Chapter 26 Nicholas' Transformation
Chapter 26 Nicholas' Transformation
"By the way, when do you exactly um… transform into a wolf?" Sophie asked Nicholas while they were in the forest, looking for wolfsbane. "If it's an iffy question, you can choose not to answer it."
"Well, I've learned how to control my transformations," Nicholas said. "In the beginning, I would shift whenever I was so angry and emotional. But now I can control myself better."
"I see." Sophie mused silently as the two of them passed by some bushes. Every now and then, the two of them stopped to look at all the plants and check if one of them matched with the almanac that Nicholas brought.
The two of them were currently searching in the woods for the wolfsbane, but it was taking them a lot of time. It seemed like the immediate area around Sophie's home was free from wolfsbane. It was quite strange because according to the almanac there should be wolfsbanes in this area.
Both of them traveled deeper into the woods. Nicholas had a feeling that they were a lot closer to the other end of the forest than around Sophie's surroundings. Around the place where the werewolves stopped chasing him back when he was a kid.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Even though he said he could control his emotions well, it was not always true. Sometimes, his emotions got the better of him and he would transform on the spot. Fortunately, he could always avoid people and made sure nobody saw him transform.
"Umm… you know, Nick?" Sophie asked again.
"What is it?"
"Since your senses are improved because you're a lycan, how much better would your sense of smell be when you shift? It might help us find what we're looking for faster."
"No," Nicholas said. "I mean, no, let's not do that. It… always feels strange whenever I transform into my wolf form. I really dislike doing it even if it means I'd be getting an advantage when I do it."
"Ah, then forget I suggested it." Sophie smiled apologetically at him.
Even though Sophie was incredibly curious to see how a lycan actually transformed when it wanted to, she did not want to agitate or stress out Nicholas.
Nicholas scratched his head. Whenever his mother realized that Nicholas transformed, she would always end up worried and oftentimes sent him to her relative's places, like Baron Ferdinand in Hastings in order to ensure that he was out of sight from his father.
A part of Nicholas now felt like that transforming into that form was something to be ashamed about. It was almost a bad omen. A sign of terrible things that happened to Nicholas in the past and a promise of more bad things in the future.
However, he could tell that Sophie really wanted to see what he was like in his wolf form and he didn't want to disappoint her. The prince wanted to do things that could make Sophie feel happy. She did look very curious and if he transformed meant he could find wolfsbane faster and didn't need to tire Sophie, maybe it would be best if he shift.
And so, Nicholas took a deep breath.
While Sophie was busy checking out the flowers and collecting some that could be useful for them in the future, she heard a whoosh behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and then her jaw dropped.
Right in front of her was the most beautiful wolf she had ever seen. It was much bigger than regular wolf. The grey fur was long and it looked really majestic.
If Sophie didn't know that Nicholas could transform into a large wolf, then she might have gotten frightened. There was a slightly domineering stance to the creature, but its grey fur and amber eyes were undeniably breathtaking.
"Nicholas?" she asked."I-is that you?"
Nicholas did not reply and instead made a step forward to hers. Shyly and almost hesitantly, Sophie reached out towards him. Her heart was beating fast until her hand finally came in contact with his fur.
"Woah, it's incredibly soft and silky," Sophie exclaimed as she ran her fingers through the coat of his fur and a growl came from his throat. It seemed to be the sound of Nicholas being pleased with her touch.
A bright smile occurred on Sophie's face until a thought came to her head and she saw something lying on the ground just close to where Nicholas was standing earlier. At first, it was hard to see, but now she realized what it was.
Nicholas's clothes were now on the ground. She just realized that Nicholas in his wolf form was completely naked.
Sophie pulled her hand back and laughed awkwardly. "Ah, I'm so sorry about that, Nicholas. I shouldn't have touched you. It's awkward, isn't it? Apologies that you felt the need to transform around me—"
Right before her very eyes, Nicholas transformed back into his human form.
The process was actually very fast. One moment Nicholas was a grand and majestic grey wolf with dazzling amber eyes, but then the very next thing Sophie knew, the young man was naked and picking up his clothes.
Sophie quickly spun around and stared at a random rock in the distance.
"You should have told me that this happens, Nick," Sophie scolded him lightly.
Nicholas chuckled from behind her as the sounds of rustling sounded. It seemed like he was now wearing his clothes.
"Well, it never crossed my mind to transform. So, I never found the reason to explain that my transformation results in me ripping out from within my clothes. It's a bit inconvenient, so most of those in the werewolf clan wear little clothing," he explained. "I don't want to ruin my clothes now just to transform for you. So, I took them off."
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From Missrealitybites:
Uhm, oh yeah... Sophie just saw Nic naked. XD
PS: I am so happy because the process to sign this book to Webnobel went really fast. I thought I have to wait for weeks to get it contracted. Well, today I submitted the paper and a few hours ago the contract went through.
So, I will be publishing more in the next ten days so we will have enough chapters by November 25 when the book goes premium. I plan to have it locked around chapter 40 or 50, right after we meet Leland. I can't wait to show him to you!