I am here to assist you as well.Sensos promised.
With the suit’s help, Toni merged with Azazel. Her consciousness blended with the very makeup of the man himself. She sensed not only his confusion and panic, but she also caught his overwhelming kindness and sagacity that tempted others to rely on his calm and practical outlook on things.
But he’d lost his way. He feared he’d somehow failed and couldn’t go back to being who he was. He believed it was safer to stay as the beast and not have to face his incompetence.
Yeonin. Lover.Come back to me.Even with her mind melded with his, she caressed the side of the beast’s head, stroking, pouring all her love and acceptance into her touch.I need you.Any fear she had of the creature in her hands melted away. She kissed the side of his snout, bathing it with her soft lips.Remember, you promised to take me to that beach once the danger was gone. You weren’t lying to me, now, were you?She visualized the two of them together like they were on the dream beach, intertwined in the dance of making love.I want… no, Ineedyou in my life.
A flash of his masculine strength stroked through her, causing her womb to tighten.
Myhebat, came Azazel’s firm voice, filled with virile pride.I would never lie to you.What kind of man would I be if I did not honor my vow to you?
That’s right, bub. You’d better come back so you can keep your promise.She kept her demand firm and non-negotiable.Don’t you want to experience making love in real life? I know I do.
As my lady so wishes.
Step back!Sensos’s cry made her eyes fly open. With a tug from the suit, she jumped away from the beast.
With a violent shake of his head, the spikes along his skull clanged together, echoing like clashing swords in a duel. Then it rose to its four legs, its whole body shuddering like a wet hound shaking off water.
Toni’s mouth dropped open, her eyes widening in stunned disbelief as the creature became engulfed in a thousand stars that burst across its massive form.
A blinding spectral light took over before it faded away, leaving a very human, very naked man sprawled face down on the floor. His mouth was slightly parted, and his eyes were closed.
“Oh my God!” Toni raced to kneel beside him. “Is he okay?” She held her breath and glanced at the two men and the spindly alien behind her. Not waiting for them to confirm, she turned back to Azazel.
His silky black hair covered his face.
With trembling fingers, she swept the strands away.
Asmodel chuckled. “Yeah, he’s just fine.” He knelt beside her with a confident grin. “It’s hard to process going between forms the first time.”
Toni’s eyebrows rose. “The first time?” She looked back at the unconscious man. “You mean he’s never done this before?” She waved up and down his spectacular, muscular, mouthwatering male body. She cleared her throat, trying her best to remain detached and not drool over the irresistible sight. Her eyes wandered over the firm musculature of his back before landing on his plump, firm, nibble-worthy behind. Dragging her gaze away, she again studied Asmodel.
“I’m afraid so,” Abalim answered behind her. “Not only has he never shifted before…”
Toni looked over her shoulder at him.
He glanced at his brother next to her. “None of us had a clue he could.”
She wrinkled her nose and spoke to Asmodel. “Is that true? But weren’t you all raised together? Didn’t you all claim you were psychics to boot? Like, read each other’s minds and stuff?”
Asmodel’s prominent cheekbones turned a shade of dark rose. “Yes, and that’s why he and I are so embarrassed.” He nodded to Abalim. “Now that Azazel changed into this… what did your friend say it was?”
“AnUgrota.” Rerqel supplied. The alien stayed in the background, watching and unmoving.
Asmodel nodded. “Yeah, that. When he changed into that beast, it loosened all the fears and concerns he had about housing this animal, bringing him to the forefront of his mind. Apparently, he was afraid if he ever let it out, he’d never find his way back.” He hung his head. “I’m ashamed we never knew how hard he struggled to keep that part of himself under control. We should’ve been there to help him through his fears.”
“I think you’re being too hard on yourself,” Toni admonished. She smoothed her hand over Azazel’s soft hair. “Maybe it was better for him to wait until I was here to help him work through it.” With a soft sigh, she smiled at the sleeping man. “Is there a place away from this mess to let him recover? I’ve got to be there when he wakes up.” She glanced at the men with narrowed eyes and an unyielding smile.
Azazel’s awareness crept back in sluggish waves. He smiled when it occurred to him he could move with ease, without pain or strain. His grin slid away as the memory of being taken over by The Beast made him catch his breath. Was it gone? Would it come back?
I am never gone, the voice of The Beast said in his head.I am a part of you, just as you are a part of me. And now that you have fully embraced my existence, we will live in harmony together, now and forever.
Azazel relaxed at the admonishing but accepting tone in The Beast’s voice. For the first time, he recognized who and what the creature was. While itwasa part of him, it was also a separate entity that was a natural part of his genetic makeup. He could not deny the beast any more than he could deny the delicate arch of his ears. It just was.
What shall I call you?Continuing to think of him as “The Beast” didn’t seem right.
You may call meIrgon, the Beast announced.It means “disrupter” in theUgrotatongue.
