Page 41 of A Bridge to a Troll's Heart

The fire flickered and warmed his fur. The delicious scent of roast rabbit rose in the air. He sighed, chin comfortably perched on Arlo’s knee, relishing their special night. Their first full moon together. Hopefully, the first of many.

Arlo had no trouble polishing off two rabbits by himself. Toby was glad he’d thought to catch both.

Afterward, they settled on the pine branches under Arlo’s tent to sleep. Arlo lay on his side, his big body curled around Toby’s small frame, arm thrown over his middle, holding him tight.

Arlo dropped a kiss against the back of his head. “Goodnight, Toby. Sleep well.”

Another pang of desire hit him hard. How he wanted to wrap his arms around Arlo too, to kiss him back, and to thank him for this time together. Maybe more. But none of that was possible in his wolf form. He needed to be human, and he needed it now.

Sparks stirred at his core, a low thrum of vibration growing rapidly in resonance. The sensation spread outward. Toby knew this feeling. This was what shifting felt like, but he’d never managed it on his own. He didn’t know what to do next.

But instead of shying from the phenomenon, he encouraged it. Basked in the tingling and threw himself at the transformation with all his focus.

Yes.Yes, I want to shift. I want to shift for Arlo.

Toby willed his paws into fingers and toes. He harnessed the moon’s power for the first time in his life and asked it to obey his desire. Bringing the human to the forefront, he pushed the wolf inside and stretched out longways against his lover.

Naked, his exposed skin prickled in the chilly night air. In his efforts, he’d squirmed right out from under the blankets. But Arlo’s arm had stayed securely around his waist through the entire shift.

Warm breath tickled the hairs on the back of Toby’s neck. Arlo spoke, lips against his skin. “Well, hello there. Welcome back.”

Toby turned in his arms so their faces were just inches apart. He grinned and squeezed Arlo’s big biceps. “Arlo. I’ve done it. I’ve controlled a shift.”

“By moonbugs, you have.” Arlo returned the grin with one of his own. A huge smile lit up his whole face. “Congratulations. I’m happy to see you so happy.”

“I’m more than that.” Toby could hardly contain all he felt. Triumph. Elation. Desire. “I’d tried for so long with no success. I’d given up. Thought it was impossible.”

“What made you try again?”

“You. I wanted to be here with you. So I could do this.” Toby squeezed Arlo in a tight embrace. “And so I could thank you for tonight. This is better than my wildest dreams.”

Arlo’s green eyes sparkled with joy for him. “How should we celebrate?”

Toby kissed him soundly upon the mouth, because he could, then pulled their bodies closer together. Arlo tangled their legs, giving Toby his thigh to press against.

“You always have the best ideas,” said Arlo.

“And you always have on far too many clothes.” Toby grasped Arlo’s shirttails.

Arlo snorted a laugh. “It’s freezing outside.”

“I’ll keep you warm.”

“Promise?”

“Always.”

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