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I was in big trouble. The only thing that kept my wolf from breaking free and running straight to Tyler was the barrier that sealed off Star’s home. If that wasn’t there, I knew with absolute certainty, I’d be on my way to him now.
Taking careful steps, I walked the rest of the way through the underbrush toward the soft grass where the remaining rocks still stood in wait for me.
All those stages of training that would require me to shift into wolf form now looked like a death sentence. How long could I resist my wolf? What if she broke through that barrier? What if I couldn’t even get her to shift in the first place?
I picked up the shirt I’d left in the grass and took my time buttoning it. There was no safe way I could shift after what just happened.
Around me, the sound of cracking bones accompanied my friends’ transformation back into their human forms. They were all silent as they got dressed and I got the sense that they were waiting for me to speak. I wasn’t sure how to begin.
“Are you alright?” Sheila was the first to break the silence.
How did I answer that? “I’m not sure.”
“What happened?” Malcom asked.
“Maybe she just needs a break,” Kyle suggested.
“There’s no time for a break. She has to be able to control her wolf,” Malcom responded.
“I know, I know.” How was I going to explain this? I lost control because my wolf wanted to be with Tyler. My fingernails dug into my palms, and I released fists I didn’t know I’d been making. Just the thought of Tyler made my blood boil. I felt no kindness toward him. Yet, my wolf had decided to give up everything to get to him.
Shit.
“I have to see Star,” I blurted out.
“You have to get through at least five more exercises,” Sheila said. “We don’t know how long we’ve got, and I am not sending you to the king without being able to control your wolf.”
“I don’t have a choice.” I turned before they could say more and bolted toward the house. She’d warned me there would be a price and the bond likely couldn’t be broken on both ends. I just didn’t expect it meant my wolf would be working against me to get to Tyler.
What good did it do me to try to magically break the bond when it amplified everything my wolf felt? The pull between us in my wolf form was unbearable. Even now, I could sense my wolf’s restlessness. She knew her mate was out there, and she was determined to get to him. At least she was still there, so shifting was probably possible. The problem was, it was likely far too dangerous. I couldn’t risk shifting again but I had to figure out how to connect with my wolf and regain some control.
“Star?” I called as I took the steps to the creepy basement as fast as I dared. “Hello?”
The darkened space was empty. I should have started with the main house. Frustrated, I raced up the steps and ran from room to room. I finally found Star and Alec in the greenhouse, sitting at a small round table.
They both looked surprised to see me when I stopped in front of them. Alec jumped to his feet, and I got a rush of his emotions. He was concerned but that wasn’t all. There was a rage there, too. Something primal and protective. As if he was ready to take on anything that might be coming for me. The sensation was overwhelming. I took a step back, my heart racing.
“What’s wrong?” he demanded.
“Nothing, I just need a quick word with Star.” I forced a smile on my face.
It took a moment for him to settle down, or reign in his emotions. Once he was calmer, my own emotions began to react. My face felt hot, my body was tingly, desire coursed through me.Fuck.Not this again. I should have expected the post-shift libido, but it caught me off guard. Taking a breath, I tried to send all the want and lust away.
Alec’s brow furrowed. “Since when do you two have business you can’t discuss around me?”
“Girl stuff,” Star replied. “You’re welcome to stay, but most males aren’t interested.”
Alec’s nose twitched and I could tell he was trying to decide if he should stay.
“Alec, just go, please,” I said.
“Grab us some coffee, will you?” Star asked.
He didn’t look thrilled, but he headed out of the greenhouse.
“He’ll have to make a new pot,” Star said.
“Good. Because I have a serious problem,” I admitted.
