Born To Be More

Angel's Gift

Max

I paced the hallway outside Doc’s office, my fists clenched and jaw tight. He’d kicked me out, said he needed to talk to Raine alone. I didn’t like it—didn’t like being shut out when she could be hurting, confused, or scared. I needed to know she was okay.

I rubbed the back of my neck and kept moving, steps echoing in the sterile hallway as memories of last night flooded my mind. I never intended for her to see Tyson so soon. But hell, maybe it was for the best. She didn’t run—well, not far—and she’d touched him, laughed even. That meant something. It gave me hope.

Rion filled me in on their late-night talk. Apparently, she’d taken the truth better than we could’ve hoped. She asked questions, didn’t freak out, didn’t shut down. That’s my girl—curious, brave, fierce even when her world’s flipped upside down.

And this morning… I told her I loved her.

She didn’t say it back. I didn’t expect her to.

She’s still learning who we are—hell, who she is. She doesn't even understand the pull she feels toward me, let alone what it'll mean when her wolf surfaces. Once her shift happens, everything will get stronger. The bond, the need, the instincts. All of it.

But until then... I just have to wait. Stay steady. Be her anchor.

“f**k!” I growled, slamming my boot into the metal bin, sending it crashing into the wall.

“Whoa there, Max.”

Rion’s voice drifted down the hall as he strolled toward me like this wasn’t the longest hour of my goddamn life.

“It’s been over an hour, Rion. Tyson’s ready to tear the door off its hinges and drag the Doc out by his throat,” I snapped, still pacing like a caged beast. “I linked him and now he’s shut me out completely.”

Rion chuckled. “How many times did you link him?”

“I don’t know!” I barked. “I just— I need answers. The waiting is doing my f*****g head in.”

“Max, you linked him about fifty times. Let the man do his job,” he said, settling on the bench like this was some casual chat. “The longer he spends with her, the better off she’ll be.”

I stopped. Fisted my hands. Closed my eyes.

He was right. But it didn’t make this any easier.

“Come on,” Rion said. “Let’s go over what I found on Mark and Raine’s psychotic aunt while we wait.”

That got my attention.

“Let’s hear it,” I muttered, finally sitting beside him, trying to shove down the storm brewing in my chest.

Half an hour later, Raine walked out of the hospital in tears.

She didn’t stop.

Didn’t look at me.

Just kept walking—head down, shoulders shaking, silent.

“Raine! Raine!”

I jumped to my feet, heart crashing in my chest, and ran after her.

Rion—check in with Doc. Let me know if she’s okay.

I mind-linked him as I caught up to her just outside the main entrance.

She was trembling.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her tight against me. “Angel, what happened? Are you hurt?” My voice was thick, raw.

She shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks, breaking me in a way I hadn’t known I could break. No words—just pain.

“Please, Angel,” I whispered. “Let me help you. Let me in.”

She looked up at me then, eyes shining and lost, and gave the smallest nod.

That was all I needed.

I scooped her into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist, her face burying into my neck like she was trying to disappear inside me.

I carried her straight into the gardens, weaving through hedges and trees until I found a quiet, shaded corner. A place no one would disturb us.

Max, Rion linked me a moment later, Doc says Raine knows she’s different. He told her she may have a gift—one like yours. He’ll confirm it tonight. Said she was eager to leave.

Thanks, Rion. Lock down the gardens. No one gets through for the next hour. I want total privacy.

You got it.

I settled onto a bench with Raine curled in my lap, her body melting slowly into mine like she was finding solid ground again. I stroked her hair gently, letting her feel every heartbeat against her cheek, giving her time to speak when she was ready.

Whatever was coming next—we’d face it together.

“Max… why is my life such a mess?” she asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

I wrap my arms tighter around her, grounding her in my chest. “Angel, your life isn’t a mess. It’s just… changing.”

She exhales like she’s been holding her breath for days.

“Doc said I might have a gift. Like yours.”

She shifts in my lap to look at me. “He said some people never know they have one. Max… do you think I’m a wolf?”

I tuck her hair behind her ear, brushing my thumb along her jaw. “Angel, I know you have a gift. I felt it in the woods. Tyson did too. It’s like your soul reached out to us.”

