Curse of the Moon Goddess
Aeleine

“I promise on the one I love that I won’t look.”

His words echoed in my mind. He didn’t say Venessa’s name and I’m pretty certain he said she was his mate earlier. I don’t really know anything about mates or how they work, but something told me things should be different. Jace had spent more time around me than her since we met. I mean, as far as I can remember. However, in the woods he did choose to save her over me. So maybe they do have a chance together.

For some reason that hurt my heart. Jace was such a good guy. He’d even promised me that he wouldn’t look when I prepared to shift. I wanted to believe him. But memories of my past kept resurfacing and I couldn’t help but be cautious. I was shaking as I began to undress. I kept looking in his direction and every time his eyes were directly in front of him. There was no way, even with peripherals that he’d be able to catch a glimpse of me. Does that mean he really did mean to keep his promise? Then there was the issue of his love. Who was she? Could it be Aleina? Is that why he’s being so nice to me? Because of her?

It was a bit chilly as the gentle breeze brushed against my skin. The sun was barely starting to spread light on the world. Without the warmth, it was a little too cold for my liking. I guess I should tell him.

I was all jittery at the thought of shifting. When he told me he thought I was a werewolf, I couldn’t believe it. Now, the idea excited me. Me? A werewolf? How awesome!

His news was probably the best gift anyone could ever give me. At least, that’s what I thought. But now, he’s giving me something better. He’s teaching me how to become my wolf. I couldn’t wait to see her.

Wait. Shouldn’t I be saying see myself?

Hi.

I let out a little squeak at the voice in my head. I watched in horror as Jace began to turn his head, but realizing what he was about to do, he turned straight forward again and called back, “Are you ok?”

Wow. I didn’t mean to test him like this, but that was impressive. He had a legitimate excuse to turn around and see me, one I wouldn’t have faulted him for, but instead he’d kept his promise. I instantly decided I wanted to get to know him more.

“Yes. Sorry. I just… this is going to sound crazy, but I heard a voice say ‘hi’ in my head. It startled me,” I held my breath, waiting for him to laugh at me.

And he did laugh. Yet, not in the way I anticipated. As he held back his laughter, I could hear the excitement as he said, “That’s her! That’s your wolf. Now say ‘hi’ back. Ask for her name.”

Startled, I decided to give it a try.

Hello?

It’s good to talk with you again.

The voice was beautiful and kind. I felt like I’d heard it before but couldn’t pinpoint when.

Again?

I wish I could explain more, but yes, again. It’s been a long time since we’ve spoken. Are you ready to see me?

Yes!

I kind of thought screamed it a little loudly and she gave a soft growl. I could tell she was laughing.

Then you better listen to that boy. He’s a good person.

That he is. That reminds me. What’s your name? He told me I should ask you.

Aeleine.

Wow. What a beautiful name!

Thank you. Now come on girl! I want to feel the forest again!

I chuckled at Aeleine’s enthusiasm. I liked her already. She was a lot like me.

“She said her name is…”

Before I could tell him, he hurriedly began flapping his arms in the air, yelling, “No, don’t tell me. The only one that can know is your mate. You tell them at the mating ceremony.”

Oops.

“Oh. Well, I’m ready to shift then whenever.”

“Great. Ok, now imagine your wolf. Have you seen her in your mind?”

I shook my head, but realized he couldn’t see it, so I yelled out, “No.”

“Ok. Then this may be a little tricky. Close your eyes. Imagine yourself wearing a fur coat. Think about the ground beneath your feet. Imagine instead of feeling it with two, that you feel it with four. Imagine your nose expanding. Next, think about you’re a… I mean a tale coming out your backside,” I could hear him slap himself at his almost slip up and embarrassing save.

I did as he instructed. I could hear him still talking, probably running out of things to say, but I was no longer listening. I could feel it. Everything I imagined, I felt begin to happen. It was a painfully wonderful sensation.

As the shift was completing, I heard Jace say, “… the breeze brushing your fur. The smell of the forest all around you. There’s a rabbit somewhere hidden with its family. And... wow.”

He stopped as I came up to him. Thankfully he still had his clothes on. I could see myself reflected in his eyes. There was a sadness there I couldn’t pinpoint, but also pride.

“Wow. You did it! That was fast. You look stunning.”

I felt my wolf turn her head in embarrassment. I loved this sensation. I felt so wonderful as a wolf! I felt stronger than I’d felt in a long time. And, I felt truly beautiful when Jace told me I was stunning. I never considered myself gorgeous or even pretty at times, so it felt good to hear someone tell me that.

“Ok, now go. I need to shift. I didn’t peek, so you better not,” he said with a playful warning in his voice.

I rolled my eyes but turned around anyways. He had kept his promise, so I shouldn’t look either.

Once I felt a nose on my shoulder I finally turned to look. He was magnificent! I loved the dark red coat that complimented his caramel eyes so perfectly. I looked away afraid I would get lost in them. I could feel my wolf holding back too, trying to hide herself as if she was embarrassed.

Ready to try shifting back?

I jumped when I heard Jace’s voice in my head. I shook it off as I realized this must be how they communicate in wolf form.

Let’s do it.