I DIDN’T TAKE OFF. Instead, I stared hard into the forest, hoping there weren’t eyes there to see as my pelt slid away from human skin covered with goose bumps.
This forest was too exposed for comfort. Where was a briar patch when I needed one?
I couldn’t conceal my shift, but I could literally cover up my pelt once I regained humanity. Brushing fallen leaves off a square foot of ground, I tucked the pelt under them while speaking loudly enough to—I hoped—cover up the rustle of my work. “What’s so important that you had to ambush us?” I demanded, letting annoyance bleed into my tone. Skinless didn’t do subtle, so I might as well be honest with Carly’s betrothed.
“This appeared to be the only way to get an audience,” Carl answered from the other side of the tree. I’d half expected him to
