The salt of bacon, starch of beans, and tang of tomato had my stomach grumbling. “Can’t wait.”
“Where are you going?”
“For a run.”
He set down the wooden spoon. “Not outside the compound, right?”
“Promise.”
Dad’s gaze dipped to my leg, then to my bare feet. “In fur?”
“I’m going to try.”
“Are you certain your body’s ready to go through the change?”
“I’m about to find out. Do you mind if I shift indoors?”
“Go ahead. I’ll get the door.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Pulling my tank top off, I retreated into the foyer. I tossed it on the console by the door, then hooked my thumbs into the waistband of my pants just as the front door opened.
I froze. A gust of frigid air smacked into me, pebbling my skin and peaking my nipples. I hooked an arm over my breasts and plucked my tank top from the table, smooshing the fabric against my chest as the wordshitraced on a loop through my mind. I didn’t mind nudity as long as I wasn’t the only one in the nude.
I pasted on a bright smile, even though I was dying a little inside. “You guys are up early.”
Storm, who was facing out in the baby carrier, wiggled excitedly and made lots of happy sounds.
Liam cleared his throat. “Someone’s excited to see you.”
“Morning, Liam.” My father draped an arm around my shoulders. “Breakfast’s almost ready.”
A door clapped behind us.
“Morning!” As Mom breezed past me, she took in my state of undress. “Maybe, next time, put on your shirt before opening the front door.”
“Mom,” I hissed.
“Nikki was going to try shifting,” Dad explained good-naturedly
“I imagined as much, Jon.” She held out her arms, and Liam unclipped his son, then handed him over. “Hello, sweet boy.” As she nuzzled his head, she said, “No running outside the compound.”
“I know. I know. Anyway, I may not even be able to shift.”
Mom exchanged a look with Dad. “If youareable, you keep it short, deal?”
“Deal.” I sidestepped Liam, or attempted to. We ended up stepping in the same direction twice. “Don’t move this time, okay?”
His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he nodded.
I slunk around his motionless body. Before heading around the house, I asked, “Hey, Liam, are you going to the bunker now?”
He shook his head.I’ll be here when you come back.
Content I wasn’t missing out on anything, I rounded the house, the snow icing my bare feet. I ducked behind a thick rhododendron bush, stripped, and then fell onto all fours.
Please, please, please work.
For a long while, nothing happened. I tugged and tugged on the invisible cord that linked me to my other self until she stirred beneath the surface. I gave a hard yank and welcomed her out.
