Page 57 of Sun's Roar

Helena’s body convulsed one final time, and Sol moved back further, giving her the space needed to complete the transformation. Where his mate had lain moments before, a stunning wolf now stood on unsteady legs, her coat the color of autumn leaves touched by sunset.

Sol’s breath caught in his throat. Even in his wildest dreams, he couldn’t have imagined her wolf would be so perfect—sleek and powerful with intelligent hazel eyes that remained unmistakably Helena’s.

“Look at you,” he breathed, unable to contain his awe. “The legends didn’t do you justice.”

Helena wobbled slightly, her head swinging to examine her new form with evident shock. She attempted a step forward and nearly toppled, unfamiliar with her four-legged stance.

Sol laughed, the sound echoing through the clearing. “Just like watching a pup find their legs.”

Her eyes narrowed at him, that familiar flash of indignation unmistakable even in her wolf form.

“Time for me to join you,” Sol decided, letting his own shift take him.

The change was as natural as breathing to him after centuries of practice. His bones reshaped, muscles redistributed, and skin gave way to his midnight-black fur in one fluid motion. Where the naked man had stood, the alpha wolf now emerged—larger than any other wolf with powerful shoulders and piercing green eyes that retained their human intelligence.

Sol approached Helena slowly, circling her with deliberate steps, letting her scent him properly as a wolf. Her nose twitched, taking in his familiar yet now different scent.

She attempted to mimic his movements, her steps becoming steadier with each passing moment. Her instincts were awakening, guiding her into this new reality.

When she finally approached him, pressing her muzzle against his neck in a gesture of trust and connection, Sol felt a completion he’d waited lifetimes to experience. His Luna. Finally whole in every way.

Sol’s wolf stood proud, watching his mate soon find her bearings in her magnificent new form. He’d never seen a wolf with a coat quite like hers—russet and flame-like, catching moonbeams as she moved. Pride surged through him, centuries of waiting crystallized into this perfect moment.

Follow me.

He projected the thought through their mate bond, feeling a surge of satisfaction when her ears perked up in response. Thetelepathic connection between wolves was one of the sacred gifts of their kind, and feeling it snap into place with her confirmed what he already knew—she was his.

Where are we going?Her thoughts came tentatively, unfamiliar with this form of communication.

To run as we were meant to. Together.

Sol took off with powerful strides, glancing back to ensure she followed. Helena’s movements were cautious at first, her coordination improving with each bound as her wolf instincts took over. Within minutes, she was racing alongside him, her paws finding purchase on the forest floor with increasing confidence.

He led her deeper into the woods, through ancient paths his ancestors had traversed for generations. The moonlight filtered through the dense canopy, dappling their fur as they ran. Sol felt freer than he had in centuries, the weight of waiting for his Luna finally lifted from his shoulders. This was what completion felt like—running with his mate under the stars that had witnessed his loneliness for far too long.

You’re a natural,he sent through their bond, watching as she leaped gracefully over a fallen log.

Her wolf responded with a burst of unbridled joy that flooded their connection.It feels like I’ve done this my entire life.

Because part of you has been waiting to do exactly this since before you were born.

They raced through a meadow, tall grasses swishing against their flanks. Sol deliberately slowed, allowing her to overtake him, watching the powerful muscles of his mate work beneath her flaming coat. The sight stirred something deeply primal in him.

The peaceful night run was interrupted by the sound of approaching paws. Sol’s ears flattened slightly as he detected the scents of his pack members—Joshua, Deina, and three others.While part of him understood their curiosity to meet their Luna in wolf form, another more possessive part bristled at the intrusion.

Five wolves emerged from between the trees, approaching cautiously. Joshua’s gray form led the small group, his head lowered slightly in deference to his alpha.

They’ve come to welcome their Luna,Sol explained to Helena, feeling her momentary uncertainty.

Joshua circled Helena first, sniffing respectfully at a distance. When Deina approached too closely, nose extended toward Helena’s neck, Sol’s massive black form inserted itself between them, a low warning growl rumbling in his chest.

Mine,his wolf projected powerfully enough that all present could feel it.You may greet her but remember your place.

The other wolves backed away slightly, showing proper submission by lowering their heads. One by one, they approached more cautiously, offering quick reverent sniffs before retreating to a respectful distance.

They’re just curious,Helena’s thoughts carried amusement.You don’t have to be so territorial.

I’ve waited two centuries for you,Sol replied, pressing his muzzle possessively against her neck.Forgive me if I’m not ready to share.

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