Chapter 22 — We're Going to Be Beautiful Together

~ RONAN ~

Lyra exhales, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face at her awed expression. "It’s gorgeous here."

"Come on." I lead the way, heading down the patio stairs.

I finally relax when I feel the tension slowly lifting from the air as Lyra draws in the earthy scent of pine, soil, and the songs of birds echoing in the background. Wolves are comforted by open spaces, and thankfully, this change in scenery seems to be doing the trick for her—even if she’s not fully aware of it yet.

"Where are we going?" she asks.

"For a walk," I say simply, continuing along the leaf-strewn path. "I need to call Killan soon to bring us supplies. But I figured we should talk first."

Despite the nagging instinct to contact my Beta right away, getting Lyra grounded comes first. Once she’s settled in and breathing easier, I’ll deal with logistics.

"Who’s Killan?" Her brows pinch as she recalls. "Is he the man I met at Moonmark Ink?"

"That’s him," I say, shooting her a grin. There’s only one Killan Hale, thank the Goddess. "He’s not so bad once you get to know him. Though his sense of humor could use a serious overhaul."

"Really?" she smiles, mirroring mine. "Why’s that?"

"He talks before he thinks. A lot." The path to the pond is relatively clear, though blanketed with fallen golden leaves. I follow it with her at my side. "Not his most endearing trait, but he makes up for it. He’s the kind of guy you want watching your back. I couldn’t ask for a better Beta."

"Oh," she mutters, her smile fading as her gaze shifts ahead. "I forgot about that."

"Forgot about what?"

She takes a slow breath. "That you’re an Alpha."

"It doesn’t change anything." I stop walking, gently tugging her until she faces me. "My pack—Hollowbane—is small. I keep it that way on purpose. Only those I trust. You don’t need to worry about them. The moment you step into our fold, you're family."

When she still seems uncertain, I step closer, letting our bodies almost touch. "They’re going to love you."

Her eyes stay fixed on my chest as her fingers tighten around mine. "You seem so sure."

"I am."

Most of my pack is mated. That’s the bonus of keeping things tight. Mated wolves are grounded wolves. I’ve thought this through, especially during our drive here. I don’t expect resistance from the majority. Many have been eager to grow their families, something they haven’t been able to do without a Luna. Balance matters—Alphas are the strength, but Lunas? Lunas are the heart. The unmated males will undoubtedly voice their concerns, but I’m certain the females and their mates will reinforce my status and stand behind my decision.

"When will I meet them?" she asks, her voice unsure, her energy vulnerable. The insecurity she projects tugs at my heart.

"Tomorrow," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

We continue down the path, with me guiding her through it. When she tries to stop, I pull on her hand, making sure she doesn’t fall behind.

"So soon?" she asks. "I thought I’d have more time."

This isn’t something I want to answer, but then again, she deserves my honesty. "You’re going to go through changes on the full moon. The pack's presence will help you control your impulses. You need to recognize and accept you’re not alone. You have a pack to ground you now."

"Impulses?" she practically squeaks. I hear the panic in her voice, the fear. "Is that what happened with Silas? Did I lose control due to these impulses? I can’t piece what happened together. The memory is muddled."

For a moment, I consider stopping and putting it all on the line, telling her about Magnus, my suspicions, and what she should expect. Then I think about what Lyra is going through. I consider her alarm and how she might react when she learns she’ll be transforming for the first time tomorrow. I want to make things easier for her, not more difficult.

"It’s normal." I decide to shield her as best I can. "You’ll learn control."

"I’m transforming." The statement, to my surprise, sounds more confident than I’m prepared for. "That’s what’s happening, isn't it? I’m not going to stay human. I am becoming like you."

"Does that scare you?" When she doesn’t immediately reply, I wonder if I’ve pushed too hard, too fast.

"No," she finally responds with a sigh. "It doesn’t scare me. It explains a lot."

"It does?"

"Yes. It's all beginning to make sense to me in a strange way." When I peer over at her, she shrugs. "It’s almost like I can feel something coming to life inside me."

"And that doesn’t frighten you?"

"Being scared won’t stop what’s happening."

My strong and smart little female.

She’s right. Worry won’t prevent what will eventually happen. By facing the unknown with her chin held high, my mate proves she’s more than capable of standing by my side.

"What’s it like?" she asks softly. "Transforming, I mean."

As though there could be anything else she’s referring to.

My phone buzzes against my ass, more than likely Killan contacting me with some news. I let the call roll to voicemail. Right now, there are more pressing matters that need my attention.

"Exhilarating." My answer is as natural as breathing.

There’s nothing like changing forms, shifting into a stronger, more capable shape. The first transformation will be painful for Lyra, but after the initial shock, she’ll learn how to manipulate her body. She’ll be a beautiful wolf. Even without her tantalizing scent, I’ll be able to locate her by her blonde coat and green-blue eyes.

"You’ll be able to do things you’ve never imagined," I add. "The world will be entirely new."

And I’ll be the one to introduce her to her new life.

We’ll run together, hunt together, and make love together. The thought of having her at my side makes my heart race, blood thundering in my ears. I’ve wanted a female to share the night with for so long. Now I’ll have that and so much more.

"Like jumping out of a plane?" she asks.

"Even better," I reply.

She seems to weigh the words. "Will it hurt?"

The question brings me crashing down to reality.

"You’re going to be fine." My vow to keep my hands to myself is broken by her uneasiness. I spin my mate around, looking into her eyes. Releasing her hand, I cup her face in my palms. "Everything’s going to be perfect. You and me? We’re going to be beautiful together."

I’m going to make sure my words come to pass, no matter the cost.