Transforming Love (A Koning Clan Novel)

by Smith, Debra

  “Well, that’s the hard part, lass. You’re a little bit of everything.” Jenny scrunched her forehead in confusion as Charlie continued. “Your part of the Clan Koning, it makes you rare among our kind. The females of your family have unique talents, but they come with a price. The law of our people states that you are to wed the winner of the Slag before your twenty-first birthday. All of the eligible compete. It’s tradition.”

  “Okay, but what am I?” Her nails bit into her palms. She was to be the prize, like some sort of golden trophy—a beautiful thing to sit on a shelf to be seen but never heard.

  “I’m a getting to that, lass. You’re a shifter. You can change into any animal in the world. You see, the rest of us can only change into one. It’s a sign of the royal blood in your veins. That’s what your clan name means: king. The Slag is a contest that determines the strongest of our race, the king.”

  Jenny's eyes were wide as she shook her head.

  “I don’t want any of this, Charlie. I want the right to choose. Please, help me.”

  “I will, as much as I can, but you have to stay here. There’s no going back to the way things were. I don’t know how you ended up here, but it must be destiny.”

  "I don't think I can do this." she cried. Sweet broke out across her skin as panic slithered into her heart.

  "You must. Use it, Jenny. Use the pain and the hurt to make yourself stronger."

  Still, she denied everything. He was wrong. People couldn't shift. This was some sort of nightmare brought on by expensive vodka and racing hormones.

  She bit the inside of her cheek until she tasted the tang of her blood. Oh God. It's not a dream. She had two choices: run or fight. The Slag was in a little over a month. She had to do something. Destiny, yeah right. Destiny could kiss her behind.

  “When do I start to shift?”

  “Well, that’s the other thing; you know the charm bracelet you always wear?”

  “Yeah, what about it?”

  Her mother had given it to her before she died. The small silver charms dangled from a delicate chain around her ankle. They were symbols for all the places they were going to visit, her mother and her. They were going to backpack across Europe, until she died. Pain echoed in her chest. She waited for Charlie to continue, fighting her tears.

  “It really is charmed. If you remove it, I can teach you to shift. It blocks that part of your nature. Maybe it will help you deal with this somehow.”

  It was all so much to take in. Jenny was afraid, but being able to shift was worth being brave for. She nodded her head and stood, looking Charlie in the eye.

  “Okay, Charlie, when do we start?” She would do this for her mother.

  “Now hold on, first I have to get permission from Gryph. He’s your warden.” He held up his hand to hold her off.

  She gave a quick nod. “Fine, let’s go ask him.”

  Jenny figured he would probably be at the bar so she headed in that direction, but before she reached the front door Charlie put a restraining hand on her shoulder.

  “Just a second, lass, you can’t leave the house. I will go on your behalf, and if you want him to say yes, you better follow the rules.”

  She raised her eyebrows and gave him a glassy stare. “Okay, I promise, but please hurry.”

  Charlie leaned in and kissed her on the forehead, and then he opened the front door. Jenny clenched her jaw as her heart pounded in her ears. Men, they think they can tell her what to do. She loved Charlie, but she was forming a plan. If she could find a way, she was going to get out of her wedding. Daddy always said she was as sly as a fox and cute as a button. She hoped it was true.

  Chapter Six

  “Lass!” Charlie's deep timbre echoed through the house.

  “I’m in here, Charlie.” Jenny knew he would find her, so she didn't get up from her position on the comfy, black, leather couch.

  “What are you doing in the library?” He took stock of the walls full of books and the large windows displaying the beautiful trees surrounding the house.

  “Come on, you know how much I enjoy reading. So did he say it was okay for me to learn to shift?” She looked up from her book.

  “Yeah, frankly he was upset you didn’t know anything about it. What do you have there?”

  “It’s an old tome, it tells all about the Slag.” She closed it after marking her page sending a plume of dust into the air.

  Charlie put his hands on his hips like he was going to scold a petulant child. “Now, what are cooking in that brain of yours?”

