Author's Note: This is an Urban Fantasy story. In later chapters there will be subjects and subplots that some of you might not feel comfortable dealing with, but nothing overly offensive, at least in my mind: consensual D&S, consensual mild bondage, violence (not sexual violence), supernaturals, reversed gender stereotypes, general sexual situations, etc. This is not a whackalong story, it just contains these elements. Thank you ahead of time for any comments, questions, or critiques that you might leave afterward. Pic Credit: Kay Morgan

Chapter One

As I undid the ankle clasp that secured my four inch heels snugly to my feet, Leo made the turn onto Montrose.

“Thanks for tonight.”

I slipped my shoes off and wiggled my poor toes. “No problem. This makes us even, right?”

Leo saved my butt back in high school, the year before, when he set me up with his cousin from out of town on a date. This year, his final year of school, his date dumped him the week before the homecoming dance and I saved his reputation by becoming a girl for him for the night. I hung off his arm and made him out to be some massive sex god the entire evening. In the coming weeks he wouldn’t have any problems finding another girl and my debt was paid.

Granted, convincing him that I could pull the masquerade off took a little time.

“Yeah… I just don’t… I mean, you look really good.”

Grinning over at him I said, “Thanks; it was all my Aunt Celia’s doing. She’s a wiz with makeup.”

Leo’s eyes dropped to my breasts for half a second before resuming their attention on the road. “How did she manage those… um, I mean your boobs. How’d she do that? They’re very realistic.”

More than he knew. I just shrugged. “Magic, I guess. I didn’t pay much attention at the time.”

“Well, they look good.”

“I’ll tell her you were impressed with her work.”

“Cool.”

You might be under the impression that my body doesn’t normally look like a girl’s; it doesn’t. I pretty much look like any average guy out there: average height, average build, average everything. So, how did I arrange to look like a busty blonde bimbo for my best buddy? Alliteration aside, makeup had very little to do with the alteration, but I couldn’t really tell Leo the truth; mundanes rarely handle the existence of true magic all that well.

When he brought the car to a stop in front of Redferne's, my family's magic shop, I grabbed my heels by the straps and smiled at him.

“You busy tomorrow?” he asked somewhat nervously.

If I didn’t know any better I would have thought he was attracted to me. We went through most of the evening, at the game and then later at the dance, holding hands like all the other couples. We danced and there were several pre-planned kisses on my cheek while we acted in our roles.

I nodded. “It’s the weekend before Halloween. That’s one of our busiest times of the year. I’ll be working open till close until Tuesday.”

He frowned slightly so I threw him a bone. “I’m free next Saturday though.”

“Oh… okay. They’re showing a sneak preview of the last Twilight movie at midnight on Saturday… I thought…”

My eyebrows rose ever so slightly. Leo hated Twilight; I just thought the series was funny in a Mystery Science Theater 3000 kind of way.

“… I had tickets,” he continued.

Taking my hand away from the door handle, I turned fully to him. “Are you asking me out on a date, Leo? I mean, knowing what you know about me?”

The implications of what I said finally made it through to his rational brain. His voice tightened slightly, like he was under great strain. “Well, you said that you were going to be… um, dressed like that for the weekend… for work. I mean…”

His nervousness was endearing and I was pretty proud of him for looking beyond our birth gender and bravely making his feelings known.

“I’d like that,” I said. “We close and restock at nine. It’ll take me about an hour to get ready. Pick me up at eleven?”

There was a sheen of sweat starting to build up on his forehead, even with the air conditioning on. To show him I approved of his forwardness, I leaned over and grabbed his tie, tugging him toward me for a goodnight kiss. I felt him go stiff for a moment and then turn to jelly right after.

I’ve never made any secret about my sexual preferences which usually leans toward females, but often enough toward males. Leo was fairly open-minded but I’d never seen him even look at a guy with any interest beyond competition. However, at the moment, I looked nothing like a guy, so I could see how he’d be greatly confused.

As I slowly released his tie, I pulled away with a grin. “See you tomorrow night.”

His eyes were all glassy and my smile widened as I watched him lick his lips appreciatively. Then I opened the door and slid out, waving behind me as I unlocked the door to the store and closed it after I entered.

Waving once more, I turned away and sighed happily.

~O~

My apartment was underground, and the second I reached the bedroom, I slipped out of my dress and hung it up on the female side of the walk-in closet before running a bath. Everything else was set aside until I was wearing only Great Aunt Lillian’s white gold blue sapphire line bracelet which enabled my shift from male to female.

She was the ancestor I resembled the most and thus why I chose her body to use.

That didn’t sound right.

If a person wants to change into the opposing gender then he or she needs to do so using something once owned by an ancestor. Aunt Celia had an entire room set aside with items going back about four hundred years, through generations of Redferne witches.

Using something personal of Great Aunt Lillian’s, her bracelet for instance, I am able to draw out her essence and temporarily infuse it into myself. In short, I became her until such a time that I took it off, whereupon her essence would return to the bracelet. It was still my body; none of her consciousness remained, so there was no danger of possession. In scientific terms, I borrowed her mystical DNA template to reshape my body. That’s kind of why it had to be a family member. She was already a part of me and using her bracelet brought that part out to the forefront.

Any way you look at it, mystical or mundane, I loved the results.

From a very young age I’d never been comfortable in my own skin. I don’t really think it was a gender thing. I’d just enjoyed being something or someone different all the time.

When I first entered puberty and came to have a relationship with magic, I couldn’t wait to have at the antiquities room. In less than a month I had experimented with twenty generations of Redferne witches. It took me only three years to slow down enough to catalogue the physical traits of each person and take photos of various angles so I could make educated decisions in the future; like tonight for instance.

Great Aunt Lillian bore the closest resemblance to my original body and face. That’s why I choose her whenever I go public, like at the dance with Leo. She grew up during the twenties in New York and died in an gangland shooting while on vacation in Chicago.

The most voluptuous was Great Grandmother Georgina — tack on six greats to the front of her name. She lived in London for most of her life, back in the early 1800’s. I was her for most of my sixteenth year of life, whenever I could manage the time. What could I say; I was hormonal and could play with my own double-D cups whenever I wanted. She had the tiniest waist and full round hips, making her my fantasy girl for the longest time.

Whenever I was looking to lounge around the apartment I’d choose Mary Redferne, the daughter of our progenitor. She was born at the latter part of the sixteenth century. Her body was the smallest of all my ancestors, not quite reaching five feet in height, with the most delicate arms and legs, long gentle fingers, and small pert breasts. Mary was perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book or while watching a movie with Aunt Celia.

I loved each and every one of my line for different reasons and for the gift they had unknowingly given me.

~O~

The next morning I awoke and climbed out of bed. Having taken care of my morning absolutions I went to the dresser and picked up my Grandmother Helen’s collar with a smile. Yes, it was my Aunt Celia’s mother, which disturbed her at times, but she was cute and quite athletic in her youth, which made working long days in the store much easier.

That’s one of the things that I never explained, did I? I was eighteen years old and I would take on the appearance of my ancestors when they were that age. When I was sixty, if I was still doing this, then I’d appear as they were at the same age, sixty. It was one of the limitations of magic.

Everyone is allocated with a certain amount of time on this Earth, no more no less. One cannot skirt immortality by jumping from body to body at a young age.

That was the only reason Celia allowed me to use her mother’s things. What I came to find out a little later was that Grandma Helen was more than a little perverted, much like myself. The collar was leather and had a large silver ring on the front. She had other things, of course, but I’d chosen that particular item because it was Halloween weekend and I wanted to be sexy for the customers.

Once my sales reached a certain level, I received a cut of the action. It was incentive to be intensely knowledgeable about our wares to make sure the customer was taken care of and happy. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few years working for my aunt, it was that sex sold.

When I clicked the tiny padlock in place, I pushed my magic into the collar and felt my body shift delightfully. By the time I opened my eyes, I was smiling at my firm and tight body in the mirror.

Soft, B-cup breasts swayed slightly as I turned and admired my thin muscled thighs and pert butt. With a happy giggle I went to the closet and took out my costume, which was a red PVC catsuit, and then easily slid into it and zipped it up. It wasn’t as tight as some of the latex outfits that I’ve used in this form, but it would breathe better and wouldn’t be overly hot as the day went on.

Next came the black underbust waist cincher which contrasted nicely with the red. It took me a good twenty minutes to get it closed and tied off. The patent leather boots were next. They had chunky heels that only lifted me two inches and the uppers came all the way to my knees with red laces.

All of this was planned perfectly for work: the PVC so I would be cooler, the cincher so I wouldn’t lift things badly and hurt my back — with the added effect of making my waist tiny — and the boots which were incredibly comfortable because I’d be on my feet all day long.

I slipped on a pair of wrist cuffs just for fun and then pulled my long shiny black hair up in a high ponytail.

“I feel so yummy.”

There was a knock on my outer door and I heard Aunt Celia call out. “Kenny, are you up?”

“In here, Aunt Celia.”

She opened the bedroom door as I was sitting down at the makeup table, took one look at me, and then groaned.

“Why do you do this to me? It’s bad enough to see you wearing my mother’s body, but in that outfit?”

I started plucking at my eyebrows. “You know I like to use it when I work. Grandma Helen was always in great shape and I look hot in this.”

She walked up behind me in her sexy witch outfit she wore every year, and started messing with my ponytail, pulling it tighter and smoothing my hair out.

“You should have used Georgina’s necklace. Then you could have really filled it out.”

I laughed as I picked up an eyebrow pencil. “My back would have been killing me by lunch. Her breasts are just too big and she was way too soft. I wouldn’t have lasted more than two hours on my feet.”

“True.” Once my hair was to her liking she looked at me through the mirror. “You ready to make some big money today?”

“Yup! I’ll be up in about twenty minutes.”

Leaning in, she kissed my cheek as I smiled at her. “Are you still going by Ophelia in this body?”

With a nod I grinned. I like Shakespeare, sue me.

Aunt Celia looked at my outfit again and rolled her eyes before turning and making her way to the store.

I did my eyes up very dramatically in black and red, added a Marilyn above my lip to the left and then finished off with bright red lipstick to match the catsuit.

Once I was finished I looked myself over in the mirror once more and then turned off the lights before going to work.

~O~

“Excuse me,” a shaky male voice said from behind me as I was restocking the sage.

There would be a lot of smudge sticks sold for Samhain, and by two o’clock we’d already cleaned out two bins. I sat the restock box down and pushed it under the skirting of the table before standing.

A late-twenties man stood before me, heavy-set, with a sharp Vandyke beard gracing his chubby face. I caught his eyes snapping up from my body to meet mine as I smiled with judgment.

“May I help you?”

He swallowed and looked to the side at the display case where we had some more expensive items behind lock and key.

“I wanted to buy an athame.”

Reaching out, I touched his arm. “Just one sec, hon. I need to get the keys.”

Putting a little extra swing in my hips I sauntered over to the counter and retrieved the display keys before making my way back.

“Which one do you want?”

He pointed out an overly ornate blade as I unlocked the case. “Are you sure? Give me your hand.”

His palms were sweaty, but I could feel the tiniest bit of power in him. Closing my eyes I threw out my senses to the case and the various blades therein until I found what I was looking for.

“I think this one would be better for you.” I pulled a smaller blade down and handed it to him. “It’s less flashy, but you’ll have a better connection with it. And on the plus side, it’s less expensive.”

I closed off the case and took his hand again. “You’re just starting off in the craft aren’t you?”

He nodded.

“Good. While you can connect with any athames or wands and so forth, it’s best to be guided by someone with a little more experience at first.”

Leading him around, I stocked him up with clay to make his panticle, applewood to make his wand, a nice chalice, a censer for his incense, a mortar and pestle, a bell, and several different candles. I did all of this while holding his hand and ensuring two things. The first was that everything would be attuned to him in the easiest way possible, and the second was that by the time we’d made it to the applewood, he was deeply in lust with me.

He’d come in wanting to spend sixty dollars on a fancy blade and I’d wound up selling him a hundred and fifty dollars worth of supplies. He’d need them. I didn’t try to rip him off or anything, but I’d more than doubled the sale just by happily being me. Plus, he’d be satisfied with his alter supplies for years to come.

By the time I handed him his bag, he was profusely thanking me. I thought he was going to ask me out for a moment there, but he got a hold of his hormones at that last moment. I’d really hate to remind him that I already saw the wedding band on his left hand. That was usually a little embarrassing, and those customers tended take a while to come back for a return visit.

~O~

When the afternoon help came in, Aunt Celia and I had a late lunch and got back to work soon thereafter until it turned into a madhouse up to close. Magic shops are very popular on the recognized holidays and the sabbats. Halloween is big because we carry costumes and Samhain is big because it’s the Wiccan New Year. Having them fall on the same night is the Black Friday of the retail magic industry. So you can imagine how tired I was when Celia locked the door and flicked off the switch on the open sign.

Contrary to what I told Leo, Celia and I let the night staff handle restocking while she counted down the till and I ran off to rid myself of the costume and get ready for my date.

The one really good thing about changing forms is that each time I do, I start anew. Great Aunt Lillian was as fresh as she would be if she were to wake up that morning after a long night’s rest and the next morning, when I put Grandma Helen’s collar back on, I’ll be fresh as a daisy.

The downside to having a fresh form was that some of my ancestors lived au naturel, meaning they didn’t shave their legs or pluck their eyebrows, or even trim their garden, if you get my meaning. The further back in time I reached, the less grooming there seemed to be. So I needed the time to make sure Lillian’s body was up to twenty-first century standards.

Forty-five minutes later, I slipped on a mostly spandex skirt in canary yellow with a matching cami that showed off a nice bit of cleavage. In a semi-formal dress I could have passed as a boy dressing up like a girl. In this outfit there was no mistaking that my body was anything but female. It made me smile at what Leo would think. How would he justify to himself that I was a boy underneath? What rational would he use?

The rest of the time I spent arranging my blonde hair and making sure my makeup was perfect.

It may seem like I was going all out to impress a close friend, but I’d had an on again/off again crush on him for years, so I wanted to take advantage of it while I had the chance.

“Kendra, your date is here,” Aunt Celia called from the top of the stairs.

Celia was in on the game from the beginning. Since Leo was a friend of the family she had even gone so far as to okay him finding out about things that were less publically known about the Redferne’s if I was so inclined. She wanted me to be happy; it was one of the things I loved about her. There was never any question about why I felt the need to be a girl for the majority of my adolescent and adult life. As long as I was happy then it was justified.

Slipping on a pair of strappy sandals, I grabbed my purse and made my way up.

Once we got past Leo’s disbelief at how I looked like a real girl and made it to his car, we were rolling down the street.

“You look great.”

I smiled. “You said that back at the store.”

“Yeah, but still. I just… I mean… everything.”

“Thank you.”

The date was a date. We found our seats and midway through the movie I got bored and lifted the armrest between us, took Leo’s hand and put it on my thigh as I snuggled up. This added a measure of fun to the evening. By the time the movie was over and we’d made it back to the car he was fully turned on which delighted me to no end.

Twenty minutes later we were sitting in the street, in front of Redferne's, making out like a couple of sixteen year olds that managed to get a hold of dad’s car for the evening.

Leo’s hands were all over me, kneading my butt, sliding alongside my breasts, and occasionally slipping under the hem of my skirt, but that’s as far as he would go.

Once the windows were thoroughly fogged I broke away and breathed heatedly in his face. “Do you want to come inside?”

His shoulders stiffened. “Isn’t your aunt just down the hall from you?”

I nodded and leaned in to gently bite his lip. “Aunt Celia wants me to be happy. Having you in my bed would make me extremely happy.”

That’s when he froze up.

“Uh… we haven’t really talked about that. I mean…”

I paused and pulled back further to take a look at him. “You’re having second thoughts.”

“Kenny, I…”

I sighed at him calling me by my boy name and wiggled off of him as I straightened my top. “I thought you were comfortable with me, Leo. When you figure out what it is you want then give me a call.”

Before he had a chance to say anything else, I opened the door and stepped out, swinging my purse over my shoulder.

Yes, I could have told him right then and there that I wasn’t currently sporting a penis and he could pretty much have as much fun as he wanted with any number of girls of all shapes and sizes, but I had my pride. The person I wound up being with would have to accept me — all of me. For a while there, I thought Leo was that person.

We’d known each other for about seven years, ever since he moved into the neighborhood and I befriended him on the first day of school. Granted, he was a year behind me, but we were only seven months apart in age.

I never hid the fact that I was bisexual and I’ve told him on more than a few occasions that I found him attractive. That’s why I thought he finally worked through his sexuality issues and took a chance tonight. I didn’t hold it against him. Some people were just repressed by society and their peers. The best you can do is let them know what they are missing and hope they figure it out on their own.

But I wasn’t going to beg or talk him into a relationship. It had to be his decision and his idea to take the step that he was afraid of, otherwise there was no chance whatsoever that he’d accept the more fantastic portions of my life.

After watching Leo drive off, I inserted the key into the lock of the door and heard the telltale sound of clicking claws on cement approaching from my left. I looked and frowned at the light colored coyote coming to a halt in front of the store. It stared at me for a moment before moving to the wall and shifting right there in front of God and everyone that happened to be out seriously late at night.

