Midnight Howling Book 1

Chapter 29: Lyra/James

Lyra POV

The world around Lyra was still a blur—sounds muted, shapes shifting in and out of focus. Her body felt strange, unfamiliar, like her limbs no longer belonged to her. She blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the disorientation, but everything felt wrong.

What... what's happening? she thought, her mind swimming with confusion.

Then she felt it—a presence, powerful and steady, deep inside her. It wasn't just her anymore. Something had shifted, something immense. Lyra stilled, her breath catching in her throat.

Who... who are you? she asked, her voice trembling in her own mind.

Onyx, the voice answered, firm but rough, as if forming words for the first time. I am Onyx. We are one now.

Lyra's heart raced as she realized what was happening. This was her wolf. She had shifted—finally. And this presence inside her, Onyx, was her other half. Her wolf, strong and untamed, connected to her in ways she was only just beginning to understand.

Onyx... I feel you, Lyra whispered, a surge of warmth spreading through her chest. Despite the strangeness of her new form, she felt a deep sense of belonging—of power.

Yes. We together now, Onyx replied, her words broken but determined. Stay strong. Much happening.

Lyra blinked again, her vision starting to sharpen. The world became clearer as she took in her surroundings. Two massive wolves were locked in a brutal fight not far from her, their snarls cutting through the night air. Her heart stuttered as she recognized them.

Alex? Gabriel? Her mind raced as she watched them clash, their bodies colliding with raw ferocity.

They fight... for us, Onyx growled softly, her voice deep with understanding. Mate... Alex is mate.

Lyra's breath hitched. Mate? The word hit her like a shockwave, but not in the way she expected. There was no surprise, no sudden realization. Instead, there was only anger.

He's my mate? Lyra thought bitterly. The anger that had simmered inside her for days flared to life. Alex had ended things with her, pushed her away because he didn't know who her mate was. And now, after all that, after the hurt and confusion he had left her with—he was her mate?

Her muscles tensed as she struggled to her feet, shaking off the last of her disorientation. The world around her was clearer now, and with each breath, she felt more in control of her new form. The power coursing through her veins was undeniable, but so was the fury that surged with it.

He doesn't get to do this, she growled inwardly, her anger feeding Onyx, who snarled in agreement.

Just then, a commanding presence washed over the clearing—Alpha James. His black wolf, Ash, moved with purpose, his dominance silencing the chaos. The growls from Alex and Gabriel ceased as Ash stepped between them, his powerful aura impossible to ignore.

"Enough!" Alpha James's voice boomed through the pack link; the authority unyielding. Alpha James in complete control of the situation now.

The fighting stopped instantly, and Alex and Gabriel froze in place, panting heavily. Lyra's breath came fast, her body still adjusting to the shift, but her mind was sharp now. She wasn't lost in the fog anymore. She could feel everything—the strength of her wolf, the heightened senses, and the overwhelming frustration boiling inside her.

Alpha James turned his gaze to Lyra. For a moment, there was a deeper connection in his eyes than just that of Alpha and pack member. It was something more, something primal and ancient. Lyra could sense it too—the pull between them, the way his presence calmed and strengthened her.