This multi shifter was Jim’s lady? But a woman who could become a dragon was probably a good match for a lion.
‘I cannot take bird form and I find herbivores difficult,’ Natalya admitted. ‘I like four legged carnivores.’
‘What is your true alternate form?’ Jim asked, striding closer to her suddenly and deliberately scaring her.
‘I don’t know,’ Natalya said nervously but she stood her ground and stared back at him warily. His blue eyes suddenly changed colour to a rich gold that was very alarming. She felt a buzzing and his clothes removed themselves from his skin in a split second. He knelt, shimmered and a huge powerful lion stood before her and way too close for comfort.
‘Change little kitty,’ Jim the lion growled. She continued to glare at him refusing to be intimidated. He gestured with his paw deliberately. She squealed in dismay as her clothes unfastened and floated off her body despite her best efforts to keep hold of them. She knelt and shimmered as he had. Jim chuckled in delight now. He was muzzle to muzzle with a massive tiger. The tigress growled at him, revealing huge fangs. She was almost as big as his lion and certainly a far cry from the domestic tabby she’d arrived as. Now he understood why she hadn’t seemed overly frightened of his lion.
‘Superbly realised tiger,’ Jim said prowling around her and noting even the intricate stripes were perfect. She had clearly spent time in this form and was comfortable with it. ‘But this isn’t your true form. Have you tried a lion?’ he asked slightly wistfully.
‘No and that’s not a shape I’d try here.’
‘Why? Amelie can easily be a lioness but she does it only rarely. She prefers the panther; I don’t know why.’
‘Don’t you know anything about being a lion?’ Natalya snorted and shook her head. Unless a woman liked being submissive to her man she would chafe as a lioness in a lion’s presence. A lion always dominated his pride females even though the females were the hunters and a woman capable of being such a powerful cat would probably choose a more independent type of cat with a male around. She shimmered and became her medium cat the lynx. Her tiger was too similar and related to a lion. Lions liked prides; he might be on the lookout for another female and she had no wish to fall into that trap.
‘No, that’s not you either,’ Jim told her. ‘You’re not a cat at all, are you,’ he commented, objectively considering how he’d seen her instinctively acting up to now. Cats did not run with others, they ran alone. ‘You have dog traits,’ he suggested.
‘I’ve never been a dog,’ Natalya objected, but knew what she had been. She closed her eyes shimmering again. She heard a strange half choked sound from Freddie behind her but met the lion’s gaze questioningly and he nodded.
‘She’ll make a fine addition,’ Jim told Drako. ‘I know how much you like your wolves.’ He paused with his head up. ‘I think I hear the ones we saw in town arriving. I’d best go down and check them over. Coming Drako?’
‘More are arriving?’ Drako asked absently, far more interested in watching as Freddie shimmered into his reddish grey wolf. Freddie’s head was held high and his posture taut as he touched noses with Natalya’s beautiful black white and grey patterned wolf. Then his tail began wagging. Her ice blue eyes fitted this form perfectly.
‘She’s exhausted and hungry Freddie,’ Cassy reminded, aware of just how eagerly focussed he was on her. ‘When did you eat last Natalya?’
‘I don’t remember,’ Natalya responded tearing her eyes from the stunning red wolf before her.
‘Let me remedy that,’ Freddie suggested and her feathery tail waved again. He headed for the door, glancing at Drako for permission to leave and suddenly noticing just how interested they all were in his interaction with her. As she had been doing all morning, she followed his every move, remaining exactly by his side as they left the house and started down the hill. But now it all made sense and he knew why it had felt right. His scent on her coat was doubly intoxicating now he was in wolf form. Abruptly he had an irresistible urge to howl. He stopped and let it flow out of him. The notes might sound mournful to the human ear but they were anything but.
