The rest of the week passed in a blur of classes and pain—although I was starting to feel better now, the pain receding to more of a dull ache. James and the guys took turns escorting me to class, the counselor hadn’t shown her face again since our encounter on Monday, and Ahmya had even left me to my own devices—simply throwing scathing looks in my direction. I had just rolled my eyes and proceeded to ignore her. I’d never seen someone so intent on embarrassing themselves over and over. How many times did the guys need to tell her that they weren’t interested before she took it to heart and found someone else? Part of me felt sorry for her. A very small, well-hidden piece.

Waving goodbye to James on Thursday afternoon I entered the house, and all that greeted me was silence. My Phoenix squawked at the flood of adrenaline that swamped my system. I gripped the strap of my bag tightly, assessing the area for any threats. Pushing my hearing out, I heard a scuffle in the backyard and went tearing in that direction, worried that maybe Michael had reappeared and gotten to the guys. I dropped my bag on my way to the sliding glass door and went tearing through the opening and out onto the deck. The sight I saw stopped me in my tracks and stole my breath. Ryder was shirtless, and I couldn’t help my stare as I took in his hard abs and lean, but muscular frame. Theo was also shirtless, the waist of his sweatpants hanging low on his hip. His arms rippled with strength as he lifted a log the size of a small tree above his head. I gaped. That thing had to weigh a ton. I noticed his form wavered slightly as he straightened his arms; his creature was close to the surface, lending him strength as he pressed against his skin.

“Come on, Kraken.” Ryder taunted and clapped. “All the way up!”

Afraid to interrupt lest Theo drop the log on his head, I kept quiet until he lowered it to the ground and the two of them whooped together in shared victory.

“What on earth are you two doing?” I waved a hand between them and the log that now lay on the ground.

“Hey, babe!” Ryder called as he spotted me rooted to my spot on their deck. Jogging over to me, he jumped the few steps and swooped in for a hug. The feel of his smooth, golden skin under my hands as I hugged him back had my body responding immediately. I grew warm as I let my hands trail down his back. Wait, what was I doing? Hadn’t I just asked a question? Ryder had thoroughly distracted me. The second he let me go, Theo—in all his half-naked glory—was standing next to me with a sheepish look on his face as he held out his arms. He wanted a hug too? That was cute! I smiled and stepped into his arms. His skin was warm but not sweaty from his workout, and he smelled like fresh, salty ocean air—lent to him by his Kraken—and something warmer. Theo smelled like home to me, not the kind I’d been raised in, but the one I’d come to know living here, with all of them. It was refreshing and comforting all at the same time. I nuzzled into his chest as I let my hands slid up his back, reveling in the feel of his muscles moving under my fingertips.

“Training,” he mumbled as he held me close, not letting go. I was surprised that Theo hadn’t stepped back yet, but I would enjoy any cuddle time he would give me. My Phoenix was thriving under the attention, basking in their affection—so was I.

“Hmm?” I tried to jump-start my brain and follow along with what he was telling me.

“You asked what we were doing. We’ve been training.”

“For what?” This time it was Damien who answered me as he joined us on the porch.

He was wearing a tight white t-shirt that set off his tanned skin and brown hair. The blue athletic pants he had on fit him just right, clinging to his toned ass, and I couldn’t keep from gaping from my spot in Theo’s arms. With a little squeeze, Theo released me to stand up on my own again.

“We’ve realized we’ve become complacent in our training schedule. We’ve been slacking off for some time now, but we all agreed that we could push our powers farther, both in shifted form and in human form. After the fight with Michael, we made up a training schedule and have been working to hone our talents.”

“Have you found it’s been working?” I was eager to join them and train again. My Phoenix flapped her wings in my head, liking the idea of being useful and strengthening our skills.

“I’m trying to make progress on developing a greater range with my telepathic abilities. I’ve been able to read James, but I’m having trouble extending that coverage out to multiple people outside of our group.” He ran a hand over his neatly styled brown hair. It had grown longer since the first time I had laid eyes on him, and he was always trying to get it to lay correctly now.

