Jaws dropped.

  Murmurs began.

  Divinity sourly remarked, “Outed to the tabloids by moonrise. If not sooner.”

  “You adore paparazzi.”

  “You are paparazzi. My affection is natural.”

  Canarian Evernhold hurried forward. “You came. We’re all set up in one of the conference rooms.”

  Divinity gestured toward the gawkers. “Is this peer pressure? We can’t turn you down because we’ve already effectively exposed ourselves?”

  “No! No, not at all. Uncle—that is Spokesperson Twineshaft—thinks of everything.” Canarian waved forward a young Amaranthine who had to be dragon clan, given his coloring. “This is Sinder, our communications specialist. He’ll be your primary point of contact with our offices.”

  Sinder asked, “May I see your phones?”

  Levity’s case was bright yellow. With a smiley face.

  Divinity’s was rhinestone encrusted.

  “Oh sweet summer winds, finally.” Sinder heaved a shuddering sigh. “You are officially my favorite Betweeners. Ever. We’ll be swapping contact information later. First, lemme work the crowd. Dole out a few memory lapses. Cover your asses.”

  And he stalked off.

  “You have a brainwashing dragon on staff?” asked Divinity.

  “He isn’t here to sway opinions. He’ll simply ensure your privacy.” Canarian’s gaze followed Sinder, who was systematically making the rounds. “He’s usually more friendly, but … well, most Amaranthine don’t understand how to use the new technology available to us. His patience is wearing thin. We’re calling on Glimsleek backup for him so he can get back into the field.”

  They followed Canarian to an upstairs conference room that fairly crackled with sigilcraft, and Hisoka Twineshaft stepped forward, hands on offer. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us. I wasn’t sure how best to proceed, so … I brought both of my good friends.”

  Harmonious Starmark beamed at them. “So which is it? Wolf or dog?”

  Adoona-soh Elderbough elbowed him. “Don’t be obtuse. Your nose works as well as mine.”

  “Was that a compliment?” The Spokesperson for the dog clans pivoted slightly. “I was asking more for their sake than mine.”

  A pair of humans stood off to one side, and the bearded one jumped forward, radiating confidence and eagerness. “Good morning! An admittedly wee hours sort of morning, but twenty-four seven has been our order of business for months now. The name’s Josheb Dare. And this is my brother Caleb. We’re journalists, too!”

  Best Light

  When Josheb’s brother responded with a snort, Levity focused on him. What was so funny?

  Josheb protested, “Hey, I bring stories to the people!”

  With a small headshake, Caleb stepped forward and offered his palms. “Caleb Dare. We’re here because my little brother was after a scoop on Big Foot. That’s the kind of journalist he is.”

  “Why are you making that sound like a bad thing? We found him, didn’t we?” Josheb’s gaze bounced between her and Levity, full of curiosity. “Say. How often do you get asked if you play basketball? Or like … rugby?”

  Canarian drooped into an apologetic posture. “Mr. Dare, your question would be slightly more polite if you adjusted the position of your feet. But only slightly better.”

  “That’s code for rude,” grumbled Caleb. “Sorry. We’re still getting the hang of the whole interspecies cultural liaison thing.”

  “So … my feet? Show me!” Elbowing Canarian, the man added, “And call me Josheb.”

  Divinity crooked a finger at Caleb, met his palms, and proved she could be just as nosy. Pointing to the crystal that was set into his necklace, she asked, “Did you make a friend?”

  Caleb’s expression warmed. “Andor is a bear.”

  Levity whispered, “Andor Skypact? Oh, I want that story.”

  “You’ll have it,” Josheb promised. “Everybody will. They’re putting the finishing touches on our pilot episode. Hisoka Twineshaft invited us to help smooth the way for peace. We’re taking the cryptid angle. Entertainment that informs.”

  Canarian took charge, assigning seats and distributing refreshments, then gesturing for his uncle to begin. Hisoka Twineshaft considered his hands, which were folded on the table, then searched Levity’s face. “May I ask something impertinent?”

  She beckoned.

  “Why have you decided to help us?”

  Not if she would. Why she would.