Yes, it was odd to see a coyote out in the middle of the Montrose on a Saturday night. Considering the store was just a few miles away from downtown and all its skyscrapers. The closest thing to a woodland area would be Memorial Park, several miles west of there, but it was a park. Pack animals don’t tend to hang out there.

What wasn’t surprising to know was that the coyote was a therianthrope. You might be more familiar with the term shapeshifter or lycanthrope, but neither of those is technically correct. A lycanthrope is a werewolf; named after Lycaon, King of Arcadia, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Weres are ruled by the lunar cycle and can only change forms three times a month surrounding the full moon; whereas a shapeshifter is someone that can change their shape into someone else. Therianthropes are simply human to animal shifters, much like the supernatural creature that was leaning against the wall of Redferne's leering at me rather wickedly. They could change back and forth into one form.

She was wearing a tight pair of stretch jeans and a black sports bra that held back a seriously large set of breasts that made the ones I had look lemon-sized in comparison. Considering Lillian was a heavy C-cup, that said quite a lot about my late night visitor.

“Shasta,” I said, trying to act unsurprised at her appearance.

“Kenneth Redferne,” her eyes traveled the length of my body. “You’re looking rather pedestrian tonight. I liked the bondage outfit you were wearing earlier much better, but I think I would like to see it on this body.”

I cleared my throat at the thought of her spying on me; not that I thought she wasn’t. Shasta, the princess bitch of the local train of thercoyotes, was looking for a head dog. Those are technical terms by the way.

The thercoyotes are matrilineal, where property and hereditary positions are passed down through the maternal lines. That meant her mother was in charge of the train and Shasta was next in line, but she had to have a powerful mate in order to move up the hierarchal ladder. For some unknown reason, she picked me to fill that position.

If she was another witch, I probably wouldn’t have any problem at all jumping at the chance. Shasta stood just over six feet tall with waist length coal black hair and copper skin indicative of her Native American heritage, but as it stood I had little desire to turn furry or deal with leading a train of other furries.

“It was a costume…,” I nearly stammered, trying my best to keep from being sexually intimidated.

Her grin turned lascivious. “You and I know better, pet. There’s no need to be embarrassed about having a fetish that your lover enjoys as well.”

When Shasta peeled herself away from the wall, her hips rolled seductively as she approached me, and I thanked the Goddess that she was wearing running shoes and not high heels or else I’d be a goner for sure.

“Come on, Carrie’s is still open. I’ll buy you a hot chocolate so you’ll sleep easier tonight.”

I swallowed with some difficulty and glanced down the street to see the twenty-four hour café she was talking about. Her suggestion was the best of only a few choices I had to deal with, so I nodded while I relocked the store and dropped my keys in my purse.

Shasta didn’t give me a chance to sidestep when she took my elbow, rather possessively, letting anyone observing us know that she was dominant. Our height alone should answer that question as she towered over me.

Her muscles tightened under my hand and I had to force my eyes forward so I wouldn’t be distracted by how powerful she was.

“So,” Shasta began our traditional dance, the same one we had whenever she felt the need to tempt me. “What’s this week’s argument?”

I rolled my eyes and tried to think as quickly as I could. Before I could say anything she started listing the previous ones.

“Age isn’t a factor since it’s traditional for the queen to be older than her mate. Your gender hopping isn’t a problem since I’m bisexual and you only need to be a guy long enough for us to have a daughter. Even your predilection for changing bodies several times a day will insure we never grow stale with one another. Your apprenticeship with your aunt is encouraged as it strengthens the train…”

“Shasta,” I said, trying to cut her off before she got on a roll. “That same apprenticeship has to take precedence, even over the train. It would be a conflict of interest.”

She patted my hand. “Nonsense. You would have power over them and make sure that they don’t break any of the Council’s rules. If anything it would insure that they would behave, and I have no problem with you enforcing the laws. If they break them then they have nobody to blame but themselves.”

Shasta smiled and looked down at me. “Your arguments are become weaker, pet.”

We entered the café and after escorting me to a clean table, she went to the counter to place our order.

I nervously picked at my nails occasionally looking at Shasta and imagining what it would be like to share her bed. Then I would shake it off seconds later. My job, present and future, required me to be aggressive and dominant, but the thought of letting my submissive side out in a personal relationship was very tempting. That thought drove me nuts at times. The one thing that brought me back to reality was the thought of changing into an animal.

It sounds weird, I know. I mean I hop around in different bodies like changing clothes, so why would getting furry make me uncertain? Maybe it was the thought of changing into a canine. I never understood the attraction at being a werewolf, thercoyote, weredog, whatever. Maybe if it was a panther, or a tiger, or even a cougar; that would be cool. Maybe I was just a cat person.

My attention was brought back to Shasta when she set the hot chocolate on the table in front of me.

“Thanks.”

She gracefully sat opposite me and crossed her legs. “Okay, what’s the good excuse this week?”

I looked down at my drink and then back up at her.

“Maybe I just don’t want to be changed.”

Shasta dropped her head down until she was looking at me through her long eyelashes. “You do know that I can do it painlessly, right? The days of claws and biting are in the past.”

With a glare I said, “I’m quite familiar with how it works. I aced supernatural creatures studies when I was thirteen.”

She regarded me for a moment and then her eyes narrowed as if she’d finally figured me out. “After Samhain I want you to spend the weekend with us.”

“Shasta, I really don’t think…”

“Call it a trial run if you want.” She leaned back on her chair and appeared relaxed. “You really can’t properly judge the lifestyle unless you sample it for yourself. If you still refuse then I’ll let you be.”

That got my attention. My vision sharpened on her eyes to see if she was telling the truth.

“The weekend?”

She nodded. “Friday night through Monday morning. You will experience much of what it means to be my mate. I know you are no coward; no Redferne witch ever is. The only thing I can think of that would hold you back is the unknown, and now I’ve given you sufficient reason to explore.”

I mulled it over for a few moments. “What about the coyote parts?”

She smiled deviously. “You can’t tell me you don’t have the ability to transform yourself if the need arises.”

The truth was I could. I just never felt the desire ever to do so. “It’s limited to eight hours.”

“That should be sufficient.”

~O~

After Shasta escorted me back to Redferne's my acceptance of her offer was more than enough to work her up, and by default I was around to satisfy some of her cravings. Never let it be said that I didn’t sacrifice for the community. Just because that took place pressed up against the door being teased by an overly aggressive thercoyote in human form doesn’t meant that it didn’t count.

Being worked up by Leo and Shasta in less than an hour was torture enough all on its own.

As sexually frustrated as I was at that moment, sleep was the furthest thing from my mind. Instead, I unlocked the antiquities room and browsed the various trinkets of my ancestors. Over each item I’d posted a picture and a general biography, so that I could more easily remember who was who.

I slipped off my heels and removed Lillian’s bracelet, setting it in its place on a black velvet cloth. As soon as I pulled my hand away I felt my body revert back to my male self.

Looking down, I smirked at the outfit I was wearing and how it didn’t hang properly anymore. Almost all of it was stretchy so it still conformed to my male body, but the cami sagged on my chest a little and I felt a warm wetness between my legs from my most recent activities with Shasta. It was an odd feeling to have when you had a penis and testicles.

I trailed my fingers along each of the trinkets, occasionally glancing up at a picture. Stopping in front of Georgina’s necklace, I brushed my fingers over the gold and brought to mind her voluptuous body. Passing it by, I stopped at Great Grandmother Mina’s wedding ring— tack on two more greats to that. Looking up at her picture, I studied her rather plain face and petite body.

There was nothing overly attractive about her; she was simply ordinary, and that was the mood I was in at the moment.

I took the ring and slipped it on my left hand, willing a little magic into the item and felt the magic returning and transforming me into her double. On the way out of the room I eyed a sliver torque behind glass.

It was the only item that I’d never tried on because it belonged to the progenitor of the family, Anne Redferne. Out of respect for her sacrifice, no Redferne witch ever used her torque. The decision was a shame too, because from her daughter’s book of shadows, the descriptions of her mother made me very curious about what she would look like. She was from Italian and French decent which supposedly gave her an exotic look. I guess I’d never know.

With my decision already made, I locked up the room and made my way back to my own for the evening.

Despite my earlier desire to sate myself sexually, I wound up just taking out my journal and writing out my frustrations. Maybe it was Mina’s biology damping my hormones down. From previous experience I knew she wasn’t very emotional one way or another.

By five a.m. I was reading a text on gemstones and their various properties, still having no desire to sleep. I’d pay for it eventually.

Even though the women I transformed into were fresh, my male body still needed rest. It’s all very confusing, but as long as I get a decent night’s sleep the following day I’d be okay. Going for much longer than that and I’d be putting my health at risk.

My alarm alerted me at the time I needed to get ready, which I did with eagerness. I wanted to distract myself from relationships altogether for the day.

The catsuit was clean and hanging in the closet thanks to the brownies that held residence in the ceiling space between my room and the floor above. It may sound weird, but this is what they do. They help around the apartment, keeping everything clean, repaired, and organized, and in return I gift them with fresh cream or more often honey. The honey isn’t payment and if I said it was then I’d quickly lose my brownies, word would spread and I’d wind up doing my own laundry for quite a long time. They gift me with a tidy home and I gift them with honey.

Once I was shifted over to Grandma Helen, I dressed, did my hair and makeup, and then filled a saucer I keep on the dresser with honey before going upstairs to make ready for day two of the Halloween rush.

~O~

Thirty minutes before we opened, Aunt Celia was setting up the till while I picked at my nails, trying to remove some residual candle wax out from underneath.

“I noticed you used Mina’s ring last night.”

Looking up at her, I frowned. “Leo’s still not ready.”

“Patience child; it’s not every day a young man faces sexuality altering decisions.”

With a nod I said. “I know, and I’m being patient. I didn’t snap at him or anything. We made out in his car for almost thirty minutes before I asked him to my apartment.”

Her brows lifted. “What happened then?”

“He froze up.”

Dividing up the bills for the drawer, she started inserting them into their proper slots. “Perhaps you need to give him a little incentive.”

“I did. I was afraid if I did any more that he’d lose himself in his jeans.”

Celia lightly snorted. “I’ll light a candle of clarity for him tonight.”

“Thanks,” I said with appreciation.

The sound of tiny bells ringing caught both of our attention. We looked to the back of the store and I spotted the familiar flashing red light above a closed and locked door.

My head snapped around. “Can I go with you?”

“Ophelia,” she called me since I was in Grandma Helen’s body. “We open in less than thirty minutes.”

“But, they don’t usually take that long; please?” I begged. “You know I’m ready. I’ve passed all the tests and you haven’t been able to stump me on trivia for six months.”

Aunt Celia sighed and reached underneath the counter for my equipment belt, and held it back from me when she saw my excitement. “You stand behind me to the left. You don’t say a word, no matter what, unless I tell you different.”

“Okay.”

“I’m serious, Ophelia. You keep a closed face. We are supposed to be impartial. That’s the only reason the peace is kept.”

I nodded and reached for my belt, making small adjustments until it hung off my hip. My iron athame was to the right on the back of my hip, my silver athame just in front of that, and my wand on the left hip. Considering the outfit I was wearing, I looked wicked badass.

Aunt Celia’s belt was similar, but she had the added badge of authority pinned to the left of center. She was the Arbiter for the Fifth District within the South Central United States. If there were disputes within the supernatural world in her district, she solved them. There wasn’t an appeal process; her word was law and she had the power to enforce it.

The private room in the back of the store was her arbitration room where two people — or whatever — agreed to meet under truce to have her settle their problems. That way the peace was kept. If they took matters into their own hands then Aunt Celia went out and took matters into hers. That usually resulted in something being cast out, destroyed, rendered powerless, or killed.

For example: Houston was home to a fairly large werewolf pack. The leader, or Ufric, decided he wanted to edge in on Pixie territory. Instead of coming in to settle the dispute, they had themselves a little war in the backstreets of Bellaire, a residential/business subdivision of the city. Two human businesses were destroyed in the process. Aunt Celia left one night and returned with the Alpha’s testicles in a jar alongside the Pixie Leader’s wings.

They tended to quiet down soon thereafter. Once reparations were made, Aunt Celia allowed them to choose new leaders.

That was five years ago. Currently, anyone not willing to risk their masculinity voluntarily came to Redferne's and entered through a private passageway that led to the Arbiter’s Room.

When she opened the door, the two parties were already seated at opposing ends of a rather long table. It was easier to control them that way if violence broke out.

One of them I recognized as the leader of a San Antonio-area Wiccan coven, Alice Sauer. The other was in full Tonkawa — south central Texas American Indian — leathers and feathers. It was a really weird looking sight.

They stood when Aunt Celia and I walked in. The Indian guy gave me a disturbing thorough onceover with his eyes, but I kept my face empty of emotion. When Celia sat, so did the others. I took my place behind her, to the left, against the wall. Then they sat as well.

“Plaintiff?” asked Celia.

Alice Sauer made to stand up, but my aunt waved at her to stay seated.

“What’s the problem, Alice?”

Her lips bunched for a moment and she looked at the Indian. “My family has used the same magical sink for five generations. With Samhain only tomorrow, this… person says we can’t use it anymore.”

For those of you not in the know, a magical sink is a place of power where most people that perform magic go for a boost to whatever working they use. It’s also used on sabbats to celebrate.

Celia nodded. “Anything else?”

She sank in on herself a little. “On Mabon, a few of my coven remained behind and became intoxicated. They might have caused a problem with the local authorities, but they paid their fines and spent the weekend in jail. They’ve apologized.”

Aunt Celia turned to the Indian. “Johnson?”

“The five people she spoke of desecrated the land and have not made satisfactory reparations.”

With that, he relaxed back in his chair. Apparently Johnson wasn’t one for lecturing.

Celia turned back to Alice. “You have a choice. It’s his people’s land. Pay the reparations or find another sink. We’re done.”

Johnson nodded with satisfaction and left, but Alice chose to stick around.

“Celia, he only just told us this last night; a single day before Samhain. How could you…”

I nearly jumped when my aunt slammed her palm on the table with a loud smack! “Do not make the mistake of using our friendship as a way to influence my decision, Alice Sauer. If this magic sink was so important to you then you should make damn sure not to endanger its future use. I would highly suggest gathering those five that caused the problem and make sure they kiss Johnson Lightfeather’s wrinkled butt, though even that might not work with only one day left.”

Aunt Celia stood and I saw the muscles along her cheeks harden. “As I said before; we’re done.”

Alice gathered her purse with shaky hands, but with the air of defiance masking her face. “Yes, we are.”

When the door slammed behind her on the way out, Aunt Celia sighed and shook her head. “You’re absolutely sure you want to be an Arbiter, Ophelia?”

I giggled. “Oh yeah.”

~O~

Besides the magic store, being an Arbiter was the family business. Only the long-lined families had the power to pull it off and the Redferne’s were one of the longest still in existence. Anne Redferne was hanged for witchcraft in Lancaster, near the upper central west coast of England. She was one of the original Pendle witches whose trial’s reputation rivaled those of Salam in the United States. That was in 1612.

We were and still are a matriarchal family, and I can obviously trace my line directly through to her. Perhaps that was one of the reasons I rarely spent time in my male body. I always felt more comfortable in that of a female, not for any perverse reason — although, to my moderate shame, I did have a couple of those years — but because it felt more natural to me. When I performed magic I only did so when I was female or in transition toward said body. It felt wrong to do so any other way, like I was betraying my ancestors or something. Plus, magic was always stronger through the women of the line.

In any case, Arbiters were brought into being sometime in the mid 1800’s; dates vary depending on who you get the story from. Redferne women were, and still are, at the top of the list for candidates to fill those positions. Seeing as how I was a direct descendant and my aunt was available to train me, I jumped at the opportunity. There was only one catch.

Once my training was over, I had to choose one of my descendants and take on her likeness permanently. I could still change back and forth as I liked, but instead of my base form being Kenny Redferne, male, it would be Kendra… or whatever name I chose to replace it.

Arbiters could only be female.

Go ahead and ask me if I cared. The answer would be no. If I wanted to be male, I could simply take something of my male self and affect a transition much like I’ve been doing for years. The only thing was when I took it off I would always revert to female. Frankly, I thought it would be a relief.

While I could simply choose one of my ancestors and be her for an extended period of time, Aunt Celia always tried to dissuade me from doing so. She said that experimenting was fine; I should always be open to new experiences, but running away from myself wasn’t healthy.

~O~

Once the afternoon shift came on, Celia and I had lunch. I returned to the sales floor thereafter and she had to go take care of another dustup. The Greater Sabbats were the worst time of the year for Arbiters, especially Samhain and Beltane when mutable magical energy is at its highest.

Those of us that aren’t altruistic with our powers use these times for subterfuge and control. Then the Arbiter has to step in and smack them down. The majority of her job may be to negotiate the peace between people, but the more important aspect is keeping chaos from taking over.

“Excuse me.” A customer interrupted my musings. “Is this lemongrass fresh?”

I looked down at the jar of dried greens and then crooked an eyebrow at her. “It’s dried lemongrass. If you want fresh lemongrass, then I would suggest your local supermarket or organic farmers market.”

“Well, you can never tell if they use pesticides, can you?”

I smiled, trying to hold back my sarcasm. While there are a few things you could use that particular herb for, the main one was a little self-serving. “This will be more than good enough for your lust potion.”

