The Maiden and the Werewolf

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The Maiden and the Werewolf Taylor Manning

© copyright June 2004, Kathryn Overton & Betty Kasischke Cover art by Eliza Black, © copyright June 2004 New Concepts Publishing 5202 Humphreys Rd. Lake Park, GA 31636 www.newconceptspublishing.com

Chapter One

Kira flicked her eyes from side to side, gauging the moments left in her life. Her breath puffed quick white clouds into the icy air as spasms of fear shot through her. Her gaze froze on the wolf in front of her--a huge beast black as midnight with gleaming amber eyes. He snarled, revealing long white fangs. A growl rumbled from his chest. I must not run. Movement caught her eye. More danger appeared on both sides. Two more wolves, one on each side, slinked into the moonlit glade from the shadows of snow-boughed firs. Her heart pounded faster. Her gaze snapped back as the leader stepped nearer, his keen eyes locking onto hers--a mesmerizing gleam, holding her, paralyzing her. She could not look away. Suddenly she sensed this was no bestial countenance facing her. There was more than animal intelligence in those amber eyes. The eyes appeared ... human. Her knees buckled briefly as a spasm of horror shot through her. A movement forced her to break the bizarre connection to the wolf approaching from the front. The creature to her left was coming closer, head lowered, teeth bared. The wolf on her right copied the action. She sent up a prayer to the Spirit of All Things. And began to mourn, not for herself, but for Amma, who would be alone now, with no one to care for her.

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If only I’d waited until dawn. But Kira knew self-recrimination was useless. Her grandmother desperately needed the medicine she carried in her apron beneath her cloak. Delay had been impossible, so she had pushed aside her fear of the forest at night and gone out because she’d had to. Amma must not die. But now, Amma would die. And she would die alone, back in the cottage, without Kira’s presence to give her what comfort she could. Unless she could run. Perhaps she could escape. Her gaze flicked from one side to the other, then back to the leader. He moved slowly forward, step by step, as though he didn’t want her to bolt. His amber eyes caught hers again, and this time she thought she saw a question in them. Then she heard words in her head. "Your time has come." Shock made her shake the sound of a man’s voice from her head. At her movement the wolf in front leapt forward, halving the distance to where she stood. High into the air he arced, exposing his long underbelly, and within its darkness, a florid erection. The sight of the glistening carmine shaft shot a shudder through her body. Spirit help her. Then the voice came again. "It cannot be denied, my beauty. You have met your fate." She almost laughed at the madness of it. The horror of what was happening had made her lose her reason. Her breathing quickened. Her heart pounded so hard she thought it would burst. She closed her eyes and prayed to the Spirit for death to come quickly. The next time she would see Amma again would be in the Beyond. A rustling from behind her made her jerk and her eyes snap open. Another wolf? Truly she was dead now, four times over. Then an arc of silver flashed over her head, a rumble of thunder following it. A scream formed in her throat, but she was unable to open her mouth to free it. A massive silver wolf--teeth bared, forelegs rigid, hackles raised--faced the black leader. He growled, the force of the rumble echoing on the night air, and Kira recognized the thunder she’d heard before. The black leader returned the growl. "Run." The word formed in her mind, like before, only this voice was different. Deeper. Stronger. "I will protect you. Run."

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Kira heard the words clearly in her mind, but her body would not respond, her feet frozen by the instinct of all prey. A twig snapped to her left. She dared a glance to the side only to see the wolf approaching from that side move closer still. The silver wolf swung his head in that direction and growled a threat. The beast slunk back into the cover of a thicket, its tail between its legs. Then the silver wolf turned a menacing eye to the wolf on her right, a bigger animal who turned immediately and took off at a lope into the forest. "Run. Now." The voice again pierced her mind and this time, not knowing why or how she did so, she obeyed, clutching the apron to her breast, protecting the precious cuttings, and fled down the snowy path toward home. Lungs struggling for air, heart pounding in her breast, legs watery weak, Kira pushed herself. One more step. I can make one more step.

Chapter Two

Soon one more step had her at her door. She longed to lean against it and rest, but terror pushed her on, into the safety of the cottage. Kira dropped the heavy oak bar across the door and collapsed against it. Relief robbed her of her remaining strength and she sank onto the packed dirt of the floor. She sat there for what seemed to be a long time before her breathing returned to normal and her mind was again clear of the horror of the glade--and the voices. The medicine. She released her apron and let it fall open on her lap, a sigh ringing from her chest when she saw the white berries and green twigs lying safe within the buttery linen folds. All was well. She had not been killed and devoured by the wolves. She had not lost the precious berries. She must put the plants into hot water to draw out the medicine within, but first--Amma. Pushing her still trembling body from the floor, Kira quietly approached the alcove where Amma slept, lifting aside the faded curtain and peering in. Her heart twisted.

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Shallow breaths barely moved the thin chest. The once thick snow white tresses now lay lank and yellowed on the pillow, a mere memory of the glorious hair Kira had loved to comb. Sadness turned to anguish as she took in her grandmother’s face. Blood trickled from Amma’s mouth, a stream of scarlet life escaping a dying body. The end was near. Kira threw up a prayer of thanksgiving to the Spirit that she had not come back to find her Amma gone. She craved every moment she could wrest from Death. He would not have Amma, not yet. Tucking the apron into her belt, she got a clean cloth and dampened it, then knelt by the bed and gently cleaned the blood from Amma’s cheek. "Kira?" The words, barely audible, fell from gray lips. "I’m here, Amma. You must not try to speak." She took Amma’s hand, only briefly glancing at the blued fingernails. Amma’s lungs were failing her. Gnarly fingers squeezed, only love making the caress perceptible. Kira squeezed back, careful not to do so too strongly. "See, Amma?" She held up her apron. "I got more of this for you and I think it will be enough for some days yet. Now you must rest while I fix your posset." Amma shook her head. "I rest too much. Soon ... I will rest forever. Talk ... to me." Kira smiled in spite of her breaking heart. What would she do once Amma had passed over to the Beyond? She forced herself to put aside her own pain and try to comply with Amma’s wishes. "I fear I have no gossip to pass on. No peddlers have come by since the snows began. But I had an interesting afternoon. Shall I tell you about it?" Amma nodded. Kira turned from the bed and made her way to the fireplace where a large pot hung. As she went about ladling some of the hot water into a bowl and adding the berries and twigs to it, she started her tale. "I saw wolves in the forest today." "Wolves?" Kira snapped her head up to look toward Amma. The force of the question shocked her. Amma had not had such strength in many weeks, and her eyes were wide with fear. "Yes. But they did not hurt me. In fact," she laughed, trying to lighten her frightening tale, "a great silver wolf saved me. He was much larger than the others, with a thundering growl. He was quite handsome, actually." "The others?" Again, the strength in Amma’s words.

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Kira spooned a draught of the potion into a mug, glancing at her grandmother, growing more and more unsettled by her reactions. Silly. She’s been cooped up in this cottage for so long, she’s hungry for any news. As she went back and knelt down beside the bed again, Kira replied, "There were three others that I saw. One was the leader. He approached me." She spooned some of the posset into Amma’s mouth and brought the terrifying image into her mind again, so she could describe it to her grandmother. "He was completely black. His eyes were the most astonishing amber color and," she paused, wondering how Amma would react, "I got the feeling of human intelligence behind those eyes. I almost felt as though he were asking me something." Amma suddenly sat up straight, grasping Kira’s hand with astonishing strength. "You must not go into the forest again." Kira could only stare at her grandmother, whose green eyes, mirrors of her own, beseeched obedience. This change in Amma frightened her almost as much as the wolves had. "Amma, please. I’m safe. Nothing happened. The silver wolf came to fight and I was able to get away." Run. Now. The words of warning echoed in her mind. "I think the Spirit protected me. I heard a voice telling me to run and I obeyed. The wolves didn’t follow. It must have been the Spirit, don’t you think, Amma?" Amma’s old eyes held hers for a long moment. "The Spirit often uses us to accomplish His will." The reply left her unsettled. "What do you mean?" Another burst of strength seemed to animate Amma and she clutched Kira’s hand tighter. "I have been wrong, my dearest. I thought I was doing best by bringing you here, hiding you away. But soon I will fall asleep and I have done nothing to prepare you. I am so sorry, Kira." Hit by the grief of the loss to come, Kira could barely speak. "No, no. You have been the most loving grandmother. You’ve taken good care of me." Amma waved off her words. "I have never told you of your place in the world." "My place is with you." "No, my dearest. Your place is beside your mate. I’ve refused to see it for too long. And I must tell you about your dam and sire before it is too late." Kira smiled. Amma was right, the end would be here soon and she did want to know more about her mother and father. She had always wondered why Amma had not told her much. "If you feel you can, Amma, I would like to know about my parents."

