"The full moon is this week," I told him. "I was thinking maybe you'd want to come with me and meet Tony and the others. See what shifting is really like."
Parker looked up at me. "I've already met Tony and seen him naked." He snorted with laughter. "Sorry but I can't forget his bare butt as he scurried through the woods, trying to get as far from us as possible."
I'd prefer to forget that moment when I spied Parker hiding in the bushes.
"You want me to watch you all shift?"
"Only if you're comfortable. But I think it might help to see that it's not scary and that we're still us, but in a different form." I squeezed his hand. "There are a few others who run with us. I think meeting them might ease some of your worries."
"Okay." Parker took a breath. "Yeah. I'd like that. But will I see all their dicks?"
"Shifters aren't weirded out by nudity as humans are."
"So that's a yes."
Thursday evening found us driving to the same clearing where Parker had discovered my secret. He was quiet in the passenger seat, one hand absently rubbing his belly.
"You sure about this?" I asked.
"I am because I need to understand this part of you and our baby." He managed a smile.
Tony was already there when we arrived, along with Samson, a quiet omega with dark eyes, Casey, an alpha who worked at the local library, and Jaden, an alpha who ran a construction company. We weren't a formal pack, but we'd been meeting for the full moon runs for years.
"Everyone, this is Parker." I kept my hand on the small of his back, a possessive gesture that satisfied me and my wolf. "My mate."
The others greeted him warmly, though I could scent the nervousness on Parker. Samson stepped forward and offered his hand.
"It's good to meet you. Dawson's been happier these past couple of months."
Parker shook their hand. "I'm glad."
"You can stay here," I told Parker, pointing to a fallen log at the edge of the clearing. "Far enough back that you won't feel crowded, but close enough to see."
"I know this log. I hid behind it on that day." He shooed me away. "Now go. I'll be fine." But his hand found mine, squeezing once before letting go. "Go. Do your wolf thing."
I worried that he'd be scared in the dark but he said he'd yell if he heard noises and I promised I'd be by his side in an instant.
The shift felt different with Parker watching. I was more vulnerable as I stripped off but my wolf was proud, prancing around the clearing. But when I looked at Parker while in my wolf form, there was no fear in his expression. He gave my beast a shy wave.
The others shifted too, and we ran through the trees, under the moon, letting our wolves play and hunt. It was freedom in its purest form, and for the first time, I wished Parker could experience it and understand what it felt like to run on four legs and to smell the world with a wolf's senses.
We returned to the clearing as the moon began to set. We shifted back and got dressed, falling into the easy camaraderie that came from years of running together. Parker had stayed where I'd left him
"That was beautiful," he said. "The way you all moved together. It was sort of in formation."
"That's what pack feels like." I sat beside him, pulling him close. "Even when we're not formal about it."
Samson approached, his expression thoughtful. "Parker, may I...?" He gestured toward his belly.
Parker glanced at me as if he was uncertain what to do but I nodded.
"Samson's parent was a healer and he has some of his dad's instincts. He won't hurt you or the baby."
"Okay." Parker straightened. "What do you need me to do?"
"Just stay still." Samson knelt in front of him and his hands hovered over Parker's small bump. My friend closed his eyes, and I studied his expression as he concentrated. "I can feel your baby."
"Feel what?" Parker's voice was barely a whisper. "You're not touching me." He looked at me.