  “Not to worry, I have a plan, but first you have to teach me all you can about shifting. So when do we start?”

  Charlie shook his head, knowing all too well that any plan she had would be full of trouble. He opened the library’s door and motioned for her to follow. Before she passed by he gave her a bear hug.

  “You know I love ya as I would my own daughter.” Jenny nodded unable to speak, because he was crushing her. “Good, remember that, because the first time you shift it hurts like hell. There’s one more thing, Gryph said he wanted to teach you.”

  Her face went white. Her blood ran for the hills like a pack of wild dogs was nipping at its heels. Jenny didn’t like pain. She cried when she got a splinter. She closed her eyes and pictured herself in wedding dress marring an unknown man. Her temper boiled hot and thick like a pot full of her Dad's campfire chili. If her plan was going to succeed, she needed to be brave. After all, it was in her genes. Maybe she was getting too big for her britches.

  “He’ll meet you outside. The first time is easier when you can connect with nature.” He released her and pointed the way out back. She gave him a small wave goodbye. The trip was a quick walk and Jenny was ready to get it over with. Her body thrummed with excitement, but she wasn’t sure if it was shifting or Gryph that drove the response.

  She opened the French doors and stepped onto a cobblestone patio. Gryph stood like a Greek statue facing the towering trees. It seemed like he was silently challenging them to fall down to his greatness. Jenny snorted.

  He turned his head and his eyes blazed a trail over her body.

  “Jenifer.”

  “Gryph.” She tilted her chin.

  “Are you ready to listen?”

  She narrowed her eyes.

  “Yes, I am.” she spat.

  “Good, now take off your clothes.”

  “What?” she squeaked.

  One of his eyebrows lifted and he tapped his foot.

  “Do you want to learn or not?”

  “Yes.” She began to lift her shirt over her head and stopped when his laughter replaced the sound of the singing birds.

  “You really are clueless.”

  She pulled her shirt down so fast, she popped stitches.

  “I’ll get even. Just you wait.”

  He flashed his white teeth. “I look forward to it.”

  “Okay, don’t worry about your clothes. They stay with you when you shift. It’s part of the magic, and I couldn’t explain it if I wanted. I want you to picture a ball of white light, and in the center is your animal. You can picture whatever you want. You have to focus until things become more natural to you. When the change hits you the first time it’s slow, and that’s why it hurts. The better your focus, the less it will hurt. Are you ready?”

  “Yes, I believe I am.” She blinked, almost believing her own lie.

  “Good, whatever you do, don’t stop. You have to finish the transformation.”

  Her hand trembled as she reached down to her ankle to remove her charm bracelet. She did the best she could not to show how truly scared she was. She placed it softly on the ground. She closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. She pictured her ball of light and saw her animal of choice within. The small coyote watched her like she was looking into a mirror. Then she felt it. The slow burn started at the tips of her fingers and toes, but it quickly built into a raging fire. All of her muscles and bones popped and pulled. It felt like she was being torn
apart from the inside. She screamed, and it turned into howl.

  She did it. She shifted, but it only lasted for a moment. She fell to the ground in her human form curled into a ball. She still felt like she was on fire. Gryph bent down and lifted her into his arms.

  “You did well.”

  She burrowed further into his chest taking strength and his scent into her body.

  “That was pathetic. When I win the Slag, I may not want her for my queen.” A man with black hair and eyes so dark that they looked soulless stepped from the trees.

  Fangs exploded from Gryph’s mouth, and his words sounded slurred when he spoke, “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

  “I’m Kane, Kane Drache, and she is not worthy to be queen. When I win her I will use her body as I see fit and find a more suitable mate, one that is more…equated to my needs.”

  “Drache, I’ve heard of your clan.” An ominous sound rumbled deep in his chest.

  Kane move so quickly it was almost imperceptible. His clawed hand circled Gryph’s throat, choking the life out of him. Still he did not drop Jenny. She wanted so badly to help, but she couldn’t move. All of her energy had been spent shifting for the first time. She couldn't even cry out for help.

