Chapter 0125

Adrian's confession last night should have left me tossing and turning. When he'd talked about needing space for his Luna, doubt had clawed at me. The idea of another woman wrapped in his scent, claiming what might not be mine, sent sharp pains through my chest. But then those three words—"I love you"—ignited a wildfire of hope. Maybe Selene's instincts, my own racing heart, were right all along. That thought carried me into dreams with lips curved upward.

Sunday morning light spills across my bed. Wrapped in Adrian's hoodie, his pine-and-ember scent clinging to the fabric, I'd slept deeper than in months. Selene pulses beneath my skin, restless and strong, demanding release. Adrian promised to escort us to the woods, standing guard in case the shift proves harder than usual.

Dad drills me with pool laps before breakfast. Two hours of relentless strokes leave my muscles trembling. By the time I step onto the back porch, steam still rising from my shower, Adrian appears at the tree line. His jog slows as our eyes meet.

"Morning, gorgeous." He closes the distance in three strides, capturing my mouth before I can speak. My fingers tangle in his dark waves, pulling him closer. Every point of contact sparks electricity. The hard press of his arousal against my hip makes me gasp.

"Little guardian," he growls against my lips, "unless you want me bending you over that log right now, we need to stop."

I bite my lower lip as I step back. Selene's impatience thrums through me, but not before I catch the hunger darkening Adrian's gaze. Time for payback.

Instead of seeking cover, I peel the sweatshirt overhead in one fluid motion. His sharp inhale is victory itself. Turning, I take my time peeling the yoga pants down my legs, bending just enough to hear Theron's growl vibrate through Adrian's chest.

Strong hands seize my hips, yanking me against his rigid length. "Playing with fire, sweetheart," he rasps, teeth grazing my shoulder.

His palms skate up my torso, thumbs brushing peaked nipples. A moan escapes as liquid heat pools between my thighs. Then—stinging impact. His palm connects with my ass hard enough to leave a mark. "Last. Warning."

I stumble forward, legs unsteady. Damn him for turning me into this needy, breathless mess.

Crouching, I brace for the shift. Bones begin cracking before I'm fully ready. White-hot agony lances through me.

Breathe. We've done this before. Selene's voice cuts through the pain.

Fur brushes my side. Theron, massive and silver-furred, presses against me. Where his body touches mine, the pain dulls. My panting slows as Selene surges forward, completing the transformation amidst the scent of pine and the warmth of her mate beside us.