She made an affronted noise with her throat. “That’s not…”

I held up a hand in an effort to forestall her made-up excuses. “Ma’am, I’m very familiar with the uses for every herb we sell, and unless you have a problem repelling tropical snakes, during autumn, in Houston, then you’re pretty much stuck with the lust potion. Just make sure the recipient is aware what he or she is drinking and the Arbiter won’t have any problems with you.”

Her face was glowing red from embarrassment, but she dipped into her purse to pull out some cash before stopping. “Do you have any,” she sighed in resignation. “… pomegranate.”

I smiled and nodded. “It’s in the green and lavender bottle on the third shelf.”

When I rang her up, I cupped her hand and gave her a warm smile. Considering pomegranate was one of the main ingredients for a fertility potion, I finally figured out what she wanted to do with everything. “Goddess willing, you’ll be home with your new child by Lammas.”

She looked down and back up to me several times. “Thanks. Um… where did you get your costume?”

“Theo’s House of Leather. It’s around the corner off Westheimer. Tell him we sent you.”

Her face reddened even more before she disappeared out the door.

~O~

I was nearly out of metaphorical gas when it came time to close up shop. Celia still hadn’t shown up and I was starting to get a little worried. Usually she didn’t take so long to conclude business and almost always called to tell me if she was going to be late.

After counting down the till and locking the deposit in the office safe, I sat down to do the nightly books on the computer. It all came down to just entering numbers off the register receipts and balancing it with the day’s cash and credit card slips. It was a little boring, but it kept our CPA off our backs.

Once I let the night crew out, I locked up the store and went downstairs to make sure Aunt Celia hadn’t snuck in without my knowing. Her apartment was dark and empty, so I went to the antiquities room and grabbed Great Grandmother Georgina’s necklace. If I didn’t distract myself, I’d just sit around and worry about everything, and if Georgina was good for anything, it was for a serious distraction.

I stripped out of my costume and unlocked the collar. When I felt a wash of exhaustion flow across my body, I knew I was pushing myself and really just needed to get a good night’s sleep. However, with Celia out there, it would be restless and therefore useless.

Georgina’s necklace was on me as quickly as I could manage and the fatigue turned to energy. My Great Grandmother’s body was quite exuberant. It was another reason I spent so much time as her when I was fifteen and sixteen — well that and her proportions also.

The one downfall was that she was groomed like a girl from the 1800’s which meant I had to take the time to shave my legs and pits, not to mention pluck her eyebrows like crazy.

Forty-five minutes later, I was powdering my legs and bottom.

The female part of my closet contained a number of outfits for the various women in my life. Georgina had her own section. While I could mix and match with most of the others, her body made wearing their clothes problematic. That's why I usually stayed with stretchable fabrics; they adapted, but not well enough to handle double-D cup breasts and thirty-nine inch hips with a twenty-four inch waist. Like I said before, she was curvy.

With a naughty smile, I chose the latex leggings with the black lacings on the side and the soft black leather over the bust corset with shoulder straps. It was perfect for what I had in mind. Since I’d worn it a number of times before it didn’t take that long to get everything situated. My makeup was heavier than normal so that I might be able to score a drink from overeager guy.

I didn’t normally drink, but every once in a while I had a single wine or a small mixed drink to help me relax. Alcohol inhibited magic, along with a lot of other things, so indulging in something like that was frowned upon, but a single drink wouldn’t do any harm.

Once I slipped on my four inch heeled sandals, I grabbed a clutch and was out the door.

Georgina’s body took getting used to in terms of movement. With those exaggerated curves came a large alteration in my center of gravity. Her hips naturally rolled quite a lot. It originally took me about two months of wearing her hours a day to get used to it. Now it was like putting on a nice set of gloves. Just being her made me think very naughty thoughts.

Before I made it halfway down the hall, the rear doorbell rang. It was almost eleven o’clock on a Saturday night. While it wasn’t unheard of to have visitors at all hours, considering the business we were in, it was still inconvenient, since I was going out and all.

Taking a quick look out the peephole, I sucked in a sharp breath. “Crap!”

Looking down at myself, I knew I didn’t have enough time to go change. Instead, I unlocked the door and raised an eyebrow at Leo, dressed in nice jeans and a red buttondown.

His eyes widened when he took me in. “Uh…”

I pointed at him. “Aren’t you the guy that made my cousin cry last night?”

“I…”

He was totally caught off guard at the accusation, which was exactly where I wanted him.

“Do you know what she went through to look perfect for you… after working a twelve hour day? Hmm? I suppose you’re here to make out again and feel her tits up, like you did last night, only to leave her hanging at the end.”

His mouth was working but nothing was coming out.

“Or are you too caught up staring at my tits that you’ve totally forgotten about Kendra?”

Leo’s hand slapped against his eyes as he took a step backward. “I’m sorry. Look, is Kenny… um Kendra here?”

I closed the distance and reached up to thump him on his forehead. “When my cousin presents herself as a girl you use feminine pronouns and call her Kendra.” After sighing for dramatic effect I barreled on. “Alright, Kendra said you were pretty gifted, so let’s see it.”

His fingers parted slightly so he could peek out. “W-what?”

“Your penis, your tool, the grand manhood, your summer sausage, you know… your dick. Let’s see it. I’m sure she was just boasting. I don’t buy that a guy as skinny as you could have a penis as large as she said.”

Leo’s hand dropped and he agonizingly looked behind me. “Is Kendra here?”

“Nope. Her aunt had an appointment so Kendra had to run the store for an entire day… again. So, you’re stuck with me.” Reaching out, I grabbed his arm and pulled him inside before closing and locking the door.

The hall light was dim, but there was more than enough to see Leo had gotten somewhat nervous when I turned on him.

“So… what did you want to see Kendra for?”

He took a step back, in the direction of my room. “Um, well, I think that’s between me and… her.”

I smiled slightly and gave him an encouraging nod. “Good, you’re learning. Now that you’ve got the pronouns down, can I assume an apology might be in order?”

Leo looked a little flustered and he took another step back. “Look… who are you again?”

Setting my hands on my hips I smiled wickedly. “Cressida Redferne, but you can call me Miss Redferne or Mistress, whichever.”

“Okay… Miss Redferne. If Kendra isn’t here, can I leave a message for her?”

The thought of teasing him even more was cut off when I heard the lock on the door opening. Celia stepped through and then stopped when she saw us. Her hair looked like it was styled with her fingers and there was evidence of grass and half of a leaf in there as well. I dropped my eyes down her body and noticed it looked as if she’d been rolling around in the forest.

She glanced at Leo and then at me and what I was wearing before appearing somewhat disappointed. “Should I even ask what you’re up to this time?”

I shrugged. “Just setting Kendra’s boyfriend straight.”

“And you needed to wear the fetish outfit, because…?”

I was busted and I knew it. Celia didn’t approve of me going out to clubs and she knew that was exactly what I was prepared to do.

“Um…”

My face dropped in defeat, so I grabbed Leo’s hand and tugged him with me back to my room. He came along willingly, but highly confused. Once I flipped the light on and tossed my clutch on the coffee table, I spun around to see a very nervous Leo standing at the door trying to find something to do with his hands.

“Look, if Kendra’s sleeping maybe I can just leave her a note,” he said as he tried his best not to stare at my ample cleavage.

I pointed to the couch. “Sit. Before you ever get a chance to talk to her again, you and I are going to have a conversation.”

He looked torn about even stepping into the apartment properly. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I shouldn’t even be in here; if she finds out and gets the wrong idea…”

I couldn’t help it and started laughing. “Trust me, Leo, Kendra and I are close, very close. We share everything, but I think I can hold myself back from your overwhelming manliness for our talk. Now sit… or do I need to get my fur-lined handcuffs and cat-o-nine-tails?”

Turning away, I stopped at the entertainment center and turned on some music, but kept it low enough not to interfere with our conversation. Heading into the kitchen, I opened the refrigerator and moved several bags of frozen vegetables aside until I could retrieve a half empty bottle of Já¤germeister. It wasn’t what I really wanted, but since I was stuck at home for the night, I could have more than one drink.

Grabbing a couple of stemmed shot glasses, I returned to the couch and sat down with a smile.

“I don’t really drink,” Leo said as he eyed the green bottle cautiously.

I spun the cap off and filled the glasses. “Don’t worry, it’s just to loosen you up. I was joking earlier about showing me your thick manliness.”

He took the glass, but waited until I tossed mine back before sipping at his. “Ugh… it tastes like Nyquil.”

I shrugged. “I really wanted a strawberry margarita, but with Celia on the prowl I’d never make it out. Just shoot it to the back of your throat and swallow. Don’t swish it around your mouth.”

Leo glanced at me like I was losing it. “How’s that supposed to help?”

“It’s made to light up the taste buds on the back of your tongue, not the ones up front.”

He looked doubtful, but followed directions and grimaced less.

“Okay,” I said as I filled up another shot for both of us. “Now, tell me about your intensions toward Kendra, and don’t bother lying. We tell each other everything, so it’ll catch up to you later if you do.”

After eyeing the second shot I poured for him he set it down and gave me a wary look.

“Shouldn’t she be here for this?”

Leo was trying to wrangle his way out of talking to me; it was easy to see. I just grinned and tossed back my second shot.

“You two made out in the front of your car. You were hard enough to cut diamonds, but when the time came to pony up you chickened out leaving my cousin all hot and bothered. She basically told you when you figure out what it is you want then give her a call.”

As I informed him of what I knew, Leo’s face progressively got redder with embarrassment.

“So you can see, Leo, I know everything already. I know you know all about know her sexual orientation, and that she likes you, so what’s your side of the story?”

He shook his head and got up before heading to the door. I felt I had to say something.

“She’s not going to talk you into a relationship, you know.”

Leo stopped with his hand on the knob.

“If you regret it later on, you won’t have her to blame. It’ll all be on you. So you might want to think about that before you start something you won’t be able to handle.”

~O~

I wasn’t too surprised when he left. With my clubbing put on hold by Celia, I stripped off the clothes, took off Georgina’s necklace and promptly passed out in exhaustion.

TBC...

Author's Note:See first chapter note for warnings if you didn't read them last time. Pic Credit: Kay Morgan

Chapter Two

“Ophelia.” I glanced to the side and saw Celia motioning toward the candles section. “You have a visitor.”

Following her line of sight, I saw one Shasta’s coyotes, in human form, browsing the isles with the occasional glance in our direction. It was Miwok, one of a handful of people in the train that were from the same American Indian tribe that Shasta belonged to. However, unlike her family, Miwok was rather short. He had the same black hair that is indicative of the tribe, but somewhere along the line I was guessing that there was some Caucasian blood mixed in. He just didn’t have the right features for a full-blooded Indian.

“Just because he’s a thercoyote doesn’t mean he’s here to see me.”

Celia raised an eyebrow at me and my shoulders slumped.

“Fine, he’s probably here to see me. I’ll be right back.”

Setting aside the sales manifest I was breaking apart, I exited the cashier’s stand and pulled my hair behind my shoulders. Miwok saw me coming and shuffled to the closest corner so we could have a modicum of privacy.

Ever since I met Shasta almost two years ago, she had made it a point to bring a number of her coyotes to Redferne’s. At the time, I had no idea that she was already planning to make advances toward me for the position of Head Dog to her Queen Bitch. Meeting each member of the train was one of the mating rituals. I found that out when I was seventeen and was doing my final research paper on coyote trains.

Shasta was the one that suggested the thesis to me one evening when we were out with a number of them at the movies. I thought I was just being friendly with the local supernaturals. An Arbiters job is a lot easier if she is familiar with them. Shasta made herself and a number of her train available for interviews. It was during one of those that I finally figured it out; I was being courted.

Of course, by that time it was too late to do anything about. Shasta had chosen me for a number of reasons, which I’ll go into later, but two of the biggest ones were that I was a Redferne witch and thus powerful, the other was because she loved the fact that I hopped bodies like most women change clothes. I guess it was the novelty of having several lovers in one.

When I closed in, Miwok’s face and shoulders relaxed. He really didn’t like the city too much. There were just too many people for him to drop his guard. Coyote’s, by nature, are skittish and would rather avoid confrontation. That doesn’t mean they’re cowards. They just like to avoid unnecessary fights. Another thing about them is that they are very affectionate toward one another.

Like it or not, Shasta’s train knew she was courting me, so they acted accordingly. Even if I wasn’t a coyote, they treated me as one, because they thought I would one day be her mate and thus one of them.

Miwok leaned in and kissed me lightly on the lips before brushing my cheek with his own. I felt a small amount of blood rush to my cheeks with embarrassment at the familiarity. He was slightly taller than me, but like almost every other coyote, acknowledged me as superior to him.

“How are you, Miwok?”

He smiled shyly and nodded. “Good. Shasta wanted me to come by and drop this off. We’re all looking forward to this weekend. We’ll, most of us anyway.”

He handed me a small parcel wrapped in a hide of some sort. I undid the single piece of twine that held it closed and unwrapped package.

“I heard you and Carolyn are becoming mates; congratulations.”

His shy smile widened to a bright grin as he brushed away the hair covering his left ear. There hung a platinum ring in a helix piercing. It was the traditional sign that a male has been claimed. Once the mating takes place, a daith piercing follows as a sign that the male is taken. Platinum or gold is used the since most supernaturals have an allergy to silver.

“Nice,” I said as I was genuinely happy for him.

The only reason I had gotten away without being pierced with the helix was because I wasn’t a coyote. If Shasta has her way, that won’t be for much longer.

Once I had the package unwrapped, I found out that it was a leather bound journal and quite old.

“What’s this?”

“Since you weren’t brought up in a train, Shasta thought you might need this. It’s sort of a courtship and mating guide so you’ll… um, know your duties. It’s so you’ll be prepared. A few of the rituals get kind of complicated.”

I tried to give him a polite smile. “I haven’t accepted her offer yet.”

“Believe me,” he said. “I know. Her mother was loud enough last night to let everyone in a half mile radius know.”

I winced. “Ohh boy.”

“She doesn’t care, Kenny….”

“I go by Ophelia when I look like this.”

“Oh right, sorry. Anyway, Shasta has been putting her off for two years already. Another week won’t make a difference.”

That was a point of contention with her mother. Traditionally, when the firstborn female takes a mate, they spend all their free time getting pregnant. Once that happens and the child is born, if it’s a female then the Queen bitch can step down and the princess bitch takes over the train. Her mother was quite impatient to retire.

I had to put down a laugh, because this was serious business with the coyotes. They all took it as a foregone conclusion that I was going to say yes to Shasta. It was like there was no other way for the story to end. Granted, I really like her. She’s smart, beautiful, strong, exotic, and most of all dominant. She was everything I wanted in a partner, except for the coyote bit. Plus, I might be starting something with Leo and I kind of wanted to see where that was going.

Shasta accepted me and all my idiosyncrasies. She liked me as a male and as a female. Leo hadn’t even begun to scratch the surface.

“Ophelia,” Celia called.

I noticed that we were starting to get busy.

“I gotta get back to work.”

Miwok nodded and leaned in for another kiss and a brush of cheeks. “I’ll see you Friday. Good luck.”

~O~

“I thought you were interested in Leo.”

I shrugged at Celia from across the table as we enjoyed our lunch. Considering we needed the energy for the day, each of us filled our plates with a mound of spaghetti.

“I’m beginning to think he’s more trouble than it’s worth. He’s known me for how many years now and he still hasn’t picked up on the fact that I’m a witch?”

Celia twirled several strands of pasta with her fork and threw me a look. “You know normals dismiss what isn’t right in front of them.”

Even when we all came out of the closet to end World War II, people tended to invent other reasons for supernatural events occurring. Vampires were either photophobic or surgically altered goths acting out; werewolves were suffering from an excess of testosterone or clinical lycanthropy. I blame it on supernatural romance books.

After being bombarded year after year with Dracula, Anita Blake, Bella and Edward and a plethora of other characters that romanticize supernatural creatures, I’m not really surprised that very few people actually believe.

Most governments are in the know, along with a good number of civil servants, but unless it’s right in their face, most people are content with their apathy. We’ve been hiding ourselves for so many years that it’s second nature to keep doing so.

“You’re still considering Shasta’s offer?”

I groaned with a mouthful of pasta then swallowed. “I like her.”

“And you don’t mind turning into an animal for her?”

“It’s not like that and you know it. Therianthropes keep their intelligence with the change. Besides, I’m supposed to hang out with the train this weekend and see what life is like.”

“Hmm.”

I paused before taking another bite. “What? What’s hmm?”

She gave the question a dismissing wave. “I’m just thinking about how much time you actually spend being Kenny. Since you’ve been able to control your magic you’ve spent ninety percent of your life as a girl. If you mated with Shasta that’ll change.”

“She doesn’t mind. She swings both ways.”

Celia chuckled. “That’s not what I’m talking about. You’ll spend every free moment, when you’re not with me, trying to make the next generation of coyotes.”

“I am a witch, you know. I can make a fertility potion better than most.”

She licked her lips and tried not to laugh. “So you’re telling me that you’ll be mated and not want to have sex with your wife? Pull the other one. She’s twenty-three years old and you’re eighteen. I think you’ll be making stamina potions before anything else.”

After swallowing another bite I pointed my fork at her. “That’s only if I accept her offer, which I haven’t.”

Celia rolled her eyes. “Give me some credit. So how long is this train retreat supposed to last?”

