The Shifter's Gift

by Haley Weir

  Jenna frowns. Is he going to put the blame on her for the incoming attack?

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just coincidence.”

  Then, Ellen appears at their table. “Jenna! I didn’t know you’d be here. Nice to see you. We’re doing a big dinner tonight, did Xander already tell you?”

  “No, I didn’t tell her yet,” admits Xander. “Jenna, would you like to join us all for dinner tonight?”

  “Of course, I’ll be there,” responds Jenna, smiling at Ellen.

  “Great!” Ellen says. “Well, can I get you anything right now?”

  “Just water would be great, thanks,” Jenna says.

  “Coming right up,” breezes Ellen as she disappears behind the counter.

  “So, how did talking to the guys go?” Xander inquires.

  “It was...good. They showed me the photos of the guys,” Jenna explains.

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah, and they seemed so familiar. And you won’t believe this. They were the same poachers from that book in the library.”

  “You’re kidding me…” Xander trails off.

  “I’m not!” Jenna exclaims. “Are you surprised? The other guys weren’t so shocked. They said ‘poachers never die’ or something.”

  “These guys must really be out for blood. Surviving long enough to continue the hunt, what, 20 years later? I just don’t understand what brought them back here after such a long hiatus.”

  “And I don’t understand why they look so familiar to me. I hope we both get answers,” Jenna adds.

  “I agree,” says Xander.

  “Do you think we could have another...one on one session?” Jenna asks nervously. She can’t read Xander. He gives her standoffish vibes, and there seems to be a lot she doesn’t know about him yet. What if he’s had enough of her? He owes her nothing, and it would be easy enough to send her packing. It could be all up to Xander to send Jenna away, and no one could really do anything about it. Before he has time to decide to get rid of her, Jenna wants to get in as much training as possible.

  “Do you think it will be helpful?” Xander asks. Jenna can’t tell if he’s trying to push her away or if she’s just reading into things too much.

  “I think it could be. I ran this morning, right before I got here. My mind started to clear and I revisited some old memories that haven’t come to mind in a while. I want to keep digging. I feel like there’s a missing piece to my story.”

  “We all feel that way sometimes. I want you to find what you’re looking for, but I don’t know if I’m the one you need to depend on,” Xander says.

  “I really felt like we were making progress together. I know we only had one session, but…” Jenna trails off. Tears are in her eyes and she’s embarrassed at how she’s practically begging for his time. Before Jenna arrived here, she’d never be caught dead crying over a man or pleading for his help.

  “Listen, Jenna-” Xander begins before she cuts him off.

  “If you don’t want to help me out, fine. Just say so. I can handle the truth. In fact, I prefer when people are straightforward. I don’t want to waste your time, so don’t waste mine,” Jenna’s tone is sharp.

  “Alright, alright,” Xander replies. “I want to help you, I just don’t know if I can.”

  “We have to try,” Jenna says.

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m very stressed by our current situation. I didn’t plan or expect to take on a student,” Xander explains.

  “I know I can be a little...intense. I’ve just gone so long feeling so lost in this world. I don’t have anyone anymore.”

  “You have me now. All of us,” reassures Xander.

  Jenna smiles. “So you’re going to keep helping me?”

  “Yes,” says Xander. “But, there’s one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You have to show me that you are what you say you are.”

  “You mean, you want to see my bear?”

  “Yes,” says Xander. “I need to be sure. Like I’ve said, I want to trust you. But, with everything going on…”

  “I get it,” Jenna begins to panic. Her palms sweat. Her nightmare is shifting in front of anyone. “I don’t know if I can.”

  “Wait, so you can’t?”

  “Not in front of you...or anyone. It’s embarrassing.”

  Now, Xander feels badly about pressuring her. He remembers how traumatizing shifting can be, especially for a shifter who isn’t fully in control of their powers. He remembers shifting out of his control and how physically and mentally draining it can be. It’s still not an entirely comfortable process, but at this point, he handles it well. Xander decides to try a more delicate approach.

