Chapter 69
Ripley POV
I was so focused on getting my friends out of there that I barely noticed anything else. They were making a mess of Amber’s party, and it was embarrassing. I didn’t even want them here in the first place, but they insisted on tagging along. After what felt like forever, I finally got them to leave. Relief washed over me instantly.
For a second, I thought the worst was over. Then I looked at Amber.
She was already staring at me. And my dragon… was purring.
Actually purring.
“You do know you're supposed to be a badass, not a house cat, right?” I muttered under my breath.
Ax just chuckled..”Ripley… She's our mate. I want to talk to her dragon. But something’s off… Did you know she has a wolf too?
I froze.!A wolf?! Did she even know?If she does, Ax continued, she’ll be shifting soon. My stomach dropped. Ax, try to contact her dragon. See what you can find out. I kept my eyes locked on her, nerves building in my chest.
Nyx POV Amber’s Dragon
I didn’t understand why I felt so drawn to Ripley. Well… I did.
But something wasn’t right..It was like his scent was being blocked, hidden..Then I felt it.
His dragon reached out to me.
When I finally opened the link, he let me see him, and goddess… he was stunning.
Dark, powerful… razorback build, with sharp golden spikes running down his back and tail. He looked lethal… and beautiful.
If dragons could blush, I would’ve.
“What do you want?” I asked, trying to stay composed. “Ripley said he has a mate. Where is she?”
He chuckled, smirking.
“My name is Ax. And she is here. You know who she is.”
My heart skipped.
“But Ripley wants me to ask you, do you know she has a wolf? You need to tell her. She’s going to shift soon.” So that’s what I’ve been feeling… Her wolf.,She’s finally awake.
Excitement surged through me, until his words hit me again.
His mate is here… and I know who she is? It clicked instantly.
“He’s using cloaking spray,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Why is he hiding from us?”
Ax’s expression softened.
“He wants Amber to live her life. After everything she’s been through… he doesn’t want to take that from her. When she’s ready, he’ll be there.”
Then he added quietly,,“And I’ll be waiting for you.”
Before I could respond, another voice slipped in.
“”What about me? Will you wait for me too?””
I blinked.!The wolf! Ax stepped back, letting us connect.
“Go tell Ripley I’ll warn her,” I told him. He nodded and disappeared.
I turned my attention inward. “Hi… I’m Nyx. Amber’s dragon. What’s your name?”
“I’m Summer,” she replied gently. Nice to meet you.
There was a pause.
Now… Can you explain what’s going on? Why is our mate hiding from us?
I sighed.,“He just wants her to have a normal life.”
“I see…”
Her tone shifted, serious now.
Then it’s time. She’s about to shift into me. We need her parents.
Amber POV
Nyx had gone quiet, which already felt strange.
I tried to ignore it and focused on the gift in my lap.
It was wrapped in green paper with a matching ribbon, no name on it. When I opened it, my breath caught.
A bracelet. A deep red ruby charm shimmered in the light.
It was beautiful.
“I hope you like it,” Ripley said.
I looked up.
His eyes were glowing green, his dragon close to the surface.
“I went to one of the highest elders. She said whoever wears it will always be safe.”
My heart warmed. “I love it… thank you.”
I was about to ask him to put it on me when,
“Hi, Amber.”
I froze. That wasn’t Nyx. My name is Summer. I’m your wolf.
My mind went blank. I hate to ruin your birthday… but you’re about to shift into me. What?
I turned to my parents, panic rising.
“Mom… something’s, ”
Before I could finish, the voice came again, but stronger.
“Mom, I’m her wolf,” she said through me. “My name is Winter. I’m about to shift. She’ll need your help.”
And then she was gone. Pain hit me instantly. Burning. Like I was on fire. I dropped to the ground screaming as my bones began to break. This was nothing like shifting into Nyx. This was worse.
So much worse.
“Amber!” my mom cried.
Everyone was suddenly around me, Dad, Alpha, Aunt Joy, Uncle Randy… I couldn’t breathe. My legs snapped and twisted, reforming in ways that made me scream even louder. Then Ripley was there.
Right beside me.
“It’s almost over,” he said softly. “Just a few more minutes, Amber.”
A few more minutes? I wanted to scream. This is torture!
My face began to shift, stretching forward. I could feel my snout forming. Tears streamed down my face as I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the pain. Time blurred. Then,
“”Open your eyes,”” the wolf said gently.
I did. And everything had changed. I was on all fours. Silver fur covered my body. Paws. I had paws. “We’re a silver wolf, she said proudly. Very powerful. And with Nyx… you’re something rare, Amber.””
I stared in awe.
“It’s time to shift back. Are you ready?””
“No,” I groaned. “I need a minute.”
“”No time. Let’s go.””
Pain surged again, but it wasn’t as bad this time.
Moments later, I was human again, fully clothed, thankfully.
I stood there, breathing hard.
“Okay… that’s enough for one day,” I said, my voice shaking. “I’m going inside. Everyone… enjoy the party.”
I didn’t wait for a response.I stormed into the house, my parents right behind me, along with Alpha, Aunt Joy, Uncle Randy…
…and Ripley. Something wasn’t right. I could feel it deep in my bones. What else are they hiding from me?