2

My Aunt Susie frowned, “When?”

I cried, “For high school.”

Aunt Susie sighed, “Honey, that’s three years away. I’m sure there are dance schools around here she could go to.” I snorted, “Maybe in Nashville, but we all know Drake won’t send her there.” Aunt Susie snorted, “No he won’t do that. My brother would be up in arms.” I knew that already.

Alpha Chase Daniels from Yellow Hills was Susie’s oldest brother. He hated a specific pack in Nashville, which turned him against Nashville as a whole. Not to mention Eric didn’t like Nashville prior to that. We descended into silence as we waited.

Eventually everyone popped back. What was odd was that everyone was giving Alexander looks of awe and curiosity. When they popped out I noticed that Warriors were huddled together clearly watching him. Ray looked like the cat that ate the canary. The only ones who didn’t seem to know what everyone else did were Drake and Jason.

Tristan walked over to me and inclined his head for me to follow him. I followed him to a quiet spot. He turned, “Alexander knows about Melanie’s wolf. Doesn’t he?”

I frowned, “Of course he does. He was at your parents' anniversary party. Melanie was holding that wolf in all of the pictures. Alexander looked at every picture once he came back inside.”

Tristan sighed.

I asked, “What happened?”

Tristan said, “I think Alexander has a different reaction to Mel’s wolf looking like him than everyone else. Other wolves want her to get rid of it. Alexander and his wolf on the other hand seems protective of Mel because of it. Which is fine by me, but he lost it. He nearly beat Alpha Johnson to death.”

I pointed out, “He is a good fighter.”

He ignored me, “Based on EJ’s reaction, I think Alexander used his pushing power to kill a crap ton of people on his own. Again, I’m not complaining. But Mel will take it the wrong way when she hears about it.”

I asked, “What do you mean?”

Tristan sighed, “She’ll think he likes her too. She’ll just go further down the ‘Xander is mine’ rabbit hole.” I shrugged, “You don’t know he’s not hers.”

Tristan ran a hand through his hair, “I know that, but he’s just being protective. I’m worried about my little sister’s heart here.”

I smiled, “Her heart belongs to her Xander. You can’t protect her from that. It’s just the way it’s been since she was three.”

Tristan groaned, “Well, I guess now I have another protector to help watch out for Mel at least. I don’t know what’s going on with these men. I know she’s cute. Hell, she’s beautiful. She’s just a pup though. What is everyone’s deal about my little sister?”

I shrugged, “I really don’t know.”

Eventually I said, “Charline is jealous. Maybe because Mel is such a strong Warrior men are drawn to her. We’ve seen that. Not on this scale, but…”

Tristan sighed interrupting, “Yeah, but. My little sister is a dancing prodigy who is also insanely smart. Genius level according to all her teachers. I gotta head home.”

He ran off and I went back to my house.

My dad was sitting at our table with a glass of whiskey in his hand. My mom was sitting beside him. My dad looked up and gestured to a seat in front of him, so I sat down. My dad took a drink. He said, “So, for once, I think I know something my Beta doesn’t.”

I looked at my mom noting her lips twitched nearly into a smile.

My dad added, “So many things lined up for me tonight. Melanie calls her wolf him and it looks identical to a wolf I saw completely lose it tonight. What’s Melanie’s stuffed wolf’s name? It does have one, right?”

I nodded, “He has a name.”

My dad pressed, “And it is?”

I sighed, “Dad, I can’t…”

My dad cut me off, “Have they met? The wolf's name is Alexander, right? I know it is. I remember the day she got it. It was after she peppered you with questions about what the Conners wolves looked like. I thought she focused on Alexander at the time, but I shrugged it off.”

I answered, “His name isn’t Alexander.”

My dad frowned then he stood exclaiming, “Oh my god. It’s Xander! That has to be it. I heard her say his name as a pup. Are they mates? Why aren’t they telling anyone?”

I frowned, “They’ve never met.”