  “Listen, I know it’s embarrassing. I get it. I’ve been there,” he says gently, trying to comfort her.

  “You have?”

  “Well, I mean, with the others. Blake, Ethan, Douglas. I’ve seen it,” Xander says.

  “Right,” Jenna says. Ellen returns to the table with a bottle of water for Ellen.

  “On the house!” she says, handing Jenna the water.

  “Thanks,” Jenna smiles. “So, I’m going to get home and get showered before dinner.”

  “I’ll meet you at the house soon,” notes Xander. “We’ll work together.”

  Jenna flashes him a grin and practically skips out of the cafe, waving goodbye to Ellen as she exits.

  “Xander, did you tell her yet?” Ellen asks him once they’re alone.

  “I can’t,” he replies.

  “Why not?”

  “It’s too dangerous especially with the poachers coming. The more of our shifters on the downlow, the better. Why risk exposing myself until I have to?”

  “I see your point. But Jenna’s not dumb. She’s going to figure it out. You should decide if you want to tell her before finding out on her own.”

  “You’re not wrong,” Xander agrees as he gets up. “I’ve gotta go. Thanks for the coffee.”

  Chapter 14

  Xander arrives to the house and can smell the scent of Jenna’s shampoo filling the air. The smell comforts him. Jenna appears at the top of the stairs in a towel, her hair wet and dripping on her shoulders. He averts his eyes, trying not to stare at her body only covered by a little towel. Is she deliberately teasing him?

  “Be right down,” she says, squeezing water out of her hair.

  “Okay,” says Xander. “I’ll wait down here.”

  Xander makes himself comfortable on the couch. He gazes at the beautiful home he’s thankful to call his own. The thought of a poacher invasion sends a chill down his body. Will they destroy the house to get to what and who they want? It’s likely, Xander concludes. He considers his backup plan-- the castle. Though he swore he would never go back there after the attack, it may be the safest place to escape to in an emergency. The castle has even better security now. Xander added a huge, indestructible gate around the entire structure. The thought of returning to the place where he lost so much makes him sick to his stomach. He knows that when push comes to shove, he’ll have to suck it up. He can’t lose another family.

  Jenna appears on the couch next to him. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t even realize she made it down the stairs.

  “You good?” she asks, noticing the distant look in Xander’s eyes.

  “I’m good,” replies Xander. “Just have a lot on my mind.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Not now, but thank you. This is about you,” Xander asserts. Jenna’s scent is intoxicating. Xander wonders if she put on perfume for him. He subtly looks Jenna up and down. She wears short shorts that show off her perfect legs. It seems they don’t have a bruise or a blemish. He admires her thick calf muscles, sculpted from years of running.

  “So, how should we start this?” Jenna asks. Xander brings his eyes back up to meet her’s. Noticing for the first time just how big and blue they are, he’s taken aback. His mind goes blank, the lesson plan h
e has suddenly seeming foolish. He wants to help her focus and find memories to channel. That’s how he learned to control his bear and how he taught the others.

  “We need to focus on your memories,” explains Xander. “I’m sure there are very useful tools in there.”

  “Okay,” responds Jenna. She notices her knee is almost touching Xander’s. She wants to test him by moving a little closer. Are they on the same page? Does he want to know just how soft her skin is? Does he want to see what’s under her shirt? She inches closer.

  “Is this okay?” she asks as her thighs press against his. They’re now sitting next to each other, facing the television as if they’re settling in for a movie.

  “Yeah,” replies Xander as his heart rate picks up. “It’s good. It’s good to be comfortable when you meditate.”

  “I’m comfortable,” says Jenna. “Are you?”

  The room is so silent that their rhythmic heartbeats are the only sounds in the room. Jenna’s scent is dizzying to Xander. She’s stirring up something inside of him.

  “I’m comfortable,” Xander whispers as he moves his hand onto Jenna’s thigh.

  Jenna is unsure if his hand placement is an accident. It feels too good to be true.

  She leans in close. “Is this part of the lesson?”

