Page 37 of Wolf's Prize

“Well, it took me three months before Gaharet would allow me into the forest on my own.”

“Three months!” She subsided into a dejected silence.

“Do not despair, Kathryn. I do not think it will take you as long as it took me. You have lived over a decade with your wolf. When I began my training, I had been a werewolf for only a week. Everything was new to me. Come.”

He took her elbow and guided her through the gate into the bailey.L’enfer,was he pleased to be doing this part of her training. He could not have borne another minute longer in the training room. Not with her naked between shifts.

“Now, without allowing the change, I want you to open your senses. What can you smell? What can you hear?”

“Will the servants not think this a little odd? Me, blindfolded, wandering about the bailey?”

Aimon chuckled. She did present as a strange sight and would cause concern on any other estate. Not this one.

“I think those who work here will have seen far stranger things than this. Besides, all who live on this estate come from one very large extended family. A family that has served the d’Louncrais for centuries.”

“Anne and Gascon are related?”

“Mmm-hmm. Brother and sister, in fact.”

“Oh. Well, that explains why they are both so bossy. It must be a family trait.”

Aimon laughed. “Possibly. Though, I would not mention to Gascon you think him like his sister. Even he is wary of her at times.”

Kathryn grinned. “I like her, though.”

“The keep would not be the same without Anne,” he agreed. “So, you have no need to worry about the servants. They will not talk, no matter what they see.”

Kathryn’s expression sobered, and her hands fiddled with her dress. “The other night, when I transitioned, Anne said I should tell you about…” Her breathe hitched. “…tell you about how I…”

Her voice trailed off, and a tendril of anguish, bitter and acrid teased his nostrils.

“All is well, Kathryn. Your father has informed me of the particulars of your turning. You need not relive it now for my benefit. Now concentrate, open your senses and tell me what you hear, what you smell.”

Kathryn’s scent sweetened, her shoulders relaxed and she tilted her head to the breeze and sniffed the air. She jerked in his direction. She inhaled another deep breath, her mouth parting on a soft sigh. The sweet change in her scent carried to him, coating the back of his throat. He raked his hand through his hair.Mon Dieu.Even fully clothed, she tempted him.

“Focus, Kathryn, beyond me.”

“I cannot help it. Your scent is so distracting.” Her face flushed at her admission.

“It is difficult, I know, but you can do this.”Hecould do this.

Her top lip curled, but she took a deep breath, and tried again.

“Argh.” She waved her arms around and stamped her foot. “All I can smell is you. I will never be able to do this.”

“You are reaching out with your human senses, Kathryn. They are enhanced, but your wolf’s senses are much stronger. You need to bring your wolf to the surface.”

“But…if I bring my wolf to the surface, will I not transform?”

“Remember what we did in the training room? Finding your quiet place, your center? Find it again, feel secure in it,thenlet your wolf reach out. Take it slow and let it out only enough so your wolf is present, but not too much that you bring forth the change. Remember, you are in charge. You can command it, guide it and be both Kathrynandyour wolf. In time, it will be seamless. For now, it will take practice. This is why we train, so it will become as natural as breathing for you.” The scent of her doubt hovered between them. “I despaired of ever mastering my wolf, but I did. Through practice. As will you.”

She pouted. “I would much rather go for a run.”

So would he. “Concentrate, Kathryn.”

She groaned, but she did as he asked. Her scent deepened, musky and thick, and he readied himself should her wolf take over. Then her brow smoothed out, and a smile tilted up the corners of her mouth. The tension in his muscles eased. “What do you sense?”

“I can hear people moving about.” She tilted her head to the side. “A baby’s cry. His mother is pacing. There are two men ahead of us. They are talking. Can I…? Yes, I can hear what they are saying. They are discussing a horse. He is lame again and they want to shoe him.”

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