My dad studied me, “Are you sure?” I nodded, “I’m positive.”

My dad sat back down, frowning as he took another pull of his drink. He asked, “Why haven’t they met?”

I snorted, “You know why. Melanie has competitions or she’s grounded. Or Drake won’t let her out of the territory. Or she signs up for a dance competition because he asks Charline to a dance.”

I clapped my hand over my mouth.

My dad’s head jerked to me. He smiled, “So she likes him. That’s why she’s fighting with Charline so much. That’s why she gets so upset when she gets in trouble and can’t see him. Why doesn’t she just stay out of trouble for the day?”

I groaned, “I’m not sure she’s crossing the border. She’s like crazy smart, and you know that’s true. She wants to meet all the Conners, one in particular, I just don’t think she’d keep crossing the border.”

My dad argued, “My men wouldn’t lie to me.”

I begrudgingly admitted, “I know. I just don’t think everything is what it seems with that situation. Maybe they think it’s her, but it’s someone else.”

I could tell my dad still thought Melanie was crossing the border. She was a bit of a daredevil. I just knew something else was going on with that.

I broke the silence, “Please don’t tell Drake about it. Melanie made me promise not to tell about her wolf.”

My dad sighed, “If they keep acting like that, he’ll figure it out. The only reason he didn’t is because he has blinders when it comes to Ladybug.”

I questioned, “Wouldn’t he be happy?”

My mom laughed. My dad smiled, “Happy? No. Drake would be ecstatic. All the weirdness surrounding Melanie would stop. There’s not one person that is going to cross the Conners when it involves one of their mates. Melanie being Alexander’s mate would solve a lot of problems for us.”

He was right.

He added, “No one would want to try and take that stuffed wolf from her because Alexander would kill them. He’s only sixteen and he’s already got a reputation. After what he did today that’s only going to grow. No one is going to want to harm his mate. It would be suicidal. Those two being mates would guarantee Melanie’s safety.”

I urged, “Then can’t we get them to meet?”

My dad laughed, “They will meet. It’s only a matter of time.”

I started to cry again, “What if she goes to New York for school?” My mom jumped in, “Sweetie. We can’t hold Melanie back because we love her. I’d miss her so much, but she’s a beautiful dancer. Alexander could pop to her if they’d met. The Conners wouldn’t keep them apart. They’d change their rule for them so it would all work out.”

I wiped my tears as Melanie burst into the room with a medal around her neck. She smiled declaring, “I won!”

I laughed, “So you did!”

She frowned, “What’s wrong?” I shook myself, “Nothing is wrong.” Then it hit me. I could get Alexander to my first shift.

I asked, “You’re coming to my shift, right? I’m going to be in the same place as T.”

My dad smiled, but Melanie frowned. She had tears in her eyes, “My teacher got the dates mixed up. I have a competition, and my parents don’t want me to pull out. They haven’t decided who will take me because they can’t miss T’s shift.”

My dad sighed. I frowned, “Oh.”

Melanie hugged me, “I’m really sorry.”

I shrugged, “It’s ok.” Melanie tugged my hand, and we went back outside. She hugged me again and whispered, “I really am sorry. Can I see your wolf the second I get back?” I nodded, “Of course you can.” She kissed my cheek. She was about to say something when Sam called for her and she ran off.

The next day Charline, of course, had shit to say. The difference was she didn’t realize I’d been waiting for Melanie in her meadow. I heard her sneer, “I bet you think that was for you.”

Melanie grumbled, “Oh good. You’re here. What do I think was for me? Because I feel like I should know… since I think it and it was for me… logically I should know what you’re talking about….but here in what we call reality….where you don’t live… I have no earthly idea what you are talking about.”

Charline snorted, “You think that Alexander killed everyone and beat up the Alpha of Two Peaks was for you.”

Melanie gasped, “He did?”

Charline laughed, “Oh god, you do think it’s for you. It’s not. It’s for me. He was worried about my safety.” Melanie sighed, “Sure.” She kept walking.

