Page 82 of The Mating Quest

He pointed to the flamingo raft. “Give me a heads up if you plan on animating that like you did to the statues at the restaurant. I have no desire to be attacked by a giant pinkbird.”

She laughed. “No worries. I’ve declared a truce onLupines.”

Curious, he asked what other things she’danimated.

She sat up on the flamingo float. “The animation doesn’t last long, but it can be effective. As long as something has form, I can animate it. Statues are easier because they aren’t living and breathing… stuff like rocks and plants are tougher because they are of the earth and have energy of their own. What about you? What animal forms can youassume?”

“Any of them, I suppose. I don’t often get the chance to shift into other forms backhome.”

“Too busy playing farmerEthan?”

He gave her a level look. “Lupines are pack and pack doesn’t like different. They respect my authority as a wolf. If I shifted into other forms all the time, it would upset thebalance.”

Ilana paddled over closer to him. “Huh. I’d have thought being a Changeling shifter would come in handy on a farm. You could shift into a horse and help someone plow, or be a chicken and give everyoneeggs.”

Ethan gave her another level look, until she laughed. “You should see your face. Relax, Ethan. I’m teasingyou.”

His lips twitched. He liked this lighter side ofher.

“What’s the hardest form to hold? The largest animal, like an elephant? Orsmallest?”

No one ever asked him before. “Marine animals are the toughest because the transition from air to water can be a bitch. I can’t maintain that form for long. Never had reason to try an elephant. Usually I shift to fight, or ward off a threat without fighting. Intimidation is a goodthing.”

“Your shifting into that giant lizard thing in the cave was a very good thing.” Her gaze was steady. “Thanks,wolf.”

Ilana was different. Everyone in his pack expected him to protect them, expected him to be the strong one and fight. Even his sisters did. No one ever thanked him. Not that he wanted thanks because it was his responsivity. But it did feel nice to beappreciated.

She climbed out of the pool. Toweling off, she sat in a lounge chair. “So, wait are you waiting for? Show me what yougot.”

I’ve got a lot. I’d love to show you what I really have. Ethan climbed out of the water and stretched out hisarms.

Bones lengthened as magick rushed through his body. Power rushed through him, the thrill coupled with sharp pain. He growled, and his sight, hearing and sense of smellheightened.

Ilana sat up. “Really, wolf? A big…cat?”

He snarled, and then grinned, showing fangs.Cougar.

“I do like cats, though. They’re independent. Try somethingelse.”

This time he shifted into a golden eagle, spread his wings and flew over to her table. Ilana clapped in delight. Then she stroked his wings. “This is amazing. I’ve never seen an eagle up close likethis.”

He liked the feel of her hand on his feathers. Damn it would feel even better if he were in Skin, naked and she stroked him likethat…

When her hand lifted, he flew to the ground. Ethan shifted back to Skin, clothed himself in short and stretched, cracking his spine. “Those forms are always a pain. Birds have a lighter skeletal structure tofly.”

“But it must be nice tofly.”

He caught the wistfulness in her voice. “I could shift into a dragon and take you for aride.”

Ilana’s blue eyes sparkled. “That might be fun. But I’d rather have you do something else forme.”

Ethan drew in a breath. Ilana looked lovely like this, relaxed and carefree. Never had he seen her insouciant. Always she was on guard, the warrior ready tofight.

He made a courtly bow. “What is your wish,Mage?”

She glanced at the Gulf. “I’d love to go back in the water, but that merman keeps bothering me. Can you shift into something to keep himaway?”

A growl rose in his throat. “Of course. Give me ten minutes and meet me outhere.”