When I pushmyself up the steps of my front porch early the next morning, it’s all I can do not to lean over on the rail in exhaustion. Mrs. Miller was heading down for her CT scan when I left, and the daughter had arrived to keep her dad company. It was heart-wrenching, their pain, them not understanding why it happened to them. I always wonder, why do some people go through these things and others come out just fine, or deal with no pain at all?
Even as an employee in the medical field, where I witness miracles of science every day, sometimes there’s nothing you can do for someone. And it’s the absolute worst.
A small meow greets me as I step onto the porch. I know it’s not Old Man, because his meow is husky and deep. The calico before me rubs around my legs, and I reach down to scratch her ears. “So, who are you going to turn into?”
She chirps in response, and who knows what all she’s talking about as I unlock the door and step inside my house. She attempts to follow, but I block her. “I don’t think so, ma’am.” I rush inside, quickly shutting and locking the door before peeking out of the peephole. I may have let my guard down with Aarick, but that won’t be the case with anyone else, especially animals.
And I was right. Before my eyes, the calico transforms into a stunning blonde beauty with a dangerous smirk, her eyes glinting at me. “I know you’re watching me, runty bitch.”
The air leaves my lungs, my chest aching as I struggle for breath while she moves closer to the door. She bangs on it with her fist. “You better stay the fuck away from him. A deal was made long ago, and he has to abide by it.”
She transforms again into the calico and hikes her leg, spraying urine all over my patio chair before bounding off into the night.
Good god. I never asked for any of this. She can have Aarick if she wants. I don’t want to stand in the way.
But even as I think it, I know that’s a lie. My blood drums in my veins at the thought of his name.
Mine. Mine. Mate.
The drumming gets faster and faster, my body filled to the brim with anger, possessiveness, and something else I can’t quite put a name to. My hand stretches out, opening the door, and the hissing of the calico as she turns around, crouched close to the ground, is as clear as if she were right next to me.
My body suddenly releases the tension it was holding in all of my muscles as I move down the first step, and as my hand hits the rail, my limbs feel like mush. My vision clouds, everything around me blurring, and my body contorts, the stretch of my muscles rearranging me onto all fours the strangest sensation. Quickly, I acquaint myself with my new form. I can swish mytail, twitch my ears. It’s freeing to be able to stretch, to arch my back and release a low growl at the calico.
But she’s no longer as brave, apparently, because she’s backing away from me, eyes wid. Her head twists back and forth as she looks around, as if searching for someone to rescue her.
Not sure how this will work, I open my mouth, trying the way I would normally clear my throat, but it just releases a small growl.
Inhale deeply, with your whole chest.Aarick’s voice is in my mind again, and it’s like another invasion, but I look past it and obey his orders, then release a ferocious roar. The calico jumps a foot into the air and takes off at a sprint, her bushy tail the last thing to disappear over the hill.
Well done, Mate.
SIX
The sensationof the grass under my paws, wet with the morning dew, is a shock to my system as I prowl around the front yard. The sun has barely risen, so I’m determined to appreciate this moment of freedom before scattering back inside. If my neighbors came out and saw me in the yard, I’m sure there would be some panicking.
You are stunning.
Shut up, I tell him.
Are you angry with me?
Yes. You used my phone.
Ah, no, that was your aunt.He tilts his head at me, ears alert.
My eyes go wide.She was there while we…?
No, you were asleep. It was in between the floor and the shower, actually.
Oh my god.If I had hands, I’d cover my face. Circling a spot that seems perfect, I plop down on my haunches and give him the evil eye.
He throws his head back as if he’s laughing, which perturbs me even more.
This isn’t funny, Aarick. My whole life is a lie. And why did I just now change? If I’m a shifter, shouldn’t I have done it before? And who’s that bitch that showed up at my door, calling me a runt?
We should discuss this, for sure, but not like this.He shifts instantly, bare before me, but while he’s attractive as hell, there’s no drive for me to pounce him like before.
Right now, I’m worried about shifting back. What if I mess up, or get stuck like this? I close my eyes.
