His Tainted Mate (Alaskan Tails #3)

Chapter 8

ELLE

What had he done? What had she allowed him to do? How long had she been unconscious?

Elle knew the bite he had inflicted would already be transforming her from Tasmanian devil to snow leopard. He hadn’t offered her a choice between the serum and being turned. He had just claimed what was his—or at least what he thought to be his.

She stood just inside the entrance to the cave, the storm raging outside as the man who would now be seen as her mate slept sprawled on his back. She tried to feel angry at him for what he had done but couldn’t find it within her to do so. He’d claimed her without her consent but had saved her life in so doing. Granted, the serum might have saved her, but there was no way of knowing for sure.

Had she really wanted to die? No, but she hadn’t really believed the serum would work or that it would reach her in time. All she’d known was that she hadn’t wanted to die lying pathetically in a hospital bed surrounded by those who would mourn her. Instead, she had opted to die alone.

But Rab had put an end to that when he inflicted the claiming bite. She looked out into the cloudy, rainy night which still showed the moon hanging high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the world. She could feel her body already beginning the transition from one form of shifter to another. Either she’d been even weaker than she believed, or a part of herself had recognized him on a cellular level as her fated mate and had been eager to succumb. The rush of the wind whistled through the trees, rustling their leaves and carrying with it the scent of pine and earth, grounding her in the present.

Since childhood, Elle had embraced her ability to transform into a Tasmanian devil, a creature as fierce and tenacious as she was. The devil’s compact, muscular body and sharp senses had become second nature to her, a familiar skin she wore with ease. But tonight, under the full moon's light, she would shed that skin and take on a new form—a snow leopard, majestic and powerful.

Elle closed her eyes, centering herself and drawing in deep, steadying breaths. The storm had abated. She felt the energy of the darkness around her, the pulse of life that connected all beings. The transformation process was both exhilarating and terrifying, a journey through pain and rebirth that she would need to navigate with resilience and courage.

The first pangs of change started as a tingling in her extremities, a signal that her body was beginning to shift as the familiar black swirling mist enveloped her. She dropped to her knees, her fingers digging into the cool earth as the sensation spread, grounding her. The pain of the transformation was less intense than she’d thought it would be, but she welcomed it, knowing it was the price of her healing and her metamorphosis.

Elle's senses heightened, her vision sharpening to see in the dimmest light, her sense of smell and hearing becoming acutely sensitive. She could detect the crackle of the underbrush, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. As the shroud of her devil-shifter receded to be replaced by one of snow and ice, her body became that of a snow leopard, built for stealth and strength, every muscle perfectly tuned for predatory grace.

The transformation was complete, but Elle remained still for a moment, adjusting to the new sensations. She rose slowly, testing the balance and power in her new limbs. Her movements were fluid, almost instinctual, as if she had always been a snow leopard. She marveled at the silent power in her step, the effortless refinement that came with this new form.

Elle glanced over her shoulder before padding softly out onto the side of the mountain. Each step was a revelation. The air was crisp and invigorating, filled with the scents of eucalyptus and damp earth. As a snow leopard, she felt a new sense of power coursing through her limbs, a perfect blend of strength and agility.

She took off at a steady pace, her paws making almost no sound on the rocky ground. Each step was precise and controlled, her body moving with a fluidity that came naturally in her new form. The rocky terrain of Cradle Mountain, with its steep inclines and jagged outcrops, presented a challenge she was eager to embrace.

Her muscles coiled and released with each powerful leap, propelling her up the slope with astonishing speed. The cold air rushed past her face, her whiskers twitching as she navigated the uneven ground. She bounded effortlessly over fallen logs and large boulders, her body adapting to every twist and turn of the trail.

The moonlight bathed the landscape in a silver glow, highlighting the contours of the mountain. Elle's vision, now keenly attuned to the night, picked out every detail—the smallest rocks, the hidden crevices, the distant movement of nocturnal creatures. Her senses were alive, each breath drawing in the essence of the wildness around her.

Reaching a plateau, she paused for a moment to take in the breathtaking view. Below her, the land stretched out in a vast, dark expanse, dotted with glistening lakes and shadowed forests. The sky above was a tapestry of stars, the Milky Way a luminous ribbon across the heavens.

Her heart raced with exhilaration, the thrill of the run filling her with a deep sense of freedom and joy. This was what it meant to be a snow leopard—an embodiment of grace, power, and untamed beauty. This was what it meant to be healed, the ravages of DFTD no longer a threat.

With a final, powerful push, she surged forward again, her body a blur against the rugged backdrop. She reveled in the sheer physicality of the run. The challenges of the mountain seemed insignificant as she soared over the terrain, her spirit soaring with her.

She bounded up onto a rocky outcropping before turning around and descending back down the way she’d come. The dense foliage underfoot welcomed her back into its embrace. She slowed her pace, her breath coming in steady, controlled bursts. The run had been brief but invigorating, a perfect demonstration of her new form's capabilities.

Elle came to a stop in front of the cave. She thought briefly about abandoning Rab and forging a new life for herself, but the way her heart clenched at the thought made her realize he might not have been the fated mate she had envisioned, but he had forged a bond between them whether she wanted it or not. Up above, the moonlight filtered down through the starry canopy. She sat back on her haunches, her tail curling around her, and let out a soft, satisfied purr. The night was still and full of promise.

