75

--Flashback—
We were in our special spot in the forest, a hidden gem known only to us. The air was alive with the symphony of nature: the rustling leaves whispered secrets, birds sang their evening songs, and the gentle babble of a nearby creek added a serene melody to our surroundings. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the soft earth beneath our feet. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, a sanctuary where the world outside faded away.
As I looked around, I was reminded of how Kallen and Stuart often described this place. They said the wildflowers that bloomed along the creek reminded them of me—bright, resilient, and bursting with life. The moss that clung to the rocks was soft and inviting, creating a natural carpet that felt like a warm embrace. On the north side, a small mountainous range rose majestically, the peaks painted in hues of gold and orange as the sun began to set. It was breathtaking, but tonight, the beauty of the scene was overshadowed by the awakening of my wolf and Lycan.
A tingling sensation spread through me, pulling me closer to the surface, where my wolf and Lycan had been lying dormant. Their energy crackled like electricity, urging me to listen. We have something to show your mates, they said in unison, their voices intertwining like a harmonious song.
I turned to Kallen and Stuart, who stood a few feet away, their eyes alight with curiosity. “Kallen, Stuart,” I said, my voice steady despite the rush of emotions coursing through me. “We have something we need to tell you.”
“Well, little mate’s wolf, anything,” Kallen replied, a hint of mischief dancing in his bright blue eyes. He leaned forward, as if straining to hear the words that hung in the air.
“There is more than just her wolf in here, gentlemen,” my Lycan announced, her voice rich and commanding. “I’m her Lycan. As she has us both, I will show myself, but there is more that you should be aware of. She has mates out there that she is to share with me, just like she shares you with her wolves.”
Kallen raised an eyebrow, a grin spreading across his face. “Well, that definitely sounds like our mate. Not being able to be handled by just two wolves? She has to have other mates.”
The way he spoke made my heart flutter with excitement and a hint of apprehension. I felt the warmth of their acceptance wash over me. It was comforting to know that they were open to the idea, but the unknown still loomed ahead, creating a mix of anticipation and anxiety within me.
My Lycan surged forward, eager to reveal herself. She took control, gently moving my body away from Kallen and Stuart, creating space between us. As she did, I could feel the shift in energy—a powerful force ready to emerge. My wolf followed suit, stepping back, allowing my Lycan to take center stage.
In a swift and graceful motion, my Lycan shed my human form, her transformation mesmerizing. She was larger than my wolf, her dark fur a striking contrast to my lighter coat. The color was deep and rich, shimmering under the fading light of the sun, as if the shadows themselves had come alive to embrace her.
The forest seemed to hold its breath, and I could sense the curiosity radiating from Kallen and Stuart as they took in the sight before them. My Lycan, confident and fierce, strode toward the creek, her powerful limbs carrying her with an elegance that left me in awe.
“Come, see,” she beckoned, her voice a sultry growl that resonated deep within me. As she approached the water, the ripples danced in response to her presence, the evening light creating a stunning reflection of her formidable figure.
I watched, captivated, as she leaned down to drink from the creek. The cool water glistened on her fur, and for a moment, I felt a deep connection to both my wolf and Lycan. They were not merely parts of me; they were extensions of my spirit, each representing a facet of my identity.
As Kallen and Stuart stepped closer, their eyes filled with a mix of admiration and wonder, my Lycan turned to them, her gaze fierce yet inviting. “I am here to protect her,” she declared, her voice steady. “Together, we are strong, and you will learn to share her with me, just as you have learned to share her with your wolves.”
Stuart’s expression shifted from curiosity to determination. “We’ll protect her too. We’ll all protect her,” he said, stepping forward. “No matter what comes our way.” His voice was resolute, and I felt a swell of gratitude for the bond we shared.
Kallen nodded in agreement, his blue eyes shining with sincerity. “As long as we’re together, nothing can tear us apart. We’ll face it all as one.”
Their words resonated within me, a promise of unity that anchored me amidst the swirling chaos of emotions. The bond we had was unique, each of us playing a role in a larger tapestry that weaved together our destinies.
With a graceful flick of her tail, my Lycan turned back to the water, inviting Kallen and Stuart to join her. As they approached, I felt a sense of pride swell within me. This was my family, my pack. Together, we would navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity.
After a few moments of exploration, my Lycan shifted back, her form returning to mine. I was left breathless, the connection we shared pulsing within me like a heartbeat. I could feel the warmth of Kallen and Stuart’s presence beside me, their supportive energy enveloping me like a comforting blanket.
As we made our way back home, the forest around us transformed. The sounds of nature seemed to harmonize with the heartbeat of our group, each step echoing the strength of our bond. The mountains stood watchful, the stars beginning to twinkle above us as dusk settled into night.
I felt a sense of peace wash over me, knowing that I was not alone. I had Kallen, Stuart, my wolf, and my Lycan, all ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. We were a family, an unbreakable unit forged in love and understanding, prepared to embrace whatever adventures awaited us in the dark.
As we reached the edge of the forest, I paused for a moment to look back. The trees stood tall and proud, the creek gurgled softly, and the moon began to rise, casting a silver glow over the landscape. It was beautiful, a reminder of the journey we had taken together, and the paths still to explore.
With a deep breath, I turned toward my mates, a smile playing on my lips. “Together,” I whispered, the word resonating with promise and hope. And in that moment, I knew we could conquer anything, united in our love and strength.
-- End of flashback --
It was this memory that made Kai-Lea thankful for Carmella and the ritual that was done. While the bond was strong again, wasn’t the same as then but she knew that only meant that it’s better now and with that she knew that with her mates there wasn’t anything they couldn’t do.