Page 55 of Collar Me Crazy
"Tonight we finish the preparations. And I spend some time figuring out exactly how to recognize the perfect moment." Sonya squeezed Ryker's hand. "Because both realms are counting on us getting this right."
"No pressure," Sera said with dark humor.
"Actually, that's exactly what it is," Sonya replied. "The pressure of saving everyone we care about. But you know what? I can't think of a better motivation."
Around them, the town continued its dual preparations—festival decorations that doubled as magical defenses, cooking that incorporated protective spells, music practice that would help synchronize community energy.
Soon, they would either celebrate Thanksgiving as the holiday that saved both worlds, or as the last normal day before everything changed forever.
But today, surrounded by people who trusted her completely, Sonya felt ready to bear that responsibility.
Almost.
32
RYKER
The old barn behind Luka's woodworking shop had been transformed into an impromptu training ground. Seven men of different supernatural backgrounds gathered in the pre-dawn darkness, their combined presence creating an energy that made Ryker's wolf recognize them as pack.
"Alright," Callum said, his lion's authority natural and unquestioned. "Tomorrow we're defending our mates and our home during the most vulnerable moment any of us have ever faced. Let's make sure we're ready."
Emmett stepped forward, his wolf instincts already cataloging sight lines and defensive positions. "Ryker, you'll be focused on Sonya during the claiming. You won't be able to maintain awareness of the broader battle."
"Which is where we come in," Lucien added, his panther grace evident even in stillness. "We create a defensive perimeter that lets you concentrate on what matters most."
Ryker nodded, noting how naturally they'd fallen into tactical planning. No hierarchy based on species or age—just experienced fighters working together toward a common goal.
"Show us your wolf form," Maddox said, his scholarly nature focused on practical application. "We need to understand your capabilities when you're shifted."
"Why?"
"Because if things go badly, you might need to fight while protecting Sonya," Kieran explained, his tiger instincts sharp. "We need to know how you move, how fast you are, what your blind spots might be."
Ryker hesitated, old habits of privacy warring with new understanding of trust. But these men had offered to risk their lives for him and Sonya. They deserved to know what they were working with.
He stripped quickly, folding his clothes out of respect for Luka's workspace. The shift flowed through him like water, auburn fur rippling over expanding muscle as his frame expanded to accommodate his wolf's massive size.
"Holy hell," Elias breathed, his bear appreciating another large predator. "You're bigger than I expected."
Ryker's wolf stood seven feet at the shoulder, built for both speed and power. His coloring was unusual—not the typical gray or brown, but burnished copper that caught light like fire. When he moved, it was with liquid grace that spoke of generations of apex predators.
"Blood moon heritage," Varric's voice came from the barn's entrance as the elder wolf joined them. "The prophecy marked him for a reason."
"Can you maintain human intelligence while shifted?" Luka asked, his bear understanding the importance of cognitive control.
Ryker nodded his massive head, then demonstrated by moving through a series of complex maneuvers that required planning and foresight. His wolf was fully intelligent, capable of strategy and coordination even in the heat of battle.
"Good," Callum said with satisfaction. "Because tomorrow you'll need both instinct and intellect."
Ryker shifted back to human form, accepting the clothes Kieran handed him. "What's the defensive formation?"
"Circle within a circle," Emmett explained, sketching positions in the dirt floor. "The seven couples form the outer ring, creating a barrier of combined magical energy. You and Sonya occupy the center during the claiming."
"But we need contingencies," Maddox added, his analytical mind working through possibilities. "What if the Void breaks through our perimeter? What if it targets specific couples to weaken the formation?"
"Then we adapt," Lucien said simply. "Panthers are solitary by nature, but even I understand that some battles require teamwork."
"Tell me about your claiming," Ryker said to him. "What should I expect during the ritual itself?"
