Chapter 10: (Albaz and Storm completed past) part2-2

A warm hand patted my back. I looked up, confused by the face staring at me. Before I could speak, a sharp, searing pain shot up my spine. I gasped, Albaz , why is Damian here? Am I imagining things?”

Albaz answered, firm and clear, “You’re not imagining it. Damian is here. I’ll explain later, but right now we need to shift.”

Immediately, the shift started. I felt my body begin to transform, my bones cracking and shifting, muscles rippling and changing. Damian kept patting my back, whispering sweet words into my ear. “It’s okay, baby, you can do it. It’s almost over—just don’t fight it. Give your wolf full control and it will end soon. I’m here, I’ll try to take away the pain as much as I can. Just breathe.”

The moment his hand touched me, a wave of calm washed over me, even as confusion swirled—why was he being so gentle with me? I hoped Vanessa wouldn’t kill me this time. Then the pain surged again, sharp and relentless.

My senses heightened, and I could smell and hear everything more clearly. My vision altered, and I saw the world in a different light. fur grew, and my claws extended. With a final surge of pain, I completed the shift, standing on four legs, feeling the power and confidence of my wolf form.

It was the longest, most excruciating moment of my life,

I staggered to the lake’s edge, the water mirroring my form. Albaz her eyes glowing with a fierce, wild light. white‑furred, sleek, a perfect crescent moon etched on her forehead, and I felt a surge of pride and awe.

Still Confused, I turned my head and looked at Damian and asked, "Albaz care to explain why Damian is here?”

Before she could answer, Damian shifted into Storm, a massive wolf whose presence commands respect. His fur was a deep, midnight black, muscle rippling with raw power; his fur streaked with silver stripes that cascaded down his chest.marking him an alpha unlike any other. his eyes burning with ancient strength.

Storm padded forward, his massive paws barely making a sound on the damp earth. He brushed his flank against me, a warm, reassuring pressure, and then licked my face. A low, resonant voice echoed in my mind: “Welcome, Albaz. Welcome to the pack-link. I’ll accompany you on your first run, as tradition demands.”

Albaz surged forward, breaking into a sprint. She chased a startled rabbit, her movements fluid and joyous. Storm joined, their bodies weaving together in a playful chase, their breaths forming mist in the cool night air. I watched, half‑amazed, half‑bewildered, as the two wolves seemed to dance, a silent, ancient partnership.

I said to Albaz “That’s Damian—Vanessa’s boyfriend. Why is he here, so close to us?”

Her response was calm, I’ll explain later. First, we need to shift back and rest. The shift has taken a lot from us.”

Damian walked up to me already back in his human form, a shirt clutched in his hand. “You need to shift back so we can get you to the pack house, you need to eat, and rest,” he said, eyes steady.

I stared at him, still tangled in confusion, and asked Albaz, how do we shift back? She replied, “It’s simple. Just close your eyes and picture yourself human.”

“Will it hurt?” I asked.

“Only a little,” she assured me.

I shut my eyes, followed her instructions, and when I opened them I was human again. Damian’s lips curled into a half‑smile. “Not bad,” he said, handing me the shirt. I took it, cheeks flushing, and slipped it on.

“Now let’s get you back to the pack house,” he said. I tried to step forward, but my legs wobbled, giving way. Before I could hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around me. “It’s okay, I’ll carry you,” Damian murmured, his voice low and steady.

He lifted me, his hold warm and secure. The world narrowed to the rhythm of his steps and the steady beat of his heart against my cheek. I felt safe, a quiet heat spreading through me, and I clung to his chest, letting exhaustion pull me into a deep, grateful sleep.