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  The truck was parked near the house. Jack opened the door, helping her out before he grabbed their bags.

  “We’ll get rid of those bags first.”

  “Do you want me to take my bag?” Tori asked.

  “No. I’ve got it.” He lifted their bags with ease.

  Slapping her thighs, she followed both men up to the house. They were both much bigger than she was, making her feel really small.

  Uncle Paul didn’t waste any time. He walked upstairs, showing Jack where she slept. “I don’t have any of your senses, but I’m warning you, Jack, leave her alone.”

  Heat filled her cheeks. “Will everyone stop treating us like horny teenagers?”

  “Boys have needs,” Paul said.

  “So do girls.” Slapping her forehead, she growled. “Not that I’m saying that I have needs. God, will this nightmare ever end? Jack’s my friend. I trust him, and he’d never make me do something I wouldn’t want to.”

  “Hey, I’m insulted. I won’t break any laws here. I’m a decent guy.” Jack held his hands up in surrender. “Everyone’s treating me like a perv.”

  “You’re not a perv,” she said.

  “Damn right.”

  She laughed while Uncle Paul glared between them. “Meet me downstairs in ten minutes. Jack, your bedroom is across the hall.”

  Tori watched him leave. “I’m so sorry about this.”

  “Don’t be.”

  He walked behind her into the bedroom, dropping her bag onto her bed.

  “I’ll unpack later. Let’s see your room.”

  She took the lead opening up his room. The view was perfect of the ranch from his bedroom.

  “How are you coping?”

  “I’m fine, Tori.”

  “I didn’t think I’d care, but I’m really glad you’re here.”

  “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

  “You should. I mean it with all the love in the world.”

  He laughed. “Come on before he gets a shotgun to my ass for being improper.”

  Jack took her hand leading her back toward Uncle Paul.

  She meant every word she spoke to him. Jack didn’t have any idea how much she appreciated him. The very thought of going through this alone scared her. Uncle Paul was amazing to her, but he wasn’t pack. Jack had the link to the pack. He’d been through the transition and knew exactly what she was going through.

  The rest of the afternoon was spent showing Jack around the place. She’d seen most of the ranch and didn’t really need a tour to become acquainted. At the end, Uncle Paul guided them to the main barn around the back of the house.

  “I thought this was to house hay?”

  “I had it changed while you were away,” Uncle Paul said.

  He took out a key and began unbolting all of the locks, cracking open the door. Jack opened the door for her.

  The light was switched on, and inside it had been turned into something like a gym. There were no workout equipment, but the floor was covered in padded mats.

  “We’re going to be working on your senses. I figured the more padding we had the better it would be for you,” Uncle Paul said. “We’ve got no risk of accidents, and I’ve also got a fully stocked first aid kit.”

  “What are the chains for?” she asked, noticing the chains in the center of the barn.

  “We’re going to call on your wolf, try to bring her closer, maybe even open up that cage in your mind that’s got her locked tight. I’ve had a theory.”

  She looked at Jack then toward Uncle Paul. “What’s the theory?”

  “You were born prematurely. Where a lot of us take the usual nine months you were born too young. I figure that in a normal birth the body has time to adjust to the wolf genes, almost as if it knows when to be locked away and when to come out.”

  “Tori’s prematurity kept her wolf locked tight?”

  “It’s kept all of her development locked tight. Most of the wolves before they transition are always a little bigger than humans, their senses more alert whereas Tori is not. She’s weaker, smaller, tiny, the complete opposite.”

  “So calling her wolf is going to help?”

  “Not calling her wolf but unlocking the door to the cage in Tori’s mind. The wolf can’t get out, but she’s there. You’ve only just recently started to sense her. Your wolf’s awake, but she can’t help you. She’s in danger of staying in that cage during your transition.”

  “You think that our wolves are not locked in cages?” Jack asked.

  “Your wolf is part of you. It’s not locked in a cage, and it could also explain your adverse reaction to Tori. Your wolf senses his ma—a fellow wolf—locked in a cage, and can’t get out. We crack open the door, release her wolf, and it could work to bring her to her transition.”

  “It’s going to be painful, Paul. It could hurt her or kill her.”

  Uncle Paul’s heart had started to race. “It’s why I also installed this.”

  He moved to the far wall. She recognized the machine that was used on medical programs to shock a person back to life.

  “I’ve prepared for the worst, but it’s up to you, Tori. Are you prepared to accept the risks and try this?”

  Tori looked at the machine then at the ceiling with the chains before landing on Jack. The torment in his eyes was easy for her to see.

  “Yes, I’m ready to try anything.”

  ****

  “How is everything going?” Marshall asked.

  “The ranch is great. A lot of open spaces, but her fucking uncle is crazy. A possible genius but completely crazy.” Jack paced up and down around the back of the yard. The very idea of what Tori had to go through terrified him.

  “Do you think it’ll work?”

  “I don’t know. We’re not going to try it straight away. The idea is to make sure she’s strong enough to handle us opening that door in her mind.”

  “What about you? What are your thoughts?”

