“I didn't know,” I repeat, whispering this time.
His enormous head settles into my lap.
Trusting me.
Waiting.
Wanting comfort.
Without thinking,I bury both hands in the thick brindle fur around his neck.
It's impossibly soft.
Warm.
Like hugging a living blanket.
“Oh, wow.”
I wrap my arms around him.
He's huge.
Beautiful.
Impossible.
And somehow...
I think he’s mine.
“I don't understand any of this,” I whisper into his fur.
The shimmering begins again.
The warmth beneath my arms changes.
Fur melts away.
Muscle shifts.
The impossible reverses itself.
One heartbeat I'm holding the great Wolf.
The next?Strong human arms slide carefully around my waist.
Rand.
His forehead rests against mine.
Neither of us moves.
Neither of us speaks.
My fingers are still tangled in his long dark hair where moments ago they were buried in fur.
He closes his eyes.
