The forest seemed quieter than usual, the usual hum of life dampened as if the world was holding its breath. Claire sat on the edge of the pack’s territory, staring at the horizon where the sun was beginning to rise. She hugged her knees to her chest, her thoughts a storm she couldn’t escape.
Her body still felt foreign to her, as if every muscle, every nerve was working against her. The shift last night had been different—violent, painful, and raw. She hadn’t told Ethan how hard it had been, how her wolf had fought her the entire time, pulling her in directions she didn’t understand.
“You’re restless,” Ethan’s voice startled her, and she turned to see him leaning against a nearby tree, his arms crossed. His piercing eyes were shadowed with concern.
“I needed air,” Claire said, her voic
