Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 11: Shifting

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The world had been a haze for so long—soft, muffled, as though he were floating in a cocoon of cotton and shadows. The little omega didn't have a sense of how much time had passed. His body had demanded rest, sinking into a sleep so deep that he hadn't truly woken to his senses in weeks. When he did surface, it was only briefly, his mind heavy and unclear, leaving him feeling like he was dreaming even when his eyes were open.

But today was different.

A flicker of clarity sparked in his mind, and suddenly, everything felt sharper—the light from the window, the sounds in the house, even the warmth of the large body curled around him. His instincts kicked in, flooding him with awareness he hadn't felt before. His breathing quickened. He was too exposed. Too vulnerable. The scent of the wolf beside him—calm and steady, but still unfamiliar—filled his senses, making his heart race.

I'm not safe, his mind screamed, panic rising like a tidal wave. The little omega's tiny form began to tremble, his fear palpable and raw. The older wolf stirred beside him, but it was too much. Too close. He had to get away.

Without thinking, he bolted.

His small paws scrambled against the soft blankets as he leapt from the nest, his movements clumsy but fueled by sheer terror. He didn't notice the sharp intake of breath from Santiago or the way the beta jolted awake at the sudden movement. He only knew he had to run. To escape.

The nest was high, too high for a pup his size, but he didn't care. His tiny body tipped over the edge, and before he realized what was happening, he tumbled to the floor below, landing on his back with a sharp, breathless whimper. Pain flared briefly in his side, but it was nothing compared to the fear surging through him.

"Pup, relax," came a deep, soothing voice, brushing against his mind like a gentle breeze. Santiago's voice. It wasn't harsh or commanding, but it was unfamiliar, and that was enough to make the little omega's fur bristle.

The pup's wide eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape, even as Santiago moved closer. The beta's large form loomed over him, his head lowering carefully, his voice soft. "It's okay. I'm only here to help."

But the pup didn't hear the calm reassurance. All he saw was a giant wolf—a threat—bearing down on him. With a high-pitched growl, he snapped his tiny jaws at Santiago's nose, his sharp puppy teeth grazing the beta's muzzle. It wasn't enough to hurt, but it startled Santiago, who pulled back with a slight huff of surprise.

For a moment, they stared at each other—the small, trembling pup with his teeth bared, and the much larger wolf who remained still, his expression a mixture of shock and quiet understanding.

Then the pup bolted again.

His movements were frantic, uncoordinated, but driven by pure instinct. He darted toward the nearest hiding spot he could find—a narrow gap beneath the supply cabinet. His small body wriggled and shimmied until he was tucked away, pressed against the cool wood, his sides heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The dark space felt safer, but his heart continued to race, pounding so hard he thought it might burst.

Outside, Santiago froze, his eyes following the pup's movements with growing concern. The scent of fear was thick in the air, twisting his stomach into knots. He couldn't move too quickly—couldn't risk frightening the pup even more. But as he reached out with his mind, trying to soothe the omega through the bond, something shifted.

Literally.

The scent in the air changed, sharp and electric, and Santiago's eyes widened as he recognized the signs. The little omega's trembling form began to shimmer beneath the cabinet, his fur rippling and his small frame convulsing slightly. His shift was beginning.