Chapter 41
FORTY-ONE
AARETH
As soon as Ashley left, he knew he had to go back. It was only his sense of pride that made him hesitate for the slightest bit. He couldn’t, wouldn’t, leave his wife, no matter what the cost. If she died in Term, then he would die by her side. Living life without her again was no option at all.
The main question, as he trudged back the way he had come, was how he was going to transform back into the monster that had singlehandedly dismantled the queen’s men once before. Did he even want to turn back into that monster?
A whoosh overhead interrupted Aareth from this internal debate, and the stars and moon were blocked out for the slightest moment by a massive figure.
“You are going back, as well, Beast Man?” Kimberly thudded to a stop beside Aareth. Her wings folded on the back of her massive shoulders. “Although it would be better if you transformed out of your human skin for the job. I suspect there will be a fair amount of killing and dying to be had.”
“Yeah, I’m thinking about that. Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be taking the citizens of Term to their new home?”
“My men are capable of the job. Besides, I’m a warrior and a leader. I don’t send others to do my fighting.”
“Fair enough.”
“You, on the other hand, are going because the human you love has, are you not?” Kimberly didn’t wait for an answer. “You humans and your love. What dramatic creatures you are. You see, when a male gargoyle falls in love with a female gargoyle, the process is quite simple. He shows her his?—”
Aareth heard the sounds of conflict at the same time Kimberly did. The wolf and the gargoyle looked at one another with wide eyes.
“Hurry, Beast Man. Change into your hideous form.” Kimberly unfurled her wings to take flight once again. “The battle has started without us.”
“I’m trying,” Aareth grunted, contorting his face.
Come on, Aareth thought as he tried to locate the animal that now lived within. Where are you when I need you?
Whether it was his own voice talking back, his imagination, or the new part of him, a voice in his head growled: Oh, now you need me.
We’re one being now. We have to learn to coexist. Help me. Please.
“Are you having a bowel movement, Hideous Beast Man?” Kimberly took a step back, gauging Aareth’s expression. “You do not look well.”
All right, but you owe me one, the voice grumbled.
A howl ripped from Aareth’s throat as he transformed into the wolf for the second time. His clothes shredded around his growing body. Long, black fur rippled across his bulging muscles. Within seconds, Aareth stood looking out through yellow eyes.
“You are an abomination.” Kimberly admired Aareth, who was now large enough to look her in the eye. “Come, horrid one. I will give you a ride into battle.”