Page 79 of Marked By Alphas 2: Claimed

“Is that normal?” Derek asked, his concern evident.

“For pure First Blood descendants? No. For a mixed heritage like Kai’s? It’s not unheard of.” She tapped her pen against her chin thoughtfully. “The size could be influenced by his Asian heritage. There are documented cases of East Asian shifter bloodlines producing smaller, more agile wolf forms.”

Great. Even my wolf form was vertically challenged.

“But why can’t he shift back?” Caleb pressed, the humor gone from his voice.

Dr. White frowned slightly. “There are several possibilities. First shifts often last longer, especially with mixed blood. The body needs time to remember both forms.”

“How long?” Marcus’ hand settled protectively on my back.

“Hard to say. Could be hours, could be days.” She hesitated. “There’s something else, though. Something in his energy readings that I can’t quite place. Almost like there’s another factor interfering with the shift.”

“Another factor?” Derek’s voice sharpened. “What kind of factor?”

“I’m not sure. I’d need to examine him in person.” She glanced at her watch. “I can be there by three.”

The call ended with promises to run more tests when she arrived, leaving me with the unsettling knowledge that I was even more of a supernatural oddity than I’d thought. Not just a quarter-wolf, but a quarter-wolf with… something else. Something that might be keeping me stuck in this form.

Fantastic. Just what I needed—another supernatural mystery to solve while trapped in a body that couldn’t even reach the kitchen counter.

By the time Luke and Imo arrived, I’d been poked, prodded, and examined by Dr. White for what felt like hours. Blood samples—which hurt just as much when you’re a wolf—energy readings, and a series of tests that involved me trying to access my “inner spark” or whatever mystical nonsense she thought might trigger a shift back.

Nothing worked.

“His energy patterns are unlike anything I’ve seen before,” she told the brothers while I pretended to nap nearby. “The wolf bloodis there, certainly, but there’s something else—something ancient and powerful that seems to be interfering with the normal shifting process.”

“Dangerous?” Marcus asked, his voice tight.

“Not necessarily. Just… different.” She packed her equipment with efficient movements. “I’ve seen mixed bloodlines before, but this is something unique. Almost as if his body can’t decide which form is dominant.”

I cracked one eye open at that. Which form? As far as I knew, I only had two options—human and wolf. Was there a third door I didn’t know about? Maybe I could turn into a potted plant next. That would really round out my week.

“Keep me updated on any changes,” Dr. White said, packing her equipment with efficient movements. “And call immediately if his energy readings spike again.”

Marcus nodded, his hand never leaving my fur. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

“Of course.” She paused at the door, her expression concerned. “And Marcus? Be careful. Mixed bloodlines can be… unpredictable.”

After she left, the brothers exchanged loaded glances that did nothing for my anxiety. Great. More cryptic supernatural nonsense to add to my growing collection.

About twenty minutes later, the sound of car tires on gravel caught everyone’s attention. Derek went to the window.

“They’re here,” he confirmed, just as Maria bustled in to announce the same thing.

I perked up immediately, scrambling to my feet. Luke was here. Luke, who would either have a brilliant solution or at least make me feel better about being a permanent pocket-sized canine.

Marcus scooped me up before I could make a break for the door. “Careful, little wolf. You’ll hurt yourself.”

I huffed in annoyance but didn’t struggle. I was getting used to being carried everywhere like a furry accessory.

Luke burst through the front door without waiting for Johnson to announce him, Imo following at a more dignified pace. His eyes scanned the foyer until they landed on me in Marcus’ arms.

“Holy shit,” he breathed, rushing forward. “You’re still stuck?”

I gave a small whine that I hoped conveyed “Obviously” with the appropriate level of sarcasm.

“Let me see him,” Imo said, her calm voice belying the concern in her eyes. Marcus hesitated only briefly before transferring me to her waiting arms.

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