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My mind started to dwell on the problem that was our ever-dwindling numbers, and the consequences of the day we were no longer here.  
    “We should head back. There’s a storm coming, and I don’t think you would enjoy being ill,” I told him, looking at the dark clouds which were closing in.  
    It took me only seconds to pack everything we’d taken for the day. It was amazing how comfortable I was around him now that he knew everything. I had no issues darting after a napkin that had been caught by a sudden wind or using my strength to load up my horse without help. It was only when it came to mounting the horses that we hit a small issue.
    “Oh my! I never thought,” I whispered as Ray stood staring at Falcon. “Would you be offended if I offered to help you?”
    “Normally I’d decline your offer, but I don’t think I have much of a choice.”  
    “I promise not to tell anyone if you accept my help. How’s that?”
    He laughed. “I didn’t figure you for the gossiping type.”  
    It was a simple enough task to offer my hands as a step for him. He reluctantly put all of his weight on me, steadying himself on my shoulders.  
    “You won’t hurt me,” I reassured him when he paused.
    “Are you sure?”  
    “Completely. If you knew some of the situations I’ve been in over the years, you would know I’m very hard to kill.”  
    With only a moment more of hesitation, he clambered atop Falcon. Once I was settled in Tara’s saddle, I dug my heels in and we surged into a pleasant trot.
    “I want to ask you so much,” Ray said quietly.
    “Ask, though I may not always be able to answer.”  
    “When you say Weres, do you mean werewolves? ”  
    “In a way. The Weres are spread throughout the world, living in groups made up of the shifters, their mates, and any children they have. They don’t all shift into wolves at the full moon, though. The ones in this country change into black leopards. The ones in Russia, on the other hand, they do turn into wolves.”  
    There were other types of Weres: the Congo Lions of Africa, the Great Bears of Canada, and the Panthers of Brazil. Most of them migrated occasionally, but they stayed within their respective countries, rarely coming into contact with each other. Their numbers had stayed roughly the same over the years. They weren’t a thriving species like the vampires, but they survived and were happy enough.  
    “They sound like fascinating creatures.”  
    “Standing at almost twice the size of their animals, they are truly beautiful, and deadly. And they can be very hostile to others, preferring the solitude of their own, opposed to the social aspects of regular society, and they’re fiercely protective.” Stunning creatures or not, I avoided them unless I had to.
    “Do they mature, like you? Or is it different for everyone?”
    “All vampires were once human, but were created by the exchange of blood. Witches are born and inherit their powers, and Weres are also born, not made. The same can be said of us. Then when our bodies and minds are ready, we mature.” It was the only way to accurately describe what we went through, a kind of growing up process. “Our bodies get stronger, faster. Our senses heighten, and our gifts make themselves known. It takes a couple of weeks, a gradual change so we can grow accustomed to what we are.”
    “So there’s no set age? It just . . . happens?”
    “Whenever we’re ready, whenever that might be. My sister matured when she was only fourteen years old, whereas I was twenty.”
    “That was my next question.” He was smiling eagerly, so excited that I was sharing this with him. “You mentioned earlier that the vampires often have gifts when they’re turned. Do you have them, as well?”
    “Yes, although ours are more defensive than aggressive. Where the vampires are telepathic, we aren’t. We can see a person’s thoughts when we enter their mind, but prefer to respect their privacy when