Michael grabbed her other hand. “Can you feel it? The urge to change?”
“Yes.” She stepped out the door as Tyler held it open. “It’s like an itch just beneath the surface. A need really. Not unlike the need to mate.”
“Just let it come. Don’t fight it. Relax. Close your eyes if you want and think of your wolf form.” Tyler released his grip on her hand and stepped back. He watched in awe as his mate, the woman he would spend the rest of his life loving devotedly, let the change to wolf form take her over.
It was quick. In moments she’d shifted and set herself down on all fours. “Are you coming?” She angled her glorious blonde head back at the men and seemed to grin.
Both men joined her without hesitation, and the three jumped off the porch and took off through the trees.
Chapter 16
Alyssa giggled. It wasn’t out loud. It was in her head, and apparently in her mates’ heads also because they turned back to look at her and howled. Her own howl of response sounded strange to her ears, higher pitched and squeakier than her mates’.
“We’re moving so fast.” Her fur blew back from her eyes with the breeze. The cool weather of the season seemed much warmer in her fur coat.
“You’ll get used to it,” Tyler communicated. “Eventually you’ll run full force ahead and not even crash into a single leaf. Your vision is so much sharper in wolf form, so you can make better decisions faster.”
“Assuming there isn’t a hole in the ground,” Michael added with a hint of laughter in his unspoken voice.
“Ha ha.” Tyler growled playfully in Michael’s direction.
“Even with a hole, it would be worth it to feel this … freedom.” Alyssa raced between her mates and leaped over a log. “How far can we run without getting exhausted?”
“You’ll get better over time. Only a few miles this first time. You’re going to sleep like a baby.” Michael slowed down a bit and let her keep pace with him.
“I was going to sleep like a baby just from the rigorous workout in the cabin.” If she could have winked at them she would have.
About a mile out, Alyssa knew they should turn back. She was truly going to collapse from the workout. Reluctantly she stopped and turned around. “I guess we’d better head back. I’m getting hungry.”
The race back was more leisurely. She took the time to look around at her surroundings. The woods were gorgeous, the area so untouched by mankind.
Assuming there were no other holes to worry about.
The idea never strayed far from her mind. What if there were more? What if one of them fell in and got seriously injured?
“We’re right here with you. You’re safe.” Michael’s thoughts proved he was listening to her running inner commentary.
Soon the cabin loomed ahead, and Alyssa breathed a sigh of relief. She hated to admit defeat, but she couldn’t go much farther.
They all three leaped onto the porch, and Alyssa plopped her wolf self down on the wood floor. She didn’t even have the energy to shift.
The men immediately shifted to human form and chuckled at her. Michael rubbed her fur. “I think our little wolf mate is exhausted.”
Tyler opened the door. “I’m going to get dressed. Relax for a few minutes, and then you’ll have the energy to shift back.”
“Okay. Just leave me here to nap. I’m good.” Alyssa couldn’t hold her eyes open, but she loved the idea of resting on the porch. The chilly weather was perfect for her in her wolf form.
“I’ll make sandwiches. Your stomach will bring you inside when it starts to growl.” Michael stepped around her and left the door ajar.
Alyssa let her heart rate slow as she breathed through her nose. This was the best day of her life. Nothing could improve upon it. Nothing could ruin it.
After about twenty minutes, Alyssa smelled food. Her stomach growled, and she pulled herself up and nudged the door open. It seemed wrong to shift outside. Once she’d entered the cabin, she easily changed back and pulled her naked self to standing.
Alyssa was worn out, but in a good way. Some food, some sleep, and she’d be good as new. She’d have to be to keep up with Michael and Tyler.
Both men stood in the kitchen in just their jeans. Even their feet were bare.
“You’re gorgeous, love. Want a sandwich?” Michael held up a tempting, thick, layered pile and nodded.
“Yes. But let me grab some clothes.”
“Don’t feel you must on our account.” Tyler chuckled, his words and his laughter muted by his mouthful of food.
Nevertheless, Alyssa slipped on her own jeans and grabbed her sweater from the floor.