The following February
Diana stood, half-naked and looking bored as a teenager, atop the big rock at the Coyote pack’s running grounds. “All right, you reprobates,” she shouted out. “Since Blue’s on paternity leave, Lance is traveling, and Kenny’s otherwise occupied, I’m the bitch in charge for the time being.”
Lanie turned her head slightly and snickered.
Barbie Pratt, at her side, blinked curiously at her.
“Ignore me,” Lanie said, still trying to choke back laughter. The last thing she needed was for that child to be further agitated. Barbie still wasn’t used to running with the pack on full moon nights. She was in a sea of adults and nervous as all get-out.
Lanie couldn’t help but be amused by the collective Coyote fear of Diana. She might never understand why so many of the men thought she was frightening.
“You know the rules,” Diana called out. “Be back here in your human skins by dawn. If any of you think you’ll be unable to get into work tomorrow, call in now. Be responsible.”
A few pack members broke off and shambled toward their vehicles.
Diana looked up at the moon. “And finally, stay off of other people’s private property. You guys have been doing an awesome job respecting those boundaries as of late, and I want to commend you all for keeping each other in check. I want to see more of that tonight. Buddy up. Keep each other out of trouble.”
“Who’s gonna keep you out of trouble?” Dirk shouted cheekily.
“Worry about yourself, bud,” Lanie called over to him. “I’ll worry about her.”
“Well, all right, then. Just checkin’.”
The Coyotes took off, seemingly collectively knowing exactly when to settle onto all fours and shift into their furry shapes. They ran into the desert, grouped in twos and threes.
Diana strode over, wiping sweat from her brow, looking staggeringly uncomfortable in her own skin, but she had to be. She could probably resist the urge to shift, but with everyone else around her doing so, the drive was greater. She’d explained that to Lanie, and all sorts of other Coyote trivia when they were holed up in a motel room as studs and drywall were installed at Diana’s place. An expensive endeavor, for sure, but Lanie was considering it an investment.
“Ready?” Diana asked Barbie.
Even to Lanie’s unseasoned perception, Barbie was beyond ready. She was convulsing at Lanie’s side. Her parents had run ahead into the desert, leaving her in Diana’s care. They all knew who was best at keeping those young ones corralled. Diana would find them all and keep them out of danger.
Barbie nodded weakly.
“Go on.”
Barbie rushed to the back of the rock, sending her clothes flying from the private shadows behind it.
Diana gave Lanie a short but soulful kiss and murmured, “Got everything?”
“I’ve got snacks, coffee, earplugs, and a long book. I’ll be fine. I’ll be here when you get back.”
“I’m looking forward to hearing you say that every single month.” Diana winked.
She handed Lanie her bra and panties, and then ran after Barbie, shifting silkily into her Coyote form without so much as a moan or a howl.
“And to think she’s intimidated by me.” Lanie scoffed and threw up her hands. “What a weirdo.”
And that beautiful weirdo was all Lanie’s.
Finally, all hers.