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Amma smiled weakly. "Your mother, my daughter, and your father loved perfectly. So beautiful they were, so perfectly matched." The old eyes caressed Kira’s face in a glance of love. "They made a lovely cub." Such strange words Amma used: dam, sire, cub. "The world is full of Light, but it is as full of Darkness. The Spirit has appointed some to fight with the Light." She paused. "And others become servants of the Darkness." Amma’s sudden change of subject jarred her. Kira nodded uncertainly. "There are evil people and good people. I know this." Amma nodded. "Yes. But there are things I have not told you. Things you must now know." A coughing fit overtook her. As her body wrenched, blood spattered on the covers before her. Kira covered Amma’s mouth with a clean cloth, holding it there until the coughing was done. After giving Amma a drink of cool water, she sat down on the edge of the bed and waited. Amma seemed determined to speak her mind, but her eyes had closed and Kira thought she slept. "Beware the wolves," Amma whispered. "They are not merely wolves. They are men and women who can assume the form, but they remain in their souls, men and women. Some are of the Light, some of the Darkness." Wolves who are men? Unbidden, the intelligent eyes of the leader in the glade came back to her. "Your dam, your sire, they were of the Light. They fought against the Darkness and gave their lives to defeat it." Her own dam ... mother? Her father? What is Amma saying? She rejected the immediate conclusion. There were no such things as werewolves. Such tales were told to frighten children and old women. Surely Amma didn’t believe-Amma’s eyes shot open. "Do not reject the truth, Kira. You must be prepared when the time comes to take your place in the Army of Light." Amma’s eyes closed and fluttered, and her breathing fell into a steady pattern. Of course, Amma was near sleep and dreaming, drawing out a story, much as she had to entertain her as a child. Tales of fantastic beasts, of men who could work magic, of miraculous acts of courage, and of the remarkable power of love. Tales where the Light always defeated the Darkness. As she tucked the covers around Amma, Kira remembered these tales were for children. There would be no miracle to save Amma, for all the prayers she’d sent up to the Spirit. It was difficult to believe, to hold onto the sure knowledge there was a force larger than herself, when she felt so alone. Leaving Amma’s bedside, she fell to her knees before the fire and began to grieve for Amma. And for herself.

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Chapter Three

Heavy snow fell with the dusk the next day as Kira prepared Amma’s posset. It seemed Amma was stronger today and now she slept, breathing evenly. She’d spent a good deal of time telling Kira about her mother as a child, funny, sweet stories of a young girl of beauty and spirit. And Kira felt more than ever the loss of her mother. The only irritant was Amma’s insistence on referring to Kira’s mother as her dam and her father as her sire, as though they were beasts, but thankfully Amma said nothing more about wolves. She was glad for Amma’s strength and it gave her a glimmer of hope Amma might recover. Perhaps the Spirit had heard the prayers she had poured up on Amma’s behalf and taken pity on them both. She clung to the hope as she stoked the fire, preparing to bank it for the night. And nearly jumped out of her skin when a knock echoed at the door. Who could be out in such a snowstorm? She hurried to peer through the peephole, instantly wary. A tall man stood on the other side, his face hidden by a long scarf. A long cloak hid his form. She glanced over to where Amma lay sleeping. Before Amma’s warning yesterday, she would never have hesitated to offer hospitality to a traveler caught in such straits. But now, she had an unsettled feeling, not fear exactly, but something watchful, wary. She raised the bar and pulled the door open a crack. "Good woman, my mount was taken by wolves and I find myself afoot. Might I find shelter in your abode from the storm?" Hospitality could never be refused when requested. Though the scarf wrapped tightly around his head muffled his voice, its deep rumble was a living thing, coiling into her mind, leaving her feeling naked to his eyes. Amber eyes. Prickling fear scratched up her spine. Should she let the man in? Refusing hospitality was impossible. She opened the door wider and moved aside. He stomped his feet at the threshold and stepped into the warm cottage, loosening the scarf around his neck. "Thank you, my lady," he said, taking the heavy bar from her and setting it back into place. He held out his hand for hers and, when she had offered it, bent low over it, his warm breath brushing the back, sending a frisson of heat up her arm. "I am in your debt." His lips, hard, hot, pressed against her skin,

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possessing her. She jerked away. The stranger straightened. "I am Skarp of Brenberg." She raised her chin and met his gaze. "I am Kira." "Are you alone, my lady Kira?" he asked, his voice all innocence, though she sensed something else, something not so innocent behind his words. Something even dishonest and dangerous. "No. My grandmother lies yonder." She realized immediately how ridiculous that sounded. Amma would be no protection from a man who wanted to do her harm. Desperate to regain the upper hand with this troubling stranger, she quickly added, "I have some stew prepared if you are hungry. It is not much, but you are welcome." He smiled, a charming smile, showing beautiful white teeth. "I am sure food from your hand would be more than a feast." "Please, take off your wet cloak, sir, and make yourself comfortable. I will prepare you food and drink." Skarp shed his cloak and scarf and hung them on a wooden peg to dry by the fire. "I apologize for bringing the weather inside your comfortable home. And I deeply appreciate your hospitality." She looked closely at him then. Hair, black as an abyss, curled like shaggy midnight around his face. His cheeks were hollow, lending a sleek sharpness to his handsome features. Kira put a bowl of steaming stew on the table and went to pour him a mug of ale. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him watching her, his eyes strangely burning with some unrecognizable emotion. Anticipation? Excitement? Bringing a spoon of stew to his lips, he blew on it and Kira took in the sensual bow of his mouth. A very attractive man. The kind of man Amma had warned her to be wary of. And yet he drew her to him. She sat at the table across from him, handing him his ale. "Thank you." He took the mug from her hand, his fingers trailing along hers. She pulled back from the tingling his touch sent along her nerves. What is happening to me? Skarp smiled and spooned stew into his mouth, chewing the meat. His smile grew. "Ah, rabbit. Delicious, Kira." As he ate, his eyes never left her face. They moved from her nose to her mouth and then returned to her eyes. His attention made her stomach twist and her limbs tingle. To her horror, she realized her nipples had hardened and the rub of her rough linen tunic against them was becoming sweetly painful. His dangerous allure captivated her, making her skin hot and her pulse pound.

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Skarp reached over and took her hand, rubbing his thumb over the back. She sat stiffly, willing herself to ignore the sensations he aroused. "You are beautiful, lady. I wonder that you have no male to care for you." "Why do you think I have no man?" He glanced around. "Do you have one?" "No." She hadn’t meant to admit that. This man sent a skittering chill of fear down her spine. Oh, he was handsome and he seemed to be a gentleman by his manners and soft voice, but she sensed danger. Yet still her heart beat faster. He excited her. That realization frightened her even more. She pulled her hand away from where it still rested in his and stood to hide her unease. "I have to care for my grandmother. Please excuse me." He smiled and tipped his head in acknowledgment, then went back to his supper. She stepped quickly to the alcove where Amma slept and pulled the curtain closed behind her. Sitting at the foot of Amma’s cot, she wrapped her arms around herself, crushing the treachery of her hardened nipples. What was happening to her that a stranger could evoke such feelings in her? Were these the feelings of a woman who wanted to bed a man? Amma had told her of the doings between men and women. She’d said one day Kira would meet the man who would be her mate and would know him by the feelings he caused in her. She reached over and pulled the curtain back a bit and studied her visitor. Was this Skarp that man? Did she want him? Did she want to join with him in the ways Amma had described? Skarp stopped his spoon short of his mouth as she thought this. His feral eyes snapped toward her, catching her looking. Her breath caught in her throat and she had the horrific suspicion he had heard her thoughts. He smiled at her in her hiding place. She let the curtain drop back into place, shielding herself from his too-knowing eyes. Amma stirred. "Who is here?" Kira leaned over and took her grandmother’s hand, stroking it, as much to calm herself as to reassure Amma. "Just a traveler, Amma. He lost his mount to the wolves and needed a place to rest and shelter from the storm." Amma’s rheumy green eyes opened a fraction. "Who is he?" "Just a traveler. Don’t fret, Amma. He is a gentleman and very courteous."

