Birthday Shift Read Online Free Page A

had thought, but it sort of suited the creaky old nature of the
house Lil lived in, and she’d assumed Lil hadn’t named the house originally.
    “The big old
building, yes. Alianore wanted the business to have such a name that otherworldly
creatures would know what it did. For example shapeshifters are bound to their
animal form until they can enter the dreams of the person with whom they're
trying to connect. With you, it was easy, because you were so affectionate with
me from the start. I am hoping,” he added, in a low undertone, “that you might
one day treat me so affectionately again.”
    The memory of his
touch in her dreams sent a sudden gush of need through Molly’s body and she
inched a tiny bit closer. “But… How did you choose me?” The question came out
of her mouth before she’d even formed the words in her head.
    “We have talked a
lot, and your mind is weary,” Cade said, instead of answering her question. “I
think a demonstration will help. Are you ready for me to show you my ability to
shift?” he asked.
    She swallowed. Am I? She supposed if she wanted to know
that he was being truthful with her, she’d have to see him shift eventually.
Even if it made her brain explode, which seemed entirely possible. She didn’t
trust him yet, but how could she, unless she saw his claims proved with her own
eyes? “Okay. But, ah…. I might freak out. A lot.”
    He smiled – a
smile that likened her knees to soft putty. “I’m sure we can handle that, if it
happens. I do not think you will.”
    Molly steeled
herself, or at least she tried to brace herself, for the impossible. A man
shape-shifting into a cat. This sort of
thing just doesn’t happen in real life. And yet here she stood, about to
see it. Every nerve in her body tensed, awaiting something incredible.
    It didn’t start
straight away. And there was no spark, or gushes of glitter as in a cartoon
prince or princess transformation. He simply shifted. One moment she saw a man, and for a second—literally a
blink and you’ll miss it second—he seemed surrounded by a misty grey cloud.
    Then, a soft
meow.
    As Molly stood
stock still, half terrified into stillness, half entranced, Cade padded towards
her on four feet, and rubbed up against her legs, his purring audible.
    Slowly, she
reached down to stroke him.
    Is it weird? She wondered to herself. I think it’s a little bit weird.
    Well, there was
an understatement. It was a lot weird, but…
    She’d seen it,
with her own eyes. How could she not believe him now?
    Cade looked up at
her with those big, trusting green eyes. She knew almost without hesitation
that he was asking if she wanted him to change back.
    “Change back,”
she commanded, softly.
    The grey mist,
less visible to her this time, once more swathed him for a second, then Cade
stood before her, completely, gorgeously naked. Molly thanked God that he had
the presence of mind to grab the tea towel to cover himself.
    “Well?” he asked,
a half smile tugging at his lips.
    “Okay.” Molly let
out a long breath. “I’m still not convinced that I’m not dreaming, but if I am,
my dream self believes you.” She rubbed her hands over her eyes, because they
still felt as if they might pop out of her head. “What do we do now? I honestly
don’t think I can take more explanation about your…. About the Faewild.”
    “Well.” Cade sat
down again, and Molly tried, and failed, to ignore his lean, lithely muscled
body, and all that gorgeous hair. “Two choices. You may send me back, and Lil
will assign me to someone else. Or you may keep me for a while, until you
decide that we are compatible as life mates.”
    Her knees went a
bit weak then. “Keep you? What do you mean?”
    “If you decide
you want me to stay with you, I will. And then after we – how do you say it in
your language – after we consummate our relationship, I will be bound to you
forever. Realmbound, as the name of Alianore’s portal goes. That’s why she