A soft thud draws my attention for a split second. Lisa''s crumpled to the floor, her face pale and eyes wide with fear, gasping for oxygen. An alpha''s presence is too much for humans.


    Kellan is at her side in an instant, shielding her with his body while keeping a wary eye on Lucas. "Be careful, Luna. That''s not Lucas right now. That''s pure wolf."@@@@


    I know he''s right. The man I love is nowhere to be seen in those wild eyes. This is something primal, dangerous. Yet I can''t bring myself to be afraid. The mate bond pulses between us, stronger than ever before. It tugs at me, urging me closer even as every instinct screams to keep my distance.


    Selene''s growl deepens, drawing Lucas'' attention. His head snaps towards her, lips curling back to reveal elongated canines. The tension in the room ratchets up another notch as Lucas shifts.


    In mere seconds, where my mate once stood, a massive wolf now looms. My breath catches in my throat as I take in his new form. This isn''t the Lucas I remember.


    His fur gleams like spun gold, an ethereal glow emanating from each strand. He''s enormous, dwarfing Selene in a way that makes my stomach clench with worry.


    Before I can voice my doubts, Lucas lunges at Selene. The room erupts into chaos as the two wolves clash, snarls and growls filling the air.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I see Kellan react swiftly. He grabs Lisa, shoving her between himself and the wall, shielding her from the fray. The protective gesture would be touching if I weren''t so terrified for Selene.


    My wolf, my other half, fights with everything she has. But Lucas''s sheer size gives him an overwhelming advantage. My heart pounds as I watch him overpower her, pinning her to the ground with his massive body, her throat grasped between his jaws.


    Then, something shifts.


    Selene snaps at him, a quick, sharp reprimand. Lucas settles instantly, but the whining continues.


    He isn''t Lucas, she says, her mental voice a welcome reprieve from the silence in my head. He''s in there somewhere, but right now, his wolf is at the forefront of his mind.


    "Is that okay? Is he going to be okay?" Sitting beside them, I rub a finger over Lucas'' wolf muzzle.


    I get several frantic licks for my efforts.


    Yes. His psyche is overwhelmed, but he should be back soon. You can feel it in your bond, can''t you?


    The bond between me and Lucas is strong, pulsing, and warm, far more present than before. It almost feels like I can reach out to touch it.


    And there''s something in my head—it isn''t quite there, but there''s a nebulous space where something should be.


    "I think so."


    He will return, Grimoire assures me. He isn''t broken. But his wolf is the one in control right now.


    A smile tugs at my lips as Lucas—no, his wolf—nuzzles against me. The golden fur is soft beneath my fingers, and I can''t help but marvel at how such a massive, powerful creature can be so gentle. His eyes, though still wild and unfamiliar, hold a warmth that makes my heart skip a beat.


    "Will I be able to communicate with him soon?" I ask, glancing between Grimoire and Selene. The question burns in my mind, a desperate need to connect with my mate in any way possible.