Then I heard her yell, “Hey!”

I walked towards them with Ray right behind me. Melanie growled, “Look here wench… touch me again and I’ll end you. I’m so tired of whatever one sided problem you have with me. I was told to stay away from you… weren’t you told to stay away from me? That’s only fair. Since you definitely were told to stay away just following our Alpha’s directions. Leave me alone and live in your land of delusion.”

Charline taunted her, “He thinks you're pathetic. You still have a stuffed animal. It’s tragically sad at this point. Alexander is a man who needs a real woman. Not a pup.”

Melanie replied, “Then I guess you’re out as an option too. You can’t even beat an eleven year old when it’s six on one. Plus, you’re sixteen, and you act like you’re five so .... that sucks for since it’s your whole goal to be his and spend his money….because you….”

Charline snarled, “You little…”

I stepped out, “Little what?”

Everyone froze. Melanie smiled greeting me, “Were you waiting for me Elise?”

I answered, “I was. Charline let's make something clear. You won’t get your claws into Alexander. Ever. I won’t let it happen. And if I catch you disobeying my Dad’s order to stay away from Melanie again, you can’t imagine the level of punishment that will come down on your head. Run along now.” Charline’s face turned red, and she stormed off.

Melanie giggled, “Normally I have to break her nose to get her to go away.”

I frowned, “She’s just ridiculous.”

Melanie skipped over to me with sparkling eyes. She whispered excitedly, “Is it true? What Charline said? Did Xander really go after the Two Peaks Alpha?”

I nodded, “He did.”

Melanie smiled, “He already beat an Alpha… he is so impressive. Which isn’t surprising. He’s an Alpha Enforcer. Plus, he’s from the promised family for Faerie so he’s a double enforcer.”

I had no idea what that meant.

I laughed, “He can beat his uncles in a fight too.”

Melanie couldn’t stop beaming. She asked, “Was he really upset?”

Ray snorted, “Upset is an understatement. He pushed at people’s heads so hard they exploded. I have rarely seen a wolf that angry. He rivals his father on the battlefield, and that is saying something. Alpha Eric is a legend.” Melanie couldn’t grin any wider. Ray added, “And he definitely did not do it for Charline.” Melanie giggled and skipped away to set her music up to dance.

Ray and I sat down and watched her dance. Ray mused, “She’s just something when she dances.”

I agreed, “Yes, she is.”

When she was done, she walked over. She asked, “Why were you out here waiting for me?”

I admitted, “I heard about this arts school in New York.”

Melanie drew into herself mumbling, “It’s a great opportunity.”

I asked, “Do you want to go?” Melanie whispered, “I don't know. It’s so far away from mom, dad, T, Jase, your parents, you and….”

I finished, “Your Xander.”

She smiled glancing at Ray then clearly decided he could know about her crush. She said, “He could pop there. Part of me thinks it’s how I could meet him. I could call and claim it was an emergency.”

I laughed, “He’d pop right to you.” She sighed, “I know. Sometimes I think I’ll go just for that. Just so he’d pop to my side and bring me home.”

I assured her, “He’d let you live your dream.”

Melanie whispered, “He’s my dream.”

I smiled, “That’s cute, Mel.” She frowned, “He is. We are mates. He’s mine and I’m his. We are going to lead beside you and EJ. We will be your weapons.” They would be one hell of a weapon. I could see there would be no arguing with her, so I didn’t try.

I asked, “You read a lot of Jared’s Fairy books, right?”

Melanie nodded, “Oh yeah…I didn’t like…steal them…or anything…. He said I could borrow them. Sometimes he even asks me questions about them. We still have our deal going.”

Good. I asked her, “What’s the Beyond?”

Melanie answered, “It’s where Fairies go when they die, as long as they don’t belong in Hell. Their Goddess can get those there that should be in Hell if she reaches them before Death though. Well, Fairies aren’t technically the only ones there….because….well… If a Fairy shares their light with their mate and they’re not a Fairy, they go to the Beyond too. It’s kind of beautiful.”

