Blood Challenge by Kit Tunstall Page B

being the true reason. What man looked at an unclothed woman and sized up her hips for childbearing the first time he saw her naked?
    She slid on the parka and tugged at the hem. Thankfully, the coat fell to mid-thigh, so she wouldn’t have to walk stark naked through the village. Ellie didn’t want to think about the moment when she had to remove the coat, in front of whomever chose to show up for the Mating Moon Ceremony. From what Golatia had told her, that was everyone in the village who could get to the meeting spot.
    When they stepped out of the cabin, they blended into a large crowd moving toward the clearing. “Where are Viggo and Rica?” she whispered, leaning closer to Davinia, who had bundled Ylenia into a mound of blankets and strapped her in a sling to her front.
    “Already at the clearing. Since Rica’s challenging and unmated, he can’t officiate the ceremony. The duty falls to Viggo.”
    She tugged at the hem of the parka when she noticed an older man eyeing her legs. “What about Golatia? I don’t think she can walk that far.”
    “Rica carried her.”
    The opportunity for conversation lapsed as they started down the hill. Ellie focused on picking her way down the slippery slope amid the others, careful not to bump anyone. She noticed they all gave her plenty of space and tried not to let their avoidance hurt. What had she expected? They weren’t happy about Rica’s decision to include her in the ceremony, and they were even less thrilled that he planned to challenge for her.
    Once they reached the clearing, those not participating faded into the background, forming a large, loose circle around the fire. Three young women, including Lia and one of the girls who had been part of her group, already waited on one side of the fire. A man or woman flanked each. All wore fur robes. Davinia waved her toward them.
    Ellie took a deep breath and forced herself to walk in front of the larger group of men gathered on the other side of the fire. She could feel their eyes raking over her, but didn’t know if any liked what they saw. She hoped not, because she didn’t want Rica injured challenging for her. Far better to be humiliated by not having any others interested in her. It didn’t matter to her who won anyway. She supposed being the mate to any would give her a unique perspective for her study.
    That academic theory disintegrated when she stepped into line beside the last girl and looked up to meet Rica’s eyes. Her stomach clenched with excitement, and she found herself anticipating the consummation ceremony. Golatia had sketched the details for her, and she knew after she accepted Rica, they would become lovers. She gave him a small smile, which he didn’t return. His expression remained impassive. He seemed as blasé about his nudity as the other men did.
    As if signaled, the crowd quieted as one, and Viggo stepped into the center of the circle. “It is the duty of every Pack member to take a mate. Offspring ensure the survival of our species. Choose wisely, because we mate for life.” He allowed a moment to elapse before speaking again. “Those who plan to challenge have already spoken up, but it is not too late to announce your intent.” He eyed the men before he gestured to the girls.
    Ellie watched as they removed their robes by opening them and handing them to their Guardians. She felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Golatia standing slightly behind her. She tried to give her a shaky smile.
    “Your coat and boots, Ellie.”
    She nodded, stepping out of the boots as her clumsy fingers fiddled with the zipper. She finally opened it and forced herself to strip off the coat in one quick movement. As soon as she handed over the covering, she became aware of how cold it was, even this close to the fire. Her nipples beaded, and gooseflesh puckered her exposed skin. She resisted the urge to hug herself, noting the proud stances of the other girls. She tried to mimic it as a few men broke from the