Chapter 11 – First Shift
Ryker's gaze didn't leave hers after she spoke. "Then we do this now," he said. "You need to feel her power in your body, not just your mind."
Kate blinked. "Now? Ryker, I've never—"
"I know," he cut in gently. "That's why I'll be right here. I'll guide you through it. And if anything feels wrong, I'll pull you back."
She hesitated, but the steady confidence in his voice grounded her. Slowly, she nodded. "Okay."
Ryker stepped back, motioning for her to stand in the open space near the fireplace. "First, close your eyes. Listen to her. Let her lead."
Kate inhaled deeply, feeling her wolf's presence stir in her mind.
Don't fight it, the voice coaxed. Let me through.
A warmth spread from her chest to her limbs, but it quickly sharpened into heat — burning, stretching, reshaping. Kate gasped, staggering as her bones began to crack and shift beneath her skin.
"Breathe, Kate," Ryker urged, his voice steady even as he moved closer. "You're safe. Let it happen."
She clenched her jaw, sweat beading along her forehead as the change surged through her. Her spine arched, muscles trembling under the strain. This is too much, she thought — but her wolf's voice broke through.
We are one. Trust me.
Pain gave way to a strange, electric sensation, like stepping into a body that was both hers and not hers. She fell forward, catching herself on… paws.
When she opened her eyes, the world looked sharper, brighter. Every scent, every flicker of movement in the room was crystal clear. She looked down — white fur, tipped with smoldering red at the ends, rippled over her frame.
Ryker's lips parted, awe flashing in his eyes. "Moon above…" he whispered. "You're… incredible."
The next moment, his body shimmered, bones shifting with fluid ease as his form grew and lengthened. In seconds, a massive black wolf with streaks of silver along his muzzle and shoulders stood before her, his piercing blue eyes the only constant.
The air between them changed. Wolves didn't need words — their bond sang through the silence. Ryker padded forward, lowering his head in acknowledgment before brushing his muzzle against hers. A spark shot through her, her wolf practically purring at the contact.
Run with me, Ryker's wolf voice echoed in her mind.
And they did.
The doors to the terrace swung open at his mental command, and they bolted into the night. The wind rushed past, carrying the scents of pine, fresh earth, and distant running water. Kate's paws barely touched the ground as she kept pace with him, exhilaration flooding her senses.
They wove through the forest, their wolves moving in perfect rhythm. Ryker would glance back occasionally, pride shining in his gaze before pushing ahead, challenging her to keep up. She did — and more. Every stride felt freer, every breath a reminder that this was where she was meant to be.
They slowed only when they reached a ridge overlooking the valley below, the moon casting silver light over the land. Kate stood beside him, chest heaving, and let the moment sink in — the wildness, the bond, the intoxicating sense of belonging.
But then… her wolf stiffened.
We're not alone, the voice murmured, low and alert.
Kate's ears twitched, catching the faint rustle of movement in the trees far below. Ryker's gaze shifted in the same direction, his posture instantly protective.
We'll deal with it, he said, his mental tone firm, before brushing his muzzle against hers again. For now… this is your night.
And for the first time in her life, Kate truly felt like the Luna she was born to be.