I want to believe Lucas. I want to believe that everything will be okay, that I''ll come out of this stronger than before. But there''s a part of me that''s terrified of what''s happening to me, of the changes that I can feel taking place inside my body.

Change is inevitable, Selene says, her voice gentle. But it doesn''t have to be something to fear.

I know she''s right, but it''s hard to let go of the apprehension that''s taken root in my gut.

I have a feeling Selene knows why I''ve been unconscious for so long, but I can''t talk to her with Lucas here.

Lisa squeezes my hand, drawing my attention back to her. "We''re here for you, Ave. Whatever you need."

I manage a small smile, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Lise. I don''t know what I would do without you."

"Probably starve," she jokes, trying to lighten the mood. "Speaking of which, I''m going to go track down some of that liquid diet for you. Be right back."

She slips out of the room, leaving me alone with Lucas and Vanessa. Selene hops down from the bed, stretching languidly before padding over to the window. She seems content to give us some privacy, though I know she''s still listening to every word.

Vanessa steps closer, her expression softening as she takes in the way Lucas is holding me. "Your body has been through a tremendous ordeal, Ava. It''s going to take time to recover, both physically and emotionally. But you''re strong. You''ll get through this."

She smiles, reaching out to pat my leg through the blanket. "I''ll be back to check on you later. You''ll probably be asleep soon. I''ll be here in the morning, and we can talk more then."

* * *

It takes three days until I''m strong enough to be discharged home.

It seems like forever, but Dr. Beaumont assures me—and Lucas—that it''s a miracle I''m going home so early. Having multiple giant meals of protein (rare steak being the food of choice) seems to have kick-started whatever magical shifter healing ability lies in my body.

I''m not only better—I feel stronger and more fit than I was before I ever went unconscious.

Lucas, of course, won''t stop worrying. The full moon isn''t for another month, and Dr. Beaumont and Vanessa seem convinced I will shift at that time.

Selene won''t answer when I ask her if that''s true.

Guilt tries to tug at my heart, whisper doubt in my mind. But I hold strong.

Good job, Ava.

Selene''s words are gentle in my mind.

Every word I''ve said to Lucas is true, of course. But I also desperately need to get away from him. He hasn''t left my side except for the occasional bathroom break, and I need space.

I need to talk to Selene.

I can''t do that with him up my ass.

"If that''s what you really—"

"It is," I confirm, interrupting him with more confidence than usual. "Don''t make me feel like a prisoner here, Lucas."

He flinches. "I would never. Ava, you are the highest ranking she-wolf in the pack—"

"Lucas. I am not your pack."

The words hurt me almost as much as they hurt him, I think. It feels like a rejection, but I don''t want to soften my words. Selene pointed out that the line needs to be drawn between us; he''s been acting as my mate and alpha, without ever checking with me if I''m okay with it.

The fated bond is a sacred partnership, but I refuse to be owned by it.

Lucas turns away, pacing on the other side of the room. His clenched fists and stiff shoulders spark an old, ingrained fear in my body, but Selene''s serene presence helps offset the trained response.

My fated mate might be a bit of a barbarian, but he''s nothing like my pack. Nothing like my family.

He won''t hurt me. At least not physically. And it''s become very clear that he has no intention of doing anything to irreparably damage whatever our relationship currently is.

As if I would let him, Selene scoffs, like she isn''t a fifty-pound husky going up against a two-hundred-plus pound wolf.