Wanted By The Alpha Lion (Heroes of Shifter Creek 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

They nearly killed me in the cave. At least as a lioness, I’ll be much more powerful. I know it’s possible to transform me, under the fire of Leo. When is that?”
                  “Whenever the constellation Leo is in the sky. So pretty much always. You have time to think about this–”
                  “No, I’ve made my decision. Redeem Kafele. Turn me into a lioness.”
                  She knew Sammi wanted to object more. As the second alpha of the pride, she was not used to being told what to do, except by her brother. But there was a truth to Cassie’s argument that she knew even Sammi couldn’t deny. As a lioness, she would be stronger. And Gowon would not have to suffer a life without his mate.
                  “Okay,” Sammi acquiesced. “For now, you rest. But by the end of the week, you will know the joy of feeling the earth beneath your paws.”
     
    ***

 
    Chapter Six
     
     
    Cassie
     
                  Cassie had expected some sort of ritual, but she had not anticipated just how elaborate that ritual would be. Standing on the porch of the house, she was dressed in a white linen halter gown that, complimented with a chunky gold necklace, felt downright tribal. The outfit, she loved. The dozens of females surrounding the porch, not so much. All members of the pride, the women gloated over her, as if they were fawns and not the lionesses they were meant to be.
                  “Did you have to call in the cavalry?” Cassie muttered. “I didn’t realize we needed witnesses.”
                  “It’s not the full cavalry. I told the men and children to stay at home. And they’re not witnesses,” Sammi corrected. “They’re positive energy. It’s been centuries since our pride has seen the fire under Leo. We need all the encouragement we can get,” she attested, glancing up.
                  Cassie followed her line of sight to the constellation of Leo. It wasn’t an obvious outline of a lion. In fact, Cassie thought it resembled a steam iron more, but there was beauty in its recognition.
                  “Is that smoke I smell?” she suddenly asked, her stomach twisting in a knot. “Wait – is there actual fire involved? I thought the fire part was just symbolic, representing the stars.”
                  “I’m afraid it’s not that simple,” Sammi said and stepped forward, leading the pride of females away.
                  Though they were all here for her, Cassie trailed behind. She knew no matter what was required of her, she would do it. She wanted to be with Gowon. But she was frightened. As frantically as her mind searched, there was nothing scientific regarding what was about to happen. It was all up to a higher power.
                  Again, Cassie stopped and looked up at Leo. When her eyes dropped, Gowon stood before her.
                  He truly was a magnificent beast, with his pale fur and grey-green eyes. Before, her mind had separated his beast self from his human self. She was mesmerized by the lion but loved the man. Now, knowing what she was about to become, she loved the lion just as freely.
                  “It’ll be okay,” she promised, reading the uncertainty within him. “I know what I’m doing. It’s my choice.”
                  His uncertainty did not disappear, but he accepted her answer, leading her towards the fire. As they approached, Cassie could see just how big a bonfire it was. The flames extended far above the heads of the lionesses who circled it, each remaining in their human form. As Gowon entered the circle, with Cassie only a few steps behind, the lionesses parted, allowing their alpha and his mate to pass.
                  She took her place next to Sammi, a tolerable distance from the heat, but close enough that she could feel just how deadly