Natalya cocked her head at him in surprise. Another howl close by answered him then two more. He howled again and she joined him, her voice blending around his. There was a silence and then the answers had changed in tone to ones of eager query. Three males came into sight. All were large wolves like Freddie and they trotted up the slope, their ears pricked and tails wagging. One was almost black but the other two were the more usual marled grey.
Freddie stood with his head high and tail curved out in the alpha male pose. It was a posture the others knew but had never seen him hold so determinedly. The new blue eyed female with the strikingly marked coat and already bearing his scent was the reason.
‘I am Natalya,’ she said to the males generally. ‘Pleased to meet you all,’ she added. Freddie still stood rather rigidly, clearly on guard in case one of the others made a move on her. She nudged his shoulder amused by his posture and that he kept so still. She then licked his muzzle and his pose melted. ‘I’m hungry,’ she reminded.
‘The school has the best food,’ Freddie said and began trotting. He constantly made sure she was there by his side, still disbelieving of his luck. The warriors or rather his pack followed. There was a group of people at the gates when they left the village. Several were watching but Freddie didn’t care; running wild in his animal form was exhilarating and one of the best things of being animus. He was surprised, but then gratified, that Johnny and Rupert began playing with each other, nipping and bowling the other over as they ran together. They were undoubtedly showing off. The addition of this one female had instantly turned them into a real pack.
Natalya bounded by his side across the grass feeling a great sense of belonging and camaraderie. She didn’t even know these other male’s names yet either. It was enough that Freddie was the alpha and that they were all welcoming her to join them.
Freddie led her away from the clusters of students sitting in the grass or lounging near the front doors enjoying the warm sunshine. Round the back of the house she admired a huge glasshouse integrated into a courtyard. Several small outbuildings were clustered here along with a walled vegetable garden handy for the kitchens. But most importantly, as far as she was concerned, the wafts of cooking smells assailing her nose originated here.
‘We forgot our clothes,’ Freddie suddenly remarked ruefully.
‘You haven’t stashed any up here for this kind of need?’ Natalya asked in surprise.
‘No. Perhaps we should,’ Freddie acknowledged. ‘Hang on, maybe there’s something we can use in the wash house.’
‘Don’t you run in wolf fur very often?’ Natalya asked whilst following him inside one of the outbuildings.
‘Not up to the house. In the village and grounds yes, there’s plenty of space. But you have to understand that our village is less than a year old. Drako negotiated with Jim for a place of refuge within school walls for our clan. It was winter and there were a lot of us driven from our homes and lands. Jim organised the students and the wizards built houses for us. Many of the previously scattered members of our clan have since joined us, and every day other animus people find their way here. We’ve kind of spilled out of what was originally granted us and our population has more than doubled. Drako has told us to tread lightly. We don’t want the wizards to become irritated by our increasing numbers and resent us.’
‘So why remain here? What is it about this place that draws you if you’re only here on sufferance?’
‘Drako and Jim. They are a very powerful combination, especially now Cassy has joined us. Jim is a powerful wizard and I’ve seen him do astonishing things, but as he keeps telling us, he is only one man. To defend youngsters and a place as large and complex as this he needs experienced warriors. That is where Clan Green Bear comes in. Of course no ordinary is going to match an animus warrior; our senses and strength far surpass them. It’s the wizards we worr
y about. But here, Jim can pull together the older students to help power big defensive spells if necessary, but it’s hard on them. Most are still teenagers and he would have to choose spells that will not turn their stomachs or more importantly frighten them into running home. He needs the wizard parents on side to thwart or undermine any plans to attack or destroy the school. He doesn’t need the students to know just how often there are attempts to breach our defences; they’d panic needlessly. But essentially we have a mutually beneficial arrangement worked out here. So what brought you here?’
‘You brought me precisely here,’ she told him whilst rummaging in a basket of dirty clothes. She pulled out a dress wincing a little at its odour but it was the only one likely to fit. Then she noticed a disgusting stain down the front and threw it back. She rummaged in a basket of male clothing next and pulled out two pairs of trousers and two shirts that were less obviously stained.
