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BRIAN
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SHE PARTED THE CURTAINS a finger’s width and, pressing the palm of her hand against the window, looked up toward the sky. Hiding behind a nearby tree, I was close enough to notice her worried expression. Was it because of me? Did she wonder if I was going to make it back from my supposed visit to Red Cliffs before the next storm?
The curtains closed, but the picture of that beautiful face staring into the night stayed with me.
Sweet dreams, Elizabeth.
I inhaled deeply, evoking the memory of Elizabeth’s natural scent. Flowery, womanly, arousing, burned into my memory from the moment I saw her getting out of Azem’s pickup. It was subtle, only in traces, a swirl here and there, in the air and on the snow, like her warm, invisible print.
I stayed in my hiding place until I felt a prickling sensation under my skin. I glanced toward the sky. Almost two hours until sunrise. My morning shifting never happened so early. It could only mean one thing: my impatient and excited dyn was eager to take over. My blaidd obeyed.
I walked toward the stable, where Luna was waiting for me. I had brought her from Red Cliffs two days ago. It was Harriet’s idea to use the dog as an excuse for not meeting Elizabeth tonight. “Hide the dog in the stable and tell her you went to Red Cliffs to pick it up and bring it here,” Harriet had suggested. “She might arrive after you’re already in your wolf form, and then how are we going to explain your absence?”
Exactly what had happened.
The horses announced my presence with a series of soft nickers. From her corner, Luna made a happy yelp and ran toward me. My current shape wasn’t of any significance to my animals: their instincts and their senses recognized me as a single identity.
I walked to the empty wooden grain crates behind the horse stalls, where I’d left my clothing and footwear. With Elizabeth around I should make a habit of leaving my clothes on when I turn, I said to myself as my shifting started. Sooner or later, she’d see me doing it ... “and I only hope she’ll be as cool as you two and Luna,” I finished the sentence in a low voice as I resumed my human form.
I quickly got dressed. “Now I’ll feed and groom you and Breeze,” I said to Blizzard, who was looking at me with his smart, dark eyes. “We still have a couple of hours to kill before our guest awakes.”
Upon hearing her name, Breeze, my chestnut beauty, thrust her head over the rails of the stall and lowering it down, gently nudged me.
By the time I finished tending to Breeze and Blizzard, it was broad daylight. Luna and I headed back to the house. If Elizabeth was up, it’d look as though we’d taken a walk.
She was still sleeping.
“Good morning,” Harriet said opening the door to let us in.
“Morning,” I said smiling and taking in her new, temporary appearance.
“What do you say, how old am I?” she asked.
Thinking Elizabeth would feel more at ease with some older people in the house, I’d asked Harriet and Jason to adjust their look. Most of us could do that, although the change wouldn’t last longer than a day, and then would have to be reapplied. “I wouldn’t give you a day over fifty-five.”
She frowned. “Did you see Jason? He looks ten years younger than I. Can you imagine it? Now I’m stuck with this look for who knows how long.”
I placed my arm around her shoulder and kissed her cheek. “You’re still more beautiful than him. I have a feeling it won’t take Elizabeth long to figure out what’s going on here.”
“Are you hungry?”
“No, but Luna is. I’ll wait for Elizabeth.” I scratched my head, feeling a bit awkward. “Um, I’m going to take a shower. Tell Jason I’ve already fed the horses.”
“Do you want tea? I just made a fresh pot.”
“Please. Bring it to the library. I’ll be there if you need me.”
“Rowena called, she asked that you phone her back as soon as you can. She says it’s important.”
“Of course it is. It’s always important,” I said with a chuckle.