J U M P E R

C H A P T E R | S E V E N

The two days following Lana's first lesson on proper feast etiquette were a whirlwind. Kieran had spent hours stating and restating the greeting and practicing how to properly pay her respect, kneeling on the floor with Lana commanding her to 'do better' every time.

She was glad the lessons were over, but today was Saturday. She had to do it for real in a couple of hours, in front of two very real Alphas, not her friend Lana.

She'd hoped going out and gathering some last-minute herbs for the feast would distract her, but she had no such luck. Tammy was with her; which Kieran was very grateful for. Anna had asked if anyone who wasn't busy setting up earlier could go out and find some wild spices, and a mix of people had gone out. Tammy glanced at her and smiled reassuringly.

"Are my nerves that noticeable?" Kieran whispered.

Tammy nodded. Kieran sighed and went back to scanning the ground and the bushes around her.

"I've got some!" Someone called from a few yards away. Kieran watched as a pod of people followed the voice to help them gather.

She took this as a moment to rest, not only her feet but her mind as well. It had been racing for days, what with the feast, learning how to greet an Alpha, and learning how all the positions of power worked in a pack. There was also what Lana said about those twins. Her mind went into overload and she was about to have a meltdown.

She set her basket on the ground and lowered herself down into the grass as well. She dropped her head into her hands; for a split second she expected Lana's voice to be barking at her that she was doing something wrong.

A gentle hand on her shoulder brought her out of her thoughts. Tammy was standing above her, looking at her with a concerned smile.

"What's wrong, Hon?" She asked gently. Kieran sighed.

"It's this ceremony. Lana's had me practicing so much I haven't had a moment to myself when I'm not trying to get that stupid greeting right or pay my respect properly. And when I left early to go talk to her she told me about some people I can't stop thinking about," Kieran sucked in a breath and covered her face with her hands.

"Come on, dear, let's head back," Tammy suggested softly and grabbed Kieran's basket.

She stood and brushed herself off before following Tammy.

"So, tell me about these people that have you so worried," The older woman said as she led Kieran back toward the main territory.

"She was telling me about those twins, from Blood Moon." Tammy sucked in a breath.

"What did she tell you?" Tammy asked.

Kieran explained her session with the Pack Witch. Tammy nodded along, commenting here and there, telling Kieran about her own experiences with the pack. They made it back and as soon as they crossed into the main feast area Kat was dragging Kieran away.

"We need to get ready, it's two-thirty."

"What?" Kieran cried.

"Yeah, now hurry up," Kat rushed.

The two girls raced across the field and into the house. They went their separate ways to grab what they needed to shower. Kieran used the main bathroom and Kat used the one in her parents' bedroom.

For some reason when an Alpha—or in this case two—were visiting all the girls had to dress a certain way and bathe using certain scents. Kieran didn't understand it, it hadn't really been explained to her, but she wasn't complaining; everything smelled nice. After they showered they both got into their dresses. Everyone would be wearing nearly the same thing. The girls would all be in white, in either dresses or skirts and a top. The guys would be in loose pants and a shirt, both silver.