Camilla POV

Excitement coursed through me when Lyra whispered that it was time for us to run together. This was a moment I had always longed for—something I never got to experience in my past life. I had spent years watching others shift into their magnificent wolves, longing for the same bond, the same freedom.

But now, I had Lyra. My own wolf. My second half. And she was absolutely perfect.

"Are you ready?" Lyra asked.

I nodded eagerly, bracing myself for the transformation.

"It might hurt," she warned. "This is your first shift."

I knew that already. I had watched others go through it, seen their agony as their bodies twisted and reshaped. I was prepared for the pain.

"I'll do my best to ease it, but if it becomes too much, call Malakai. Your mind link should be stronger now."

"No," I said firmly. "Share the pain with me. It's something I need to go through. I can handle it."

Lyra hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself mentally. Unlike others, I didn’t have to awaken my wolf—she was already with me. All I needed was to shift.

Pain erupted through my body, like fire in my veins. My bones twisted and cracked, shifting in ways I had never thought possible. I collapsed onto the ground as my limbs contorted, my skin burning as it gave way to fur.

The pain was sharp but not unbearable. I knew why—Lyra was absorbing half of it, shielding me from the worst of the agony.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Yes!"

With a final, agonizing snap, I leaped forward—on all fours. I had done it! My first shift!

I circled the clearing, taking in the sensation of my new form. Everything felt heightened—sharper, clearer. The wind carried a thousand different scents to me, the earth beneath my paws hummed with energy, and the world suddenly felt… alive.

This was the best birthday ever.

"Let's run!" Lyra howled.

And we did—fast and fierce, the forest rushing past us as we sprinted into the night. I let Lyra take control, reveling in the power coursing through us. The cool breeze ruffled my fur, carrying away my worries. I felt free.

We ran without a destination until I decided to race toward my favorite tree in the forest. Not because of Malakai, not because it was our secret spot—but because the view was breathtaking. A small stream reflected the moonlight like scattered crystals, and during the day, wildflowers bloomed around it, turning the place into a masterpiece of nature.

I needed to be there, to bask in its serenity. But as we neared, my senses caught something unmistakable—the scent of cedarwood.

My stomach twisted.

"Damn!"

He was here.

If I could smell him, it meant it was past midnight and he was close. Too close.

Why did he never listen? He was as stubborn as they came.

Lyra veered sharply, trying to escape before he caught us. But it was futile. Malakai was an Alpha—no one was faster than him.

Within seconds, his wolf, Soren, overtook us, blocking our path. We skidded to a halt, trapped between his massive paws as he loomed over us.

Our gazes locked.

The mate bond snapped into place.

Sparks ignited across my body as he nuzzled against Lyra, his tongue brushing against her fur. I shuddered, arousal creeping in despite my resistance. The bond was too strong. My body responded to him, surrendering even when my mind screamed against it.

Oh, goddess, help me.

But something was different.

Everything felt intensified—his scent, the pull between us, the electric charge humming through my veins. In our past life, it hadn’t been like this.

Was it because I finally had my wolf? I never had Lyra before. Maybe that was why everything felt stronger—why resistance felt impossible.

If that was the case, this was a lost battle.

I was his.

And there was no stopping it.

"I’m sorry," Lyra murmured.

"For what?" I asked, confused.

And then I understood.

Pain rippled through me again as my bones shifted and shrank. Before I could react, I was back in my human form.

My eyes widened in horror.

No. No, no, no.

I knew what happened when a wolf shifted back—and the state they were left in.

Heat rushed to my face as I scrambled to cover myself, but it was useless. I was completely exposed before Malakai.

His dark eyes raked over me, pupils blown wide. A deep, rumbling growl escaped his chest.

A slow, knowing smile tugged at his lips.

Soren nudged against me again, sending another wave of sparks across my skin. I clenched my eyes shut, trying to suppress my reaction, but it was useless. I couldn’t fight it.

Even Lyra had succumbed to him.

"You smell incredible, Camilla."

My breath hitched.

My eyes snapped open, and I gasped.

Soren had shifted. Now, it was Malakai hovering over me, his breath warm against my neck. His lips brushed my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

Then I felt something—hot and solid—pressing against my thigh.

Oh, goddess.

Panic surged through me. With every ounce of strength I had, I shoved him away. He stumbled back, landing with a thud, but I didn’t wait to see his reaction.

I darted behind the nearest tree, my heart hammering, my body burning. Malakai was dangerous. Too dangerous.

"Why are you hiding?" His voice was a low, amused rumble. "I already saw everything, Camilla."

I bit my lip, pressing myself against the rough bark, hoping—praying—that I could escape this moment.

But I knew the truth.

There was no escaping Malakai.

Not now.

Not ever.

"You do know you ought to carry clothes when you want to shift, right?" I heard him say. "I could give you my shirt if you want. But you have to come get it from me."

Great! Just great! When I thought things couldn't get worse.

"Just throw the goddamn shirt."

"And miss the opportunity to oogle my mate? Heck no! Come out." He ordered.

What in the world! Is he crazy?

"No!" I said blatantly.

"Fine then! I'll leave with my shirt. You'll have to walk back to the pack naked and all by yourself."

What?!