From excitement.
From something deeper.
Because this is me.
All of me.
And I don’t have to hide it anymore.
I step back, breathing in the scent of pine and earth and him, letting my Bear rise.
It’s smoother now.
Easier.
Magic hums under my skin, warm and familiar as I let go and let her take over.
Bones shift.
Stretch.
Reform.
And then—I’m there.
Standing on four paws.
Black fur shining beneath the Spring sky.
Strong.
Powerful.
Free.
I turn my head—and he’s watching me.
Still human.
Still standing there.
Those brilliant blue eyes locked on me like I’m the most incredible thing he’s ever seen.
Not doubt.
Not hesitation.
Not judgment.
Adoration.
Pure.
Unfiltered.
My Bear preens under it, lifting her head just a little higher.
Mate, she purrs.
