Page 90 of Shifting Years
Mike's hands moved with practiced quiet precision, kneading out tension and smoothing over our latest disagreement. Small fights came and went, but his touch was a reminder that love wasn't about being right—it was about being together.
He was still in the wrong,of course.
His hands stopped. His folded arms reflected in the glass of the photo frames lining the mantel. "You smell smug."
"Describe it."
"I can't. It's just one of those things I know."
"Oh? Because you know everything?"
"More than you."
"Yet, somehow, you don't know I still need more massaging."
He squeezed tighter and I winced before he quickly kissed my head. "Kim's pregnant, by the way. That's why I felt the urge to order those custom-made wooden toys."
I looked up from my chair. "Really? I mean, guess it's expected. Those two have been going at it like wolves in heat lately."
"Yeah…," said Mike. I'm sure he was thinking of that time, too. We had our pups, but we could still enjoy each other in the bedroom, in the forest, or wherever the urge took us.
"It's been a good life," said Mike, yanking me out of the visual.
"And not over yet. There's still blank pages."
"I know." He resumed the massage, knowing what tight muscle spots needed more attention. "We live longer, but there's so much to do."
"I'm glad for what we did." A younger, more foolish me didn't see the treasure in the shorter man. Sure, he was annoying and thought he knew everything, but he was around and loved me. Thanks to him, we had a worthwhile life, and others did too.
For decades, I watched Donna and her family, but what if the reverse were true? Was she seeing me? I had options. Men turned into wolves, and two women deep in the swamp could rewrite reality and knew things we'd dare never ask.
I can't.
I'm not a coward, but the years taught me not to go looking for trouble. As long as I remembered her, Donna still existed where it mattered.
"You okay?" whispered Mike from behind. He strolled in front, staring down, and offering a hand.
"Thinking about those in our lives and not."
The ammonia worry scent wafted off him and I nodded when he said, "Donna."
My neck didn't crack anymore thanks to Mike, but I twisted back and forth. "The worst part isn't the aches and pains,especially when you have a cute Omega to massage them…" I waited for the smile and continued. "Good life but there are sofewstill around."
"Especially when you're a shifter." Like me, Mike had to watch friends from a distance until they weren't with us anymore. "Our time will come soon."
What once were thirteen blank scrapbooks had dwindled to a single book, its pages waiting for the final chapters.
"There's still room for a dozen or more couples and their beginnings."
"I'm not afraid of dying," I said. "I don't want to be away from you or leave you behind. Not again.Neveragain. You frustrate me, but I love you." The same was true with him.
"Magic is the balance of opposing forces. What gives will take."
My voice dropped. "Did you get that from another book?"
"Does it matter?"
I've teased him over the years. He still reads about higher consciousness, LSD, spirit guides, and random paranormal creatures. Yet, considering our shifter lives, I couldn't tease himtoomuch.
