Chapter 37 Shifting
ARYA
An hour later, freshly showered and dressed, I found Luca waiting in the foyer. He’d changed into riding clothes—fitted pants and boots that did absolutely criminal things to his physique.
“We’re going somewhere?” I asked.
“I want to show you the territory. All of it.” He extended his hand. “And I want to do it in our fur.”
“We’re shifting?”
“Unless you’re not ready. But Aeliana, at some point you need to let Lean run free. Really run, without fear or restraint.” His eyes were warm. “And I’d very much like to run with you.”
The idea was terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure.
Please, Lean begged. Please let us run with mate.
“Okay,” I agreed. “Let’s do it.”
We walked into the forest behind the estate until we reached a clearing. Luca began undressing without ceremony, completely unselfconscious about his nudity.
And what a body it was.
Broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. Defined abs that looked carved from stone. Strong thighs and—
“See something you like?” His voice was amused.
“Shut up.” But I couldn’t look away. Especially from the impressive evidence of exactly how much he wanted me. “You’re distracting.”
“Good. Now your turn.”
I hesitated. I’d never been comfortable with nudity, and stripping in front of this gorgeous, ancient king felt incredibly vulnerable.
“Hey.” He stepped closer, cupping my face. “You’re beautiful. Every inch of you. Don’t hide from me.”
Slowly, I undressed. His eyes tracked every movement, darkening with each piece of clothing that fell away.
“Fucking exquisite,” he breathed. “How I’m not throwing you down right now and claiming you is a testament to my control.”
“Maybe later you can lose that control.”
“Dangerous words, little wolf.” He stepped back, giving me space. “Now, shift. Let me meet your wolf properly.”
I closed my eyes and reached for Lean. She surged forward eagerly, and the shift was swift and painless—nothing like that first agonizing emergence.
When I opened my eyes, everything was sharper, clearer. Scents flooded my senses—pine, earth, prey animals, and him. The scent of my mate, rich and intoxicating.
I looked at Luca and my tail wagged involuntarily.
His laugh was warm. Then he shifted, and I saw his true form for the first time.
He was MASSIVE. Not wolf, not fully. Something more—ancient, powerful, with silver-tipped black fur and eyes that glowed molten gold. His Lycan form was easily twice my size, and every inch screamed predator.
I should have been afraid.
Instead, Lean practically purred, moving closer to circle him. Scent-marking. Claiming.
Mine, she declared. Our mate.
He rumbled approvingly, his larger form moving to scent us back. When our fur brushed, electricity sparked between us.
Then he took off running, and instinct took over.
We raced through the forest, his powerful form just ahead of mine. He led me deeper into the territory, showing me streams and clearings and secret places. We hunted together—small game, nothing serious—and the thrill of the chase, of working in tandem, was intoxicating.
At one point, he tackled me playfully, and we rolled together in a tangle of fur and power. It should have been dominant display, but it felt like… play. Like joy.
When had I last felt joy?
Eventually, we stopped at a cliff overlooking a valley. The view was breathtaking—miles of forest, a river cutting through, mountains in the distance.
This is all mine, his voice filled my mind, and I gasped at the intimacy of it. The mate bond allowed us to communicate in wolf form. But Aeliana, I’d give it all up for you. Every inch of it, if that’s what you wanted.
I’d never ask that.
I know. That’s one reason I love you.
The words hit me like a physical blow.
Love.
He loved me.
Too soon? He sounded uncertain for the first time. I know we’ve only known each other days, but Aeliana, I’ve existed for eight hundred years. I know what love is. And this—what I feel for you—it’s everything.
I didn’t know what to say. Wasn’t sure I was ready to say it back.
But I pressed against his side, and he understood.
We shifted back to human form, and I immediately felt the cold. Luca noticed, wrapping his arms around me from behind, sharing his warmth.
“You’re always cold,” he observed. “Even in wolf form, you run cooler than you should.”
“Legacy of the suppression magic, I think.”
“Maybe.” His lips found my neck. “Or maybe you just need someone to keep you warm.”
“Offering your services?”
“Always.” He turned me in his arms. “Aeliana, I meant what I said. I love you. I’m not expecting you to say it back. But I need you to know—this isn’t just mate bond for me. This is real, deep, terrifying love.”
“Terrifying?”
“Absolutely terrifying. Because for the first time in eight centuries, I have something to lose.” His forehead pressed against mine. “You could destroy me. Completely. And I’m giving you that power willingly.”
The vulnerability in his admission made my chest ache.
“I’m falling for you,” I admitted. “Fast and hard and it scares me. But Luca, I need you to understand—I can’t be owned. Can’t be possessed. I need to be your partner, not your possession.”
“You ARE my partner. In every way that matters.” His kiss was tender. “I’m possessive, yes. Protective to the point of obsession. But I will never cage you. Never try to make you less than you are.”
“Promise?”
“On my life. On my kingdom. On everything I am.” He kissed me again, deeper this time. “You’re my equal, Aeliana. My match. Not my subordinate.”
We dressed slowly, neither wanting to break the moment. But as we started back toward the estate, Luca’s phone buzzed.
His expression darkened as he read the message.
“What is it?”
“Trouble. Elira’s coalition is making moves. They’ve attacked one of my border territories.” His jaw clenched. “Three Lycans dead. Two critically injured.”
“Oh god.”
“This is escalating faster than I anticipated.” He pulled me close. “I need to handle this. It might take a few days.”
“I’m coming with you.”