The formidable black wolf shook out its fur and turned its gaze to Josie, who looked frozen from a mix of fear and astonishment. The wolf stared at her for what seemed like an eternity before his ears folded back and he let out a small whine. He cautiously watched her as she inched closer, a shaky hand outstretched.
“Why do I feel like this is a bad idea?” Josie whispered, half to herself.
Rakesh took his time helping to close the distance until she was mere centimeters from him. Josie’s fingertips gingerly buried themselves into his fur, her nails scratching just the right spot behind his ears. His tail wagged and he let out a small, happy bark.
“Soren always made sure I never saw him change.” She mused quietly as she sat down in front of him. “He always said that he was worried it would be too much for me to handle. You think I did okay for my first time?”
Rakesh enthusiastically licked her face, earning an explosion of giggles.