The “at the moment” clause rekindled my nerves, and I wrapped my arms
around myself as a light mist chilled my exposed skin. At least I’d brought a
jacket. “What are we doing here?”
“This is the closest portal to the mage’s tower. Amal will meet us soon,
but I wanted to get here early so you had a chance to shift and get
accustomed to your wolf form.”
My stomach dropped. Shifting hadn’t been part of the plan. “I don’t think
I’m ready for that.”
“I’m sure your wolf is.”
Hell, yes, the wolf voice in my mind said.
I swallowed hard. “Is it necessary?”
“According to Amal, the mage’s tower is in a tiny village without car
access. We’ll need to head overland through the woods, and we’ll be faster
and stealthier if we travel as wolves. You also need to know what it feels like
to shift and how to change back. The transformation can be triggered by
anger and fear, and the worst possible outcome would be for you to shift in
the midst of danger.”
I was definitely not ready for this.
I shook my head and lightly rested my fingertips on his muscled arm,
pleading with my touch. “Jaxson, no. The first time I shifted, I passed out
from the pain, and I’ve been exhausted all day. How can I face the sorcerer
after going through that again?”
He leaned forward and whispered in my ear. “Because I’m here. I’ll guide
and help you through the pain. Most wolves wouldn’t go through their first
shift without their alpha near.”
Jaxson was so close that the scent of his body overwhelmed my senses,
and each breath I took sent liquid heat pooling in my core.
I licked my parched lips as a queasy sensation overtook my body. “So
you’re my alpha now?”
“Yes.”