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“Ready?” Marcus asked Derek, who had stepped back from the window.

I turned, unable to look away as Derek stripped off his shirt with military efficiency. The transformation started slowly, like ripples across water. His muscles shifted and flowed beneath skin that seemed to shimmer in the afternoon light. Dark fur sprouted along his spine first, spreading outward in a wave that made my breath catch. His bones reformed with a grace that seemed impossible for something so profound, power radiating from him in almost visible waves.

Unlike his team below, Derek’s shift was… mesmerizing. Where they had changed quickly, efficiently, Derek’s transformation seemed more controlled, deliberate. Each stage was distinct, beautiful in its raw power. Maybe he was showing off, or maybe this was just how an alpha shifted. Either way, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

When it was done, a massive wolf stood before me, easily larger than any of the ones below. Steel-gray fur with darker markings caught the light, and his eyes were pure amber now, fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin tingle. He moved with lethal grace as he padded closer, power contained but never diminished.

“Show-off,” Caleb murmured, but I barely heard him.

I reached out without thinking, then caught myself. “Can I…?”

Derek nudged my hand with his muzzle in clear permission. His fur was impossibly soft, and I could feel the barely contained power thrumming beneath my fingers. This close, he was easily as tall as my chest, and I had a feeling he was holding himself back from his full size.

“He’s preening,” Marcus observed dryly.

Derek made a sound that was definitely a growl, but he pressed closer when I scratched behind his ears.

“Completely undignified,” Caleb agreed. “Though you should see him when?—”

Whatever he was about to say was cut off by Derek’s warning snarl.

“Now, children,” Maria called from her corner. “Play nice or no more snacks.”

Below, Johnson’s team had started their drills—complex maneuvers that looked like a deadly dance. Wolves moved in perfect synchronization, their power contained but never diminished.

“They train like this three times a week,” Marcus explained, coming to stand beside me. “Maintaining control in wolf form is crucial.”

Derek’s fur brushed my leg as he joined us, a warm presence that somehow made me feel both safer and more nervous.

“It’s beautiful,” I admitted, watching the wolves below move through another formation. “Terrifying, but beautiful.”

“Wait until you see your wolf form,” Caleb said confidently. “You’ll be gorgeous.”

I tensed slightly. “If I can even shift.”

Three distinct growls—one wolf, two human—made me jump.

“You will,” Marcus said with absolute certainty. “Your body’s already preparing for it.”

“Yeah, about that.” I turned to face them, trying to ignore how Derek’s wolf form was practically plastered to my side now. “Are we going to talk about the whole ‘glowing skin’ thing? Because I’m pretty sure that’s not normal, even for quarter-wolves.”

The brothers exchanged one of their looks—impressive considering one of them was currently furry.

“Dr. White has some theories,” Marcus began carefully.

“About why I’m starting to light up like a supernatural beacon?”

Derek made a sound that might have been a wolf laugh.

“Your heritage is… unique,” Marcus continued diplomatically. “The First Pack bloodline manifests differently in everyone.”

“Right,” I drawled. “So I’m just special. Nothing to worry about. Totally normal to start glowing like a supernatural night-light.”

Derek nudged my hand again, clearly demanding more attention. It was surprisingly effective at derailing my minor panic attack.

“Subtle,” Caleb commented.

Derek’s tail may or may not have “accidentally” whacked his brother’s leg.