Except for the part where Azoney could take bad children there.

She continued, “They are basically alive in the Beyond. It’s their spirits though. They have all their powers but can’t die again. They get to be with their loved ones though.”

I frowned. Melanie asked, “Why?”

I explained, “EJ’s Uncle Arion called him there. He mentioned it briefly, but he didn’t want to talk about it.”

Melanie frowned, “EJ could only be called if he wanted to go or if his mental defenses were lowered. He can only be called by a powerful Fairy since he’s royal….it’s harder to pull them than anyone else…for some reason…the books say it’s their mental defenses…I don’t know seems odd. Some dark charms and magic that comes with a price can keep people from pulling even Royals. Which is how Former King Fenilton’s death went unsolved. He couldn’t pull his sons to him.”

Holy crap.

I asked, “Can EJ be hurt there?”

Melanie shook her head, “Not physically since he’s not dead. He could hurt them, though. He could use his powers against….well anyone there. Even if it was a Fairy that was alive. He couldn’t kill them, but he could make them have a very bad day.”

I laughed, “Good to know. Thanks. Beta Dylan would be jealous of your knowledge.”

Melanie snorted, “I’d never know if he was. Everyone says he’s really funny. Not that I’ll ever meet him. I really want to… I thought….I…”

I interrupted, “He is pretty funny.”

We talked for a couple hours before I walked her back home.

Ray said, “We’ve got to get those two together.”

I snorted, “You’re preaching to the choir. I was hoping it would happen at mine and T’s first shift, but she’s got a dance competition.”

Ray sighed, “They’d be something. Black Mountain is shaping up to be even more deadly than it is now.”

I looked at him realizing, “You really believe they are mates.”

Ray nodded, “I do. I’ve never seen a wolf as sure as Melanie is outside of who Luna Emmaline has told they are mates. I don’t know why, but I just feel she’s right.”

I smiled, “At least we know she has a plan. If she ends up in New York, she’ll call Alexander with an emergency.”

Ray raised an eyebrow, “That makes me wonder why she doesn’t do it now.”

I laughed, “Now she could get in trouble for lying and having him pop here. If she was in New York who’s going to care that she lied to him?”

Ray laughed, “You two together as Luna’s are going to be diabolical. The Wolf Fairy Hybrids aren’t going to know what to do with you because you two can lie. They won’t even see it coming. Not one single part of me feels even remotely sorry for them.”

I wistfully said, “It would be fun if it was her, me, and Cassie.”

Ray smiled, “It will be. I feel it.” I ran inside feeling better.

The rest of the week flew by. Alexander was in one heck of a mood. He’d been in the gym every day. I’d had EJ pop us there a few times to work out my own issues. I was beginning to get nervous. What if I didn’t get a wolf? I knew that was crazy. My dad was an Alpha and my mom was from a Gamma bloodline. My Uncle Bray was going to be Jayden’s Gamma.

Logically, I knew I’d have a wolf. Then I started to get nervous and excited for after my shift. I was not looking forward to the pain of actually shifting. A pop sounded and the smell told me who it was. I turned, “Cassie?”

Cassie smiled, “Yup. My brothers are off beating things up at the gym. I thought I’d come check on you.”

I hugged her, “I’m so nervous.”

Cassie pulled back, “About shifting or about other sexy stuff?”

I turned red, “You know?” Cassie winked, “I’m observant and sneaky. I also feel my brother's feelings. The only logical conclusion was he’s going to get lucky. About which he is ecstatic, nervous, and just dying to do. I thought I’d come see how you were feeling since I have no insight whatsoever to that.”

I laughed, “I’m excited but nervous too. I don’t want to disappoint him.”

Cassie laughed, “I don’t think you could disappoint him if you tried. He’s crazy about you.”