“That’s a huge accomplishment given the short time you’ve been working at it.” I beamed at him, trying to ease his slight disappointment. “I know you’ll get there. Give it more time. Maybe Rini, Barrett, Cayden, and Donovan could come over for dinner soon and give you willing subjects to practice on.” I was eager to have them all over again, to mend the fences and get my “extended family” back. Plus, I could just see the hilarious things that Rini and her bears would try to project for Damien to pick up. I almost giggled at the thought. I was going to talk to Rini about it, knowing she’d agree and work to drag the guys back together again to kiss and make up. Now that thought had potential. I thought back to the sexy kiss between Ryder and Hiro.

Damien—the eavesdropping sneak—pushed my thoughts to everyone and Ryder stepped up to my back. Leaning over, he whispered, “I’m sure a repeat show could be arranged if you promised to join us.” He teased me, I knew, but my desire from earlier increased and I squirmed in place as the idea of the three of us kissing washed over me. My skin prickled, and goosebumps raised along my arms as a shiver raced down my spine, going straight to my core.

Wow! What was going on with me?

“I don’t think you and Hiro should get all the fun.” Theo stepped up to my side, his bare chest almost grazing my arm. “I’d like another taste.” I almost got lost in the depth of his cerulean eyes as I watched them grow lusty.

Shaking my head, I took a step forward just to escape and find some fresh air. The combined scents of them were going straight to my head, and I was feeling rather vertiginous—hot and needy in a way I had never been before.

Trying to find my footing and give myself some time to breathe, I started the conversation up again. “What have you been practicing Theo?”

“I’ve been working on my strength since it’s the most useful thing my creature offers me outside of the water.” Turning to face the guys, putting Damien to my back, I watched as Theo looked at the ground, placing his hands on his hips. I knew he was self-conscious of his Kraken’s usefulness outside of the water, but I thought his creature was crazy impressive, and I couldn’t wait to meet him. I pushed those thoughts toward Damien, hoping he might share them with Theo. When he looked up with a small grin on his face, I felt triumphant. All my men were amazing, and they should know it.

“It definitely looked like you were succeeding out there. That thing must weigh a ton!” I waved a hand at what Theo had been lifting.

“Come on, short stuff; it’s your turn!” Ryder jogged back down the steps, turning and moving backward when he reached the grass below.

I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms over my chest. “I cannot lift that!”

The guys all chuckled, but it was Damien who answered. “He means it’s time for you to do some training. None of us expect you to lift like Theo. Most of us couldn’t keep up with him, even if we wanted to.”

“Go change and come back down to join us. I’ll get the targets and the fire extinguisher, and you can have another go at controlling your fire powers. If we have time, I’d like to run you through a series of tests to gauge how well your senses have improved.” Theo headed back down the steps to get set up.

“Do you think we can shift tonight?” I was dying to see the guys shifted again as well as spread my own wings. My Phoenix pushed against my skin as she stretched her wings, wanting to be free.

“I’ll talk to the guys, but I don’t see why not. I know your Phoenix is probably itching to get out by now.”

Running inside, I rushed to get ready, excited about the idea of shifting and hoping I’d be able to entice the guys to join me.

* * *

The cool air felt good against skin overheated from strenuous exercise. I reached up to pull my hair back, letting the breeze bite at the back of my neck while I watched the slight shimmer from the spelled barrier catch in the light. I was excited for this part of my training exercise. The guys had acquiesced to shifting together, so after a quick break to grab some sandwiches, we all gathered at the back of the house again. This time, Hiro and Killian were there to join us. I had completely shifted only once, and I ached to do so again. I knew that the others had to be just as antsy to let their creatures out. I had no idea how Theo managed living in an area where his Kraken never got a chance to breathe. He would just be observing today. We had all made the decisions to dress in large, thick robes before coming to the clearing. It made shifting easier rather than having to find an isolated spot to undress, redress, and repeat the process. The robes were incredibly soft and plush. I assumed mine had to be Theo’s, and it was dragging the ground around my feet. I’d had to tie it tightly to prevent any slippage.

Once all of us had entered the spelled area, we spread out, giving each other plenty of room. "It’s easiest if we do this one by one. We’ll shift, greet each other, and then shift back for the next person to go. It’s our safest option that way we don’t have to worry about crossing the barrier in shifted form should it be necessary, nor about accidental injuries from too many large bodies and emotional creatures.”

“Me first, me first!” Ryder was buzzing like a kid on Christmas morning. I grinned—his excitement was so contagious. Killian rolled his eyes and Damien snorted. My Phoenix soared through my head, just as excited to see Ryder in shifted form.

