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 he 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.