I asked somewhat hopefully, “Have you and Jase done it? I need tips.”

Cassie shook her head, “No, we haven’t. Mostly because we know we have an end date. We’ve done some stuff but neither of us want to go all the way when we know we aren’t mates. I mean, I’d have to go off books for my first time if that's what I wanted to do.”

I laughed, “Off books?”

Cassie nodded, “Yeah, I feel like that would seal the deal of Jase and Alexander possibly having it out.”

I frowned, “Seal the deal?” Cassie smiled, “I don’t officially know things, but I know things. One day my brothers will understand that I’m sneaky and I have my ways.”

I questioned, “Alexander is mad at Jase?”

Cassie sighed, “Not exactly, but he’s getting there ish.”

I frowned, “That makes no sense.” Cassie laughed, “When you know, you’ll know. It will all make sense. I promise.” I snorted, “They are such good friends though.” Cassie said, “It will get handled. Alexander loves Jase like a brother. This is not about him though. This is about you. If you want tips and advice, I do know who I can call.” I shook my head, “No, I just wanted your tips if you had them.” She shrugged.

I whispered, “What if I don’t get a wolf? Will EJ…?”

Cassie held up her hand interrupting, “EJ will not care if you have a wolf or not. He thinks you hung the moon itself. You’ll have one though.”

I smiled, “I’m more nervous about shifting than having sex.”

Cassie laughed, “Of course you are. It’s you and EJ. That’s something you know. Even if it’s your first time you know and trust him. You love each other. Shifting is different. I have no inspiring words to offer because I don’t remember shifting.”

I teased, “Which is too bad because when Beta Dylan tells the story it’s pretty hilarious.”

Cassie nudged me, “Hey, you should remember too. You were there.”

I laughed, “I wish I did.” Cassie smiled, “I’m helping Uncle Aiden in court tonight, or I’d be staying for your shift.” I rubbed her shoulders, “I’m sure that makes your uncle happy.”

Cassie admitted, “I just don’t want my mom there right now. It’s easier for me if I help because it makes me feel like I’m helping her.”

We talked for a while before Cassie popped away. I went downstairs and found the silence stifling.

Gosh, I wished Melanie was here to distract me with her rambling. She was always a chatterbox. Just talking away. Now there was nothing but silence. EJ needed to get here because I was a mess of nerves.

My dad hugged me, “It will be alright. Having your mate there makes the shift easier. I saw it myself when your Uncle Christopher shifted. I have to admit I was a little jealous. Happy for him, but it would’ve been nice if the Fairies had shown up like two years sooner.”

I laughed, “Emmaline was around, she just didn’t know mum.”

My dad admitted, “That’s also true.”

EJ popped into our house, and everything settled. The McAlister’s joined us. When we got to our shifting spot I started looking around. I could swear I smelled Melanie. I was right, she practically knocked me down hugging me.

Tristan linked, “I’m right here too.”

I teased, “She’ll hug you too. She dropped out for us.”

He replied, “And behind my parents back. She’s sneaky.” Which made the border patrol thing more insane. She pulled this off easily.

I hoped EJ would link Alexander to join us but was astonished when he said that Alexander was on a mission. These two were impossible! Coming up with missions and dance competitions to pout about not meeting each other. Cheese and Rice would this crap ever stop?!

Dang. Melanie might have to go with her whole get to New York and lie about an emergency plan at this rate. At least that was at least our fallback plan. Dalton linked, “What did I say wrong? Dad rolled his eyes and mom buried her head in his chest. You will be fine. Ladybug doesn’t need to worry.”

I snorted, “Little brother, you need to ask your Beta.”

He retorted, “He’s about to shift. I can’t have him doing anything but focusing.” I reasoned, “Ask him later then.”

Tristan and I locked eyes. He linked, “I was a little glad she wasn’t going to be here to hear me scream in pain.”