“Fine, Ryder.” Theo sighed. “You can go first. It’s not exactly fair, considering she’s seen you altered before. However, you can show off for a few minutes.” Ryder immediately began to strip off his robe. I giggled, but turned my gaze to the sky. I wanted to look at his body, but I also wanted to see his Ceraptor again.

“It’s fine to look away, Nix, but concentrate so you can feel what he’s doing. Feel the change in the air. Let your Phoenix feel it. She’s new to this. Let our experience help guide her,” Theo called across the clearing to me.

I breathed deeply, doing as he asked and opening myself and my Phoenix, pulling down all the walls I had been learning to hold in place.

“Good girl,” Hiro called. “Some of this will be instinctual, but it will also take practice. The more you practice, the faster and more efficiently you will learn to call her when you need her. You will also learn how it feels to have her forcing the shift so you can rein her back in. Her first instinct is going to be to protect you. However, being in shifted form isn’t always a benefit, and can be harmful rather than helpful.”

“It’s why I rarely shift, Nix. Maybe one time out of one hundred does it become necessary for me to shift and that’s only if I have the ability to if we are near deep enough water. Yet even after years together, after growing up as a shifter, I still have to fight my Kraken. Our other halves rely on instinct and emotion. Their belief of what is beneficial holds no logic and can be extremely harmful. You rely on your Phoenix, but she also relies on you. You need to be strong for her as well, help guide her and direct her.”

I breathed deeply, concentrating hard. I could feel the air around me begin to crackle with energy, pushing and licking at my skin. My Phoenix chirped her interest and encouragement—she wanted to be part of that. She rippled against my skin, her feathers brushing and pushing trying to take control.

“That’s it. Hold her,” Killian called his encouragement. “It’s always more difficult to hold a shift back when she can feel others shifting around her. Their energies call to each other. Great job, Annie girl.”

The energy crested around us and I focused hard, letting the waves of it ripple over and through me as I breathed deeply in the chilled air. As the sensation of sparks slowed, I lowered my gaze, allowing my eyes to cross the clearing. Ryder’s Ceraptor was exactly as I remembered him. A coat so black it was nearly purple shone in the fading light. He stood tall and regal; his head tossed back to show off the glowing horn and his half-spread wings before he pranced over.

“Hello, again,” I whispered the greeting. It seemed a little silly, as I knew Ryder could hear me just as his Ceraptor could hear when Ryder was in control. His Ceraptor nudged my hands with his nose, as eager as a puppy for a scratch. I laughed but complied, enthralled by the velvet texture of his fur under my fingertips, the silken strands of his mane. I reached for his horn, pausing as I voiced a sound of question. He snorted and, if possible, smirked. He dipped his head, angling it so that it was clearly not a threat, and allowed me to reach out and stroke my hands down his horn. It was smoother than I thought it would be and nearly warm to my touch. He snorted, pulling from my touch, prancing back and forth, flapping his wings to cause a breeze across my face. I couldn’t stop the giggles rolling from me. He was as much a show-off as Ryder.

“Come on, Ryder. The rest of us still have to shift as well.” Kill’s voice was irritated. I knew he was nervous about shifting in front of me for the first time. I, on the other hand, was excited. I already knew he was playful; I wanted to see him for myself.

The Ceraptor tossed his head but walked back to his place in the circle. I turned my gaze to the sky again, feeling the air ripple and crackle as he shifted back. My Phoenix continued to coo in my head. She had enjoyed being so close to another mythological, especially one whom she felt safe and comfortable with.

“Nix, I want you to go next. Use the energy that’s remaining from Ryder. You’ve just felt it, give it a shot.” Theo’s voice was encouraging. “Everyone, turn your backs.” Once I was sure that all backs were turned, I dropped the robe. Feeling the cold air flowing around my bare skin was a unique—and appealing—sensation.

“Ready for this?” I hadn’t meant to say the words out loud, but my Phoenix chirped in agreement. She was excited to get out again, to feel the air the way I was feeling it. Breathing deeply, I gave over control, allowing her heat to transfer across my own. There was a slight burn, like an overworked muscle, and then I was seeing through her eyes. She chirped, ruffling her feathers, flapping her wings. She had not yet had a chance to fly and wanted to desperately.

