Why was this person questioning me? I didn't have time for this. I looked over my shoulder. There were no more gaps between the forest shadows. I was completely out of sight. Since the humans couldn't see me, I was safe to shift back and find a way back to River somehow.
"You look concerned," the shadowy figure said. "Something on your mind?"
I glanced back at him, feeling a little irritated. "I'm sorry, I don't know who you are, but my mate is trapped in that building and I need to save him."
The creature chuckled. "This new trend of omegas saving alphas… I must say, I am rather fond of it."
"What?"
He waved a clawed hand. "Nothing. So how do you plan on doing it? Saving your fated mate, that is."
I narrowed my eyes in confusion. Whoever this creature was, I got the sense that he knew more about me than I realized. Something about his manner suggested he was toying with me, but somehow not in a cruel way. I didn't know what to think about him.
"I'm sorry, what did you say your name was?" I asked. If he was going to mess with me, I was at least going to get his name first.
The shadowy figure smiled. "Animus."
Some flicker of recognition flashed in the back of my mind, but it wasn't enough for me to stop and dwell on it. "Well, Animus, my fated mate needs my help, so I don't have time to chat."
Animus crossed his arms and leaned against a tree. "What makes you think this is a casual chat?" He sighed and mumbled under his breath, "Mortals needeverythingspelled out to them…"
What did he just say? Mortals?
Suddenly everything about his strange manner and appearance made sense. I felt like an idiot for not realizing it sooner.
"Are you a spirit?" I asked.
"Finally, he gets it." Animus looked more amused than offended.
All beaver shifters grew up learning about the spirits, especially the water spirit Nautilus, since he reigned over our domain. But they were held in such high regard that they reached mythological status, not tangible entities we could ever hope to meet in real life. I didn't think Animus was lying—his ethereal presence, his unique appearance, and the power he radiated were impossible to fake.
"I'm sorry," I said quickly. "I didn't realize—"
Animus let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh, stop it. I liked it better when you weren't sucking up to me. No offense, but you're not my type."
My jaw fell open and I didn't know how to respond. I never expected to meet a spirit in my entire life, let alone speak to one. I had no idea how to carry myself.
"Thatfated mateof yours,” he said, “He needs your help, yes?"
There was something odd about the way he said fated mate, but I didn't have the time to dwell on it. River was more important.
"He does," I said urgently. "He's being held hostage by humans. He’s safe for now, I made sure of it, but now I don't know what to do. I promised the humans money I don't have, and my animal form isn't strong enough to save River through brute force."
My voice grew desperate as my emotions spilled over. All I wanted was for River to be safe.
Animus watched me intently. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. Finally he said, "Here's the deal, Castor. I'm willing to help you if you return the favour."
Receiving help from a spirit? Was he serious?
"What kind of help do you want in return?" I asked.
"Nothing major." Animus smiled. "I simply want the magic that results from your union."
I blinked in confusion. I didn't know what he was talking about.
"Is that a euphemism?" I asked.
"No. Well, sort of. By union, I mean sex."