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"Then why do you hide from him?" Guilt shocked her. She hadn’t lied to Amma, not exactly. Skarp was a gentleman. He’d been courteous. "I’m not hiding," Kira said, really lying this time. "I came to see to you. Can I get you anything?" "No." When Kira made to take her hand away, Amma gripped it tighter and whispered, "You are certain he is a gentleman?" "Yes. His clothing is fine and his speech is educated." Amma snorted weakly. "Those are not the marks of a gentleman, girl. Be careful. Sleep in here with me tonight." Kira smiled. They were both being silly. "And neither one of us will rest." She patted Amma’s hand. "Let me get your medicine and then you will sleep." As Kira started to rise, Amma again clutched at her. "Remember what I’ve told you, Kira. Your body will tell you one thing, but you must also use your head and your heart." Kira leaned over and kissed Amma’s cheek. "I will. Now, rest. You’re wearing yourself out. I’ll be right back with your tea." She went out into the main room, carefully keeping her back to her visitor, and busied herself at the fire, mixing the extracts with some warm water. "What ails your grandmother?" Kira turned at the unexpected question. "She has lung fever." He nodded. "I’m sorry. This weather must be difficult for her." She didn’t respond but went about her business. She would follow Amma’s advice, for though her body might betray her, she vowed her head and her heart would not. When Amma was settled and resting again, Kira banked the fire and intended to retire. She’d opened her mouth to invite Skarp to take a place by the fire when a second knock rattled the door. Another traveler? This late? Forcing a lightness she didn’t feel into her voice, she said, "My, we are busy tonight. Perhaps I should hang out a shingle and open a way-house for weary travelers." Skarp smiled mirthlessly and his eyes narrowed. She suddenly found him a bit less charming than before. "Perhaps, my lady Kira, you should be wary of strangers." "Then you, sir, would still be shivering out in the snow," she reminded him, proud of herself for regaining a measure of control over herself and him.

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She looked through the peephole, but darkness had fallen and she could not see. She opened the door a fraction and peered out into the blinding snow. Another man stood there, taller, broader than Skarp. His head was uncovered, revealing a shimmering fall of silver hair. She was certain it was not the silver of age, for the man’s face was quite youthful and ... handsome. "Might a traveler find refuge in your home, lady?" he asked. Kira’s breath held in her breast as his pewter eyes burned into her soul and a half-smile curved the corners of his lips. The man’s voice reached deep inside, awakening some response she had never felt before--one deep and dangerous. Her instinct told her this man was more threatening to her existence than the other, darker, stranger who already sat by her fire. Unable to find any words, she stood aside to let him in. Amazingly no snow clung to his cloak, nor did any melting flakes dampen his lustrous hair. "Hang your cloak there, sir," she managed to whisper. "I have some simple stew for you if you hunger." "Thank you, lady." He gently captured her hand as she made to pass him. Raising her hand, he pressed his lips to her suddenly too-warm flesh. "I am Valgard. Might I know your name?" Why did she have the feeling he was asking for more than her name? Why did she feel a probing of her mind coming from the eyes of pewter? Strange eyes almost matching the man’s magnificent mane. "I am called Kira." He smiled, slowly, his eyes holding hers with that invisible snare, refusing to release her. "My lady Kira. I am pleased to meet you, and I thank you for your hospitality." Another shiver of some unnamable force ran through her to settle in her belly as a strange grasping yearning spun free from her soul. Head awhirl with the unfamiliar sensations, Kira pulled her hand free. "Please sir, sit." A low noise--a growl?--rumbled from her other guest, completely forgotten in the newcomer’s arrival. She turned to see Skarp on his feet, his lips pressed tightly together. As she watched, one side of his lip lifted in what could only be described as a snarl. She shot a look back to Valgard. He had stiffened and now turned his eyes slowly away from her and toward Skarp. It was a relief to be free of his gaze but the tension that suddenly filled the room was too strange to be ignored. She gestured in Skarp’s direction. "This gentleman also sought refuge in my home but a few moments before you." "You are a kind and generous hostess," Valgard said as he circled the far side of the table, taking off his cloak and hanging it by the fire. Then he moved to the chair opposite Skarp’s, never once taking his blazing stare from the darker man.

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Skarp still stood, rigid and unmoving, as Valgard lowered himself into the seat. After a moment, he slowly did the same. Kira sensed a battle of wills going on before her and she didn’t like it. Amma had told her men often fought over trifles, their pride forcing them to battle. Perhaps this was nothing more than having to share a table that made them behave so. But somehow she didn’t believe that. Could it be that these men already knew each other? She shook herself from her pointless musing and went about getting Valgard some supper. Once she’d served him, she sat on a short stool by the fire, poking it alive again for her new visitor’s comfort. Again it struck her that he was not wet from the snow as Skarp had been. What did this mean? And what meaning lay hidden in their manner toward each other?

Chapter Four

Neither spoke. Neither ate. Neither turned away from the other. And had Skarp actually growled at Valgard’s appearance? Yes, she knew he had. It had been the growl of an animal. She shook herself. Amma’s stories of werewolves and her own unbalanced emotions were making her crazed. Men didn’t growl. Of course, not having been around many men in her life, she had no idea what sorts of sounds they did make, but growling couldn’t be among them. Suddenly fatigue fell on her shoulders, weighing her down. She wanted nothing more than to crawl onto her own cot beneath the quilt Amma had made for her and fall into a deep sleep, where werewolves and strange men who caused her body to writhe inside could be replaced with more pleasant dreams. "Sirs, I will retire now. Please make yourselves as comfortable as you can. You will find blankets in that chest yonder if you wish them." Neither man responded. Her patience thin, Kira huffed and climbed the ladder to her loft under the eaves and lay down. Curiosity made her look one more time at the men below. Dancing firelight cast a glow on their features as they sat locked in their silent battle. It almost seemed that a white glow radiated from the one and shades of ominous darkness surrounded the other. She yawned. Fatigue was making her imagine things. She rolled over and closed her eyes.

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****

"Kira!" The cry woke Kira from a sound sleep. She wondered if she’d dreamt it. "Kira!" The cry was louder. Amma! She leapt from her cot and jumped down the ladder to the main room. And froze. The two men sat where she’d left them last night, still glaring into each other’s eyes. The fire had burned down to barely a cinder. Idiot men. Neither could be bothered to put on more wood. She moved quickly to stir the cinders and put tinder on to light, then ran to Amma’s side and jerked the curtain back. "Who is here?" Amma asked in a weak whisper. "Another guest arrived last night after you went to sleep, Amma. Never fear. They are just sitting at the table, glaring at one another." "They must leave. Now." She gripped Kira’s sleeve and pulled her close. "Now, Kira. Get them out of here and bar the door against them. Both of them." She stared at her grandmother. "What are you talking about? They are guests, Amma. Hospitality requires--" "No! Now." Amma made to rise from her bed. Kira tried to push her down, but Amma’s determination overcame her weakened body. "You!" She stabbed a bony finger at the men. "Be gone." She shoved Kira aside and stepped in front of her. "You will not have her." Kira’s face burned. "I’m sorry, sirs. My grandmother is not well." "Do not apologize for me, girl." Amma never took her eyes off the men. "Your kind are not welcome here. Get out!" The men rose together. Skarp finally broke his connection to Valgard and turned to Amma. "You can’t protect her for much longer, old woman. She must fulfill her destiny. Prepare her." He then retrieved his cloak and removed the bar from the door. "Shall we, Valgard?" It was clear to Kira that Skarp would not leave without Valgard. Certainly her suspicion from last night was accurate. These men knew each other. Their arrival on the same night could not have been a coincidence.

