AllFreeNovel
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It’s hard to imagine how the world will change when magic is available again, as I watch a woman nearby load a case of bottled water in her car.
It makes me wonder if those who were stuck here will know immediately, or if they’ll one day realize they can channel their power or shift finally and never know why.
I glance down and Val’s eyes are closed while I rub along his snout, stopping at the top of his head.
“Have you thought about what it’ll be like once you’re able to shift back?” I ask, and his eyes snap open in surprise, eliciting a laugh from me at his reaction. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m just curious, though. Have you considered it?”
His ears perk forward, and his chin tilts down in response.
I nod and continue, “I’ve considered it too. Part of me has wondered what your other form looks like. The other part of me wonders whether or not it’ll finally hit me that I’ve had a man sleeping in my bed for months.”
Val huffs in amusement and his fur twitches.
“Are you nervous to be able to shift into your human form?” His ears pin back.
“So you’re excited about it?” I ask and his ears perk forward.
My god, I can have a full yes or no conversation with him.
“Oh this is fun,” I laugh and continue, “Do you think Darian is looking forward to having magic back?” His ears twitch and his gaze drops to the ground.
“Ah, is it bittersweet?” Val’s chin dips again and his ears perk forward.
“Do you have family back in your realm?” His ears pin back.
“Were you lonely here at all, being in this form?” Val’s ears first perk forward, then back and forward again.
“Hmmm. Do you mean that you were lonely at times?” His ears perk forward and tail wags.
“You weren’t lonely with Darian?” I guess and his ears stay facing forward.
What else can I ask him that he can answer yes or no questions to?
There’s one unknown that has been eating at me for a while and I muster the confidence to inquire about it.
“Did you lead Caspian to me that night at the house?” His ears pin back and my gut twists.
I should have known it wasn’t dumb luck.
“I see.” I sigh and glance out the window.
The SUV rocks slightly, and suddenly Val’s large body is halfway between the front seats, and each of his paws are positioned on either side of my legs, with his nose nearly touching mine.
He huffs once, blowing my hair backward, and he nudges my cheek with his wet nose. His head rests gently on my shoulder, pressing his weight down onto me. It feels strangely comforting, and I instinctively wrap my arms around his thick, furry neck.
Eventually, Val retracts his head and redirects his attention to the parking lot. His fur bristles and he stands tall, completely shielding me from view.
To any onlooker, it would appear as if a wolf is occupying the seat, and I’m concealed from view entirely.
His giant body vibrates with a low growl, we both jump in surprise as a knock sounds on the door to the left where Darian stands with a mixture of concern and confusion on his face.
I press the button to unlock the vehicle, and Darian opens the door to place the bags in the back as Val hovers over me, still obscuring my body from view protectively.
Darian hops into the driver's seat, eyeing Val cautiously before scanning the lot in front of us. “How long has he been like this?”
I frown, “He began just around thirty seconds before you knocked.” Darian curses, swiftly jumping into the seat and shifting the SUV into drive.
What the hell?
