She sits and whines.
We’re in the yard now, nobody’s around, so I say, “You done for now or you want to stay like this for a while longer?”
There’s a tugging inside me and it’s a new sensation; it’s coming from Bailey.
Bailey’s wolf yawns and lies down, looking ready for a nap.
I squat and look her in the eyes. “Bailey, shift,” I command.
Immediately, the pup shifts to Bailey who instantly throws herself at me. I catch her, kissing her.
She pulls back far enough to look in my eyes and exclaim, “That. Was. Fucking. Epic!”
I press a kiss to her mate mark, not putting her down. “Fun?”
“So much fun!”
“Good, baby. Let’s get you inside. Get some clothes on before anybody sees you. Wonder where I should break in.” I look around.
“The inside door will be open, we can go through the garage,” she says.
“You stay here. I’ll go get you some clothes from your old room.”
“I’ll just–” she starts to say but I interrupt.
“Stay here.” I set her on her feet and grab cushions from two chairs. “Cover yourself with these.”
She laughs. “I’m not cold.”
“No, but you are naked. Take them.”
She accepts the cushions but asks, “So?”
I lean in. “I don’t want anyone looking at what’s mine.”
She smiles. “First, nobody’s around. I’m in a fenced yard. Second, I’m eventually going to run with other pack members. Eventually, I’ll be nude in front of folks, and it won’t be a bigger deal than anyone else being nude in front of everyone.”
I let out a frustrated growl.
She loops her arms around my neck. “Nobody will care, silly. But you are so sexy, Jason.”
“I’ll care,” I inform, irritated.
Her face changes. I don’t like the new expression.
“Bailey… don’t be upset with me. I can’t help how I feel.”
“Okay, but how about how I feel? I always felt different and not in a good way, especially after getting bullied.”
By my fucking sister. I clench my teeth.
Bailey keeps talking. “I wanted to be like everyone else and didn’t think it was possible. Especially not once everyone was shifting except me. And now I know that itispossible. Not just possible but probable. Can you appreciate that?”
I sigh.
She adds, “I’m not saying I’m looking to shake what my momma gave me in public intentionally, Jase. I’m telling you I want to be like any other pack member. Shifting. Running. Being in touch with my wolf. I want to know my wolf. I want to synch up with her. And if that means occasionally being without my clothes for a few minutes before getting back into them like every other shifter around here, then it should not be a big deal.”
“It’s too soon after our mating for me to fathom anyone setting eyes on your naked body.”