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"Out, villains!" Amma reached for her cane. Kira was certain she was ready to drive them out if they hesitated any longer. Valgard threw his cloak around his shoulders but stopped at the door and turned back to Amma. "He’s right. She must be told." "Who are you to tell me that?" Amma tried to swing her cane at him, but only upset herself. Kira just managed to catch her before she fell. Valgard snared Kira’s eye, tipping his head in a bow as he followed Skarp out the door. The men disappeared into the storm. Amma tottered over to the door and pushed it shut. "Come, girl, bar this door." Only when that was done did Amma allow Kira to help her to her chair by the fire. Amma collapsed and her breath came heavily. A fit of coughing overtook her. "What do you think you were doing?" Kira scolded. "You have exhausted yourself with your display." "Quiet, child, quiet. Let me catch ... my breath." Amma wheezed and coughed. Slowly she calmed down. "One of those men was of the Darkness. The other, I could not tell." "What Darkness?" "The Darkness seeking to snare the whole of the world for the Evil One. Now the darkness has come ... for you." Skarp’s words came back to her. You can’t protect her for much longer, old woman. She must fulfill her destiny. Prepare her. The words held a threat. Or was it a promise? She had never thought of herself as having a special destiny. She had always thought to live with Amma in the peace of the forest. Soon, Amma would be gone, though, and she would have to make her own life. "Amma, what did he mean?" Amma turned her eyes away and was quiet for a long time. Finally, she sighed. "I have told you your dam and sire died fighting the Darkness." Kira nodded, suddenly not so certain Amma’s tales were nothing more than entertaining stories to pass the long winter evenings. "I have also told you that you will take your place in the Army of the Light." Again she nodded, a prickly expectation knotting her stomach. "It is time to tell you everything."

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Chapter Five

Amma made Kira sit on her stool while she gathered the strength to tell her tale. Kira waited patiently, her eagerness overcoming her foreboding of what she was about to hear. "Your dam and sire entrusted you to me when they left for their final battle. Elena was my only child, my daughter, and dearer to my heart than my own life. Your sire, Zander, was a fine man, broad of shoulder and narrow of waist with shining hair the color of the leaves in autumn. One look was all your mother needed to know he was her intended mate." Amma smiled with memory. "Just as I knew when I saw my Justin for the first time. None other would do for me." Her grandmother clutched the miniature she wore around her neck of her long-dead husband. "The Darkness took Justin long, long before you were born. Elena was barely your age then." Amma ran her gnarled fingers through Kira’s hair. "Lovely you are. You get your coloring from your father. He was as brilliant as your dam was dark, but both were beautiful. How I loved to see them romp in the field on a warm spring evening." Amma wiped a tear from her wrinkled cheek. "When I lost them, I could not bear the thought of losing you, too. So, I did a wicked thing." Kira sat back. Her grandmother was all that was good in her world. Wickedness was unthinkable. "No, Amma. What could you do that was wicked?" The silence lingered, drawing out to long moments. "I gave you an herb to prevent your courses from coming. I mixed it in your food, but have not done so since I fell ill. The herb kept them from finding you." "Kept who from finding me?" "The wolves." Amma shook her head. "I meant only to protect you, Kira. You must believe that." "I do, Amma." She moved closer and lay her hand on Amma’s knee. "But I see now I have only delayed the inevitable. In days, perhaps only a few hours, your body will flower. You will spill your monthly blood and there will be no stopping what will happen then." Amma lay her hand over Kira’s. "The only thing I can do is prepare you for what will come." Kira shivered. "How can a person bleed and not die?" "It is only the blood which feeds the cub growing in its dam’s womb. If there is no cub, the blood flows out. It is nothing to fear. It is as natural as the trees shedding their leaves in the autumn. There are cloths

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in the chest yonder. I will show you how to use them. Unless you are carrying a cub, every month until you are an old woman, you will shed the blood." Amma spoke so easily of such a strange thing. Kira had many questions but could give voice to none. "There is yet a more important thing for you to know. Once you have bled for the first time, you will yearn for a mate. Males will come to you and you must choose. But choose wisely, girl, for your mate will lead you to your path, either the Darkness or the Light." Amma leaned back and rested her head against the back of the chair. "These two men, they came because you are near your time of flowering. One of them will likely be your mate." "I choose to stay with you, Amma. I have no desire for a mate." Amma chuckled. "That cannot be, child. The time is upon you and you will choose." Another coughing fit overtook her and she covered her mouth with a cloth. When she took it away, Kira saw the thick clots staining it. Amma saw them too. She sighed. "Yes, it is not long now and I shall rejoin my Justin and Elena and Zander. And you shall begin to build your own family. I do wish I could see your cubs. It would give me such joy, but..." She shrugged. "Amma," Kira said, steeling herself to ask the question which had been troubling her, "why do you refer to us as animals? Why use the words dam and sire and cub?" Amma stared into her eyes. "Because, child, you are both and neither." No! Kira’s mind cried out. Even as she realized what Amma was saying, she refused to accept it. "Reject the truth you might, but the truth will be revealed, Kira. Once you have mated, you will change. Your mate will show you the way to take the form of the wolf as your own." Kira leapt from her stool and backed away from her grandmother, convinced the sickness wracking her body had also ruined her mind. "I am a woman. I am not an animal." "You do not believe I speak the truth?" "No. You are not well. The lung fever is affecting your mind." Amma smiled. "So, mad am I? Once I could have convinced you beyond any denial." Kira stared. "What are you saying?" "I, too, carry the blood of the wolf in my veins." "Then show me. Convince me." "I cannot, child. I am far too weak to use the gift." Kira laughed, sounding mad to her own ears. "Gift? What sort of gift is it to become a beast?" "Do not blaspheme!" Amma’s voice rose as she glared at Kira. "It is a gift our people have cherished for thousands of years. We are the chosen, the Army of the Light."

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"If it is such a gift to be prized, why did you hide it from me?" "Because I was weak and afraid. I feared for you, too. I feared to lose you to the battle with the Darkness. I see now that I was wrong." Kira shook her head. "No. I do not believe this fantastic tale. It is simply another of your stories." Amma’s eyes held sadness. "Truly, I have not served you well in keeping these things from you." She studied the flames for a long moment before turning back to Kira. "All right, child. You know everything now. You are free to accept it or reject it, but know this, Kira. Accepting what you are and embracing it for the Light is much more joyous a life than trying to deny it. I know you fear, my child, but once you know perfect love, your fear will be cast out and you will want to embrace the gift." Kira shook her head. "No. I will never embrace what is so unnatural." "Have you heard nothing I’ve said?" Amma sighed and her eyes fluttered shut. "I am tired, Kira. Help me to my bed." Kira hesitated, for the first time in her life, to do as her grandmother asked. Suddenly the woman she thought she’d known so well was not what she appeared. Was she really her Amma? Or was she an unnatural beast in human form? "Do you fear me now, child? Have I changed from who I was only moments ago?" Amma held out her hand in a pleading gesture. Kira fell at her grandmother’s feet. "I am sorry, Amma. I don’t fear you." "But you are confused. That, too, is natural. Come, let me rest and you think over what I’ve told you. It will become clear to you as you begin your journey to the next step in your life." Amma tried to rise, but had to wait on Kira to help her. Kira put her arms around Amma’s waist. Amma leaned heavily on her as they made their way back to the cot. When she was comfortable, Amma took Kira’s hand. "Think on these things, Kira. It is not to be feared, but, like your courses, is a natural part of the world’s order. You are strong, like your dam. You will make the right choice." Amma’s eyes closed and her breathing became easy as she slept. Kira sat by the bed for a long time, thinking as Amma had bid her, staring at the frail body, but she couldn’t accept it. She wouldn’t.

Chapter Six

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Amma’s prediction came true that very day. A crimson stain on her trousers marked the beginning of Kira’s courses. At the same time, a strange gnawing began in her womanly place. A yearning for something her mind did not understand, but her body seemed to know only too well. Her spirit troubled by all the strange new sensations, she used the washboard to work out the stain and her own musings on all Amma had told her. It was too strange to be believed, and she rejected the tale. More than that, she feared the possibility that her grandmother had told the truth. But how was it possible? She scrubbed and thought, her mind becoming more and more confused. While Amma slept that afternoon, Kira wandered the paths near the cottage, her head in a whirl. Howls echoed from the snow-covered mountainside, reminding her she dare not stray too far and reminding her of Amma’s words. Her head spun. It made no sense. She should be laughing about the nonsensical idea that a person could turn into a wolf. But Amma took it so seriously. As she approached the cottage, wanting nothing more than a cup of willow bark tea, she stopped dead in her tracks. The door of the cottage stood open. How could I have been so foolish? Amma was alone in there and anyone ... anything ... could have entered. Fear jolted her feet to run. "Amma!" she screamed, panic choking her. "Amma! I’m coming." She grabbed the doorframe to stop herself as she crossed the threshold and heard--laughter. Amma’s frail cackle, familiar and reassuring. But there was another, deeper, rumbling. The same sound that had touched her inside before, stirring a cauldron of unknown feeling near her woman’s place. The man Valgard sat by Amma’s cot, holding a bowl and a spoon near Amma’s mouth. "What are you doing here?" She strode to the cot and grabbed his arm, spilling broth on the bed. "Get out!" "No, child, no. Be still." Amma waved away Kira’s struggling hands. "Valgard is a friend." "Friend? You chased him out this very morning." "I know. But we have had time to get acquainted now." Kira’s head throbbed even harder. She didn’t want this troubling man here. "Then I’ll chase him out this time." Again she pulled on his sleeves. Valgard rose and turned to face her. "I came to help, Kira." She stepped back, her instinct to escape his disturbing presence. "How can you help us?"

