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TWENTY

LORELEI

T he tingling sensation intensified until Lorelei’s skin felt like it was on fire. Her bones suddenly started to shift and crack, a searing pain shooting through her body. She tried to scream but all that came out was a whimper.

“What’s happening?” she gasped, but her words morphed into a strange growl. Her vision blurred, the world tilting sideways as her body contorted and changed.

Draken’s eyes widened in shock. “This is impossible,” he breathed, pulling away from her. “You’re shifting.”

Panic seized her chest as white fur sprouted across her skin. Her hands—no, paws—scrambled against the silk sheets. The room spun as her senses heightened, overwhelming her with new smells and sounds. She could hear heartbeats from two floors down, smell food in the kitchen, and detect the musty scent of old stone in the walls.

“Lorelei, stay calm,” Draken’s voice cut through her panic.

But she couldn’t stay calm. This wasn’t what she signed up for. She’d agreed to be his mate, yes, but becoming a wolf? The rational part of her brain short-circuited. Fight or flight kicked in, and flight won.

She leaped off the bed, her new four legs tangling beneath her as she crashed to the floor. The door was open a crack—thank god for small mercies—and she nudged it open wider and bolted out it, her claws clicking against the marble floors.

“Lorelei, wait!” Draken called after her, but she was already racing down the corridor.

She darted through the castle, her white fur a blur as she navigated the twisting hallways purely on instinct. Her architect’s mind, even in panic, mapped her escape route. Through the great hall, past the kitchens, and out the service entrance.

The cool night air hit her fur as she burst out of the castle. The forest beckoned, dark and mysterious, and she plunged into it without hesitation. Her new wolf body moved with surprising grace once she stopped fighting it, her paws finding purchase on the forest floor as she weaved between trees.

This is insane , she thought, her mind still human even as her body had transformed. I’m running through the woods. As a wolf. A WHITE wolf. What the actual hell?

The moon hung big and bright above her, its light filtering through the canopy and illuminating her path. Part of her wanted to howl at it, which only freaked her out more. She pushed deeper into the forest, trying to outrun her own transformation.

Lorelei’s paws pounded against the forest floor, her new wolf instincts guiding her through the darkness. Her white fur caught moonbeams as she darted between trees, her heart racing with each leap and bound. The forest filled her enhanced senses - pine needles crunching beneath her paws, owl calls echoing overhead, the musty scent of deer trails.

This seriously can’t be happening , she thought, her rational mind struggling to make sense of her transformation. I design buildings, I don’t turn into a wolf!

Lorelei . Draken’s deep voice resonated in her head, making her stumble slightly. Stop running, my love .

Great, now I’m hearing voices. Just perfect. She pushed herself faster, her muscles burning.

It’s the mate link, he explained, his mental voice tinged with amusement. All wolves can communicate this way. And you, my beautiful mate, are most definitely a wolf.

Oh, right. How could she forget? Get out of my head! She wasn’t sure if he could hear her thoughts, but his chuckle confirmed he could.

The Moon Goddess knew what she was doing all along , he continued. You were always meant to be this way - both Earth Luna and wolf. I was too stubborn to see it before.

Lorelei’s new wolf form sailed over a fallen log. That’s rich coming from you. Mr. Humans-Aren’t-Good-Enough.

I deserve that , he admitted. She could hear him gaining on her, his powerful form closing the distance. But you need to stop fighting this. Open your heart to your wolf, just like you opened it to me.

That’s your solution? Just trust my feelings? She darted around a massive oak tree. I’m an architect! I work with rulers and straight edges, not mystical wolf transformations!

And yet you’re running through these woods like you were born to do it , he pointed out. Your wolf knows what to do. Trust her. Trust yourself.

His words made sense but panic still gripped her chest. She couldn’t stop running, couldn’t face this massive change. Not yet. Her paws carried her deeper into the moonlit forest, Draken’s steady presence following behind her.

Take all the time you need, he said softly in her mind. I’ll be right here. But know this - you were never just human, Lorelei. You were always meant to be extraordinary.

Lorelei’s frantic pace gradually slowed as her racing thoughts finally settled. Her white paws padded silently across the forest floor, each step more deliberate than the last. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows across her fur.

A strange calm washed over her as she let her analytical mind step back. The forest spoke to her differently - not just through her earth magical powers, but through her heightened wolf senses. She could feel the vibrations of small animals scurrying underground, smell the rich loam beneath her paws, hear the whisper of wind through leaves with crystal clarity.

This feels... right , she realized with surprise. Her wolf form moved with natural grace as if she’d always known how to inhabit this body.

Finally accepting what you are? Draken’s deep voice rumbled through their mental link. His massive animal emerged from the shadows behind her, powerful and commanding.

I suppose I am, she thought back, turning to face him. I guess you’re right. I was always meant to be this extraordinary.

She padded closer to him. She pressed her muzzle against his neck, breathing in his wild, masculine scent. His larger form curled protectively around her, a low rumble of satisfaction vibrating through his chest.

My beautiful white wolf , he said through their link, nuzzling her ear. The Moon Goddess knew better than both of us.

Does this mean I get to redesign the pack houses AND run through the forest whenever I want? she asked, playfully nipping at his jaw.

Whatever my Luna desires , he replied, though his mental tone carried a hint of alpha male authority. As long as you remember who you belong to .

Lorelei bumped her shoulder against his. I belong to myself first. But I choose to be with you.

His form pressed closer, asserting his dominance even as affection flowed through their bond. Stubborn woman .

You wouldn’t want me any other way , she replied, feeling truly content for the first time since her powers awakened.

The snapping of twigs and soft padding of paws drew Lorelei’s attention. Through the trees, two wolf forms emerged into the moonlit clearing. Her new wolf senses identified them immediately - Chuck’s sturdy brown form and Scorpio’s sleek dark brown coat.

Welcome to the family, Chuck’s voice echoed through the pack link, his tail wagging as he approached.

The wolves circled around her and Draken, their noses twitching as they took in her new scent. Lorelei held still, letting them investigate.

A white wolf, Scorpio observed, his mental tone impressed. The Moon Goddess certainly has a flair for the dramatic.

Draken pressed against her side possessively. My mate, he declared through the link, his tone carrying an unmistakable note of pride and warning. His massive head swung toward the other two. Not a breath of this to the others yet. We wait until the time is right.

She was fine with that. She wanted to wait until she had fully accepted this part of herself before letting the whole pack know.

Come run with us, Luna , Scorpio’s voice sang through the link. The moon is bright, and the night is young.

Lorelei’s new wolf instincts thrummed with excitement at the invitation. The moonlight pulsed through her veins, calling her to run wild and free.

What do you say, my love? Draken asked, his form coiled with barely contained energy. Ready to run?

Without waiting for her response, he took off into the forest, his powerful form cutting through the shadows. The others followed, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization.

Well , Lorelei thought, her paws already carrying her forward, I always did like group projects . She launched herself after them, her white form gliding through the moonlit forest as naturally as she once walked through construction sites.

The small group ran together, weaving between trees and leaping over streams, their movements a beautiful dance of power and grace. Lorelei found herself matching their rhythm instinctively, her wolf form knowing exactly what to do even as her human mind marveled at the experience.