Crossing the Border (Rania) novel Chapter 248

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**He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them by Mira Lorian**
**Chapter 248**

Maximus strode confidently through the dense forest, leading the way toward the river. The path was familiar to him, etched in his memory like a well-worn map. Even as the shadows of night enveloped the landscape and the rain fell in relentless sheets, he navigated with ease. Each step was deliberate, each turn instinctive, as he guided them deeper into the heart of the woods.

He paused, glancing back to check on River. She was still adjusting to her new form, her movements a bit awkward as she tried to find her footing. Initially, she lagged behind, but with time, she began to synchronize her pace with his, the connection between them growing stronger with each passing moment.

Returning to the pack house was not an option; it was essential for the newly transformed wolf to embrace her animalistic side. They needed to roam under the stars, to bond with the wildness that now coursed through her veins. The rain might have been pouring down, but the night was young, and they had the wilderness to explore.

At last, they arrived at the riverbank, a serene spot where the water danced over smooth stones. The contrast between them was striking: Maximus, dark as the midnight sky, blended seamlessly into the forest shadows, while Rania, as white as freshly fallen snow, stood out like a beacon in the night. They were a study in contrasts, yet together they formed a perfect picture of unity.

Rania attempted to drink from the river, but her inexperience nearly caused her to tumble into the water. Quick as a flash, Maximus was there, steadying her with a gentle push. “Here, let me show you,” he said softly, demonstrating the motion with grace and ease.

Fortunately, the rain had relented, and the ground around the riverbank had dried enough to allow for more stable footing. Maximus then took the opportunity to teach Rania some hunting tricks. They were not alone; a few wild wolves trailed behind them, maintaining a respectful distance, as if they were guardians allowing the couple their private moment.

Time slipped away unnoticed, and before they knew it, the first rays of dawn began to illuminate the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

Maximus shifted effortlessly into his human form, a transition as natural to him as breathing. For Rania, however, the process was more challenging. She found it difficult to release her wolf side, the instincts still tugging at her.

“Don’t resist it,” Maximus encouraged, kneeling before her. He gently cupped her muzzle, his forehead resting against hers, grounding her. “Let it flow. I know it feels overwhelming now, but you don’t need to fight it.”

Taking a deep breath, Rania focused on his words, allowing herself to calm. He was right; the transformation back to her human self came more easily than she anticipated. Before she realized it, she was standing in her human skin, with Maximus still holding her face in his hands.

“Excellent work,” he praised, planting a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. “You’ve done wonderfully.”

A radiant smile broke across Rania’s face. She never imagined that she would successfully shift into her wolf form, let alone have Maximus by her side to guide her through the process. Memories flooded back of the time she felt she had lost her beast, the despair of failing her first shift, and the absence of her father during that pivotal moment.

“Thank you for coming back to me…” Maximus whispered, his lips brushing against hers in a tender kiss. He gazed at her, as if seeing her for the first time, his eyes reflecting a deep well of emotion. “Thank you… You have no idea how I felt. I thought you were gone, and in my despair, I imagined a thousand ways to end my own life. All I wanted was to be with you…”