The Master of Me

Chapter 10

        Three more weeks went by and every day Sterling could count on a human visit from Alue for either breakfast or dinner. He could typically see her padding up to the back porch and then change into her human form. He wouldn’t really call it changing though, it was more like walking. It was so natural of a movement to behold. In a blink of an eye she would be in one form or another, each with own unique features and beauty to behold. He did take notice that her human form now stayed clean and scent free, while her hair could still use a good shampoo, conditioning, and brushing, at least she seemed more comfortable to move around in her human form. He spoke about the usual topics such as the weather, his job, or parents, always reading her body language to see if she was uncomfortable.

                The leaves on the trees in the area were vibrant red, orange, and yellow. Just in time for Halloween which was exactly ten days away. As the two of them ate, having ceased all other regular conversation he decided to take a risk and say,

        “Halloween is in ten days…guess that means I should buy some candy for the trick or treaters. My parents though have said if I am not otherwise occupied, I am welcome to spend the holiday with them. It’s silly really, the last time we spend Halloween together we watched some cheesy 1970’s horror film and ate way too much left over candy, along with warm apple crisp. I don’t suppose you would desire to accompany me to such an event?” he asked Alue, as they continued to eat their T-bone steak dinner with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

                Alue was grateful her mouth was pretty full, so she had time to chew slowly and think about his request. She had come to enjoy spending time with Sterling, even if it was just once a day. The rest of the time she spent in wolf form in her own den or lying around his property as she deemed fit to her liking. She wasn’t immediately opposed to the idea, but the thought of stepping outside in her human form (besides in his kitchen or outside his back door) did make her extremely nervous.

        “Do I have to go . . . like this?” She asked him, looking down at her human appearance. He on the other hand, assumed she was talking about her well-worn clothes that wouldn’t hold up much longer.         

         “No, of course not. If you want, I can pick out some attire next time I go shopping. We could even dress up if your into wearing costumes for Halloween.” He offered, this time not wording it that he would be buying the clothes for her but simply picking them out so it didn’t sound like she needed anything from him. Alue’s skin tingled in a chill at the thought of costumes, something her old master was very much fond of. She shook her head to clear her mind from unwanted memories further arising and replied,

        “Neither will be necessary. I will accompany you in my wolf form.” She told him, as she finished the last of her food and carried her plate to the sink to rinse it off.

Sterling was quite surprised his offer got considered, let alone her actually agreeing to come along. “That is fine. I hope you don’t mind being treated like a pet though; my parents do not know how astonishing of a guest you can be.” He told her, feeling obligated that they would treat her as such since they didn’t know any better, and he didn’t see a need to state any different since it was not his story to tell. “I do not mind, given the circumstances.” She said, as she left her plate in the sink and walked toward the back door. “Good night, Sterling.” She said to him who in return said, “Sleep well, Alue.”