Melaina Rayne [Rayne - Assertion Trials

Assertion Trials

A Wilder Novella

Melaina Rayne

Assertion Trials

Copyright 2019 Melaina Rayne

All Rights Reserved.

Assertion Trials is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Edits by Aquila Editing

Cover Design by Melaina Rayne

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

ISBN: 978-1-7330789-0-0

Dedication

To my natives.

Its been a while, but thanks for hanging in there.

I love you all.

Acknowledgments

As always, I thank Will, my ridiculously supportive and loving husband. And Nicole, my best friend and spirit animal. You two have always been a constant source of encouragement and strength through all the ups and downs of life and writing. You have always believed in me, even when I couldnt believe in myself. Without the two of you, I wouldnt still be doing this.

Chapter 1

Shala Wilder, get your skinny ass down here right now!

My heart sank at the sound of Netties frustrated tone. I knew shed come looking for me when she realized I wasnt in bed, but I didnt think it would be so soon. I barely had time to get comfortable on my little perch, no chance to calm my frazzled nerves. My anxiety over the coming events was still too raw. I needed more time alone, but I wouldnt get it.

I mean it, girl. I know youre up there. Dont make me come get you.

We both knew she couldnt climb the thirty feet up to my little ledge. Still, I was in big trouble if I didnt at least answer her.

Shifting onto my belly, I peered nervously over the edge to find her standing with her hands on her hips, her foot tapping out an impatient rhythm. That was just like her, always looking so stern and serious. She didnt have a fun bone in her body. At least, not since Id known her. She was a no-nonsense kind of woman. She didnt have time for games, but no matter how harsh she could be, the woman loved us all fiercely.

Im just staring at the stars, Nettie, I called down to her. Dont have a pup.

Her wrinkled face pulled into a tight scowl. I am well beyond my birthing years, girl. Therell be no more heathen pups for me.

I rolled my eyes. Shed missed the point. Again. Sometimes, I couldnt help thinking she did it on purpose.

From behind Nettie, Rendall stepped into the open, her short cap of pale hair gleaming silver in the moonlight. You should be sleeping, Shala. Youll need the rest for your big day tomorrow.

I flopped onto my back again, letting out a short puff of air. I cant sleep. Im too nervous.

My twentieth birthdaythe beginning of my adult lifewas only a few hours away and sleep refused to come to me. Anxiety and worry made it impossible. Not only had ten years passed since I last saw my parents, but the next few days held unknown things for me.

Over the course of my stay in the mountain stronghold, I endured the emergence of my wolf, struggled to get control of her, and mastered the art of shifting with ease and deftness. Still, I had my misgivings about the changes I faced in the coming days.

Come down and Ill make you some tea, Rendall offered.

I dont want tea, I grumbled. I want to stare at the stars until my eyes cross and I fall asleep from sheer exhaustion.

A small silence followed my confession before Rendall pressed. Come now, Shala. Nettie may not come get you, but I will.

The stiff tone in Rendalls voice told me all I needed to know. She was usually one of the gentler elderwomen, but she was a good climber. If she came after me, Id likely be thrown from the low cliff.

With great reluctance, I joined the two women and walked silently between them all the way back to the village. Nettie said goodnight once we reached the main hall, leaving me to follow Rendall to the kitchen.

I took in the serenity of the hall, sad it would be my last night there. I loved it in Fastness. I didnt want to leave. Not only was I content with my life, but most of my friends still resided there. Even so, I knew it was my time to return home to the pack landsto start a new lifejust as every female had done before me.

When we made it to the dimly lit room, I settled on the old wooden stool at the high counter while Rendall made her famous chamomile/lavender tea. Shed made many cups for those homesick and missing their families. There was nothing better for a melancholy heart than the combination of the elderwomans encouraging words and the warm, soothing drink she was known for.

Watching her move around the kitchen usually calmed me, but my mind was elsewhere as she readied the kettle. All I could think about was how much my life would change over the next few days.

Many women of my kind had been through the same thing and come out on the other side of their Assertion happily paired, but that knowledge didnt soothe me. Id heard horror stories of pairings gone wrong; the couple despising one another. If that were the case with my victor, could I grow to love him the way a woman should love her companion, or would my life be miserable?

I was my own woman, nowhere near ready to be paired with some hardheaded, overbearing wild man. Nor was I prepared to give up my independence. Still, I knew once I ventured beyond the mountain, my life would be drastically different.

The elderwomen had spent the last ten years preparing me for the future. Theyd trained me in the ways of our people; teaching me how to hunt and fight, in addition to my duties as companion and pack mate.

Though armed with the knowledge and skills, the reality of what awaited overwhelmed me. I tried reminding myself not to dwell on the details. Worry would not change the outcome, but I couldnt keep my thoughts from the coming days and what they held for me.

The Assertion was the way of my people and had been since the beginning of time. There was no other way. I only hoped I would be compatible with my victor.

Drawing me from my troubled thoughts, Rendall sat the little white cup on the counter in front of me.

Thank you, I said softly before taking a small sip.

Rendall settled herself on the old oak stool across from me. With her own cup cradled in her weathered hands, she let out a quiet breath. I understand your restlessness, Shala, but you are not alone in your dread. The Assertion is something we all must face, something we all fear in one way or another.

My surprised gaze found her soft, sky-blue stare. Rendall afraid of anything was unheard of. Everyone knew her story was a sad one, but fear was never a word associated with her unless it was fear she instilled in others. She was a true warrior in her day. Still was, in fact. Even imagining the woman as anything but steady felt like a sacrilege of sorts.

Rendall took a sip of tea, her expression telling me shed fallen deep in thought.

I was such a wreck that day, so nervous I could barely stand. My pulse raced as, one by one, the volunteers stepped into the circle. My heart thundered, beating so hard and so fast I thought it would leap from my chest. There were so many big men staring at meso many hard, determined facesand I wanted none of them.

I cradled the cup between my palms, letting the warmth seep into me as I drew in the teas light, flowery scent. If I had a choice, I would take a bit more time to myself perhaps, but it isnt as if I do not want a companion. Im only afraid I wont like the one who wins. What if we cannot get along?