Her new form carried with it a sense of majesty and confidence, a stark contrast to the tenacious ferocity of the Tasmanian devil she had been before. She felt an expansive awareness, a connection to the wild that was profound and exhilarating. It was as if she had unlocked a new layer of existence, one where she could fully embrace her dual nature and share it with the man who had given her back her life—maybe even a better one.

Elle felt a deep sense of satisfaction and peace. She had faced the pain and uncertainty of transformation and emerged stronger, more complete. The snow leopard's form suited her, a perfect blend of power, grace, and beauty.

She could feel his presence, even though he didn’t make a sound. Rab approached, emerging from the shadows of the cave. His emerald eyes locked onto hers, a mixture of admiration and pride evident in their depths.

"I see you found yourself," he murmured, his voice a deep purr that resonated through the night air as he stroked her luxurious fur. "You are truly magnificent."

Elle leaned into him, rubbing her head against his leg and feeling the warmth of his body against hers. The bond between them had been forged in fire and felt as though it was a deep, unbreakable connection.

Rab's presence was a comforting anchor. She could see the evidence of his caring for her through her transformation, understanding and providing for her during complexities and challenges that must have presented themselves.

As they stood together, Elle felt a profound sense of belonging. Her new form, the snow leopard, was a reflection of her inner strength and resilience. It was a testament to her ability to adapt, to embrace change and emerge stronger. The transformation had not only changed her physically but had deepened her connection to the wild and to Rab. It was a metamorphosis that signaled a new chapter in her life, one filled with promise and boundless potential.

As dawn began to break, casting a golden glow over the forest, Elle felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was a shapeshifter, a creature of endless possibilities, and with Rab by her side, there was no limit to what they could achieve together. She wasn’t going to die—at least not right now—and she had Rab to thank for that. She kept trying to resent what he had done—he’d turned her without her consent. It was true that he’d saved her life, but still not being given the choice rankled.

She bade her snow leopard to retreat and allow her human form to come forward once more.

Elle turned to look at him. “I suppose you think I ought to thank you.”

Rab chuckled. “I don’t know that I would if the situation were reversed. On the one hand, I saved your life. On the other, we don’t know that the serum wouldn’t have worked, and you are no longer a Tasmanian devil.”

“True, but I have to say, I can see many advantages to being a snow leopard.”

“I was hoping you might see it that way.”

“Don’t think I’m just going to fall in line and think you’re always right.”

“It would never even cross my mind,” he said, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. “I think we’ll do fine together, you and I. Come back inside and eat. You’ve been out of it for days. I was able to get water and bone broth into you, but not much else.”

He led her back inside. The crackling fire cast a warm, flickering light against the surrounding stone walls, creating a cozy ambiance in the wilderness. The air was filled with the earthy scent of burning wood and roasting meat. Elle wasn’t sure when he’d managed to hunt something down, but it smelled delicious, and she realized she was ravenous.

Rab seemed adept at outdoor cooking, so she didn’t bother offering to help. Her transition and her run up the mountain had left her tired, and she wanted to rest. From his large pack, Rab pulled a cast iron skillet, some fresh vegetables, and a pouch of what appeared to be pre-cooked rice. As the flames danced beneath the skillet, he opened a plastic bottle and splashed olive oil into the pan, heating it so the aroma filled the air with a savory fragrance.

Elle watched with a smile as Rab chopped onions and garlic, his movements deft and practiced. The sounds of sizzling filled the cave as he added the vegetables to the skillet, the vibrant colors of bell peppers and zucchini mingling together. The firelight danced on his face, casting shadows that emphasized the lines of his strong jaw and the gleam in his eyes.

Once the vegetables had softened and caramelized to perfection, Rab added the pre-cooked rice to the skillet, stirring everything together with a wooden spoon. The rice sizzled as it absorbed the flavors of the vegetables and olive oil, creating a mouthwatering aroma that made Elle's stomach rumble even louder.

Finally, Rab deboned and cut two small game birds into bite-size pieces and added them to the rice and vegetables, giving the mixture a stir and allowing the meat to cook through. He spooned generous portions onto their plates, the steam rising in wisps as he handed one to her.

They ate in silence, the crackling of the fire and the sounds of the night providing a quiet symphonic backdrop to their meal. The food was simple but delicious, the flavors of fresh vegetables, meat, and olive oil mingling with the warmth of the fire.

Elle savored each bite, the tender vegetables and fluffy rice filling her with warmth and satisfaction. Rab watched her with a fond smile, his own plate nearly empty by the time she finished.

After they had eaten their fill, Rab helped her back to the makeshift bed he had constructed during the time she had been in transition. It was surprisingly soft and comfortable. She watched as he made short work of cleaning up, disposing of their uneaten food and what remained of the carcasses of the fowl before banking their fire and crawling into bed with her.

She had thought sleep would be elusive, but as soon as he spooned his body against hers, she closed her eyes and was soon fast asleep. Elle knew it wouldn’t be that easy. There were a lot of things they needed to work out, but for right now, she was safe and content, and that would have to be enough.

Tomorrow would be another day, and they would deal with it then.