Here is an excerpt from Into the Unknown, Werewolf Wars book 2. “Wow,” Natalia breathed as they reached the top of the peak. She closed her eyes as the cool breeze caressed her face. The fragrance of pine and oak imbued the air, causing a smile to slide across her face. Opening her eyes, she surveyed the landscape. Trees spread out for as far as the eye could see. The sun hung low, filling the sky with an orange-pink hue. She spun around, relishing in the fresh scent and complete seclusion that the trees offered. Crickets chirped, and she could hear wildlife scuttling about. “This is amazing,” she said, focusing her gaze on Gene. “My father worked hard on the landscape back home, but I don’t think it will ever be this secluded.” “It is nice at your ranch,” Natalia commented. “I grew up in the city; anything outside the city limits is rustic to me.” “And you weren’t around any other wolves?” Gene questioned. “No. My mother taught me what she knew. Which was not much. Her only experience was with my father, Luis.” “I meant what I told you. I want to help you—teach you our ways.” Natalia moved to the edge of the hill, and stared down over the side. Taking the chance of trusting him was about as appealing as jumping to the jagged rocks below. Still, she wanted to believe him. “How do you do it?” Swallowing, she held her breath. Gene came to stand next to her. “What?” “The partial shift. How do you do it?” Natalia turned, quirking her brow up as he came to stand in front of her. His heels touched the edge of the cliff. She blinked, surprised at how vulnerable he was allowing himself to be. Her breath caught as he placed his hands on her shoulders, his chocolate eyes meeting hers. At this, her pulse spiked, a shiver running up her spine in anticipation. “Close your eyes,” he said quietly. Her eyes widened, and heart accelerated. She fought the urge to lean into him. She knew the touch was innocent, but, to her, it felt like anything but. “You need to focus—close your eyes,” he urged, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort and arousal. Natalia cleared her throat, closing her eyes before she did anything stupid. “Now, think about your wolf. Your sight, specifically. Imagine running. The wildlife and trees are whirling by as you survey your surroundings. Everything is clearer, sharper. Inhale the pine and oak, the dirt and leaves.” Natalia forced her breathing to even out, letting Gene’s voice act as a guide; she imagined exactly what he was saying. Warm puffs of air hit her face as he spoke. His voice soothed her until she found herself lost in his words. “Open your eyes, Talia,” Gene whispered. Fingers grazed her cheeks, and gently cupped her face. Startled, she opened her eyes, gasping at their close proximity. Blinking, she stepped back, taking him in. His face appeared clearer, she could see the individual hairs of his stubbled jaw as if they were under a magnifying glass. She looked up into his gaze, and could see the reflection of her golden wolf eyes. Turning away, she inspected the leaves of a nearby tree, noticing their tiny fragile veins. When she finished marveling up at the foliage, she turned her eyes downward, watching tiny insects gather on the tree trunk. “All you have to do is focus. How do you feel?” Gene asked. “Good,” Natalia beamed. In fact, she felt better than she had in weeks. The partial transition had been effortless—painless. “If you follow the same mindset when you transition, I think it will help. The important thing to remember, is that you are still in control, even if you are the wolf. Embrace who you are, don’t fear it.” “I’m not afraid of—” “Yes, you are. You’re afraid of what we are because you don’t want to be like Juarez. You can be the wolf, and still be yourself,” Gene said. He took a step to the side. “The wolf doesn’t make us do anything we wouldn’t already do. A person’s essence doesn’t change, and neither does a wolf’s. A good wolf is good, whether or not he or she is in wolf form. It’s what we do that defines us, not what we are.” Gene sighed as he looked over the edge of the cliff. “I’m heading back. The house is a quarter of a mile that way,” Gene said, pointing as he turned in the direction they’d come. “You should try shifting.” Natalia nodded, waiting until she heard the gravel crunching beneath his feet to turn around. He’d helped her. Swallowing, she watched as he disappeared into the trees. Satisfied that she was alone, she undressed and prepared to transition.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 03:24:30 +0000
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