The bushes ahead rustle; a muzzle pokes through the greenery and out slinks a large, dark grey wolf. It fixes us with amber eyes. Behind and to the sides are more sounds of movement. Spinning around, I find that we are surrounded by six grey wolves.

"Aren!" I quaver.

The tiger's outline ripples, its body shrinks and the colour leeches out of its fur until a large blonde wolf is stood before me. Frankly, I would have preferred for him to have remained a tiger.

Unwilling to go down without a fight, I grab a branch and standing legs slightly apart, I brandish it preparing to defend myself should the wolves attack.

The blonde wolf bares impressive looking canines and growls. The sound sends a thread of fear through me, even though I know that this is Aren. Possessively, he slowly circles around me, staring pointedly at all the other wolves.

The largest of the wolves starts to approach and Aren springs forward to meet it. My heart feels like it's in my mouth and I have to fight the desire to shut my eyes tight to avoid the inevitable bloodshed.

To my utter amazement the other wolf lowers its head in submission and then they roll around together on the floor play fighting. What on Earth!

Hand on my hip, I cough. Aren bounds over and licks my hand. The other wolf approaches but stops when Aren turns and gives a low warning growl.

The grey wolf's form shimmers and turns into a young man, a well armed one at that. Laughing, he holds up his hands, as if in surrender. "I mean her no harm, cousin."

He takes my hand and kisses it. "Lord Conall, at your service, my lady."

His eyes flicker to my state of partial undress, causing me to blush. He winks, then wordlessly unpins his cloak and wraps it around my shoulders.

Transforming back into a man, Aren immediately steps between us, effectively blocking my view of Conall. Instead I am faced with Aren's bare back and a rather nicely toned back it is too. Oops, not a time to get distracted, Elle.

Conall simply moves so that he can see both of us. "Aren, are you going to introduce me to your lovely companion?"

"Con, this is Elissa. I owe her my freedom. Elissa this is my cousin, Conall."

Putting a hand across his chest, Conall bows. "Elissa, we honour you."

I try to recall if Aren has spoken much about his family and draw a blank. "Aren, are you a Lord too?"

"No. My mother is Con's aunt, but my father is not a lord."

"No, he is..." Conall begins, but is interrupted when Aren kicks him.

Conall raises his eyebrows quizzically and there follows an unspoken interchange. He gestures to Aren and comments, "You look a bit wild, cousin. Are you trying out a new look?"

Aren rolls his eyes. "I spent several moons a captive and the last few days on the run. I have not had a chance to attend to my grooming."

Conall's blue eyes twinkle with amusement. "Point taken, but you may wish to reconsider your attire."

Aren looks down and shrugs, seemingly unabashed that he is only in his underwear.

Once we are dressed, Conall casually says, "You seem to have had a little trouble on your tail."

I freeze, the colour washing from my face at the thought of the elves. Conall places his hand reassuringly on my arm. "Fear not, my lady. You are quite safe now."

My body sags slightly as utter relief floods my system. We are free of them.

"If you will allow me to be your mount, it is a few hours ride to my home," Conall offers.

Aren manages to insert himself between us again, insisting, "I will carry Elissa."

"Aren, you have already done so much for me. Allow your cousin to share the burden." I try to reason with him, but he seems uptight.

Evidently Conall takes the subject as concluded and transforms into a chestnut stallion. Meanwhile, Aren takes to the air in a whirl of wings.

Galloping, the wind whipping my hair and the wolves running by my side as escorts, I feel excited to be starting the next phase of my journey.

.....

Having showered and changed into a clean dress, I feel much better. I have been given a pleasant room and am currently trying to brush out all of the tangles in my poor hair. It is a while until dinner, so I am surprised when there is a knock on the door.

A young man enters wearing an intricately embroidered tunic. His golden hair falls in gentle waves to his shoulder, his face is handsome but has a wild edge and he has the most startling sky-blue eyes, which seem familiar.

Get a grip Elle. You are staring at the poor guy. "Hello?"

He smiles, flashing two dimples and inexplicably butterflies stir in my stomach.

"Elissa, do you not recognise me now?" Aren's tone is teasing.

OMG, I'm such an idiot. Embarrassed, I can feel my cheeks heating and I bite my lip. His eyes track the motion and he prowls towards me, with a feline grace.

"You never did try kissing me when I was an eagle to see if I would turn into a prince."

