“Yeah, pretty much. At first it was confusing, and frankly, annoying having wolf instincts, but now I’m used to it.”
“Well, you’ve always been wild, I guess.” The quip is out of my mouth before I can stop it.
“Not a great moment for a fucking joke, Clem.”
“Sorry. So, erm, how does your wolf manifest?”
“I’m physically stronger.” He tenses an arm and the muscles sure do pop, and then he reaches out casually and tips the desk with a fingertip. “See that? And I’m fast. If I ran out of the door now, you’d barely see a streak. Not that I choose to run much, but I can.” His eyes take on an almost luminous quality. “Traggar, could have let me die… but he didn’t, and that means that I’m no longer worthless. I have a purpose in life now, even if it means I’m a fucking werewolf.”
“Oh Jax, you have never been worthless. You’ve always been my amazing, courageous big brother. Honestly, I’m glad you’re awolf now, because your wolf will protect you.” Reaching out our hands join and he grips mine tightly. “Maybe don’t squeeze too hard.” I squeak.
“Sorry. I would never hurt you, even if—or when—I do shift.” He gives a rueful laugh. “I guess it’s only a matter of time.”
“So you haven’t shifted? Not even a little bit?”
“I’m not sure if there’s a half measure on shifting. Though I’ve sensed the wolf inside me getting stronger of late,” Jax muses. “The shift happens when the right forces collide, and the need to be wolf is greater than the need to be human. Apparently.”
“Is there some way you can prepare for it?”
“Traggar’s been giving me training to understand the wolf’s presence in me. It’s taking time. But honestly Clem, compared to being brainwashed by the tracker in my neck, this is liberation.”
“Are you afraid of shifting?”
Jax ponders for a moment. “No. I’m kind of looking forward to it, I think. I have a sense of inner strength I’ve never had before. And I’m initiated into the Trojan pack, which gives me a wider community of support.”
“They’re the wolves who are looking after Sammy and Arlo.”
“Yes, they are good guys. Not like the fucking Badens, they’re another story.”
“Do other monsters here know you’re a werewolf?”
He shakes his head. “Only Otis and his deputies know. Folks here are aware I am a human with free will and on the side of the Labyrinth, but they know nothing of the mission we are planning. The longer we can keep that quiet the less likelihood that word will spread past the Labyrinth.”
“So not even Tippy knows?”
Jax’s lips tighten “Tippy does not know. And good thing too. Wolves and wixens are like oil and water.”
Oh,” I hide my smile. “She won’t be happy when she finds out then.”
Jax grunts, then he cocks his head and smirks. “So now you know the whole story. Do you still love me?”
“Of course I do—bastard.”
“Aw, love you back, bitch.” He stands and I walk into his arms, and we hug. I sense Jax holding back a little and understand why now. He could no doubt crush my ribs if he hugged too hard.
“Guess we should ask Otis to join us,” I say when we part. Jax nods. I go and open the door and call out to Otis, who is clattering pots and pans in the kitchen.
When he strides toward me he says, “So he’s told you?”
Yep.
“Everything?”
I nod and smile. “Guess I’m kind of related to wolves. And now I want you to explain what happens next.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
OTIS.