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"You are in danger. Greater danger than you can imagine." He moved closer. She spun to get away, but he was too quick. His hands, broad and strong, were on her shoulders, holding her, shooting tingles down her arms. She was unbearably conscious of every inch of him. "Let me go," she whispered. "Not until you hear me out. There are things you need to know about yourself and your people." "I know everything I need to know. Just leave." Her voice had risen to a higher pitch, almost a wail. She forced herself to be calm despite the potent emotions coursing through her. He was only a man, just a man. There was no resemblance to the silver wolf in the glade. As she thought that, Valgard tipped his head and his silver mane swung to the side. A smile put appealing creases in his cheeks. Strangely, he removed his hands from her and backed away. "Very well, my lady. If that is your wish, I will leave." His smile broadened and a twisty knot formed in her stomach. The intensity of it shocked her. She’d never felt such a sensation before. What is it? He turned back to Amma, kneeling by the bed and taking her hand in both of his. "I shall keep watch for you, Grandmother. You and Kira will be safe as long as I live." He pressed his lips to Amma’s parchment skin. "Farewell for now." Amma grinned. "Thank you, Valgard. I can rest easy now." At Amma’s words, Kira’s heart stopped. Valgard only nodded. "Give my regards to our people on the other side, Amma." "I will, my dear." He gently lay her hand back on the cot and rose, then headed for the door. As he swept his cloak around his wide shoulders, he said, "I shall be near if you need me, Kira. Just think of me and I will come." Then he left. She jerked around to Amma. "Why did you let him in here?" Amma cackled. "How was I to stop him?" She felt horror freeze on her face. Amma turned serious and waved her to come near. "No, child, no. Don’t fear. It was providential that he came here last night and then returned today." Kira sat in the chair where so recently Valgard had sat. It was warm from his body. She felt strangely comforted, but pushed the feeling out of her mind.

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Amma studied her. "You fear him?" "Yes." "Why?" "I don’t know." Amma smiled. "I do." Kira stared. "He’s a stranger. I know nothing about him." "You will." With those cryptic words, Amma closed her eyes. "Soon, I will sleep and see my Justin again. And my sweet Elena and her brave Zander. And my dam and sire..." A gentle snore told her Amma had fallen into a restful sleep. She would dream of her beloved. That’s what she meant. She didn’t mean she would die. Her attempts to convince herself were less than consoling, for she could not ignore the truth. Amma’s life was now measured in only days, perhaps hours. The tears welled in her eyes as she looked at her grandmother’s withered body. She swiped them away, for if Amma woke suddenly as she often did, she didn’t want to add her own despair to Amma’s burden. But the grief was too strong and would not be banished this time. She jumped from the chair and dashed out the door, but carefully slipped the latch before running to the glade where she could give her grief freedom to flow. She sat on a smooth rock. Even though the sun was high, winking at her playfully in sparkling shards off the fresh snow, she could find no joy in the day. Resting her head on her knees, she let her tears and the racking sobs come. She buried her face in her hands as the sorrow engulfed her. Something wet nudged her hand. She jerked her head up. And met the eyes of the silver wolf.

Chapter Seven

A scream formed in her throat, but her fear held it prisoner. She froze in place, knowing she was done for.

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The wolf nudged her hand again. The scream broke free, echoing through places covered with snow as a muted sound of fear and panic. The wolf tipped his head to the side, watching her. As the scream’s echo faded, he nudged her again then loped away, only to turn and crouch on his front paws, his rear end in the air. After a moment he bounded back. This time he came closer and licked her face, again bounced a pace away, and crouched again, his tail wagging high in the air. "Play with me." The words formed so perfectly in her head she could almost hear a voice speaking them. "Play. Please?" The wolf bounded around her in happy expectation and then, amazingly, took her hand in his mouth. Fear returned, but the wolf only shook her gently. Then he pulled her, never squeezing so hard that his teeth would hurt. She had to get up or rip her hand from his mouth. Once she was on her feet, he leapt in circles around her in what could only be described as joy. "Come, Kira. Run with me." The voice in her head no longer seemed so strange. The wolf bounded ahead and stopped, turning and fixing her with an expectant look. "Well?" A smile bloomed on her face and she ran after him. He ran into the woods and she lost sight of him. "Wolf? Where are you?" A weight came upon her back and pushed her to the ground, burying her face in the snow, shocking and, at the same time, comforting, as the cold soothed her tear-burned eyes. The wolf licked her neck, nuzzling her hair away and gently nipping at the tender skin at the nape. It tickled. She giggled. "Stop that!" she commanded with a laugh and rolled over and smacked at his snout. The wolf ignored the order and examined her ears, sniffing and licking. Her laughter rang over the glade and through the snow-covered trees. Kira grabbed the fur at the sides of his head and pulled him away. "That tickles!" The fur was so soft and thick, so inviting, she caressed him, stroking him, scratching the patch behind each handsome ear. The wolf’s eyes closed as though this were the most exquisite thing. "Oh, you like that, do you?" She scratched him some more and then, when she sensed he was off-guard, she wrapped her arms around him and rolled him to the ground.

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He growled, but she knew, somehow, he was still playing. She growled back and buried her face in his warm coat. "Now we’ll see if wolves are ticklish." She leaned over him as he lay submissively on his back and ran her fingers along his ribs. Mercilessly she tickled him. He growled, but this time it sounded to her ears like laughter--deep, rumbling laughter. She laughed with him. They played all afternoon, until the sun had dipped behind the horizon. Shadows started lengthening in warning that night was coming. The wolf suddenly stopped his romping and looked around. Kira wondered if that was a bad sign. Was she in danger now that playtime was over? He approached her and took her cloak in his mouth, pulling her back toward the glade. "Night comes, Kira. Time to go home." She followed his urging and let him lead her home. It didn’t surprise her when he led her directly to her door. Nor when he followed her inside. "Well, you’ve returned, I see." She glanced at Amma. What a strange thing for her to say. "Of course, I returned, Amma." "Not you, child." The wolf loped over and jumped up on the cot and licked Amma’s face. Kira made to get him off, but Amma didn’t seem afraid. In fact, she petted the wolf and made cooing sounds to him as she fondled his ears. "On with you, now." The wolf jumped down and went over to the fire, where he circled three times, then settled himself as though he belonged there. "I see you made a new friend, child," Amma said around a cough. Kira dipped a warm posset for Amma and brought it to her before answering. "He came to me in the glade." "And you were not afraid?" "At first I was. But he only wanted to play." Amma fixed her with a glance. "You do not fear him now?" "No." The answer had come so suddenly it surprised her. But it was the truth. This animal presented no danger. Of that she was certain.

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In the center of a moonlit glade, a lean black wolf sniffed the air. The faint scent of rabbit reached his nostrils from far to the west, but the hunger driving him was not that of the belly. She had begun to bleed. The time had come to claim her. He sat on his haunches, lifted his muzzle to the stars and howled. His song carried through the snow-crusted trees and across the ridge, to the cottage where the silver wolf lay sleeping by the fire.

The silver wolf heard the call of his rival. He raised his head, ears erect. A low growl rumbled in his throat as he turned to stare at the ladder leading to the loft where the woman slept. "She is mine."

