Into the Pride (Nuuba Pride Shifters #1) by Michelle Monkou

Into the Pride (Nuuba Pride Shifters #1) by Michelle Monkou by Michelle Monkou Page A

Book: Into the Pride (Nuuba Pride Shifters #1) by Michelle Monkou by Michelle Monkou Read Free Book Online
Authors: Michelle Monkou
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panic had subsided.
    “It’s not for me to make you a prince. You have been granted that divine right and power through your dynastic line. No matter where you are, you are the prince of a noble family. It’s time that the king is returned to his people.”
    “I am ready.”
    His assent signaled to her that it was time to begin. Poetic verses filled her mind. Worries of remembering what to do disappeared. She chanted the rhythmic incantation in the formal ceremonial language of the priestess.
    The song switched to a solemn prayer. She stood and slowly stripped him naked, this time for the royal rite.
    From her satchel, she retrieved a small covered cup filled with balsam and olive oil. The fierceness of his gaze had the same power as if he had touched her. But she understood his curiosity. Standing so close to him, she didn’t sense any unease.
    First the tribal dynasty tattoo. Removing the cover of the small cup, she dipped her finger and traced the elaborate path of the inked design. Once the prayer ended, she reverted to singing the verses again. This time, she tiptoed to reach the top of his head. Thankfully, he bowed slightly to assist. She poured the rest of the oil on his head. It tracked a slow path through his thick hair, down his forehead and over the length of his nose.
    With her thumbs, she spread the oil. “I take this precious oil and anoint your eyelids for you to see the world with compassion. I spread the oil over your mouth for you to speak with wisdom. I spread the oil over your heart for you to love your people. I spread the oil over your forehead for the logic and creativity to be a balanced ruler.”
    Her prayers grew rapid and incessant. She didn’t need the bright lights from the helmet to see him transform. The sounds of the shift told her the time was on hand. No sudden moves. Nothing to jar the transformation. She retreated with measured steps to give him room, but to also be close on hand, in case he needed her assistance.
    David’s head snapped back and then forward.
    His body emitted a series of loud pops and cracks that torqued his joints into odd alignments. Each snap roused a mournful roar. The contortions seemed to go on forever.
    His breathing grew ragged. Chest rising and falling, with increasing tempo. Skin glistened with a honeyed sheen. From the sharp contractions, his body elongated and shrunk in a preordained sequence of anatomical collapsing and stretching.
    Starr knew that searing pain was a part of the process as his human self switched places with the beast. Now his human essence would take residence deep within his soul. It shared only emotions in this play of nature’s will. The physical nature of the alpha lion took dominance.
    Already the beast shifted through its delivery until completely transformed. His lion’s mane grew thick and luxurious, a shade of golden honey mixed with dark hairs. He struck a regal pose of power, standing, on all fours, with right paw forward. Defined muscularity displayed his vitality. No doubt was entertained of his physical abilities. Retractable claws almost glinted their additional use as weapons.
    The new king of the Nuuba Dynasty had returned to claim his rightful place in history. On cue, David roared, a thunderous number of grunts that escalated to blast the eardrums. On his own terms, at his own time, he wound down.
    “Open your eyes.” She talked to him as if he were still David in human form.
    He obeyed. His eyes were no longer the greenish hazel eyes with round pupils.
    “Now do you remember?” She continued issuing prayers, this time for his protection.
    He looked around the room and then at her. She knew that in this state his emotions were intense and volatile. In this state, he could kill her without the slightest provocation.
    Emotions flickered across his face. He roared, soft and hoarse. She stroked his massive head and laid her face against his cheek. He blinked before pulling away and running out of the

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