  “It can be,” Xander responds confidently. It’s like he’s experiencing an awakening and suddenly he needs to have his hands all over her.

  “I’m sure getting to know my body can helpful. For me, of course,” explains Jenna. She decides to take the lead by grabbing his hand and moving it slowly up her thigh, daring his fingers to explore between her legs. Xander feels weak at her touch. He told himself not to get involved, especially now with the approaching danger. He can’t resist her though, no matter how desperately he’s tried. He moves his hand up underneath her shorts. She’s not wearing any underwear, and he starts to breathe heavily. He slowly moves his fingers between her folds only to discover a pool of moisture. Jenna lets out a gentle moan.

  “That feels good,” she breathes. “Keep going.”

  Xander works his fingers and touches her in all the right spots. He rubs rhythmically as she throbs.

  “You like this?” Xander asks, leaning in and putting his mouth gently on her neck. He kisses her neck slowly to build up his own excitement. He continues moving his fingers masterfully between her legs, kissing her neck faster. Jenna throws her head back in pure ecstasy. Unable to remember the last time she was touched like this, she’s not even sure if she’s having a lucid dream. Xander bites her neck just a little and she’s reminded that she’s fully awake; more awake than ever before. She reaches for his bulge, wanting to return the pleasure he’s giving her. Responding to her touch, Xander lets out a low moan in delight. Taking the cue, Jenna unzips his pants and begins to fondle him. She strokes vigorously up and down.

  “I want to fuck you,” Xander says, shocking himself at his aggression. She makes

  him feel animalistic.

  “Please,” whines Jenna, laying on her back. “I want you to fuck me.”

  “I want you to beg me,” asserts Xander as he slides her shorts down.

  “Please. Please fuck me. I need you to fuck me, Xander.”

  He puts his head between her thighs, eager to explore her with his mouth. He needs to know how she tastes. Using his tongue and his fingers, he licks and applies pressure until she lets out a small scream. Her back begins to arch. Xander puts his hand over her mouth.

  “Don’t make a sound,” he orders.

  “Yes, sir,” she says back. He can feel her smile. He removes his hand from her mouth and uses it to pull off her shirt, revealing her perfect breasts. With his big strong hands, he cups and fondles them. Using his mouth, he explores her nipples and sucks them til they’re hard. Jenna releases another yelp, and Xander puts his hand on her mouth once more.

  “What did I say? Don’t make a goddamn sound.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Say my name.”

  “Sorry, Xander,” she cries. It feels like her wildest teacher-student fantasies are coming true. Xander can boss her around as much as he’d like. She pulls his shirt off and reveals his perfectly toned body. Eager to feel it against hers, she pulls his jeans all the way down. Now, they’re both at their most vulnerable; completely naked and prepared to give each other the wildest pleasure they could imagine.

  Xander lowers his body onto hers and feels her warm skin against his, finally. He slips himself inside of her and begins to thrust. Swaying to a rhythm in his head, he rocks up and down on top of her with her breasts cupped in his hands. She lets out a moan and he slaps his hand over her mouth.

  “What did I say? Don’t make another sound,” he demands as he thrusts.

  “Sorry, Xander,” says Jenna. She’s drunk on pleasure. The feeling of him inside her is almost too much for her to bear. With him in control, she feels free for the first time.

  “Turn over,” Xander demands. Excited to see what he can offer her next, Jenna rolls over onto her stomach. Behind her, Xander grabs her ass in his hands, gently rubbing it. He slaps it, and Jenna giggles.

  “Be quiet!” he says in a low but stern voice.

  She silences herself as Xander enters her from behind. He slips himself between her legs and she wraps her legs behind him. From this position, he can penetrate deeply and deliver erotic pleasure in a way she’s never experienced. He thrusts, hands grasping her ass for support. He picks up the pace and thrusts faster. Faster, faster, faster. Harder, harder, harder. He reaches one hand around to stimulate her clit, rubbing it in fast circular motions. There’s no part of her he’s not lighting on fire. Jenna’s never felt so alive.

