Chapter 33: Not a Chance
The next morning, Meredith woke to the soft sound of birds outside her window, the early morning light spilling into the room. Her body felt lighter, stronger, calmer. The wildfire that had surged through her the night before had settled, though the bond she felt with Damien, Xavier, and Magnus was even more palpable now.
She could feel them, their presence in her mind, like a gentle hum that never left.
As she stretched, the memories of the previous night washed over her, but a knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. It was Magnus, his face softer than usual, a playful grin dancing at the corner of his mouth.
"Good morning, Little Wolf," he teased, stepping into the room. "How are you feeling?"
Meredith smiled brightly. "Better," she said, sitting up slowly. "A lot better, actually. Although I'm still processing everything."
Magnus leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm not surprised. Last night was… intense."
She blushed at his words, remembering the way the tension had built between all of them. "That's one way to put it."
Magnus’s grin widened. "Well, you handled it like a champ. I knew you had it in you." "There was a pause before he softly added, "Although you still haven't fully transformed yet..."
Before she could respond, another knock sounded, and Xavier and Damien entered, both looking more serious than Magnus but no less concerned.
"How are you feeling?" Damien asked, his eyes scanning her for any signs of distress.
"Good," she assured him, standing up and walking toward them. "Like I've crossed some threshold I didn't even know was there."
Xavier nodded. "That's because you did. Your transformation was always going to happen anyway, but last night was more than just that. You bonded with us, fully. It's why the pull was now stronger."
Meredith blinked. "I can feel it," she admitted. "It's like I can sense you, even when you're not here."
"That's the bond," Damien said, stepping closer. "We can feel you too. It's something that will never go away, but it will help keep us connected, especially when things get difficult."
Meredith's stomach twisted. "Is there something else I should know?"
Damien exchanged a glance with Xavier before nodding. "We didn't want to overwhelm you last night, but there are some things happening within the pack.” He sighed. “Threats we need to be ready for."
"What kind of threats?" she asked.
Xavier's jaw tightened. "We're not sure yet, honestly. But there have been some strange attacks, and the pack is on edge.“
"Is that why you've all been so busy lately? Preparing for this?"
Damien nodded. "Yes. We've been trying to gather information and fortify our defenses, but there are still too many unknowns. That's why your transformation is so important. Soon, you'll be able to help us. And of course, you'll be able to protect yourself."
Meredith swallowed hard. "Actually, right now, I don't know if I'm already prepared for that."
"You are," Magnus said. "You've always been ready, Little Wolf.”
Meredith met his enticing gaze, seeing the confidence and belief in his eyes. "What happens next?"
Xavier sighed. "Next, we focus on getting you familiar with your abilities. You've only scratched the surface of what you can do."
Damien nodded in agreement, stared at her, smiled, but did not speak.
Meredith took a deep breath. "I'm not ready yet," she said, her voice steady. "But whatever happens, I'm always with you."
Damien, Xavier, and Magnus exchanged approving glances.
"Well, you're not just with us, Meredith," Xavier said softly. "You're one of us."
Later that afternoon, Meredith found herself outside the pack's training grounds. Magnus was among the warriors, leading the drills. She just stood at the edge of the clearing, and every so often, Magnus would call out instructions.
As he caught sight of her silently watching, Magnus paused and gave a small nod in her direction. She waved back, a little smile playing on her lips.
When the drill came to an end, Magnus walked over to where she stood. He was drenched in sweat, his shirt sticking to his muscular frame, but he didn't seem to mind.
"Hey," he said, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. "Enjoying the show or me?"
Meredith laughed lightly. "You guys don't really mess around."
"No, we don't.” Magnus chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “We've been getting reports of rogue wolves crossing into our territory. Damien and Xavier think it could be a coordinated effort by someone, but we haven't figured out who yet."
Meredith said, "That sounds dangerous.”
"It is." There was silence as Magnus sighed.
Meredith hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I want to help…”
Magnus narrowed his eyes before he grinned. "That's the spirit. But first, I'll make sure you're ready before we throw you into the deep end."
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Thanks, Magnus. I appreciate that."
"Anytime, Little Wolf," he said, winking at her. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he added, "Come on, let's go for a run. You'll feel better after stretching those legs of yours."
Meredith was surprised. "A run?” She looked around. “Right now? Where?"
Magnus raised an eyebrow. "What, you scared?"
"Not a chance."
Without another word, Magnus shifted effortlessly into his wolf form, his large, silver-gray figure towering over her. He nudged her playfully with his snout, and Meredith couldn't help but laugh.
Taking a deep breath, she focused on the familiar pull within her. The world was suddenly sharper, more vivid, as if her heightened senses finally took over. althought not quite there yet.
Magnus took off into the forest, and without hesitation, Meredith chased after him. The wind rushed past her, and for the first time, she felt completely free.
They ran side by side, weaving through the trees, the forest a blur around them. Magnus occasionally glanced at her, his wolfish grin evident even in this form. He was enjoying this just as much as she was.
As they finally slowed to a stop near a riverbank, Meredith sat down, catching her breath.
"Okay," she said between breaths. "I'll admit, that was fun."
Magnus shifted back, his laughter filling the air. "Told you. Nothing beats a good run."
Meredith smiled, looking out at the river as the setting sun cast a golden glow over the water. "I needed that.”
Magnus stood beside her. "Anytime you need to get away, just let me know. I'm always up for a run."
She glanced up at him, feeling the warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Magnus. You've been really good to me."
He shrugged, his eyes were so soft. "You're becoming part of who we are, Little Wolf. And we take care of ourselves."
They stood in silence for a while, the sounds of the resting forest surrounding them.