“Friday night after work until Monday morning.”

She grimaced. “Make sure your shifts are covered.”

~O~

Considering what Celia had to say about my tendency to ignore my male side, I decided to forgo my regular evening as a girl and instead returned Georgina and Grandma Helen’s items to their rightful places. That didn’t mean I had to indulge in a manly pastime. When I made it to my room, I prepared a nice perfume-laden bath, some soft lighting, instrumental music and the journal Miwok dropped off.

Eye opening didn’t describe the contents well enough, but I will tell you that it made refusal of Shasta’s offer that much more difficult. The rituals and general behavior content of the coyotes played on almost every fantasy I had. Granted, relationships aren’t based solely on sex, but that is a definite perk.

Once those were explained to me I saw a breakdown of what a male and female could expect in a typical mating. It was like living in the fifties only the genders were reversed. The good thing was that they kept up with the times. Even though a male had to expect on taking care of the home for their female, their opinion counted. They weren’t just window dressing and sex objects.

I admit it, I was starting to break. Who was I kidding? I was barely holding on by my fingernails.

Setting the book aside, I picked up my razor and tried to distract myself with shaving my legs. Yes, I was still in my male body, but once you experience smooth skin at its finest it’s hard to go back to the hairy stuff.

Once I had that finished, I felt decidedly on edge and realized that Celia might be right. I preferred to be female. I don’t think it was because I hated my male body or anything that drastic. It was probably because I just felt more at ease, more natural in a feminine role. Everything was as it should be when I was one of my ancestors, pretty much any of them.

With that thought in mind, I donned my satin robe and slippers before heading back down to retrieve Great Aunt Lillian’s bracelet. If I was going to be a girl on my off hours, I thought it best to look as much like my male self as was possible. Call it a rationalization if you want.

When I made it back to my room, I went through my traditional grooming procedures and then went to my dresser and retrieved a silk cami and short set for the evening. My goal — I was planning it out as I go — was to stay in one body for the entire week, Lillian’s to be specific.

She was shorter than my male self, standing at five-five in height, with curly blonde hair that dropped to the middle of my back, and she had a nice figure. It was nothing voluminous since her hips were rather small, but she made up for it in the breast area with a generous C-cup. The best thing I liked about her was that she had fuller lips than I normally possessed. Granted I could almost meet their volume by using a lip plumper in conjunction with dramatic application of a lip pencil, but it was much more satisfying if I didn’t have to.

Just as I was about to slip between the sheets a quick two-knock sounded at my door and I heard Celia’s voice.

“Kenny? You have a visitor.”

I stuck my head out my bedroom door with surprise. “Who is it?”

She saw who I was and smiled. “Leo. Was this planned?”

Tying off my robe, I fluffed up my hair to make sure I looked nice. “No. I planned on staying like this until I left on Friday. I’m trying something out.”

Celia looked thoughtful for a moment. “Well then, do you want to see him?”

I thought for a moment about the odds of Leo finally getting his head unstuck from his butt and then nodded. “Sure.”

She opened up the door and waved him down. The sound of his shoes clopping at a semi-quick pace echoed in the hall and then slowed before he appeared. Leo was wearing a pair of linen shorts and a tight tee. It was pretty attractive on him. He wasn’t muscle bound for sure, but the uninterrupted line of his torso let me know that the hardness I felt under his shirt two nights previous didn’t hide any fat either.

His eyes lit up when he saw what I was wearing, which wasn’t a whole lot of anything. The satin robe barely covered the lower portions of my butt, exposing my smooth pale legs and bare feet. I waved him in and motioned to the couch.

“Hey, um, thanks for seeing me,” he said nervously.

I waved a hand at my outfit. “Sorry about my lack of clothes. I was getting ready for bed.”

Somehow I doubt that he was offended. Celia smiled at me and closed the door behind her as she left.

“So, what’s up? Cressida said you came by last night.”

“Uh, yeah, she’s kind of…”

“Forward?”

Leo chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it.”

I sat down on the couch, angled toward him, and crossed my legs so that my painted toes were mere inches away from his calf.

“We’re really close. You might say that she’s my alter ego.”

Silence sat between us for a few moments while I’m sure Leo was building his courage.

“I wanted to say that I’m sorry about Friday night.”

He looked up at me and I just cemented my face in a blank stare. It was best to not show emotion if he was simply going to break off ties with me. Some people didn’t know how to act when confronted with an uncomfortable situation.

“Anyway,” he said. “I didn’t stop because I was afraid or anything. I just thought that we should talk to make sure we were on the same page, because…”

Leo stopped again and looked down.

“Because, what?” I said.

He sighed. “It’s embarrassing.”

I smiled in sympathy. “Leo, Friday wasn’t the first time I’ve looked like that, and as you can tell, I’m still presenting as a girl. So, if it’s because you’re attracted to a boy that looks like a girl then I think it’s a safe bet to say I’m not going to rib you about it.”

He shook his head. “No, that’s not it. I mean, yeah, I like you. It’s just…”

It was like pulling teeth. “Tell you what, just tell me straight up and I promise I won’t be mean. Otherwise we’re going to be here all night.”

Leo pressed his lips together and looked away. “I wanted to see if your aunt would help me like she helps you.”

Okay, I wasn’t really expecting that one. “I’m sorry; what?”

His face quickly progressed to a very reddened state. “Look like a girl, I mean. It’s… I wanted to see what I’d look like as a girl.”

Out of all the things he might have said during the course of this discussion that was absolutely the last thing I thought would pass his lips. At no time did I ever think Leo was interested in exploring his feminine side.

I licked my suddenly dry lips and then grinned. “I want you to know that I’m not poking fun at you with this next question. Okay?”

He nodded, still not looking at me.

“Okay. Are you serious? You want to look like a girl?”

Even though he was dressed lightly and the air conditioning was working fine, I noted a thin sheen of sweat starting to coat Leo’s forehead as he nodded.

“So, you wanting to stop and talk the other night had nothing to do with having sex with a boy that looks like a girl?”

“Nuh-uh.”

I paused and hoped he wouldn’t have a mild heart attack as I pondered this new development.

“I have a few questions for you, and I want you to look at me when you answer them.”

It was obvious that he wanted to groan out loud, because I was drawing this out so much. However, he did turn and bravely face me. Points for him.

“I need to know how far you’ve gone in the past and how far you want to go in the future.”

Once he saw that I was taking his request seriously, Leo relaxed a little.

“When I was ten or eleven I… raided my sister’s closet. It’s been on and off again since then. But when you told me that you’d go to homecoming with me I haven’t thought of anything else. For two weeks straight I’ve been dressing up. I even went out and bought some makeup, but I kind of suck at putting it on.”

With a nod, I encouraged him. “So, you like dressing up?”

“It’s not just that. You looked so good… you still do….”

I took a chance in embarrassing him more, but it would answer some questions for me.

“Are you wearing anything of your sister’s right now?”

Leo glanced down, shamefully, but nodded.

The proverbial moment of truth presented itself, so I ran with it. Lifting up off the couch, I moved into him, capturing his lips with mine. I reached down to find him already stiff under his shorts. He jumped at my touch, but I simply deepened the kiss and worked at the button and zipper until I had him freed.

Leo groaned in my mouth as I worked him harder and harder before breaking our kiss.

“I can make you into a girl, Leo. Would you like that?”

He nodded against me and reinitiated our kiss, which pleased me even more before I straddled his hips and moved my billowy shorts aside. I wasn’t wearing any panties, so it was easy enough. Just talking to Leo about the possibilities made me wet for him. Holding him and rubbing the head of his shaft against my clit made me even wetter.

Trailing kisses along his cheek, I closed in on his ear and then bit down lightly on his neck just underneath as I maneuvered him to my entrance.

“Do you want to be inside me, Leo?”

“Oh, God, yes,” he gasped.

“That’s all I wanted to hear.”

With that, I lowered myself, taking him inside me at an agonizingly slow pace. Even with my brazen attitude, I was still a virgin, but that didn’t last for much longer. There was a sharp twinge as I pushed past Lillian’s painfully intact hymen and then froze. My body shuttered at the feeling and I had to stop or scream out in pain.

Normally I would imagine that most women really don’t like the feeling of being torn down there, but like I said at one point regarding Shasta, I’m not like normal girls. In a sexual relationship, I prefer to be submissive. I also prefer there to be a little pain. Not too much, mind you. I wasn’t a masochist, but that sharp pain followed thirty seconds later by a dull throbbing was just what I was looking for.

“Oh, God, Kendra, you’re so tight.”

I was pleased that he remembered to call me by my feminine name that I relaxed and whispered in his ear.

“Now, don’t you wish that you would have stayed around Friday night?”

~O~

Needless to say, Leo didn’t last too long, but it felt so very satisfying to feel him release inside of me. We stayed in that position, kissing until gravity and the normal male post-coital response made it impractical to continue.

“I need to go wash up. You want to stay the night?”

I already knew his response since technically it was a school night.

“I can’t. Mom would have a cow.”

When I felt him drop away, I winced slightly at the abrupt closing of my opening.

“Are you okay,” he asked in a worried voice. “I know we didn’t have any time for you to prepare.”

With a grin I backed off until my feet dropped to the floor. My knees were kind of wobbly, but I felt energized at the same time. Leo glanced down at the mess we made and his eyes went wide.

“You’re bleeding!”

Leaning in, I kissed him again. “You broke my hymen, Leo. It happens like that to virgins.”

He blinked several times at that in serious confusion. “But… but… I thought you were…”

“That I was a boy? I am… sort of. I’m a witch.”

His face went dull for a moment. “A witch?”

“All the stuff back in World War II was true… is true. Vampires, werewolves, pixies, magic, it’s all true. People just have a hard time believing it unless they see or experience the results for themselves.”

The blank look never left his face, so I tried to direct it on a different tangent.

“If you want, I can prove it to you right now.”

Leo’s mouth opened as if he was going to say something, but it closed right back up again. I motioned to the panties he was wearing under his shorts.

“Are those your sister’s?”

He looked down and covered himself, but he nodded. I smiled and leaned over as I stuck my hand down his shorts and sent a pulse of magic through the lingerie and into Leo. He jerked and I watched as his body shifted into that of his sixteen year old sister, except it was the seventeen year old version. Her not so generous breasts swelled under the tee and Leo’s waist thinned. His body shrunk several inches and when it was almost complete, her hair lengthened and straightened out until it was past her shoulders. Sorry about the pronoun usage, but it’s kind of difficult sticking to one gender descriptor when they change that quickly.

Leo appeared stunned and then her hands jumped up to her pert breasts.

“I’m a girl!”

From what I remember of Shelia, the voice was the same, but the hips were a little curvier. Leo shot up off the couch and I watched as her shorts dropped to the floor and her right hand between her legs.

“It’s real!”

I grinned. “Explore a little. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes after I clean up.”

Leo looked like she was experiencing nirvana as I left the room and grabbed a different set of nightclothes and some panties. There was a reason to wear them now. I’d have to wear a liner after having my vagina freshly christened. On the plus side, I’d never have to go through that again in the other bodies. Once the hymen was lost in such a way, it wouldn’t reappear even if I body hopped and stayed celibate for the rest of my life. Magic is odd like that.

Once I had a tampon secured and a liner in place, I felt comfortable enough to return and finish the evening off.

Leo had her shorts back up and from the look of her hips she wouldn’t have much difficulty keeping them up.

“This is awesome. How long can I stay this way?”

I shrugged. “Until you take the panties off. Once they leave contact with your skin then the magic will slip away. That’s why I wear the bracelet, so I don’t have to worry about it.”

She appeared confused, so I explained. “You can change into any relative with a direct connection to your bloodline, like parents, grandparents, and so on. I normally make it a habit not to use items from people that are still living, because that’s an invasion of their privacy, but since I just wanted to show you that magic’s real, I figure just the one time is okay.”

Leo nodded along with what I was saying, like she could understand putting limits on mimicking bodies. “So since all my grandparents are living that would mean I need someone older… would an aunt work?

I nodded. “Up until three generations, past that sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. Not a lot of people have saved things that far back.”

“My mom has two sisters that… well they aren’t alive anymore.” She paused and a frown dropped over her face. “I guess I shouldn’t sound happy about that.”

I smiled understandingly. “It’s okay. I get it.”

“Anyway, um, just a piece of jewelry or something like that and I can be them?”

“Sort of. Leo, you’re you. No matter if you are male or female. Their DNA is inside you. All you’re doing is rearranging it. Think of it like being their identical twin sister. You’re still you.”

She nodded and then noticed the time. “I have to go… damn.” Taking a step forward, Leo leaned in to kiss me, but stopped. “Oh, I guess you wouldn’t want to kiss a girl.”

With a laugh I met her half way and gave the new female Leo a very nice kiss good night, but before I let her go I held on to her hands.

“Something you need to know. Now that you are using magic, especially this way, you have to be careful. No breaking the law and blaming it on your sister tonight or else Aunt Celia gets involved.”

“Your aunt?”

I nodded. “She’s like the supernatural police and she’s brutal if she has to be. Take my advice: go straight home and play around a little if you want, but make sure it’s in the privacy of your own room then take off the panties. I’ll be more than happy to help you out if you want to change into someone else for another time.”

~O~

When I woke up the next morning I was sore. While I might have thought I was ready to have sex, I wasn’t. Girls take a tad bit longer to get ready than guys and I’d take that into account for the future. I didn’t spot because I was using a tampon as well, but I ditched that and just used a liner just in case.

Since we were going to be cleaning up and restocking I chose to wear a pair of stretch jeans and a pink cami along with a pair of pink Converse All Stars. After all the dressing up I just felt like slumming it for a while.

Celia was pleasantly happy about my choice of body and clothing as she was carting in several boxes for the displays.

“Have fun last night?”

I nodded with a cheery smile. “On the plus side, I’m not a virgin anymore. On the minus side, Leo just wanted me for my makeup skills. But we had fun.”

Her shoulders slumped. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. I’m glad it was him. You can’t go wrong with a friend as a lover, even if it was just the one time.”

While I fetched a box cutter from under the counter, Celia unburdened the dolly. “So, he’s a crossdresser?”

“I guess. I mean I didn’t psychoanalyze him or anything, but he was more interested in what I could do rather than what we did. It’s not a big deal. I still have Shasta and that would have been a major hassle choosing between the two of them.”

Celia came to an abrupt halt. “Since when have you decided that you want to be her mate?”

I’m sure my eyes bulged at that inadvertent slip of the tongue.

“I haven’t… er, not really anyway.”

She sighed. “Kendra, your love life is your own. I’m not going to say you can’t do anything. I just want you to think about what it is you’re doing, because once you go coyote that’s for life. There’s no divorce.”

“I know,” I said with reservation.

“And I’m sure you also know that men are treated like women used to be in the old days before liberation? They do the cooking and cleaning. So until the brownies fine you and move in, you have to do everything. Another thing is you’ll be the arm candy.” She leaned in and stressed the next fact. “They’re also submissive in bed. You’ll be satisfying her needs more than your own.”

My cheeks burned with embarrassment as she had finally found out my secret. “I know.”

Celia stood erect again and placed her hands on her hips. “Is that what this is about? Honey, you know you can find a dominant girlfriend or boyfriend out there in the human world or even amongst witches.”

“I’ve known Shasta for a couple years now, and I trust her. I know she loves me and I really like her. I’m just…”

Her eyes narrowed on me. “Call her. I want to talk to her today.”

“Celia!”

“I’m the Arbiter, and if you have any desire to become one in the near future then I need to make damn sure that you aren’t being lead around by your hormones.”

I put the box cutter on top of the counter and came back equally as strong. “We’ve already talked about it and Shasta doesn’t have any problem with me enforcing the laws if any coyote breaks them. I’d never compromise myself like that.”

She pursed her lips. “Call her anyway. I need to meet your prospective mate if she’s becoming part of my family.”

~O~

Retreating to the office in the back, I picked up the phone and dialed her number by memory. The line rang three times before she answered.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Shasta; it’s Kendra.”

Her voice switched to the smooth sexiness I’ve always known. “Hello, pet. Miwok said that he dropped the information off for you. Did you have a question about the contents?”

I smiled at the thought of some of the things included in the journal. “Um, no. It’s all pretty straight forward. I was calling… Celia wants to meet you.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah… I… we were talking about…”

“Mmm, I love to hear you when you’re nervous, pet. Enlighten me on the topic of the conversation.”

After I licked my lips, I took a breath and let it loose. “About me accepting your offer. Celia wants to make it clear about my duties as an Arbiter when the time comes.”

I could have sworn that I heard her breath catch somewhere along the line.

“Am I understanding you properly, Kendra Redferne? Shall I bring the first ring along with me? Sadly, I shouldn’t change you until the weekend due to control issues; that is unless you would like to spend the entire week with me.”

As attractive as that sounded I had to decline. “Um…” I swallowed. “Go ahead and bring the first ring.”

“It’s about damn time!” I heard in the background. Apparently Shasta was visiting her mother. Thercoyote hearing is quite acute when focused.

“Mother! Don’t ruin this moment for me,” Shasta replied, quiet perturbed.

A few seconds later I heard a door slam and there was silence on the other end of the line.

“I’m sorry, pet. My mother gets a little over-exuberant at times and I’ve been waiting two years to hear you say those words. Now,” she breathed with relief. “When would your aunt like to meet?”

