Page 24 of Shifted Existence

“Why do you think that’s a positive thing?”

“You can run faster and longer. Your fur will keep you warmer and drier in inclement weather. You will be bigger, stronger, smarter, and faster than purebloods—those wolves who cannot shift into humans—and there is an element of freedom that comes when you run with your mate or your pack.”

She leaned against the footboard of the bed, looking at him. “You really do like being able to shift, don’t you?”

“I do, indeed. There is a clarity of purpose when I am wolf. I often shift when I need to think.”

“How is it done?”

“Once you have recovered from your transition, I will teach you. It isn’t difficult or painful, although when the mist swirls all around you for the first time, it can be frightening. But do not fret, I will be at your side and while there is breath in my body, nothing will ever harm you again.”

Bailey snorted. Not very ladylike, but it certainly fit her mood. “Don’t think that romantic drivel is going to sway me to your way of thinking.”

“It is not ‘romantic drivel;’ it is my vow to you. A vow I will repeat when you have transitioned and take your vows to me.”

“That’s not happening. You may have run me down. You may be able to keep me here and even make me enjoy the way you fuck me, but there’s no way I’m vowing anything.”

“You will take your vows to me. In front of the pack would be preferable, but if you mean to make me force them from you, I will do so with Blitz and Artemis as witnesses. In fact, if you have transitioned by the time the Council members show up, it might serve to have them watch and know that you have been mastered.”

Talon was exasperating. One minute she found him fairly acceptable company and the next she wanted to throw the remainder of the beer in his face. She looked into the beer, thought about it, and drank it down. It was too good to waste.

He had made her feel emotions she thought she had long since left behind—arousal, outrage, belief that things could be better, and safe. Even when he was running her to ground, Bailey knew that ultimately, she was safe with Talon. He might spank her or fuck her roughly or without a thought as to whether or not she wanted him to. But she knew in the depths of her soul that he would never harm or kill her. In fact, she’d known when she’d accused him of spouting “romantic drivel,” that he wasn’t. He took that kind of thing seriously.

There was something she found soothing in his dominance, in knowing that his powerful presence would stand between her and the rest of all the realities that existed.

CHAPTER15

During the next two days, Talon did his best to try and settle Bailey in her new role, but she was having none of it. He had to smile when she would snarl at anything male, but was exceedingly polite to Melea, who was quickly becoming attached to her. Talon reached for her often and although she was always stiff when he pulled her to him, she gave over and made the most out of their mutual lust.

Talon knew it to be nothing but lust on her part, but she had given up trying to deny him outright or to turn away from food. She was almost always hungry and when she finally closed her eyes, either nestled under his chin or spooned against him, she slept soundly. He wondered what her life must have been like not only as a feral, but before the war. She refused to talk about any of it.

He knew this brief period of detente wouldn’t last. On the morning of the third day, she was exhausted and blamed it on his amorous attention during the night. Talon had to admit he had used her frequently and hard, but he was fairly sure that the transition was beginning. Bailey was still in bed asleep when Melea entered with Blitz on her heels.

“You really should let her get some sleep, Alpha,” Melea teased him.

“I do, but she has to get some exercise to work off all that food you bring her.”

“Poor thing. I’ll bet she hadn’t had a decent meal since before the war.”

“I agree, and I don’t think she felt safe to truly rest when she closed her eyes. By the way, she loved that breakfast parfait you made for her yesterday.”

“She is inordinately fond of peaches,” said Melea. “I was thinking I might make her a cobbler today.”

Blitz shook his head. “I’ve known you most of my life. Do you make me cobbler?”

“Of course not. You are a warrior. She is a human who should be slipping into transition soon. She needs to be cared for.” Melea turned back to Talon. “Not that you aren’t planning to care for your mate.”

Talon smiled indulgently. “That I will.”

“Well, not entirely. Word has come from those on the outer boundaries of our territory that four Council members and Bardulf are headed our way,” reported Blitz.

“What of Hemming and Lansky?” asked Talon, taking the tray from Melea and shooing her toward the door. “I will see that she eats when she wakes and if that isn’t soon, I will wake her.”

“Fever?”

“No fever or chills. She was her usual defiant, snarky self last night until I settled her beneath me. I will call you when she begins to transition.”

Melea stopped to feel Bailey’s forehead and cheeks before leaving. “It won’t be long,” she whispered to Talon.

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