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"Right," I agreed, as Kael and Tess nodded their heads in unison. It was clear we were all on the same page.
"Listen," Kael said, leaning forward with purpose. "We have a secure facility where we've been hiding from the shifter council. We'd like to invite you all to join us there. We'll be stronger together."
Felix's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea. Much better than staying here. We accept your invitation."
"Good," I said, feeling a sense of camaraderie form between our two groups. "Together, we'll put an end to this curse and those responsible for it."
"Damn right," Bryce interjected, his voice filled with determination. "We'll take back our lives and ensure that no other shifter has to suffer like we have."
With our newfound alliance solidified, we all set to work packing up the essentials for our relocation. The air was thick with determination and hope as we gathered their belongings. Tess watched me intently, her eyes filled with concern and love. Our connection grew stronger by the moment.
"Alright," Felix announced after we'd finished packing. "Let's hit the road."
We all filed out of the winter park resort, our steps heavy with purpose. As we began loading our bags into the cars, Bryce turned to me, a playful grin on his face.
"Hey, Hadrian," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "How does it feel to finally have your bear form back?"
I furrowed my brow in confusion, glancing at Tess who looked equally puzzled. "What do you mean? I haven't..."
"Wait," Rory interjected, his eyes widening in realization. "You haven't fully mated with Tess yet, have you?"
My cheeks burned as I shook my head, feeling exposed and vulnerable under their collective gaze.
"Really?" Dusty chimed in, looking at me with surprise. "That's interesting. You see, after we each completed the final mating with our Tsigos, we gained the ability to shift back into our animal forms. It hasn't stopped the cursed form from being triggered, but it's definitely a step in the right direction."
"Wow," I breathed, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation at the revelation. Would things really change once Tess and I completed our bond?
"Guess you've got some extra motivation now, huh?" Bryce teased, clapping me on the back.
"Seems like it," I murmured, my thoughts racing with the possibilities. I looked over at Tess, who was staring at me with wide eyes and a hint of blush on her cheeks. She met my gaze and gave me a small, shy smile that sent a jolt of desire coursing through me.
"Let's focus on getting back to the secure facility first," Kael suggested, breaking the brief silence that had fallen over us. "We'll have plenty of time to discuss our next moves once we're settled in."
"Agreed," I said, forcing myself to push the thoughts of Tess and our bond aside for the moment. There were more pressing matters at hand, and I needed to stay focused on the task ahead.
As we climbed into the cars and began our journey to the secure facility, I couldn't help but steal glances at Tess. We might not be able to figure everything out right away, but at least we'd have each other. Plus I'd be able to release my bear for the first time in several years.
Chapter Ten
Once everyone was settled at the facility including Dusty, Rory, Bryce and their mates. I was exhausted, but sleep seemed impossible. Tess lay beside me, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Can you believe it, Hadrian? You're going to be a bear again," she murmured, her soft breath sending shivers down my spine.
"Hard to believe," I admitted, my voice hoarse with emotion. It had been so long since I'd felt the power of my true form, the strength of a polar bear coursing through my veins. He'd been caged inside of me for far too long. "And you were the key all along."
Her cheeks flushed at my words, an endearing smile playing on her lips. "It's what fated mates do, right? Help each other?"
"Right," I murmured, reaching over to brush my fingers through her silky hair. The scent of her, sweet and intoxicating, enveloped me, heightening the desire coiled tightly in my core.
"Tell me about your life before all of this," Tess urged, her curiosity a beacon in the darkness. "I want to know everything."
"Everything?" I chuckled softly, even though the memories still stung. But for her, I would share it all.
"Everything," she insisted, curling closer to me, her fingertips grazing my chest.
And so I opened up, pouring out my past to answer every question she had. The lamp light cast a silvery glow on Tess's face as she lay next to me, her eyes locked onto mine. The air between us seemed charged, heavy with anticipation and the unspoken question hovering in her gaze.
"Tell me, Hadrian," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the hum of the night. "Why do we have to wait until midnight? I want you now."