“Um, now would be great if you have the time.”

“I do. I will also bring Miwok and Carolyn along. They will be a perfect example of a healthy couple in a new relationship. I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings, but then again if you’ve read the book then there shouldn’t be, should there?”

“I understand everything; it’s Celia that needs to… I don’t know what she needs, but she needs something.”

~O~

It took them about an hour and a half to show since they were coming from the Bear Creek area on the outer west part of town. Celia kept the store closed for the day so we could get everything back in order, so at least I didn’t have to deal with customers while this was going on.

Shasta greeted me with a deep kiss and then brushed my cheek with hers. Greetings between mates are a little more involved if there is time. There’s an inhaling of scents and flirtation involved that they don’t experience with other members of the train. Afterward, I greeted Miwok and Carolyn with brief kisses and cheek brushing.

Celia just got a handshake.

There was one notable difference between Shasta and I. Once I was finished greeting the other coyotes, my potential mate set her arm across my back and had at the curve of my waist, possessively. Since I was a lot shorter than her in my current body, it was a pretty natural movement. Celia noticed it right away.

“I think this would be better served in the Arbitration room.”

I winced at that. In that room, meetings like this were covered under law and that meant no posturing. That undercut Shasta’s power and position. It was obvious that was the reason Celia insisted on doing it there.

Shasta gave her a thin smile in return. “Arbiter, this is an internal matter of the coyotes that does not concern any law within your domain. If you simply want to use the room so I can assure you of my good intent then I’ll abide.”

Celia frowned slightly, but nodded and escorted us to the back. I intentionally slowed our pace so Shasta and I could have a few private words.

“She’s just worried about me. Please don’t be hard with her.”

Shasta leaned down and kissed me lightly. “For you, pet, anything within my power.”

Celia took her chair in the middle while Miwok set two across from her at the table and then he and Carolyn stood to the side behind Shasta.

“May I assume Kenny will be taking on the traditional roll of Head Dog?”

“When he is wearing his male face and I am pregnant, yes,” Shasta answered and that stumped Celia.

“Pardon?”

Shasta smiled widely. “Kendra and I have spoken at length. I have reassured her that her Arbiter duties take precedence over her duties to the train. I also know that when she takes her place among your ranks that her base form will be female.”

Celia nodded. “That’s right.”

“Let me reassure you, Celia. I have no wish for a weak mate. Kendra has kept me at my wit’s end, chasing her like the men of my train chase after the strongest woman. It is a humbling experience and I admire her all that much more because of it. I will lead our train, but Kendra will be my most trusted advisor.”

That seemed to confuse Celia even more. “I thought all men were submissive in a coyote train.”

Shasta glanced at Miwok who stepped forward. “Arbiter, we are, as you say, submissive. It is a fact of life that women are emotionally and spiritually stronger than men. They are the creators of life, but please don’t confuse our home life and mating habits with our day to day life outside the home. How coyote men act with their mate isn’t indicative to their behavior outside the train. Sometimes they are submissive there as well, but it doesn’t happen often enough to call it a rule.”

He looked over to Shasta and with her acknowledgement stepped back and set his head on Carolyn’s shoulder.

“I expect Kendra will work here as she always does,” said Shasta. “She will train with you to be an Arbiter and when she becomes one she will fulfill all of her duties. However, she will live in my home…” Shasta stopped and looked to me lovingly. “Our home and she will be my mate. What goes on in that home is not for you to know unless she feels like sharing. She already knows what to expect, do you not pet?”

“I do,” I said.

Celia nodded. “Very well. Then I’ll stay out of it. It’s your decision, Kendra.”

“Carolyn,” Shasta said with a tone of command.

The girl stepped forward and set a small zippered pocketbook on the table, opening it right after, and then slid it in front of Shasta. Looking down I noticed there were several platinum rings inside, all with tiny designs on them and some with little baubles hanging. Shasta chose a simple ring and then opened up a Velcro pocket to remove a sealed piercing needle.

“With the first ring, Kenneth Redferne, presently known as Kendra, I declare before witnesses that you are mine to pursue. Whoever is in your past or present is no longer of any concern, because there is only me. Do you accept this and bind yourself to my pursuit?”

I looked up at her and grinned remembering the first words to the mating ritual with pleasure. “Shasta Windrunner, in front of these witnesses, I willingly accept your challenge and will deny all others until you make me yours. I accept your first ring.”

With that I tilted my head to the right and pulled my hair out of the way. Shasta placed the needle at the highest point of my ear and quickly pushed it though the cartilage. It stung, but with that minor pain I knew I was finally getting on with my life. A few moments later and the ring was in place, letting every thercoyote know that I was not to be approached as a potential mate. There were several more rituals in the future, but this was one of the most important, and I was kind of looking forward to the rest of them without a whole lot of trepidation.

~O~

While I was saying goodbye to my new suitor, Celia was opening the restocking boxes and Miwok and Carolyn were waiting in Shasta’s Jeep.

“Will you come to my home tonight, pet? I have an overwhelming desire to claim you.”

I grinned at her playfully lecherous gaze. “I’ll have to be at work by nine tomorrow morning.”

She shrugged with a smile. “You might be walking with difficultly, but you’ll be here. What time does your shift end?”

“Four. I’ll need about thirty minutes to gather some things so I can get ready in the morning. Oh, do you want me to be a boy or a girl tonight?”

“A male, pet, but you need not change until we reach the house, and you won’t need any male clothing for any reason.”

A tingling started ramping up between my legs at the thought. “Okay.”

She leaned down and kissed me deeply, palming my butt and lifting me to my toes as she did so. When I dropped back down I almost swooned at the feeling of her possessiveness.

Shasta ran her hand through my hair, baring my ear and her ring with satisfied smile. “I will pick you up at four-thirty.”

“Okay.”

Once she drove away I went back inside and locked the door. Celia was looking at me like I’d lost my mind.

“You do realize that you’ll be a coyote soon.”

I shrugged. “I’ll deal with it.”

“You do realize that when you turn into a coyote you’ll be spending an inordinate amount of time sitting there licking your balls.”

“Eww! Stop it!”

~O~

I worked extra hard making sure we were restocked and cleaned up before we opened the store at four in the afternoon and I rushed downstairs to grab an outfit and stow away enough makeup and toiletries to prepare myself for the next morning. I also went ahead and stuffed several other clothes in the pack to leave there so I’d have something if I needed it.

By four-thirty I was back upstairs and kissing Celia goodbye before dashing off to meet the low rumbling sound of Shasta’s motorcycle. I nearly bounced in her arms, kissing her and then brushing our cheeks together, taking in her woodsy scent. She tied my bag down and gave me a hand up on the back before assuming her position with my hands around her middle.

An hour later we pulled into a small subdivision owned entirely by train members. I made sure to pull my hair out of the way to show off Shasta’s ring. It was expected of me to announce my status to any coyote that didn’t know. That was one of the things in the journal Miwok gave to me. There were dozens more. Some things made me all gooey, while others excited me, and there were even a few that scared me a little, but I knew I’d be able to pull through if I really wanted this to happen.

Shasta clicked her garage door opener and we pulled into the driveway of a two story house with dark red brick veneer. That was about all I saw before we were inside the garage and she was killing the engine.

I didn’t even get the chance to step down before Shasta hauled me up in her arms, bridal style, without even the slightest show of effort. I wrapped my arms around her neck as she opened the door, entered and kicked it closed behind us.

“Consider this house your home, pet. Everything I have is yours.”

“Shasta, were not even…”

“Shush. It is a foregone conclusion. You’re mine. Nobody else can have you and right now, I’m going to take you upstairs, you’re going to strip out of those clothes and change back into a man. Then I’m going to show you exactly how much you mean to me.”

I ducked my face in the crook of her neck. “Does that mean no dinner?”

“We’ll order pizza once I’ve claimed you. You can plan out meals some other time. This is more important.”

I felt overwhelmingly feminine even though I’d be masculine in a few short minutes. I know it’s very anti-feminist of me, but I really enjoy being submissive. It’s not that I think someone is better than me or that Shasta would even treat me like I was a possession. She was mine as much as I was hers. Coyote trains were just role dedicated communities. The men took care of certain aspects and the women took care of others. That way there was no question about whose duty was who’s. Since they were matriarchal, the man’s place and duties were in the home and the woman’s place was to provide the home and secure it from others that threaten it.

That’s simplifying things a bit, but it’s a general overview of the situation.

I nuzzled Shasta’s neck, nibbling at her ear and biting her neck as she ascended the wide staircase. There was a low rumbling in her chest as I did so. We’d been dancing with each other for almost a year. Yes, it had been two years since she had been chasing me, but I was clueless for that first one. Once I figured it out, I recognized our relationship for what it was. I constantly teased her by denying I felt anything. I asked favors and she relented, but I never gave her anything that I wouldn’t have given to the other coyotes.

That just urged her on until she knew for a fact that I was aware of her intentions. Then she became the seductress, constantly giving me attention, buying me things, treating me to coffee, meals, all the traditional dating fare. That led to her outright asking me to be her mate.

That was six months ago.

When we reached her bedroom, Shasta set me on the stripped bed. There was only a single sheet on top that was halfway pulled aside.

“Lay back, pet. I want to treasure this moment.”

I grinned. “I’ve been working all day. I really should shower for you.”

Shasta shook her head. “I’ve performed my studies well. When you remove that bracelet will you not revert to your male self?”

I nodded.

“And you’ll be exactly the same as before you put it on, correct?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then you don’t need to worry about smelling unpleasant.”

My shoes hit the floor followed quickly by my socks. I made to unbutton my jeans, but she smacked my hands playfully.

“Mine.”

In a second, my jeans and panties were tossed over her shoulder, and she attacked my cami and bra next.

“This form is very pleasing to me. We will definitely need to explore it another time, but for now, may I have your bracelet, pet?”

Shasta knew it was an important piece of jewelry that was probably why she let me take it off myself. A few seconds afterward I’d reverted to my male self and she simply gazed at me.

“You’re shaven,” she said with amazement. “Everywhere. Do you know how much that makes me want you, pet?”

“I guess I’ll be shaving often then.”

Shasta began unbuttoning her top while raking her eyes up and down my body making me feel like I was about to be the main course of a very tasty dinner.

“Don’t witches have a potion or something to do the job for you?”

I nodded. “But it reeks and I know how sensitive coyote’s noses are. I could always go the mundane route and have electrolysis if it pleases you.”

“It does. I’ll have one of my coyotes arrange it for you.”

Her top hit the floor followed by her sports bra. I was amazed at Shasta’s physique. Muscles rippled under her skin, but it wasn’t overdone. She was firm, but I thought she’d feel soft when I touched her. Her boots were off next followed by her jeans and panties. All the rest of her body followed suit. The most exotic thing about her that I noticed was her complete lack of tan lines. Shasta’s skin was a perfectly even copper offset by her intensely black hair.

I backed up toward the head of the bed as she crawled on the mattress in front of me. Somewhere in my psyche something told me to run, because a predator had me in its sights, but I froze instead, just for a moment. That was all it took for Shasta to pounce and grab my wrists with iron hands pinning me to the bed.

“Too late for running, pet.”

I swallowed and saw her eyes flash from Native American brown to coyote yellow in the span of a second. Leaning down, she dragged her face across my chest and to my neck as she breathed in deeper than I thought possible and then her grip tightened on my wrists.

“Did I ever tell you it was your scent that first attracted me to you?”

My breathing was becoming ragged and I didn’t know if it was from the lightest touch of fear or the amazing way she was teasing me.

“You smell so good. It’s all the candles, herbs, and other things at the magic store, but at its base is a mixture of male and female pheromones that is distinctly Kenneth Redferne. It’s an incredible combination.”

With her left foot she kicked my legs open and straddled my left thigh, slowly rubbing herself up and down the length. To the average person this would mean that she was working herself up for sex, but to the coyote it meant that she was marking her mate so there would be no doubt whatsoever that I was hers. Their sense of smell is said to be 10,000 times that of the average human.

Leaning forward she brushed her breasts across my face, barely giving me enough time to lick them once with my tongue before denying me any further opportunity to sample them.

“So eager to please,” she said with a chuckle. “I knew you would be.”

Her lips captured mine quickly before she bit my lower lip, pulling it back and releasing it.

“I always knew when your eyes were on my body, pet. I could smell you getting hard and imagining the pleasures I would bring you.

Speaking of which, I was most definitely hard and it was trapped between our bodies rolling back and forth across her tight abdomen as she moved. The feeling was almost torture.

Sliding down she took one of my nipples in her mouth and sharply bit down on it until I gasped and arched my back before I groaned in response.

My left wrist was released and before I realized it, I felt something cool encircle the one still restrained until I heard a soft click. Looking up I saw a thick leather cuff secured to the bedpost and knew that I was being restrained. My heart started pumping faster. From reading the journal I knew what to expect, but until you’ve experienced bondage, even this slight, you really don’t know what you’re getting into.

My free wrist didn’t stay that way for much longer as it was cuffed and locked as well.

Then Shasta began our evening.

~O~

I woke the next morning to the sound of birds singing outside her window. Sleeping underground, it wasn’t often that I heard that particular sound. Every muscle in my body ached. My joints felt stretched and sore from the odd angles my new lover had put me in as she satisfied herself and me and the same time. There was a distinctly raw feeling between my legs, much more than the minor ache Leo gave me. However, under all the aches and pains was the content feeling of being loved and returning that same love.

“Good morning, pet,” she whispered in my ear. “Feeling alright?”

Shasta was spooning me from behind. I was virtually wrapped up in her, tight against her body, so there was no chance I could move until she let me. I turned my head and felt her arms relax to allow me a small bit of movement. Brushing my cheek against hers I gave her a satisfied growl and bit her earlobe.

She chuckled. “That will sound much more authentic when you are coyote, but I take it in the spirit in which it was given. You, of course, were fabulous.”

I laughed and tried to snuggle against her neck. “You did all the work.”

“Believe me, pet. It was not like work in the least bit. There is a trick to being a proper submissive and apparently it’s already a part of your nature. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Shasta brushed her hand down my back and I winced slightly.

“Hmm, are you in much pain?”

I shook my head, but she moved anyway and made me lay on my stomach as she ran her tongue across all the bite marks that were left behind. I squirmed and writhed under her touch until she was finished and I was once again erect and confined against the mattress. In slow liquid movements she stood and then picked me up. I felt like a lump being carted around, but it made her happy so I didn’t say a word of protest.

In her bathroom was a very large shower with multiple jets that blew water from every direction. Shasta adjusted the temperature and then let me stand for the first time inside her house as she took a poof and thoroughly soaped me down, rinsed me, washed my hair, and rinsed again. Then she let me sit on a shower seat as she cleaned herself, which was a welcome sight to see.

When that was over, I was wrapped up and carried back to a bare makeup table.

“Stay there until I retrieve your things.”

I nodded and yawned happily as I looked at the bed. The linens were a mess, and while I’m sure they needed a serious cleaning, there wasn’t one drop of blood spilled. That’s how careful she was with me. Yes, I was marked in a number of places, but she never took things too far. It was like she was in total sync with me.

Normally I would call that an impossibility, because no matter how much we all like to romanticize our relationships, no two people are great from the start. There are always mistakes, positions not working right, sticking things where they don’t belong, not enough foreplay, or bad timing. There was always something. But with Shasta in control none of that happened. It made me wonder exactly how many lovers she had before me.

Within two minutes she had returned with my pack and a kiss.

“Thank you.”

She brushed her fingers through my hair. “Anything for you, pet.”

I unzipped the top and started pulling stuff out and then slowed. “Uh, I brought some extra clothes in case…”

“The bedroom next to this one is for your wardrobe. Bring anything you want and you can store it there, or we can start fresh and buy you a new one.”

I chuckled. “That’s not necessary. I have plenty of clothes… unless there’s something that you specifically want me to wear.”

Shasta smiled happily and kissed me again. “Will you be prepared to take your marking tonight?”

I thought back to the journal and what it said about markings between mates then nodded. It was usually a simple tattoo placed somewhere conspicuous that was specifically designed by your partner to represent them. That meant I’d have to come up with something for her by tonight, but I pretty much had an idea already.

“I’ll be doing yours myself,” she said. “Would you like me to get one of the coyotes to do mine?”

“Yeah, I’m not that much of an artist.”

Shasta petted my hair as I sat there and rummaged through the bag, taking out my makeup and clothes for the day.

“Pet,” she said. I looked up at her through the mirror on the back of the table. “Would you consider growing your hair out for me?”

I nodded without thought. “How far do you want it?”

She turned her head this way and that, apparently trying to imagine what I’d look like with long hair. “It will take a couple of years unless you do it with magic. Is that possible?”

“Easily.”

She smiled with satisfaction. “Then grow it out to your waist and we can always take it up from there.”

My eyes widened. I thought she was going to suggest shoulder length. I’ve never worn it any longer than that before using my male body.

“Okay, I’ll have if done for you by tonight. It’ll take a few minutes to make the potion but it’s got to mature a quarter hour for each inch of growth.”

When I was sure she understood the procedure, Shasta bent over and kissed my neck. “You’ll spoil me with your willingness to please.”

Shivers ran down my spine at the feeling of her lips on the first bite mark I was given. Leaning back, I met her lips once more before resolving to get ready for work.

“If I’m late, Celia will make me regret it.”

