Midnight Howling Book 1

Chapter 31: Lyra

The next morning, Lyra woke with a strange sense of excitement. It was as if her whole body was humming, alive in a way it had never been before. She stretched, her limbs feeling different, stronger, like the energy coursing through her had shifted into something more potent. Her senses were sharper, too—she could hear the distant rustle of trees outside her window, smell the crisp morning air mixed with the lingering scent of pine.

Onyx, she thought, feeling her wolf stir in the back of her mind. There was a subtle thrill there, a connection she hadn't fully realized she would have. The bond with her wolf was new and thrilling, almost comforting in a way. Onyx was part of her now, and Lyra could feel her curiosity and eagerness.

Good morning, little wolf, Onyx purred, her voice thick with warmth and affection. We are strong now. Ready for what comes.

Lyra smiled faintly, pushing the blankets off her body, feeling the strange tension in her clothes immediately. Everything was... tighter. She frowned and stood up, walking over to the mirror. Her reflection showed a slightly taller, leaner version of herself—stronger. She could see the changes in her form, her muscles more defined, her body almost radiating strength. But her clothes clung to her awkwardly, much tighter than they had been before.

Great, she thought, tugging at the hem of her shirt. I'm going to need new clothes.

Onyx gave a soft huff of amusement. We grow. We need space. Ask pack brother.

Lyra sighed but realized Onyx had a point. Liam's room was right next door, and since he was sort of built similarly to her now, borrowing his clothes seemed like the easiest solution for the time being.

Liam, she mind-linked, hoping he was awake. You up? I, uh, had a bit of a growth spurt after the shift... Can I borrow some of your clothes?

There was a brief pause before Liam's warm, familiar voice filled her head. Morning, sis. You sure can. Come grab whatever you need. I'm just getting ready myself—we're training together today.

Lyra blinked in surprise. Training? Together? I thought I'd be working with Alex?

Liam's voice came through again, a little more serious this time. Alpha James thought it would be best for you to train with me for now, especially with your new Alpha aura. I can help you get control of it before it overwhelms you. And... well, Alex is back to his regular duties for the time being.

Lyra frowned slightly, tugging her too-tight shirt off and reaching for a fresh pair of shorts. The mention of Alex stirred something inside her, something undeniable. Back to his regular duties? What does that mean?

He's training his group out on the field, Liam responded, his tone casual, but Lyra could feel there was something more behind it. You'll see him later.

Lyra finished dressing quickly and slipped next door into Liam's room, grabbing a spare shirt and a pair of sweats from his closet. Everything fit better, looser. She sighed in relief as she adjusted her clothes.

But Liam's words kept circling in her mind. Alex is training his group... The thought of him made the mate bond surge to the front of her thoughts again, and the memory of last night—the fear, the anger, the overwhelming connection she couldn't ignore—flooded her senses.

Onyx stirred, sensing the pull. Mate close. We should see him.

Lyra tried to ignore the burning feeling in her chest as she and Liam headed outside toward the training fields. Her focus should have been on her own training, on learning to control her new strength and the powerful aura that came with being an Alpha wolf. But the mate bond was like a constant whisper in her mind, tugging her attention toward Alex.