Page 47 of Kiss of Fire

It took her a moment to realise Torven was laughing.

“Get off me you soppy old thing.” He rubbed the dyrewolf behind its ears and the beast tried to lick him.

“Hang on. Is he some kind of pet?” said Raya disbelievingly.

“No, not a pet. Just a friend.”

“You said he was going to eat us!”

“Sorry. Couldn’t resist.” Torven smiled up at her, his lap full of wolf. “Come and be introduced. Raya, this is Gray. Gray, Raya. She’s a friend.” The wolf glanced at her and it seemed to Raya he had the most knowing eyes she’d ever seen on an animal.

Cautiously, she knelt next to them in the grass.

“Can I stroke him?”

“Aye. He knows you can be trusted.”

She rubbed her hand across Gray’s coat. The fur was soft and thick, and her fingers sank into it. The wolf’s jaw dropped open as its tongue lolled out contentedly. Raya couldn’t help noticing the teeth.

“He seems very nice.”

“Don’t let his goofy face fool you, my Lady. Dyrewolves are dangerous, and fiendishly intelligent. If you have one hunting you, you may as well kill yourself there and then because it won’t give up until it’s caught you.”

“So how comethisone’s tame?”

“He’s not tame. I told you, he’s a friend. But he’s still a wild animal. Don’t worry, you’re safe as long as you’re with me.”

“Why does he listen to you?”

“I’m Sylvan, my Lady. I have empathy with living creatures. I see their auras so I know how they’re feeling. Whether they’re scared or in pain. I can also tweak their feelings a little. Make them less aggressive. Encourage them to trust me.”

“That is seriously impressive. You’re a regular Doctor Doolittle.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard of him. Is he another Sylvan?”

“Definitely. Wait, does that mean you can seemyaura?”

“I would never invade a lady’s privacy like that.” He gave a cheerful grin. “Not without an invitation. I only see auras when I’m specifically looking for them.”

He gave the wolf a final pat.

“Time to go, you big softy. I won’t be around for a few days so keep an eye on my cottage, will you?”

The wolf barked, a throaty sound that made Raya jump.

“Does he understand you?” she asked curiously.

“Only when it suits him.”

The wolf got to his feet. He trotted into the woods and was quickly swallowed up by the trees.

“This way, my Lady. Come and meet Martha.”

The stables were round the back of the cottage A small, sleepy looking mare was thoughtfully munching hay, while a large bay tossed its head next to her.

“I’ll ride Strider. Let’s saddle up. Time’s wasting. Your jinn will have my guts for garters if we’re late.”

Raya felt a momentary panic. She hadn’t ridden for ten years, what was she thinking? But as Torven tacked up the horses, she saw how quietly Martha stood. She also noticed how the young man whispered to them both, running his strong fingers deftly along their necks.

---