A Wolf's Tale: Chapter 11

As the evening of Dan's transformation drew to a close, he passed out final goodbyes, one to Raine, one to Kagami, one to Kiara, and one to Kira. Everyone got into their respective vehicles and drove off into the sunset. Raine couldn't get over what she had seen, and knew that no one would believe her. Kagami was ecstatic, as well were Kira and Kiara, but each for a different reason. Kira was excited to finally have a male amongst their ranks, Kiara was excited that her blood had solved the pack crisis, and Kagami, well, that's easily guessed.1

Dan retired just as he had in his previous form, not being able to quite change at will yet. He couldn't change unless he had some 'motivation,' in the form of another wolf of which he intended to share eternal companionship. But, of course, all this would change with time.2

The next morning, Dan was greeted by three smiling muzzles outside his front door. He put on some old clothes, in all likelihood ones that would not make it back in one piece. He ran out the door and the change hit like lightning, his body convulsed with the power welling up in every fiber of his body. His spine lengthened, bones shifted, his skin darkened and then sprouted fur, his face rearranged itself into a muzzle, and his dazzlingly lupine form stood facing the others of his kind. He hadn't changed before, and all three of the others were amazed. He wasn't a jet black like the others, he was an almost sand color. 3

There wasn't much that could be said, since their dialect had evolved only a few words that could be used conversationally, most were inbred commands, agreements, disagreements, commands, or otherwise not very inviting sentiments, although the language was a rather complex one for being confined to barks, howls, yips and other characteristically canid sounds. Not surprisingly, all of their mental faculties were tied to their respective senses, so understanding humans wasn't altogether too difficult, as well, their human form could easily decipher the language of almost every member of family canidae.4

Kiara was designated to teach Dan everything he needed to know. The day was a rigorous combination of physical exertion, concentration, and learning. Dan learned how to phase at will, how to control his wolf form fully, and a lot of history. He learned that, much to his surprise, small prey animals didn't appear appetizing, an occurrence that Kiara related to the fact that their wolf form was a projection of their human form, a metahuman form of sorts, not a different being.5

It turned out that in close quarters combat, either as wolf or human, Dan was rather good. Kiara had prided herself on being the most strategic fighter, while Kira had been the strongest (next to Ana). Kagami was not much of a fighter herself, but Dan more than made up for that. Dan seemed, even though handicapped, to be able to beat any of the three that tried to beat him. Kira blamed it on him being naturally stronger in his human form, and the wolf transformation amplifying his strength. Kiara blamed it on his college education, which she had not been able to indulge in, since she had been a werewolf since her birth. Kagami just sat back and laughed, knowing that it wouldn't really ever matter who was stronger.6

As the day wore to a close Kagami and Dan became inseparable, deciding that the change to wolf meant Dan was officially part of the pack, and therefore he should subscribe to pack logic, thus marriage or other such ceremonies became unnecessary. Kagami begged Dan to come join her in her small cabin, but he pointed out that Ana might get in the way, Besides, he had a much better idea; they could stay at his more spacious abode. 7

Kagami and Dan were intoxicating to each other. Kira and Kiara almost passed out laughing as soon as the two soulmates began to become drunk with eachother. Kagami and Dan retired to their makeshift place of living. Kagami had a few things on her mind though.8

“Dan, I have something to ask you.” baited Kagami.9

“What would that be?” Dan inquired10

“Would you...” she paused, not being able to get the words out, “Could we...” she paused again, her question getting lodged in her throat.11

“Could we what?” asked Dan, urging her to spit it out.12

“Would you m...” Kagami paused again, still having trouble finishing her sentence.13

“Come on, you can ask me anything. I won't laugh.” affirmed Dan14

“Would you mate with me?” Kagami issued, reassured that Dan would take it well.15

“Huh?” asked Dan, confused.16

“I knew I shouldn't have asked.” Kagami whimpered17

“No, it's not that, it's just I figured that we should get to know each other better before we, you know.” Dan apologized18

“Dan, I don't think that it matters.”19

“But it's a big decision I'm not sure I am ready to make yet, and what about Ana?”20

“Why would Ana care?”21

“Why should we take that chance when we have the rest of our lives?”22

“I guess.”