  Impertinent indeed.

  Her answer was ready. “This is my city, and its neighborhoods are my home. Many people here feel like they know me, and in return, I get to know as many as I can. As a journalist, their stories become my stories. Everyone’s connected.

  “The grocer’s son is on the city council. He married his high school sweetheart, the daughter of the owner of the diner. She’s a schoolteacher, so she knows everyone, and everyone knows her. Her hairdresser happens to be an avian who’s a true artist when it comes to braids. She keeps her ears open, which is how I found out that her favorite small-time fishmongers—two old-timers and a boat—were getting along in years and needed help. The boy I brought around to meet them was a good fit. Hiring him meant they could stay in business, and they love him like a son. They have no idea that he’s otter clan.”

  Harmonious blinked. “The grocer’s sweetheart’s hairdresser’s fishmongers have a son who’s Amaranthine.”

  Levity said, “The Perspective covers the news, but when you talk to my boss, Becca will tell you that my main job is fostering a sense of community. When Roy and Mel opened their home to Levin, their differences didn’t matter. They share a path, and their connection is real. Two stories became one, and that’s beautiful.

  “All that to say … I don’t just think peace between the Amaranthine people and humanity is possible. I don’t just hope it’s possible. I know it’s possible.” And turning to Adoona-soh Elderbough, who spoke for the packs, Levity announced, “I’ll do this for the clans. On one condition.”

  Uneven Stride

  Murph stuffed his tail down his pantleg and tried to walk normally. With limited success. People would think he’d developed a limp. And sitting was going to be a pain.

  Barely out of the elevator, Angelo spotted him. “Should you be here?”

  “I can’t possibly take any more days off. This is fine. I’ll distract myself with work.”

  As he backed away, Angelo pointed to the phone in Murph’s hand. “Text me. For any reason.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  “Mornin’, Murph!” Tippy wheeled up and announced, “Becca’s got a thing, but as soon as she’s done, we’ll jump into a staff meeting. Ten-ish.”

  “Certainly. Look, I apologize for my sudden … uhh ….” Angelou was nosing his pant leg. “Hello to you …?”

  The dog lifted her head and wagged her tail.

  His own twitched in response, and he shifted his weight to try to hide any motion beneath the fabric of his trousers. Did he have some special affinity with canines now? With an awkward wave and an uneven stride, he escaped in the direction of his office, only to draw up short again.

  What?

  What was that?

  The scent didn’t fit here, which was another fundamental change. He’d always had a good nose, but since when did scents matter this much? He closed his eyes and took slow breaths, because the answer was obvious. Ever since he’d sprung a tail.

  So why was this scent such a problem?

  Becca had people in her office. Early meeting. It was probably one of them. Eyes still shut, he angled his head, listening hard. He turned, lifted a hand, and blindly reached out. To his utter astonishment, his fingers bumped into something. Someone. The growl was vibrating even before he opened his eyes.

  “Yeah, yeah. You caught me. But for the record, I wasn’t exactly trying hard.” A young man with pointy ears and a long fall of pale green hair gave him a thumbs up. “You’re the newbie, right?”

  “I didn’t see you.”

  “Happens a lot,” he said. “I’m Sinder. And you look like you want a whiff. That’s normal for wolves. Go ahead.”

  Murph sniffed uncertainly. Right away, he was distracted by the door at Sinder’s back. “Levity’s in there. In Becca’s office.”

  “She did just go in.”

  This guy was definitely the source of the problematic scent. It worried him, almost like Sinder was a threat. It made him want to growl again. “Why do you smell … different?”

  “Honestly? I don’t remember what I last oiled with, so it could be anything. Let’s just go with … dragon. You’ve scented a dragon.”

  “I hadn’t realized that dragons were represented among the Amaranthine clans.”

  “Yeahhh, it’s not really a secret, but here’s the thing. I am. So I have good news and bad news, Murphy Benedict Koogan.” Sinder’s voice took on a pleasant lilt, and Murph was immediately more at ease. “I’m one of the good guys, so remember my scent and remember that it’s safe. Even though I’m not going to let you remember me.”