She looks down, chewing her lip.

“Doc’s tests will tell us more, but yes, I think you’re one of us. Maybe not exactly like me, but definitely something powerful. And beautiful.” I grin. “Just like you.”

That earns me a small smile.

We sit quietly for a while, her fingers tracing the curve of my forearm.

Then, in a small voice: “Max… can I see Tyson again? I want to watch you shift. Does it hurt?”

I chuckle. “Only the first time. Kind of like being a virgin.”

“Max!” She swats my arm, blushing.

“Hey,” I tease, “you asked.”

She shakes her head, but she’s smiling now—thank f**k.

“Tyson would love to see you. He’s been going crazy. Nearly kicked the doc’s door in earlier.”

Her brows rise. “Seriously? You talk to him?”

“All the time. Werewolves can hear their wolves in their heads—it’s like a second voice. At first, it’s just thoughts. But once the bond deepens, we can see them too—like a dream or memory playing out in real time.”

“Wow,” she breathes, eyes wide with wonder. “That’s wild.”

“It’s you too, Angel. Or it will be.”

She leans her head back against my chest, silent again.

“Angel,” I murmur, brushing my thumb over her knuckles, “Tyson’s cursing me out right now. You asked to see him, and the damn wolf has zero patience.”

She gives a small laugh. “Then don’t keep him waiting.”

“Yeah, yeah… hold up, asshole,” I mutter to Tyson as I stand, stripping down quickly and shifting.

In seconds, I’m no longer Max—I’m Tyson.

She’s sitting on the bench, knees pulled up, eyes wide as I approach. I’m bigger than most wolves—an Alpha’s size—and I can see her trying not to flinch. But she doesn’t move away.

She studies me like she’s trying to memorize every inch. Brave girl.

I lower myself to the ground in front of her, moving slowly, not wanting to overwhelm her. I nudge her shoulder with my snout, then lean in and lick her cheek.

She giggles—and f**k, it’s the best sound I’ve ever heard.

Tyson lets out a low, contented rumble—our version of a purr—as I settle beside her. I shift part of my consciousness forward so I can feel her through Tyson’s senses. She reaches out and gently touches my face, her fingers sinking into the thick black fur at my jaw.

She lets out a breath like she’s been holding it forever.

“Hi, Tyson,” she whispers. I lean into her hand, pressing my head against her palm, showing her how much that simple touch means.

For the first time, I feel the bond between us start to hum—like her energy is brushing against ours.

And Tyson? He’s absolutely smitten.

"She is so beautiful, Max," Tyson murmurs through the bond.

"I know, Ty. She’s perfect for us." I pause, watching her fingertips stroke gently through our fur. "Can you sense Shyla?"

"Yes… she’s getting closer. As our bond strengthens, so does hers."

Raine shifts, sitting up a little straighter. Her fingers continue to glide through our thick coat, grounding herself in touch. Then she speaks—soft, hesitant.

"Tyson… I’m scared." Her voice trembles. "You’re asking me to believe in something I only ever dreamed about. And now, today… I might be something completely different from what I thought I was. What does that mean for me? What happens if I really am… a wolf?"

She wraps her arms around our neck, hugging tight, her cheek pressed into our fur. I feel the warmth of her tears soak into me.

Tyson wants to howl—his instinct to comfort, to call out, to protect her rising like a tide. But instead, we remain perfectly still, holding the moment with her. Holding her.

We shift closer, resting our head against her shoulder, offering silent reassurance. No words are enough right now. All she needs to feel is that she’s not alone.

She lets go and wipes her tears with the back of her hand. I shift back into my human form so I can speak to her properly, slipping into my shorts as I do.

"Angel," I said gently, stepping toward her, "Tyson loves you… just like I do. Whatever those test results show tonight, we’ll face it together. I’m not going anywhere."

She nods, eyes still glassy but steady. “Max… I think I’ve heard a voice in my head before. I thought I was losing it, but… maybe it’s my gift?”

“It could be, Angel,” I say softly. “And if it is, then that voice—your wolf—will always be with you. Once she comes forward, she’s yours for life. It’s amazing, Raine. You’ll always have someone by your side, someone who sees what you see, who feels what you feel… someone who carries the other half of your soul.”