‘Will these fit you?’ she asked pushing the items towards him with her nose. Freddie shimmered and grew into his human body yet retained his wolf fur. She stared at him, astonished by his feat. ‘How did you do that?’ she asked observing that he could now dress without revealing his bare skin inappropriately. She admired his thick fur trying not to linger in any of the areas she was most curious about.
‘There’s a knack to it but anyone can learn,’ he said. ‘Keep the image of your fur in your mind whilst you relax into your human form,’ he advised. ‘Are you sure you’ve the strength just now?’ he asked quickly, well aware of how many forms she’d changed into and thus strength she’d expended today. And that was since he’d found her running for her life.
Natalya closed her eyes and her bare skin was only visible for a moment before her wolf fur reinstated itself.
‘Well done,’ Freddie said warmly. ‘Feels a little strange doesn’t it?’
‘Yes. Useful though,’ she added grinning at him and aware his eyes were straying. She quickly pulled on shirt and trousers, fastening both before letting her fur vanish. They were too baggy on her but the trouser length was only just long enough. She tied the shirt tails in a knot at her waist so the male clothing looked less shapeless. ‘Do I look acceptable?’
‘You smell of another male,’ Freddie couldn’t help complaining.
‘So do you,’ she told him.
He noticed her raised brows and hastily changed fully to human form aware suddenly of how possessive he’d sounded. As a wolf, actively pursuing and claiming a new female for his own was acceptable, as a man it was not. He’d only just met her and he needed to keep in mind she would have her own wishes and plans that were unlikely to include him. ‘Let’s see what goodies the cooks have left over from lunch,’ he suggested.
‘Why did you come up here for lunch if you’re trying to remain inconspicuous?’
‘I lived up here longer than most and the cooks know I fill the larder for them. They don’t mind me,’ he grinned at her engagingly and she laughed.
Natalya noticed the wolves Freddie had called to hadn’t gone but sat in the grass nearby, watching and waiting. ‘Don’t they have anywhere they should be?
‘They want to meet you,’ Freddie told her simply. He led her quickly out of their sight however down a corridor and into the dining hall. He took her to an empty table by the windows and sat her down. ‘You sit and rest. I’ll go and speak with the cooks.’
She watched him thread his way between the tables of this huge room and disappear into a doorway at the other end. The big oak tables were freshly scrubbed clean, the flagstone floor swept and even the chairs were tucked neatly under the tables. She suspected the kitchen would be just as organised and clean. She idly watched the students moving about outside on the lawn. Several separate groups were seated in the grass, perhaps they were having their lessons outside? The day was unusually warm and sunny, one of the first this spring. It wasn’t surprising everyone wanted to be outside enjoying it. It was a restful calm scene and exceedingly different from her increasingly desperate search for sanctuary that had been her life for the last three weeks.
She glanced up as Freddie returned. She’d been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed him come across. ‘Are they having lessons out there?’
‘Looks like it. Might as well make the most of the sunshine; it’s been a long winter.’
‘True enough,’ she agreed. ‘It just seems weird to see them so happy, safe and occupied in learning magic after the frantic few weeks I’ve just had. People have been trying to kill me because of my magic.’ She shook her head and watched him settle down opposite her.
‘Here you can be just as safe as them,’ he said softly and took her hands across the table in tactile emphasis.
She noticed whilst they talked he alertly kept an eye on everything around them; he’d obviously spent a long time hunting and being hunted. ‘Why did you howl when we left that house?’
‘Why did you join me?’ he countered his gaze abruptly intent on her.
‘I’ve no idea what I was saying or why I felt I had to,’ she admitted. ‘I’ve never howled before, but it felt good.’
‘You didn’t know I was a wolf?’
‘No. You were obviously animus and something predatory, but I wasn’t scared of you.’ Instead she’d been drawn to the man with the laughing green eyes. Not that she was going to admit that to him.
‘But you were scared of Jim?