Finding myself unable to speak, I try to wave him off, but he transforms into a golden eagle. I shake my head, nevertheless I gamely kneel down on the floor and delicately kiss his beak.

His human form rushes up above me. Theatrically, he looks himself all over and gives a deep sigh, "Alas, I am afraid that I am still myself."

Smiling up at him, I insist, "Good, I would not wish to change you."

Holding out a hand, he helps me to my feet and rather than release me, he pulls me into his body, as if for a dance. The playful look on his face is replaced with an intense one. With his free hand, he gently cups my cheek and I am lost in eyes as blue as a summer's day.

Moistening his lips, he closes the gap between us and my heart races with anticipation. I find my eyelids fluttering and closing of their own volition.

! I almost jump out of my skin with shock. Before our lips have had a chance to meet, a man bursts into the room, sending the door crashing against the wall.

An irritated looking Aren spins around, before gasping and calling out, "Leo!"

The intruder envelops Aren in a bear hug. "Brother. Thank the ancestors that you are safe." A frown crinkles his brow. "You have lost much weight."

Looking between them, I can see the likeness. They have the same blue eyes, although Leo is slightly bigger in build and appears a few years older.

I can't help being moved by their obviously happy reunion. My buoyant mood fades when Leo's hard eyes fall upon me and giving a dismissive wave, he commands, "Be on your way wench."

Aren jovially slaps his arm and makes introductions. I hold out a hand and give Leo a tentative smile, but the polite words of greeting fail upon my lips as he looks at my hand like it is contagious.

In a snubbing move, he turns his back on me and calls out, "Gawain." A large, burly man enters the room.

It is starting to feel rather crowded and I wonder if Animages only come in large. The newcomer is dressed in leather armour, with a sword hanging at his side and has a rather fierce looking face, though it changes completely when he sees Aren and smiles.

Aren puts an arm around my shoulder and announces that I'm coming back to Arcadia with them. Gawain bows his head in acknowledgment.

"I think not," Leo interjects. "How do we know that she is not someone seeking to seduce their way into your bed to further her own position? It would not be the first time."

"Leo! Elissa is the one that freed me. Without her I would still be a prisoner at Corinth." A slight shudder runs through his body.

"It is all far too convenient. For all we know she is one of Nero's spies."

That comment sparks the wick of my ire. Marching over to Leo, I poke him in the chest. "Excuse me. What gives you the right to barge into my room and act as if you own the place?"

Eyes flashing angrily, he opens his mouth, but I raise my hand, stopping him from speaking. "That was a rhetorical question. I do not expect an answer. You malign my character without knowing anything about me. If you think that I am in league with those sadistic elves, then you are delusional."

"You disagreeable, disrespectful wench."

"You disagreeable, disrespectful oaf." I throw his words back at him.

In an instant, Aren is by my side. Glancing up, his eyes appear hazel, but I dismiss it, for the next moment they are blue.

Aren pushes his brother hard enough to cause Leo to stagger and his voice holds a hint of a growl. "Leave her alone. Either we both go or not at all."

Anger dissipating, I begin to feel regret. "Aren, I can never thank you enough. Without you I would surely have been recaptured."

I have to look away otherwise I will not have the courage to say what I must. "However, I cannot come between you and your family. I will be fine on my own. Maybe there is some way I can find my guardians."

Come on Elle, stand strong. It is not as if you have known him long. But my silly heart clenches painfully at the thought of our parting and I have to blink to ward away the tears that threaten to fall.

"No. I refuse to leave you behind." Aren is steadfast.

Gawain breaks the moment and surprises me by kneeling before me and offering up his sword. "My lady, you have my sword."

Bemused, I'm not sure how to respond, wondering if perhaps he thinks that I need a weapon to protect myself with. "Er, it's a bit big for me."

Sheathing the sword, his hard face once more softens with a smile. "I meant that you have my protection on our journey to Arcadia. I will take my leave." The look he gives Leo is not so kindly. "Leander. A word, if you please."

Conall chooses that moment to pop his head around the door. "Are you all making merry without me?" His cheery disposition falters as he takes in the atmosphere in the room. Gawain and Leo solemnly squeeze past him.

"I was going to ask if you would care to join me for a drink before dinner."

Emotions in turmoil, I gently push Aren towards Conall. "Spend time with your family. I'm very tired and want go to bed."

As Conall drags him out of the room, Aren gives me a little lost boy look.

.....................