Page 17 of Rehabilitated
“Yes,” I encourage her. “That’s it. Let her forward.”
Ever gasps.
Then she shifts.
One second, my mate is standing in front of me. The next, a small brown bear is sitting in the grass, shreds of Ever’s clothes all around her.
For a moment, neither of us moves.
Then my bear explodes with happiness. Mate!
I shift again and bound toward her. Ever’s bear startles, stumbling back, and I immediately slow down.
Easy, I tell my bear. She’s new.
Ever’s bear looks down at her paws. Then she turns in a slow circle, trying to see the rest of herself.
I huff out a laugh, and her head snaps toward me. I lower myself to the ground, making my body less intimidating.
Ever hesitates before walking toward me, and my heart feels like it might burst. I move closer and nuzzle the side of her face. Ever leans into me, and our bears rumble together, happy and content.
Mine has spent years waiting for this moment.
For her.
We walk around the backyard together. Ever gets steadier with every step. Soon, she’s running from one side of the yard to the other, her excitement filling the bond forming between us.
She tackles me once.
Or tries to.
She bounces off my side and lands in the grass. I grin, happier than I’ve ever been as I lower myself next to her while she rolls around happily.
Our mate is perfect, my bear says.
She is.
After a while, Ever grows tired. I shift back and grab the clothes we left on the porch.
“Think about your human body,” I tell her. “Picture yourself changing back. Pull your bear in instead of letting her forward.”
Ever’s bear closes her eyes, and I know that she’s concentrating.
Nothing happens.
“It might take a minute,” I reassure her.
She opens one eye and looks at me. I’m still naked, and her bear’s eyes widen.
I grin. “Focus, mate.”
She huffs and closes her eyes again. A moment later, the shift rolls over her. Ever appears in the grass, naked and wide-eyed.
“I did it!” She throws herself into my arms.
I catch her, laughing as I hold her against my chest.
“I shifted!”
