The alterations that the Whiccin physicians had made to her body doubled that pain and made it last longer than she dreamed she could stand. It was only hours of accelerated transformation, but it was more than she could cope with. “Easy, Lexi. Breathe through it. You are almost finished.” Winger was at her side; he was always at her side. She shuddered and flailed out with her hand. He gripped it and held on while her body twisted. Finally, it stopped. The pain ceased, the agony receded and all she could feel was the damp of sweat drying on her skin and his warm grip around her fingers. She blinked rapidly and inhaled deeply. “Well, that sucked.” He laughed low and deep. “I am relieved to hear you say that.” She smiled at him and then turned her head to see the nervous medical staff. “Are you folks all right?” They nodded and quickly ran scans.