“Steady, sweetheart,” Damien called. “You still have some say, even when she’s shifted. I don’t want you flying yet. You’re new to all of this, and that’s a lesson for another time. For now just get to know each other.” With the bond open, I could feel his concern that my Phoenix or I would be injured if we flew without practice. My Phoenix hissed at him, ruffling her feathers in disgust, as if to say, “I would never let us get injured.” I couldn’t help but snicker. I wondered if some of my sass came directly from her, or if we just shared the same type of personality. Our eyes tracked across the clearing and landed on Killian who was watching us with his arms crossed, his eyes alight. He was interesting,to both my Phoenix and me. The two were polar opposites and yet seemed to be completely bonded, despite the differences.

“Good girl. Ask her to let you switch back. Push yourself forward. Share your intent.” Hiro’s voice was warm and admiring. My Phoenix preened, enjoying the fact that he liked her. She didn't want to change back, especially when he spoke to her in that sweet tone. I pushed more assertively, assuring her that I would not wait as long before we shifted again. I wanted to see the others, though. Slowly, she complied and, with another slight burn, I was back in my own skin. I breathed deeply through the slight sense of vertigo.

“It’s the size change,” Killian called. “You’ll get used to it, and it won’t seem disconcerting anymore.”

“Kill, your turn.” Hiro’s voice was commanding. I was sure that he was trying to avoid Killian claiming we had been at this for too long.

Killian grumbled slightly, and Damien pushed his thoughts at me, “She’s going to think I’m weak. I’ll lose her before I have a chance to have her.”

I rolled my eyes. My words wouldn’t mean anything—I had tried them again and again. Just as I had to see that none of them would leave when I disclosed my broken pieces, he would have to see that seeing his alternate form wouldn’t have any effect on how I felt about him. Turning my head, I heard him remove his robe and take a deep breath before the energy of his shift danced across the clearing—as playful and light as his Puca. I tried not to twist where I stood, afraid that the robe would fall open. When the sparks began to clear, I felt movement near me. My Phoenix made a sound that was a combination of a purr and a coo. Wow, I hadn’t known she could make that noise.

I looked down at my feet, and my mouth dropped open. At about two feet long, a small, black, fuzzy bunny with emerald eyes stood at my feet, his ears up, his paws batting for my attention. Without thought, I let out a small squeal and scooped him from the ground into my arms. Holding him in front of my face I couldn’t help the ridiculously sweet speech. “Oh my God you are so cute! So fluffy! My fluffy!” I was grinning like crazy. I had always wanted a bunny when I was growing up. Of course, I was never allowed to have pets. This was a dream in the same way that seeing Ryder’s Ceraptor was. His Puca’s nose twitched, and small lights flickered around him first yellow, then orange, then back to yellow again. I laughed. Apparently, the Puca was a good communicator. I didn’t even need Damien in our mental link to tell me that the Puca was happy and Killian was embarrassed by my babying him. “You’re mine now, Bugs.” After a quick glance at my borrowed robe, I considered. The Puca was small, only about four pounds. I nodded and, quick as a bunny, slipped him into the front pocket of the robe.

“Did she just—” Ryder trailed off, before beginning to howl with laughter. I continued to pet and stroke the velvet ears and silken fur as I watched the others. Ryder was on the ground now, pounding it furiously in his usual dramatics. Theo had raised his eyebrows at me, cocking his head in confusion. Hiro wasn’t even trying to hide his grin, and Damien merely shook his head.

“I always wanted a bunny,” I explained. “He’s so cute! Most people would think he’s stuffed, anyhow. He can ride with me. Oh, I can get him a ribbon!” I scratched behind his ears as the Puca turned in to my hand. Lights again flickered around us, every color of the rainbow. “Oh, hush you. He’d like a pretty ribbon, wouldn’t you? Mean old Kill being ashamed of such a sweet, pretty little bunny like you. What do you say? You can ride in my hoodie.” I cajoled the Puca.

Even Theo had lost the battle at this point and let out a deep laugh of amusement at his brother’s plight. I felt the air begin to crackle and shook my finger in warning. “Don’t you dare. If you shift now, you’re going to tear my clothes right off. What kind of friend would that make you? Besides, you never let him out to play.” I turned, continuing to stroke the bunny, and headed back to the house. From the increasingly raucous laughter, I assumed that lessons were done for the day. That was fine with me. I had a brand new pet to pamper.