Page 65 of Rhett

I’m changing.

I can feel it.

My senses were heightened, sharpened. There was no denying it. My inner animal had awoken because Rhett was mine.

Now I wondered how much longer until my animal demanded to be released to claim and be claimed by him.

CHAPTER17

NOVA

“Nova, we’re here,” Bonnie said.

“Ow, Bonnie.” I slapped my hands against my ears. “Why are you yelling?”

“What’s wrong with you?” She yanked my hands away from my ears. “You’ve been jumpy all day.”

“Everything sounds so loud,” I grumbled, rubbing my eyes. “It’s like the volume of my hearing has been turned up tenfold.” I pointed to the bee flying outside in front of the windshield. “I can hear the buzzing.” And it was annoying.

“Why didn’t you say something before?”

I shrugged. “I’m changing. Transforming into the beast.”

“Transforming?” She arched a brow.

“Yes. You know, becoming one of you. A shifter.”

“Becoming?” She burst out laughing. “Dramatic much?”

I fanned her. “All I know is that my senses are on fire.”

“That’s what happens when a hybrid shifter meets her fated mate. All her senses start firing at a faster rate.”

“All I hear is blah, blah, blah. Nyx and Imani gave me crib notes.”

“So…” She batted her eyelashes dramatically. “You and Rhett, huh?”

“Yup. I guess the sheriff might be mine.”

“I’m so excited,” Bonnie squealed while rubbing her palms together.

“Don’t start planning the wedding. I’m not sure where this thing with Rhett is headed.”

“Okay, I’m not going to push.” She pursed her lips. “Or say I told you so.”

I gave her the evil eye. “How about you just tell me how to deal with my sensitivity to sound?”

“The first thing you have to learn is to modulate the sounds in your surroundings. You have to center yourself by taking slow, deep breaths.” She mimicked the instructions. “In. Out. In. Out.”

I did as instructed, but it took a bit of practice to focus. Eventually, the volume of sounds became almost normal.

“It’s working,” I said, relief flooding through my body.

“Anytime you feel your senses are heightening to a level that you feel is out of control, just take a deep breath and focus. It takes practice to calm the mind, but that’s one of the first lessons jaguars teach our cubs.”

“So you’re saying I’m as inexperienced as a cub?”

“Yup.” Bonnie agreed. “Now that your animal is coming awake, you’ll have to learn basic skills like modulating some of your instincts and senses. And how to shift into your animal.”