‘Yes, even when he was trying to be charming.’
‘Why did you tell him you wouldn’t be a lion?’
‘Because he is one. Lion males instinctively surround themselves with a number of females, particularly if they’re in their prime. Even my tiger tempted him.’
Freddie considered her words whilst tucking in to the hot meal one of the cooks had just placed before them both. He’d never met a lion animus prior to Jim, so didn’t know their usual traits well enough to refute her observation. Whilst Cassy had also been wary of Jim, he’d never witnessed him actually doing anything to warrant both women’s uneasy reactions.
‘What is Drako?’ Natalya asked.
‘A black bear and so is his sister Ebony. That’s her outside with the long black hair.’
‘She looks a lot like Drako,’ Natalya commented eyeing the stunning woman. Then she noticed Ebony reach down and tug a seated man to his feet. He rose, wrapped his arms about her and kissed her. It was a brief kiss but revealed the passion between them. He turned to quell the whistles and laughter of those students around him, but wore a broad grin.
‘That’s Max. He’s the deputy head here and the animus teacher,’ Freddie told her aware of the direction of her gaze and trying to calm his sudden and unexpected jealousy that she was looking at another man.
‘He’s animus. What is he?’
‘An owl.’
‘A bear and an owl? That’s weird,’ Natalya mused. ‘It doesn’t seem to be a problem for them. What of Cassy? How does a bear cope with a wizard?’
‘Very well actually. They are devoted to each other. She has taught him how to link their minds so they can share their thoughts. She is remarkable, but then her spirit takes the form of a white wolf.’
‘Ah, so you would approve,’ Natalya laughed. ‘Is that why you like me?’ she asked suddenly and before she lost her nerve. ‘Because you felt the wolf in me?’
‘It’s possible,’ he conceded. ‘Although your kitty was very cute and affectionate,’ he added with a grin.
She flushed knowing he was referring to her snuggling against his body and hiding inside his coat. But she’d sensed his honest intention was to protect her. She’d desperately needed some respite from being hunted and she’d relaxed, feeling safely hidden and protected, for the first time in weeks. His gentle touch had helped settle her overwrought nerves and been strangely calming. She wished she could pretend to be a helpless and defenceless little cat again and let him take over, but he’d seen her tiger and she had some shreds of pride remaining. She glanced around them again feeling r
ather exposed here in this big airy room. She tried to quell her cowardly wish to hide behind Freddie, realising she was already relying on him to guide and protect her in this new place full of wizards. She knew she was being foolish to put her complete trust in her saviour on such short acquaintance and also to think she could commandeer his help exclusively. He was the alpha wolf of a pack of strong warriors; he would have commitments.
Someone came into the room and glanced her way curiously. She strove not to jump up and nervously push herself into Freddie’s arms for protection. She knew there was a real attraction between them. She couldn’t go to him now and expect him to consider any physical contact purely casual and insignificant despite her need for simple tactile comfort. She gritted her teeth, trying hard to get a grip. She didn’t want him to think she was neurotic and unstable; he’d run a mile! She didn’t dare ask what he’d thought of her wolf. She glanced at him again; he was quiet but watchful. Then he smiled at her and she felt her tangled emotions calm a little. She turned her attention to finishing the wonderfully filling roast dinner. She was aware he had a small smile on his face but he said nothing and pretended to concentrate on eating too.
‘Well that hit the spot, thank you,’ she said putting down her fork and sitting back replete. His plate was already empty; he’d also clearly been hungry.
A woman came out of the kitchen to take their plates. ‘Anything more for you dears?’ she asked.
Freddie glanced at Natalya questioningly and she shook her head. ‘No, that was plenty, thank you,’ he responded to the cook and she shuffled away with their plates.
‘What are they doing now?’ Natalya asked noticing a pair of men coming out of the kitchen carrying a heavy urn which they set on a table. They set out a second on the other side of the room.
Natalya: Wizards of White Haven Page 4