Chapter 60: Zoey

'Arian?'

'You are ready for your first shift?'

'Yes, but I don't know what to do. How do I let you out?'

'Relax and let me move forward in your consciousness. Your body will change with who is in charge. You will retain your humanity and we will still be able to communicate just as we do now. We will just be in wolf form. Are you ready?'

'Oh yes! I can't wait!'

'I will warn you, Zoey. This first shift will hurt, probably more than it would have had we shifted as a child as your body has had so much time being human shaped. But after this shift it will be easier and soon you will be able to shift instantly just like our mates.'

I looked scared and Deke held me close.

"What's wrong, baby?"

"She said it's gonna hurt a lot."

They looked confused.

"Why, love? It shouldn't hurt to shift."

"She said it's because I've spent the last twenty-three years in human form. If I had shifted as a kid when the body is more fluid it wouldn't hurt. I… I'm scared. I don't want to hurt anymore."

Jer kissed the back of my shoulder.

"I know, love. But this is something that needs to happen. Did she say if it's gonna hurt each time?"

"She said it will only hurt bad this one time. And that soon I will be able to shift as fast as you guys."

"Well then there you go, sweetheart. You just have to be brave this one time. And remember, your shifter senses will awaken when you shift for the first time too. Hearing, sight, smell, and best of all… healing."

I giggled.

"Yeah, I could have used that quite a few times before now. But I'm happy she's here. Ok. I got this. Let's do this, Araian."

I did my best to relax as she said, and I felt her presence in the front of my mind. Fur started to push through my skin. My jaw lengthened and there was pain in my mouth as fangs burst through my gums again. I screamed as my bones broke and reformed. My scream changed to a howl as my transformation finished.

I laid on the bed and panted. I looked down and saw silver-blonde paws. It seemed my fur matched my hair color. I looked at my mates and saw the awe on their faces. I blinked and tilted my head when I felt a strange sensation. I looked down at the length of my body and saw my tail was wagging. I huffed and looked back at my guys. They were grinning.

"Baby… you are so goddamn adorable!"