes hidden under his regular food dish like mom wouldn’t see it.

My head shakes as he looks sheepishly at me.

Got to hand it to him, the honey cakes are fire.

There’s a thump thump thump on a microphone drawing everyone’s attention to the stage set up between Scoop, There It Is and Citrine and Rose. Silas, our pack alpha, is standing in front of the mic as he waits for everyone to give him their attention.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please?” He says.

The mumble of conversation dies down as the last of the people turn to face the stage.

“Welcome, everyone, to our annual Summer Solstice. Although it’s been a few years since we had as large of a celebration, I’m glad to see all your wonderful faces as we prepare for the longest days of the year!

As you saw we chose Legends of the Land as our theme for this year.

In honor of new traditions, new alphas, and new beginnings,” he places his arm around Nova’s shoulders, “we thought this would be the perfect time to celebrate our past. After you fill your bellies with all of this amazing food, please take the time to explore all the different activities we have set up. Many of our members of the community have taken the time to set up each station with fun things you can do to honor the sun, traditions, and new beginnings. Without further rambling from me, LET THE FEAST BEGIN,” he shouts into the mic as everyone cheers.

He might be new to this whole Alpha thing, but he is doing a great job at it. Everyone shuffles around the tables as they fill their plates. Dad signals for us to follow him as he walks us over to the table shadowed by the building behind him.

We all stuff our faces as we casually chat. It didn't take us long to finish our plates, Dad finally revealed his hidden honey cake plate to Mom, who only laughed about how she knew about it the whole time.

“Alright ladies,” Dad says as he picks up our empty plates to take to the trash. “It’s time to join the activities. Selene, do you want us to walk around with you as you decide or are you going at it alone?”

“I’m fine to go alone. I don’t want to hold you guys back from your activities. I want to sort of walk the area before I pick something. You guys go on ahead.”

“If you say so, Moondrop.”

They both smile and blow kisses to me before walking away.

Mom heads straight to the bouquet station that's covered in various bright flowers and greenery to fill around them. The crystal vases are stunning, refracting light and causing rainbows to pop along any flat surface around them. Bloom, the rabbit shifter, scrunches her little nose when someone says something funny. It’s the most rabbit-like reaction I’ve seen and I can’t help but smile at it.

The flower crown station is next with several girls from my school already around the booth halfway through their crown’s already.

They’re already chatting about who they think will ask them to dance tonight and the latest trending thing on Howlr.

I snap a photo of two of the girls who just placed their crowns on their heads and looked at each other with pure excitement over it.

Each station I pass has something I can’t miss the opportunity to capture.

From the elders bickering over which herb means what to the pups running between people’s legs with lemon popsicles dangling dangerously in their hands.

It’s times like this that I’m in love with this town and can’t imagine a single reason why I’d ever leave.

Gail wolf-whistles to me as I finish capturing one pup sticking his tongue out and the girl pup who ignored him. It was too stinkin cute to miss.

Turning around I find her waving me over to her herbal infusion class and of course, Granny Fern is there with her. As I get closer, she pats the empty chair right by her. Rolling my eyes, I pull the strap of my camera off and place it down on the table before taking the seat.

“I hear that you weren’t sure which activity you wanted to do today and were hoping fate would step in?” I can’t help but shake my head at her while a soft chuckle leaves me. Of course she heard, no idea how but you know, here we are.

“You would be correct as always.”

Gail nudges Fern. “You hear that! At least she knows I’m always right.” She leans over cupping her mouth with her hand. “Maybe next time say it a little louder so her old ass can hear it.” She lifts back up quickly as I cover my mouth to keep from bursting out laughing.

“I heard that! The only old ass that’s here is you, you old bag.” Fern’s eyes cut to Gail in a very non-aggressive glare.

I can’t stop myself this time, the laughter is pouring out of me as these two standoff with their hands on their hips. Honestly, it’s like looking in a mirror and that pushes me into a full belly laugh. They both turn in slow motion towards me.

“Ope.” I try to stifle the laugh but it wins as I slap my hand on the table before leaning back. The tears are welling in the corner of my eyes.

They both continue to stare at me as I try and fail to get the laughter under control. Sucking in a breath, I hold my hand up between us. “Alright, alright. I’m sorry, but you two are nearly twins and I just can’t when you start picking at each other.”