****

Hands stroked the inside of her thighs, edging closer and closer to the place where yearning coiled, waiting to be unleashed. "You are beautiful, desirable. Be my mate." "Yes," she whispered into the night. The hands moved closer, first with feather-light fingertips, then with rhythmic kneading. Splayed fingers slid to the soft creases between her thighs. "Please," she begged, not knowing what she asked for, yet knowing there must be more. Rumbling chuckles vibrated through her body, sending shards of pleasure radiating from her core. Warm lips nuzzled her neck, grazed her earlobes, nipped and toyed with the tender skin on the underside of her chin. They settled on her lips and the velvet stroke of tongue beckoned her to open. She tasted him, drawing him into her mouth, exploring, discovering. Such intimacy. Such wonder. His lips left hers to tug on her lower lip and then moved lower, to her breasts. She arched under his mouth and heard his deep-throated moan, almost a growl. "Open yourself to me, Kira." As he spoke his fingers slid into her woman’s plane and she knew instinctively what he meant. A breathlessly intense wave swept through her as her legs parted. The cool air caressed her damp heat for only a moment before she felt a weight, strange and delicious, settle upon her. Large, strong fingers gripped her hips, angling her upward. Silken, hot, hard, he filled her and she gasped. Deeper and deeper he thrust until she was sure he could go no further, yet he did. She trembled with the fullness of him inside her.

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And then it was gone. "No. Don’t..." The chuckle, deeper and ragged, came only a moment before he thrust again, plunging in one long, hard stroke. She rocked her hips to meet him and a rhythmic throbbing filled her, and only one thing mattered in the whole world. The yearning, the need, coiled tighter and tighter, a sensation so filled with pleasure she lost herself to its force. He stroked. In and out. In and out. And with each thrust her need built higher. She writhed-"Kira!" Kira woke, shaking, gasping for breath. Sweat dampened her face. Her heart beat as though she’d run a league through the forest. She sat up, disoriented by the dream. Was it a dream? The sensations had seemed so real. She could still feel the fullness-"Kira!" "Amma." Kira threw off the covers and leapt for the ladder. She scurried down to the main floor. The wolf lay by the fire, head on his paws, his silver gaze on the alcove where Amma’s cot was. Kira dashed to her grandmother’s side and knelt by the cot. "I’m here, Amma." "It is my time, child." The words turned Kira’s heart to ice. "No." "Hush." Amma barely had breath to speak the word. Her fingers clawed at Kira. Kira clutched Amma’s hand and held it to her breast. "Let the wolf guide you, child." The weak old eyes gazed at Kira, full of love. "I shall miss you, Kira. I love you." Amma’s eyes fluttered closed and her sunken chest heaved for breath. Once, twice. Then Amma was still. A desolate shriek escaped Kira’s mouth. Her eyes pooled with tears, overflowing and falling down her cheeks. "No, Amma, no." Kira’s anguish poured out over the lifeless shell. A wet nose grazed her cheek, a warm tongue lapped at her tears. Kira raised her eyes to the wolf, standing by her, comforting her. She wrapped her arms him and buried her face against his furry shoulder, weeping until she could weep no more. When she’d emptied herself, she sat against the cot. The wolf stepped closer and nuzzled Amma’s face, then lay his head against Amma’s for a moment.

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He stepped away and turned to Kira, his head cocked. He padded to the door and scratched at it. "You’d leave me now?" she asked him, the only other living soul in the cottage. She didn’t want him to go. Nonetheless she went to the door and raised the bar. When she opened the door, the wolf loped out toward the forest without a glance back. She watched until he disappeared. Never had she felt so abandoned. So alone.

Valgard watched from the forest. She would need help, but would she accept it from him? He raised his nose to catch the scents on the breeze, but didn’t detect the evil ones. But it was a certainty Skarp would return now that the old one was gone. The girl Kira would have to choose her path. He prayed to the Great Spirit that she would choose the right one.

****

The frozen ground made hard digging, but, between bouts of grief, Kira scraped at it, trying to make a start. She would get on her knees if necessary to make the grave as deep as possible to protect Amma’s body against scavengers. Footsteps crunched in the snow behind her. Fearing the wolves had found her, she twisted around, swinging the shovel up, prepared to fight for her life. The man, Valgard, stood before her, his hands raised. "It appears you can use some help." "Go away." She turned her back on him and went back to digging. Big hands covered hers on the shovel’s handle. "Let me do this. Go prepare your grandmother." Shock at his words stung her. She raised her eyes to his. "How did you know?" "I know many things, sweet Kira." He took the shovel from her. She stared down at his hands for a long moment before finally releasing the shovel to him. "Thank you," she whispered. He smiled at her. "Go, care for her. I’ll let you know when it’s done." She walked back to the cottage to prepare her grandmother for her long sleep.

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Chapter Eight

Valgard waited in the open doorway as Kira gently encircled her grandmother in a large, colorful fringed cloth. Lovingly, she pulled the corners of the shawl around her grandmother and then arranged Amma’s hands over the crossed material. She sat down in the chair by the cot and stared at the shell, all that remained of her family. He felt a twinge at the sight. He knew well the overwhelming sense of loss, the loneliness she was now experiencing. He’d had to prepare his own father and brother for burial. He swept away his own still lingering grief. "Kira, the grave is ready for her." She turned her large green eyes toward him, and even from the distance between them, he could see they swam in glistening tears. "She is ready for the grave," Kira said, her voice trembling. He nodded and approached. Kira moved out of the way so he could lift Amma from her bed. He carried her out the front door, Kira close behind with Amma’s blanket clutched to her breast. At the graveside, Kira spread the blanket on the ground. He lay Amma on it so Kira could wrap her in the warm wool. "It’s so cold." Kira spoke the words softly, her voice empty. "She is not here, Kira." "I know," she said as she pulled the blanket tight, taking one last look before she pulled it over Amma’s face. "It still seems cruel to lay her in the ground." He picked Amma up again and lay her in her grave. "It’s where we shall all return. Dust to dust." He stepped back, giving Kira time to bid her grandmother a final good-bye. "I don’t know what to say," she whispered, turning to him. "Do you?" It was the first time she’d asked for his help. He was pleased and nodded. He thought of the words his people had spoken for centuries over their dead. "The Great Spirit set this woman apart from humanity to serve Him. Now her service is done and she goes to sit at His side and pray for victory over the Darkness. Rest well, warrior woman. Enjoy the

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peace you have earned." He reached down and grabbed a handful of cold dirt. Tossing it onto the body, he looked to Kira, expecting her to do the same. She stood frozen by his side. Why didn’t she follow his example? "What was that nonsense about the Darkness and Amma being a warrior?" Had Amma told her nothing, even after his urging? "Didn’t she tell you?" Kira waved her hand at him. "She told me a fairy tale about people turning into wolves and of a battle between Light and Darkness. It was only a story." "Was it?" "Of course. What kind of idiocy is it that people can change form into beasts?" "It is no idiocy. It is the truth. A truth you have to face." "No." Her denial was softly spoken. The lack of vehemence gave him hope she could be convinced. But now was not the time. "Very well, do you have something you’d prefer to say?" Kira stared into the open grave for a long moment. Then she bowed her head in an attitude of prayer. He followed her lead. "Great Spirit," she began, "give Amma rest and peace. And help me to go on without her. Thank You for giving me such a loving grandmother." She bent down and tossed a handful of earth onto the body. Then she picked up the shovel to do the task of covering the grave. Valgard took the shovel from her. "Go inside and let me do this." She made no effort to resist his suggestion. He watched her return to the cottage alone.

Kira sat by the fire, staring into the flames leaping in a mockery of life. She was warm and protected from the elements. Amma lay in the frozen ground. She shut her eyes, trying to relieve herself of the guilt of the living. Amma was at peace now, beyond pain, beyond the illness that had made her last days a burden. She should be happy for her grandmother’s release from this world. No doubt plagued her that Amma was now blissfully reunited with her family on the other side.

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The sound of the door opening made her turn. Valgard entered and came to crouch next to her. He held his large hands toward the fire. She knew she should offer him a warm drink, perhaps some food, but she couldn’t make herself speak to him. His words still echoed in her mind. He’d called Amma a warrior, but Amma was no warrior. She’d only ever been Amma. "She was much more than that," he whispered. "How can you know what I’m thinking?" He pursed his lips, clearly considering his reply. "Tell me about the dream you had last night." "What?" "Tell me about the dream of lovemaking you had." "No." Kira jumped off the stool and backed away. Valgard rose and approached her. "Tell me you did not feel my hands on your body." How could he know? And how could he say such things to her? Today of all days. "My grandmother is just in her grave--" "Yes, and she knew this would happen between us." "Nothing is happening between us." She scurried around the table. "Thank you for your help. Now please leave me to grieve." "You don’t have time to grieve, Kira." He followed her around the table. She found herself unable to move away from him. "Be my mate." The words from her dream formed in her mind. "Yes, sweet Kira. It was me in your dream. I loved you last night. All that remains is for us to mate in reality. I will protect you. I would die for you." "I don’t want you to die." The words were out before she realized she had thought them. He smiled and raised his hand to brush her hair back from her face. His fingers traced the line of her jaw, lingering on her chin. He tipped her face to his and lowered his mouth to hers. His lips grazed hers. "Kiss me, Kira." She could no more disobey his command than she could stop breathing. Her lips parted tentatively, as a nameless yearning raced through her body. He mated their mouths in sweet perfection.

