The Alpha's Runaway Queen

Chapter 14 - I made it

Jasmine POV

Finally, I got my way back to the hostel, every step feeling heavier than the last. I was exhausted after running around the city. Bridget had been restless throughout the way, a low growl rumbling in the back of my mind.

I reached my room and locked the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment to catch my breath. I glanced at the narrow window, the city lights flickering outside. After closing the curtains, I made my way to the bed, dropping the bag of food beside me. I took the bottle of water and gulped its contents as if my life depended on it.

Bridget stirred within me, more agitated than usual. “It’s time, Jasmine,” she whispered.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. There was an urge within me to cry, but I held it in. There was no time for self-pity. I knew this moment was coming, but it didn’t make it any easier. The first shift. The stories I had heard from other wolves made it sound excruciating, but from others, it was fast and not painful at all. However, the thought of going through it alone was daunting.

“I know, Bridget,” I replied. “I just…I wish we didn’t have to do this here.”

Bridget’s presence was a comforting warmth in my mind. “Well, we don’t have any choice now, do we? It’s okay, Jasmine,” she assured me. “But we need to start now. The longer we wait, the worse it will be.”

I nodded, pushing away the fear. I moved to the center of the room, clearing as much space as possible. The walls felt like they were closing in on me, but I had no other choice. I couldn’t risk shifting in public, and this room was the only place I had.

After turning off the lights, I stripped off my clothes, folding them neatly and placing them on the bed. The air was cool against my skin, and I shivered, but not just from the cold. I could feel the change building within me, a wave of energy and pain that was about to crash over me.

“Okay, Bridget,” I whispered, closing my eyes. “Let’s do this.”

The first wave of pain hit me like a lightning bolt, searing through my muscles and bones. I cried out, falling to my knees as my body convulsed. Every nerve ending felt like it was on fire, my skin prickling and stretching as the transformation began.

Bridget’s voice was a constant presence, urging me on. “Breathe, Jasmine. Focus on the change. You can do this. We can do this.”

I clenched my teeth, trying to concentrate. The pain was overwhelming, and it was hard to think, hard to breathe. My bones shifted and cracked, elongating and reshaping. My muscles tore and reformed, and I could feel the fur sprouting from my skin.

Hours passed, though it felt like an eternity. I lost all sense of time, my world was reduced to a haze of agony. I clawed at the floor, my fingers morphing into paws, my nails growing into claws. My spine lengthened, my senses sharpening as my human form gave way to my wolf.

Finally, after what felt like a lifetime, the pain began to wane. I lay on the floor, panting and trembling, my body unfamiliar. I opened my eyes and saw the world through new lenses, everything clearer and more vivid. I had done it. I had shifted.

“Jasmine, you did it.” Bridget’s voice was filled with pride and relief. “You made it.”

I struggled to my feet, feeling unsteady but powerful. I looked down at my new form, seeing my paws, where my hands used to be. Turning around, I saw the mirror on the wall. I walked in front of it and saw my body covered in sleek, silver fur. I felt a surge of triumph and joy. Despite everything, I had managed to shift.

“Thank you, Bridget,” I said. “I couldn’t have done it without you. Look at you now, you’re so beautiful.”

I gave the reins to Bridget so she could feel herself. She paced around the small room, getting used to the body. The space felt even smaller now, and I felt Bridget wanting to run, to feel the wind in her fur. But we both knew we couldn’t. Not yet anyway.

“I’m so sorry for making us do this here,” I said, a tinge of regret in my voice. “You deserve better than this cramped room.”

Bridget’s response was immediate and reassuring. “We did what we had to. And look, we made it. That’s what matters.”

I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude. Bridget was right. We had faced the challenge and came out stronger. But the night wasn’t over yet. We needed to shift back, and I knew that would be just as painful, if not more so.

“Ready for round two?” I asked, trying to inject some humor into the situation.

Bridget’s laugh was a comforting sound in my mind. “Ready when you are.”

I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the pain. The transformation back to human form was even more brutal. My bones snapped and realigned, and my muscles tore and reformed. I wanted to scream, but I couldn’t, afraid that I would wake up the whole city block. I had to keep going. There was no turning back.

Hours later, I lay on the floor, drenched in sweat and shaking with exhaustion. My body ached in ways I hadn’t known was possible, every muscle screaming in protest. But I was human again.

“Jasmine, you did it!” Bridget exclaimed. “I’m so proud of you!”

I managed a weak smile, my vision blurry with tears. “We did it. Together.”