Fern shifts in front of Gail. “We weren’t picking at each other. Don’t listen to this bag of bones, we aren’t even friends.”

Gail shoves Fern’s shoulder playfully. “Now, surely you aren’t lying on one of our biggest, longest days. One that you are sure to spend the entire time with me.”

Fern fans her hand in front of Gail. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” She rolls her eyes as she moves on to helping the lady who’s been patiently waiting on the other side of the booth.

Gail lays her hand down on the table in front of me as she leans all her weight onto it.

“Here’s the deal, pup. I know exactly what you should do today over all the other activities.

I’m not being biased, although it would look that way, but this would be the perfect activity for you.

” She slides an empty jar across the table to me, with a brass lid screwed on top.

My eyes flick between her and the jar.

“It’s called an intentions jar. For Summer Solstice you are making one with the intention of gaining success.

What that success is for you to decide.” She slides a piece of paper towards me with a pen.

“You write down the things you would like to be successful with in the coming season. That doesn’t mean just money, but can be successful in your business pursuits or maybe successful in finding your mate.

The intention is for you, and you alone.

Once you are done, fold the piece of paper and place it inside the jar.

You’ll then fill your jar with the remaining items.

“Citrine for confidence, balance, and wealth.” She places the orange and white crystal shard down beside my jar.

She holds up a deep red incense in front of me. “Dragon’s blood protects against negative energy.” She places it down next to the crystal.

A smooth reddish orange and yellow gem is next. “Carnelian is for passion, creativity, and motivation.” It joins the others down by my jar.

Next, she holds up a small yellow flower. “Calendula is for prosperity, money, and protection.”

She holds up a stick of cinnamon. “This attracts abundance, power, success, and prosperity.”

She holds up a tiny vile of honey, no bigger than the tip of my finger. “Honey is known for bringing happiness, love, healing, and passion.”

I look at each of the items that she has placed in a circle around my jar.

“Each item will help guide you spiritually towards the intention you write on the paper. Whatever your soul offers first when you consider the question, is the exact one I would go with. It’s what you truly desire.”

“Alright, I think I got it. Are there any words or things I need to say before I seal the jar shut?”

She nods her head. “‘I’m ready to accept my gifts from our Goddess.’ Now, I’m going to let you get to it. If you need anything let me know.” She gives me a warm smile before walking away to help the newest person who walked up to her booth.

I hold the pen above the paper, waiting for my heart, maybe my soul I don’t know, just for someone to tell me what to write. For the first time in days, my brain is blank. I’ve spent all week having my thoughts racing or stuck on one thing, more like one wolf.

Like a ghost called forward, my mind is filled with his words.

“You already know who I am.”

Without another moment wasted, I scribe the one thing that I hope to be successful with this season.

Find the one who haunts my dreams and claim him as mine.

I fold the sheet of paper in half, placing it against the wall of the jar. Following Gail’s instructions, I put each piece into the jar acknowledging their role and sending prayers to the Goddess for their success.

Sealing the jar closed, I whisper the words against the lip of the jar. “I’m ready to accept my gifts from our Goddess.”

Fern sees that my jar is sealed with all my elements, her face lighting with a heartwarming smile.

“Good job Snap! So proud of you. Now take this orange candle and burn it atop the lid. Completing the spell and sealing the jar. You will burn the candle until the wax pours just over the lip, sealing it shut.”

“Why an orange candle,” I ask as I take the candle from her.

“Ah, I see the old bag actually taught something this time around. Alright, orange combines two of the best colors for intention jars, especially for Summer Solstice. Yellow, which is known for bringing forward mental agility while the red is known for its action-oriented powers. When combined together you have the mental agility to be action-oriented.”

Nodding my head, I place the candle atop the jar, and light the wic.

I watch in rapt attention as the flame flickers and moves. Once it’s melted enough to seal the jar, I blow out the flame completing the ritual.

Gail comes over with her signature smile. “Perfect Selene. I knew you could do it! If you’re ready, I would say you should take that home and get ready for the evening festivities.”

“Thank you ladies, I’m glad I came over here.” I push my chair back, collecting my jar and my camera before heading towards the house.