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His tongue pushed gently between her lips and she opened to him, drawing him in, the sensation reaching down into her soul. Her arms circled his neck, seeking an anchor in the storm of sensations he had created. His solid strength grounded her and suddenly the world became a different place. A place where she was no longer alone. "No, sweet, you will never be alone. My people are your people and you are mine. Forever." Never alone. Mine. Forever. The words echoed in her head, soothing, reassuring. She tightened her arms around him, urging him closer, closer. It felt so right, as if this were where she had always belonged. Through a haze of desire she felt his strong hands slide her tunic from her neck as his lips left hers to press along her cheek to her ear. He nuzzled, then nipped her lobe in a way achingly familiar, for she recognized his loving--so exactly like the man in her dream. Her man. The man Amma had said her body, her head, and her heart would know. "Will you accept me, Kira?" he whispered in her ear, his voice deep and trembling.

Chapter Nine

There could be only one answer. "Yes." His hands slipped possessively downward and caught her tunic, drawing it over her head. She quivered, first at the cool air on her heated flesh, and then again, when his gaze fell to her bared breasts. She made to cover herself, but he captured her hands, kissing each finger, then moving them slowly down her sides. Releasing her hands, he slid his own up her arms. Her eyes fluttered as his thumbs found her nipples. She felt them harden under his touch. She moaned. Without realizing how, her trousers lay pooled at her feet and he had taken a step back, his silver eyes sweeping over her. She watched as a slow smile formed on his face. "So very beautiful you are. So perfect." His words sent a shiver of longing through her. Never had she felt so wanted, so desirable. Never had she yearned to know more. He lifted her onto the table’s edge. She reached out and slipped his vest from his shoulders. He stilled as

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she pulled the drawstring on his trousers, letting them fall to the floor. His manhood stood rigid, proud, and Kira gasped. "What’s wrong?" he asked, a knowing expression on his face. "It’s so big." She extended her fingertips hesitantly toward the rigid flesh. "Touch me, Kira." Her fingertips grazed him. The velvety feel surprised her. More boldly, she stroked him. This time, it was Valgard who gasped. "Have I hurt you?" "No, sweet Kira," he said, placing her hand back and wrapping her fingers around him. Then he moved her hand up and down the length of the shaft. "Gently, now," he said. He was so hard, yet so smooth. She liked the look on his face as she touched him. She liked the sensation touching him created in her. Valgard lowered his lips to hers and seared her to the center of her soul with a kiss of total possession. His tongue swept through her mouth, seeking all her secrets and giving her his own soul. He spread her legs and moved between them. His hardness pressed against her belly, as though a thing alive, seeking harbor. He gently pushed her down to lie on the table, then he raised her legs to encircle his waist. She squeezed tighter, pulling him closer. His fingers swept her private place, coming to rest at the center of all her yearning. She cried out and writhed on the rough wood. Again he rubbed his finger across the tight bud. She arched and again cried out at the pleasure of his touch. "Now, sweet, you shall be mine." He pressed himself against her, seeking the harbor of her body. She opened her thighs wider, wanting more than anything to be joined with him. His manhood, hard and rigid, slid inside her body, stretching her. More and more she took. More than she thought she could accept. He stroked, breaking her maidenhead in a quick flash of pain followed by pure pleasure. The thick, hard shaft was withdrawn, leaving her feeling empty, then it was back in a hard stroke. A cry of rapture flew from her throat. Then another as Valgard stroked. In and out. Again and again. Her eyes squeezed shut as though that could help her bear the incredible pleasure engulfing her. The pleasure blew through her like a winter storm through the forest, encompassing her, covering her, swallowing her in its fury.

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She opened her eyes as she swam through the fog of desire. Valgard’s eyes were closed, his face bearing the expression of divine agony she felt. She couldn’t look away from him and looking at him drove her own agony higher. "Kira, sweet," he whispered. "Valgard, my love." A final thrust exploded them both in a firestorm of sensation. She arched, taking him as deeply as she could, her legs squeezing him tighter and tighter to her. A howl thundered from him, vibrating through her heart. Her own cry of completion joined his. Valgard collapsed on her, his head pillowed on her breasts. She wrapped him in her arms and locked her fingers in his silver hair. Her heart beat like a drum. Her breath came in gasps. After long moments, Valgard raised up on his elbows above her. A smile warmed his face, creating creases by his mouth. She raised her finger to trace them. "You are my mate now." His voice was serious, though his eyes held a light of happiness. "We will share everything." "Yes." The thought of sharing her life with him brightened her spirit in a way she’d never believed possible. "You’ll bear me cubs to carry on the mission of our people." "Children," she corrected him. "Words. Offspring." He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Yes, offspring." Valgard stroked her hair and kissed her tenderly. "We should begin the training now." "What training?" she asked, not really listening, but leaning into his caress, aching for more. "You have never changed before, have you?" She looked at him, confused. "What are you talking about?" "Have you ever changed your form?" She rolled her eyes. "Not more of that fantasy." "It is no fantasy, Kira." She jerked her gaze back to his face. His voice had been hard, stern, and disappointed. That she had disappointed him made her ashamed. But still, he was talking nonsense.

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He raised up off her to stand at the end of the table. His beautiful body glowed in the afternoon sunshine filtering in through the small window. "If I show you, will you believe me?"

Chapter Ten

Fear raised gooseflesh on the back of her neck. What was he saying? "If I show you, will you believe me?" he repeated when her answer was too long in coming. "Of course, but--" Valgard shut his eyes and took a long, slow breath. Before her eyes, his hair grew longer, thicker and, amazingly, began to grow out all over his body. Silver strands shot from his chest. Darker ones mixed in on his shoulders and arms. His fingers curled. His nails grew longer. Kira sat up and slid back on the table, away from the sight. Away from him. His back curled, forcing him to his hands and knees. His handsome face disappeared in a tangle of fur and fang. The silver wolf from the glade stared at her. The eyes she now recognized. Valgard. He jumped up on the table with her and nuzzled her neck. She stared in disbelief into the silver eyes she now knew so well. Only now she did began to understand. Terror ripped her mind to shreds. "No. No." She jumped from the table and spun away from him. "It cannot be true." "But it is, sweet. You accepted me. Now you are my mate." "I never accepted ... this." She dashed around him and up the ladder to the loft. Curling on her cot, pulling her covers tight around her, she tried to push from her mind the sight of Valgard transforming into a beast, an animal. How could she accept--

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"May I come up?" Valgard, the man, poked his head over the edge of the floor. "No. Go away. I don’t want you." "It’s too late for that, sweet. We are mated. Forever." "I refuse to be bound to an unnatural thing. I want no part of you." Valgard pursed his lips for a moment. "Perhaps I am unnatural. But then, so are you." "No." She could not, would not accept that. "Your parents were both of our people. They were great warriors, and your shame of what we are dishonors their sacrifice." She was about to reply when he tipped his head and sniffed. "Skarp," he growled. "Stay here and put the bar on the door. I shall return." His silver mane disappeared as he descended the ladder. She stayed on her cot until she heard the door shut behind him and the latch fall into place. What should she do? She could not accept him now. His power frightened her, almost as much as the knowledge he believed she, too, had the power. Her head shook in denial. No, she was not unnatural. She was not a werewolf. She would not accept it, no matter how her heart broke that she would never again know the bliss of Valgard’s embrace. She looked around the now silent cottage. "I can’t stay here." A decision formed in her mind. She would leave, return to the village and live among real people. What she would do to provide for herself, she didn’t know, but the Spirit would show her the way. Kira grabbed the blanket from her cot and began to pack the things she would take with her to her new life.

Skarp padded around the glade, his snout raised to the breeze. He’d caught the scent of mating. The two who followed him stayed well away, knowing him well enough not to interfere as he sought the scent again. There it was. Damn Valgard. Only this morning had he learned the old woman was dead. How could the bastard have gotten there first? "Master, what do you sense?" "Valgard has had the woman. She is his mate."

