Page 49

“Galis, come here,” Phara called to the consort beta.

Isa’s eyes widened as one of the beast’s heads popped up from sniffing the ground. The bear-cat trotted over. She couldn’t help but warily gape at the purple furry creature that stood as tall as her on all fours. All it would take was one swipe of its paws and its claws could easily gut her. If that didn’t finish her off, the mouth full of sharp teeth certainly would. As she was taking in the predator’s features, the bear-cat plopped down on his butt, his big purple tongue lolling out of his mouth, totally ruining the menacing vibe. The goofy expression on the beast’s face was an instant give away.

“You are Galis, aren’t you?” She tilted her head as she stared at him.

“We call taking a natural creature’s form ananimaform. This particular animal is afero. They are a mountain dwelling beast,” Phara explained as she studied Galis.

“We can take any creature’s form that we have touched, but we are most adept at the ones that inhabit our environment.” Artifex patted Galis’ head.

“This really is stunning.” Isa stroked Galis’ shoulder. His fur was coarse but felt like fur with skin underneath. The best she could tell, he’d turned into the actual creature, not just the shell of one.

The Vorto are shape shifters.Her mind spun as she considered this new revelation. It made sense since the Vorto could flux, but it still surprised her. That seemed to be the theme lately.

“You were right to be wary. An actualferowould probably view you as food. They sometimes come to us when they are injured, so it’s best to stay with one of us until the local dens are familiar with your scent,” Bellator added. From the crease in his brow it was clear he was still worried about her near accident.

She smiled up at her sweet, protective, alien husband. “I will remember.” She rubbed the big guy’s chest, hoping to soothe his anxiety. “How come you never changed inside the hive?”

“It is not proper.” Artifex shook his head.

“We do take on some of the creature’s instincts when we flux. There have been problems like tearing up coverings and raiding the food stores, so we don’t shift inside the hive,” Phara added.

“Oh.” Isa nodded, even though she wouldn’t ever truly understand since she couldn’t change into an animal.

“Hatchlings learning to takeanimaforms tend to forget the rule,” Rego laughed, his gaze shifting accusingly to Galis.

“Oh no, not you, Galis?” Isa giggled.

Galis yipped, his tongue darting out and sliding up her cheek.

“Oh my,” she squealed as she mopped slobber off her face.

“That Vorto is not fully fluxed!” Bellator declared, mocking Galis. He then plucked her off her feet and took off running across the veranda.

Isa giggled at the barks and subliminal shouts as Bellator took a trail leading into the woods flanking the hive. He was absurdly fast and quickly left the rest of their group behind. The woods and snippets of the mountain landscape rapidly passed by.

“This was the real plot, to get me alone,” she teased when Bellator slowed.

“Galis was attacking you with his tongue. It is my duty and honor to protect you.” Bellator attempted to be serious, but a smile tugged at his mouth.

“Very gallant of you.” She grinned then nuzzled his chest, loving how he purred as she brushed her cheek against him. “I can walk,” she said when she pulled her face away. She was wearing her shoes today.

“I’d prefer if you rode me,” he replied.

“Oh?!” Her eyes widened, an impish grin spreading across her face.

The sonorous bellow that erupted from Bellator sent the lizard-birds fleeing from the nearby trees and even echoed off the peaks across the valley.

“That is not what I meant,” he conveyed when he stopped laughing. “Although, I do prefer that over what I was thinking.” Bellator grinned as he set her onto the path. “Stay right there. Don’t get startled.”

Isa nodded, noting where the drop off of the path was and moving closer to the safe side, even holding onto a small tree for extra assurance. Bellator waited until she was safe then melted into his plasm form. He was barely a puddle of goo for a moment before a pair of pointy furry ears emerged from the pool, followed by his whole head. Totally enthralled, she watched as a bear-cat formed. Bellator intently watched her, too. She stayed still so as not to worry him. Finally, he stood in front of her in all his four-legged glory.

“Magnificent,” she whispered in awe. She’d never be able to get used to this.

“Thank you, but you, my queen, are the magnificent one,” he spoke through their mental link as he dropped down to the ground. “Climb on and grab the scruff between my shoulders.”

“Okay.” She did as he instructed, glad she could still understand him even though he was in animal form.

“You won’t hurt me if you grip tighter.” He rose to his feet once she was seated.