  “Everything he has said makes sense to me. My wolf is behaving crazy as if he wants to come out and save Tori. I thought it could be because of the danger of her transition, but it could also be because he senses her trapped.” Jack looked up toward the house. Her window was open a little, and he moved away. Her senses were coming alive slowly, and he didn’t want her to know what was troubling him. “How’s the pack?”

  “Both of our dads are looking for a way to help. They’ve not found anything out yet. I wish there was something I could do to help.”

  “Look for me, Marshall. Do anything you can.”

  “I’m helping. I really am. I wish I was there with you.”

  Jack looked up as the back door opened. Tori was there, dressed in a pair of shorts and a tight shirt. She looked vulnerable to him. Everyone was worried that he wanted sex with her, but right now all he thought about was getting her ready for the transition. Sex hadn’t entered his mind. He had thought about kissing her but not sex.

  “I’ve got to go. I’ll call you as soon as I know what’s going on,” Jack said.

  “Take care, and the pack is behind you.”

  Closing his phone, he smiled up at her. “That was Marshall.”

  “I know. You said you were calling him before you went outside.” She walked down the steps and moved toward him.

  “You’re getting started already?” he asked.

  “Yes. I figured there’s no reason to wait around. Each day is a day closer. Uncle Paul’s getting dinner ready.”

  “Can he cook?” he asked.

  “Yes, he can cook. You’ll be surprised. He could have been a chef.”

  “I’ll soon find out.”

  Paul had given him a set of keys. “Let’s go and check out the torture chamber.” Jack didn’t like this, not one bit. There wasn’t anything he could do until he had another plan.

  Opening the barn, he locked the doors so they would have privacy. Flicking on the light, he stared around the large space. “I have to say he did wonders with the p
lace.”

  “I agree. This entire place was filled with hay when I left at the beginning of summer.”

  The scent of the hay was still in the air.

  “What do you think we should do?” she asked.

  “I think we should start by covering up those pretty eyes of yours and testing your reflexes.”

  “How’s that going to help?”

  “Marshall and I were able to detect each other with our senses. I want to know where you’re at. Only, I’ve got nothing to cover your eyes with.” Clicking his tongue, he stared around at the room before looking at his shirt. “You like me naked anyway.” He pulled his shirt off.

  “You’re egotistical. I really need to talk to these girls you hang out with.”

  “I don’t hang out with them.”

  “Really?”

  “They’re only good for one thing. I’ve not got a girlfriend. Scarlett is the only girl I’ve spent time with that I’ve not fu—”

  He stared over at her. Her brow was raised. “Fucked?”

  “You shouldn’t be saying stuff like that.”

  “Fucked? What do you think I am, Jack? I’ve not disappeared. I go to school with other people, and I read.”

  “You read about sex?”

  “I read romance books. I like them. You shouldn’t treat me like a baby.”

  “We’re not talking about this.” He moved toward her, bunching up his shirt.

  “Why? Are you embarrassed to talk about it to a girl?”

  “I’m not embarrassed about anything.”

  “I bet you are. You sound embarrassed.”

  “Shut up, Tori. Be still.” He covered up her eyes, tying the shirt around the back. “There, can you see?”

  “No. Your shirt stinks, Jack.”

  “Stop being cheeky.” He moved her toward the center of the room.

  “You’re right in front of me.”

  “Smart ass. We’ve not started yet.” He released her arms and stepped away from her. The shirt covered her eyes and she reached up to touch it. “No, you don’t get to move it. No cheating.”

  “Sorry.”

  Stepping back, he kept his eye on her.

  “What can you sense?” he asked.

  “Nothing. I can’t sense anything at the moment.” She dropped her hands to her sides. He saw her fisting her hands, looking nervous.

  “What are you afraid of?”

  “Failing.”

  He started to move, and she stayed still.

  “Are you moving?”

  Jack didn’t say anything. He circled her, moving up close behind her and tapping her shoulder. She gasped, whirling around. Her feet tangled together, and she was about to fall onto the mat when he caught her.

  “You’re afraid, and it’s clouding your senses.” Helping her to her feet, he held her close. “You told me you were able to hear your family in your house. Was that a lie?”

  “No. It was the truth. I heard them moving.”

  “Your fear is ruling you here, and you’ve got to stop it.”

  “I don’t know how.” She bit her lip.

  He removed his shirt from her eyes. There were tears glistening in her depths.

  “Baby, why are you crying?”

  “I’m not crying.”

  She sniffled, and his insides twisted at seeing her so sad. “You’re crying.” Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close. “Talk to me. Don’t cut me out. I’m listening.”

  He stroked his hand down her back. “I can’t even handle this. How can I handle opening up the cage? What if it’s wrong, Jack?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “What if I’m not meant to ever turn and I’m supposed to remain this way? What if I’m supposed to die during the transition?”

  “No, I don’t accept that you’re supposed to die.” He pulled away long enough to cup her face. “You will never give up, Tori. I won’t accept it. You’re going to fight, and we’re going to get through this together.” He wiped away the tears.

  “I can’t handle this.”

  “Yes, you can.” He stared at her plump lips and her desolate blue eyes. “If you can’t do this for yourself then do this for me. Please, I’m begging you.”

