Acceptance

I took my time getting back because I was not sure of how the boys would react. They hadn't really reacted the best when they first saw my new form. What I fear most is that they don't want me anymore because trouble follows dragons here. Not that I could blame them if they didn't want the hassle. I didn't have much time to dwell in my insecurities before I could see my mates standing by our hut yelling out to me. I glided over to them and landed before shifting. Orpheus and Ranald rushed over to me and hid me between them as they hurried me into the hut.

I got changed into a brown and white fur dress as the two waited in the main room. I hesitated as I entered. Not sure what to say I hung my head, not looking at either of them. Ranald as per normal opened his mouth first. "You gave me quite the scare earlier. I thought you were eaten but instead you shifted into a dragon of all things." My head shot up to see the big grin of his just before he lifted me off the floor with a big hug. "I can't believe I got such an amazing mate." I gave him a hug back in relief before he put me down.

My smile faded again as I noticed Orpheus hadn't even glanced my way as he sat by the fire. I walked toward him slowly. "Orpheus?" He didn't even blink as he continued to stare into the fire. I place my hand on his shoulder. He didn't shake it off so I tried to get his attention again. "Orpheus, please look at me." my voice cracked with worry. He finally turned to look at me with eyes full of worry and slightly red. He had been crying but why?

He reached out and grabbed my shoulders."You took off and just left me here. Do you have any idea how worried I was? You're a dragon and I know that means you're strong but it also puts you in danger." He took a big breath, "What if someone saw you and tried to take you away? I could have lost you. Please don't do that again." His voice cracked as he pulled me into a tight hug.

I hugged him back as all my worry over if these two would accept me melted away. Pulling back from Orpheus I knew I couldn't tell him I wouldn't just fly off again or being seen. Being a dragon and soaring through the sky again is something I would not deny myself. "I can't not be what I am and won't hide it. I have to be who I am and that means stretching my wings and soaring through the clouds. I would never deny you from being a wolf because it is a part of you. So don't ask me to do any different." I held his gaze and watched as worry continued to cloud his eyes. He shook his head as he got up and walked out the door. No matter how much I wanted to chase after him I knew he needed time.

Two arms wrapped around me from behind. "Give him time. He is very stubborn, emotional, and overprotective but last I checked he is not stupid. Once he has gone for a run he will come back." He nuzzled my neck "We both don't want any harm to come to you but also know we can't just lock you away from what may be dangerous. Now it's late and I am sure after not eating your late breakfast this afternoon you must be starving." He let me go and grabbed some fruit we had in a basket. "Eat this while I go catch us something to eat."

"Wait," I called out before he could disappear through the door. "Could I come with?" I wanted to see if I could be any good at it. Plus I didn't really want to be left alone with nothing to do.

Ranald didn't answer right away as he seemed unsure. Then he finally shrugged "Why not? It is almost dark and most of the village already saw you anyway. Not to mention it might be nice having eyes in the sky. You probably can see a lot more prey from up there." He smiled and held out his hand "Let see what you can do." I grabbed his hand and we headed to the forest. My dragon purring with the thought of the hunt to come.