wolf

"I am not afraid of you," her voice came out as a whisper. Her words were honest. She did not even tremble as her smooth fingers reached for the rough paw of the wolf that stood before her.

She held no fear in her heart because she knew the truth.

"Come back to me."

A breeze rattled the empty branches of the dead trees, and hissed as it traveled through the long grass. White light from the moon revealed the wisdom in the woman's eyes and the sanity in the beast's. Cautiously, his heavy paw raised upwards to be embraced by hers.

Her green eyes met his yellow eyes. Hers were filled with hope, and his own held trust.

The hair began to disappear from his leg. The toes elongated into slender fingers. Claws shrank down into smooth stubs.

His body shivered as he sank to his knees. He did not meet her gaze. His hand fell limply to the ground as he hid his naked body in the shadows.

With one graceful movement, she knelt down in front of him.

Suddenly a cloak was draped over his bare shoulders.

"Welcome back."