by Aline Hunter
Be cool. You’re fine.
Rising from the stool, she stepped away from the counter. As stupid as it was she was worried about his reaction. She rubbed her palms over her itchy skin, wishing the irritating sensation would go away. She had marks on her arms from scratching. As soon as she’d seen the damage she’d caused, she’d forced herself to stop.
It had taken all of her willpower not to tear at her skin.
Knowing it had to be done eventually, she walked down the hallway. Each step drew her closer. His scent—now much more potent—drifted to her nose. Her body responded and she felt a growl creeping up her throat. She exhaled roughly, shaking her head, wanting the tingling in her nostrils to stop.
“Yes, we’re about to leave,” she heard Declan retort sharply. “As far as I know, she’s fine. Thanks to all the bullshit I’ve had to deal with today, I haven’t been able to take care of her. Whatever, man. See you there.” She heard the phone hit the cradle, followed by Declan’s snarl, “Fucking asshole.”
The chair in the office squeaked and her pulse quickened.
She heard his footsteps, each one bringing him closer to the door. He was going to get out of the room before she made it there. She tried to decide which lighting might be better—the dimly lit hallway or his work lair—but accepted nothing in the world was going to change her eyes. She’d seen them earlier in the mirror, noting the way the color had changed.
He exited the room, his hair mussy from him combing his hands through it. His head turned, his gaze landing on her. He stilled, nostrils flaring as his eyes went wide.
“I think something’s wrong,” she confessed like an idiot and wondered if she should have gone to him sooner. “I know I’m supposed to change later but I feel really weird.”
“Son of a bitch.” In an instant he was at her side. His fingers cupped her face, his eyes locked on hers. “Tell me what you’re feeling. When did it start?”
“Around noon,” she answered, trying not to panic. Her gums and fingertips burned, her bones practically on fire. “I won’t shift yet, right?”
“We’d better go.” He released her without answering the question. “Once Jackson’s close he can make things easier for you.”
Before she could argue he vanished into the office and returned with his jacket and keys. He hurried down the hall, led her from the house and got her in the SUV. In less than a minute they were on their way. She noticed how strange the car smelled this time around, the leather scent in the vehicle almost offensive. Strangely the cold didn’t bother her anymore. She turned off the heater Declan hadn’t bothered cutting off the last time they’d exited the car.
“I’m sorry,” he said, reaching for his cell. He pushed a button and lifted it to his ear. “I didn’t realize how much time had passed. I should have paid attention.” After a second he snarled into the phone, “Haul ass. It’s happening.” Before the person could respond he hung up, tossed the cell into the cup holder and took her hand. “Don’t be afraid. You’ll be fine.”
“I thought you had to meet the packs.” In fact, she was certain he had to. She’d heard him telling Shane precisely that. “Can’t we make it stop?”
He didn’t answer for several seconds. “I’m not sure.”
“That’s not very reassuring.”
“It’s going to be fine,” he repeated. His fingers squeezed hers. “Jackson is on the way. Shane should already be at the hunt. We’ll figure something out.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready for this.” An enormous understatement.
The car rocked as the tires hit a real road, going from gravel to asphalt. Taken off balance, she thrust her hand against the dash. She saw her fingers and froze. She didn’t have claws exactly but her nails had really grown.
“Declan,” she whispered.
Glancing over, he snarled, “Shit.”
He punched the gas and ordered, “Look at me.”
Ripping her attention from her hand, she looked at his face.
His fingers tightened over hers. “Not yet,” he growled, peering over at her. “It’s not time.” Something settled over her, a soothing yet invisible blanket of comfort. “That’s right,” he persisted, “you belong to her and she belongs to me.”
Little by little the animal inside her backed off. She could still smell things and her vision was a lot clearer but she didn’t feel like she was going to crawl out of her own skin.
“You’re holding the wolf back,” she said, cracking under the strain, “aren’t you?”
“For now,” he told her softly. “Don’t be afraid. I know you don’t believe it but you’re going to love the night, Rachel. You’re going to find out there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Even as he said it, she heard the fear in his voice.
She decided to let it slide, grateful for his help. “I believe you.”
There was no way to know if he believed her and she didn’t push to find out. Instead she studied the landscape, watching the buildings blur by. The night hadn’t come yet but it was well on the way. The sun had already started its descent, dipping to the horizon. She didn’t bother him as he drove, taking in her surroundings. They ventured through the city before Declan turned onto a side road. It went for miles, taking them deep into a wooded area.
The scent changed, no longer tainted by smoke or urban smells.
Grass and earth filled her nose, a tantalizing fragrance that called to her soul.
She leaned forward and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. The burn in her muscles and bones returned and Declan’s fingers clamped down on her hand.
“We’ll be there soon. Sit back and focus.”
Damn. “I don’t want to.”
“Rachel.”
More of that powerful soothing from him, yanking her back. She sank into her seat, taking ragged breaths. The wolf seemed to snarl but then went quiet. The fire in her blood retreated, leaving her shaken. The trees sped by in a blur, Declan’s grip on her fingers nearly painful. She paid attention to that, forcing everything else from her mind. A minute or so later she saw a large building of some kind in the distance. She focused, trying to see. A dozen or so cars surrounded it.
