Chapter 9

• "I guess that means that I never really stood a chance in that race we had then?" I joke, trying to lighten the mood. Leah smiles, but Rose is still frustrated.
• "I'm not going to lie to you, Bella. There are very few halflings out there. Wolves mate with wolves, and that's just how it's done. You are an anomaly, and there will be a lot of people who won't accept you just because you are what you are."
• "Rose," Leah cautions, trying to stop her.
• "She needs to be prepared, Leah. They are going to challenge her," Rose argues with Leah, as though I'm not even there.
• "Then let them. The Swans will protect her. She's one of ours."
• Leah is standing now, her voice deeper. Dangerous. Rose is older than Leah and she has a self-confidence that Leah normally lacks, but at that moment, I can see that a protective instinct has been triggered within Leah and she now stands at her full height. Ready to take on anyone who dares stand against her. My cousin is a fierce ally, and I am very lucky to have her.
• "Down, girl," Rose huffs, rolling her eyes. "I certainly won't challenge her. But you can't say that all Swans will stand by and support her. You know that as well as I do."
• "I do, believe me. Now. Back. The. Hell. Down," Leah warns, walking further and further into Rose's personal space.
• Leah and Rose are now inches away from a physical altercation. I can feel the tension rolling off of them in waves. Neither one of them is willing to back down. I step between them, pushing them both away from the other with a hand on each of their shoulders.
• "Well, I can certainly appreciate this, but you both need to stop."
• They both take a step back. Their jaws locked. The presence of both wolves flaring through their eyes.
• "I know I have a lot to learn, and yes, I may not be prepared. But I'm not some shriveling flower either. I'm a wolf and a witch. A force to be reckoned with." I look between them, staring them both in the eye.
• "I appreciate you wanting to prepare me and to protect me. This is all very new to me and I am lucky to have you as my allies, but please don't let me become a wedge between you. I couldn't forgive myself for that."
• Rose's wolf is the first one to disappear, and she quickly casts her eyes downwards as soon as it leaves. Leah is still a little suspicious, but she takes a step back, crossing her arms in front of her.
• "Witch, huh?" she asks, biting her lip as a mischievous smile spreads on her lips.
• "What kind?" Rose asks, the same smile spreading on her mouth. These women are confusing.
• "Earth," I answer shortly.
• They both chuckle as though they are sharing a private joke.
• "What? So, you can talk to flowers or something?" Leah taunts in a light tone.
• "Maybe she can move some dirt around," Rose shoots in.
• I shake my head. They are both teasing me. I decide not to answer, but begin walking up the path to the top of the ledge. Leaving the girls to their jokes.
• "Oooo, can you make this swimming hole larger?"
• "Maybe she can help around the ranch by making the grass grow quicker for the horses."
• The girls continue, following me a few steps behind. I roll my eyes, entering the shed. Peeling off the bikini and I hang it up to dry on a clothes line they have hung up inside. I decide to phase quickly, leaving the shed in my wolf form. The girls are still giggling and making jokes at my expense as I exit. My wolf couldn't care less. She is ready for another run and is just happy to be around other Shifters. The girls take the hint and get ready as well. Our pace is much more relaxed on the way back. The wolves are playful and teasing. At the same time, I notice that both Leah and Rose's wolves are testing me slightly. They keep on trying to catch me and drag me into a playful fight.
• When we finally reach the ranch, I am exhausted, but extremely proud of my wolf. She is a slippery little sucker. She wouldn't be able to win a physical fight between the other wolves, and she definitely didn't have their speed, but she was smart and agile. She had managed to evade most of their sneak attacks. She is proud to hear both Rose and Leah's wolves breathing heavily when they arrive at the barn.
• Since I'm sweaty again, I take a quick shower. The outdoor shower area is fully equipped with separate showers for about 8-10 people, including towels, soaps and whatever you could think of needing. I am drying her hair with a towel, watching the horses graze peacefully in the pasture while I wait for Leah and Rose when Jake pops his head through the large barn entrance. His infectious smile and laid-back attitude immediately makes me feel comfortable around him. I'm not usually so comfortable around men, but Jake is different somehow.
• "You have a good run?" he asks, leaning against the barn wall. I nod smiling, noticing how excited he seems.
• "Want to see your new home?" he blurts out, laughing at his own exuberance. I join him.
• "Yes, please!" I answer, throwing my towel in the hamper between the showers and the barn.