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closer to me.
    I nod as I push away the doubt that tries to creep in. “I’m going to be afraid no matter when we do it, so I might as well get this over with. Besides, I’m sure you’ll feel a lot safer when I’m finally able to defend myself.”
    Jared wraps his arms around my waist to pull me in. “I can’t wait to share my world with you.”
    I slide my hands up to his shoulders and marvel at the firm muscle under my palms as I say, “I’m looking forward to it,” and rise up on my tiptoes to kiss him. We break apart when my phone rings.
    It’s Olivia, and I step into Jared’s room to talk to her. My phone is slippery in my shaky hand as I say, “Two things. One-I’m like you. Two-I want to change tomorrow, and I need you here to help.”
    “Oh my god!” squeals Olivia. “I should have known by the way we got along so well. You must have so many questions.”
    “I do. And boy, do I have a lot to tell you.”
    “I’ll be right over.” My phone disconnects before I have a chance to say good-bye. I sigh in relief that my best friend will be here soon. As much as I trust Jared, I really need to get some perspective.
    The aroma of peppers and onions fills the house as dinner cooks, and I return to the kitchen to let the guys know that Olivia is on her way over. She arrives in time to eat. I squeeze my friend tight when I see her, and the familiar floral scent of her shampoo makes me smile as she says, “You have no idea how excited I am for you.”
    “Yeah?” I ask. “Because right now I’m scared to death.”
    Water gurgles into the glasses on the dinner table as Jared fills them. Olivia’s chair creaks as she sits and says, “I get it, and I won’t lie. The change sucks.”
    “Great,” I say as I fiddle with my fork. A plate thumps down before me as Jax serves us. “How long does it hurt?”
    “Oh my gosh, this looks good, Jax,” says Olivia. “I had no idea you were such a good cook.”
    “Thanks. Dig in,” he says.
    Olivia says, “It takes about twenty-four hours, and for a while you will wish you were dead.”
    I must look horrified, because Jared says, “But you can do it, Courtney. I’m sure of it.”
    “You can,” says Olivia. “And I’ll be there for the whole thing.”
    “Okay.” I push food around on my plate because I’ve lost my appetite.
    My friend says, “I think it might be like childbirth. You sort of forget how awful it was pretty quickly, because once you’ve changed, there is so much that’s new, you’re focused on adjusting.”
    I nod and lift my glass to drink. Cool water flows down my throat as I try to soothe the panic that’s rising in me. Olivia says, “You’re going to love being a werebear. It’s really amazing.”
    Jared reaches over, and his warm hand envelops mine as I say, “I’d better, because I don’t have a choice.”
    Olivia scowls as she glances at Jared, and he says, “I’m not forcing her. But it’s for the best. We’ve had some trouble with hunters.”
    “Oh no,” says Olivia.
    “Oh yes,” says Jax. The guys explain what happened, and by the end of it, Olivia seems to have lost her desire for food too.
    She says, “It’s a good thing we’re back.” She stares at me and says, “Now there’s ten of us that can keep you safe, but the sooner you change, the better off you’ll be. The band goes on the road again in a week.” Olivia’s mate is part of the band Second Sound, which hit it big recently.
    I nod at her and glance at the concerned faces of my mate and his brother. I say, “Maybe I should do it tonight.” I return my gaze to my friend. “Olivia?”
    She says, “I can stay. I’m sure I’m not the only one that’s worried about you.”
    Jared is still holding my hand, and he gives it a squeeze as he says, “You’re right. The sooner Courtney is one of us, the better I’ll feel.”
    I take a deep breath and say, “Then it’s settled.” A dry chuckle comes from me before I add, “So when should I get