“Hold on a little longer.” Declan relaxed his grip and brought her hand to mouth, breezing his lips over her knuckles. “We’re almost there.”
Declan lowered Rachel’s hand and stared at the large structure in the distance. The building had been created years ago for the packs. There were meeting rooms and beds inside, in the event pack members didn’t want to drive home after a hunt.
His gaze swept over the cars until he found the one he was looking for.
Fuck yes. Shane’s here.
Jackson wouldn’t make it in time. Rachel had already started going through the beginning phases. With changed wolves things were different. They started experiencing things earlier but usually they didn’t start the transformation until night had fallen.
He thought she’d have to be in the rays of the moon.
Apparently he’d been wrong.
He pulled the car next to Shane’s and turned off the engine. “Stay here,” he ordered, opening his door and letting Rachel go. The instant he slid from his seat he used his nose, trying to find his packmate. As soon as he had a fix on the scent he was looking for he rushed to the side of the building.
Shane, Cole and Wyatt where there, talking.
They shut up when they saw him, frowning in confusion.
“Shane,” he snapped, waving the man over. “Come here.”
“Well, hello there,” Shane drawled and stepped away from the men. “You’re early.”
“Don’t fuck around.” He advanced, stopping when he was inches from the male. “I need you to meet the packs for me.”
“Oh no, hell no,” Shane responded. “That’s your job now.”
“Rachel’s shifting,” he snarled, itching to get back to his mate. He’d gone over things with Shane. The male could easily stand in for him for the night. All h
e had to do was meet the pack and make sure the transition for the Alphas went smoothly. “Tell everyone the circumstances. They’ll understand. She can’t wait until Jackson arrives. I need to take her to the forest and help her as much as I can.”
Shane stopped being an asshole, turning concerned. “Shit. Are you sure?”
“Positive.” He took a step back, ready to leave. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t have to.”
Shane’s eyes turned bright blue. “Go on. Take care of her.”
“Will you—”
“I’ll handle it.” Shane glanced at Cole and Wyatt then he turned to Declan. “Go to her. Make sure she’s okay. I’ve been covering your ass this long. What’s one more night? I have this shit. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Much appreciated.”
Even though he rushed, he didn’t like how Rachel looked when he made it back to her side. Her irises shone brighter, her face was already changing shape. He wasn’t sure how soon she’d change but he hoped the continued transformation made things fast. She didn’t argue when he pulled her from the seat and closed the door, allowing him to rush her toward the trees in the distance.
Reaching out with his beast, he immediately connected with her wolf.
Fuck it was powerful.
Even as a bitten wolf, Rachel wouldn’t be a bitch anyone would cross.
She hadn’t spoken, not that he thought she would. Her claws were already forming, the changes taking place. He breached the tree line and kept going, taking her into the woods. Hopefully the packs wouldn’t hunt for at least another hour. He wanted to take Rachel deep into the grounds, allowing her to fully appreciate what she’d become.
“Stop.” She pulled him short, stopping about a quarter of a mile into the trees. She hunched over, grasping her stomach. “It hurts.”
“I’m here.” He started stripping off his clothing and studying landmarks. Someone had pissed on a tree nearby. He took the scent in, memorizing it. They’d have to retrieve their things eventually. He didn’t think she’d be comfortable in the nude. “Hold on, baby.”
By the time he’d made it to her, she’d already tugged her shirt over her head. He got to work, helping her disrobe. When he’d tossed her jeans and underwear over her boots, he reached for her and bent down.
“Let it happen.” His wolf went for hers, calling to it. He didn’t close his eyes but he welcomed the rise of the animal. The sun had vanished, twilight falling upon them. The moon was coming. He could feel it, like a mechanism under his skin that had been activated.
He hated hearing her cries, wished he could absorb her pain.
He didn’t have to instruct her. She fell in the right position, on her hands and knees. He cringed when her legs bent and buckled, changing shape. Her arms did the same, a beautiful coat of strawberry-red fur covering her body. Her transformation triggered his, although—unlike her—he’d been born which made it so much easier.
His wolf rose, taking form. Bones contorted, skin bled back.
He lifted his muzzle the moment he finished, searching for his mate.
A red wolf met his gaze, her blue eyes startled. She was small—tiny really by werewolf standards—with long limbs and a slim chest. Her fur was as gorgeous as her hair, retaining the same lovely shade. He’d never seen anything like her. Not in all the years of his life. Relief rushed through him, as well as an enormous burst of pride.
That’s my beautiful fucking girl. Look at you.
She lifted one of her paws and hesitated. He watched her lift each one, letting her grow accustomed to the changes in her form. Balance was essential. Once she had a proper feel of things she’d understand the call of nature. She could run faster than she ever had, see things she’d never experience as a human. A growl crept up his throat, his wolf determined to establish its place. It needed to claim its dominance over its mate, to show her who she belonged to.
Her whine snapped him out of it.
She dipped her head, gazing at his feet. A sign of submission.