“Then, I’ll help.”

My bracelet was handed over to me. When I did up the clasp, I immediately send a pulse of magic through and felt myself shift.

“Oh my, that is interesting,” she said.

When I looked up to see what Shasta was talking about, I noticed the bite marks hadn’t disappeared. I paused for a moment before rationalizing why they stayed.

“It’s probably because of the second ritual. The magic cancels each other out in the new body, so the marks remain until they heal on their own.”

Shasta beamed. “Excellent. I want to announce to the world that you are finally mine. You’ll need much more revealing clothing then this.”

“Remember I’ve got to work.” When she frowned, I made a compromise. “I’ll wear the cami. That’ll show off three marks without being overwhelming enough for Celia to make a big deal over.”

She moved over to an armoire against the wall and shuffled though some of the contents before returning with a leather cuff with a large paw print embossed over the main portion. Before I said anything else, Shasta took my right hand and secured the cuff around my wrist.

“There. That’s my personal symbol; my own paw print. That and the three marks will be enough.”

Shasta was apparently very possessive when she wanted to be, and I didn’t mind in the least. A large part of me reveled in the feeling of being wanted so much and another part loved to please her with small things like this if it made her feel more comfortable while she wasn’t near enough to protect me. Once she looked me over, Shasta grabbed a fistful of hair at the back of my neck, tilted my head, and pressed a lustful kiss on my lips.

I reeled at the energy in the room before coming to my senses.

“If I don’t get ready, Celia will be over here spitting bullets.”

She caressed my face. “Then I better go get ready myself, because I want nothing more than to resume our activities from last night.”

~O~

My wardrobe was very similar to the previous day’s, only with a black cami and bra in lieu of the pink. I tightly braided my hair so it wasn’t a rat’s nest when I got to work on the back of Shasta’s motorcycle. I had to borrow one of her leather jackets because the temperature was dropping overnight into the fifties. I nearly swam in the thing, but I liked it because her scent lingered even above the smell of leather.

We spent the remainder of the ten minutes we had, with Shasta nuzzling my neck and teasing me with what we were going to do that night.

When I finally made it inside, my nipples were little rocks and I was sure my panties were soaked, but I enjoyed it for the way it made me feel desired.

“Looks like the cat ate the canary and every canary in the neighborhood,” Celia said as she saw the smile on my face.

“Hi, Auntie!”

I was all grinds as I slid the jacket off and hung it up on the coat rack by the register. Celia’s eyes widened when she saw my neck and shoulders, then she rolled them.

“Don’t you think you ought to cover those up?”

I lifted my cami to the bottom of my breasts baring a number of others on my back and abdomen. “Shasta wanted me to show them all. This was our compromise.”

She closed in on me and brushed a couple of bites. “Did she break the skin anywhere? You’ll be a coyote by nightfall if she did.”

“No, Celia. She knows what she’s doing. We’re waiting until Friday to turn me. She doesn’t want to interfere with my work, which you should be thankful for. She’s trying to work with you here,” I pleaded. “Can you please give her a break?”

I could tell she wanted to say more, but Celia held herself back and resumed setting up the till.

TBC...

Author's Note:There is mild m/f sex in this chapter, put there for a purpose. It shouldn't be considered too graphic, especially by today's standards. Also, previous warnings still apply. Pic Credit: Kay Morgan

Chapter Three

The next three days went off much like the first. I spent my days at work and then Shasta would pick me up, and we’d spend the evening going through another coyote ritual. The only other marking I received was a tattoo of her paw print on my lower back and she was the very proud owner of a pink and blue butterfly with glittering sparks on her upper right arm. Since then, there wasn’t a time where she wore anything but sleeveless shirts or tank tops.

All morning on Friday I was nervous and excited with expectation for the weekend at Shasta’s. Due to that, I was making all sorts of mistakes and Celia had to relegate me to floor work. She realized the problem and dealt with it without saying anything, which I was thankful for. By lunchtime though, she’d had enough and told me to take off early.

I called Shasta and then grabbed my bag containing a lot more of my possessions from my apartment downstairs as I waited impatiently for her to roll up.

“Kendra,” she said as she stepped through the door.

There was only one customer in the back of the store and Celia was at the register eying us.

After our greeting, Shasta looked disappointed with me. “You need to learn patience, pet. I’m not pleased that this is interfering with your work.”

I looked down feeling my face heat up and then looked over at Celia who was mildly surprised when Shasta faced her.

“My apologies, Arbiter. I’ll make sure my mate has a better control of her emotions by Monday so it won’t interfere with her duties.”

Celia opened her mouth to say something and then closed it. It was one of the things that she wanted in the first place so how could she complain when Shasta supported her?

“I’m sorry, Aunt Celia.”

She shook her head with a mild smile. “It’s okay. I know how important this weekend is for you. Have a… good time, I guess.”

When she centered her gaze on my future mate, Celia nodded. “And you make sure she stays safe. I’m trusting you with my sister’s only child and the future of the Redferne witches. I’m too old for my own children.”

Shasta grinned playfully. “I respectfully disagree, Arbiter. There are a number of males in my train that are available for you. They would be proud to sire your children.”

Celia actually laughed at that. “I’m already thirty-two, Shasta. It’s not over the hill, but I’m past my prime.”

With a shrug Shasta approached the register with my elbow in her grasp. “If you were to choose joining our train then your body would be in its prime for another decade at least. It’s more than enough time to bear several children. At least allow me to send the available men around for your perusal to see if there is any that…” Shasta smiled with a teasing lift of her lips. “… pique your interest.”

My aunt paused at that, probably running a quick fantasy in her head, but then, just as quickly dismissed the idea.

“That’s not necessary, Shasta.”

“As you wish.” She turned to me and lightly squeezed. “Now then, let’s go and begin our life together, pet.”

~O~

When we returned to what I was now considering my home, Shasta had me go upstairs and change back into male body and wear the clothes she had laid out for me. To say I was somewhat surprised at the outfit would be true. It consisted of a pair of very small, thin, and stretchy brown boy shorts and what had to be a baby tank top that only came down to the top of my lower rib cage. It barely concealed anything, baring almost all of my slowly fading marks and my tattoo to anyone that cared to see.

As I said sometime near the beginning of my tale, I was a very average person. That is to say I exercised moderately, and ate a healthy diet, so there was a little definition to my body in terms of muscle, but not much. Since I preferred the appearance of women over men, I tended to keep my body fairly feminine looking. That didn’t mean I could pass looking like I did, though the waist length hair helped in that regard.

The community was gated off for the weekend because of the celebrations, so it wasn’t like anyone that I didn’t know would see me, but I still felt very self-conscious nonetheless. My normal mode of dress was at the very least shorts and a normal tee. Exposing so much skin was not normally in my nature, but this is what I signed up for when I started taking this whole thing seriously.

It all sounds very weird, I know. With the role reversal of gender expectations, I knew I’d be hanging on Shasta’s arm like a regular human girl would for her boyfriend. Males in the train were supposed to show off their bodies. I was just thankful for the small tee that I was wearing. If I had to go totally shirtless, my skin would probably be a splotchy red from embarrassment.

Slipping on a pair of sandals, I sat down and brushed out my waist length hair until it was free of tangles and flowed straight down my back. The only exception was a single hairclip that I wore at the crown of my head to pull the hair out of my face and above my ears to show off my earring.

When I went downstairs, Shasta sat the phone down and I could see the desire in her eyes.

“There are going to be several jealous females at the feast tonight, pet. You look absolutely scrumptious.”

I swallowed nervously. “Will the other guys be wearing something similar?”

She nodded as she approached me. “Yes, but none of them will wear it so well as you.”

Shasta palmed my butt as she kissed me deeply. She didn’t even break it off before she scooped me up and brought me over to the couch to set me down. When she finally leaned back, her hand was bushing back and forth along my hardened member as it strained against the spandex.

“Very nice,” she said as she looked in my eyes. “Did you bring your virility potion?”

I nodded. “And I’ve countered my contraceptive potion, so I hope you’re ready for motherhood sometime soon.”

Shasta grinned. “I have been ready for the last two years, pet. I just needed the proper father for our child.”

All the while she stroked me easily over the spandex, teasing me until I wanted nothing but for her to slide the shorts off and take me right there.

“Now, I need your decision as to the method of introducing you to the train. Will it be the old ways or do you want an injection of my blood?”

I’d performed a lot of research on the subject of bite versus bottle, which it was called amongst the coyotes. There was much more respect given from the older generation if it was though a bite. They respected a man that could take the pain and show the scars, while most men preferred the bottle, or rather an injection of their mate’s blood directly into a vein. Granted, there weren’t a lot of coyotes made anymore. They were mostly born naturally.

“The bite,” I whispered.

Shasta raised an eyebrow and looked at my smooth inner thighs where it was traditionally placed. “Are you sure, pet? I won’t let the attitudes of the older generation influence your decision.”

I scooted down and spread my legs in response. “Do it, Shasta; please.”

She gave me a solemn nod and worked her fingers beneath my shorts to tug them down enough to free me. Her hand stroked me lightly as I closed my eyes. A moment later I felt her mouth on the head and her tongue swirling around as she took me deeper into her mouth as I sighed.

“Oh, Goddess that feels good.”

Shasta’s left hand kneaded my right inner thigh where she was going to place the bite as she worked me in and out of her mouth. A moment later, I opened my eyes and looked down at her.

Her eyes had gone yellow and she looked so into her inner coyote that I was afraid to say anything as I neared completion. Yes, I was that worked up that I couldn’t last for more than a minute or two under her ministrations. The sexual endorphins, that would help me blur the line between pleasure and pain, coursed throughout my body, bringing me nearer and nearer.

“I’m close, Shasta. I’m ready,” I said through pants.

Faster than I thought possible, she withdrew and her face changed to allow her teeth to sharpen and grow. My eyes widened at the look of those long canines appeared quite deadly if used in an angry way. Then she plunged them into my leg, biting past my skin and almost into the meat of my thigh as a she continued to pump at my hard member.

I gasped at the pleasure she gave me, but mostly at the pain when I finally reached my orgasm.

“Oh…. FUCK!”

My voice reached a high pitched keening before Shasta pulled back and licked at the wound with her tongue until I came down off my high and the wound started to close over.

Her face had already shifted back to normal as she made her way up my body, cleaning me of my emissions until eventually reached my mouth where we shared another long kiss.

~O~

“You did so well, pet,” she said as I was cradled in her arms and she was stroking my long hair.

“It stings.”

In fact my entire thigh was pulsing where the injury was sustained. It was almost like I could feel a piece of Shasta inside me, coursing through my veins, heating my blood.

“It will hurt until your first change, but that won’t be until later. Do you feel up to moving around?”

I snuggled deeper in her arms. “Do we have to?”

She chuckled and tilted my head up so I could see her properly. “The more active you are, the quicker the coyote moves through your body and makes the necessary changes.”

It sounded like a virus and considering how lightheaded I felt, I almost believed it was. That was where the difference between science and magic took place. One of the big reasons shifters and lycanthropes aren’t believed to be real was because their blood and saliva were like everyone else. It was their inherent magic that allowed the delivery and it was passed off though the action of the bite or through the purposeful injection of their blood into someone else. That’s why accidental changes were bull and the Arbiter punished those that did it.

“Where is your potion? I’ll retrieve it before we leave.”

Shasta shifted until I was lounging on the couch and she was free.

“In the outside pocket of my bag. I can take it now. It’ll last for twenty four hours.”

She stopped and bent down with a lascivious grin. “You’ll stay rigid for twenty four hours? Won’t that hurt after a while?”

I smiled and pulled her to me for a kiss. “It doesn’t work like that. Any attention given to my… any attention given to it will make it hard no matter how many times I have sex. If it’s being ignored then it’ll soften.”

When she brushed a lock of hair away from my face she asked, “And if I constantly give you attention?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Then I’ll stay hard even after I orgasm.”

Shasta stood quickly. “Then you must make a lot of this potion. The women of the train often complain that their men can’t keep up with them.”

I shrugged. “It’s easy to make, but the ingredients are expensive. One batch, which is enough for six doses, costs about a hundred and fifty dollars in ingredients and it can’t be taken all the time; only about once every couple of days.”

“Twenty-five dollars for a full day’s worth of constant sex?” She laughed. “Pet, you underestimate how frustrated our women are. They’d gladly pay a hundred dollars a dose for results like that. I’ll be right back.”

I took the time to pull my hot pants back up so that I was covered and then looked down and touched the bite lightly. The odd thing was that even though it looked a little raw, it wasn’t scabbed over and it wasn’t bleeding. From what I’ve seen, this was one bite that would eventually scar over and never leave me. Even tattoos fade over time, but the scar left behind from a bite like this would never fade. I was permanently marked by my lover and I was happy about it. How weird was that?

When Shasta returned, I swallowed the potion and set the vial aside as she watched.

“How soon will it take to work?”

“It’s working right now?” I said with a teasing smile. “I’m your sex slave for the next twenty four hours.”

Her eyes flashed yellow and stayed that way before she gave me a casual stroke with her hand. Immediately I responded to her touch and grew to a strained rigidness in less than thirty seconds. Shasta arranged it so I was bent to the side and the head was touching my hip bone.

“Excellent. It’s time to go.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “You want me to go out there hard like this?”

“Of course. Trust me; the men will be jealous and the women envious that you are mine and showing off your prowess like this. We are a coyote train, pet. It is part of our nature. Displaying your virility like this is considered much like a human woman displays her cleavage or a long line of leg. If you feel yourself easing off let me know and I’ll bring you back to attention.”

I nodded in understanding. There was a lot that I had to get used to and losing my predilection toward human inhibitions was my primary goal. I seriously didn’t want to embarrass Shasta in front of the train by being overly shy about showing my body, because she wasn’t the least bit shy about putting hers on display.

The only thing she wore was a solid brown string bikini top and a pair of jean cutoffs. Shasta didn’t even wear sandals.

Since I was a virgin, I’d never used the virility potion before. All I knew about was the textbook teachings. Needless to say I thought I was going to regret telling her about it.

We mounted her bike and rode out behind the community where a large private forest stood that was teaming with small wildlife. It looked as if every coyote in the area was there with tents set up, barbeque was cooking, and games were being played. It almost looked like a big company picnic if the employees were a little risqué with their wardrobe.

My tension eased off when I saw a large number of men dressed as I was. There were a bunch of men that were dressed in shorts and a bare torso as well. They were the unclaimed males or those that were too young to be claimed.

We parked and Shasta reached around to brush against me, probably assuring that I stayed in slightly embarrassing display. The constant strain didn’t really hurt as I thought it would. I just felt like I wanted to jump my lover right there. The constant teasing was going to drive me insane by day’s end if she didn’t do anything about it.

“We’ll meet my mother first and then proceed down the hierarchy. Remember to only speak to the women if they speak directly to you until after all the introductions. Then you may talk to anyone you like.”

I nodded and looked up at her. “What about the men?”

“Afterward, pet; introductions first.”

The Queen Bitch, Halona Windrunner, had the biggest tent where she was surrounded by a number of women that I assumed were the leaders of the train. They were all drinking sodas and various juices when we approached. Their eyes acknowledged Shasta and then moved over my body with obvious appreciation. It was Halona that had her eyes glued to my tented boy shorts with an arched eyebrow and her tongue at the corner of her mouth.

“Mother, may I present the nephew of Arbiter Celia Redferne, the son of Laura, my chosen, Kenneth Redferne.”

Two of the women moved behind me, but I kept my eyes on Halona. Shasta cocked her head and glared at the two women.

“A Redferne witch willing to lower himself to being a coyote,” the Queen said. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

I grit my teeth in response since she hadn’t directed a question toward me.

“And judging by my daughter’s teeth marks on your thigh, you’ve already taken the bite.”

“Mother,” snapped Shasta. “Kenneth is my chosen!”

Halona’s eyes shifted to her daughter and turned yellow. “You question my right to deny his acceptance?”

There were a few murmurs from the other women in the area and I could see a few of them shifted from one foot to the other. I recognized a cross between nervousness and preparation for fighting.

Shasta stepped forward and slightly in front of me. One hand covered a very sensitive place on my body. I thought it was weird to cop a feel as someone was talking to their mother. She wasn’t really doing anything, just covering me, like she was protecting her property or something.

“You have never denied any woman her chosen, so yes I’m questioning your attitude in regards to a very powerful witch and the person I love being introduced into our bloodline.”

Halona slowly stood and bristled at Shasta’s tense voice.

“You will watch your mouth, daughter. I will not tolerate that attitude in front of witnesses.”

Shasta’s muscles tightened, but I couldn’t see her face. “Do not push me on this. You know I won’t put up with it. Your time is coming to an end, Mother.

All through this I couldn’t see anything due to Shasta’s tall build, so I looked from side to side to see some of the women. They didn’t seem at all dismayed by what was going on in front of them. Several of them had already relaxed and resumed sipping at their drinks like this was all an act.

“The brevity of youth. Very well, Shasta Windrunner. I accept your chosen.”

At that point it almost sounded rehearsed. Shasta stepped to the side and I was surprised to see Halona already standing there with an amused expression on her face.

“Welcome to our train Kenneth Redferne.” She stepped in and kissed me on the lips then brushed her cheek along mine. I nearly jumped when she ran her hand along my hardness briefly. “Impressive. Most men wilt when in front of me.”

