Caged

Chapter 9.

*Photos: Ivy (left), Soleil (So-lay) (right)

I shifted and pulled the shirt down further so that the back of my shoulder was exposed. He peered down to see the thinly inked black lines of the feather fading in to a howling wolf before scattering into a dozen birds as they flew up and over my shoulder.

"I got it after my first shift. It was awful...going through it alone. But once I got the hang of it, it was more freeing than anything I'd ever experienced. I felt like I could just fly away any time I wanted to and no one could get to me."

He smiled as his thumb rubbed softly across the tattoo. "Yeah. I know what you mean. I can't imagine going through it alone like you did. I remember thinking it would kill me. But once I practiced, I felt more myself as my wolf than human."

I nodded and smiled over my shoulder at him, goosebumps rising across my skin as his hand rested against it. He frowned slightly and his eyes suddenly turned distant. His expression was focused and as quickly as it had come, it was gone.

"I guess it's time we get back. Asher needs me back at the pack house." He said as he leaned to stand.

He stuck his hand out and I took it as he helped me to my feet. I nodded as we stepped into the tree line. I stepped behind the tree and replaced the shirt to its nook before shifting back to my wolf. I turned to see his large brown wolf walking ahead of me, hesitating a few steps ahead for me to catch up. I caught up to him and couldn't stop my wolf from brushing up against him and licking his nose. The steady hum of the bond nearly vibrated through our wolves, strengthened by our natural forms. His wolf's large head bumped against my own before we started running back toward the pool and further down to the pack's housing. Pure joy surged through me as we ran side by side, his wolf just slightly ahead of me. He looked back over his shoulder and I could feel pride resonating from him that I was keeping up. He pushed harder as we came down the hill and I quickly ran beside him, holding my position. I knew I could keep up with him as long as he could go.

We finally came to the edge of the tree line surrounding the pack house and I walked over to the tree where I'd left my clothing. I quickly shifted and slipped back into my leggings and tee before pushing my shoes on to my feet and walking back towards Rhett. I couldn't see him anywhere, but I knew he was close. I could feel it. Suddenly a large arm snaked around my waist and yanked me back against a hard body behind me. I squealed as his large hands spun my hips, turning me around to face him.

He reached up to tuck a stray hair behind my ear and I leaned into his touch. "Will you be all right on your own for breakfast? I don't want to leave you, but Asher says it's important."

I nodded and smiled slowly. "I'll be fine. I have to start meeting them some time right? May as well be now I guess."

He leaned down and kissed me gently before releasing me. "I will come find you when we're finished."

My heart fluttered in my chest and my smile widened as he lead me out of the forest. He opened the door to the main house for me and flashed me a quick smile before walking the opposite direction to meet Asher. I felt a small disappointment as the bond faded and left me cold without him near.

I made my way down the hall and followed it to two large double doors. I could hear a slow buzzing of movement and chatter behind them where wolves were beginning to file in for breakfast. It was stilly early, but many seemed to be up already. I took a calming breath before pushing through the door and walking in. I was surprised by the size. It seemed much smaller when I'd last been here. It held four long tables on each side of the room, separated by a large aisle leading to the main serving table. Smaller tables were scattered in the corners and against the walls.