Yeah, I go that. I squeezed his hand for a brief second. I waited with bated breath as time ticked by. When midnight came around, I couldn’t stop my scream of pain. I heard Tristan’s too, but blocked his out because my pain was overwhelming.

I saw Melanie’s terrified face along with Dalton, Dakota, and Cooper’s. I tried to keep it in, but I just couldn’t manage it. Everything felt like it was breaking inside me. I felt arms around me and heard a purr in my head. I sighed in relief because that confirmed I had a wolf.

My wolf said, “Of course you have a wolf. You’re an Alpha. Speaking of our mate is handsome. I’ve never known the moment I’ve come to someone who our mate is, but your memories explain it all. It seems to be easier shifting with him here than this has been with my humans in the past.”

Curiosity got to me. I asked, “How many humans have you had? What’s your name?”

My wolf purred again, “He’s just yummy. I’m Rhea. What’s his wolf's name?”

I answered, “Brutus and I feel like you’re distracting me since you’d know that with my memories.” Rhea purred, “I’ve had ten humans before you and distracting the human always makes shifting better.” I told her, “Well, I’m glad you’re my wolf now.”

Rhea replied, “Likewise. This will hurt a bit, but then I’ll be out. After this first time it doesn't hurt like this again.”

I could feel my bones breaking, but it wasn’t as awful as I thought with Rhea talking me through it. Or when it started before EJ wrapped me in his arms.

The next thing I knew I was standing beside Brutus. I looked down noting my paws were black. Brutus nuzzled my neck and Rhea did the same. My dad linked, “Go on sweetie. Have a good first run. I can’t wait to take you on one tomorrow.”

I replied, “I love you, dad.”

He wiped away tears, “I love you too. I can’t believe my little girl shifted.” He was going to cry, then I’d cry.

I let Rhea have control as we bounded off into the woods. Melanie linked, “You and T are so pretty! Can I have a ride later?”

I agreed, “Sure.”

Rhea felt fiercely protective over Melanie the second she heard her voice.

She howled with joy noticing EJ was chasing me. Rhea linked, “He’s teasing us. I mean I know that but whew hot damn! That wolf is hot. I know from your memories you want to jump his bones tonight. I am SO on board.”

I laughed, “I thought you might be. I’m waiting on being marked though.”

Rhea said, “That’s fine by me. I wasn’t expecting it since we usually aren’t marked until eighteen.”

Rhea and Brutus started to play together. I caught my reflection in the pond. I was black just like EJ. Brutus pinned Rhea and suddenly shifted back. Rhea purred, “Well my, my, my. Look at him. We are lucky. I’m going to let you come forward. I’ll walk you through how to shift back. Then you go get us some Elise Kyle.”

I laughed, “I like you.”

Rhea chuckled, “I like you too.”

The second I was naked in my human form underneath EJ, his jaw clenched. I could feel how hard he was against my thigh. Rhea linked, “Oh, I like him. I like him a lot. He wants to claim us, but he’s asking about us first. What a gentleman. Fan your face for me.”

I wanted to laugh out loud.

Rhea linked, “God damn. That purr is amazing. Jump his bones, Elise!”

I replied, “We are going to.”

I got things moving along. I was somewhat worried Rhea might take over and just have sex with him. Rhea teased, “Sure. Blame the wolf. I know you want to jump him just as bad as I do.” I acknowledged, “True.”

I watched the treehouse come to life. Rhea whispered, “Wow. He’s very powerful. Wow.”

He definitely was. I turned around and caught EJ admiring my naked body. I walked back over and kissed him. He took his time until I begged him to claim me.

Rhea was totally sold on EJ and Brutus. She was incoherently babbling in my head as we practically melted due to orgasms. EJ finally climbed back up my body to claim me. It was a little uncomfortable at first, but I was adjusting.

Once he was all the way in Rhea linked me, “In case you were wondering, our man is WELL endowed. Which isn’t surprising.”

I flushed, “RHEA!”

Later, I’d think I should’ve asked why it wasn’t surprising but at the time it didn’t occur to me.

