Page 72 of Shifters Unifying

“Oof,” she grunted, doubling over. “Good one,” she rasped.

“Shift and reset,” I said. “Next time, watch for the shift in my weight.”

“Yes, multimorph.” The air stirred, and she tossed the stick aside as she reformed into a reddish squirrel, nearly the color of Jasper’s beard.

I took the opportunity to do the same, glad for the chance to alleviate the tally of injuries I’d been dealt. After we’d returned to our human forms, I gave her a nod. “That’s enough for today. Choose tomorrow’s trainee.”

My opponent inclined her head and marched toward the group, high fiving several before pulling another young woman aside.

Salali stepped through the line. “A good morning,” she said. She leaned closer. “I’m surprised you’re not training them in magicks.”

“That’ll come, but I didn’t want to begin that way.” After what happened in Six-Mile, I wasn’t ready to find out what mighthappen when I fought using shifter magic. Better to work up to it.

“You have the first of your visitors,” she said.

“I’m guessing he’s not a squirrel.” Probably Logan. That hadn’t taken long. He must have run around Six-Mile once, tossed my laptop on the back of his four-wheeler, and sped over here.

“No, can’t meet him in your drey.” She gestured toward the rear of the structure. “There’s a room back there.”

“Is there? I hadn’t noticed it.”

“It’s behind the row of young trees.” She paused. “Also, it’s not a safe room, so I’m afraid it isn’t soundproof. You might ward it if you don’t fancy any eavesdroppers.”

If she wanted me to ward it, she must not want her clan to hear anything noisy. I grinned as anticipation fluttered through me. Funny, I hadn’t noticed Logan getting closer through the bond.

“Understood,” I said. “Give me a minute or so and then send him in.”

“Will do.” She made her way toward the entrance of the tree warehouse while I jogged toward the tight row of young trees at the back.

The nearly camouflaged room wasn’t large, constructed by the same building techniques as the rest, but it had a thick, wooden door which opened easily and latched closed as effortlessly. A folding table had been placed at one end with two folding chairs. Two desktop computers graced the tables, but a layer of dust on the keyboards showed how little East Nuttal used them.

A knock on the door startled me, and I scowled at the thick, wooden barrier. I was trying to decide if I was ready to have sex with Logan on the floor, since he was probably standing on the other side of the door.

“Logan, I’m not sure—” My voice died the moment I threw the door wide. Instead of Logan, sandy-haired Marcus Steele stood on the threshold. He was the last person I wanted or expected to see. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I followed your scent.” He was as naked as shifters usually were, but he clutched something in his left hand.

“Why? I didn’t invite you to come with me,” I said.

His mouth pinched. “Because I was concerned about where you were going, and I have a right to keep track of my niece.”

“Supposed niece,” I said. “We have no proof.”

“Probableniece,” he countered. “Are you going to invite me in?”

I groaned.Fuck.I stepped out of his way, and he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Quickly, I warded the room to block sounds from escaping. No doubt word of Marcus’s visit would get back to Logan, and he’d be illogically pissed.Yet again.

“Why are you here?” I demanded, wishing I had some kind of clothing.

He gave me a self-satisfied smile. “Did you enjoy your interlude at the cabin? Impressive work with the table.”

My glare didn’t diminish his smirk. “So, you watched us get attacked and did nothing? I didn’t take you for a coward.”

“Do you think I wouldn’t assist my niece?”

“Then how did…”

He tapped his nose. “You can tell a lot by scent, my dear… and you two were all over that cabin.”