Page 2 of Full Moon
And that's when it happens.
A deep, almost demonic growl builds in her chest. I watch fur race up and down her arms. The bone plates in her face start moving under her skin. Her eyes turn from gold to amber with flecks of red—the eyes of an alpha in a rage.
"I... said... NO..."
I'm crushed under the weight of her alpha bark and intimidation combined. I fall to my hands and knees and lower my head to her, struggling to breathe. It feels as if I'm stuck in a vacuum with half a building pressing down on me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Torben move behind her. His hand goes to her throat, his teeth to her shoulder. A deep, guttural growl escapes his lips, and she goes limp in his arms. The oppressive weight lifts off me, and I can breathe again.
Looking up, I see Feray slowly turn her gaze back upon me. "See, that's why I didn't want to let go..." she whines and closes the distance between us, peppering my face with kisses.
I sip at her lips and feel the love she's pouring through the bond. Sighing, I pull back and smile at her. "I knew you could do it. You just needed to know that you could do it." I laugh and shake my head. "My dragon is impressed with you and respects you more." A deep purr from my aforementioned beast fills my chest, and she smiles.
"Tell him thank you." She pecks my lips again, then looks over at Khal. "I think we're good with the intimidation portion of the program." The guys laugh as we look at each other.
I was honestly afraid that my gift was going to be the hardest for her to learn. Pissing her off is apparently the key to getting her to let go of her fears. Comparatively, this micro powerhouse might be able to stand toe-to-toe with a dragon if need be.
She could... it's the fire I'm worried about...The cantankerous bastard interjects. It's interesting how he speaks when it's convenient for him to add to my concerns.
Gee, thanks...I fire back at the cranky bastard as I stand.
"Let's have something to eat. All the sparring must have burned some serious calories." Easton offers, motioning back to the campfire.
It's now that I notice several snowshoe hares laying by the fire-pit and three of them on sticks roasting over the open flame.
Easton takes Feray's hand and leads her over to a chair he's set up for her, offering her a hare on a stick. Tilting her head several times, she stares at his offering. Gold slowly rises in her eyes, and when she opens her mouth, I see wolven canines. Feray bites into the hare and starts eating, making happy little wolf sounds.
Staying out of her line of sight, I move to Torben's side and tap him on the shoulder. "When did that start?" He tilts his head, then turns to watch Feray.
"Hmmm." His hand strokes his beard as he thinks about it. "Recently. I thought I noticed it the other night."
"Is it because she's more in touch with her wolf?" I say out loud.
Torben tilts his head. "I don't use my bear's teeth to eat. Do you use your dragon's?"
Shaking my head, I watch Feray eat before Easton approaches and offers Torben and me each a hare on a stick. "I don't."
Easton looks at me, then back at Feray. "More wolven features become apparent when she's talking to her wolf, I've noticed." He turns back to the fire to skin the last hares to cook for dinner.
"That makes sense. My bear does the same thing sometimes." Torben heads to sit near Feray. I watch Torben, Khal, and Easton by the fire, all watching Feray. It's been an interesting experience cohabitating with so many other species.
Our mate makes it worth it, meatbag...My dragon snarls at me, and I swear I hear him rubbing his scales together.
Clearing my throat, I approach the fire. "I would like to propose a check-in. To make sure the family is well. That everyone's needs are being met." My gaze moves between each family member one at a time, then back to Feray.
She draws in a deep breath, then stands. "I don't think it's fair Khal has to stay awake all night." Feray pouts for several moments, then looks back at him. "I don't get to snuggle with him like I used to before the shit hit the fan."
Khal reaches forward and takes her hand, kissing her knuckles. "I miss you too, Precious. Honestly, I feel better when we have to camp if you're sleeping in my coils. But when we actually have proper beds, I would like to have a night off with you."
I watch as Feray threads her fingers through his black tresses, smiling down at him. Her eyes immediately turn to Torben, and he takes a step back and nods.
"We can draw straws the day before so that person can switch their sleep schedule." Torben offers.
We nod along, feeling that's fair.
"Feray, any other concerns we should know about?" I take a seat on the far side of the fire so I can see everyone.
Feray stands up and shifts her weight from foot to foot. "We need a perch for Easton, so he's more comfortable when hesleeps if I'm not with him." That makes me arch an eyebrow as I turn to my oldest friend.
