Page 67 of Understanding Fate

“How do you feel?” he says quickly, his voice so low it's almost a whisper.

“Fine, I think?” I reply, starting to worry. “Did something happen while I was out?” I attempt to look down at my shoulder, and I don’t see anything that would cause alarm. The bite mark left by his teeth is now just a faded pink.

That’s normal, right? Rapid healing and all that.

“Cain… you’re scaring me. Say something,” I put both hands on his face and pull his eyes to mine. Fear radiates from him, and I see sweat forming on his brow.

Mate.

The voice feels foreign and tickles at the back of my skull.

“Welcome to the Vegas Pack, Brielle DelaCourt. Pack Member 9878. Initiated by Cain Mingan,” a voice from over Cain’s shoulder says pulling my attention, and I realize Ghost is back on the phone.

“Thanks,” I say, leaning around Cain. “How’d your ‘beach’ mission go?” I ask, taking my hands off Cain’s face to make air quotes.

“I’ll let you know when I do it. Always knew you were impatient; just never really realized how stubborn that part of you was, City. Well, I’ll leave you to it,” he says before giving a two-fingered salute and disconnecting from the call.

Bri: What’s wrong?

Cain’s eyes bulge, and his jaw drops at my question.

Cain: Can you hear me?

Bri: Of course, I can…

It’s then I realize I’m staring at his face, and his lips haven’t moved.

Bri: Holy Fuck, I’m talking into your head!

Cain: Shouting, really, but yeah…

“Sorry!” I say out loud, my hands covering my lips despite not using them to shout.

“It’s ok. Managing that will come later. We need to get you to shift,” he says, his concern returning to his expression.

“Okay, how do I do that?” I ask, wondering if I'm unaware of some new button inside me.

“You have to give control to your wolf. Can you feel or hear her in your head?” he asks.

Hello?

Are you in here?

Mate.

Shit!

I nod. My eyes showing the surprise I feel hearing her again.

“You have to let her take charge,” he says, trying to encourage me.

Let her take control.

Sure.

No Problem.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I concentrate on letting her in.

---