Making my own choices means a lot to me. I never want to find myself stuck in any situation. That was the old me. His gift fills me with relief, but I’m too tired to talk anymore. His thoughtfulness fills me with relief. It makes it even harder for me to keep him at a distance. I breathe in short slow puffs and manage to get out a ‘thank you.’ Then I think of his huge ring. “Tell me something…you always wear that wolf ring—is it just a family heirloom or does it have some hidden significance?”
Channing looks at his ring, turning it slowly on his finger as if he is in deep thought. “I’m not sure. It was left to me from my Grandfather who I never met. It may mean nothing, but it means everything to me.”
The rain continues, and now the tree frogs are croaking all around the cabin. Because of the pouring rain Channing suggests I spend the night and offers me his room. “No,” I insist, “just find me a pillow.” I drop down on the couch. “I’ll be fine right here near the fire.”
He takes my hand, and smiles. His eyes twinkle with excitement, excitement that I now feel inside myself. My instincts explode, feeling his desire so strong, it fills my mind, heart and senses—daring me to bridge the gap between us. I lean in close to him, close enough to touch, and this time, I kiss him properly.
Later, I sit propped up on the couch, resting my head on my knees, reliving the evening. I think about Channing while watching the flames in the fireplace. I know he’s telling me the truth. I feel a pulling inside my body, churning up my emotions, calling to me like a familiar force of nature. The moons force could fill me with the strength to expand far beyond my own being. I inhale and relax. Knowing the truth fills me with hope. Even if I never go all the way and turn, maybe things will be better.
The fireplace dies down to a soft glow, but my mind races with thoughts of what tomorrow may bring. I think of the shadow moon—looking down at the ring on my finger. The flames dance inside the ring Channing gave me. Meeting him can’t be a coincidence. What if this is true love? This could be my only chance at happily ever after.
The touch of his lips during our kiss still lingers on my mouth like honey. I realize what he said about us being mates may have some truth to it. As I let the idea of us pairing up—being together as mates sink in, my lips part. A wild craving races through my body. The sensation leaves me breathless and sweating. Then suddenly, my body tingles with intensity. I feel like a pup that’s just had it’s very first taste of raw meat. The hunger overwhelms me.
I want more...
THE END…
FOR NOW…
About the Author
Caroline Frye is an ex-librarian, and a retired teacher’s aide who writes young adult fantasies. I also sing and dance and collect old lamps, hoping one will someday turn out to be magical. That would be a hoot, I could use three wishes!
I’d love to hear from you! You may email me at the address provided below or using the contact form, or you can find me on social media.
[email protected]
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank all the people who encourged me along my path to publication.
The Shadow Moon: Wolf Awakenings Page 11
