Chapter 8

• HANNAH
• I was so excited when Fiona told me it was time for us to run together. It was something I had been waiting for. I could only envy our members whenever I watched them shifting into beautiful wolves.
• But it didn't matter anymore as I had Fiona now. She was the best wolf ever!
• 'Are you ready?'
• I imagined myself nodding enthusiastically at her question. I was more than ready.
• 'It might be hurt because this is the first time you shift.'
• She warned me, and I knew that already. I saw they were in pain when they shifted for the first time, and I expected to feel the same.
• 'I'll try to reduce your pain. But you may need to call Danny if it's too much.'
• 'It's okay. Share the pain with me. This is something I need to experience, anyway.'
• That was the truth. It was better to feel the pain than to have no wolf at all.
• 'Okay.'
• After a little agreement, I prepared myself for the upcoming event. I wouldn't go through the normal process because my wolf was already awakened. What I only needed to do was shift.
• I started to feel pain all over my body. It was like my whole body was going to be ripped out. Soon I heard bones creaking, and I found myself already crouching for shifting and holding pain.
• But the pain was bearable. I guessed my wolf was trying not to burden me too much as she took half the pain.
• 'Ready?'
• 'Yes.'
• In a second, I leaped forward and landed on my paws. I succeeded.
• I circled the same area, expressing my joy for succeeding in shifting. This would be the best birthday ever!
• 'Let's run.'
• And the run began. We sprinted more profoundly into the forest, shaking serenity with our paws as we made our way to... I didn't know. I just let Fiona take control when I enjoyed the chill breeze sweeping my skin. Um, I meant my fur. It was calming as if it blew my worries away.
• We ran through random ways for a few more minutes before I decided my tree would be our next destination. I loved it not because it was my secret place with Eliot but because I liked the view. It was near a stream I sometimes swam into or just looked at. Also, the beautiful wildflowers surrounding the area made it look like a painting.
• It was perfect to merely sit and watch the sight. Or just listening to nature was also fantastic.
• I was so happy to only think about it. But my smile disappeared as soon as the cedarwood scent entered our noses.
• I instantly knew whose smell that was. And the fact I could identify his unique scent meant it was already past midnight, and Eliot was nearby.
• Damned!
• Why did he never listen to me?
• Fiona abruptly changed direction to the right. We ran as fast as we could, but everyone knew no one could beat an Alpha. So could I.
• Kai overtook us and now was caging us between his paws. And when our gazes met, I felt the mate bond snap into place.
• It happened again.
• Soon I also felt sparks spreading all over my body as he began licking Fiona. And I couldn't help but get aroused by his actions.
• Goddess!
• This was something I had no control over. Resisting it was also useless because this was about mate bonds.
• But wait.
• Why did I feel everything intensified? His cedarwood scent and sparks were explosive compared to the ones I felt for him in my previous life. Was it because my wolf had awakened, so the mate bond getting stronger?
• Then I would be in a big problem.
• 'I'm sorry. I should have run faster.'
• 'No. It's not your fault. He's an Alpha. He will find us sooner or later.'
• Fiona and I exchanged talks when Kai was still hovering over us, and we tried to avoid his gaze.
• 'I'm sorry for this too.'
• I furrowed at that. What did she mean?
• But then I understood her words as I felt my body shrink. I returned to my human form, which resulted in my eyes wide open. I was in utter shock. Why should I shift right now and in front of him?!
• And as soon as the thought entered my head, my hands went up to cover my body, though I knew they almost hid nothing. His eyes dilated into full black as a growl rumbled from his chest. And I swallowed hard when I found him tugging a smug grin as if enjoying the view.
• Kai started to lick my body again. And I could only close my eyes, trying to keep my expression cold, like his touches never affecting me. Also, who was I fighting? Kai? In human form? Even Fiona couldn't win over him!
• "Hm, you smell so nice, Hannah."
• My eyes snapped open when I realized it was no longer Kai but Eliot. His head was on the nook of my neck, sniffing, licking, and nibbling my skin. Then I felt something poking on my hand, covering my core.
• Oh, no!
• I mustered all my strength and pushed him hard. I heard a thud, which I assumed was from him falling on his ass. But I didn't care. I needed to hide myself first.
• I rushed to the nearest big tree I hoped could cover my body entirely. Eliot was the most dangerous creature in the world right now.
• "Why are you hiding? I already saw everything." His voice was hoarse and full of need, and I knew exactly what it was for because I felt it, too. As hard as I tried to resist him, I couldn't deny that my body craved him.
• "Why don't you tell me that your wolf has been awakened? What's her name?"
• I steadied my breath while thinking about the next move. How could I return to the pack house safely?
• "Shift, Fiona," I muttered, ordering and begging for Fiona at the same time. The best way to escape this situation was sprinting in my wolf form.
• And what I got was a chuckle. Not from my wolf, but Eliot.
• "If this is your first time, then you can't shift anymore. Your body needs time to rest and adjust."
• His sentence explained everything, as Fiona kept saying sorry for not helping us. So it was only me to face him.
• "You should have brought clothes before shifting."
• Yes, I should have brought some clothes with me instead of just running without thinking that I would probably shift back into my human form in the middle of the way.
• "I bring my shirt with me. But of course, you won't wear something from a monster like me."
• I closed my eyes, feeling the sudden emotion resulting from his words. I knew it was for me to call him a monster. And it would be ironic if I took his help.
• "I will wear that!"
• But I didn't have other choices, did I?
• "Come out."
• My eyes widened at that. "No way!" Was he crazy?
• "Then, no clothes for you. But don't worry. I'll walk you home and make sure you will arrive at your room safely."
• "What?!"