Rhea snickered, “I’m just saying WOWZERS!”

When he moved after I’d adjusted, he was hitting a spot inside me that was driving me wild. Rhea purred, “This is why I said wowzers.”

Yeah, it was an appropriate word.

I didn’t want him to stop, ever. It felt so good. He owned me, mind, body and soul. I screamed, “EJ!”

and left my body for a brief moment. I felt almost complete. He’d claimed me, and I’d claimed him. Once we were marked it would be official.

My eyes were drifting closed. Rhea purred, “He’s amazing and I’m glad you’re my human.”

I sleepily replied, “I’m glad you’re with me too.”

I was vaguely aware of EJ’s arms around me. It was a perfect moment in time that I wished I could freeze. Everything was perfect.

EJ gently woke me up. He whispered, “Elise, your dad wants to take you on your first run with him.”

I sleepily asked, “Are you going home?”

He snorted, “No, I’ll stay at your house. Let’s go get breakfast.” He snapped us into clothes, grabbed me, and popped us to the house.

Rhea purred, “Get us some food.”

I was famished. EJ conjured me more waffles when I polished mine off. Cooper teased, “Breathe, jeez.”

My dad defended me, “You’ll eat just as much after your first shift so huff. Because what goes around comes around, son.”

Dalton asked, “What’s your wolf’s name?”

I answered, “Rhea. She’s really cool.”

Rhea agreed, “Damn straight I am. I grinned at him and EJ continued to conjure me food until I was satisfied. Rhea linked, “And now we run.” I looked over at my dad who smiled at me. He came over and took my hand. He said, “Let’s go pup.”

We ran outside and he shifted into Thunder. I hesitated, remembering all the pain from the previous night. My dad linked, “It won’t hurt this time.”

I nodded and let Rhea take over. It wasn’t as fast as his, but it didn’t hurt.

Rhea teased, “I told you.”

I agreed, “You did.”

She said, “You didn’t hesitate that long so I’m proud. You have a deep bond with your dad. I’m talking to Thunder.” I sat in the back of her mind like she usually did mine as they took off.

I squealed in my link with my dad excited because he’d led us to the trails all dad’s took their pups to in Red Run for their first time out. Rhea and I stumbled a few times following him getting used to working together.

Rhea snorted, “I’m getting my sea legs back, so to speak. I haven’t had a human over a decade and change.”

I asked, “Is it normal to wait that long between humans?”

She answered, “No, but I was waiting for you. I was rewarded after the clusterfuck that was my last human.” I asked, “Do you want to talk about it?” She replied, “Not now.” I let it go.

My dad linked me, “I love running with you.”

I agreed, “Even though we aren’t in control this is amazing.”

I felt like I was flying and I had my dad right there to catch me if I fell. Which he did a few times. Rhea never took a full tumble and she caught her stride halfway through the course.

When we finished it there were clothes waiting for us. We both shifted back. I couldn’t wait until mine was seamless like his. Mine took longer, but once Rhea and I were in sync like Thunder and my dad, we’d shift back quickly.

I put on my clothes and smiled at my dad. He pulled me into a hug. He said, “I’m proud of you. Rhea is a beautiful wolf and I think she’s going to suit you quite well.”

He handed me a folder. I asked, “What’s this?”

He grinned, “Your training schedule with me worked into your regular one. We will be meeting to go over fighting in wolf form.”

I squealed and jumped into his arms, excited to start this phase of my life. I whispered, “Thank you, dad.”

He squeezed me tightly, “I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.”

I’d practice so hard every day. Rhea and I would be in sync so fast everyone would be stunned. Rhea cheered, “Yeah, girl! We are going to be great right alone side our yummy mate.”

I grinned and my dad shifted. He linked, “Race ya home.”

I yelled, “CHEATER!”

I gave control to Rhea happy that our time had already improved shifting wise. We were off and running after my dad trying to beat him home