I didn’t know what that exactly said about her, but in my opinion it wasn’t a good thing.

“Shasta’s chosen well. I expect you to give her strong daughters and dutiful sons. Will you?”

Finally, I could speak. “If it’s the Goddess’s will I hope we are blessed with healthy children. It will be our duty to see that they are raised according to the train’s teachings including that of the Redferne heritage.”

She arched her eyebrow in amusement. “I see a fighter in you, Kenneth. Good. Shasta needs a strong hand and a powerful mate, not a weak-willed child.”

I bowed my head to her with respect.

“Come my sisters and meet your future Head Dog.”

~O~

The next hour and a half I must have kissed and brushed cheeks with a couple hundred people while Shasta stood behind me with her arms encircling my waist occasionally caressing me to make sure I stood at attention. The women were a little grabby at first until I heard Shasta growl, then they stayed respectful. Once it switched to the men I was amazed at how gentle and affectionate they were. It was nothing for a masculine guy to kiss another on the lips in greeting and even give the occasional pet as well.

Their community was something I always wanted to see in human society. Perhaps it was the matriarchal influence at play, but they seemed to be more accepting of sexuality and gender fluidity than anyone I’d ever met.

Some of the men were clearly effeminate and their mate overly masculine for a female, but it worked.

When I greeted the last man, I swayed noticeably and Shasta held firm to my hips.

“Pet?”

“I’m dizzy, Shasta. It’s so hot.”

In a second I was in her arms and being brought to a lounge chair. “Lawrence, bring Kenneth something cold.”

Once I was situated she pulled my hair out of the way. Lifted my left eyelid and looked at me with concern. “You’re in the last stages of the change, pet. A little earlier than you should be. It’s not even dark yet.”

“There’s so much magic in the air,” I said weakly. And there was.

It’s difficult to describe the feeling. The closest thing that comes to mind is a convection oven, only not nearly as hot. It felt as if every molecule of air around me was saturated with magic rushing across my skin and sinking into each pore. Considering I was amidst of a couple hundred thercoyotes, and the magic of the change was coursing through my body, I should have known this was coming.

I closed my eyes and then felt a cool wet cloth pressed to my forehead and dabbed at my cheeks. Ice water trickled in my mouth and I felt better but still weak.

“He’s a strong one,” Halona said from behind me. “It’s been since my childhood that I’ve seen a coyote come into their own before moonrise. Trista, Patricia, close the sides. It’s time for Shasta to cover her mate.”

The sun went away and I heard a fan being turned on before a cool breeze rushed across my body. All the noises went away and it was just Shasta and me.

“It’s time, pet. Are you ready?”

My mind wasn’t really on what was happening. I felt feverish and drunk at the same time.

“Ready for what?”

My boy shorts were pulled down and I felt Shasta taking me inside her as she took hold of my wrists and held me down.

“This is the fun part. We get to have sex until you start to change.”

I chuckled and then groaned when she tightened around me as she pulled away and then thrust herself back down.

~O~

An eternity of pleasure went by as I lost how many times we reached climax. At first they came quick and then each time after I lost count as it took longer and longer, prolonging the pleasure. I was lost in a sea of darkness and then bright lights. I remember hearing Shasta call out for drinks at one point so we could rehydrate, but she never stopped grinding against me in all that time. I swear she had thighs and buns of steel to keep a brutal pace like that.

Eventually, she stopped and looked at me with an elated look on her face. “Pet, it’s happening. Remember to listen to me and no other when you shift. Can you do that?”

I nodded in exhaustion as Shasta rolled to the side and exhaled as she cupped herself and groaned.

Where one would think that there would be a lot of pain involved with bones shifting hair sprouting, arms and legs bending unnaturally, and a body contorting to an entirely new shape, I didn’t feel a thing. It simply happened. One moment I was a male witch and the next — well more like a few nexts as it actually took a handful of seconds— I was a coyote.

I lay there quickly panting and legs twitching. The only sound coming from my mouth was the mild whimpering of a confused canine. In front of me, Shasta was on her hands and knees grinning at me like a fool.

“Kenneth, it’s done. You’re beautiful, my dearest pet.”

She ran her hand across my head and down the length of my body even along a new appendage, my tail! When she let go I felt it thumping against the ground. Then I took in all my improved senses.

My eyesight sharpened a little, but the most noticeable difference was my sense of smell. The world had come alive right inside my nose. Hundreds of things that I wasn’t familiar with held my interest, but the most intense scent was Shasta and our lovemaking. It was everywhere.

“Stand for me, Kenneth.”

It took me a second to understand what she was saying, but I got it right with a little difficulty. Standing on four legs is much different than two. I just thought I’d tell you that so you’d know.

“Don’t try to overthink it. Just let your body do what I tell you,” she said. “It already knows how to move.”

Looking up at her, I licked her face several times and she laughed.

“There you go. That’s the spirit.”

I watched as she backed up a step and then shifted into her light colored coyote shape. Shasta yipped at me and I instinctively sat and lowered my muzzle. She opened her mouth and covered mine with hers. I knew this was a form of coyote dominance. If I accepted that she was stronger and a better fighter than I was then I was supposed to stay still until she released me.

When she did, I stood back up and we brushed up against one another several times while I explored all of the scents that marked her body. It was exhilarating. At one point she knocked me to the ground and rolled over me several times as I playfully kicked at her, then she let me up and we licked each other’s muzzles until Shasta reverted back to her human form.

“Come, Kenneth. It’s time you met your train. Remember to listen to me only.”

I barked once and stayed very close to her side as we left the large tent and a whole new world opened up to me. Everyone was much taller, of course, and all their attention was on me. From my right, a blackish male trotted up and sniffed at my nose for a moment. I rightfully sniffed back, immediately recognized Miwok’s scent and happily barked at him. He yipped a couple of times and then bumped me forward.

Cheers rang up through the crowd as Shasta escorted me past them all so they could get a good look at my coat and markings. There was one male that held a video camera and another that was taking pictures of me as we passed.

When we reached the edge of the crowd, Shasta stopped and knelt down.

“Okay, now, I want you to concentrate on what you look like. Set it in your mind and think about changing back to your human form. Don’t worry about your clothes. They’ll come back. Just concentrate on your body.”

I sat down and lowered my head doing as she instructed. It took a good half minute before I got it down and found myself sitting on the ground as normal as I ever was.

There were a few whistles and some lighthearted clapping as Shasta scooted closer and kissed me.

“Carolyn!”

She brought forth the piercing kit and Shasta withdrew the needle and a different ring with a dangling platinum paw print hanging from it. I moved my hair out of the way and waited patiently as she gave me the mating ring in the daith position at the front of my ear.

“Now you are officially my mate.”

I grinned happily and wrapped my arms around her neck to give her a deep kiss.

“Cripes, Kenny, isn’t two hours of straight sex enough?” Miwok said with amazement. “You’re still hard as a rock!”

I looked at Shasta. “Two hours?”

She nodded and brushed her nose against mine. “If I’m not pregnant after a pint of the stuff you shot into me, I don’t know what will do it, but I’m willing to head to bed if there’s more in there.”

Glancing at Miwok, I smiled. “I’m off to do my husbandly duty. Call me tomorrow if you want my secret.”

Carolyn slid her arm around her mate’s waist. “He’ll be calling you. In fact a lot of the men will be calling you.”

~O~

The next morning I awoke on top of Shasta, mostly anyway. She was on her back and I was cradled nicely under her chin.

“Morning, pet.”

I smiled against her. “Morning, mate. Feeling up for more?”

She chuckled and it felt good to hear from my position. “I hate to say it, but I’m really sore. I don’t think I’ll be able to do anything until later.”

“I brought a healing balm for that. I’ve read reports about the virility potion. I thought I’d be prepared.”

We showered and Shasta treated me like I was a precious jewel as she washed every inch of me and then took care of my hair as well. Having grown it to waist length, it quickly became her pride and joy. In fact, she loved it when I went overly feminine even with my male body. My cologne got tossed out and replaced with light perfume. The clothes she liked to see me in were bright colored and made out of either extremely soft or silky material. Well, that or leather. Shasta was a big fan of all types of leather. I got to wear the suede or calfskin and she had the tougher stuff.

My footwear was mostly boots with at least a three inch heel on them. Since they didn’t make men’s boots that way, I was treated to a shopping trip that included at least a dozen pair of women’s styles. The salesman gave us an odd look, but in the end a sale was a sale and he made almost a thousand dollars off Shasta that day.

When we weren’t celebrating our union, I was running around the house making it my own, taking control of the traditional duties of a housewife. It was a complete rush. I was so incredibly happy with my life that I wanted to call everyone and annoy them like so many of my older friends did when they got married, but I resisted.

My joy only quieted when Monday morning came around and Shasta dropped me off at the magic shop.

“I’m going to miss you today,” I said with a pout.

Shasta was sitting astride her bike palming my suede covered butt like she owned it, which she did, at least in my mind.

“Do your duty to your aunt, pet. I’ll be here at four to pick you up.”

With a grin I kissed her. “I’ve got a nice dinner planned for us tonight so no big snacking this afternoon.”

She shook her head in amusement. “You are the perfect mate. Mother had nothing to ever be worried about.”

After that, Shasta squeezed my butt and kissed me one more time before sending me off to work.

Celia gave me a really odd look when I went into the office and started to count out the money for the till.

“What?” I said, wondering if I had something on my face.

“You’re not a girl today.” Leaning over a little to take in my outfit she sat back up. “But you’re dressed like one.”

I frowned at her. “You want me to go put on some makeup?”

Her breasts bounced a little with amusement as she chuckled. “Well, your brows are thin enough. You could probably pull it off.”

I was kidding, but what the heck. “If it won’t bother you I’ll do it.”

“Honey, our store is in the middle of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community. There isn’t a whole heck of a lot that will shock me anymore. If it’ll make you feel better, go right ahead.”

“Okay, I’ll get the register set up first. Did we get that shipment of applewood this weekend?”

“All right,” she said as she stood up. “I know you better than that. Show me.”

“What?” I said innocently.

Celia glared at me. “Honey, ever since you’ve lived with me you’ve always had an intense desire to show off every little thing you’ve ever learned. Let’s see your coyote.”

I licked my lips and leaned back. “Are you sure? The last I heard, you weren’t all that excited about me going through with it.”

She leaned on my desk and crossed her arms. “Are you happy?”

All I did was smile.

“Fine. Then I’m happy too. Now show off how beautiful you are.”

Pushing back from the desk I stood and then concentrated on my form. I’d been practicing it all weekend so I had the shift down to an almost instinctual movement. In a few seconds I was standing there wagging my tail at Celia as I looked up at her.

“Bark!”

Her eyes opened wide and she crouched down, cautiously holding a hand out, palm up.

“Kenny?”

“Bark!”

I took in her scent and rubbed my muzzle on her hand for a moment until the shock had passed for her. Then I leaned into her hand as she scratched behind my ears and ran her hand along my back.

“Okay, I’m impressed. You’re beautiful. Now go get your makeup on.”

“Bark!”

She opened the door for me and I trotted off downstairs until I was in front of my apartment door before changing back. I didn’t go overboard with the makeup, only concentrating on widening my eyes and adding some neutral lipstick. Afterward, I put some powder on to lessen the shine of my skin and then I went back upstairs.

“That looks nice on you,” she said when I was inspected. “You should do this more often.”

Celia held me by the shoulders. “It’s good that you’re getting comfortable with your male side, Kenny, even if it’s more female than most.”

“Shasta likes it.”

She pointed at me. “The important thing is that you like it.”

~O~

Surprisingly enough my feet weren’t killing me by the end of my shift. Wearing Michael Michael Kors Berkshire boots with four inch heels was problematic when I first put them on, but they were very comfortable and they had the added advantage of bringing me up in height so I didn’t feel so short standing next to Shasta.

“Good afternoon, Arbiter,” I heard my mate say from across the store. It was a few seconds later that I caught her scent and felt myself get excited.

Just the sound of her voice was enough to make me want her.

“Call me Celia. We’re family now.”

Shasta seemed pleased at that. “I’d be delighted to; thank you.”

Finishing up with the facing before the next shift came in, I made my way over and greeted my mate.

“Hello, pet. I’m supposed to remind you to pick up the ingredients you need.”

I bounced. “Oh, right. Thanks. I’d have a lot of coyotes ticked off if I forgot. Be right back.”

Even in human form my hearing was quite acute due to the coyote’s senses. I just had to make sure I was facing the right way since I couldn’t rotate my ears. I made sure to do just that when I pulled the ingredients from the restock supplies. That way I didn’t disturb the displays.

“I’ve never seen Kenny this content,” said Celia

“Your nephew is an amazing man. The train is lucky to have him, and I’m even luckier.”

There was a lengthy pause and then my aunt asked, “Is there any reason he’s dressing up in girl’s clothes.”

“I admit it is my influence. It’s one of the reasons I chose to pursue him… his penchant to blur the lines between male and female. Among the train I’m known for my… eccentricities. I prefer more feminine men. Since Kenneth enjoys both sides, I’ve encouraged him to explore.”

“Hmm.”

“You do not approve?”

I took my time under one table so that I could hear better.

“There are people out there that would hurt him when they realize he is a man underneath the clothes. As feminine as he appears makeup doesn’t hide the fact that he is a man.”

“Hmph. Before they set one hand on him it would be snapped off at the wrist. Kenneth can take care of himself here, especially with your presence. Otherwise he will be with me and nobody would dare touch him while I have anything to say on the matter.”

I moved over and retrieved a new cauldron, taking my time to make sure the bottom with thick enough.

“You could always end his Arbiter training. We both know his base form would switch to female and you won’t have to worry about it. We also know he’s ready. The only thing he lacks is experience in the job.”

“I fear for his safety. I won’t be there to protect him and I promised his mother, before she died, that I would.”

“I understand. If it would make you feel any better, I will always be by his side. If for some reason I’m not then I will make sure the train’s best fighters are with him.”

Celia sighed. “Understand something, Shasta Windrunner. If my nephew dies because…”

“You needn’t worry, Arbiter. My life without my mate wouldn’t be worth living. I’d be dead within a month.”

I thought the conversation had taken a turn for the worse and decided to end it by approaching the counter. Celia’s eyes were welled up and slightly red. They shifted between Shasta and me several times before she turned.

“Kenny, come with me. Shasta, I’ll have to ask you to stay here.”

She nodded and leaned against the counter as one of the afternoon girls came in. I followed my aunt downstairs to the antiquities room.

“You don’t have to do this, Aunt Celia.”

She looked over her shoulder at me strangely.

“I could hear every word that you two said.” Pointing at my ear I said, “Coyote hearing.”

She rolled her eyes and continued down the hall. “Well then I don’t have to explain. Now you know why I’ve been holding you back. I’m aware you passed all the tests and you are more familiar with the laws than I was when I became an Arbiter the day I turned eighteen. Besides, I could use the help. Our territory is too big for only one Arbiter.”

When we arrived at the antiquities room she opened her hands out and spun around. “So who’s it to be? Georgina? Lillian? Those are your two favorites, I know.” She looked at me with narrowed eyes. “Not my mother. I don’t think I could take knowing what she’d look like in a lesbian relationship.”

I held back a laugh and started looking around. Everyone had their good points and I almost picked Lillian because she looked so much like me, but I stopped in front of Anne Redferne’s torque.

“Do you think I could see…”

As I said once before, nobody was supposed to wear the torque in honor of our progenitor, but I’d always been curious as to what she looked like.

Celia made a fist and pumped it. “I knew you were going to ask at some point.”

She looked at me seriously as I waited there nervously. “Since you’re not using her for playing around, I think any Redferne witch would be proud to have you wear their likeness. Let’s see what the old lady looks like, shall we?”

Celia retrieved her key ring and opened the display case up. I slid out of my tight clothes and boots just in case she was larger than my male body. I’d really hate to destroy the clothes Shasta just got me.

Carefully, and with great reverence I took the torque off the velvet setting and slid it around my neck.

“How’s it look?” I asked.

“Ridiculous. Nobody wears torques nowadays. Get on with it.”

Celia was playing with me, I knew that. Without further ado I sent a pulse of magic through the neck piece and felt myself grow taller and fill out in all the right places.

My aunt frowned. “Of course you’re gorgeous. I hope you know that I’m using this when I go out to the club next time.”

She was playing with me. I knew she’d never do something so crass. Celia had a very healthy respect for our ancestors.

Moving over to the full length mirror I set up in there when I first started my inventory of all my ancestors, I gazed at the likeness of Anne Redferne. She was a little taller than my male self, with middle of the back length brown hair, blue eyes, and a tall forehead. It was a wonder how she lived so long with the body she had. Beautiful women didn’t last very long in those days. She had a trim waist, nice child bearing hips and very full breasts that had to be close to a D-cup. Georgina was a little bigger, so I knew how to deal with large breasts.

Her legs were very attractive. In short, I really liked the choice and I was very sure Shasta would like it as well. She liked tall women.

“This is the one.”

“Are you sure?” Celia asked. “You can’t change your base again for another ten years. So, now’s the time to do it.”

“No,” I shook my head. “This is the one I want. This is me.”

She was already out the door. “Get your clothes and come on.”

By the time I gathered up my stuff and made it to her apartment, Celia was unlocking a small fireproof box and withdrawing a glass vial with a tea colored liquid inside.

