Page 42 of The Ranger
He nodded. “I h-have no idea, what form my heart will take.”
Makama, still gawking, shook her head in disbelief. “What does Shona shift into?”
“The princess has not yet shifted.”
“And Dallan?”
“He is human. He will not shift.” He nodded at the trail that veered off to the left. “There. Follow it.”
Vale did, and it wasn’t long before they began the descent into Cooke’s canyon.
When they reached the bottom, Makama’s attention was drawn to His Majesty. “Look at that,” she breathed. “Dad wasn’t kidding when he said it was big.”
Markhel breathed a little easier at the sight of the mighty oak. This was one of his favorite places in Clear Creek, and he often came here to be with the Creator and pray. Something he should start doing a lot more of.
Vale crossed the meadow to the huge oak and brought the horses to a stop.
As soon as he did, Markhel jumped down and fell to his knees.
The couple scrambled down after him. “Markhel!” Makama knelt beside him. “How bad is it?”
“I am hungry, and... so empty.”
“Ew, I remember that feeling. I’m sorry.”
He looked at her, struggled to his feet, and flexed, his neck, popping it.
“He’s ready to feed,” Vale observed. He took off his jacket, then his waistcoat. That done, he started to roll up his sleeves. “Darling, would you care to assist me?”
Makama nodded, then loosened a few buttons on her blouse. “It’s a good thing I’m not wearing a corset.”
Markhel could fight it no longer. He spun to them and growled, exposing his teeth.
“So,” Makama drawled. “What do you think you’ll shift into when the time comes?”
He shut his eyes tight trying to keep control. “I... do not know.” When he opened them, he drew in a ragged breath. “I... a-am sorry.”
“Think nothing of it, man.” Vale stepped forward, bowed, then delivered a fierce upper cut to Markhel’s jaw.
His blue eyes intensified in color. Right before he lunged.
“You go high and I go low?” Makama asked as the two rolled across the grassy ground.
Markhel tried to hold back, but he didn’t know how long he could keep it up. He sprang to his feet. Vale seemed to take the attack well. Good. He circled him, a deep throaty growl escaping now and then as he strategized the quickest way to take the prince down.
Makama stood off to one side as Vale danced on the balls of his feet, his fists poised and ready. “I don’t think Markhel is in a boxing mood, babe.”
Vale dance around him, reminding Markhel of a flea. “This is what I’m best at!”
“Sure you don’t want some help?”
Markhel’s heart began to take over, its hunger building. A roar escaped him, and he swung at Vale who dodged his fist. “In a minute, darling! If he hits me then have at him.”
“Will do.” She looked at the creek. “Oooo...water...”
“Don’t youdarethink about feeding your own heart!” Vale dodged another swing. “Not while he’s feeding his!”
“I can wait,” she called back.