by Jeff D Ellis
“I think so. I met a coyote named Coh who said she has been inside me from the beginning.”
“Yes, it is so.”
Grandfather helped Chloe to her feet and led her out of the sweat lodge. “It’s time for you go inside and eat. It will ground you back to the land of the living. Your grandparents are there waiting.”
“I should call Mark.”
“There is no need. He felt your connection and knew when to be here.”
Mark came running through the door and helped Chloe into the house. “Please sit down before you fall. Let me get you some food.”
The kindness in his voice melted her heart. “Thanks, Mark.”
Mark brought a plate of food and a glass of water to Chloe. Maggie walked up. “Chloe, I would like to introduce you to your grandfather, Ted.”
Ted squinted at Chloe. “You are right, she does look just like Sarah! She even has her eyes.”
“My mom had blue eyes?”
“Chloe, your eyes are back to their normal brown again.”
“I feel much more like myself, but somehow greater. Ted, it is great to meet you. Mark, Maggie and Ted are my grandparents.”
Mark held out his hand. “My pleasure.”
Ted sniffed the air and grimaced. “You didn’t say you were mated to a Wolf!”
Mark let his hand drop. “Hey! Chloe and I didn’t know she was a Coyote. All we knew she was a Vampire.”
Ted shook his head. “Vampire? What is the world coming to?” He turned and walked away without an answer.
Maggie patted Chloe on the leg. “Don’t worry about him. He’s grumpy, he’ll come around.” Maggie held out her hand to Mark. “I am pleased to meet any mate of Chloe’s. I want to be part of her life and make up for all the lost time.”
“The pleasure is all mine. It means a lot to me that Chloe found you and her Coyote.”
Maggie handed Chloe a slip of paper. “I need to take Ted home now. Call me later and we can get together.”
Chloe handed Mark her plate and gave Maggie a big hug.
“Mark, I am dead tired. Please take me home now.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
First Run
MARK DIDN’T GET much sleep last night. He was worried she might need him. It was a silly worry since he would feel if she had an issue, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her until he knew she would be all right. The drugs she took should be out of her system by now. Mark was dying to know what happened when she was gone. His connection had been severed while she was on her spirit journey. It had startled him and confused his Wolf. When the connection suddenly came back, it was like finding a lost child. He was a nervous mess when he called his brother and asked him to handle things so he could stay close to Grandfather’s house.
Chloe opened her eyes and his face was the first thing she saw.
She managed a tired smile. “How long have I been sleeping?”
Mark looked down at his watch. “Oh, about a week.”
Chloe bolted upright. “What? That can’t be.”
Mark laughed. “It felt like a week from my standpoint, but it’s only been fourteen hours.”
She rubbed her head wearily. “We need a new rule: no messing with the person coming out of a drug-induced haze.”
Mark leaned in and gave her a little kiss. “Deal. You must be starving. I can make you a bagel and some coffee to get you started and then we can go out for breakfast.”
“That would be good. I want to take a quick shower and toss something on first.”
Mark put a bagel in the toaster and grabbed the French press to make Chloe a cup of coffee. It was all ready by the time she came into the kitchen. Looking radiant in her bath robe, she took a seat at the island.
Mark set the food down in front of her. “Here, eat up.”
“You take such good care of me. Thanks.”
“Do you want to talk about what happened yesterday?”
“I am still trying to process what it all means. Maybe you can help.”
“I would love to help. Tell me about your experience.”
Chloe told Mark everything she remembered.
“I think if we hadn’t ever met, you would never have found your inner Coyote or mother’s family.”
“I think you’re right about that.”
“What do you want to do now? At this point, you can probably shift to coyote if you want. Or maybe you should spend more time with your grandparents first. Also, if you ever want to get a tattoo or anything else done to your body, now is the time before your first shift.”
“I don’t understand. Why?”
“Your first shift will create a baseline for your body. For example, after your first shift, if you wanted a tattoo it would keep disappearing as your body returned to its old state. It might stay for a short time, but it would be gone if you shifted.”
“I think I understand.”
“It may work different for you, but that is how it works for us Wolves.”
“I am happy with the way I am. Besides if I got any new piercings, it would be a pain to remove them every time before shifting. I guess you will have to accept me how I am.”
Mark moved around the island and gave her a big hug. “You are perfect.”
“How do I shift? Is it as easy as I was told in the spirit world?”
“That is how it works for me. It’s mostly learning to relax as I focus on my connection to my inner Wolf. It gets easier with practice since each time you build stronger associations to draw on. If you were a Wolf, an Alpha or your mate could command your wolf to force a shift. If you have a problem getting back to Human, I might be able to help push you back.”
“Maybe we should have a sign. Like rolling on to my back with my feet in the air or something?”
He laughed. “That will do, but remember in the smallest details what it feels like to be Human and you should shift back on your own.”