  Gryph held her with one arm as his claws unsheathed drawing deep cuts into Kane’s forearm.

  “Enough.”

  “Fuck you. I don’t follow your orders.” Kane sneered.

  Gryph spoke through clenched teeth. “If you do not release me I will be forced to banish you from the Slag. You are a guest in my home and territory, so you will follow my rules.”

  “Fine, but only so I can have the honor of defeating you.” Kane released his hold and shifted into a large black hyena. He let out a demonic laugh as he lopped into the woods.

  “Are you alright?”

  Jenny gave an almost imperceptible nod. Panic flooded her as she listened to his labored breathing. Still, he carried her into the house and up to her room. He placed her gently on top of her bed, covering her with the soft white blanket that was draped at the foot of it.

  His voice was raspy as he spoke, “Rest for a bit. You will feel better in a few hours and then you can take a bath and have something to eat.” Gryph wiped the last tear from her cheek and left, closing the door softly behind him.

  She stared at the door, trying to understand what just happened. He could have dropped her and dealt with Kane, but instead he endured an injury just to keep from hurting her further. Maybe he was right. She certainly shouldn’t judge someone from their appearance.

  Chapter Seven

  Jenny woke to the feel of a cold cloth on her forehead. She opened her eyes and tried to sit up. A small cry of pain rushed past her lips, and she fell back down to her pillow.

  “Shh…it’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you. Here, take this, it will help with the pain.” It was the same soft, feminine voice from the phone.

  Jenny felt two small pills at her lips and opened her mouth. She swallowed greedily as the fresh water flowed down her throat.

  “Easy now, you don’t want to choke. My name is Marlena, and I’m here to help you recover. Don’t worry about Gryph; he is resting at my promise to help you. That Kane fellow is real bad news. I’m glad Gryph was with you. Those pills are fast acting, and after a long nice soak, you’ll feel right as rain.”

  Marlena had a soft, kind face complete with laugh lines, soft brown eyes and matching hair. She was middle-aged reminding her of her mother. Warmth spread along her limbs. She felt better already and scooted up to the top of her bed.

  “Thank you.”

  “The pleasure’s all mine, dear. Now, would you like a bath?”

  “Yes, please, that sounds lovely.”

  “Okay, are you able to walk or would you like me to carry you?” At Jenny’s inquisitive look, Marlena continued, “I am a lot stronger than I look.” She winked and waited.

  “I believe I can walk, if you would be so kind as to let me lean on you just a bit.”

  “Sure, let’s get started.” Marlena opened her arm to allow Jenny to use her as a crutch.

  The idea of a satisfying hot bath sounded too tempting to pass up. Jenny maneuvered to the edge of the bed and took Marlena’s outstretched arm. Jenny was still sore, but whatever was in those pills made her feel a lot better.

  Jenny loved the tub too, pity she couldn't marry it instead. She sighed, in heaven once again. Marlena put in some noteworthy oil, scented like lilacs, and all her remaining aches and pains melted into the water. Her stomach protested, waking her from her bliss. So she decided to get out and dress. She walked into her bedroom and found a lovely gown gently displayed on her bed, complete with a note. Her hand stroked the soft silk like fabric. It was a dark hunter green and was just short enough to show off her fantastic legs. She leaned over and picked up the note.

  Knock them dead.

  Love, Marlena

  P.S. I just know we are going to be great friends.

  Jenny couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face. She was going to show she was everything her last name implied: a queen.

  Jenny knocked on Charlie’s door hoping to surprise him. He opened the door and stood with his mouth hanging open. He recovered quickly and said. “Oh lass, you look lovelier than the Loch at sunset.”

  Jenny blushed happily from his praise, “Are you ready for dinner? I’m famished.”

  “Aye, let’s go. I wish your father could see you.”

  “Me too, and Charlie, thanks for everything.”

