I turned and kissed her palm before my gaze locked on hers again. “You realize that means I’ll have to bite you.”
Her lips parted a little as she nodded. “I know.”
I didn’t have words to express how much she meant to me. I nuzzled her mouth and murmured, “I love you.”
Her teeth scraped my bottom lip. “I love you, too.”
And tonight, she’d meet my wolf. I half expected her to back out of it once she saw the size of the wolf, but I guessed I’d find out in a few hours. It didn’t matter to me. We had plenty of time to cross that bridge.
Madison and I ran back to my place after lunch to change and shower before returning to the ranch for the full moon run. So far things had been quiet. No sign of Deidra or her henchmen. I should’ve been happier about that, but as the shadows lengthened across the valley, my wolf clawed his way forward in my consciousness, eager to claim his mate.
It unsettled me. Until now, it never occurred to me that the wolf would want to bite her, to convert her, and unleash the wolf inside her soul. Now that my shift was getting closer, I worried about Madison’s decision. What if she changed her mind? Would I be strong enough to stop my wolf from following his instincts?
She reached over to pat my thigh as I drove up to the house. “You’re awfully quiet.”
I parked and turned off the engine. “If you decide you want to wait on being changed tonight, just stay inside, okay? When I’m in wolf form, I’m still in there, but it’s different. I’m not in charge.” I struggled for the right words. “It’s like I’m a passenger. I see what’s happening and I might even be able to influence the wolf, warn him about danger, but he is yearning for you already.” I searched her eyes for any trace of fear. “If he can get to you, I’m not sure I’d be capable of stopping him.”
She leaned in and kissed me. “I’m not getting cold feet. I’m meeting you here at the truck tonight.” She rested her forehead on mine. “Thanks for offering me an out, but I’m all in.”
I chuckled, relief swamping me. “All right.” I looked over at her. “Any last wolf questions?”
She stared at the roof of the cab and then met my eyes. “I won’t change into a wolf tonight, right?”
I shook my head. “No. Next full moon.”
“Will it hurt?”
I shrugged. “I was born like this, so I’m not sure. The bite probably hurts, but they heal really fast. You’ll notice your senses are stronger, but no other physical effects until the next full moon.”
I waited for more questions, but she leaned in and kissed me. “I’m ready.”
“You still want this?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
We got out and entered the chaos of the house. Bart and Ben were chasing Gage’s twins, Henry and Hawk, and squealing like they were sirens on a police car. Chandler was patting one wailing infant, trying to get her to burp, while Wendy cooed to the other one to go to sleep. It was loud and frantic, but Madison braved the pandemonium, rescuing her brother and taking over burping duty. Watching her embrace this pack family made my heart swell.
How the fuck did I ever get so lucky?
Asher and Vance flanked me, bursting the bubble I’d been floating in.
“Serenity has been quiet. No more moving furniture,” Asher said, keeping his eyes on the little boys.
“Did Chandler get to meet her?” I asked. “We haven’t had a chance to bring him up to speed on having a half sister since he’s had his hands full with babies.”
“Yeah.” Asher nodded. “He wanted to see her. She didn’t seem to have any reaction, but who knows, right?”
“Hopefully she’ll find her way back.” I glanced over at my Alpha. “Are we ready if Deidra shows up tonight while we’re shifting?”
“Vance has his weapons loaded and ready just in case, and I’ll keep the pack close to the ranch so we’re nearby if he needs us.”
I hadn’t told Asher about Madison asking me to bite her tonight. It seemed wrong. If Madison changed her mind, I didn’t want her to feel awkward with everyone in the pack. She was my mate and Chandler’s sister, so she was pack whether she was a wolf or not. That was enough for now.
I glanced over at Vance. “If I hear gunfire, I’m hauling ass back here.”
“Be careful, mate. You won’t have thumbs as a wolf. If you can’t shoot, you can’t help me.”
“Bullshit,” I growled. “I’m deadlier as a wolf.”
He smirked and looked over at Asher. “You’re the Alpha. They’ll follow your lead.”
Asher gripped Vance’s shoulder. “Madison is Cole’s mate. I’m pretty sure even as the Alpha, I won’t be able to keep him away until he’s sure she’s safe.”
“Guns will be my last resort, mate.” He looked over at Chandler, watching as he lowered his tiny snoozing daughter into the playpen. “Newsman can keep an eye on the kids; I’ll make sure the perimeter is clear.” He glanced at Asher. “You keep my Kaya safe tonight.”
“I will.” Asher nodded.
“Thanks for watching over everyone tonight.” I clasped Vance’s forearm and walked over to Madison. I kissed her cheek and whispered, “I’m going to find a place to shift. I guess I’ll see you soon.”
“I’ll be at the truck.” She turned to look at me, and her lips curved into a little smile. “I bet you’re gorgeous.”
“Why, thank you.” I winked, chuckling as she shoved me.
“You know what I mean.”
“My wolf’s not half-bad.” I stole one last kiss. “Be careful tonight.”
“I will.”
Asher went to the door. “Let’s do this.”
I followed him out, but I couldn’t help checking over my shoulder as I left her behind. She was everything to me. And she’d better stay safe.
Shifting hurt like a motherfucker. Every month, the irrational thought floated in my head that maybe this time would be different. Still, the pain brought me to my knees behind an outcropping of red rocks. I tried to scream, but my vocal chords were already tearing and reshaping. My jaw cracked and broke and grew, jutting out of my face. I fell forward, planting my hands on the dirt as my fingers cramped and gnarled into paws, sharp claws erupting from the ends. Finally, I arched my back up to the moon and thick fur burst through my skin while my spine lengthened into a tail.
My wolf panted through the agony and shook off the last vestiges of humanity. He sniffed the wind, and then we caught the scent. Madison. We loped back to the ranch while Asher howled in the distance, calling the pack to him. The pull toward our mate outweighed the instinct to obey our Alpha. We slowed, tracking the human scent that lingered in the air near my truck. The wolf wasn’t familiar with the trappings of man and hesitated in the shadows.
Madison leaned against the front bumper of the truck, staring into the darkness, unable to see us. The wolf took in her scent, scanning the area for anyone else. For now, we were alone. I encouraged the animal forward and hoped for the best.
CHAPTER 22