I smile at her. “Tyson’s a part of me. I wouldn’t be the man I am without him. Sure, he can be an ass sometimes, especially when he’s got no patience—but most days, he’s the voice I need when I’ve got nothing left.”

A soft smile tugs at her lips, and she nods. That smile? It’s everything.

I reach out, pulling her into my arms and holding her tight. Then I look down and brush her lips with mine—soft, slow, and far too brief for what I really want. But now’s not the time to lose control again.

“Let’s go grab a coffee and something to eat,” I murmur against her lips, “and then you can decide what you’d like to do today.”

She looks up at me. “I’d like to look around a bit more, if that’s okay?”

“Of course, Angel. I’d love that.” I grin. “Let’s eat first, then maybe I’ll take you to the early learning center?”

Her brows shoot up with interest, and I chuckle. “Come on, beautiful,” I say, taking her hand and leading her down the trail. “Let’s make a day of it.”

I want Raine to meet more of the pack—see the life we live here, not just through my eyes, but her own. That’s why I gave the order to return to normal routines. After lunch, pack members will be allowed to shift again on the main grounds, and I hope it shows her the beauty, not just the beast.

We make our way to the little coffee shop tucked inside the square. Familiar scents of cinnamon, roasted beans, and warm bread hit us as we step through the door.

“Morning, Alpha,” Justine calls out from behind the counter, her braid swinging as she turns.

“Morning, Justine. Can we grab two cappuccinos and a couple of chocolate croissants, please?”

“Coming right up,” she says cheerfully.

I hand over the cash and glance at Raine. She’s not really here—her body is, but her mind is somewhere else. Her eyes dart across the room, studying the layout, the people, the easy smiles, the calm energy. There’s a crease in her brow, like she’s trying to solve a puzzle she doesn’t quite understand.

“Raine,” I murmur, gently catching her attention, “you want to take it to go? We can head to our next stop.”

“Um, sure,” she says, snapping out of it, though she still seems distracted.

I reach for her hand as Justine passes over the takeaway cups, grounding her with my touch.

She squeezes my fingers once.

It’s not much.

But it’s a start.

“Thanks, Justine,” I said, passing Raine her coffee and croissant. “Let’s go.”

We stepped out into the pack grounds, and I slowed my pace, taking a sip of my coffee and letting her take it all in. The area was bustling—warriors jogging across the green, kids laughing in the distance, couples chatting over café tables. I tried to see it through her eyes. It probably looked like a private gated community—only this one came with cobbled roads, pine-scented air, and a few hundred werewolves walking around like it was the most normal thing in the world.

“We pride ourselves on the strength of our community,” I told her. “We’ve got schools, training grounds, and small business hubs to support our members. There’s a supermarket, hardware supplier, a few cafés like this one, and trade workshops scattered across the territory.”

She looked around, curious but still quiet.

“Most people still head into the city for big-ticket stuff—especially clothes or tech—but everything we need day to day is right here.”

We walked a little further, me pointing out different areas of the grounds. Every now and then, Raine would pause—studying a building, smiling at a passing child, or just soaking in the atmosphere. I loved watching her take it all in, like the pieces were slowly fitting together in her mind.

We were just rounding the main training square when two men from the warrior development squad spotted us and jogged over. I recognized them—young, eager, cocky. And the way their eyes dragged over Raine made my wolf sit up.

Easy, Tyson. They don’t know.

“Morning, Alpha,” one said with a nod, then quickly turned his attention to Raine. “I don’t think we’ve met.”

“This is Raine,” I said coolly, wrapping my arm around her waist.

She gave them a polite smile. “Nice to meet you. What do you both do here?”

Both men straightened, puffing up like they were on parade. “We’re in warrior training,” the taller one—Sky—said proudly. “I’m working toward the elite unit.”

“That’s great,” she said with genuine kindness. “Hard work usually pays off.”

The idiots beamed like they’d just won something.

I cleared my throat. “Alright, guys—we’ve got more places to be. My mate and I are on a bit of a schedule.”

I didn’t miss the flicker in their eyes when I said it—shock, then instant deference. They bowed their heads respectfully and backed off without another word.

