Page 75 of Tempting Frey
“Oliver…”
I was about to tell him there was nothing he should be thanking me for, but he pressed a finger against my mouth. “I mean it. And no, you giving me whatever I want is not a matter of course. I’m a handful, I know. I’m loud and mouthy, and eventually, I’m bound to drive you crazy. But I won’t ever take you for granted, I promise.”
A handful?
“Be a handful, baby.” He blinked, looking confused, but I plowed on. “Tease me and argue with me. Keep me on my toes. I’ve never felt more alive. You’re turning my blood into liquid joy, I swear.”
When he kissed me again, he tasted of salt.
20
OLIVER
It wasn’t training. We didn’t call it that, and we never set a goal or pushed for any progress. But since August had been so warm, Teddy had been shifting and carrying me down to where the creek widened in meanders, and I would strip and bathe with him while he was in his bear form. I would swing my feet in the cool water, listening to birdsong, or we’d splash and goof around like kids.
He didn’t ask me to try to shift, didn’t look at me with expectation, or anything like that.
But one day, he was wading through the shallows, sniffing the air, and I watched the play of his magnificent muscles under his fur. The sun warmed my back, and the crystal-clear water in the creek cooled my feet. I saw Teddy’s barrel chest expand with breaths, and his furry tail quivered. He moved his ears as he sniffed some more. Then he looked at me with his big brown eyes, and he seemed to be smiling.
I exhaled, and a slow charge of energy rose up my spine. I didn’t have to push myself. It felt as if I tumbled into my otherform with the help of gravity. Suddenly, I splashed into the creek on all fours, claws digging between the pebbles, and water sprayed everywhere.
I fell to my side, getting my fur soaked, but soon found my balance. Would I be able to walk? Because four legs? How did that even…
Oh. It wasn’t hard at all!
I sped up, running through the water, and rainbows flickered in the drops. All the scents, so sharp and distinct! And the sound of birdsong! Oh! Was that a trout?
I jumped after it, but it slinked away, and I ended up with my chin in the mud. I spluttered and wiped at my snout with my front paw.
Then I paused, looking at my paw.
An actual paw.
It was much smaller than Frey’s but pretty neat. I put it on the bottom of the creek and pressed. I felt strong, so I jumped. Cool. I could jump. I tried running again, up the bank and through the blueberry bushes.
Woo-hoo!That was awesome! I was so fast.
Look at me go!
I wanted to yell at Teddy, but it was almost as if I heard his voice in my head.
I see you, baby.
I turned around, and he was right behind me. Much bigger than me, heavier, he thudded through the forest, grinning with his tongue out.
I did it, Teddy! I shifted!
We ran together until the sun began to set, but I wasn’t tired at all. To my glee, I found out I was faster than Teddy, even though he could probably crush me like a bug with his immense strength. My bear was slim and small, my fur reddish brown,and I had the freakiest, long, sharp claws. They dug into the ground as I ran up the slopes, stopping me from sliding back.
From a hill above town, I glimpsed my parents’ cottage, and an idea occurred to me. I couldn’t resist.
I heard Teddy behind me, following in my tracks.
As we neared the edge of town, I glanced back at him. Teddy’s ears were pricked up toward me.
What are you up to?
I winked and headed straight for my parents’ cottage.
