AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I slowly sit up. I feel like my body was taken apart and put back together in one day. I am alone in the room. The shouting continues.
I try to move slowly, but I am standing in the kitchen before I know it. Weird.
“Why are you shouting? My ears hurt,” I complain. Everyone freezes. “What?”
“Mate, you are shouting,” Kerian says, laughing. I feel his relief and pride.
“I am?” I shout.
“Cupcake,” River shouts. Or not. I’m not sure.
“It’s going to take some time to get used to the sensitivity of your ears,” Kerian explains. He walks over to me and cups my face. “Ava, I am so glad you are awake.” He kisses me lightly.
“Fuck that,” River shoves him out of the way and wraps me in his arms. “It’s about time.” I cringe when he squeezes too tight.
“That’s why, asshole,” Kerian slaps him on the back of the head.
“Sorry, cupcake,” he whispers.
“It’s alright. I’m sore. Extremely sore. I think I need to go outside,” I say weakly. Cinnamon is pushing. “Now.”
They jump into action. River scoops me off of my feet as Kerian opens the door. The others follow behind us, but I don’t bother to address them.
River walks to the back of the house, and I struggle to get out of his arms.
“Easy,” he says softly. “Your body is still adjusting.”
I hunch over with my hands on my knees. Fire is spreading through me, burning from the inside out. My wolf sends me calming vibes, but I’m too consumed with pain for her to help. I yell as I drop to the ground. My mates are talking, telling me it will be alright, to give in to the change. It doesn’t feel like it will be alright; nothing about this is okay right now.
My heart is beating so hard it’s like a drum in my ears. I fear it will never end. I knew I would be a shit wolf. I hear a growl, and I can’t tell if it is my wolf or me in my head. Kerian is suddenly crouched in front of me.
“Ava, welcome the change. Your wolf wants to meet us. You are a warrior,” he says roughly. He sends assurance through the bond—his pride in me along with it.
I stare into his eyes and know he wouldn't let anything happen to me. He has confidence in me. River sits at my side, encouragement pouring from him.
“Cupcake, my wolf wants out. He wants to play,” he sings, a silly grin on his face.
I close my eyes and concentrate on my wolf. Her shiny coat. Her pretty eyes. Her desire to run with her paws slapping the ground. Energy zaps along my skin—everything shifts inside me. I disappear, replaced by four legs, fur covering my body, and claws digging in the grass.
“You’re gorgeous,” River says with awe.
“Beautiful, darlin’,” Kerian says, smiling.
I see them through the eyes of my wolf. They are brighter, hotter, and smiling big. I move slowly, testing these new legs, and rub against them. Their hands reach out to pet me, running down my back. I rub my head on Kerian’s chest, loving the sound of his laughter. I do the same to River. I tilt my head at them, ready to run with them, waiting for them to shift.
Seeing them shift so seamlessly makes me more determined to get better at it. My wolf chuckles in my head. It’s odd to feel her inside me. She sends messages through pictures and sound. I would know what she felt even if she didn’t.
Kerian steps over to me and glides down the side of me, nipping at my legs. River cuffs me on my neck, biting playfully. I smell them intensely. I will be able to find them just by their scent.
River bounces back, eager to run. I turn my head to my Alpha, waiting for him to lead. He nods his head. My instincts were right. He takes off slowly. I take a few steps, gaining speed as I adjust to four legs. I stumble a couple of times, but I am able to catch myself.
I revel in the sun shining down, the sound of the gentle breeze through the trees, and the smell of nature filling my lungs. The birds call out, chirping loud as if they are right next to me. I hear the water rushing even though it’s nowhere in sight. River stays beside me, keeping pace, sending me astonished looks. Kerian is ahead of us but looks back to ensure I’m not struggling.
I look down at my paws and almost trip. It’s so weird to the human Ava to see her feet gone, but it's normal to this version of me. We run through the woods, dodging logs and kicking up leaves. I howl in freedom and the strength of this new body. My mates join in my rejoicing.
I nudge River beside me. He isn’t expecting it and jerks sideways, almost falling. I dart away, anticipating a chase. We continue playing and running from each other. Kerian tackles me, taking me down to the ground and growling at me. I give up and turn my head to the side. I submit to him, and he rewards me with a lick of my neck.
We go to the creek, splash in the water, and test my swimming skills. We clean each other on the bank, something I will wait to feel embarrassed about later when I’m back in my human form.
