Roger nodded and lifted her hand to his mouth. The sharp bite was expected for what she was engaging in, but she still winced. She suddenly felt lightheaded, and a little empty.
“I remove the citizenship of the warren and extend my thanks.”
Albert got the same treatment from his father.
“I remove the citizenship of the bevy and extend my thanks.”
She felt Albert’s hand tighten on her waist.
They swayed together, only links to each other in a world full of connections. Their bodies shifted until there was no space between them. She turned in his arms and held him as she felt truly without a people for the first time in her life.
His arms crushed her to him as he experienced the same. Hands touched them and eased them away from the lake.
She shivered and held tight as hands passed them from person to person, giving them the physical touch that was supposed to replace the community link that had just been severed. Nothing would ever fill the missing piece of her soul that had been there since the day she first shifted.
She knew that Albert was feeling the same thing.
Now, they had to wait two hours until the council representatives showed up. The time was designed to show them how much shifters need community. It was used as a punishment in some societies.
It was not something Sicily had ever expected to feel. Her inner beast was curled in a ball and not coming out.
Albert sat and pulled her onto his lap. They remained curled around each other until a new voice entered the murmurs around them.
A cool hand picked up her own, and she felt a light nip on her finger. A cool rush of energy rippled up from that tiny nip and her mind opened wide.
A voice spoke from behind her. “And so you are now both members of the shifter community at large. All clan leaders, pack alphas and group leaders will have to offer assistance when you call. If you are killed, those who attacked and all their bloodline will be wiped from the earth.”
Spike slowly lifted her head from Albert’s chest. He was stroking her hair, and when she looked up at him, he kissed her.
“New start, Spike.”
The sigh behind them was relief.
Spike looked up and blinked at a familiar face. Above the fireplace in Teebie’s bed and breakfast was the portrait of this woman, though the elegant man currently beside her wasn’t in the image.
“Dira?”
The woman grinned. Her eyes were a friendly soft jade and her dark hair was up in an elegant twist. “I am. Pleased to meet you.”
“Your niece speaks highly of you.”
“She speaks well of you in return. She is looking forward to your being a permanent resident of the Crossroads.” Dira extended her hand and the wall of rabbit shifters behind her looked distinctly nervous.
Spike took the hand and stood; Albert came and stood next to her.
To Spike’s surprise, Dira hugged her. “Welcome to the small group of shifters known as exotics. Your people will reappear in the next generation, but you have to remain strong until then.”
Spike looked around her at the sea of faces. “I am standing with my people. The tie is gone, but they are still mine, whether they want me or not.”
As one, the rabbits surged forward and pried her out of the dragon’s embrace. She was hugged, kissed and snuggled by everyone she had grown up with.
When she was done with being welcomed back into the warren, she hugged Albert’s family one by one.
Dira and Mak took care of the panthers, sending their human bodies to the council for identification.
It was a sombre occasion that turned into a party as barbeques were fired up and the newly dressed rabbits brought food from every home in the warren.
Tales were told of Spike’s early exploits; the dragon and the unicorn sat rapt with attention while they were served lemonade by giddy bunnies.
Spike sat with Albert, and when the sun was setting, she coaxed him to his feet, leading him to the edge of the woods where the lake kissed the shore.
They stood there in the quiet with their silver bands gleaming in the red light.
She broke the silence with, “I had my first shift here.”
He looked around. “It is a good spot.”
“My parents didn’t try to pretend that nothing had happened. They proudly announced to Roger’s dad that I was a hedgehog. He wanted them to leave the community, but no one was on his side. He had to let us stay, and by the time I was ten, he was glad I was here.”
Albert didn’t comment.
“I guess what I am saying is that this is the one place in my life that has felt like it would be mine no matter what. Now, I am going to try and do that very thing with the Crossroads, so I am willing to consider additional courtship.” She batted her lashes.
“Is that a hint?”
“I am not wearing anything under this dress and it is ruined already. Care to take a last tango in the normal world?” She bit her lip and smiled.
His trousers were open in seconds, and he pulled her down to kneel with him on the grass.
Laughing, she waited as he arranged himself, and then, she moved onto his lap, pulling her skirt out of the way so that it covered them both. She could feel him but not see him and that was one huge turn on. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him while rubbing her clit against the hard bar of his erection.
He lifted her and slipped the head of his cock inside her, letting his weight settle him deep inside her. His fingers flexed on her ass as he lifted and lowered her with slow deliberation.
She sighed and held onto him, locking her legs behind his back. He thrust, she groaned and, after a few minutes, she broke the lip lock and pressed her lips to his neck as she whimpered in relief. She nuzzled at his neck and he shuddered, holding her tightly to his hips while he jerked with his own reaction.
Spike shifted on him. “And now, a quick dip in the lake for me.”
“As you command.”
With a few grunts, he got to his feet, holding her tight to him. He took half a dozen strides and they fell into the water with a splash.
Giggling like children, they made their way back to the shore.
Dira was waiting for them. “Sorry, but I waited as long as I could. I have to send you to the Crossroads now. Your things are already there.”
Her parents gave her careful hugs and wished her well. Albert got the same treatment after he buttoned and zipped his pants.
Dripping wet and tired, they stood together and held on as they were sent back to the Crossroads.
Tony and Teal were there to greet them, and they both grinned. Teal snickered. “Should I ask?”
Spike shook her head and started to walk to the door, pulling Albert by the hand. “You can ask, but I would rather not tell you.”
Tony shouted, “How was your last day out?”
Spike paused at the door and looked at Albert. As one, they turned back and said, “Eventful.”
Laughing together, they returned to their residence and Albert had tears in his eyes at the expanded kitchen. It looked like a bungalow but was now situated like a large Victorian. He had his dream kitchen and she had her personal chef.
It had really been an eventful day; she could hardly wait to see what tomorrow would bring.
Author’s Note
Spike just wouldn’t gel in my brain. Apologies for how it turned out.
Zenina Masters
http://www.zeninamasters.com
About the Author
Zenina Masters was born in Canada and lives in Canada. She has a regular job and does nothing particularly exciting with her life. She enjoys fishing, silence and the ability to pick and choose friends she can trust. Life is too short to watch your back all the time.
Her writing life is a teeny bit of escapism, she would probably chicken out if confronted by three naked men and looks forward to one day finding out.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Ch
apter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Author’s Note
About the Author
Spike's Day Out Page 6