“You ready?” I watched Carly as she stepped up next to me. We’d chosen the waterfall as the place she’d first shift.
“Yes… will this hurt?”
“No – it feels… tingly.”
“Let’s do this. She’s been clawing at my mind begging to get out. Hey, why didn’t I get sick like Dylan did when she changed?”
“I’m not sure. It’s unusual, but maybe your wolf will tell us. Now, just imagine you as your wolf, that’s it.”
She stood closing her eyes, willing her wolf free. Three days ago, I claimed her. She was more than I deserved, but I needed. I watched as the air around her shimmered, and before I knew it, a beautiful red wolf stood before me. She was small, like Carly, but no less stunning. I shifted immediately, my wolf begging to see her.
I stood, sniffing her, nudging her with my muzzle.
You ready to run?
Her eyes widened as she realized I was talking to her, HOLY FUCK…. I can hear you!!
Yep, we will be able to communicate in this form with each other, or with the pack.
This is freaking AWESOME!! She jumped into the air. It was the cutest thing I’d ever witnessed.
Wait... She shook her head, her fur fluffing out as she did.
What is it? Carly are you ok?
Her eyes twinkled, the air shimmered and she stood before me. I shifted quickly, rushing towards her.
“What are you ok? Why’d you shift?”
“I need to talk to Dylan. Please, it’s important.”
She turned, rushing back towards the house. I jogged to catch up with her, “Carly, you’re scaring me. What happened? Did your wolf tell you something?”
“Yes… No, look I’m not sure. I want to talk to Dylan first. Ok? It’s ok, I promise. I just need to be sure.”
We walked towards Dylan’s house, Carly pounding on the door. Jensen opened the door, his expression morphing into a smile.
“Well, I see you shifted,” he inhaled, “Carly, you’re…” she held up her hand, silencing him.
“No – I need Dylan.” She pushed passed him through the door.
“What the fuck Jensen, she’s what?”
“Nothing… come in. I think you’re going to need to sit down. She and Dylan could be a few minutes,” He motioned me through the door, pointing towards the sofa, “Have a seat.”
Carly disappeared into Dylan’s room, slamming the door behind her. Dylan let out a squeal, the door opened, and she rushed out.
“OH MY GOD!!!” She grabbed Jensen, who was smiling.
“What? Guys, please,” I turned to Carly who was standing behind me, “what’s going on Carly.”
She looked down at the floor, “well, we know why I didn’t get sick. My wolf was protecting me during the shift… rather she was protecting the baby.”
“That’s great… wait,” her words hit me, I looked at her wide-eyed, “did you say, baby?”
“Yes… Paul, I’m pregnant.”
“I can’t believe this! Me and my best friend are going to have babies together… this is fucking awesome. Jensen call the pack. This is cause for another celebration.”
I stood there, taking in her words. She was giving me a baby. My heart beat fast, I couldn’t speak.
“Paul, say something. Please,” she folded her arms across her chest, “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I’m sorry.”
Snapping out of my trance, I pulled her into my arms, “Sorry? For what, you’ve just made me the happiest man alive. Marry me.”
She giggled, “I already said yes silly wolf.”
“No Carly… Marry me today – right now. I don’t want to wait.”
“Are you serious?”
“Unless you need the big wedding, yes. Dead serious. I don’t need all that stuff, I just need you.” I kissed her hard.
“Yes… Dylan,” Carly broke from my hug, turning towards her, “You think Haven would marry us tonight?”
“I’ll go call him. I don’t see why he’d say no.”
Dylan disappeared into the kitchen, coming back pretty quickly, “He said yes. In fact, he will be home in two hours. I already called the entire pack, they’ll be here too! This is so exciting. You’re having a baby… and getting married.”
She embraced Carly, crying with her best friend. All I could do was stare at them. This woman had broken down my barriers, and in a matter of just a few weeks, we’d become one.