Hyacinth

Nickolas.

A hint of a floral scent floats past, turning I shift the internal structures of my nose and try to find it again. It is distinctive, with sweet and spicy hints that make it alluring. Clamping a hand over my mouth I attempt to muffle the giggle that rises up from my beast. Thankfully, none of my co-workers are nearby to hear, in the typical hazing of the new guy they had handed me a rake and pointed in the direction of the largest leaf covered area. This is a good thing because the saying laughs like a hyena is especially true for me, because that is what I am, I am a hyena shifter. Only those of us with the greatest control over our shifting leave the clan, we are extra careful because of the perception that other shifters have of us. The reactions of other shifters can range from simply running us out of town to a lynching.

Sniffing the air lightly as I rake, I move in a circle trying to determine the source of the enticing smell. I spot two clear lanes of grass through the leaves. Kneeling, I take a deep breath, the smell is strong, whatever made these tracks is its source. Looking up I study the meandering path, it disappears behind a wide tree trunk. As I approach the tree I hear the susurration of moving leaves, the scent intensifies with each step I take. Leaning against the tree trunk I have to stop, my beast is leaping within me. The levels of excitement racing through me give me cause for concern and caution. Every instinct was screaming to leap forward and claim the source of the smell. I have to have it.

Closing my eyes, I gather all my will power and force myself to calm. Then slowly and silently I ease my way around the trunk, fighting every inch of the way to maintain control. This scent is affecting me in ways that I have never encountered before, the instant I see the source of the sound and scent I freeze. Understanding flashes through me like a lightening bolt, my mate, against all odds I have found my mate. She is a petite woman, carelessly shuffling her feet through the leaves, her arms swinging as she moves around freely. Her hip length strawberry blonde braid swaying. Without thinking I approach her, as I get closer I see that the darker colour in her hair is actually a bright purple streak. She freezes, her face mere feet from me. Without thinking I close the distance between us, bury my nose into her neck and inhale deeply.

"It's you," I murmur as I sniff up the side of her face and into her hair. "You are what I could smell. You are my mate."

I grab her shoulders as she jerks away from me.

"You are mine."

I yelp at a sharp pain on my wrist. Looking down I see a mottled red and orange snake coming out from beneath her hair. My mate has a tiny defender, it rises between us curling into an s. There is a tiny persistent rattle as it watches me intently. I smile at the boldness of this little predator, so fiercely threatening me. It strikes at my face and I flinch away. Not much but enough for her to twist from my grip and flee. I leap after her but stop when she glances back, and I see the fear on her face. A hollow forms in the pit of my belly as I realise that I am the cause of her fear. I will have to give her space, prove that she can trust me. She will never truly escape me now, I have her scent and I will never loose her again.