I slid my hand lower on Raine’s waist and leaned in. “I’m not jealous,” I murmured, “but I’d really rather not knock out my warriors today.”

She smirked. “Max, relax. You practically growled the word mate. I don’t think they’ll be trying their luck again anytime soon.”

"Did you really have to scare them off like that, Max?" Raine asked, teasing me with that cheeky little smile.

I grinned, my voice dropping a notch. "You’re lucky I didn’t kiss you senseless in front of them just to make my point.”

She giggled—and damn if that sound didn’t make my whole chest tighten. She was starting to relax again, and that meant everything.

We strolled down a winding path that led toward the children's day-care. The place was nestled between a small garden and a shady patch of trees. I opened the gate and let her step in first, guiding her into the foyer.

“Alpha! Long time—nice to see you in here for once,” Marg said, immediately giving me that look. I knew she was going to guilt-trip me.

I chuckled. “Hi Marg. This is Raine—I wanted to bring her by today to see the pup facilities.”

“Great timing. Come on in, they’re just finishing up lunch,” she said, motioning us through.

We stepped into the main room and the chaos hit us—in the best way. Half the pups were still nibbling on their food while the others were being wrangled for nap time. I laughed as one particularly determined little guy broke free from a teacher and bolted across the room, weaving between tables and chairs like a pro.

“Nooo naps! Nooo naps!” he shouted defiantly, ducking under her arms and making a break for it.

Before I could react, he barreled right into Raine—and she caught him like she’d been doing it all her life, scooping him effortlessly onto her hip.

“Well, hello there, little man,” she said, her voice soft but amused. “You were running so fast—where were you off to in such a hurry?”

“I don’t wanna nap,” he mumbled, arms folded and pout firmly in place.

Raine nodded in solemn agreement. “You know, I don’t like naps either when I’m having too much fun. But even superheroes need to recharge.”

His eyes lit up. “You think I’m a superhero?”

“I know you are,” she said, booping his nose gently.

I watched the whole thing unfold, absolutely frozen in place. My heart wasn't just skipping—it was flipping. She looked so natural with him, like she belonged here. With us.

Marg raised an eyebrow at me and mouthed, she's the one. I didn’t even try to deny it.

The pup finally sighed, resting his head on Raine’s shoulder. “Okay. Maybe just a short nap.”

Raine chuckled and rubbed his back gently. “Deal.”

Marg came over with a smile and retrieved the little guy, who was now half-asleep. “That was impressive,” she whispered to Raine. “You’ve definitely got the touch.”

I stepped closer and slid my arm around Raine’s waist. “She really does,” I said, my voice low with awe.

Raine giggled softly, and the little boy—Milo, I think—froze mid-squirm and looked up at her with wide, curious eyes.

“Milo!” one of the teachers called from across the room, hands on hips. “Leave the Alpha and his friend alone and get into your bed!”

But Milo wasn’t having it. He clung tighter to Raine, his small arms wrapping around her neck as he whispered urgently, “No naps.”

Raine held him close, her hand gently stroking his back as she rocked him ever so slightly. “Milo,” she said softly, “did you know that when you nap, you grow bigger?”

He pulled back just enough to look at her, frowning. “No.”

“It’s true,” she said with all the confidence of someone sharing a great secret. “If you want to be big and strong like Alpha here…” she gestured toward me with a teasing smile, “then you need your naps.”

I gave him a solemn nod. “She’s right, buddy. Even I had to nap when I was little.”

Milo considered this, clearly weighing his options. “Okay,” he said after a moment, “but only if you tuck me in,” he added, looking up at Raine.

She glanced at the teacher, who nodded with a small sigh and a smile. “If it’s okay with your teacher,” Raine said, and followed them both toward the nap area.

Marg stepped beside me, arms folded, watching the scene with a soft expression.

“She’s a special one, Alpha,” Marg said, her voice warm and sure.

I didn’t even hesitate. “I know, Marg. Believe me, I know.”

