Chapter 0219

My dreams have been nothing but pure sin lately. Every morning I wake up with Sebastian's hands and mouth working magic between my thighs. Not that I'm complaining. The man could make a saint beg for mercy with those skills. This morning, I nearly caved when he gave me that hungry look.

Then he spanked me.

That single slap sent shockwaves straight to my core. I almost arched back and begged for more. This mate bond is turning me into some kind of sex-crazed maniac.

'It's not just the bond. It's his Alpha nature. Your body instinctively responds to his dominance. And gods, is he dominant.' Valeria purrs in my mind. Helpful as always.

'Didn't seem very dominant when he made me that sappy playlist.' I counter.

'That was his way of saying I love you when words failed him. Adorable. He can be tender and commanding. Tell me your body doesn't obey his every word? You certainly didn't hesitate when he ordered you to come for him.'

Just remembering his deep voice growling in my ear makes me clench. Not ideal when you're mid-run. But I can't deny how my body reacts to him. And the thought of him and Dorian hunting us?

'Oh yes. The moment I can shift, Dorian will get the challenge he deserves.' Valeria's excitement thrums through me. Not just about shifting after seven years, but giving Dorian a run he'll never forget.

I'm approaching the five-mile mark when Valeria suddenly whimpers.

'Valeria? What's wrong?'

'I need to shift. Now.'

'Here? Seriously?'

'Can't... control it.'

My knees hit the dirt. Gregory's face appears above me, alarmed. "Evander!" Valeria screams through me right before agony rips through my body.

Somehow Gregory reaches me impossibly fast across the field. "Seraphina, what's happening?"

"Shifting." Our voices merge, strained with pain.

Gregory hauls himself from his wheelchair to the ground beside me. His hand presses against my heaving side. "Easy. Breathe. It's been years, but you can do this. I'm right here."

He positions himself before my face. "Look at me. Let Valeria lead. Don't fight it. Match my breathing."

His deep inhales guide me, but the pain is unbearable. My first shift wasn't this excruciating.

'You were a child then. Your body wasn't fully formed, and I could heal you faster than the damage occurred.' Valeria's voice is tight with suffering.

Time blurs. Every cracking bone is torture. At some point, I register Gregory has shifted, and Evander is nuzzling against us, his presence easing the pain slightly.

Then Evelyn appears, her hands smoothing over our trembling form. Between their combined support, Valeria finally completes the shift. We collapse, panting.

Evelyn strokes Valeria's fur. "Stunning, Valeria."