Page 50 of Eat Your Heart Out

"Besides," I continued, refusing to back down, "we're trying to protect our world from the council, aren't we? That includes her now."

"Alright, Hadrian." Kael held up his hands in surrender. "If you say she should be here, I won't question it any further. But remember, this isn't just about the two of you... it's about all of us."

I understood Kael's concerns, but excluding Tess wasn't an option. As we delved deeper into this dangerous territory, I needed her by my side. At a minimum it would be so I could protect her, but honestly, I didn't want to miss a moment with her.

"Fine, let's get on with it," Kael said, finally dropping the subject. He flipped open his laptop, a grim expression crossing his face as he scanned the screen. "We've found a few more shifters affected by the curse. We're keeping an eye on them but haven't done more than monitor their movements."

"I guess I can entertain the idea of shifters because," she let out a small laugh, shaking her head in disbelief, "I've already fallen in love with a bottle of champagne that turns into a man." She shook her head again, as if trying to make sense of the words she had just spoken. "Although," she added hesitantly, "I don't quite understand how that works."

"You haven't had this conversation yet?" Kael protested.

"When did I have time? After I shifted, I was completely frozen, unable to move or communicate for an entire fucking year. Tess kept me safe that entire time. Then, when I finally could shift, those assholes showed up. Tess earned my answers."

Kael threw his hands up as he paced.

"I'm actually a polar bear shifter, or at least, I was," I revealed to Tess, my heart heavy with the weight of my loss I felt every time I failed to shift into my bear form. "A curse was placed on me, and ever since then, I haven't been able to shift into my bear form. Though, I do still feel him caged inside of me."

Tess's eyes widened, her mouth falling open. "A polar bear shifter? That's… incredible," she breathed, her hand coming up to cup my cheek, her touch soft and tender.

"Unfortunately, it's not as incredible as it sounds," I admitted, a hint of bitterness in my tone. "This curse has left me powerless, unable to shift into myself and thrust me into a dangerous world I never knew about before. And now, with you in my life," I paused, swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat, "I can't help but worry about the danger I've brought to your doorstep."

"Is that why you turned into champagne… or does the curse just prevent your bear form?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

I nodded, refusing to break eye contact with her. "Both. It was a witch's twisted sense of humor, I guess."

"So tell me everything." Tess said, her voice determined. "How did you get cursed in the first place?"

Kael huffed, but didn't open his damn mouth. I sighed, running a hand through my hair, frustrated by my lack of answers. "I wish I knew for certain, but it all happened so fast. I was at a shifter club with some friends when this woman walked in. She had this air about her, like she owned the place. Immediately, we knew she wasn't a shifter, but she wasn't just a human either."

"Go on," Tess urged, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Anyway, she ordered a bottle of champagne, and as she took it from the waiter, her gaze locked with me. She shouted something at me, though I couldn't make out what it was. It didn't sound like English, but I have no idea what it could have been. Before I could react, she threw the bottle directly at me. It exploded the moment it made contact, drenching me in champagne and glass."

"Wow," Tess's mouth dropped open, reflecting the shock that coursed through me as I recalled the incident. "And then what happened?"

"Before anyone could stop her or figure out what was going on, she disappeared in a swirl of magick. That's when I realized she must have been a witch. But other than that, I don't know anything else about her." I clenched my fists, frustration boiling inside me like lava. The woman had stolen away part of my being and I didn't have a clue why.

"Tell me, how did you find out you couldn't change into a bear?" Tess probed, her curiosity drawing me back to the present.

I let out a sigh, remembering the moment it all began. "It took me longer than I expected. While I felt strange after that bizarre encounter, I didn't try to shift until a few days later. That's when I realized something was wrong. By that time, she was long gone, and I couldn't find any information about her," I admitted, frustration seeping through my words. "I've been searching for answers ever since."

Tess studied me for a moment, her eyes full of concern. "Can you control it? The transformation?"

"Not really," I shook my head. "It only happens when I smell vanilla. It's the strangest thing. But it usually lets me change back after a few minutes."

She let out a long "oh" before admitting, "I use vanilla candles at my shop. But at home, I usually burn lavender ones."

"That explains it. I smelled the vanilla the same time their spell took hold and froze me."

"Seems like it," Tess replied, her eyes wide with realization. "We'll have to be careful with that, then."

"Indeed," I agreed.

Kael spoke up. "It's not the same for all of us. Taste, smell, touch... it's different and unpredictable for each and every one of us."

Tess looked surprised, though I didn't know that was because of what he said or that he was talking to her. "You're cursed too?"

"We all are, that's why we're here." I turned my attention to Kael.

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