Jacklyn came back to her human mind on the stairs of Veronica's building.
She clearly remembered the run coming here in images and emotions. The memories had a different shape, just as the moment to moment experience were similar – breathing, moving, seeing – but in the end in a completely different shape. She couldn't put human words to her horse moments no more than she could express her human moments in horse. Jacklyn was still new to the whole shifting thing and it wasn't easy to adjust.
Like now.
Jacklyn lay sprawled like a drunk on the stairs with a badly beat up man pulling at her hair like his life depended on it.
"You can let go now," she growled.
He let go and looked at her with his one good eye.
Jacklyn still read him mostly the horsey way. Lots of feels in that look; gratitude, relief, wonder and a pinch of kid-after-first-rollercoaster-ride-about-to-ask-to-go-again.
The latter made her try to cover herself up with her hands.
Odd.
The coat was still intact and fit her perfectly.
As in better than before.
It hadn't been torn to shreds from her exploding in size back at Pantzer's basement.
Jacklyn got to her feet. She pulled the driver up. He groaned and wobbled. She put his arm over her shoulder and headed for the door.
Maybe he was bleeding inside? Maybe he shouldn't be moved?
Jacklyn didn't know. She didn't even own a first aid kit. But they couldn't stay out in the open, not if Pantzer had a biker gang and a team of Nazis on call.
They stumbled inside.
"Don't pass out," she said. "Please don't pass out yet."
His knees buckled twice in the elevator. He was heavier than he looked. He whimpered when she took a firm grip around his waist. He didn't smell so divine anymore. Sweat, blood and fear covered what remained of the cologne.
His handsome face was an unrecognizable, swollen mess, but she had to admit she didn't mind him leaning so warm and heavy on her, or that she had to keep her arm around him.
Pity he had to be beaten to a pulp for it to happen.
Jacklyn had to more or less drag him to Veronica's door. She hit the doorbell like a woodpecker.
The door opened.
Vanessa looked them over, unimpressed.
"That's not my dog," she said.
* * *
"He gave me his coat even though I broke his getaway car. I had to help him," Jacklyn explained. "I couldn't leave him there. Pantzer was killing him."
"My dog is still there."
"I know. I'll go back. You have my word."
Vanessa did a nod.
"Pantzer just let you take him?" she asked.
Jacklyn shook her head. "Not really. I punched Pantzer. I might have hit him again after I shifted. It's a bit fuzzy."
"Go back. Save Toby. They don't expect you to show up a third time."
"But—" Jacklyn protested.
"You lost my dog and put him in danger. You get him back safe now."
Jacklyn glanced at the thief in her arms. His hair tickled her noise. The top of his head still smelled delicious. She discreetly inhaled.
"The Venetian can stay," Veronica grumbled. "Just put him on the couch and go."
Jacklyn must have looked puzzled.
"Don't ask. That's what he goes by," said Veronica.
YOU ARE READING
Shifting Life
Paranormal[COMPLETE] Magic is all about the rules. You mess up, you fix it. Or pay the price. Not that Jacklyn Morse has a choice. She's a new shape shifter paying the price for saving a notorious thief who is as hot as the supernatural loot he's stolen. To J...
