“You know Jack was right when he said it’s not so bad to be a human from time to time. For one thing, it gives you another perspective.”

Why should I seek that perspective?

“It’s just good to have an understanding of the beings you interact with.”

I don’t have any urge to understand humans, any more than I do the ground squirrels or other game I hunt.

“You don’t hunt humans.

She bared her teeth. No. But there are some for which I’d make an exception.

“So there’s no other shape you’d like to try?”

Her muzzle rose upwards. I think it would be . . . interesting to view the world from a bird’s view.

The crow in Joe’s blood stirred at her words.

“I wish I could teach you that shape,” he said, “but like I told you before, all I see in you is your canid blood.”

And it is enough. It will be enough for my pups, so it will be enough for me.

“I wish it could be different. I wish we could all see the world through whatever eyes our hearts fancy. We’re all so connected to each other, but most of us just can’t see it.”

I won’t be convinced.

Joe nodded. “Don’t mind me. When it’s unfinished business, I always find it hard to let a thing go.”

It’s what makes you who you are.

“I suppose. But tell me. What was it that made you change your mind about this? Back when we started off to look for Jilly, you seemed pretty interested in learning to wear another shape.”

Jilly’s brother reminded me of everything I hate about that shape.

“I thought it was something like that. But if you ever change your mind . . .”

I’ll know who to ask for help.

Joe nodded. But he thought that if that day ever did come, it was a long way from today.

What’s going to happen to Odawa? Honey asked.

Joe shrugged. “Damned if I know. He’ll probably be put down. They’re having a big meeting about it at dawn—the air and water clans.”

You won’t be there?

“I don’t have any interest in cousin politics, unless it impacts on those who can’t defend themselves, and we’re way beyond that now. The corbae and water cousins have it covered.”

So, what will you do?

Joe smiled. “Right now? I just want to collect my girl and take her home.”

It’s good to have a home.

“Tell me about it. I didn’t have one for so long, I thought I never would. But then it turned out I just needed someone to have a home with. Now it doesn’t matter where we stay—so long as Cassie’s there, I’m home.”

That’s how it is for me with my pack and my pups.