I crawled to bed, every movement a struggle, and pulled myself up. I grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around me, my body shaking uncontrollably. I needed to rest, to recover from the ordeal.

As I lay there, my mind drifted to Reagan. I wondered what he was doing. Did he really come home? If he was looking for me. I missed him terribly, but I couldn’t go back.

“Rest now,” Bridget whispered. “We’ll figure out the rest tomorrow.”

I nodded, closing my eyes. Sleep claimed me quickly, pulling me into a deep, dreamless abyss. The night had been long and painful, but I survived.

.

.

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The morning light filtered through the curtain, casting a soft glow across the room. I stirred, my body aching from the previous night’s ordeal. My mind was foggy, and it took me a moment to remember where I was. Then it hit me: I had a flight to catch.

I bolted upright, a sharp pain shooting through my muscles. I glanced at the clock on the wall and my heart dropped. I overslept. Panic surged through me as I scrambled out of bed, wincing at the stiffness in my limbs. I grabbed my clothes, hastily throwing them on, my movements frantic and clumsy.

“Bridget, we’re late!” I exclaimed.

“Calm down, Jasmine,” Bridget replied. “We can still make it if we hurry.”

I stuffed my belongings into my bag, barely taking a second to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. My hands trembled with anxiety as I zipped it up and swung it over my shoulder. I rushed to the door, flinging it open and sprinting down the narrow hallway of the hostel.

The receptionist glanced up as I passed, a look of surprise on her face. “Late for something?” she called after me.

I barely spared her a glance. “My flight!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the corridor.

The streets outside were already bustling with morning activity. I flagged down a cab, practically throwing myself into the backseat. “The airport, please, and hurry!” I urged the driver, my heart pounding in my chest.

The driver nodded, sending my desperation, and weaved through the traffic with impressive skill. I checked my phone, willing the minutes to slow down. The drive felt like an eternity, each second stretching out painfully.

Finally, the airport came into view. I handed the driver a handful of bills, not bothering to wait for change, and dashed inside. The check-in counter was closing, and I sprinted towards it, my bag bouncing against my back.

“Please, wait!” I called out.

The attendant looked up, her expression sympathetic. “Just in time,” she said, taking my information and processing it quickly.

I let out a sigh of relief, my shoulders sagging. “Thank you,” I muttered.

With my boarding pass in hand, I made my way to the gate, my pace quick but more measured. I couldn’t believe I had almost missed my flight. I moved quickly, my eyes scanning the crowd. My heart skipped a beat when I spotted them: a couple of trackers from the Royal Pack. My pulse quickened. I had to blend in and disappear among the throngs of travelers.

I picked up my pace, slipping into the flow of people moving towards the boarding gates. My gate was on the other side of the airport, and I prayed silently that I could make it without drawing any attention. As I walked, I reached into my backpack and pulled out my bottle of potion, discreetly taking a quick gulp. The familiar warmth spread through me, masking my scent. I hoped it would be enough.

Using my compact mirror, I stole a glance behind me. The trackers had split up, and one of them was heading in my direction. Panic threatened to overwhelm me, but I forced it down. I still had a few minutes. I could do this.

I veered into a clothing store, my mind racing. I needed a new look, something to throw off the tracker. I grabbed a hoodie from a rack, yanking off the tags and pulling it on. My bag was a problem, though. They could have a description of it. Fortunately, the store sold bags too. I grabbed a plain black one, quickly transferring my belongings from the old bag to the new one.

After paying for the items, I disposed of my old hoodie in a nearby trash can, slipping the new one over my head. I pulled on a face mask, hoping it would provide enough of a disguise. With my boarding pass clutched tightly in my hand, I rushed out of the store, not daring to look back.

I weaved through the crowd, my heart pounding in my chest, My gate was in sight, and I broke into a run, my legs burning with effort. I was the last passenger to board, and the attendant gave me a disapproving look as I handed over my pass.

I collapsed into my seat, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Looking at the door, I prayed silently for the flight attendants to close the door immediately. Time seemed to stretch unbearably. Then, finally, the doors shut with a soft click. I released the breath I had been holding, relief flooding through me.

That was a close one.

I leaned back in my seat, my body trembling with fear and exhaustion. The plane began to taxi down the runway, and I allowed myself a small, triumphant smile. I made it. For now, at least, I was safe. But I knew this was only the beginning. I had a long journey ahead of me, and I had to stay one step ahead if I wanted to keep my freedom.