“I made this right before your eighteenth birthday because I thought you were going to come up with some master-built reason for letting you earn your badge.”

I groaned at my lost opportunity. “I was trying to not be all nagging and everything. I thought I wasn’t doing something right!”

“Well now you know.” She passed the vial off to me. “Just swig away and you’re locked in that body for the next ten years, Kenny.”

I took it and held it up to the light. “I can still temporarily switch back to my male body right?”

“Your male self becomes part of the antiquities room until you pass on. Then it’ll go into storage with all the husbands and sons of the Redferne women.”

I nodded and then pulled the stopper, tossing back the mixture and swallowing as I waited for something to happen. There wasn’t any telltale tingle or rush I got sometimes as a potion passes my lips.

“I don’t think it worked,” I said.

“Take the torque off.”

Duh.

I slipped Anne Redferne’s torque off my neck and gently set it on the table. When I let go I didn’t feel myself revert back to my male body. I smiled wide and laughed.

“I’m a girl!”

“Congratulations. Now go get an appropriate top to wear so I can take your picture for the official stuff.”

~O~

Another thirty minutes went by as Celia set up my Arbiter’s ID and badge through the Witches Council, then set up the change of name documentation and all the ID that went with it. Officially I was now Viola Anne Redferne. Since I was no longer able to revert to Kenny as my base, I thought it best if I changed Kendra’s name as well. I’d been saving that particular Shakespearian name for a special occasion; my rebirth.

When I was finished, I put on my leather cuff and sent a pulse of magic though it, reverting to my male form and then put my regular clothes back on before heading upstairs to grab my Arbiter’s belt with my knives and wand.

Shasta was waiting patiently for me. When she sensed me approaching she spun around and looked at me curiously, then she saw my new badge.

“I assumed you would be wearing your permanent female form.”

I smiled naughtily. “It’s a surprise. The sooner you get me home and get me naked, the sooner you find out.”

A quick kiss later and I was being escorted out of Redferne’s.

~O~

Once the garage door was closed, Shasta opened the door for me and I started stripping off my clothes, handing them to her as we ventured upstairs. We hadn’t even made it to the bedroom when I caught wind of her arousal. It’s really difficult to hide that from me these days. It makes initiating sex that much easier knowing your partner wants you as much as you want them.

I kicked off my boots and shimmied out of the tight suede pants and panties. Holding out my wrist, as the cuff was the only remaining thing I was wearing I smiled.

“Care to do the honors?”

She took ahold of my wrist and pulled my arms to my side as she moved in to kiss me. “Man or woman, Kenneth, you are mine. Never forget this.”

I nodded as I saw the heat in her eyes. “And you’re mine.”

“As it should be.”

I heard the distinct snap of the cuff being opened and then it fell away and I changed.

My height rose two inches, my hair shortened slightly and darkened at the same time. I knew the bones around my eyes narrowed and my blue eyes lightened. My lips filled out and my breasts formed just under those of my lover.

“I don’t recognize her. You’ve never used her before, that I’ve seen, but I approve… very much so.”

The chance to speak was gone, because our lips were sealed together and I was backed up against the bed and laid down under Shasta’s gentle caresses. Then just as our first time together in my male form, she secured my wrists in the cuffs attached to the bed and claimed me as she explored my very sensitive female body.

~O~

The following two weeks were wholly unremarkable except for getting used to our average daily routine. I would be dropped off most mornings at the magic shop and when I got home I’d spend the evening making dinner and developing a schedule for cleaning and general upkeep of the house. The Brownies still hadn’t found me as of yet.

Shasta, being an architect, worked at home for the most part, and conveniently could set her own hours.

On my days off, I spent time doing laundry and other wifely duties. It may seem like I’m overworked, but it was something that I loved to do for my mate. At the end of the day I actually felt like I accomplished something worthwhile because Shasta was always very appreciative.

~O~

My first duty as an Arbiter had me wind up settling a dispute over a therianthrope Panther and a Werecougar Romeo and Juliet scene. Celia was in Dallas putting down a vampire war that was about to erupt over territory so that left me entering the Arbiter’s room by myself as judge and jury.

The two leaders, John Monkton of the Panthers and Shazara M’bawa of the cougars sat staring at each other from opposite ends of the table. I didn’t recognize either of the young ones as I sat down, but the male was sporting several fresh scars down his face and neck that I assumed was from a cougar.

“John and Shazara I recognize,” I said as I looked at the female first. “Who are you two?”

The young male leaned his arms on the table. “I’m Dennis and this is my future mate Wendy.”

Shazara’s eyes flashed gold and he growled. “She will not be your mate!”

My wand was in my hand and I magically banished the cougar back into his chair. His butt hit it hard and the chair slid back to the wall rather forcefully with a loud thump. It was my intention to just push him down into the chair, but I guess in eagerness to prove myself I pushed a little extra juice through my wand.

“You will not speak unless I ask you a question. Any further outbursts and I’ll revert to Arbiter Celia Redferne’s example and we can get someone else in here to represent the cougars.”

It was a well-known threat across the southwest. No shifter, were, or therianthrope wanted to lose their testicles because their temper overrode their sense of propriety. Granted, I was a brand new and untested Arbiter, but the way the cougar was almost blasted back against the wall it didn’t seem like something Shazara felt needed exploring. Besides, the more aggressive supernaturals only respond to strength and the ability to back up the threats that are issued.

Once I had cowed him enough to behave I continued.

“So, on one side we have Panthers and the other side we have Cougars. You may be closely related, but there is a definite difference between the two. Dennis, Panthers allow inclusion from any species, Cougars don’t. It’s that simple. Wendy, your choice is plain and you should have made it before it came to this.”

The girl looked down at the table, shamefaced.

“Either declare yourself rogue from your family, in which case their law doesn’t apply to you, or break off the relationship with Dennis. Which is it?”

Tensions were already high in the room. I expected another outburst, but it didn’t come.

“I’m sorry, Dennis,” she said.

The young Panther was already turning red in the face with anger, but his eyes were on me for forcing the issue. Instead of saying anything, he got up and left the room.

“So, are we all clear and amicable again?” I asked.

Shazara gave a sharp nod and John returned the gesture.

“One more thing, Wendy,” I said as I leaned forward. “I know for a fact that Shazara teaches his Cougars properly. If I find out that you’re jerking the chains of men outside your pride and then using me to break up with them then you and I are going to have words.”

The guilt on her face was all I needed to see. Wendy was never serious about her fooling around with the Cougar. She knew it, I knew it, and now Shazara knew it.

Exciting; wasn’t it?

~O~

The life of an Arbiter was much like this, like a lame and unexciting episode of Law and Order. It wasn’t always the fun stuff like what Celia was off doing, the job that I was looking forward to; putting down master vampires that had taken their power a little too far. I was warned about wishing for excitement, but seriously would it be so wrong to want just a tiny itsy teeny weenie bit?

Once three o’clock rolled around, Leo decided to grace the store and me again with his presence. With all the changes in my life over the last couple of weeks I had almost forgotten about him.

“Well, look who the cat dragged in.”

He looked at me oddly. That’s when I remembered that I was in my base form of Viola and he’d never met her.

“It’s me, Leo, Kenny.”

He blinked and then really looked at me from the hips up since I was still behind the counter.

“Holy… crap!” He tried to keep his voice down since there were a handful of girls several isles over in the incense section. “You look…”

I smiled my thanks and instinctively brushed the hair covering my left ear. It had become second nature when talking to anyone to flash my mate’s earrings. Most of the time I just had my hair pinned up on that side, but I wanted it down for that day.

“Long time no see. I thought you’d forgotten about me,” I said as he ducked his head. “It was kind of odd, especially since you took my virginity.”

I actually gave it to him, but he didn’t seem like he wanted to argue semantics.

Leo’s face was starting to flame up with embarrassment, but I waved him off. “Don’t worry about it. I’m kidding.”

I wasn’t really, but I wasn’t one to openly hold a grudge for too long either.

“I’m sorry,” he said before looking up at me. “I was just… embarrassed about everything.”

Ah. His behavior began making a lot more sense at that tidbit of information. Confronting one’s desire and having it come true was one thing, but for that desire to be taboo in the human world; that was a different matter.

After giving the girls cooing over the lavender incense a glance, I leaned in closer to Leo. “Come to grips with your feminine side?”

The motion of him nibbling on the inside of his lower lip let me know I’d struck the proverbial nail.

While he was trying to figure out what to say, I noticed a few changes about Leo’s appearance. His eyebrows were very neat. It wasn’t that he had a unibrow or anything, but most guys don’t really take care of their face like girls do. His eyebrows were separated nicely and there weren’t any stray hairs to be found. Leo’s pores were clean and the tiny bit of acne that he’d had on his forehead had almost faded away. His lips looked fuller, but I could tell exactly how he’d accomplish that. The final thing I noticed was that while he’d already had both his earlobes pierced like virtually everyone I knew, boy or girl, he had some rather feminine looking hoops hanging from them.

Most guys, when they wear hoops, choose the tiny ones that hug their lobes. These were a good inch wide. Seeing that and the backpack he had slung on his shoulder and I knew what he was there for.

“Yeah, I guess.” He looked to the side and kept watch on the girls. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“I get off at four and I’ll only have about thirty minutes until my ride gets here.” After pausing to see his strained reaction I amended my statement. “I said I’d help you when you wanted to change. I’m not taking it back, Leo.”

The appreciative smile he returned seemed genuine. “Thanks. Really. I just… I want to learn. I mean just because you can turn me into…” he looked back at the girls and then whispered. “… a girl, doesn’t mean I know what I’m doing.”

I held back a chuckle. “Honey, it takes a long time to figure that one out. What’s your plan?”

“Mom and Dad are taking Shelia to my Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. I’m staying by myself for the week.”

My eyebrows rose at that. “How’d you manage pulling that off?”

Leo’s face went pink again. “I told them I’d ask you if I could hang out… you know, um, with you.”

Before I had the chance to say anything else, he went on a speed-fest trying to get everything out so I wouldn’t say no.

“It’s the only way they’ll let me stay by myself, and I won’t be in the way. I could help out around here for free, cleaning or whatever. Then maybe we can hang out and you could tell me what I’m doing wrong. I really want to try being a girl for the entire time they’re gone, but I’d be too afraid of a neighbor seeing me. They all knew my Aunt Annabeth before… um…”

“Leo!”

He shut his eyes trying to get a hold of himself. “I’m sorry. I just really want this so bad. I’ll do anything, Kenn… uh…”

“Viola.”

“Viola,” he said. “Right.”

Fingering a stray bit of hair behind my ear I saw that the girls were headed up toward the counter. “Give me a sec.”

Leo saw where I was looking and stepped quietly to the side so I could ring up the items. The two girls that were loading up with incense dug in their purses while a third, a blonde one, trotted up with a bundle of sage.

“This is supposed to get rid of evil spirits, yeah?”

Goddess, save me from ignorant teenagers. “Not exactly. It cleanses negativity from the air. There’s a ritual that you…”

“’Cause I have a really important test coming up and my stupid brother won’t quit annoying me so I can study.”

I blinked. “The sage won’t get rid of your brother. You might try a tazer or some pepper spray.”

“Ugh,” one of the brunettes said. “Candy, just hook him up with that freshman he’s always drooling over. That’ll keep him busy.”

The blonde, Candy, frowned and passed the sage to Leo. “Put this up for me… Oh, nice earrings, sweetie. Got yourself a hunk to look pretty for?”

Leo’s face went pinched. I gathered up the incense and set it to the side.

“Y’all can leave now,” I said with finality.

One of the brunette’s was standing there with a twenty in her hand. “What? What about our incense?”

I glared at her. “When you and your friends can behave in this store then you can return.”

She shot an annoyed look at the blonde. “Candy, apologize.”

“Whatever,” she returned. “There are a dozen places we can buy this crap.”

That seemed to have set off the girl with the cash. “This is my mother’s favorite store and if you get me banned and she finds out, I’ll tell Jessica Thompson about you blowing her boyfriend last weekend.”

Candy sucked in a breath. “You promised!”

Her face went an unpleasant shade of puce for a few moments before she turned to Leo again. “I’m sorry.”

Leo looked at me and shrugged.

I sighed and gave Candy a withering glare before turning back to the brunette. “That’s $11.27.”

“Thanks. I’m sorry about her.”

I nodded and bagged up her purchases. “Tell your mom I said hi.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Leo said as the girls left.

I shrugged and grabbed the sage from his hand. “We don’t put up with that sort of stuff around here. You’d think that homophobes would shop somewhere else than the heart of the gay community.”

Taking Leo’s hand I led him to the girl’s restroom. “Go change and then we need to talk.”

Reaching up I touched the earring and sent a pulse of magic through it. His height dropped drastically, along with his jeans. In a few seconds, Leo was sporting light brown shoulder length hair, the cutest button nose, and bright green eyes. Her breasts popped out but weren’t too obtrusive. The girl he turned into looked nothing like him or his sister. I’d only seen his mother once before, and I recognized a few shared traits, but that was it.

Leo reached up and touched her hair with a smile. She sighed and smiled brightly for the first time since I’d seen her that afternoon.

“Thanks, K… Viola. I’ll try to hurry.”

Shaking my head, I held the door open. “We’ve got about forty minutes. Take your time and try to do a good job. Then I’ll see what we have to work with.”

~O~

When Celia showed up for the evening shift I went and retrieved Leo from the restroom. When I opened the door, she jumped and nearly poked her eye out with a pencil.

It was worse than I thought. She looked like a twelve year old playing in her mother’s makeup. I just stood there trying not to look at her with pity.

“Grab your stuff. I’ll work on you downstairs.”

“I look awful, don’t I?” She looked at herself in the mirror and frowned, but it appeared to be more of a pout, cute in itself.

When we got there I shoved her into the bathroom with a jar of cold cream. “Get rid of all that and come back out. We’ve got less than thirty minutes so try to be quick, please.”

While she was doing that, I pulled out my cell and called Shasta. Her voice sent delightful shivers down my spine.

“Hello, pet. I should be there on time.”

“Hi, baby. Um… I have a little problem.”

Gone was her seductive voice and in its place was one that I’ve come to know as her no nonsense demeanor.

“What happened?”

“Leo’s here and he committed me to let him stay over for the week. It’s a gender change thing that his parents don’t know about. They’re out of town until after Thanksgiving.”

“Hmm,” was all she said.

“Would you mind if he — well, she now — if she stayed at our place?”

A few seconds passed before she came back. “This Leo, it is the one that you dated a few weeks back?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And does she know about your current status?”

I grimaced. “I’m about to tell her, but I wanted to get your okay before I committed to her staying.”

“Pet, as long as she fully understands that you are my mate then I have no problem with your friend visiting.”

With a relieved sigh, I smiled. “Thanks, Shasta. When you get here, we’ll be down in my apartment. Just come on down.”

By the time I set the phone in my purse, Leo was back with a fresh face. I pointed to my makeup table and said. “Sit. We have to talk while I get you ready. Where did you get the clothes, by the way?”

She plopped down on the stool with her feet at awkward angles. “I had to buy them at Target, and I was guessing at the sizes that’s why they’re stretchy.

It was a set of pink leggings with a matching cami. I feared for what else was in her backpack as I got to work.

“Look, my ride… I don’t really live here anymore,” I said as I touched up a few blemishes.

“You moved?”

“Sort of. You know how I told you about all the supernatural things being real?”

“Uh-huh,” she said as I started working on her eyebrows.

“Well, I’m involved with one of them.”

Leo’s eyes darted to me. “You’re dating?”

I smirked. “More than that actually. The local Therianthrope Coyotes? Well, I’m mated to the next leader of the train. That’s who is coming to pick me up.”

“Theiran-what?”

“Thrope. They’re kind of like werecoyotes but their change isn’t dictated by the full moon. They look human, but they can turn into coyotes at the drop of a hat.”

She looked confused. “I thought… no, we didn’t have anything, did we?”

I shook my head. “I knew it when you told me about why you stopped to talk that night. I moved on.”

“Sorry.”

Pausing, I held up my hands and gave her a conciliatory smile. “It’s much better this way, besides Shasta makes me very happy.”

Awareness came over her face. “You’re mated? Does this mean I can’t…”

“Shasta says it’s okay. I called to check.”

When I swapped pencils and moved on to her eyes, I continued. “Anyway, you’ll be staying with us, but I thought I’d give you the lowdown on the community.”

“Do you live in the woods? I don’t know if I’m ready for camping.”

I smacked her on top of her head. “Don’t be a speciesist. We live in a two story house in a gated community. What you need to know is that they’re all thercoyotes. So you might see some things you’ll have to keep private.”

“Oh.”

By the time I’d made it to the lipstick pencil, Leo kept checking herself out in the mirror so much I had to turn her around.

“Be still or I’m going to mess up your lips.”

I heard the door open in the outer room and immediately perked up.

“She’s here!”

I dropped the lipstick on the table and ran to the living room to find my mate closing the door before I almost jumped in her arms. We kissed deeply and Shasta’s hand was on my butt, kneading the flesh. It may sound silly, but I could never get enough of her. Every kiss we shared and every pet she gave me was just like the first.

By the time I finished relishing in seeing her again, I’d dropped back down and grabbed her hand.

“Come meet Leo.”

TBC...