I waited in the quiet zone while Raine tucked Milo in. A few other kids were reading picture books or drawing quietly nearby, the room finally settling down after Milo’s earlier rebellion. The daycare itself was well laid out—spacious, welcoming, and fully equipped to care for up to fifty children. One of four in the pack, not counting the orphanage I planned to take Raine to another day.

Raine returned a few minutes later, smiling softly. “He’s asleep,” she said like it was the most satisfying thing in the world.

“Good work, baby. Are you ready to move on?” I asked, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

She nodded, and we started toward the door.

“You did a wonderful job with him,” Marg said as we passed. “Every day’s a struggle—honestly, he runs havoc around here.”

Raine smiled back at her. “He just needed a reason to rest.”

I looked down at her, admiration burning in my chest. That calm strength, that natural warmth—yeah, she was made for this life, even if she didn’t fully see it yet.

And I was going to do everything in my power to show her.

Raine laughed softly, her eyes still on the little sleeping boy. “Just a thought,” she said thoughtfully, “have you asked him what he would like to do during the day? Maybe if you involve him in planning, he’ll feel more inspired to stick to it. He seems like a strong, opinionated little guy.”

I stared at her, heart thumping. Goddess, she was incredible.

“See? She’s wonderful, Alpha,” Marg said, smiling warmly at Raine. “I’ll try that—thank you, Luna.”

Raine froze at the title but managed a polite smile. I squeezed her hand, then thanked Marg before leading her outside.

But the moment we stepped into the sun, Rion’s voice hit my link like a shot.

"Max, we’ve got trouble on the border. Can you come out here?"

"f**k, Rion," I growled, linking him back.

"You’re gonna want to see this. It’s bad."

"I’m on my way."

I turned to Raine, hating what I had to say. “Angel, I’ve been called out—Rion needs me. I can take you back to the pack house first if you’d prefer—”

She shook her head quickly. “It’s okay, Max. I’ll follow the road back and stop at the gardens for a bit. I just need some space to think things through.”

My jaw clenched. I didn’t like the idea of leaving her alone, not now—not when everything was shifting.

She must’ve seen it on my face because she stepped into me, hugging me tight. “I’m okay, Max. Honestly. I just need a little time to sort through the last few days. Please.”

I exhaled slowly, brushing my fingers over her cheek. “I’ll see you soon, my Angel,” I whispered, and then I kissed her hard—possessive, grounding, unwilling to let her forget I was hers.

She stepped back reluctantly, and I shifted in front of her before bolting toward the border, my instincts already screaming.

I reached the border and found Rion, Sam, and two of the border patrol team surrounding a rogue, still alive but barely, chained to the fence with silver cuffs biting into his wrists. His scent was foul—rogue decay and fear. Good. He should be afraid.

“What have we got?” I asked, voice low and sharp.

“Border patrol caught him cutting through the fence,” Rion said. “As far as we can tell, he’s alone.” He linked me privately.

"I think he’s working for someone, Max. But he hasn’t squealed yet."

I stalked toward the rogue, grabbed a fistful of his filthy shirt, and slammed him back against the fence. My claws broke skin. “Who sent you?” I snarled. “Who are you working for?”

Tyson surged forward in my mind, bringing his gift—pain. Focused, sharp, and brutal. The rogue howled, dropping to his knees, blood already leaking from his nose.

“Stop! Stop!” he cried.

Tyson pulled back, and the rogue sagged against the fence, panting like a dog.

“Tell me why the f**k you’re here,” I snapped.

“To scare her,” he wheezed.

Rion lost it, landing three vicious blows into the rogue’s ribs. I heard the crunch. Good.

“Who is ‘her’?!” I roared, a sick dread curling in my gut.

He stayed silent.

Rion stepped forward, grabbed both arms—and with a savage twist—dislocated both shoulders. The rogue screamed like a dying animal.

“You’d better answer Alpha Crawford,” Rion growled. “You know what we’re famous for, don’t you?”

The rogue sobbed, his head lolling. “I was… I was sent to scare her. Your… mate.”

Rage exploded through me. I slammed my fist into his face and dropped him unconscious.

“Get security on Raine NOW!” I roared.

I shifted into Tyson mid-run and bolted toward the pack house, my wolf already howling inside my chest.

Rion, get that scum locked down in the cells. We’re not done with him.