CHAPTER NINETY EIGHT – SEEING IT FOR WHAT IT REALY IS

Karina clutched the steaming mug of lavender tea, her anger a simmering pot threatening to boil over. Zaya's words echoed in her head, each syllable a barbed reminder of her limitations. "Distraction," "pack dynamics," "primal instincts." All excuses, a way to keep her away from John during his most vulnerable moments. Fueled by a potent cocktail of jealousy and protectiveness, Karina made a decision. She wouldn't be left out. Ignoring the churning in her stomach, she snuck out a side door, careful to stay out of sight. The crisp autumn air sent chills down her spine as she hurried towards the secluded training field they had used earlier. As she approached, a low growl sent a jolt of fear through her. Peeking through the tall grass bordering the field, she saw a sight that both terrified and mesmerized her. Zaya and John stood facing each other, their forms shifting, contorting. Gone were the humans she knew, replaced by magnificent beasts. John was a hulking wolf, his fur the