  He kissed her on the cheek and led her down to the formal dining hall. His chest puffed with pride. The last time she wore such a fancy dress was senior prom, but she didn't get to enjoy it. An evil cow named Colleen smeared it with mud because Jeff was going with Jenny instead of her. She smiled as she remembered the fat lip she gave the heifer and wished Colleen could see her now.

  Chapter Eight

  “I, for one, can’t wait to meet the future queen. It is unfair that two of the contestants have had the pleasure.” Kensington said. He sat with regal posture. Even his light brown hair was combed neatly.

  “There’s not much to say really she’s just a scrawny, petulant child.” Gryph added with a shrug.

  “She’s weak and will serve only as a brood mate. If she could even survive a birthing.” Kane scoffed.

  “It matters not whether she is worthy or beautiful as long as her abilities are passed down my line. That’s all I desire.” Santos chimed in before taking a sip of a deep red wine.

  All the men agreed. “The Koning name has been absent for far too long. It is amazing that she just happened to find her way to your bar, Gryph.” Kensington added.

  “Hey, Santos, don’t you already have three wives? Why on earth would you want another one?” Gryph smiled widely.

  “The same reason any man would want a woman.” Santos grinned with a knowing heat in his eyes.

  Before they could continue their conversation, a female cleared her throat. “Gentlemen the lady of the evening has arrived.” Marlena motioned for Jenny to enter the room.

  “May I present the Lady Jenifer of the Koning clan and her escort, Mr. Charles McKay.”

  ***

  The men stood at once, the screech from the chairs was almost deafening to Jenny. She was so nervous. She swallowed the lump in her throat and walked into view. The intakes of breath were audible. She looked ravishing. The hunter green of the dress made her eyes seem large and luminous. She wore her hair as elegant chiffon with little blond ringlets falling in various places tickling her slender neck and pale shoulders. The dress hugged her curves accentuating her figure. The hem fell about mid-thigh and showed her beautifully toned legs. Her heels made her ankles look tiny and delicate. She felt like royalty.

  “Good evening gentlemen.” Her eyes roamed over the men seated around the table before locking onto Gryph. She examined the smooth skin where his wounds once marred his perfect skin.

  Santos left h
is seat, and made his way up to her and clasped her hand to place a light kiss upon it. “Good evening, Miss Koning, I am Santos head of the Jaguar clan of South America. The honor is mine. Please, won’t you join us?” His Hispanic accent sounded unusually thick, like pine tree sap, in his attempt to charm.

  He guided her to the seat next to the head of the table, where Gryph sat as host, and pulled out her chair. When he moved to sit beside her, Charlie slipped into his intended chair.

  “Thanks for the help, Santos.” Charlie grinned.

  Santos’ face reddened with anger as he replied, “Pleasures mine.”

  Jenny tried to hide her amusement behind her hand, but she didn’t do a very convincing job.

  “I believe you gentlemen were misleading us on the lovely Miss Koning’s beauty. She’s breathtaking.” Kensington noted with a lingering stare.

  “Don’t try charming her, Kensington. Her opinion doesn’t matter. Just her name.” Kane sneered.

  Jenny twisted her napkin in her lap wishing she could smack his face, but unfortunately, he was across the rather large table, so she spoke instead, “I’m surprised you are aware of the word's meaning. Charming is something you could strive for Mr. Drache, but never grasp. The feat would prove impossible for one such as you.”

  Laughter broke out around the table, and Kane looked murderous. He clenched his jaw and shot daggers with his eyes. Jenny smiled sweetly at his evil stare. She had plenty of practice looking innocent.

  “I was wrong, we were misled on both counts. She’s quite brave as well.” Kensington added, amused.

  “Well, gentlemen, you were misled on three counts. I have every intention of entering the Slag myself. Then I will have a say in the matter of whom I marry.” She raised her hand to silence all of their responses. “Before you deny my request, I have looked, and there are no rules against it. I look forward to facing you.” She looked at Gryph and said, “I am quite famished and would love to proceed with dinner.”