Page 29 of Shift Happens
“It’s part of who he is,” I said simply. “The part that knocks over display stands in excitement and the part that curls up as a wolf during storms—they’re both Milo. Both important.”
Around us, the sounds of the forest blended with distant howls as the pack ran their moon paths. Several wolves who had remained in the clearing moved with purpose, tending fires or preparing what appeared to be post-run food.
“He carved the token himself,” Sadie noted after a comfortable silence. “Spent weeks on it. Such gifts are usually commissioned from pack craftspeople, but he insisted on creating it with his own hands.”
The revelation touched me deeply. “I didn’t know. He never mentioned working on it.”
“He wanted it to be perfect,” she said. “Each detail meaningful. The figures standing as equals, neither diminished by the other’s presence.”
I thought of the small carved figurines—the wolf and human side by side, connected but distinct. “It’s beautiful craftsmanship.”
“He has talented hands when he applies himself,” she agreed. “Though I understand he’s somewhat… calamitous in your store.”
I laughed, tension easing. “Let’s just say our insurance premiums have increased slightly since he joined the staff.”
Sadie chuckled, a surprisingly warm sound from the intimidating alpha. “He was the same as a pup—always knocking things over in his enthusiasm. Drove his father to distraction during hunting lessons.”
We continued talking as the evening deepened, Sadie sharing stories of Milo’s childhood that painted a picture of a curious, energetic young wolf always testing boundaries. Inreturn, I told her about his progress in human society—his growing confidence with customers, his encyclopedic knowledge of comics, the way he’d transformed my once-orderly apartment into a warmer, more vibrant space.
Other pack members who hadn’t joined the run occasionally joined our conversation, asking questions about human life or offering their own observations about Milo. I began to relax, finding unexpected common ground with these people who existed between worlds.
About an hour into our conversation, distant howls announced the pack’s return. Wolves streamed back into the clearing, many showing signs of exertion—tongues lolling, fur occasionally matted with forest debris. They moved with the satisfied air of predators who had run freely under the moon’s influence.
I searched the returning wolves for Milo, finally spotting him near the edge of the group. He looked different somehow—more confident in his wolf form, moving with greater purpose than I’d seen before. When he caught sight of me, he trotted over, amber eyes bright with the joy of the run.
“Had fun?” I asked, reaching down to scratch behind his ears in the way I knew he secretly loved.
He leaned into the touch, making a contented sound that was answer enough.
Around the clearing, some wolves were shifting back to human form while others remained shifted, gathering near the fires or settling in groups. Food was being distributed—mostly cooked for the humans, though I noticed some raw portions for those who preferred to eat in wolf form.
“The formal part of our gathering is complete,” Sadie explained, rising from her seat. “Now we share food and company until dawn. Some will shift back, others will remain as wolves. There is no protocol now—just community.”
Milo nudged my hand, then glanced toward the edge of the clearing with clear intent.
“I think he wants to show me something,” I said to Sadie.
She nodded. “Go. The forest is safe with him as guide. Just stay within howling distance of the clearing.”
Chapter 14
I followed as Milo led me along a narrow path into the trees. The full moon illuminated our way, silvering the forest in otherworldly light. After a few minutes, we emerged at a small stream, the water gleaming like liquid mercury in the moonlight.
Milo stopped at the bank, looking back at me expectantly.
“It’s beautiful,” I said, understanding he’d wanted to share this place with me. “Is this somewhere special to you?”
He nodded, then surprised me by beginning to shift. I’d expected him to remain in wolf form for the duration of the gathering, but within moments, human Milo stood before me, naked and beautiful in the moonlight.
“I used to come here as a pup,” he explained, voice slightly rough from the shift. “It was my thinking place. Where I’d come when I needed to be alone.”
I moved closer, drawn by the vulnerability in his expression. “Thank you for sharing it with me.”
“I wanted you to see it,” he said simply. “To see this part of my world. To understand where I come from.”
“It’s peaceful,” I observed, taking his hand. “I can see why you’d come here.”
He smiled, squeezing my fingers. “The ceremony went well. The pack has accepted you.”
