The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 28

Cory's POV: *Flashback

After the celebration, everything went well. We started with the training program. Lucas surprised me with his public display of affection! I didn't expect him to hold my hands and kiss me in front of everyone. This man is really something! The day went on. I was in Iris' group, and she was a good leader. She kept a close watch on everyone and helped us with our forms.

I was sitting on the bench and catching my breath when Lucas announced we were done for the day.

"Everyone, that concludes our first day! Take a hot shower to reduce muscle soreness. And more importantly, rest. That's all. Have a good afternoon!" Members stood up and went to leave the arena. Before I left, I went to where Lucas was. They were in the middle of their post-training discussion.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt. Lola and I will be going back first. Is that alright?"

"Sure, babe! Be careful on your way back."

"Alright. Thank you! I'll see you at the cabin."

"We'll make this quick, babe." And he pecked me on the cheek. Oh, goddess!

Lola and I walked back to the cabin. We were both exhausted, and our bodies were aching throughout. But it felt good. I had no idea about the positive sensation that exercising and training brought me.

"I don't know if I can do this again tomorrow." Lola exhaustingly said.

"Me too. My whole body is aching. But the most sore one is my back. I need that shower quickly."

"Same. I think I will sleep after that shower."

As soon as we reached the cabin, we headed up, said goodnight, and went to our rooms. I immediately went to the bathroom to prepare and warm the bath. When I went into the tub, I felt the heat from the water, and it was so relaxing. I felt some of the tightness in my muscles loosen. I changed into my pajamas and dried my hair as soon as I was done.

I lay down and tried to get some sleep, but my body was still aching. Then, Lucas entered the room.

"Hi, babe! Surprised you are still awake."

"I am trying to sleep, but my whole body hurts. I stretched after the training and took a warm bath."

"It is common, especially if you haven't done any workouts before. Don't worry, I will give you a massage. I'll take a quick shower. OK?"

"Uh-huh." I was too tired to say another word.

I heard the shower turned off and the rustling of the fabrics after a few minutes.

"Alright, babe. Where does it hurt?"

"My back. It hurts so badly." I was whining, but it really hurts. It was not like this a while ago.

"OK, babe. Try lying face down." So I did.

"Babe, I have to pull your clothes up. Only, uhm, half so, I can pour some massage oil." "Uh-huh"

I felt my clothes being pulled up, and, as promised, it was only halfway. I can smell the fragrance coming from the oil. It smells relaxing. Soon after, he started spreading the oil around my back. He was gliding from the bottom of my back and moving upward. He repeated this for about 3-5 minutes.

"Ahh!"

We were both surprised by the sound I made. I blushed out of embarrassment, and he stopped massaging me for a few seconds.

"Uh, hmm, was the pressure OK for you, babe?"

"Ah, yes."

It was definitely awkward at that moment. He continued to massage me by doing circular strokes starting from my waist and across my entire back for another 5 minutes. I was feeling better, and some of the pain had been lifted. He massaged me for another 10 minutes, and I felt better. It was relaxing that I fell asleep without knowing and thanking him. I remembered the door being shut.

Where is he going at this time? Those were my last thoughts before I drifted to sleep.

The next day, I found out Lucas slept in his office. When I talked to him, everything seemed to be fine between us. But it was still a bit awkward because of last night. So, I talked to the girls and asked them for advice.

Ellie almost spat out her drink. "Ha ha ha! Of course, he will distance himself! Or else he might attack you."

I blushed at the realization. Oh. My. Goddess!

Haven't you thought about it, Cory? Hotah said this time.

No. It hasn't entered my mind. We have been taking things slow. Yes, we kissed, but that is another thing! Sooner or later, we have to mate with him, you know.

Hotah!

What?

Let's not think about it.

YOU were the one thinking about it. She said with a sly smile.

"You don't have to worry about anything, dear. Lucas was just being careful." Iris comforted me.

"Just what she said. And it is normal for most men, you know."

"Ellie!"

"What??"

We all laughed at our conversation over breakfast. I was glad that the boys went ahead to prepare for the second day. We were on our fourth day, and according to Iris, I showed improvement. But during those times, my body pain was worsening. The pain only eased out when Lucas gave me a massage or was near me.

"Does it still hurt, babe?"

"Yes. So much, Lucas! This is worse than the last time."

"OK, I will go get the doctor."

I stopped him before he could even leave.

"No. Just stay here. It gets worse when you are not around or not holding me."

"I will mind-link someone to get the doctor."

The doctor came and did a round of check-ups. He said everything seemed fine. But he took a blood sample to run some tests and confirm it. He gave me some medicine to ease the pain. As soon as he left, I lay on the bed. My clothes were slightly pulled up. I heard a gasp from behind me.

"What is it, Lucas?"

"Fur."

"What fur?"

"There's fur on your back."

"What does it mean?"

"Babe, I think you are about to shift."

"I'm what??"

Before I realized what was happening, I was screaming. I heard the cracking of my bones. I was unsure what was happening, and it hurt so much! I could barely hear what Lucas was saying.

"Right...here...calm..."

"W-wha?"

"Babe...hold..."

I couldn't hear anything above my scream.

Cory, relax. Focus on Lucas' voice. It would help. Hotah said.

"Breathe in. Breathe out, babe. There you go."

I can feel my body relaxed. Soon, I felt like I was being pushed back. I felt my bones breaking and saw Hotah's snout come out. And soon after, I was on all fours. I was seeing everything from Hotah's point of view. She looked around and saw Lucas. His face was completely amazed and...happy. Hotah moved to the window, gazed at the sky, and released a joyful howl towards the moon. It was tiring, but today, I felt whole.