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I look down at a peaceful Sierra. Her claws are extending and retracting as her body tries to shift. Hair is growing on her forearms and being swallowed up by her skin repeatedly, and for a moment I'm taken with watching the process. My sweet, beautiful friend. I never wanted her to have to suffer this.
Anger licks at me as I replay Victor’s attack. Air rushes in and out of my lungs as I focus to keep from shifting. I wonder what this means for the Le Roux clan. Our secret about calling women to bear children is out.
Oh God, what about Lily and Taylor?And any other woman who managed to tattoo the sign on her body? They aren't safe.
I glance at Keith and notice dried blood is streaked on his face where Sierra must have scratched him. His eyes rise up to mine. In a near whisper he says, "You're an alpha. How can both you and Brady be the alpha?"
I shake my head. "I don't know. I think when he changed me, we became one."
Keith takes a quick breath, and his eyes widen. "What if we didn't get to Sierra in time? What if she and Victor are one?"
My stomach rolls at the possibility, but I don't share that with Keith. "You're her mate, Keith, not Victor."
He whispers, "You don't know that."
I'm tempted to use my alpha voice and tell him I do. But I won't lie and abuse the power. Instead I reach over and comb my fingers through Sierra’s hair to get it off her face. I know how she hates that. I ask, "How long will she be like this?"
His hands clench, and I guess he’s struggling with shifting. “It took you about two hours to change. But this is taking much longer."
I stifle rage at my helplessness, and defiance makes me try to communicate with Sierra.“Don’t you leave me here after all of this. I can’t be the only one that gets wild bear sex.”
Annie comes up to sit with us a while later. She’s brought a bowl of water and washcloths. Handing one to Keith and me, she offers us a small smile. “Donna’s outside handing out doggy bags to everyone as they leave.”
Warmth soaks into terrycloth as I wet it to wipe Sierra’s face. I imagine Donna is best under pressure and ever the perfect hostess. Sierra moans, and I wince for her agony.
I speak to Brady in my head. “Where are you?”
“I'm calling off the hunt. Victor got away tonight, but we know where to find him. And we will. How's Sierra?”
“Still out.”
“I'll be back soon.”
Sierra begins to thrash at the restraints. I speak softly. "Sierra, we're here. You're okay."
Her eyes open in fear, and she yanks at the ties on her wrists. “What the fuck?”
Keith leans over and strokes her cheek. "Hey, not how I wanted it to happen, sweetie, but you're a werebear now. I'm sorry."
We begin to untie her, and she says, "Holy shit, that hurt. I better be a sexy freak when this is all done."
I chuckle. "Oh, Sierra, I love you." I pull at the final knot to let her free. When she is, Keith scoops her into his arms and holds her gently.
Sierra reaches out for my hand, and I squeeze. From her puzzled look I guess Keith’s talking to her in his head.
She smiles, and I could try to tap into their phone line but decide not to. It's probably personal. He nuzzles into her hair, and Sierra rubs her wrists distractedly. "Love you right back.”
I notice her hands are shaking when she suddenly stiffens. “Keith, honey, could you get me a glass of water, please?"
"Sure." He places her gently on the bed.
Once Keith is in the bathroom, Sierra grabs my arm so hard her nails dig into me. Her eyes are wide. When we hear water run, she whispers, "Carly, Victor is talking in my head too."
Ice runs through my veins, and my heart skips a beat. I put my finger to my lips. I open my silent communication to Brady too. “Sierra, Victor can talk in your head all he wants, but you're a Le Roux. He has no idea what he's stepped into.”