  Coming Clean

  Levity had waited for Canarian Evernhold’s signal in order to walk in on Becca’s meeting. The conference table showed the kind of balance that Amaranthine expected. Three spokespersons on one side—Hisoka Twineshaft, Adoona-soh Elderbough, and Harmonious Starmark—and three reavers in diplomatic green seated opposite. Becca was at the head of the table, and Levity stepped to her place at the foot.

  Her boss was in a forced calm, keeping things professional, but she was definitely rattled … and quite possibly relieved to be interrupted. “Oh, Levity. I’m sorry. This is a private–!”

  “It’s all right, Becca. I’m meant to be here. I need to be here.”

  Hisoka smoothly backed her up. “Levity is next on our agenda.”

  She gestured gratefully, then met Becca’s gaze. “Can you trust me even though I haven’t been completely forthcoming about myself? Because I love it here, and I love this city, and I’d love the chance to keep doing what I do.”

  Adoona-soh stood then, moved to Levity’s side, placed a hand on her shoulder. Claiming kinship. Offering protection. Lending strength.

  “I’m wolf clan, Becca. Highwind pack.”

  Hisoka filled the yawning silence. “I’ve asked Levity to reveal the truth of her heritage in order to become an ambassador for peace. You must admit, her perspective on the upcoming Emergence will be both unique and compelling.”

  Becca was shocked, maybe even alarmed.

  Levity lowered her gaze, tucked her hands behind her back, averted her face.

  So she didn’t see the transition. Just heard Becca’s chair shove back.

  On her feet, the woman took about as dominant a posture as an uninitiated human could. “Let me get this straight. You’re using our Levity for propaganda? You can’t just out someone because it serves your purposes! If you’ve threatened her in any way …!”

  As Becca faced down Twineshaft, Levity sank to the floor in a puddle of relief. Becca was still Becca. But of course she was. Because Levity was still Levity. Just like Murph was still Murph.

  Harmonious cut off Becca’s harangue with a booming laugh, and one of the reavers began to applaud. Adoona knelt beside Levity and patted her head, saying, “This woman? She’s a tribute to your pack.”

  Within the hour, Levity was outing herself all over again, but this time, Becca was the one at her side. Her boss challenged, “Well? You must have questions.”

  Levity glanced at Murph, but he was watching everyone else. Probably gauging their reaction to her, since it would forecast their reaction to him if he ever stepped out.

  Tippy was the first to speak. “I’m … not sure how to react to the whole shared planet bombshell, but for us? Here in the office? Day-to-day? What changes?”

  Levity had given this some thought. “Once the worldwide announcement is made, I’ll stop hiding the features that are characteristic to my people. The shape of my ears. The color of my eyes. My tail. Not all Amaranthine clans display animalistic features, but wolves take pride in their tails.”

  Angelo cuffed Murph’s shoulder, his smile relieved. Murph held a finger to his lips.

  Striking a pose, Levity cheerfully added, “And it’ll finally be safe for me to stop skimping at mealtimes.”

  Mick snorted. “You’ve been holding back?”

  “Teensy bit.”

  Tippy raised both fists high. “This is so exciting! We’re like … on the front lines. Except this isn’t a war. It’s peace.”

  Murph finally chimed in. “Figuratively speaking, we are a first line of defense. Our coverage and our stories will promote and defend an alliance with our Amaranthine neighbors. Front lines. Headlines. And changing someone’s byline …?”

  “Yes.” She took a dominant stance. “Beginning with the next full moon, I’ll be reporting as Levity Highwind-Jones.”

  Learning Curve

  Murph was still wide awake when a knock came at his door. Setting aside his crossword puzzle, he was amazed all over again that he could tell it was Levity. And that someone was with her. He tried to sort through his impressions, since Shep had urged him to trust them, and came up with two.

  Young. And male.

  Actually, there was also a furriness to him, so … wolf?

  From the other side of the door, Levity spoke. “It’s all right, Murph. Can my friend and I come inside?”

  He opened the door a crack. “May you.”

  “May we,” she dutifully corrected, flashing a smile at the boy she’d brought. “Murph is the kind of guy who’ll correct your grammar. It’s his job, so don’t take it personally.”