Chloe stood and dropped her robe. While Mark was admiring her naked body, she shifted. That was quick. He’d never seen anyone shift so fast their first time.
“Now try to shift back to make sure you have the hang of it.”
She looked him in the eye and ran to the bedroom. He followed her path and noticed the back door had been left open. He watched her run off into the woods behind the house. Mark started tossing his clothes off in a panic. A coyote running through Wolf territory unannounced would not go over well.
He needed to catch her before a wolf did.
***
Chloe thought, no time like the present, and dropped her robe. She was naked and ready to shift. Mark looked stunned by her sudden naked body, or was it her attractiveness? Focusing on what she had been told, she brought up the memory of what it was like to touch her inner Coyote. It only took a moment before she saw a white mist around herself and when it cleared, she was viewing the world from down near the floor. Looking down, she saw paws. This was so cool! Expecting she would be trying to shift, she’d left the door open to give her access to the woods behind the house. Feeling a need to know what her new body felt like, she took off running.
Everything was so different; there were scents she didn’t know existed before, and the colors were different. It wasn’t black and white, but it wasn’t at all like she was used to. Her new coyote body was hungry, and when it scented a rabbit, it took off running to find it. Her Human mind was a little grossed out about hunting fluffy bunnies, but her Coyote mind already had her salivating at the thought. The run felt nice and the wind through her fur brought joy to experience. It must be what a dog felt with its head out the window on a car ride. The sensory overload was almost too much for her to handle. Why would anyone give up this freedom to be Human?
She stopped in her tracks.
Coh, you know this is only temporary, right? I do plan on changing back to Human.
Yes, I know, Chloe. Give me the chance to dream; I have been trapped in your body your entire life and this is the first time we get to feel what it wa
s like to be free!
I understand, but I am still in charge, even when it’s your body we are running in.
Yes, Chloe. Just let me have some fun.
She felt her fur bristle with danger. Something was hunting them. She looked over her shoulder and saw a wolf. It did not look like Mark’s wolf and it howled.
Run! This is their land and we shouldn’t be here.
They took off running, but the wolf was catching up and its brothers were flanking her. She was smaller and a little faster, but they kept coming. This was getting a bit too real. She did not want to die as her first experience as being a coyote. She was forced into a clearing and found herself surrounded. A big white wolf entered the circle and let out a mighty howl. It was much bigger than any wolf she had ever seen in a zoo or on TV. Mark’s wolf came bounding into the circle with them. He faced off with the white wolf and growled. The white wolf was not intimated, simply glaring back.
Mark changed back into Human form. “Everybody, stop! There has been a misunderstanding. She is Pack by our rights and customs.”
Wolves were growling around the circle.
“Chloe, change back. Show them who you are.”
She tried but was stuck. She really should have practiced changing both ways. She laid down on her back with her legs in the air, to signal to Mark she needed help and wasn’t a threat.
“Father, help me, please.”
The white wolf transformed into Mark’s father. He pointed at her and demanded, “Change!”
The change came on suddenly and startled her in its swiftness. She was lying naked on the grass for all to see.
“Everyone, look! It’s the same Chloe you welcomed into your Pack two days ago.”
Chloe regained her feet and for the first time in her life was embarrassed by her body. She felt the heat rise in her face.
Alistair approached her and took a good look and sniff. “Show’s over! Everybody, remember her scent and go home. I don’t want to see this happen again.”
One by one the wolves came close and sniffed Chloe before leaving the area.
“Thank you, sir. I am sorry for causing such trouble.”
“Mark, you and I are going to have a talk about this.”
Mark bowed his head. “Yes, sir.”
Alistair changed back to his Wolf and trotted into the woods.
“Mark, I am so sorry! I got over excited and was not thinking.”
“You are lucky my father showed up with the Pack. I don’t think I could have kept them from attacking you on my own.”
Chloe looked down, avoiding Mark’s eyes. “I really messed things up.”
“If you had been introduced to the Pack after your first shift, things would have been different. They would have known your Coyote scent and would not have gotten so excited. Or if you gave me a chance to tell my father about your ability, he could have prepared the Pack. Now they are going to feel like we lied and brought you into the Pack on false pretenses. It was one thing to be a Vampire, but it’s something else to be a coyote they did not know about.”
“Please forgive me. I did not know things would be so complicated and I should have talked to you first.”
Mark hugged Chloe. “I forgive you. We need to get our Alpha to forgive us as well.”
“Thank you for looking out for me. Now what?”
“We need to get you home. I am not sure if it’s a good idea to let you shift again before we get the word out to the Pack.”
“I don’t think I can make it back to the house naked.”
“I thought about it. I dropped a long t-shirt outside the tree line. It’s not much and I am sorry for the slobber. I could only carry it in my mouth and it had to be light enough to run with.”
They started walking back and Mark found a long t-shirt. He handed it to her.
