Elisabeth remained unconvinced that staying at Fairhaven for the December full moon was a good idea, yet couldn't see any alternative. Putting distance between herself and Jackson had failed, and given the recent events, he was even more resolute that they remain together. She tried to convince Sarah and Connor to go away overnight, but Sarah whined about missing her, and for once, Jackson backed her up. Elisabeth was outnumbered by four if one were to count her wolf form.
Jackson pulled her into an embrace. "It is going to be fine, try not to worry."
"Maybe I should stay in the basement cell. It's comfortable down there."
"You are not going to spend one night a month locked up. I have faith in you, have some in yourself."
"Having faith in myself is not the problem. The problem is, I'm not myself during the full moon."
"I disagree. You are completely yourself, only in a different form. That's the beauty of it."
She shook her head in surrender. The couple climbed the stairs without speaking and entered Jackson's bedroom to await the transformation.
He sat in awe watching the wolf emerge. Once fully transformed, she blinked, found his eyes and whimpered.
"Hey, gorgeous. Welcome home."
She stretched and pawed his knee.
He held the offered paw, lowering his head to drop a quick kiss on it. "I've missed you, too."
The wolf and the vampire were silent for a moment, locked in each other eyes, reconnecting.
Elisabeth hopped off the bed, lifted her muzzle and let out a rumbling howl."
"Well, that seems to be a ritual for you. Is that how you get in touch with your inner wolf?"
She trotted through the doorway toward the stairway with Jackson close behind. Sarah and Connor sat in the drawing room, expectant. Elisabeth paused briefly, noticing them and then padded into the kitchen.
After she finished the lamb shanks Sarah had bought in anticipation, Elisabeth and Jackson returned to the drawing room and sat on the sofa.
"What would you like to do tonight, my pet?" Jackson's hand found the soft fur under her neck. He glanced at Sarah and pursed his lips. "You know, we've not seen a full moon in more years than I care to count."
She gasped. "Are you seriously thinking about going outside tonight?"
"Why not? We have built in protection, and I bet Elisabeth would enjoy the exercise."
"I don't know. I have a feeling she wouldn't condone us taking the risk."
He sauntered toward the foyer. "Let's let her decide."
The wolf followed him with her eyes until he was out of sight. She hopped off the sofa and made her way to him. He opened the door and stood back. "What do you say we take a moonlight stroll, Legs?"