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little bridge. People were clustered around the pool just like any resort, sunning
themselves, jumping into the water to cool off, ordering drinks in tall glasses with long
straws and umbrellas. Serena tried, but really couldn t tell the difference between it and
any other beach resort she d ever visited. She said as much to Hanna.
Did you expect packs of wolves roaming about?
Sort of, I guess.
Our feral natures are enhanced when we are in wolfen form. We try to avoid it
when in large numbers. Things have been known to get out of hand.
Mikala Ash The Body Politic - 55 -
Will that happen when the moon is full?
Hanna nodded and took a sip of her drink. It could, in two days time.
A long-legged woman with long, blonde hair sauntered past them. The fluid
motion of her hips and erect stature drew Serena s eyes like a magnet. She was
stunningly attractive and very seductive. Serena saw the woman flick a glance at Hanna
and Hanna responded with a slight smile and bob of the head.
I ve just been picked up.
I m sorry?
That blonde is an alpha. She s no doubt here by herself. She noted you were an
alpha and chose to see if I was available.
Serena couldn t help but be offended. She stole you from me?
Hanna laughed. This time of the month we can be bitches.
Well, she can t have you!
She is an alpha.
I don t care. This is outrageous. Just because alphas have more& I don t know
what they have, but they can t just go around taking whatever or whoever they want.
Sssh, Serena. It can t be helped. We re at the mercy of our nature.
That s not good enough. This is outrageous. She can t casually stroll past us and
take you away.
Hanna s gaze was uncomfortably frank. Are you attracted to women, Serena?
What? Of course not, why?
Nothing. It s just that I find your protective attitude toward me flattering.
Serena felt herself blush. You re my friend, Hanna. Don t you feel offended that
she just walked past and claimed you because she s sweating alpha pheromones and
you aren t?
You ll have to fight her to keep me.
Serena s jaw dropped. Aware of her reaction, she clamped it shut and clenched it
tight. If that s what it takes.
Mikala Ash The Body Politic - 56 -
Hanna reached out her hand. I ll tell her I am yours, that my master gave me to
you. That will placate her.
Serena sat back in her chair, relief flooding through her. She didn t want to fight
the woman, especially when she knew she didn t know how. I find this whole thing
insulting.
You ll get used to it in time. You ll have to. But I thank you for your loyalty.
You re my friend. She noticed Hanna glance toward where the alpha woman
had seated herself. Are you attracted to women, Hanna?
Hanna smiled. Very. It s something I ve become aware of these last few years.
I ve talked to Grigor about it. We share everything, and he suggested I follow my urges
and see if I truly like it.
Serena didn t know what to say. That s very understanding of him, she said,
aware of the slightly sarcastic tone in her voice. If you would like to go with her, don t
let me stop you.
Hanna smiled. I m here to help you through your first full moon. I will not be
distracted from that purpose.
Because Jack would be upset?
Because you re my friend, Serena. I want you to be safe.
They sipped their drinks for a few minutes in silence. Serena was quietly
disturbed by what she d discovered so far about wolfen society. It was a savage, callous
and primitive system of dominance and status based on the rule of tooth and claw. She
decided that it might be best if she figured out a way of distancing herself from this
society and build a gentler world around her.
Serena, Hanna said softly. How much control do you have over your beastly
form?
A little. I ve only changed a couple of times.
But you can revert at will?
Mikala Ash The Body Politic - 57 -
Serena blushed, remembering her first experience of transforming back into
human form. It had been painful as muscles and tendons, bones and ligaments bent and
shrank into her more compact human form. I can. Why?
We might go for a walk along the beach. I want you to change back and forth a
couple of times for me.
Cold fear raced through her veins. Wouldn t our room be better? she
suggested.
The resort is awash with pheromones that will distract you. I want the sea air to
wash you clean, as it were, so you can practice your skills in peace.
I d prefer privacy.
I ve been watching the beach path. No one is going there at present. We ll have
it completely to ourselves.
I m not so sure.
You must practice. If you are to survive, you must be confident you can
transform and revert at will. Your life could depend upon it.
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