Chloe put it on and it barely covered her ass. “Thank you for thinking of me. Just wish I had some shoes.”
“Your feet will heal once you can sit down at home.”
“It’s my own fault. What about you?”
“I am not shy about my body, but if we meet up with any Humans, they are going to call the cops.”
“Mark, change back to your Wolf. We can talk more when we get back to the house.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. I would rather be seen as a strange lady walking her scary dog off-leash than someone calling the cops about a strange naked man.”
Mark changed back and walked back at her side to the house.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Still Pack?
THIS WAS NOT at all how Mark thought he would spend his Sunday morning. He didn’t have time for whatever punishment his father would be handing out. None of that mattered. Mark was going to do whatever he could to protect his mate.
While Chloe was soaking her feet in the bathtub, he decided to call his mother and see how much trouble this was going to be.
“It’s good you called. Your father is pissed off that he had to go rescue your mate after being called out to deal with an intruder. You know he is not good with surprises.”
“I know I messed up. Until that moment, we did not know if she could shift at all and we only yesterday found out she had Coyote Shapeshifter family.”
“You should have let us know when you found out she might have the ability. Then we could have prepared for the possibility.”
“We were so worried about her reaction from the mating and then she was on a spirit journey yesterday with the Shaman where she met her inner coyote. I have been watching over her for the last fourteen hours to make sure she was okay.”
“That was the time you could have called us. I would have been happy to watch over one of my Pack to give you a break. You need to stop thinking only of yourself.”
Mark hung his head. “Yes, Mother. I am overwhelmed by our mating connection and the idea of her being a Coyote. I never expected such a strong connection.”
“I understand the stress you are under, and it has to be hard with all the big changes in your life. Not being able to take a honeymoon makes it worse. It would have given you both a chance to sort out your feelings. Don’t worry, I will deal with your father and get the word out about Chloe. I accept her as Pack and will make sure others do as well.”
“Thank you!”
“Don’t think this is going to go over easy. You are going to feel pushback from all sides and people will harbor resentments until you both prove yourselves. Do your job and things will work out.”
***
Chloe was soaking in the tub, feeling alone and sorry for herself. Her worst fears had come to life when the wolves threatened to attack. It was not fear of being attacked by wolves, but the fear of being rejected by family.
She heard a knock at the door. “Can I come in?”
All she could do is whimper in response.
Mark cracked the door open and peeked in. He spoke in soft tones. “Hey there, everything is going to fine.”
She couldn’t look him in the eyes.
Mark came in and knelt by the tub. He gently touched her chin to turn her head. “Look in my eyes. You are my mate and I would die for you. Now where is that I-can-do-anything fire I love so much?”
“After the wolves’ reaction, I got worried you would cast me out.”
“I could never do that. We are forever part of each other now. Talk to your Coyote and you will see I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Chloe closed her eyes and tried to quiet her feelings.
Coh, is Mark right?
I have bonded with his Wolf. They will never leave us. They love us, all of us.
Chloe’s eyes lit up. “Coh feels that is true.”
“I am very happy you have a connection to your Coyote. She has a name? My Wolf never told me his name.”
Chloe laughed. “Thanks, I needed that.”
He smiled and touched her cheek. “At first, I was a little down that I could never share that side of my life with you, but no
w we will be even closer. It’s just all so new for you.”
“I have never been this close to anybody. I was taught it wasn’t safe.”
“I am so sorry. For us, it’s always safety in numbers, but at times I felt so alone in a group.”
Chloe touched Mark’s arm. “We will never be alone again.”
Mark nodded. “You are right about that. I talked to my mom, and she brought up a good point. Normally we would have had a honeymoon to adjust and to have time learning about each other. I am sorry I couldn’t give you that.”
“That is what we get for putting the needs of our groups first.”
“She also said you are still Pack to her and supports us.”
“Really? I thought at least the Pack would cast me out for being a Coyote.”
He shook his head. “Face it, you have an adopted family here. Expect squabbles, but in the end, we are all family.”
Chloe gave Mark a wet hug and he kissed her in response.
“Feeling any better?”
She smiled. “I am feeling … hungry. We should go find that breakfast and make sure things are good for work tomorrow. Help me up.”
Mark gave her a hand up and a towel.
Chloe wanted to invite him into the tub with her, but she felt guilty over her actions, and wanted to be supportive and focused on his launch tomorrow. They needed to bring back a win to the Pack to prove their union was worth it.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Getting ready for opening
AFTER BREAKFAST, THEY headed over to Greta’s Place to make sure all the install work was finished and working correctly.
As usual, the back door was unlocked and no one was watching it. Mark peeked into the security room and found it empty.
Chloe frowned. “I thought someone was to be working this room at all times now.”
Mark nodded. “I don’t think we set up any remote monitoring here. Let me check the boards and cameras.”
