Crowned by Fate (Skye) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Skye’s POV

I stood awkwardly on the shoreline, my new four legs trembling beneath me as I tried to maintain balance,

My mind raced to comprehend this impossible transformation.

For twenty–one years, I had been denied this experience–this fundamental part of being a werewolf.

Yet here I stood, in wolf form at last, my coat the same silver as my human hair.

Adrian’s expression shifted from surprise to open admiration, a smile spreading across his face as he watched me struggle to coordinate my new limbs.

“You’re beautiful,” he said softly, his amber eyes gleaming. ‘I’ve never seen a wolf with such a pure silver coat before.”

His words sent an unexpected thrill through me. I had spent so long being the pack disappointment, the girl without a wolf, that his admiration felt almost foreign–but undeniably welcome.

Adrian waded out of the lake, water streaming from his clothes. He nodded toward the SUV parked nearby, then held up one finger in a gesture asking me to wait.

He disappeared behind the vehicle, and moments later, a

Magnificent gray wolf emerged.

The gray wolf–Adrian–padded toward me, his movements fluid and confident in stark contrast to my clumsy stance. He approached slowly, as if sensing my nervousness, then gently nudged his muzzle against my neck in greeting.

I understood instinctively what he was trying to communicate. Wolves within the same pack could use mind–link to communicate telepathically, but Adrian and I belonged to different packs.

Without that bond, we couldn’t share thoughts, but his intention was clear: he wanted to teach me how to move in this new form, to run and experience the

freedom that came with it.

This was a werewolf’s first lesson after shifting–learning to embrace the wolf, to move with it rather than fight against it.

With Adrian beside me, I took my first tentative steps, my paws sinking slightly into the soft earth near the lake.

My movements were awkward at first, my limbs not quite coordinating the way I wanted them to. I stumbled more than once, but Adrian remained demonstrating the proper gait, showing me how to distribute my weight.

patient,

Gradually, I found my rhythm. What started as a hesitant walk became a trot, and then, as confidence surged through me, a full run. Adrian raced alongside me, occasionally darting ahead to lead the way through the sparse desert vegetation, always circling

Back to ensure I was keeping up.

The sensation was unlike anything I’d ever experienced–my powerful muscles working in perfect harmony, the wind rushing through my fur, scents flooding my sensitive nose.

I could smell everything: the water of the lake behind us, the desert flowers blooming despite the arid climate, small creatures hiding beneath rocks, and Adrian’s distinctive ocean scent beside me.

I felt like I was flying.

As midday approached, the desert heat intensified, beating down even on the greener oasis areas.

My initial burst of excitement began to wane, my pace slowing as fatigue set in. My tongue lolled from my mouth as I panted heavily,

the dust.

Paws dragging in

Adrian noticed immediately. He circled back to my side, nudging me gently in the direction of the lake. The cool water beckoned, promising relief from the heat.

When we reached the shore, Adrian surprised me by shifting back to his human form right before my eyes. His transformation was fluid and graceful, the

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Chapter 20

gray wolf melting away to reveal the man.

Despite having seen him naked once before when he saved me in the parking lot–heat rose to my face (or would have, if wolves could blush).

His body was a perfect blend of strength and elegance, muscles defined but not overstated, his skin bronzed from the desert sun.

The first shift back to human form can be a bit painful, he explained, his voice gentle.

I hesitated, suddenly self–conscious about being naked in front of him. But there was no alternative; my clothes lay in a heap by the lakeside, and I couldn’t stay in wolf form forever.

Following Adrian’s instructions, I focused on my human self, visualizing the transformation. The pain was sharp but briefer than the initial shift, my and muscles remembering their original configuration.

When it ended, I found myself on all fours–human hands and knees now–completely naked and trembling slightly from exertion.

I glanced up at Adrian, then quickly covered my breasts with one arm, lowering my head in embarrassment.

bones

Without a word, he retrieved the green dress I’d discarded earlier and handed it to me, then turned his back respectfully to give me

privacy.

Thank you,” I murmured as I pulled the dress over my head, grateful for his consideration.

When I was decent again, Adrian turned to face me, his expression serious. I can’t take you back to Boring today,” he said. “You were shot two days ago, and you’ve just experienced your first shift. I need to bring you back to the pack’s medical facility to make sure you’re alright. Dr. Chen should examine you.”

“Thank you agian.” I nodded.

As we walked back to the SUV, I realized I felt different–not just emotionally from the ex

of finally shifting, but physically.

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