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Hrut shook his fuzzy face. "Then we must kill her?" Skarp cocked his head and thought for a moment. It seemed a waste. There was one male who had abandoned his mate and the Light and joined them. He wondered if the woman could also be turned. She was young and inexperienced in the ways of their people. Perhaps she could be convinced to renounce her mating with Valgard and take a new mate? Decided, he trotted back to Hrut and Oddbar. "We will attempt to turn her first. If she refuses, then we will kill her. And Valgard, too. Especially Valgard. He has interfered with me once too often." Hrut nodded and showed his fangs in a parody of a smile. "We win either way, then, right, Master?" Skarp grinned. "Yes, Hrut. We win either way." The three loped toward the cottage.

Chapter Eleven

Kira lifted the latch and pulled the door open a crack, peering out to see if Valgard had lingered nearby. He would try to stop her, convince her she belonged with him. That she could not allow. He would get inside her mind as he had before and muddle her thinking. She had chosen her course and would follow it. She didn’t see him, so she stepped out of the cottage, the only home she’d ever known. One last look was all she allowed herself before she set her feet on the path toward the village. She walked along the path, bundle slung over her back bouncing on her rump. The snow crunched underneath her feet and her slippers quickly became wet and cold, but she walked on. Nothing would stop her now. The bushes at the edge of the path rustled and she stopped, listening. "Surely, it was just the breeze." The bushes rustled again and snow crunched beneath several pairs of feet. Her heart beat faster and she started walking to keep up with the rhythm. The footsteps seemed to be

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following her. Could it be Valgard? What would he do to stop her? She didn’t fear him, exactly, but knew by now he had ways of influencing her thoughts. It was frightening, knowing someone else could be so important to her. She’d lost Amma. She couldn’t bear such a loss again. If he truly was involved in the battle against the Darkness--which she no longer doubted, thanks to his convincing demonstration--how long would they be together? Suddenly she knew the true reason for her refusal to embrace the life he offered her. One day, he would be killed as her parents, her grandfather, had been. No, she couldn’t risk her heart again. She would live as a normal woman, hide her heritage, never again think of the past. An ebony form landed lightly on all four feet facing her. She recognized the leader of the wolves who had threatened her in the glade. His lips were pulled back, baring long, white fangs. A growl rumbled deep in his chest, sending a chill down her spine. Kira stared into his amber eyes, and she recognized the man behind them. "You’re one of them, aren’t you? If Valgard sent you to find me, you can be on your way. I’m not going to join you." "That’s unfortunate, dear lady." The threat was clear, making the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and her body tremble. The other two wolves joined him, one on each flank. They stepped closer, slowly. She moved backward, back down the crusty path. "You understand my meaning, I see. There is another choice." "I’ve made my choice. I’m going to live in the village." "That is not the choice I’m willing to offer you. Join us, Kira. You are powerful and we can help you fulfill your destiny." "I’m not powerful." Surely her trembling proved that. "Yes, you are. Elena gave you her power." "H-how do you know my mother?" The lupine lips snarled in a smile. "She was a beautiful and strong woman, like you. But she wouldn’t turn. So..." The wolf’s shoulders shrugged, such a human gesture it disoriented her. "It would be a shame for you to die when you can have such a life as we can give you. My master would reward you with anything you could ever want." "I want Amma." The wolf cocked his head, as though considering. She waited for his answer.

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"Even that he can give you." Was it possible? Could his master bring Amma back to her? Perhaps he could even bring back her mother and father-"No. They have been dead too long. You wouldn’t want to see them." It was too strange. She couldn’t take it all in. Only then did she realize the wolves had come within an arm’s length of her, the three now encircling her. And then, the wolf’s words about her mother hit her. Her body instinctively stiffened. "You killed her, didn’t you?" Again the lupine shrug. "Whether I or another, does it matter? In a war there are casualties. Warriors understand this." "I don’t understand," she shouted as she swung her bundle at the leader, smashing into his snout. He howled in pain and she took the opportunity to dash past him down the path. Even as she ran, she knew she could never outrun them. Their paws crunched in the snow behind her, not exerting themselves to catch her, her capture a certainty. She began to pray to the Great Spirit for rescue. As the wolves got closer, she began to pray for a quick death. A flash of silver bounded out of the woods. "Valgard!" She ran toward him. She longed to wrap her arms around him and bury her face in his fur, but he passed her and faced the three. "Stay behind me, Kira." The leader again smiled his strange, human smile and made a motion with his head to the others. They backed off, giving their leader room. He and Valgard faced each other on the snow-crusted path. Then in a blur of silver and black, they engaged, leaping onto hind legs and lunging at each other. She cringed with every clack of sharp teeth. A howl of pain rang through the snow-covered trees. A blossom of blood appeared on Valgard’s shoulder. She clapped her hand to her mouth to hold in her scream. Valgard limped backward for a moment, shook his head, then charged the black wolf again. His strong jaws clamped over the black wolf’s throat, cutting off a strangled scream. The two who had been watching dashed in to help their leader. They snapped and raked at Valgard, opening deep gashes in his body. His silver fur became streaked with red. "Run. I can’t hold them off for long. Farewell, my love." Her feet rooted to the ground. She couldn’t leave him. Nor could she do anything to help him. Or could she? Could she even consider the possibility?

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The black wolf had said she was powerful. But she didn’t know how to change. And if she did, she would be as a baby, not knowing anything about being a wolf. Then the three got Valgard on his back on the ground. The leader stood over him, as though mocking her beloved as he lay there, vulnerable to anything the pack wanted to do to him. If she did nothing, Valgard would die. Then they would come for her. Fear and despair began to change into something else: anger, fury. She couldn’t let Valgard die. She wouldn’t. Her vision clouded. An ache began at the base of her spine, bending her over onto her hands and knees. Her face hurt as bones and skin remolded. Her heart beat faster and power flowed through her veins. Then her vision cleared and she saw the leader lower his jaws toward Valgard’s throat. She leapt forward, her new strength carrying her to the leader’s back. He fell rolling off Valgard as she sank her fangs into his neck, shaking him like a terrier with a rat. The other two, surprised by her appearance, backed off. Valgard rolled to his feet and snapped his jaws shut on the black wolf’s throat, ripping and tearing. Blood spurted. The leader fell dead at Kira’s paws. The other two stared at the body of their leader, then turned and ran into the forest. "Should we go after them?" Kira asked her mate. "No. We’ll see them again and they will be repaid." Valgard limped away from the dead body, lay down on the snow and began to lick his wounds. She padded over and licked where he couldn’t reach, his shoulders, his back, the top of his head. "Does it hurt very much?" "Oh, yes. Lick there." He nosed her head further down his body, toward his haunches, where she could see--not a wound, but excitement. The chuckle she could hear in his voice piqued her for a moment. "I see you are recovering quickly." He nuzzled her neck, nipped her ear. "My wounds are minor, thanks to you, my love. You saved my life." Only with his words did the realization hit her that she’d actually become a wolf. She didn’t feel any different inside, but now her outer form was covered with white-blonde hair and she stood on all fours. She glanced at her rear and saw a plumed tail of white. "You’re beautiful." "So are you. Now, be still and let me finish tending to your wounds." She bent her head to his shoulder.

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"Will you have these when you change?" "Yes. But I bear them gladly." She raised her head to gaze into his wonderful silver eyes. "You would have died for me." "Yes." His simple answer filled her heart with love and joy. Truly he was her mate. "How did you know how to change?" She shrugged, amused at herself for such a human gesture. "I became angry when I thought you were going to die." Valgard growled a chuckle. "Remind me to never make you angry." "Now, my mate, you must teach me to change back. I don’t believe I wish to live my whole life as a wolf." "Let’s remain as we are for a bit. I want to show you how to be a wolf." That sounded fine to her. Valgard led her into the forest. They ran and ran through the snowy meadows, frolicking like cubs. He jumped on her and they rolled over and over in the cold, crusty snow. He licked her face, nipped her ears, nuzzled her neck. Then he rolled off her and nosed her to stand. "Now, my sweet Kira, there is one more thing you must learn about being a wolf." Gently he mounted her, his forepaws holding her hips, his nose nuzzling her neck. "Yes, my love. Teach me." At her words, he entered her in a slow, smooth motion. It was wonderful, so different, so natural. So perfect. Perfect love. She embraced it and Valgard, no longer afraid.

The End

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