Page 39 of A Bridge to a Troll's Heart
Toby had chosen the perfect spot for his tent. A small flat clearing in the dense forest partially sheltered by a sharp rise in the land on one side and the giant trunk of a sweet-smelling fir tree on the other. Together they dug out the snow and gathered fresh pine branches for insulation. The woody scent hung thick in the air, tickling his nose.
As Arlo pulled the oiled canvas tarp from the pack to set up his shelter, Toby tensed and froze.
“Toby?”
“It’s happening.” Toby laid the last branches onto their pile and rolled his shoulders. “You can watch if you like.”
Arlo had been curious about Toby’s wolf form since they first met. They’d talked about what the transformation would be like, but he’d never seen it. Anticipation clattered in his chest.
“I better get undressed.” Toby shuffled out of his jacket and kicked off his boots. “The shift will take a few minutes. I’ve never been very fast like the rest of my family. Timothy can leap into the air as a human and land on the ground as a wolf, but I always have to wait.”
“No harm in waiting.” Arlo was conscious of Toby’s longing to be more like the others.
Toby peeled off the rest of his layers. Inch by inch, naked skin was revealed. Arlo would never tire of gazing at his beautiful lover, lean and well muscled beneath his clothes, long ebony waves of silken tresses hanging past his shoulders.
Toby caught his gaze and chuckled. Arlo realized he was staring, wide-eyed and maybe a little dreamy. When chill bumps rose on Toby’s arms, Arlo reached forward to warm the skin with his hands.
Toby leaned into the touch. “Sorry. I won’t be of any use to you for a few days. You’ll have to take care of yourself.”
Arlo wasn’t sure what he meant. “You’ll be plenty of use. Don’t be daft. Who else will catch me dinner?”
Their eyes locked, and Toby’s green irises morphed to a golden yellow. A wolf’s eyes. Arlo’s mouth dropped open in awe.
“Rabbit?” Toby winked, even as his eyebrows gave way to fur.
Arlo could only nod, transfixed by the incredible sight before him.
Toby’s adorable snub nose elongated, transforming into an elegant snout. His ears rose to points and flicked to listen to sounds Arlo couldn’t detect. Toby crouched to all fours as hands and feet became paws. Skin vanished beneath layers of thick brown fur, shiny and sleek as an acorn. Arlo imagined it would be soft to the touch. He couldn’t wait to bury his fingers in the luscious coat.
The process took minutes, slow and inevitable, just as Toby had described. When it was done, a wolf stood before him, chest out, stance proud and regal. Toby gave a great rolling shake from his shoulders down to his bushy tail, and Arlo could see something of his mate in the animal’s friendly expression.
“That was stunning,” Arlo praised. “Does it hurt?”
Toby shook his head and bowed, playful. He yipped.
“Oh, good, I’m glad it doesn’t hurt.” Arlo couldn’t stop gawking, completely enraptured. “You’re magnificent like this, but you must know that already.”
Toby padded forward.
Arlo sank to his knees so they could be closer, and he was rewarded when the beautiful wolf leaned into his side. Finally, Arlo buried his hands in the luxurious flowing fur around Toby’s shoulders. The thick coat felt even better than it looked. The wolf rumbled a happy sound, and Arlo took that as encouragement to stroke down his flanks, over his spine, to his chest, and back to his shoulders.
“Wow,” breathed Arlo in reverence.
Toby licked his cheek, a broad swipe of his warm tongue from chin to temple.
Arlo laughed. “Thank you.” He kissed Toby’s snout. “All right, well, I suppose you want to run? Stretch those legs of yours?”
One more lick, then Toby backed away and pranced, turning in a circle. He let out another yip.
“I understand. I’ll have our shelter ready when you return with my rabbit.”
Another yip. Toby looked so happy in this form, free and wild, ready to take on the forest. Arlo wouldn’t dream of holding him back. He grinned and gestured to the wilderness. “Go on. I have things to do. Off with you.”
With one last fond glance and a bark of delight, Toby spun and raced away, fast and agile like the predator he was. Arlo’s tummy rumbled at the thought of roast rabbit. Sometimes he couldn’t believe his luck.
Arlo watched until the gorgeous brown wolf disappeared over the horizon, wondering what it would be like to gallop so fast the wind sleeked your hair back.
With a contented sigh, he turned back to the task at hand. He unfolded the oiled canvas and staked out his shelter. The cool night sky showed a treasure trove of twinkling stars and glowing planets overhead. Somewhere in the distance, an owl called.
