My mom takes my hand in hers. “I’ve been waiting for years for this day. It’s not how I had imagined it to be, but I am so proud of you.”Tears well in my eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”I plan to call Kane tomorrow and thank him for the gifts. I know I am too concerned with the shift that night to think about
EmoryI open my eyes and stare up at the full moon. My senses are overpowered. I can hear and see things from afar. I smell everything from my mom’s cloying perfume to the dirt coating my paws.I look down at my new body. My paws are large and covered in white fur. I turn my head to look over the
I pour blood into my glass and hand the bottle back to Rainer. “Well, my friend, I wish you all the luck in the world.”I know he’s going to need it.***EmoryCollins checked me the morning after my first shift, and I’m fine. So is my child. It’s a relief.The difference in me after my first shift
“Maybe some other time,” I tell her.Queen Agatha gets up from the table and approaches us. “It’s nice to have you back, Emory. You’re looking better.”Kane must have informed her about my first shift.“The shifter healer gave me some advice to help with the pregnancy symptoms,” I reply. “I still h
EmoryI try to stay calm during the check-up with Dr. Martin. He hasn’t said a word as we started with the ultrasound. He is intently looking over the monitor to see the baby. We’ve had an ultrasound before, and everything had been normal. Our pack healer’s concern is what’s driving my anxiety for m
He pulls me into a hug, and I let him comfort me. Even with my cheek pressed against his shoulder, the seed of dread within me continues to grow. I have a baby coming a lot earlier than expected. No one can give me answers about why.There’s nothing I can do–and I am terrified.***KaneEver since t
“You never wanted this power, so that makes you perfect to wield it. You want to serve your people rather than to fuel your own desires. You’re noble.” She smiles, pleased. I continue, “You choose to see the good in people, and you trust easily. I love those things about you, but it has caused you p
KaneI’m having lunch with my mother at the gazebo. She insists that we spend more time together. Now that I’m about to become a father, she wants to make sure I’m ready for the responsibility as if I have not been taking care of an entire kingdom for over a century. I don’t tell her this and just s