  “More,” she says, her voice muffled by the couch pillows.

  “Don’t talk,” Xander commands. He flips her over again. As she peers at him with her beautiful blue eyes, he feels himself reaching the end.

  “I’m gonna come,” he states. “I’m going to come inside of you. Do you like that?”

  “Yeah, I like that,” says Jenna breathily. She’s going to finish too, and soon, if he keeps touching her like that.

  “Good,” he replies, his speed picking up and the force of his thrust hard enough to rock the whole couch and Jenna’s whole world.

  “Fuck!” he shouts out as he comes inside of her. He breathes heavily. It’s uncertain where his sweat stops and hers begins as their bodies have melted into one.

  “I’m not done with you,” he says, lowering his head back between her legs. With his mouth, he explores the junction between her thighs. Jenna’s back arches as electric waves jolt through her body. Responding to her excitement, Xander uses his fingers to work the delicate region from where her pleasure derives. He works harder, harder, faster, faster, faster. Using his fingers magically, he brings her to a climax. The moans she releases as she achieves orgasm are like music to Xander’s ears. He gives her a light kiss on each of her thighs before lying down next to her. They breathe together as their bare chests rise and fall in unison. Jenna smiles at Xander and he smiles back.

  Chapter 15

  After quickly showering together, they throw on their clothing and return downstairs. Douglas and Ellen are sitting in the living room talking with Mikayla and Ethan. Blake and Avery are in the kitchen putting the final touches on dinner. As they descend down the staircase, Jenna feels like like she has a dirty little secret. She likes how it feels.

  “What if they came home while we were…” she whispers to Xander.

  “What if?” repeats Xander. He doesn’t smile or play along. It’s like as soon as they were done being intimate, he reverted back to the withdrawn man he was when they first met. .

  “We should do that again,” Jenna whispers to him. They’re now with the group, and Jenna likes the rush of secretly flirting with him in front of the others. It makes her feel naughty. She’s in an orgasm afterglow and her energy is purely sexual. She wants everyone to disappear and for Xander to bring on round t
wo.

  “Yeah, maybe,” is all Xander can muster in response. He seems distracted. She wonders if it has to do with the poachers. They seem to be the source of Xander’s abundant stress. Jenna curses the timing of it all, thinking of how things could be with Xander if he weren’t so concerned with the threat.

  “Did something happen? Did you get more information?” asks a concerned Jenna.

  “No,” says Xander flatly. He wishes Jenna would stop pushing him.

  “Then, what is it?” Jenna presses him for more.

  “It’s really nothing. I’m sorry if I seem weird,” Xander apologizes half-heartedly. They’re sitting on the couch at the exact same spot they just rendezvoused. It feels different now. Jenna wishes his focus were on her just like before.

  “You always seem weird, Xander,” she replies.

  “I guess I can’t argue with that.”

  “You know you can tell me anything, right? I trust you. I hope you trust me too, at this point.”

  “I do trust you,” says Xander. He can’t think of what else to say. If word gets out that he’s a shifter, that could increase the dange for the others. If they know there’s more than three, and four including Jenna, they’ll come with more manpower than before. Plus, they’ll go for Xander first when they realize his strength and position in the pack. While he trusts Jenna, he doesn’t trust the poachers. Not to mention he doesn’t want to speak his truth aloud in the first place. It reminds him of the family he lost. Jenna will just have to continue to be patient. When all of this blows over, if Jenna doesn’t immediately flee home, he’ll come clean about who he is.

  They’re seated at the dinner table There’s Blake and Avery, Mikayla and Ethan, and Ellen and Douglas, leaving her and Xander. She can’t help but feel like they’re a couple, even if just for tonight. Jenna’s having a hard time making the butterflies in her stomach settle. She feels a mix of nerves and excitement. What will the future look like for her and Xander? Is there one?

  “Thanks for coming to dinner everybody!” exclaims Blake, holding his glass of wine in the air to toast the others. Everyone raises their glasses and says cheers.