  “Why?”

  “I need you to trust that if you don’t fight, this is going to kill me, too.”

  Her hand landed on his chest. “You’ve always been so good to me.”

  He loved her. Jack loved her with all of his heart and soul. “I’ll continue to be good to you. No more tears. We fight this, and we fight it together.”

  “Do you really think I’ve got a chance?”

  “Yes, I do.” He wasn’t going to give up faith. “I’m not going to let you die on me, Tori. I’m here, and I’m going to be here every step of the way.”

  “For the next two years?”

  “For however long it takes. I’m going to be here.” Kissing her head, he stepped back. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes, I’m ready. I’m more than ready.” She took several deep breaths, and he placed the shirt over her eyes. “What do I need to do?”

  “Simply move to where you think I’m moving to. I’m going to stop talking now. I don’t want to make it easy for you.”

  “No, no one wants to make it easy for me.” She blew out then squared her shoulders. “I’m ready.”

  He moved away, and he kept his gaze on hers.

  Jack took three steps to the left, and she followed him. He stepped around the barn and each step, she followed him. When he stopped moving, she did as well.

  “I’m going to throw soft balls at you now. I want you to try to dodge them.”

  “Thank God they’re soft.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of throwing anything hard at you.” Paul had showed him the soft balls before they left the ranch earlier. There was a collection of thirty balls. Collecting several, he started to walk around the barn. The first one he threw hit her right in the stomach.

  “Okay, I didn’t see that one coming.”

  “Concentrate, Tori.”

  “It’s hard to concentrate like this.” She released a breath before nodding. “I’m ready.”

  He threw the next three balls one after the other. Two of them hit while she dodged the third. For the next hour, Jack circled her as he tossed the balls her way. It was pretty equal in the ratio between hits and misses.

  Paul stepped into the room stopping their progress. “Dinner’s ready.”

  “We’ll be right in.” Jack gathered the balls while Tori removed the shirt over her eyes.

  “Do you really think this is going to work?” Tori asked.

  “We’ve got to try.”

  “How do you think we’re going to call my wolf?”

  “I really don’t know, Tori. I only know that we can’t let anything happen to you.” He finished putting the balls away and turned to look at her. “Do you think this can work?”

  “I’m hopeful it can. I can’t be any other way.”

  “Then that’s all I need to know.”

  He reached out, touching her cheek. “We’re going to get through this. I promise.” Before he could stop himself again, he pressed a kiss to her cheek.

  “You’re always so good to me.”

  “Always.” He took her hand, leading the way out of the house. On the outside he was calm, composed, and ready for anything. On the inside, he was screaming in agony.

  Chapter Seven

  Four months later

  Tori twirled her pencil between her fingers. Math class was always a nightmare, but she couldn’t get her mind off the guy waiting for her at the end of the day. She had an hour before she saw Jack again, and she couldn’t wait. He hadn’t left her side once even though he must be missing the pack. On the last four full-moons she’d watched him through her bedroom window turn into a wolf and run through the ranch. They didn’t have any neighbors, and the men who worked on the ranch left every day.

  Biting her lip she saw the way his body
looked with the moonlight shining down on him. He was so tall and muscular. The nights were becoming hard for Tori. Her dreams were full of Jack. He was everywhere as a wolf and a man.

  “Tori?”

  Glancing up she saw the teacher had stopped in front of her desk. “Sorry, Mr. Evans.”

  “You can be in fairy land on your own time, Tori. When you’re in my classroom I demand your attention.”

  “Of course, I’m sorry.” There were a few sniggers from the fellow pupils, but she ignored it.

  Looking toward the board she quickly did the sum that was remaining.

  “Well done. It’s good to know you’re paying attention when it matters.”

  Smiling, she quickly scribbled down her notes, begging for the bell to ring. She hated being in high-school, especially knowing that Jack was at home on the ranch. When she wasn’t there he helped Uncle Paul run the place. He fitted in with her life.

  Remember the dream.

  Her dreams were becoming more vivid and detailed where Jack was concerned. She didn’t like the thought of having wet dreams about her friend. He wouldn’t do anything about her little crush. For the longest time she’d pushed her crush aside for Jack. Nothing would ever come of it. Jack was the beta while she was the runt. Why would he want someone like her when he could have anyone he ever wanted?

  The bell sounded, and she packed up her stuff, not wasting any time to talk to anyone. She’d not made friends. None of them were pack, and she didn’t like taking the chance in case she didn’t make it. The training with Jack was going amazingly. She was stronger than ever before, within herself and her body.

  She quickly gathered the remaining books from her locker. There were three girls heading her way. They were laughing and giggling. Her senses were on high alert as she turned around.

  Becca, Doris, and Lauren were waiting for her.

  “Can I help you?” she asked.

  “The guy who comes for you,” Lauren said.

  Her hackles rose. They were talking about Jack. Jealousy struck her hard. The three girls were blonde, beautiful, strong. Jack could easily be attracted to any of the three.

  “What about him?”

  “Is he your brother?”

  “No.”

  “Who is he?” Doris asked.

  “He’s my friend.”