“I know. I am hungry. I’ve also been debating with myself about something that I probably should have mentioned earlier. We will not make it to the base of Cleito’s mountain at this pace.” He brought his hand up at my objections. “It is not you, amada. I cannot make it to the base of her mountain like this and was not planning on it. I was waiting for the right moment to talk to you about this, but have been unsure of how to tell you. You mentioned that Michael shared his gift?” He looked surprisingly uncomfortable talking to me. I could feel how nervous he was, it was making the water I’d chugged sit uncomfortably in my stomach. I just nodded in confirmation, hoping he’d relax. “Well, at least this will not come as a complete surprise,” he muttered almost to himself. “The only way for us to make it to the base of her mountain tonight is if I change and carry you.”
“So, change. It’s not as if I haven’t seen you naked already. If it makes you feel better I’ll turn my head.” I was a tad insulted that he didn’t want me to see him naked, but more confused as to why he was so upset about needing to wear something different. I still didn’t see how this was a gift of his clan. Maybe he had magic clothing that he was going to put on. I snickered to myself at the thought of him wearing little sneakers with wings.
“I cannot explain further. It is draining to continue walking in my half state and even I cannot change too often or I will drain myself to the point of exhaustion. I will show you, but after we eat. I will be hungry after and refuse to hunt with you.” He handed me some fruit and dried meat.
I was still lost, but entertained myself with the images of him flying about with winged shoes while we ate. He barely looked at me, but when he did, he looked almost as confused as I was. I guess my amusement at the situation appeared strange to him. Well, if he wasn’t going to enlighten me on what he was hiding, I sure as hell wasn’t going to share the nonsense pinging around my skull.
“Are you ready?” he asked when he was finished and had his pack secured loosely on his back.
“Yep, I just have to put my pack on. I really am capable of walking on my own, you know. I can try to go faster.” He gathered me in his arms, searing me with a kiss.
“I know, amada, but it is not necessary. Even if we ran full out, we would not make it like we are. Please, trust me.” His voice quavered. I kissed him and he gave me a very nervous smile. I had just a moment to wonder what would make him so afraid, when he started changing.
He was still holding me as it started and I could feel his muscles spasm. He fell to the ground, releasing me, and I heard the unmistakable sound of bones snapping. His skin rippled in the firelight. A slight whimper escaped, the only sign that it was more painful than he was letting on. It looked agonizing, but fascinating at the same time.
There was a moment where his body appeared to be just a mess of innards. I caught glimpses of bone, hair, and fur and I had a hard time making sense of what I was seeing. His helpless groan turned into a growl as his head reformed. Black fur sprouted over his entire body. It was over with quickly, faster than the old monster movies made it seem. He took a minute to breathe and to adjust to his new form before opening his eyes.
I found myself gazing into the teal eyes of my mate in the shape of a black leopard. I could still feel his worry that I wouldn’t accept him, or that I’d now fear him, but he was so beautiful. I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. He crouched down so I could climb up, keeping his posture low and as non-threatening as a leopard could, watching me warily. I didn’t climb up straight away, instead leaning down to his level so I could pet the soft fur on top of his nose.
“So beautiful,” I whispered, and he grunted in surprise. I walked around him, touching him and studying his muscular frame. I kneeled down taking his massive head in my hands and rubbed his ears. His eyes shuttered and he started to purr when I found a sweet spot right behind his ears.
“You silly man. You could’ve just told me about this. I don’t think I’d have believed it until I saw it, but you could’ve told me. I hope there isn’t anything else you’ve left out, or I’m going to have to kick your cute kitty butt.” I smiled and tapped him on the nose. I stood and moved to put out the fire but stopped at his cough. “I’m just putting the fire out so we don’t burn down the forest. I’ll be right back.” He shook his large black head no, so I shrugged, turned around, and climbed onto his back.
His pack was still around his strong shoulders, although more snug than before. There was room behind the pack for me to sit and cling to it.
Riding a leopard was right up there with one of the strangest things I’d ever done. I was deliriously happy to be riding on the back of a giant cat, and we took a few minutes to walk around the clearing to get our movements in synch.
