The morning dawned with that peculiar electric stillness that preceded supernatural catastrophes—a quality of air that made every nerve ending sing with anticipation of violence. I should have recognized the warning signs when Oscar woke up projecting what could only be described as apocalyptic glee, his mental voice crackling with an energy that seemed too vast for his tiny wolf body.
Big day today! he announced to anyone within telepathic range, which at this point included half the territory. Very important wolf business!
Leo, currently sprawled in human form across our bed like a chubby starfish, opened amber eyes that held an unsettling depth of awareness. "Water calls," he said verbally, his limited vocabulary somehow conveying the weight of cosmic inevitability.
"The water can wa
