“Mate,”he growls. He holds still a moment more and steps back.“Let’s run.”
He takes off, and Bane nudges me. I think of running, and I do. My paws fly across the ground and through the trees. The world around me blurs, yet, I see it clearly as if we were walking. Lawson and Remy keep pace with me. Hunter stays in front for several yards, Bane behind us, and then they switch places. My vision pierces the dark, anticipating every obstacle. We jump over fallen trees and run around rocks. We don’t mind speak because we don’t need to. If they want to go in another way, one of them will nudge me in that direction. If someone falls behind, they circle back, always staying close. Our animals move as a unit, steady, and with care. I have never felt such freedom. All thoughts fall away, and nothing matters except how I move in my new body.
We play, nipping at each other. The brothers crash together and then run off. Bane and Hunter race and circle each other, debating who won. I play tag with Lawson, and laugh in my head as he catches me and tackles me to the ground. He bumps his head against mine, not needing words to communicate his happiness. Their emotions are joined with mine. There is no question of their love for me. I feel it in every inch of my body and mind.
Time means nothing as we enjoy our newly formed family and the freedom we find in the forest. It seems like hours later, Hunter motions behind us, and we head back the way we came. My human thoughts have been few, but as we reach the creek, I begin to think about how to shift back. Bane easily sheds his animal.
“You need to shift back, Butterfly,” he rumbles.
“The first few shifts should be kept short,” Hunter says, pulling on his clothes.
“As you practice, it will get easier, and your animal will give you control,” Remy adds, sliding on his pants.
“You have to assert your dominance over your jaguar.” Lawson sits across from me, his chest still bare.
I don’t want to know how to do that. I’m comfortable in this form, and I’m reluctant to leave it. Bane drops to his knees in front of me.
“Concentrate, baby,” he says softly. “Picture your human body. Push your animal back, and she will concede to you. We want to hold you in our arms.” Yes, I want that too. “You’ve been through a tough transition. We want to talk to you about it.”
My mates surround me, and I close my eyes. I want to kiss them and thank them for this gift. This won’t be the only time I get to be a jaguar. She will always be with me.
“Good girl,” Hunter hums, and I open my eyes.
“Holy shit,” I gasp. Remy holds up a shirt, and I lift my arms. As it settles, pooling around my hips, I realize it’s Lawson’s.
“How do you feel?” Bane asks.
“I don’t know,” I breathe, lifting my hair out of the neck of the shirt. “Free. Amazed. Loved.”
I look at each of the men responsible for giving me such an amazing life.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Haven
“Ididn’t expect to shift like that.” I bite my lip.
“Your animal was ready.” Bane holds out his hand. “As time passes, you’ll gain more control.” I place my hand in his, and he pulls me onto his lap. “You are beautiful.” His skin against mine feels different, the sensation more electric.
“I love you,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. “I can feel you inside me.”
“Same,” he rasps, and kisses my neck.
“Even though the bond was explained to me, I couldn’t imagine how it felt.” As my animal feels like a part of me, they do too.
“We will always be connected on a level most can’t understand,” Remy says, and Bane pulls back. He transfers me to his brother's arms, and I cling to Remy.
“I love you, baby,” he whispers, kissing the side of my head. “I’ve never felt this before.”
“What?” I hold him tight.
“Peace.” I barely hold the tears at bay. “You gave it to me.”
“Shit.” I rub my cheek on his shoulder and relish his words. “We found it together.” I lift my head and kiss him gently.
“Love you.” He smiles softly and lifts me toward Hunter. He eases me onto his lap, draping my legs over his thigh. “Daddy.” I smile, pressing my hand to his chest. “I feel the pain you went through, and your determination.”
“I feel everything I already knew you to be,” he says, gliding his knuckles down my cheek. “The light in your soul could never be dimmed.” He brushes away the tear that escapes. “I love you.” He kisses me softly, and his eyes glow. I press my forehead to his for a moment. “Brother.” We look at Lawson, his head bowed.
