Nocturne 040 – Scions 02 - Patrice Michelle - Insurrection (31 page)

Landon went down on one knee and met her steady hazel-blue gaze. The wolf quickly licked his cheek again then pawed her muzzle. Landon frowned even as he ran his hand over her gorgeous pelt. “I don’t know what you want? Help me understand.”

The wolf walked up to him. Placing her chin on his shoulder, she tucked her neck close to his.

Landon’s chest ached in fear and worry for Kaitlyn. He wrapped his arms around her neck and ran his cheek along her fur. “I love you, Kaitie.”

The wolf began to shake and he felt human arms encircle his neck. Landon pulled her close and buried his nose in her neck. “You scared the hell out of me! I thought you were permanently stuck in wolf form like Andre.”

Kaitlyn showered his neck with kisses, laughing heartily. When she drew back, her eyes were full of mischief. “I didn’t shift back because I wasn’t ready. I wanted you to hug me and love me in my wolf form, too.”

Landon cupped her face and his heart raced. “You can control your shifting? None of the Lupreda can do that. How did this happen?”

She shook her head. “I felt a little strange when I removed my necklace. Then, once you left, it was like a part of me was gone, too.”

Shrugging, she continued, “Maybe I was able to shift because I’m a hybrid who was bitten by a very dominant Alpha wolf.”

“That wasn’t a wolf bite, Kaitlyn,” he said in a harsh tone, even as his mind raced through the possibilities.

“But it was a mating bite. Just be glad you weren’t there when I began to shift. After you left, all I did was wish I could be out here running in the woods with you, and suddenly pain unlike I’ve ever experienced rushed through my entire body.” She grimaced. “Bones cracked and muscles made horrific snapping sounds. Once I realized what was happening, I was already in wolf form.”

Landon stroked her face in amazement. “Maybe it was a combination of a couple of things. A wolf has never mated with a human before, let alone one with Lupreda blood. You’ve worn that silver necklace since you were a child. Taking it off may have allowed you to change.” With Kaitlyn’s ability to shift at will, who knew what powers their offspring would possess. A new era was dawning for the Lupreda. “Why didn’t you talk to me mentally?”

“I don’t know if I can.” Her brow furrowed. “I tried, but apparently I wasn’t successful.”

He rubbed his chin and shook his head. “I heard your laughter in my mind, though. Maybe speaking mentally takes a lot more practice than wishing and the desire to shift does.”

She kissed his mouth and smiled. “Maybe. Are you willing to teach a new wolf some old tricks?”

Landon laughed and nodded. He was elated and more than a bit humbled that his mate wanted to share every aspect of his life. “Do you want to know why I didn’t acknowledge the wolf in you when I healed your wounds?”

She nodded and waited for him to continue. Landon brushed her hair away from her face, touching her cheek with reverence. “Because you tasted like one of my own, and I desperately wanted you to be a wolf, not because I needed you to be one, but because I thought you would accept me as I am, wolf and all. I thought my mind and senses were playing tricks, trying to convince me I was right.”

Kissing his palm, her gaze held deep love. “This wolf is happy to be able to grant all your deepest desires.”

A dangerous smile tilted his lips. “Is that a promise?” He lifted her in his arms and cradled her against his chest. “Let’s get you back to the cabin.”

“Insatiable man.” She laughed and laid her head against his shoulder.

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ISBN: 978-1-4268-1695-6

SCIONS: INSURRECTION

Copyright © 2008 by Patrice Michelle

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