Page 21 of Shift Happens
I stepped back to survey our work. The living room had transformed significantly under Milo’s influence. More pillowsand throws adorned the furniture, creating cozy nooks for reading. A corner now housed what he called a “human-appropriate nest”—essentially a large floor cushion surrounded by smaller pillows and blankets. The walls, once sparsely decorated, now displayed a thoughtful arrangement of art and memorabilia.
“You know,” I observed, “for someone who claims to be new to human living, you have surprisingly strong interior design opinions.”
He shrugged, looking pleased. “Wolves understand the importance of comfortable dens. We just adapt it to human aesthetics.”
“Well, it looks good,” I admitted, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “Feels more like home now.”
He leaned into me, a contented sound rumbling in his chest. “That’s the idea. Our territory should reflect both of us.”
“Our territory,” I repeated, enjoying the way the phrase felt. “I like that.”
Milo’s integration into my life had been surprisingly seamless. At the store, he’d become a genuine asset, his encyclopedic knowledge of comics and enthusiastic customer service compensating for his occasional clumsiness. At home, his presence had turned my once-orderly apartment into something warmer and more lived-in.
The only recurring challenge was the full moon. Milo still spent those nights with his pack, maintaining important bonds while helping younger shifters navigate their transformations. I’d offered to join him, curious about this other side of his life, but he’d been hesitant.
“Pack dynamics are complicated,” he’d explained. “Bringing a human to full moon gatherings is… significant. It would mean certain things to them.”
“What things?” I’d pressed.
“Important things,” he’d said vaguely. “Commitment things. Let’s just say it would be like meeting the parents, but with more ritual significance and potential for ceremonial challenges.”
I hadn’t pushed further, understanding his need to maintain separation between his worlds until he was ready to bridge them completely.
Now, surveying our newly arranged living space, I wondered if we were approaching that readiness faster than either of us had anticipated.
“What are you thinking about?” Milo asked, noticing my contemplative expression. “Your scent just changed.”
I smiled, still not entirely used to his olfactory insights. “Just thinking about how much has changed. In a good way.”
He studied my face, those amber eyes missing nothing. “You’re not just thinking about the apartment.”
“No,” I admitted. “I was thinking about us. How well this is working, despite the complications.”
“By complications, you mean the fact that I turn into a wolf three nights a month and occasionally knock over display stands because I get excited about new Batman issues?”
“Those complications, yes,” I laughed, pulling him closer. “And they’re not really complications. They’re just… you. And I happen to like you quite a lot.”
His smile softened. “I like you quite a lot too. Even if you’re terrible at following directions and insist on alphabetizing everything.”
“Organization is not a character flaw,” I defended.
“It is when you try to alphabetize the refrigerator contents.”
“That was one time!”
He laughed, the sound still my favorite thing to hear. “Come on, den-builder. I think we’ve earned a break.”
We settled on the couch, Milo immediately curling against my side in a way that reminded me of his wolf form. Physicalcloseness came naturally to him—a pack instinct that translated to constant touching, nuzzling, and what he called “scent-marking” but what I recognized as possessiveness. Not that I minded. There was something deeply satisfying about carrying his scent, just as he carried mine.
“The full moon’s next weekend,” he said after a comfortable silence. “I’ve been thinking…”
“Yes?” I prompted when he hesitated.
“Would you want to come with me? To meet the pack?”
I sat up straighter, surprised by the offer after his previous reluctance. “Are you sure? I thought it was complicated with the ritual significance and potential challenges.”
“It is,” he admitted. “But I’ve been talking with my alpha—my pack leader. She’s curious about you. About us.”
