She bit her lip, praying she'd done the right thing by trying to help Victoria.
"Let's proceed with the rest of the naming before the baby wakes again," Marie said. The women all scrambled into a circle around the fire. Victoria positioned herself in front of the carefully piled leaves, covering them with a flannel blanket before laying the baby on it. The baby was sound asleep again, her lips pursed and her lashes curling against her pink cheek.
Marie raised her arms, smiling at them all. "And now we begin. A beginning for this baby, a new beginning for Victoria, and a continuation of our pack. Victoria, please drink this." Marie handed her a thermos of something that wafted an herbaceous-smelling steam into the clearing. "The herbs will help you to heal from the birth and give you the strength to complete tonight's ceremony." Victoria took a cautious sip. A little smile spread across her face. "It's good," she said.
"Of course it is," Marie said. She looked like a hen ruffling its feathers. "Your body knows what it needs. Now drink up."
Victoria drained the thermos, her cheeks flushing pink with the heat of the tea. "Done," she announced. Her eyes looked brighter, and with her rosy skin, she looked better— healthier—than she had in months.
"Excellent."
Marie turned to the group and began to chant, calling all their names.
"You may transform," Marie announced.
The women became wolves in the blink of an eye, and there was a great deal of prancing and yipping—the excitement they were all feeling brought with it the instinctive urge to move. Claire paced restlessly, anxious about what was coming. The only two wolves who were completely still were Marie, who sat with her head cocked in amusement, and Victoria, who lay curled around the baby, who slept.
All right. Let us continue before anyone gets too carried away. Marie stood, pacing closer to Victoria and the baby.
First, we will each give the baby our blessing—a wish for her future. Katherine? Perhaps you would like to begin. Marie withdrew slightly, still overseeing but giving the other wolves room to move closer to the baby.
Katherine walked forward, nuzzling the tiny bundle the slightest bit. Her nose left a wet mark on the pink blanket. I wish you health, Little One. I bless you with it.
She turned to Victoria. She's beautiful.
Victoria thumped her tail on the ground wearily. Thank you. And thank you for your blessing.
Katherine went back to her place in the circle, looking pleased.
Judith came and stood near the baby, her posture serious, almost severe. I wish you patience. You will need much of it in your life. I bless you with it.
She turned and retreated without saying anything to Victoria—without waiting for a response.
Claire hung back, trying to figure out what to bless Victoria's daughter with. She didn't want to say something stupid. She wished she'd had more time to think about it, that her mother had told her about this part, too, and not just the giving-the-name stuff. She sighed.
While Claire was lost in thought, Marie bent over the baby and blessed her with strength, followed by Beatrice, who lay down close beside the baby and Victoria and very quietly offered her a blessing of love.
Seeing Beatrice and Victoria wrapped around the tiny baby made a wistful sort of longing rise in Claire's throat, halfchoking her. The feeling smelled so strong, she could taste it, like the bitter peel of an orange mixed with darkly sweet chocolate. The three of them looked so happy. Claire wanted what they had—wanted it desperately. That contentment. No one wanting the others to be more or less than they were.
She stepped forward, and Beatrice got to her feet, grimacing as one of her knees popped.
Your turn, Not-the-Littlest One.
Claire crouched near the baby, breathing in the milky pure smell of her breath, the scent of her skin.
I bless you with happiness. She closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them, she saw Victoria nuzzled in close to the baby, who had awoken.
Thank you. Thank you all for such amazing gifts. I'm sure she will be all of those things—have all of those things—and more.
Claire backed away, watching Victoria and her daughter stare at each other, the infant's slate blue eyes studying the enormous wolf in front of her.
It is time for the naming. Marie nudged Victoria gently. Are you ready?
Claire's heart began to thud again, her chest aching from so much stress in one night.
Victoria lowered her head. I guess so. What . . . what do I . . . She hesitated.
Marie sat down. Tell her the name you have chosen. The rest will sort itself out.
Claire didn't like the sound of the second part. Forcing herself not to worry, not to think, she watched as Victoria bent low over her daughter. The movement drew the baby's atten tion, and she turned to look at her mother. There was a serious, determined expression on her little face, and her tiny rosebud lips sucked hungrily at the air.