In the Alpha’s Arms

Shifting

The gate of her mind swung open but nothing happened. A moment passed then another. Lita had just begun to doubt if she’d done it correctly when she felt a surge through her body. Her wolf lunged through the gate.

A crack sounded through the clearing. It was her ribs. Another crack, then a pop, the sound of stretching then tearing. Her cries of pain. Panic. It’s okay. Breathe. You’re almost done. Cole whispered into her mind. White hot agony had tempered to sharp, shooting pains all over. She tried to hold herself together. Better than it had been, but awful all the same. Lita felt each of her bones break and reform. She felt, with painful clarity, fur pulling over her

skin like a coat,

Her laws opened and snapped closed in a snarl. That was no longer her mouth, but her wolf’s toothy grin instead. It was an instinctual fight or flight reaction to bring in the presence of another wolf Lita could feel the uncertainty passing through them. Another wolf Attack Fight. Survive. She could scent Cole, could feel the bond between them but her wolf’s mind was too clouded in panic.

Rabid. Rabid. Rabid. It repeated in Lita’s head like a terrible chant. Her wolf had no idea what to do among others. She had no socialization, No manners. Had her wolf not been utterly exhausted after fighting and eating Erica, she might have tried her hand at attacking the others downstairs. Lita’s friends. Her wolf snarled again, lunging for Cole who slid out of the way gracefully. She made a few more attempts, growling and snapping at his furry sides but Cole outmaneuvered each one. The last time she jumped for him, her claws found their mark, slicing at the taut flesh against his ribs.

His rear was clipped short by her body slamming into his. Then they rolled, kicking away from each other until they smacked against opposite trees. Cole’s wolf was faster, more experienced in a fight. Before the bits of bark could fall and settle to the ground, he was up and towering over Lita’s wolf. His paws pinned her hard, snout pushing against snout as Lita’s wolf thrashed. He applied more pressure. Even with knowing Cole would never hurt her, or her wolf, worry bristled against the back of her mind. What if his wolf was pushed too far?

It’s not possible, not with you. His eyes flicked up to meet hers, could never hurt you. Not even if you asked me to. Not even if you left me no choice. I would make a different one.

Her wolf stilled, watching him as if she too could finally feel the love that sometimes made Lita’s heart hurt. Not just Coles, which shone in his wolf’s eyes like jewels but also Lita’s. Her wolf could feel the love from within and it gave her pause. Cole let off her side, backing away to a better distance. His head bowed for a second, allowing her wolf to see his intentions.

Her matching black wolf must have been a slightly unexpected sight to behold, Lita guessed, from the way Cole’s wolf froze in a quiet awe once he could really take her in. He sniffed the air once, twice and her woll did the same. Mates.

The next few moments began as a quiet study, her wolf and his, circling each other amidst the heavy sheets of rain. Lita could feel the pull and play of her wolf’s mind. Ki. Protect. Eat. Munger, Desire, Fear. All mixed and muddled together as she circled Cole.

be in shreds. Her mind and instincts were so volatile, so minimal and animalistic. There was no room for considering the consequences or doubt. She

name is midnight.

to name her or do they… name

that weird growl isn’t going to cut it as a response I’m afraid. He

from her wolf. She mentally

called over

ask her. And before you ask how, remember

can’t you ask

you can’t reach mine. Those primal parts of ourselves always remain separate.

don’t like what I

Jirst try.

walls of her mind. She’d never spoken

it was because they’d

Shifting

didn’t answer. Perhaps it had been too many years apart to

it. Or because neither of them knew what

didn’t want her. The weak human who had been used her whole life. The one who’d let them be drugged and beaten and forced to do things she didn’t want to. What kind of

Silence was all she got in return. 11hy Nyx? She tried again. Cole’s words had effected her more than she thought. Her wolf had been isolated and alone for just as long as Lita had been. Perhaps feeling

were younger. For at least two weeks straight you obsessively thought about that name and

least not any that would have