He went to her but didn’t rush, taking his time. He knew she was confused and needed reassurance. Their noses met and he brushed his muzzle across hers. Longing pulsed through him. This was what he’d waited for. To have a mate to run with him. A partner to share his life.
Slowly, cautiously, she returned his affection.
She moved closer, edging next to him.
That’s right. Come to me. My sweet female. My perfect mate.
Being so much larger than her, he made sure to take things easy. He slid his body against hers, bearing her weight when she leaned into him. Glancing down, he noted the contrast of their coats. She’d be easy to spot in a hunt, her coloring and size different from any of the other wolves’.
Time to run. He nipped at her heel and she spun around. That’s it. Take off.
She paused, watching him. Then her ears ticked upright, her nostrils flaring.
Her body shifted away, her paws digging into the moist earth. She shot off, breaking into a smooth run. He watched her for several seconds, knowing it wouldn’t be difficult to catch her. As she cleared the trees he followed, directed by her scent.
He’d told her not to be afraid.
Now it was time to show her how amazing the change could be.
Chapter Fifteen
Wow.
Rachel ducked beneath an enormous fallen branch and kept going. The earth felt firm beneath her feet, so many wonderful scents crashing into her nose. While the change had hurt the pain had been fleeting. Once the misery abated she was totally fine, although she wasn’t sure she liked standing on four legs. Then she’d seen Declan and everything had clicked.
She heard him behind her and tried to fun faster. She liked having him chase her.
Her heart beat differently, her senses so strange—in a good way.
Despite her lead her mate didn’t seem ready to catch up. She almost faltered thinking about that. Her mate. The man she belonged to. She liked that and the wolf did too.
With a burst of speed she cleared more trees. She caught the scents of smaller animals, able to hear the soft pulsing of their hearts. The night hadn’t come yet—not fully. Her wolf wanted to feel the call of the moon. She lifted her head and peered up. Darkness had taken over the sky. Soon she’d feel the rush. It wouldn’t be long until she understood what she’d become.
Leaves rustled, a smaller creature making its presence known. She followed the sound, homing in on it. The wolf caught the scent and shared its knowledge.
Rabbit.
Her muscles bunched and she was off, racing for the sound. The wolf basked in the sensations, wanting them to last. She found the critter and gave chase, going after it. As she closed in—rushing closer—it barreled into a hole beneath a tree. She made it to the small space and scented it.
Fear. Adrenaline.
Another noise gained her attention.
She glanced over her shoulder and a dark wolf appeared, watching her.
Declan.
She rushed off again, letting him chase.
There were so many smells and places to explore.
Minutes passed, the night getting darker as she ventured deeper into the trees. After a while she lost track, until a beam from above drew her attention. The moon had appeared, casting light into the sky. She slowed her movements, stepping closer to the light. When it hit her, cascading over her fur, she closed her eyes.
Amazing.
She felt electrified, taken to a higher plane.
Everything else faded away, leaving her alone.
The wolf hummed in excitement, welcoming the overwhelming feelings.
Why had she run from this? There wasn’t a need.
Declan had been right. Like this she felt invincible.
This time when he appeared behind her, she was ready. There was no terror. No worry. This was what she was meant to be. Now she’d become closer to her mate.
She took off, baiting him to follow. She wasn’t sure if she could change ba
ck to her usual self, standing on two legs instead of four. With the moon above it might not be possible. She should have asked Chloe, she realized. She shouldn’t have been so afraid to learn more about her nature.
She weaved around a tree—making sure to coat it in her scent—and made her way back.
All she wanted was to tell Declan how glorious she felt, sharing in the experience.
She hoped she’d be able to.
She saw him running along the path, taking his time. Anticipation and awareness hit, a profound ache in her heart. He was giving her space, even now. Letting her explore on her own as he watched over her. Waiting until the time was right, she pounced. He spun around when he heard her, braced for impact. In a few seconds she hit him, taking him down.
Give me this. She reinforced the order with her will, ordering the wolf back. I’ve accepted you. Now you need to accept me.
Pain arose, her body shifting. Her bones cracked, muscles changing.
She braced for more pain, knowing it had to come. Amazingly it was easier to return to her human form. The wolf listened, sliding into the background. In seconds the fur covering her body receded, leaving her in her skin. She wrapped her arms around Declan and gasped when he shifted as well. He bowed his head, resting it on her shoulder. The heavy coat on his body vanished, leaving his hard and warm muscles resting against her.
“I love you,” she expelled in a rush. “I love this.” He’d given her so much. It was her turn to return the favor. “You were right. Everything is so amazing.”
His entire body went quiet above her. “What did you say?”
“This is amazing?” she repeated, not thinking of what she’d said.
“Not that.” His body lifted, his heavy and erect cock resting against her thigh. “The other part.”
The other part… Oh.
“You were right?”
His full lips pursed, eyes narrowed in warning. “Not that either.”
“I love you,” she admitted and forced herself to meet his eyes.
“It’s not the wolf talking, is it?” She shook her head. His irises flickered, light in the center and dark along the rim. “Are you sure?”