  The boy, who wore a fur vest and dozens of necklaces, offered both palms and a faint smile. “I am willing to learn. Are you, Kindred?”

  There it was. A gently swaying tail. Wolf.

  Murph stepped back, let them inside, and peeked up and down the hall before closing and locking the door. “Isn’t it dangerous, walking around the city without any kind of disguise.”

  Levity said, “It’s three in the morning, Murph. And Torloo knows how to be careful.”

  “Torloo,” Murph echoed, tentatively offering own his palms.

  Much-smaller hands were so different from his own. Brown skin. Ivory claws. Beaded bracelets. Blue eyes sought his gaze. “I am Torloo-dex Elderbough. Mother sent me. All you need, I will be.”

  Levity jumped in. “Torloo’s mother is spokesperson for the wolf clans. Adoona-soh leads all the packs, and she’s one of the five representatives for the Emergence. She’s making good on a promise she made. It was a condition I set for stepping out.”

  “You demanded her firstborn son?”

  Torloo said, “No. I am youngest.”

  Levity said, “I asked for help.”

  “This help is your right,” Torloo said solemnly. “The packs take care of their own. I will be your guide.”

  “He’s moving in with you. If you’ll allow it.” Levity quietly added, “Adoona-soh is being amazingly generous. Amaranthine are incredibly protective, especially of our children.”

  “I’m grateful for the gesture, but won’t it look bad, my suddenly taking up with a boy who is very obviously not a relative.”

  Levity beamed at him. “We checked. Your building allows pets.”

  “It does. But what does that have to do with … oh, help.” Murph gaped at the wolf standing in the middle of his rug. Finding his voice, he managed, “What big teeth you have.”

  “Teensy detail. Hasn’t come up yet,” said Levity. “I’m in speaking form. Torloo is in truest form. We can change back and forth.”

  “So it’s you in there?” Murph sank onto his chair.

  Torloo padded closer, rested his chin on Murph’s knee, and looked up at him with those same sky blue eyes. Then he pushed closer, his muzzle butting Murph’s belly. Since disembowelment didn’t seem imminent, he asked, “Am I allowed to pet a wolf who’s more than a wolf?”

  “Yes.” And in a laughing tone, “Ask nicely, Torloo.”

  The wolf licked his chin.

  Murph offered a tentative pat, then a scratch behind one ear. Torloo’s tail wagged, so Murph continued. Soon, he had both arms around the wolf, who crooned a soft note, like a whispery howl. Murph shot a look at Levity, who gave the okay sign.

  Addressing Torloo, he asked, “If you were another clan, say a horse like Mare Blazelock, would I be facing a young stallion now? Or … I don’t know … a dragon?”

  Torloo shifted, which was a luminous and lovely bit of magic, and Murph quickly let go.

  The boy quietly stepped back. “Yes. All Amaranthine take the form of their clan’s animal. Within each clan, there are houses or colonies or herds or packs.”

  “Elderbough. Highwind. Trebellaire. Clearsong. Nightspangle,” listed Levity.

  “I sense a certain fondness for portmanteaux.”

  Levity’s gaze turned soft. “I’ll see if I can get you a clan registry. You’ll love all the names.”

  Torloo said, “We will find your clan. I do not think it will be difficult. There are not so many red wolves in the world.”

  “I’m not sure what good it will do, consulting genealogies. Didn’t your sister say I was four or more generations removed?”

  “We have someone looking into your human lineage, of course,” said Levity. “But Torloo’s right. It shouldn’t be hard to figure out your Amaranthine grandsire or marm. Adoona went to ask around.”

  Murph still didn’t see the point.

  Torloo said, “There is too much to explain all at once. That is why I would like to stay.”

  “I’d hardly turn you out. Make yourself at home, wolf friend.”

  To his utter embarrassment, Torloo shuffled forward to kiss his forehead.

  Levity stood, and for the barest fraction of a second, Murph thought she was going to follow suit. Instead, she rummaged in her pocketbook and handed him a light blue nylon leash.

  “You boys all set?” she asked.

 

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