Luna of Conquest

PUNISHMENT

Kaleb took a brief stroll around the area. He wanted to make sure the scent of her heat was not lingering as much as it did earlier. Paige and Taj mind had to fend off a few rogues in the beginning but it did not last long, thankfully. They headed back first it was not serious but they had injuries to take care of sooner rather than later. Paige wanted to argue about it but she gave in once I told her she could stop later. The smug tone in her voice at knowing they marked each other could make you gag. He would never understand the females of today and being so in your face about details. He made his way back to Kayleigh. She was passed out, wrapped up in the large coat he gave her when they first headed back. Marking someone exhausted you and each case on the level of exhaustion varied. Hopefully Kayleigh healed enough that it would not affect her too much.

As I neared her location I could sense something was off. I rushed over to her side and looked down at her. Her face was flushed and breathing was labored once again. This time was a little different. She grunted and jerked in one direction then to another. I placed my hand on her face. She was on fire. Her fear hit me and panic surged through me. I quickly gathered her into my arms and rushed through the trees. What could be happening now? She grunted through clenched teeth, grinding them together to make the chilling noise of the surface forcefully scraping together.

Amy, Alex, Daniel. Get the doctor to the house before I show up.

What's happening? Did Kayleigh hurt herself that badly...? Amy asked.

No, this is something else. It...

Her back arched with a large cracking sound echoing around us. A blood curling scream boomed over the noise from her body. The sound of her bones cracking and breaking violently stopped me in my tracks. I quickly got her to ground level before I dropped her. She trashed around with her limbs swinging in every direction. I caught a glimpse of her hand and saw there were claws protruding where her nails should be. The realization came to me like a gut punch. She swallowed another bellyful of air forcing it out just as fast in another gut wrenching scream. The wolf's fangs peaked out from behind her lips. It could not be. There was no way. Why? Why would the Goddess do this to us? Her skin discolored from the changes it was trying to go through. The bones breaking and healing, muscle changing its shape and even tearing. Knowing what it could be only made it worse for me to watch. Our newly formed bond proved strong as I sensed everything she was going through. There was no denying it.

Never mind about meeting at the house get them here where I stopped. We are five miles out from the house. I can't move her not at this stage... Bring what you can for shelter and to create a clean space outside.

The fear must have seeped through the mind link as Daniel's panicked voice started prying now.

Not at what stage? What happened? What's wrong that you can't get here?

I was not sure but as the symptoms revealed themselves in front of me it was the first thing to come to mind. She should not be able to make a partial shift. That was something only the punished ones or the immortal ones across seas can do. The mortals cannot stay in a hybrid state. Those who tried only hurt themselves. He body curled into the fetal position, back stretching out as far as it can. Her spine popped from the neck to her hips. It tried to stretch out against the skin as another agonizing scream filled the air. More bruising covered her skin. Was it not enough to punish me for my actions but the Goddess had to put her through this agony too?

She's going through the Goddess' Punishment.

What?