The Erinyes's Bond (Wolfguise)

Chapter 34-Eska

I turned and when I caught glimpse of him my heart stuttered. Shade was in the shape of a wolf. Never had I seen such a gorgeous creature. Having never seen a shifter change I had nothing to compare it to. I can only go by what I heard, which wasn't much.  Lycanthropies and dragons were the only creatures that took a beastly form. All shapeshifters changed forms but not all were beastly.

Shade's fur gleamed like starlight. Darker than moonlight yet enough to see by on a clear night. It wasn't quite black, more like a raven's feather. I itched to feel it between my fingers. How would it feel, like his human hair ? Or would it be thicker and denser at the base?

Shade's nose turned up scenting the air. With each sniff his head turned my direction. His ears were twitching, listening for my foot falls. Finally he caught sight of me with luminous, gibbous mooned eyes. The color a harvest gold, paled in the moonlight. In an instant I saw that the Wolf was the one tracking me.

I slowed. He had shifted to chase me. I'd asked him once if he could on command or how it really worked. He said the wolf is the one that makes the decision, if he wants to be seen. When wolves are younger their wolves are easy to coax out, as they age its less and less often. Not because they didn't enjoy being a wolf but those that they enjoyed being with changed. Friends of childhood didn't always make it to companions of adulthood.

Shade's gentle steps were like a whisper. We both stopped. I didn't understand how a man could turn into a wolf. Scientists called it molecular transmogrify and that was it. They couldn't figure out how it worked. This ability transcend belief. It was unreal, it was magic. Seeing him like this, was special.

I moved forward, Shade padded back and forth. Slowly he sat close to me. He lifted his head and rested it against my body. His breath was hot on my chin. I reached up tentatively and scrunched my fingers into his fur. It was dense but somehow silky, it didn't feel like his hair. This was curl up by a fire and read soft. His fur reminded me of comfort only a companion could bring.

We stayed like that for a moment. I was memorizing the wolf. He was my mate, in this form a companion and a guardian. I could sense that from him through the bond. He would comfort me on sad nights much like any companion would. Providing me with something I might not have otherwise. Definitely something I've never had before.

I ran my hands down his head, stroking down his ears. "You are incredible. Undeniably one of the most beautiful creatures I've ever laid eyes on. Did you know that your fur is the color of star light? I don't mean the bright light, but a darkness without a moon."

I didn't want too see another shade of black like it. This shade, this creature, this wolf of night.

"You are my Night Wolf. The perfect shade of darkness. No one else can have you. Wolf has always felt right, but I couldn't explain it. It was because I had only met half of you, not the whole of you. Night is the wolf that gives chase, and Wolf is the man that catches me in place. The two of you are Night and Wolf when you are of both minds but Night Wolf is when you are one."

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Shade pulled the dinging room chair closer. Reaching behind me he propped his arm up on the back of my chair. He gently twirled a piece of my hair he'd picked up along the way. I glanced at him quickly. The smirk  across him face was one of pure amusement.

The moment we had stepped foot in the house. Ramona had been on high alert. Every adult in the house was grinning. It took me a minute to catch on but Ramona may have found her mate. She had nearly knocked over the empty highchair trying to sit next to Ronka. Shade had pulled it out of the way before they both fell.

Now every time Ronka said anything, Ramona was enraptured. Her attention unbreakable. Amelia had flung a smattering of beans at her. Nothing. Arthur spilled his water next to her. Nothing. When the kids had gone to bed? Not even so much as a good night grunt. I wanted to know how long Ramona could keep it up.

"Ramona, do I have to separate you two?" Shade held no such interest.

Ramona turned to her brother. Her glare seared. "No. I'm fine right here. I'm not bothering anyone."

I snorted. Shade tugged my hair. He glance was quick but its meaning obvious. This was personal. I was not to partake in this fight.

"You said something to me a while back what was it? Ah yes, pheromonal rage. I do say it is a tad ridiculous." He reversed direction of his twisting.

Ronnie giggled. "Pheromonal Rage? What the hell is that?"

I put my hand on Shade's thigh. Ronka didn't seem to be sensing what the wolves were. Then again she was handicapping herself. "Hey Ronka, you're only getting part of the atmosphere. I trust these people. Show them what's under the veil."

Ronka pulled her hands into her lap and took a deep breath. She looked at me and I smiled encouragingly. She reached up and pulled the pin from her veil, carefully unfurling each pleat. She did some classier folds for work, but once she was on her own time she ditched the stiffer fabric. If it was at her place, she was herself, she didn't have to hide.

Ronnie let out one more deep breath and pulled the fabric away. Coils of emerald and blue began to slide from her head. One at a time, tiny serpent heads peaked from beneath the coils. Then quick darts of pink. Each tongue flicking, tasting the air.

Ronka's hands flew to her mouth. "Oh!"

"She wasn't at full sensory processing. I've learned those little coils are so important. Each interpret different things. Makes her super aware but veiling keeps her safe."

"While leaving her fucking handicapped." Ramona growled.

"Ramona do not get pissy." Shade's bemusement was cute.

"Is what's happening what I think is happening?" Ronka grabbed Ramona's arm with both hands.

"My sister is moments from throwing you over her shoulder and taking you home. I can only imagine what she wants to do to you." His voice implied what he knew to be true.

Ramona wanted nothing more than to fuck Ronka. Didn't matter when didn't matter when. Only unlike Ramona had been with Shade, he was egging his sister on.

"Ask her Ramona." His growl was goading.

Ronka shook Ramona's arm. "Yeah, ask me Ramona."

We sat patiently waiting for Ramona to act. She stood, flipped her  brother off and scooped Ronka out of her chair.

"I'm taking my mate home. Don't expect us for breakfast." Ramona carried Ronnie through the kitchen.

My friend called back. "Oh my god. My mom is going to freak. This is the best day ever!"

We all laughed. I knew they would be having a night to remember.